News Briefs

Published on July 04, 2008

APD out looking for drunk drivers

The Amherst Police Department is participating it in the "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest Mobilization" that will be held July 2 though July 23.

The mobilization combines extra state and local traffic enforcement with public information to reduce impaired driving and other traffic offenses, according to a release. It is coordinated and funded by the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau, a program of the Executive Office of Public Safety.

The Police Department suggests that residents who host parties where alcohol is served offer non-alcoholic beverages and food to prevent drinking from being the focus of the party. Those who drink at an event should use a designated driver, call a taxi or use mass transit to get home, police say.

More than 14,000 people are arrested annually for drunk driving in the state. A first time drunk driving conviction can cost almost $8,000 plus insurance surcharge expenses.

For information, visit www.massgov/ghsb.

ACTV hosts class

Amherst Community Television will hold digital video workshops for Amherst teachers of K through 12 students. The class will be held daily July 7 through 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. at ACTV, 246 College St. Participants will learn how to use video production technology ethically and effectively for elementary-, middle- and high-school students.

Preregistration and payment are required. Call 256-1010 to register.

Leverett Library to hold birthday party

LEVERETT - The Leverett Library is celebrating its 5th birthday with a party on July 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. on the library patio. Birthday cake, lemonade and music will be provided.

Enjoy live music on the patio every Thursday evening beginning July 10 through Aug. 14 from 7 to 8 p.m. Musicians include a women's barbershop quartet, a harpist and a flutist.

The library is located at 75 Montague Road in Leverett. For information, call 548-9220.

Historical Society to visit Cook House

PELHAM - The Pelham Historical Society is hosting a tour of the Eseck Cook House on July 12 at 2 p.m. The 18th-century house, located at 24 Cook Road, is named for a leader of the Pelham Quakers. For information and to sign-up by July 11, call Linda Hanscom at 323-7377. Everyone will meet at the United Church of Pelham parking.

Church offers fireworks viewing

HADLEY - The Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 North Maple St., offers parking and spectacular viewing of the Amherst Fourth of July fireworks from its grounds. Hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade-on-site french fries, sodas and other drinks and refreshments will be sold beginning at 7:30 p.m. A free-will donation will be accepted for parking and viewing on the church grounds. For information, call 549-1550 or www.wesleyfamily.org.