AMHERST — Noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and weighted lap pillows were among equipment aimed at improving inclusivity and accessibility provided to children with sensory needs during the Amherst Recreation Department’s summer camps and swim programs.

“It was actually a real joy to watch kids using the tools that helped to make them more successful,” Recreation Outreach Director Becky Demling told the Recreation Commission at a recent meeting.

With camp and aquatics staff trained in sensitivity inclusivity, the department recently became certified as “sensory inclusive” through a partnership with the nonprofit organization KultureCity. To achieve this certification, a majority of Amherst Recreation staff, including all those handling summer camp and aquatics, participated in an online training program showing them how to recognize children with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.

Sensory bags, equipped with the headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads, are now available to all participants and guests of Amherst Recreation’s programs and events.

Demling said the more than 700 youths in programs, and thousands of guests who come to events such as the July 4th fireworks, Halloween Spooktacular and Winterfest, will be better served. The Recreation Department is the first in New England to achieve the certification.

“We’re super excited about the KultureCity certification,” Demling said.

“Gratitude and credit to the Recreation Department staff for elevating the awareness of the needs of those with sensory sensitivities and for implementing a program to ensure full access to the wide range of programs offered by the Recreation Department,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman.

Aquatics Coordinator Denise Leckenby said lifeguards and swim instructors were better prepared this summer. “Recognizing that pools can be overwhelming for both neuro-divergent and neuro-typical individuals due to noise, splashing, and tactile sensations, this training has prepared us to create a sensory-inclusive environment,” Leckenby said.

American Rescue Plan Act money supported the initiative, including online certification trainings.

A+ Awards

Nominations for leaders in the Amherst area, including young professionals and those who have had a lasting impact, are being accepted by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce for the annual A+ Awards.

Through Sept. 6, people are welcome to nominate in several categories, including lifetime achievement and legacy, leader in innovation, leader in sustainability, young professional, community service and Chamber MVP.

Among last year’s recipients, when the theme of the celebration was Rooted in Community, were J&J Farms in North Amherst and Barstow’s Longview Farm in Hadley.

Nominations should be made through the chamber’s website at business.amherstarea.com/form/view/33417.

First Day Celebration

Children in Amherst are being welcomed to the new school year with a celebration being held at Kendrick Park on Sunday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Among those who will be on hand are school leaders, principals and teachers and local first responders. Free ice cream will be served along with welcoming  activities.

Annual Community Breakfast

The new academic year is kicking off with the 57th annual Community Breakfast put on by the University of Massachusetts and the Amherst Area Chamber.

The breakfast, catered by UMass Dining, will be in the Student Union Ballroom on Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Speakers will include UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes and student and business leaders. Tickets are $16 in advance at umasshospitality.com/registration, or $25 at the door.

Finance Committee appointments

Bernie Kubiak, a resident member of the Finance Committee, will remain on the panel through June 30, 2025, while Thomas Avery Porter joins the committee to serve through June 30, 2026. Both were appointed by the Town Council this week, based on a recommendation from the Governance, Organization and Legislation Committee.

District 5 Councilor Ana Devlin Gauthier, who chairs the council subcommittee, said both men will bring professional experience to municipal financial matters.

Kubiak is a former Select Board member in Belchertown and town administrator in three communities; while Porter, who considers Amherst his hometown, returned with his family after a career in television at National Geographic Society and Discovery Channel.

The others candidates interviewed were Steven J. KaCey, who works as an administrative assessor for several area towns; and Rizwana Khan, a credentialed teacher.

Meetings

WEDNESDAY: School Equity Advisory Committee, 5:30p.m., high school library.

THURSDAY: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m.