Northampton County

CAFETERIA PROPOSAL: The County of Northampton is seeking proposals to furnish Cafeteria Services, including labor and materials necessary to provide the County Government Center with Cafeteria Services Operation (RFP #341-2316). Times of operation would be from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Specification documents can be downloaded at www.publicpurchase.com or by contacting the Northampton County Procurement Office at 610-829-6177. Proposals are due May 18, no later than 2 p.m. prevailing time.

FARMERS MARKET VOUCHERS: Northampton County’s Area Agency on Aging Department announced that Farmers Market vouchers for June 1 through Nov. 30 will be available as of June 1. Vouchers are for Pennsylvania-grown produce available at farmers’ markets.

The five $50 each 2023 vouchers are for NorCo residents age 60 and over who meet the income eligibility criteria (example: $26,973/year for a single person and $36,482/year for a couple; both spouses may obtain vouchers). Eligibility does not include seniors who live in nursing homes, convents or residential facilities where meals are provided. Proof of age and residence must be presented. NorCor Area Agency on Aging will distribute the coupons. There will be no in-person distribution. Seniors may only receive vouchers once during the program.

For application forms, visit Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Agriculture, Senior Farmers’ Nutrition Program, 2023 Application Form (northamptoncounty.org). For a list participating markets, visit www.PAFMNP.org

SHORT TERM REHAB: Administrators of Gracedale Nursing Home are pleased to announce as of April 1, Gracedale’s short-term rehabilitation unit has reopened.

Northampton County used Federal American Rescue Plan funding for the cosmetic renovation of the 32-bed unit.

“Whether in the hospital for three days or two weeks, the Gracedale Nursing Home team will devise a plan unique to your needs to work toward helping you regain your previous level of function and safely return to the community,” says Lamont McClure.

Gracedale’s Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit offers rooms equipped with televisions, and an occupational/speech/physical therapy gym is located directly on the unit.

Gracedale participates with Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurances, Department of Veterans Affairs coverage, workers’ compensation, and automobile accident claims.

Admissions application:

https://gracedale.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Admissions-Application.pdf

HOTEL TAX GRANTS: The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announces that applications for the 2024 Northampton County Hotel Tax Grant Program will be accepted from May 1 through July 10 at 4 p.m.

Applicants must either be a federally regisstered nonprofit entity, 501(C)(3), 501(C)(4), or 501(C)(5), or a municipal entity located within Northampton County. Eligible projects will enhance tourism and/or promote community development within Northampton County and must be completed within Calendar Year 2024. Hotel Tax grants are awarded through a competitive process and distributed at the discretion of County Council, advised by the County Executive, who receives recommendations from the Hotel Tax Review Committee.

Awards are expected to be announced in October 2023, and all projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.

Interested organizations can apply by visiting the Northampton County Participant Portal hosted by Neighborly Software at: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/NORTHAMPTONCOUNTYPA/participant

Registration is required on the Participant Portal in order to apply.

SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING: The Northampton County Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Lehigh University Small Business Development Center will host a training event Thursday, May 11, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Easton Public Market. The event will feature an expert panel of local business owners and resource partners to share tips for small businesses in the Lehigh Valley. This free event will provide attendees with the opportunity to network and learn directly from experts about growing a business, marketing and social media, financing options, strategic planning and local resources.