Area briefs: Good Neighbor Energy Fund opens; Northampton survey to shape future health initiatives; Granby Library seeks new trustee

Granby  Public Library  09-15-2023

Granby Public Library 09-15-2023

Published: 10-30-2024 11:58 AM

Good NeighborEnergy Fund opens

Sponsoring energy companies from across Massachusetts is accepting applications for its the 2024-2025 Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF).

The fund helps families and individuals impacted by a temporary crisis who don’t qualify for federal or state assistance with the payment of home energy expenses. The 2024-25 campaign year’s fund disbursement is $400 per eligible household per heating season. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund’s 40th annual “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign’s goal is to raise $500,000 and assist more than 1,500 local households.

The fund is often the last resort for families who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division, which administers the fund for the sponsoring energy companies, pays the energy provider directly for households whose gross income falls between 60 and 80% of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household size of four would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $94,609 and $126,144 to qualify.

For more information on how to apply for the fund, visit a Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call 800-262-1320 if you live in area code 413.

Northampton survey to shape future health initiatives 

NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has launched a comprehensive community survey as part of the Healthier Northampton initiative. Healthier Northampton seeks to enhance health outcomes and address the diverse needs of all Northampton residents. The survey is open to all Northampton residents and is expected to take about 12 minutes to complete.

The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is a vital platform for residents to voice their health concerns, priorities and needs. The DHHS is committed to capturing diverse perspectives and wants to hear from everyone — youth, adults and seniors, across all genders, economic backgrounds and lived experiences.

By completing this survey, community members can directly influence the planning and development of future health programs and services. Feedback ensures that public health response approaches are tailored to the community’s unique challenges and aspirations.

The DHHS has set an ambitious goal of collecting feedback from 5,000 Northampton residents through this survey. The survey is available in English and Spanish and can be accessed on the DHHS website northamptonma.gov/245/Health-Human-Services or at the following link: https://bit.ly/hamphealth. All participants wishing to enter the raffle can win $100.

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To complete the survey by telephone or to request a paper copy, call 413-587-1214.

Granby Library seeks new trustee

GRANBY — The Granby Free Public Library Board of Trustees seeks one new trustee. All Granby residents are welcome to apply.

The board of trustees is the governing body of the Granby Free Public Library. The board works with the library director to oversee the library’s operation and administrative policies. The trustees also support the library through long-range policies, budgets, advocacy and public relations.

The board typically meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the library. This trustee position would fill the unexpired term until the next annual Town Election in May. The trustee could run for the remainder of this term which expires in 2026. Typically, trustees fill a three-year term. This is an opportunity to fill this role to decide if someone is truly interested in serving in this capacity.

Interested applicants should write a letter of interest to the Library Trustees and Director by Nov. 8. For more information, contact Jennifer Crosby, library director, at the library.