AMHERST — Housing affordability initiatives and zoning reform undertaken by the Amherst Town Council over the past three years has earned former District 4 Councilor Evan Ross a 2021 Small Home Hero Award from Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity.
Ross was joined by Dorrie Brooks, a principal with Jones Whitsett Architects of Florence, in receiving the award, which recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who work to increase access to homeownership.
For Ross, one effort included creating opportunities for more multifamily and small-home development in Amherst, such as adopting zoning priorities for smaller lot sizes downtown and in village centers. He also participated in getting a comprehensive housing policy written and successfully amending the town’s zoning bylaw to make it easier for residents to build accessory dwelling units.
“Evan’s policy work exemplifies the kind of behind-the-scenes work necessary to make small, affordable housing possible,” the award announcement states.
“Zoning is not something people want to talk about,” Ross said in a statement accepting the award. “It’s not something that is of interest to most people. It’s technical, it’s difficult, and so to have people recognize the work that I put in … is really important.”
A senior citizen discussion group formed in Amherst a quarter-century ago, focusing on everything from current affairs to the behavior of humpback whales, is meeting twice monthly, on a temporary basis, at the Hadley Library.
Formerly known as the New Options Group, its participants meet from 2 to 4 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
Jane Madden, a coordinator for the group, said the hope is to eventually return to the Amherst Senior Center as the pandemic subsides.
Among recent topics were reviewing a book on human rights activist Malcolm X and the documentary miniseries “Who Killed Malcolm X?” Members also watched and discussed the PBS NOVA episode “Bat Superpowers,” compared the 1918 flu pandemic with COVID-19, and viewed the classic comedy film “Sullivan’s Travels.”
On March 2, the group will meet to talk about The New York Times writer Chris Hedges’ book, “Unspeakable.”
The Jones Library is holding a virtual presentation on vernal pools on March 1 at 7 p.m.
“A Seasonal Springing to Life: Vernal Pools and their Wildlife” will feature naturalist and educator Joy Marzolf discussing seasonal habitat for species from salamanders to wood frogs.
To receive the event link, register in advance for this webinar at https://bit.ly/3IruKnq.
The Friends of the Jones Libraries is sponsoring the event.
The Humble Peach, a new vegan and plant-based bakery, is being planned for the downtown space used by The Henion Bakery before it closed last fall after 28 years in business.
Jenna Gigliotti and Jett Craze, the co-owners, recently received approval from the Design Review Board to install a green awning with the business name, and to put writing in the windows facing the street at 174 North Pleasant St.
Craze said the bakery will have bread, pastries and cakes, and possibly soup as well. Tables and chairs could be set up on a brick patio outside. Its opening date will depend on town permitting.
Black-owned wineries are being featured at the Provisions store in the Mill District of North Amherst throughout February.
The most recent highlighted at the store are products made by the McBride Sisters, considered the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States.
MONDAY: Public Art Commission, 4 p.m., and Town Council, 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY: Jones Library Building Committee, 4:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: Jones Library Building Design Subcommittee, 9 a.m., and Jones Library Budget Committee, 10 a.m.