AMHERST — A banner signed by the entire Jones Library staff illustrates the welcoming atmosphere at the English as a Second Language program housed in the library.
The large poster on display was the idea of Lynne Weintraub, the program’s director, and serves to remind those participating in the program that their presence is cherished in Amherst.
Weintraub said she has recently heard concerns from participants, since the presidential election, about whether they are still going to be welcome in the United States.
The poster reads: “To our students of all races, faiths, and nationalities: you bring so many gifts to our community and we are delighted to host you here. Please know that here at the Jones Library, we will continue to do all we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, every day.”
Founded in 1985, the program involves about 150 volunteers from the community to teach English, civics and culture to new Americans, immigrants and international visitors who are living in Amherst. The instruction is done both one-on-one and in conversation circles.
Weintraub said she hopes library staff and patrons may also have the opportunity to sign the banner to show their support for the immigrant community.
A similar welcoming banner has also been placed on the Amherst College campus, Weintraub said.
“I’m hoping this is going to be something that we’ll see in lots of places around town,” Weintraub said. “In fact there may be some others that I don’t know about yet.”
Students and teachers in Amherst and Pelham public schools will not have homework or professional work to complete during the winter break that begins later this month.
Interim Supreintendent Michael Morris sent a letter to parents, guardians and staff in the schools this week informing them of this decision he made in consultation with principals.
“For our students’ benefit, it is important that we recognize that the winter break is used for not only religious observances and holiday celebrations, but also a brief reprieve from the continuous academic assignments of the school year,” Morris wrote.
The decision jibes with ones in other Massachusetts school districts, Duxbury and Norwell, Morris wrote, and that students and teachers will continue to pursue high expectations during the remainder of the academic year.
A “Toys for Joy” drive put on by Amherst Police, to benefit children up to age 12, runs through Dec. 22.
Unwrapped gifts and gift cards can be dropped off at the 111 Main St. police station. Donations will go to Jessie’s House, the Bridge Family Resource Center and the Amherst Survival Center.
For information about the drive, contact Marcus Humber at 259-3355 or humberm@amherstma.gov
An investment and advising group that will provide various services and funds for new businesses and entrepreneurs is launching at the AmherstWorks coworking space, 11 Amity St.
The Kayon Accelerator aims to aid start-up companies with an intensive five-month program that sets goals for them to become viable businesses.
Kayon will begin accepting applications to enroll for January 2017. An open house to introduce Kayon takes place Dec. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.
MONDAY: Select Board, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall; Charter Commission, 7 p.m., police station community room; Community Preservatiion Atc Committee, 7 p.m., First Floor Meeting Room, Town Hall.
TUESDAY: Public Shade Tree Committee, 4 p.m., First Floor Meeting Room, Town Hall; Transportation Adviosru Committee, 4 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.
SATURDAY: Four Town Meeting, 9 a.m., middle school library.
