AMHERST — Before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Amherst Neighbors, an organization launched to serve older people in Amherst and Pelham, was ready to begin its volunteer mission by going directly to people’s homes.
Instead, the organization has pivoted by holding virtual gatherings as a way to build community among older people, many who are sheltering in place to stay safe.
“While we may not be able to gather in person, I am excited to realize that we can still gather,” Amherst Neighbors member Sue Lowery said in a statement.
Carlie Tartakov, a board member for the organization, said the virtual gatherings have opened up to the community.
“While we welcome everyone to join Amherst Neighbors, our online events are open to all,” Tartakov said.
The events have included “Coffee, Tea and Writing” by Caroline Lederman, a talk titled “Gerotranscendence” by Janet Bunce and a conversation about Indian Dalits in art by art historian Gary Tartakov. In addition, Linda Terry and Pat Romney hosted a series of “Virtual Dialogues: Inviting Connection, Compassion, and Community in the Time of COVID-19.”
More gatherings are scheduled or being developed, including “Fully Living in a Pandemic through the Eyes of a Geriatrician,” with Dr. Rebecca Starr, “Guiding Questions for End of Life Planning,” with Dr. Jeffrey Zesiger, and a book discussion of “This Chair Rocks.”
For information about programs and registration, go to www.amherstneighbors.org.
Programs and membership with Amherst Neighbors are free, though donations are welcome and sustain the program. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 3428 Amherst, 01004, or made online.
Hazardous waste day
A collection for household hazardous waste will be held Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at Fort River Elementary School, 70 South East St.
Residents from Amherst, Pelham, Shutesbury and Hadley can participate, but must register by Aug. 7.
Registration can be done online by visiting amherstma.gov/recycling. Paper registration forms are available at the Amherst Transfer Station.
Amherst Copy & Design Works to move
A printing company in downtown Amherst will be moving to a spot next to the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Hadley in August.
Amherst Copy & Design Works recently announced its move to 3 Railroad St, where its sign shop has been since 2015. The store will be larger than its East Pleasant Street location.
Amherst Regional Middle School science teacher Jennifer Welborn and local illustrator Rozillia Hunt are self-publishing a children’s book titled “Dr. Rosie Helps Her Friends” in December.
The book will follow a veterinarian traveling the world to treat patients, including a rabbit with an earache and an octopus with a bump on its head.
Welborn wrote the story, while Hunt is doing the drawings.
To help support the project, and the work Hunt has done so far for free, a Go Fund Me campaign is underway at: gofundme.com/manage/rozillia039s-dream#
MONDAY: Jones Library Development Committee, 10 a.m., Public Art Commission, noon, and Town Council, 6:30 p.m., all virtual meetings.
TUESDAY: Community Resources Committee, 2 p.m. virtual meeting.
WEDNESDAY: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m., continued hearing on Amherst Media building plans, virtual meeting.
THURSDAY: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m., continued hearing on Valley Community Development project, virtual meeting.