Northampton County

PRODUCE COUPONS: Eligible county residents are reminded about the continuation of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since June, vouchers worth $50 have been available to Northampton County residents who meet the eligibility criteria. The coupons are distributed by the Northampton County Area Agency on Aging.

Northampton County residents age 60 or over who meet income eligibility (for example, $27,861/yr. for a single person in 2024 and $37,814 for a couple) may receive the coupons. For married couples, both spouses may obtain coupons. All persons wishing to receive coupons must present proof of age and residence. Program policies allow one to obtain coupons for another person only if they have a completed and signed proxy form. Additionally, a person may only serve as a proxy for up to four other participants, and identification with date of birth and address of the older adult must be shown when presenting a proxy.

The SFMNP does not include seniors who live in nursing homes, convents or residential facilities where meals are provided.

Persons may only receive coupons once during the program, from June 1 until Sep. 13. Coupons began being issued on June 3 and will run until Sep. 13. Coupons may be redeemed between June 1, 2024, and Nov. 30.

Eligible county residents may email completed applications to FMNP@norcopa.gov or mail completed applications to Northampton County AAA (2801 Emrick Blvd.), and the vouchers will be mailed to their home. Residents may also visit the Northampton County Human Services Building (2801 Emrick Blvd) with valid ID and get the vouchers the same day. DHS distribution days are Tuesdays from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 1 – 4 p.m.

A list of participating farmers markets can be accessed at: PAFMNP.org.

STATE OF THE COUNTY: Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure delivered his seventh State of the County address on Tuesday, June 11, at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton. The event was hosted by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.

Executive McClure highlighted key priorities and achievements in his address. Emphasizing public safety, Northampton County has strengthened disaster preparedness in the wake of the recent train derailments, which helped the County respond to the July 2023 flood damage and the March 2024 train derailment. The county’s significant measures during the COVID-19 pandemic included prioritizing both health and business challenges. The county’s financial status remains strong, allowing for continued investment in preserving farmland, open space and environmentally sensitive land and ensuring Gracedale Nursing Home remains county-owned and operated.

Looking ahead, Northampton County’s future efforts include expanding affordable housing, advancing the 1921 Dixie Avenue project, bringing passenger rail to the Lehigh Valley to stimulate our economy, and maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability through high-tech manufacturing. The address is available for viewing in full on WFMZ’s website.

CENTENARIANS SOUGHT: The Northampton County Area Agency on Aging is seeking Northampton County residents aged 100 and older or who will turn 100 in 2024.

Every year, the county holds a Centenarian Luncheon in honor of those who’ve reached this significant milestone. The event is organized by the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board and will be held Oct. 10 at the Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem Township.

Centenarians and one guest each may attend the luncheon for free. Registration is required. Contact Melissa Titus at 610-829-4509 or mtitus@norcopa.gov.

LANDSCAPE GRANTS: County Executive Lamont G. McClure and the Parks and Recreation Division announce that Northampton County Council voted to approve Executive McClure’s 2024 Livable Landscape Grant plan by a vote of 9-0 at the June 20 meeting. County Council approved all grant projects presented for a total grant award of $649,343.

The county’s Livable Landscapes Grant Program priorities include land conservation, ecological restoration, education and outreach, municipal park development and rehabilitation, and regional trails. All potential applicants participated in a mandatory grant workshop and individualized meetings.

Six applicants submitted eligible projects recommended for grant award approval from a review committee in the Division of Parks and Recreation, the Parks, Recreation, Open Space Advisory Board, County Council Energy, Environment, and Land Use Committee, and County Council.

The grant projects were consistent with the goals and recommendations of the Livable Landscapes – An Open Space Plan for Northampton County and other local, regional and statewide plans. Since 2006, Northampton County has invested $21 million in Livable Landscapes grant awards for land conservation, ecological restoration, streambank stabilization, regional trails, parks, recreation, open space plans and municipal park development and rehabilitation.