Massachusetts Towns to Participate in Events for Good Neighbor Day

The Massachusetts communities of Northampton and Sudbury will participate in activities connected to Good Neighbor Day on Sept. 28 over the weekend of Sept. 27-28. This national celebration originated during the 1970s with a proclamation from then-President Jimmy Carter, which aimed to support community building and combat loneliness.

In Northampton, the Forbes Library, located at 20 West St., will host a lawn party and picnic from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. Attendees can participate in outdoor games such as cornhole, a giant Jenga, and the creation of a wall board celebrating the kindness of neighbors. Guests can also enjoy snacks, a spinning board with prizes, and free book giveaways.

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra will read a city proclamation celebrating Good Neighbor Day at 2 p.m.

The Trauma-Informed Hampshire County network is collaborating again with Forbes Library to create this family-friendly Good Neighbor Day event.

“Loneliness has increased tremendously since the pandemic; the best antidote to loneliness and trauma is social connection,” said Ruth Ever, Program Director for Trauma-Informed Hampshire County (TIHC), in a news release. “It's important to remember all the ways we support each other. TIHC decided to participate in this national and statewide observance because we believe our lives are richer and better because of connections with neighbors.”

In Sudbury, the Goodnow Library, at 21 Concord Road, will host a Good Neighbor Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon. Members of the public are invited to enjoy cider, doughnuts, and good conversation. During the event, participants will collaborate to create a community collage.  

Attendees will also be encouraged to donate a nonperishable food item to benefit the Sudbury Food Pantry collection.