AMHERST — A special event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the independence of India and Pakistan will be held outside Amherst Town Hall Friday afternoon.
From 4 to 5 p.m., during a raising of the Pakistani and Indian national flags, residents are invited to learn about history, art and culture from natives and people with origins in the countries.
Town Councilor Shalini Bahl-Milne, who was born in India, has been instrumental in putting together the event.
“I also hope that residents from India and Pakistan will have an opportunity to connect with members of our town staff and Town Council so they may learn ways to participate and have a voice in decisions that impact them,” Bahl-Milne said.
In addition to dance and music, the Town Council will read a proclamation that reflects on the independence and calls attention to “a long campaign of nonviolent protests and struggle for independence by many fearless leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Jawaharlal Nehru, Fatima Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Sarojini Naidu, to name only a few.”
State Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, is also expected to speak during the event.
With an increasing demand for food and nutritional services throughout the region and state, the Amherst Survival Center is one of a dozen agencies sharing more than $520,000 donated by Mass General Brigham.
Executive Director Lev Ben-Ezra said in a statement that the money will impact the Amherst community.
“While many COVID-specific grants and fundraising have wound down, we have not seen food needs in the community lower,” Ben-Ezra said. “This grant is significant in allowing us to maintain our expanded food and nutrition programs this summer.”
Three other Western Massachusetts organizations are also sharing in the money, including the Northampton Survival Center, Grow Food Northampton and the Easthampton Community Center,
Dr. Elsie M. Taveras, chief community health equity officer for Mass General Brigham, said food insecurity has one of the most extensive impacts on overall health.
“Although food insecurity is prevalent in low-income communities, sudden events like severe illness or unemployment can make anyone vulnerable,” Taveras said.
Two Amherst residents are among 16 nominees named by the Hall of Fame Committee for enshrinement in the 2021 Ultimate Hall of Fame class.
The nominees are Chris Cianfrani, an associate professor of hydrology at Hampshire College, and Johanna “JoJo” Neumann, senior director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy for Environment America.
For this year’s cycle, players are considered whose peaks spanned from 2001 to 2008. Among the qualities identified for player candidates include athleticism, dominance, leadership, longevity and team performance.
The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations through Oct. 1 for its annual A+ awards, which go to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in education, business, and civic engagement across the area served by the chamber.
The awards include the Lifetime Achievement/ Legacy Award, Chamber MVP, Leader in Innovation Award, Leader in Sustainability Award and Young Professional Award.
Go to amherstarea.com for more information.
Hadley will hold ribbon-cuttings Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. for its new Hadley Public Library, Hadley Senior Center and North Hadley Fire Substation.
Lt. Gov Karyn Polito and State Rep. Dan Carey, D-Easthampton. are expected to be present for the event, to be held on the lawn of the library.
Amherst Town Clerk Sue Audette will hold a name drawing Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. to determine how candidates will be arranged on the Nov. 2 ballot.
MONDAY: Board of Assessors, 11 a.m., and Board of Health, 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Finance Committee and Planning Board, both at 6:30 p.m.
