City of Northampton Newsletter
June 5, 2026
Mayor Sciarra Appoints Daniel Nye as Veterans’ Services Director
Mayor Sciarra announced that she has appointed Daniel Nye to serve as the city’s new Director of Veterans’ Services. If confirmed, Mr. Nye will fill the Director position that became vacant when former Director Steve Connor retired this past May.
Daniel Nye has served as Veterans’ Service Officer in Northampton since 2022. He has been an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard since 2008, serving in Afghanistan from 2011-2012. He is a Massachusetts and Nationally Accredited Veterans’ Service Officer, a Massachusetts Certified Veterans Mediator, and a Vice President of the Western Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officers Association. Daniel has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UMass Amherst and is in the process of completing his Master of Arts from the American Military University. He lives in Williamsburg with his wife and two children. Dan is actively involved in town life in Williamsburg, having served in numerous volunteer roles focused on historic preservation and strengthening the community, and as a Cub Scout Den Leader, supporting his children’s scouting activities and mentoring local youth.
To read the full press release, please click on the link below.
Parties in the Park Returns
The Northampton Arts Council and the City of Northampton are thrilled to announce the return of Parties in the Park, the city’s free weekly outdoor DJ and dance series. Every Wednesday evening from July 8th through August 26th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Pulaski Park will transform into a vibrant, open-air dance floor celebrating community, music, and the cultural vitality of downtown Northampton.
Hosted by Russell Caldwell, the 2026 season features an eclectic, rotating cast of premier regional DJs spinning everything from reggae and global beats to classic soul, rare grooves, and disco.
“Parties in the Park is more than just a dance party—it’s a weekly celebration of community and creativity in the heart of our downtown,” said Brian Foote, Director of Arts and Culture. “We invite everyone to come down early, support our local downtown businesses, grab some dinner, and enjoy the incredible energy under the summer sky.”
The 2026 Lineup:
July 8: DeeJay Theory
July 15: Studebaker Hawk
July 22: DJ Trends
July 29: Apel Beats
August 5: DJ Donuts
August 12: Iosnua [with Quills]
August 19: Wooly Bully
August 26: Malik Abdul-Rahmaan
Event Details:
When: Wednesdays, July 8 – August 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Pulaski Park, 240 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
Admission: Free and open to the public of all ages
All performances are weather-dependent. In the event of inclement weather, a cancellation or postponement notice will be posted by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the event via Instagram (@nohoarts) and on the City of Northampton’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Parties in the Park is proudly presented by the City of Northampton through its Economic Development Department, with organizational support from Northampton Arts Inc. and funding in part from the Mass Cultural Council, Greenfield Savings Bank, and Monadnock Community Investments.
For more information, visit www.northamptonartscouncil.org or contact the Arts Council office at arts@northamptonma.gov.
Juneteenth - June 6, 2026, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
A Celebration of Black Freedom, Art, and Community in the E.J. Gare Plaza between Thornes and the parking garage. This event is 100% free!
32nd Northampton Garden Tour - Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Explore a variety of beautiful private gardens along a scenic 12-mile route, with volunteer guides, live music, and plein-air painting. Advance tickets are $20 ($25 day of event), with proceeds supporting Forbes Library programs, collections, and services. Learn more by clicking on the link below. Purchase tickets through June 12 at Forbes Library and participating local retailers.
Northampton Senior Center Call to Artists
Solo Shows, October 2026 - September 2027
Jury will announce selected artists by July 17
Twelve artists and one alternate will be selected. The artists' works will be displayed for two months. Deadline: June 26, 2026. There is no submission fee. The Senior Center will sponsor six joint receptions annually in conjunction with Arts Night Out.
Must be 55+ years of age. Priority given to artists who live in or near Northampton
Accepting flatwork (for example: drawing, painting, pastel, photography, fabric, and mixed media)
Minimum 12 pieces of work must be ready to hang. Artists are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the features and limitations of the gallery space before applying
Artists will be notified by July 17, 2026, and randomly assigned months/spaces for shows.
The Senior Center takes no percentage of sales but suggests and encourages a donation to the Center if a show is financially successful
A link to the online application can be found by clicking below.
Floating Beach Wheelchair Grant
The Parks & Recreation Department is proud to be a recipient of the SMILE Mass 2026 Floating Beach Wheelchair Grant Program, helping create more inclusive beaches, ponds, and lakes throughout New England.
Since launching this program, SMILE Mass has donated more than 180 floating beach wheelchairs to public beaches and ponds across New England, helping individuals with disabilities safely access the water, enjoy time with loved ones, and create lasting memories.
Every community selected this year demonstrated a commitment to making recreation accessible to all. Together, we are breaking down barriers and creating communities where everyone belongs — at the beach, on the water, and fully included in community life.
Learn more about pricing, season passes, hours, and everything you need to know for a great day at Musante Beach. Visit the link below for details and plan your trip this season.
Mass Youth Soccer Festival
Join the Parks & Recreation Department for the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Festival at JFK Middle School in Florence on Sunday, June 14th!
Celebrate the World Cup with a live match watch party on a giant LED screen, family activities, food trucks, youth play areas, and a community coming together through the power of soccer.
Open to the public and free entry, bring your family and friends, this event is about more than watching the game; it’s about bringing cultures, communities, and people together.
JFK Middle School, 100 Bridge Rd., Florence, MA
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
La Veracruzana, Caravan Kitchen, Crooked Stick Popsicles
One game. Many nations. One community.
DHHS Participates in Community Baby Shower
The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently participated in the annual Community Baby Shower, a free event for expectant families and parents of young children that connects caregivers with local resources, health information, and family supports.
Public Health Nurse Jennifer Denkiewicz and Inspector Angelica Sanchez staffed the DHHS table, providing information on tick prevention, tick removal, and car seat safety. DHHS also donated a car seat that was awarded through the event raffle.
The event provided an opportunity to connect with families at different stages of caregiving and share resources that support child health and safety. In addition to tick prevention education, DHHS highlighted its Child Passenger Safety Program, which is staffed by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The program provides car seat installation assistance, inspections, and education to help ensure children are traveling safely and that car seats are installed and used correctly.
Families with questions about child passenger safety or who would like assistance with a car seat installation or inspection are encouraged to contact DHHS to schedule an appointment with a certified technician.
DHHS was proud to join community partners in supporting local families and celebrating the newest members of our community.
Hampshire HOPE Coordinator Position Open
DHHS is seeking a Hampshire HOPE Coordinator to support regional efforts addressing substance use, overdose prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and community health across Hampshire County.
The Coordinator will lead coalition-building, strategic planning, community engagement, grant development, and partnership efforts that help advance evidence-based prevention and public health initiatives throughout the region.
This position offers an opportunity to work with municipalities, healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and residents to help create healthier communities through collaboration and systems change.
For complete position details and application information, visit the City of Northampton employment page, linked below.
Celebrating Pride and Community
In May, community members from across the region gathered for Hampshire Pride, celebrating the diversity, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
Pride is a celebration, but it is also a reminder of the importance of belonging. Public health research consistently shows that connection, inclusion, and supportive communities contribute to health and well-being. When people feel safe, valued, and able to be themselves, communities are stronger.
Northampton has long been recognized as a welcoming community, thanks to the efforts of advocates, organizations, and residents who have worked to create spaces where people can connect, thrive, and build community.
As we celebrate Pride Month in June, we recognize that creating a healthy community means ensuring that all people feel respected, supported, and included.
Because when people belong, communities flourish.
DHHS Hosts Tick Talk at Forbes Library
DHHS recently partnered with Forbes Library to host a Tick Talk presentation focused on tick prevention, tick-borne diseases, and ways to safely enjoy the outdoors. Public Health Nurse Em Rhodes-Moulton led the discussion, answering community questions and sharing practical tips for reducing tick exposure and recognizing signs of tickborne illness.
The event brought together community members of all ages and generated an engaging discussion that extended well beyond the scheduled hour. Participants received information on prevention strategies, tick removal techniques, and local resources, and each attendee took home a Northampton DHHS Tick Kit.
For more information on preventing tick-borne disease, contact nurses@northamptonma.gov.
Northampton Juneteenth Festival
Join the Northampton Youth Commission for the Northampton Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the EJ Gare Plaza.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. Today, it is celebrated as a day honoring Black freedom, history, culture, and resilience.
Co-organized by the Northampton Youth Commission and community partners, the festival celebrates Black freedom, art, culture, and community while highlighting youth leadership, local artists, and Black-owned businesses.
This free community event will feature art, music, food, vendors, and opportunities to connect with local organizations. Residents and visitors are invited to come together for a day of celebration, learning, and connection.
EJ Gare Plaza is located at 2 Brewster Court in downtown Northampton. All are welcome.
