AMHERST — An eight-week, 16-hour program that will give residents an inside look at Amherst’s municipal government and the town’s day-to-day operations, with some behind-the-scenes tours, starts this fall.
Residents, including college students and others who are at least 16 years old, are invited to apply by Sept. 21 to take part in “All About Amherst: Civic Academy.”
During the academy, starting Oct. 1 at 6 p.m., the 15 to 20 participants will have a chance to talk to town staff and participate in interactive activities, with a graduation ceremony and certificates of completion to conclude the program on Nov. 19.
Samantha Giffen, the town’s communications manager, said the academy builds on the work done by summer interns in recent years and uses information provided by the Massachusetts Municipal Association, which suggests cities and towns find ways to expand relationships with the community and share information.
“We’re really excited to get people involved and to have connections with
people,” Giffen said.
Abigail Bowen, an Amherst College student and intern over the summer, worked with Giffen to develop an outline for how to make each week’s two hours engaging for all. They then met with those who lead various town departments.
“All department heads were very eager about it,” Giffen said.
For the legislative aspects, they spoke to Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Athena O’Keeffe, clerk to the Town Council.
Some of the session topics will include “Keeping Amherst Safe: Fire and EMS,” “Balancing Conservation, Sustainability and Development in Amherst” and “Learning in Amherst: Schools, Libraries & Recreation.”
To apply, go to amherstma.gov/civic-academy-apply. For more information or questions about the program, send email to getinvolved@amherstma.gov or call 413-259-3002.
Exhibit opens
An opening reception for “Amherst Then & Now: A Pictorial Retrospective of 125 Years of Memory Keeping” takes place at the Amherst History Center, 45 Boltwood Walk, Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Elizabeth Cardarapoli, the curator for the exhibit, will give a brief gallery talk starting at 6 p.m. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Amherst Historical Society and Amherst Regional High School students, most of whom were in Elena Betke-Brunswick’s spring 2025 digital photography classes.
Two days later, Sept. 12 at noon , Christie Higginbottom will give a presentation “Native Plants in the Early Nineteenth Century Garden” at Room 101 at the Bangs Community Center. A schedule of these noontime lectures will be posted at amhersthistory.org.
Permit parking
Permits for residents and workers to park in permit parking areas downtown are available at Town Hall.
Those seeking the permits should have a copy of a valid driver’s license and valid vehicle registration, and proof of employment or proof of residency.
The cost is $150 for those with vehicles registered in Amherst, while others pay $400.
The permits do not allow parking in metered spaces, town parking lots or the Boltwood parking garage, without additional charges.
For more information, call the treasurer and collectors office at 413-259-3020.
Street lists
Amherst street list books for 2025, listing all residents who have turned 17 by Jan. 1, are available at the town clerk’s office at Town Hall.
The books come in two formats, one sorted by precinct and street name, the other alphabetical by last name. Each book is sold for $10.
American Revolution talk
“Hadley Heroes and Legends of the American Revolution” is the title of a presentation taking place at the Hadley Public Library, 50 Middle St., Saturday at 1 p.m.
The event will focus on the more than 180 men from Hadley who served during the Revolutionary War, including at Bunker Hill, Quebec and Saratoga, and the stories of the legend of Col. Porter and Burgoyne’s sword.
An accompanying exhibit will include Revolutionary War-era weapons.
Meetings
MONDAY: Town Council and Finance Committee, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.
TUESDAY: Joint Amherst, Pelham and Regional school committees meeting, 5 p.m., high school library
THURSDAY: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m.; CDBG Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.