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LATEST NEWS
Former Gov. Deval Patrick ready for VP Harris' trip to Berkshire County Saturday
Kamala Harris already made history four years ago when she was elected with President Joe Biden as vice president. Now, she's hoping to keep Democrats in control of the White House in an accelerated campaign against former President Donald Trump. It's anyone's guess right now November will play out now that the Trump-Biden rematch is off the table, but one person who is watching closely is former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick — who is raising money for Harris' effort in the Bay State, where he served two terms as its first Black governor.
Roots Gymnastics Center excited to see gymnastics competitions at Paris Olympics
WESTFIELD, Mass. – Gymnastics is one of the most popular sports featured in the Olympic Summer Games. Roots Gymnastics Center has been around for nearly two decades with locations in both Westfield and East Longmeadow. The center offers classes for children as early as 8 months old with a...
Massachusetts' Summer EBT Program to Provide $120 Per Child for Groceries During School Break
Massachusetts residents with school-aged children may be in need of some financial relief during the height of summer. The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), in collaboration with Governor Healey, has implemented the Summer EBT program, an initiative designed to assist families with additional funds for groceries. According to a statement from the City of Boston, eligible families will receive $120 per child to address food insecurity when school is out.
Massachusetts Democrats are buzzing ahead of Harris fundraiser in Pittsfield Saturday
Harris’s visit to Pittsfield was planned before President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign and endorse her as the nominee, amplifying the already rare spectacle of a high wattage national politico in Berkshire County. “It's very exciting for the region, it's very exciting for the nation....
What’s In This Issue?
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Exhibit at Historic Deefield – Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North
This coming week is the last remaining days to see a special exhibition called “Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North” at Historic Deerfield. I recommend it before it closes Thursday August 4. The show, curated by the American Folk Art Museum, is a “corrective to histories that define slavery and anti-black racism as a largely Southern issue.” It is unknown to me if the curators or interpreters or docents (ours was excellent) know about Ancestral Bridges here in Amherst. However, in just under 100 artifacts that range from paintings to needlework, to photographs and sculpture, the show “offers a new window onto Black representation in a region that is often overlooked in narratives of early African American history. “
Puffers Pond Remains Closed to Swimming
Puffer’s Pond will remain closed to swimming until further notice due to high levels of E. coli bacteria. There are many factors that could be contributing to this ongoing issue and the town is looking into causes and exploring long-term solutions. The town conducts water quality testing weekly with results posted on Wednesdays at www.amherstma.gov/puffers. The most recent results were posted on Wednesday, July 24 and new results will be posted on Wednesday, July 31.
Town Schedules Three Public Hearings on Proposed Changes to Jones Library Expansion Design
The Town of Amherst has scheduled three public hearings on proposed changes to the design of the Jones Library expansion. Recent value engineering adopted by the Jones Library Trustees in the hopes of lowering the overall cost of the project have resulted in significant changes to the design from what was originally proposed – requiring re-approvals from both the Planning Board and the Amherst Historical Commission. These changes include the elimination of nearly all sustainability features and many historic features that would impact the historic character of the building.
Town Manager Seeks Volunteers to Serve on Town Boards and Committees
Town Manager Paul Bockelman seeks volunteers to serve on Town Boards and Committees. The Town of Amherst has over 30 boards and committees that support and advise the work of town government and each has multiple residents who are members. Terms of service are typically three years; some may be shorter. Members typically serve for two terms. Members with terms expiring who have served one term may be seeking reappointment. Some multi-member groups have vacancies available for students enrolled at Amherst Regional High School (Human Rights Commission and Community Safety and Social Justice Committee).
What’s Happening in Amherst?
You can help us make our events calendar more comprehensive by sending us your listings and including contact information and/or a link for more information. Send events listings to amherstindy@gmail.com. SINGLE DAY EVENTS. FRIDAY JULY 26 THROUGH MONDAY AUGUST 5: LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF AMHERST ANNUAL BOOK SALE. Fort...
Philip Avila Named New Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced in his July 15 Town Manager Report that former Amherst Human Rights Commission co-chair Philip Avila will be the new Assistant Director of the town’s office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Avila will begin his duties on August 5. Avila is currently a...
North Whitney Street Duplex a No-go for Now
Application for Non-owner Occupied Duplex Withdrawn. Report on the Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, July 25, 2024. This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. Steve Judge (Chair), Everald Henry, Craig Meadows, David Sloviter, and Philip White. Staff: Christine Brestrup (Planning Director), Jacinta Williams (Planner), and Rob...
Cummington Supply is feeling grateful for its 50th
CUMMINGTON — Gus Perkins was pretty much born inside Cummington Supply. Well, that might be a bit of a stretch. But to say he’s been there for every major up and down for the past 50 years is no tall tale. If you purchase a product or register...
Excitement high for a potential new path along Route 116 corridor
SUNDERLAND — The town of Sunderland is partnering up with the town of Amherst to design a mixed-use path from Whately to Amherst. Sunderland has received a $195,090 Mass Trails grant for a feasibility study and designing of the 10-foot-wide path that will go from Whately Park and Ride off Interstate 91 along Route 116 through South Deerfield and Sunderland ending just south of Meadow Street in Amherst.
Town Manager Report for July 15, 2024
Editor’s note: Town Manager Paul Bockelman submits a comprehensive report to the Town Council, usually at the first Town Council meeting of each month. The reports, usually 9 to 16 pages in length, provide up-to-date information on what is happening within and across town departments. The Manager’s Report is usually one of the last items on the agenda and is often taken up late at night, leaving little time for Bockelman to do more than mention a few highlights and this is usually all that gets entered into the Council minutes. What follows is a complete, unedited version of the Town Manager’s Report. All Town Manager Reports are available on the town’s website here: Town Manager Reports.
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