AMHERST — A 10-minute auditory piece by local dramaturg John Bechtold, presented by the Amherst Historical Society, takes place on the Amherst Town Common Saturday.
Coinciding with the Amherst Farmers Market, “common,” Bechtold’s piece, is intended for two to 200 people, with participants asked to follow voice instructions on their headphones and move around the greenspace during the experience.
Designed to celebrate the town’s historic centerpiece, common was created by Bechtold, creative director of Eggtooth Productions and the head of the performing arts program at Amherst Regional High School.
Through a shared experience, Bechtold aims to bring Amherst together on the Town
Common for an adventure through Amherst’s storied past.
The free, participatory event, appropriate for anyone age 12 and up, will require headphones and a connection to the internet, and will run three times that morning, at 10:30, 11 and 11:30.
Information on how to access the program will be available at Amherst Historical Society’s
Hands on History table.
Cable survey
Residents are invited to participate in a survey about cable television, offering feedback on whether Comcast is in compliance with the current license and the town’s future cable-related needs, through Aug. 7.
The town’s Cable Television Advisory Committee has posted the survey at amherstma.gov/cable-survey.
The survey is part of the work to renew the contract that expires in October. The committee is advising Town Manager Paul Bockelman on the cable operator’s performance under the current license and assisting in gathering public input about the community’s future cable-related needs and interests.
To contact committee members, send email to cable@amherstma.gov.
Youth Heroism Awards
The Human Rights Commission recently honored Amherst-area youth who have exemplified love and compassion through acts of kindness, selflessness, social courage and community service.
The following are those who received recognition at the 22nd annual event, part of Race Amity Day at Mill River Recreation Area last month:
Arpad Bowman; Diego Caballero; Cristian Caballero; Mya Glace; Leon Springer-Martinez;
Sami Ramirez-Moushabeck; Jahmai Proctor; and Laiyani Sanchez.
In addition, an award was given to the Amherst Feminist Generation.
Rotary scholarships
The Rotary Club of Amherst recently held its annual Scholarship Award Luncheon at the Inn on Boltwood, giving seven scholarships to local high school seniors.
Recipients were Janaki Ewoton, Cheyenne McKethan, Leah Mendelsohn and Rowan Reichard, all of Amherst Regional, Ryan Millay of Smith Vocational, Josalyn Currier of Belchertown High School and Jannah LeClerc of Pathfinder Regional Vocational.
Changes at Senior Center
As Daniel Garcia, the new senior center director, starts Monday, the center’s social services coordinator is leaving after two and a half years in the position.
Lucas Schildbach, who began the role in January 2024, was recently celebrated for his work on behalf of the town’s elders.
Known as”the bagel man” for often bringing bagels to events at the Bangs Community Center, the gathering honored his commitment and hard work.
Amethyst Brook Conservation Area
Occasional disagreements between people using the Amethyst Brook Conservation Area, mostly involving those walking dogs, have taken place at the location this summer, according to Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek.
“We had some tempers flared out there at Amethyst Brook,” Ziomek told the Conservation Commission at a recent meeting.
But while these have been challenges, the community garden plots at the site are occupied this year, with 28 gardeners growing fruits and vegetables.
Ziomek said the Fire Department regularly fills a cistern there so the gardeners have access to irrigation.
Meetings
MONDAY: Residents Advisory Committee, 10 a.m., and Town Council, 6:30 p.m., both at Town Room, Town Hall; Joint Regional and Union 26 committees meeting, 6 p.m., executive session.
TUESDAY: Historical Commission, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m.
