AMHERST — For their longtime service to the town, more than 30 municipal employees were recently recognized at a gathering at the Red Barn at Hampshire College.
A special longevity award was presented to Nancy Pagano, director of the Senior Center, who has worked for the town for 45 years. Spending her entire public career with the town, Pagano has been a witness to many changes, including the conversion of the Bangs Community Center into space for the Council on Aging and its programs in 1978.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman said the event was a way to express gratitude to staff for their work in the community.
“This event is great opportunity to acknowledge the work of all town employees who contribute each day to make Amherst such a wonderful place to call home,” Bockelman said.
Employees receiving service awards for 30 years of employment included Amy Anaya, head of borrower services at the Jones Library; Marc Keenan, program manager at Leisure Services and Supplemental Education; Tom Waterman, a laborer and truck driver for the Department of Public Works; Fire Capt. William Dunn; police patrol officer John Chudzik; and emergency dispatcher William “Brad” Worthley.
Employees recognized for 25 years of service included police patrol officer Glenn Jackson; Fire Capt. John Ingram; DPW maintenance worker Jeff Bowser; wastewater treatment operator Bob Orrell; and DPW vehicle maintenance supervisor Rodney Willis.
Laura Castano-Longey and Miguel Otero of the Jones Library, Steven Feltovic from the DPW, Sue Goodhind from the treasurer and collector’s office and John Imbimbo from the facilities department all earned 20-year salutes.
A new group that shares local stories and memories, information about travels and suggestions for improving South Amherst has begun.
The South Amherst Community Conversations Committee recently launched and held its first meeting at Munson Memorial Library, said Laura Rojo MacLeod, of South East Street.
MacLeod said among topics discussed were the importance of sidewalks, the bike path and the South Amherst Common, also known as the Fiddlers Green, and the need for a community center housing a cafe, an art gallery, a play area for children and a stage for poets, writers and other performers.
Those interested in participating in the conversations, which are mostly done through email and are focused on positive interactions, should contact MacLeod at lauramacleod27@gmail.com
A box at the library is also available for people to drop off suggestions.
The Jones Library this fall received publicity in Oprah magazine from Amherst author Catherine Newman.
Newman, a regular contributor to the publication, dedicated her column in the November issue to the library staff and the services they provide, including its collection of musical instruments, as well as the books.
The article can be viewed at https://www.oprahmag.com/life/a23613626/why-libraries-are-important/
Not Bread Alone will be serving a meal at the First Congregational Church, 165 Main St., at 1 p.m. on Christmas.
The meal will include turkey and sides, as well as pernil, a roast pork shoulder served on the holiday in Latin America and the Spanish Caribbean.
Two new town committees need residents to serve as members.
The Finance Committee, which will be made up of five members of the Town Council, will also have four residents who, according to the town charter, “shall have a voice but no vote in the Finance Committee’s deliberations.” This committee will review all annual budgets, the capital inventory and capital improvement program, purchase, sale or leasing of land and/ or buildings, and borrowing and debt.
The Residents’ Advisory Committee will assist with evaluation and selection of candidates for appointment. Bockelman is seeking three individuals, from diverse backgrounds, to be on this board.
People can fill out Community Activity Forms at www.amherstma.gov/caf
American Red Cross blood donation opportunities in Amherst and Hadley are coming up.
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Bloodmobile will be at the Amherst police station, 111 Main St.
On Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Bloodmobile will be at Hampshire Mall at 367 Russell St. in Hadley.
Amherst Town Hall will be the site of a photography exhibition of Northampton scenery, all printed on aluminum, beginning Jan. 3.
“Noho Skies: Landscapes and Light of the Pioneer Valley” is the title of Dominique Thiebaut’s works, which include an August sunset captured over the silhouette of the Smith College campus.