r/northampton

Help Stop Bird Abuse in Northampton
▲ 200 r/northampton+1 crossposts

Help Stop Bird Abuse in Northampton

Hello Northampton residents! We are looking to pursue a ban on the sale of foie gras in Northampton, and need city residents who would be willing to help us by voicing their support to city council. We are an affiliation of animal rights groups and supported also by Farm Sanctuary. Foie Gras, for those unaware, is fattened liver of force-fed geese and ducks. It is considered a delicacy, but it is also extreme cruelty. To help, visit our petition: https://c.org/HQW5Z4YVpM Thank you!

u/DragLower5934 — 4 days ago

Good questions about Northampton: a personal website

I'm pulling all my posts together into something a little more accessible and coherent(ish) with more of a focus on facts, documents, and less of my own viewpoint injection. I'd love thoughts and critiques. All data sources are public (city quarterly reports, presentations, FTE charts, capital plan excel doc, etc).

Yes, it's Claude - but it's the only tool I have to turn spreadsheets and a few months of research and committee meetings into something accessible (other than my posts). I own that.

http://www.goodquestionsnorthampton.org

If you prefer longform, here's my take in a lot more depth

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQdK_6hxbkKZomdhMd0bhzUIxvE-0yNwLoQD12UUGSY/edit?usp=drivesdk

u/Mrcaptainpants — 4 days ago

Looking for new friends, new experiences, and adventure

I’m a 29-year-old autistic guy from Western Mass, and I’m trying to put myself out there more and make some new friends. I’d also be open to potentially exploring the dating world and meeting someone along the way.

I’m really into video games and all kinds of nerdy stuff — anime, manga, music, gaming, etc. I’m hoping to find more people with similar interests and discover new places to hang out, events to check out, and things to do around Western Mass.

I’m trying to step outside of my comfort zone, explore the world a little more, and actually be more social, so any recommendations for places, groups, events, or activities would be greatly appreciated!

And if anyone is also looking for a new friend, feel free to reach out! I’m always down to chat, game, hang out, or try something new. 😊 also I don’t drive so it would have to be somewhere that’s easily commutable via Uber/Lyft or a bus or train.

I’m genuinely trying to put myself out there more, whether that’s meeting new friends or potentially exploring the dating world. I want to explore, try new things, and get outside of my comfort zone, so if anyone is looking for a new friend, I’m definitely down!

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u/Katsuragi_Cross — 5 days ago

Thinking of starting a local music publication - would you read it?

It's a shame that the music scene around here doesn't really have a hub for information. I've been a music writer for the last 15 years for a regional mag, and was considering starting something here in the valley specifically for us. But it's a lot of work, so I'm hesitant. I'm wondering:

-Are you interested in something like this?

-Long form interviews with musicians, articles about bands / artists, album releases - what do you care about?

-Would you listen to a podcast with interviews / discussion on the scene?

-What medium do you use to look for info on the scene? Tik-tok? The web? Insta?

I don't want to waste my time on something no one wants, but if there is a demand I want seekers to be channeled to the places where y'all will actually find it.

I remember when the Valley Advocate used to be this resource, but they no longer seem to be relevant. I don't remember the last time I looked at one or heard it mentioned.

So please pipe in and let me know if I can serve you in some meaningful way, I'm strongly considering leaving the print magazine I write for and either starting something new or just retiring from writing as it is only a side gig for me, and my time is precious.

Side note: not going to share who I write for currently, it's regional but not local. Bands I've interviewed include Goose, Disco Biscuits, Daniel Donato, Twiddle, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Arlo Guthrie, Dawes, Andy Frasco... would love to get Billy Strings lol

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u/BabylonDestroya — 11 days ago

PSA: Valley Green Energy electric rates going up in November (13.2¢ → 16.3¢/kWh in Northampton)

You probably just got something in the mail:

If you live in Northampton, Amherst, or Pelham, you were probably put on Valley Green Energy (VGE) as your electricity supplier by default a couple of years ago. The current contract ends in November, and the new prices are significantly higher.

New VGE Basic rates (Nov 2026 – Nov 2028):

Town Current New
Northampton 13.206¢/kWh 16.290¢/kWh
Amherst / Pelham 13.206¢/kWh 15.830¢/kWh

You can do better. There are currently plans on energyswitchma.gov for 14.9¢/kWh on a 12-month term with no cancellation fee. And if you change your mind, you can always switch back to VGE.

Before you switch:

  • Watch out for automatic renewal. Many plans roll over to a much higher variable rate when the 12 months are up. Set a calendar reminder a few weeks before your contract expires so you can shop again or go back to VGE.
  • Compare like for like. VGE Basic is the minimum renewable content required by law, so compare it against other minimum-renewable plans.

Your utility (Eversource or National Grid) still handles delivery, billing, and outages no matter which supplier you pick. Only the supply portion of your bill changes.

Source: VGE program prices

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u/axlekb — 11 days ago

Short-Term Manual Transmission Car Rental

Hi,

I can drive manual transmission and am looking for a (cheap) car to help my friends learn on. Ideally I'd like to borrow just for the day, but I have no idea where to even start because I know most rental places don't even carry it anymore. Any thoughts?

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u/newton3210 — 11 days ago