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🌱 What’s replacing Cooley Dickinson’s beloved volunteer coffee shop this summer?

Northampton, Massachusetts Patch AM: a 5 min read

What's up Northampton! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What’s replacing Cooley Dickinson’s beloved volunteer coffee shop this summer?
  • Meet the Northampton crossing guards now recognized as statewide safety champions
  • How a Northampton-born ancestor reshaped one family’s Orphan Train story

Today's riddle: What did the carpenter ant say when he walked into the bar? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Sunny and very warm, with a high of 85 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 91, low: 54. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Hot with some sun, with a high of 91 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. End of an era: Volunteer-run Cooley Dickinson Hospital coffee shop closing to make way for grab-and-go cafe (gazettenet.com) — If you rely on the cozy volunteer-run Coffee Shop at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, prepare for a big change this summer. After 73 years, it will close due to financial and staffing challenges, making way for a hospital-run grab-and-go cafe serving Starbucks products with longer, more consistent hours for patients, visitors, and staff.
   

2. Northampton crossing guards, Sunderland school awarded by MassDOT for improving student safety (wwlp.com) — Two Bridge Street Elementary School crossing guards in Northampton have been honored by MassDOT as Crossing Guard Champions for their exceptional work keeping students safe on their way to and from school. The statewide Safe Routes to School awards spotlight their dedication alongside other Massachusetts honorees, giving Northampton families extra reason to appreciate the people helping kids walk and bike safely every day.
   

3. Ancestor's trip on Orphan Train brought man to Midwest (newstribune.com) — A researcher into Orphan Train history recently spoke in Northampton where his great-grandmother was born, sharing how DNA testing helped him trace his family’s roots. His work has led to national speaking invitations and a statue honoring his grandfather at the National Orphan Train Complex. He now plans to write a book connecting modern families to Orphan Train riders’ stories.
   

4. What are meteorites and how did they get into Cape Cod Bay? (capeandislands.org) — Meteorites that recently fell into Cape Cod Bay have scientists urging residents to report any future fireballs, and Northampton even gets a nod as one of only two confirmed meteorite sites in Massachusetts. Experts explain what meteorites are, why most won’t stick to magnets, and how eyewitness reports help track these rare events. Local skywatchers can contribute valuable data online.
   

5. Citizen Forester, Summer 2026 (mass.gov) — A statewide urban forestry newsletter dives into how city trees help with carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and climate resilience, while spotlighting programs and research across Massachusetts. For Northampton readers, it’s worth noting the June 18 Western MA Tree Wardens’ dinner meeting at the Bluebonnet Diner on King Street, offering talks and professional credits for tree professionals.
   

📸 Around Northampton

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Pet owners and especially cat lovers--
    I need your advice! My sweet and beautiful orange boy Garfield is obese! He was skinny when I got him but now he is extremely overweight. He doesn't… (Nextdoor Ward 3)
  • Fostering a kitty.
    I need cat stuff! Nail clippers and litter box, catnip This happened pretty suddenly. The cat's mom is in the hospital. Not clear if she'll be able… (Nextdoor Northampton Ward 1)
  • Smith College posted a job opening for Teacher Assistant at Campus School of Smith College in Northampton. Apply here.
  • Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools posted a job opening for Hebrew Teacher in Northampton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Northampton here.

Ok Northampton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Is the bar tender here? (Thank you W. M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Northampton

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Northampton

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.