AMHERST — Hospice of the Fisher Home, marking its 20th anniversary, is launching a $100,000 endowment campaign following a recent anonymous gift.
With $50,000 donated to support quality end-of-life services to all persons in the community, both at its 1165 North Pleasant St. site and through in-home community programs, the Fisher Home’s board has established an Endowment Fund to create a lasting financial foundation
“Now more than ever donations are a commitment to the future of hospice care in our community,” Executive Director Maria Rivera said in a statement. “As we reflect on 20 years of caring for our neighbors, we’re also looking ahead to ensure that this level of compassionate care remains accessible to all who need it.”
The fund will be overseen by the finance committee for the board and managed in accordance with legal requirements and internal investment and spending policies.
The Fisher Home began in 2006, four years after the Amherst Home for Aged Women closed. Its first president was Joan Keochakian, founding director of Hampshire County Hospice.
To learn more about the initiative and to donate, go to fisherhome.org/donate.
Independence Day fireworks
The town of Amherst is seeking sponsors and donations for the 175th annual Amherst Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks, scheduled for July 3 at the south lawn of McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the University of Massachusetts campus.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman observes that the tradition began in 1850, this year is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and that the hope is to unite with neighbors and friends to reaffirm the principles upon which the country’s fragile democracy was founded.
“With other communities across the region scaling back or canceling their festivities, Amherst is dedicated to transforming this event into a truly regional celebration,” Bockelman said. “We will be broadening our reach and welcoming neighbors from across the Pioneer Valley to create an inclusive and memorable event.”
No admission is charged, though there will be food sold and numerous activities set up for children.
Information about sponsorship levels and benefits can be found online at
amherstma.gov/fireworks, and interested sponsors should contact Amherst Recreation Outreach Director Becky Demling at demlingb@amherstma.gov or 413-259-3151 by May 29.
Poetry Walk
In honor of the 140th anniversary of Emily Dickinson’s death, the Emily Dickinson Museum is holding the annual Poetry Walk through downtown Amherst, the town she called “paradise,” on Saturday.
The walk, which takes approximately 40 minutes to complete, begins at the Homestead on Main Street, with people dropping by any time between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to pick up the map and daisies to lay at her grave. The walk stations close at 11:45 a.m.
Registration, which is only for the walk and not tours of the museum, is required in advance at https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/poetry-walk-2026/
This year’s walk explores Amherst’s cultural landscape and its significance to the poet herself, with a visit to the Amherst History Center on Boltwood Walk, where the poet’s original white dress is on view alongside other artifacts from the town.
Bylaw review
Reviewing the town bylaws, a once-a-decade process is beginning in Amherst.
Those interested in serving in local government on the temporary committee are invited to fill out applications for the positions.
For more information, go to: https://www.amherstma.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/3928
Kids Fun Week in June
Amherst South Church will be holding Kids Fun Week starting June 22, which is designed for elementary-school age children.
The $150 per child cost includes lunch each day. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South East Street church, and activities will be centered around a “connection” theme, such as “connect with family or community,” and will include art, music and outside play time.
“We are so grateful to be able to offer this program to our community,” said Rev. Dr. Susan Cartmell, the church pastor. “The week after school ends is often the hardest time of the year for working parents because many camps do not start this early. Plus, it is a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about Bible stories, ethics, and wholesome community values, and have fun together at the church.“
For more details or to register, go to: https://amherstsouthchurch.org/kids-fun-week/
Meetings
MONDAY: Local Historic District Commission, 3 p.m.; Town Council, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.
TUESDAY: Finance Committee, 1 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Planning Board and Community Resources Committee joint meeting, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY: Toiwn Council and Finance Committee joint meeting, 3:30 p.m.
