AMHERST — An Amherst architect who has mentored other architects for more than 50 years, the founder of an inclusive preschool in Hadley and the retired director of Community Action Pioneer Valley are among those who will be recognized at this year’s Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce A+ Awards Dinner.
The banquet, to be held Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the University of Massachusetts Student Union Ballroom, honors those who have made a positive impact through their dedication in education, business and civic engagement.
Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, said the idea is to celebrate outstanding achievements and people’s impact on the area.
“The A+ Awards Dinner is a signature event that highlights members of our community who deserve to be recognized for their efforts in making the Amherst area a vibrant, connected place to live and work,” Robinson said.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is going to Tullio Ingelse, founder and principal architect of TIA Architects in Amherst, the Young Professional Award is going to Alyssa Petrides, owner of Nature & Nurture Preschool in Hadley and the Legacy Award will celebrate former Northampton Mayor Clare Higgins and her 14 years leading Community Action Pioneer Valley.
Other honorees will be Sarah Maroney, who chairs the Belchertown Creative Economy Committee and who is getting the Community Service Award; Weston Dripps, director of sustainability at Amherst College and who is getting the Leader in Sustainability Award; and Robert Allingham, marketing and communications manager at the Amherst Business Improvement District and who is getting the Chamber MVP Award.
For information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, go to www.amherstarea.com/awards or send email to info@amherstarea.com.
Election day
Voters will decide contested elections for seats on the Town Council and School Committee on Tuesday, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at various locations throughout town.
The voting locations are the North Amherst Library, 8 Montague Road, for Precinct 1-A; Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 North Pleasant St., for Precinct 1-B; Amherst-Pelham Regional High School, 21 Mattoon St., for Precincts 2-A, 3-A, 4-A and 4-B; Fort River School, 70 South East St., for Precinct 2-B; Crocker Farm School, 280 West St., for Precinct 3-B; Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, for Precinct 5-A; and Munson Memorial Library, 1046 South East St., for Precinct 5-B.
New school playground
A Corkeen surface will be used at the playground to be constructed at the new elementary school on South East Street after the manufacturer and installer agreed to five-year warranties.
While the Elementary School Building Committee had already supported the use of the eco-friendly material made of cork, there had been concerns about its durability due to the product failing at a school in Easton.
Bob Peirent, special capital projects coordinator for the town, though, after extensive conversation, was able to get five-year warranties from both Amorim, the manufacturer, and Cork N More, a Dallas-based installer.
Corkeen is seen as more accessible than poured-in-place rubber and better for the nearby wetlands.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman thanked Peirent for his work, calling the warranties a “game changer” in being able to use the product.
Fire Department changes
With the retirement of Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Olmstead this week, other changes are taking place at the Amherst Fire Department.
On Monday, Capt. Steve Chandler will be promoted to an assistant chief position, and the same day firefighter Ryan Gwyther will be promoted to the rank of captain.
Ray Stannard Baker talk
An early 20th century Amherst journalist with a secret identity as the writer of wholesome stories celebrating rural life will be the subject of a talk Sunday at Wildwood Cemetery on Strong Street.
Nick Grabbe, a retired journalist who founded the Amherst Current, will be discussing Ray Stannard Baker, an advisor to two presidents and who also won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Woodrow Wilson.
Grabbe’s talk begins at 4 p.m. in the office at the cemetery where Baker is buried.
To register for the talk, go to wildwood-cemetery.com/programming-at-wildwood.html.
Ralph Carson performance
Singer-songwriter Ralph Carson performs at the Song & Story Swap at First Church, 165 Main St., Saturday at 7 p.m.
Attendees will be invited to contribute a song or story on the topic of “Missing Our Loved Ones” during an opening round of sharing.
The event is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society of Western Massachusetts.
For information, contact Paul Kaplan at 413-687-5002.
Meetings
MONDAY: Local Historic District Commission, 3 p.m.; Public Shade Tree Committee, 5:30 p.m., 422 Amity St.; Town Council, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall; CDBG Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
TUESDAY: Public Shade Tree Committee, 5 p.m.