Town Holds Public Forum on Budget Appropriation Monday
AMHERST — Town officials on Tuesday urged residents to use cooling centers amid extreme heat while managing a Level 2 water use restriction, as the town also released an update on zoning plans for the Hampshire College campus following the college's announcement it will cease academic operations after December 2026.
TOWN HALL
The town's News Flash service reminded residents that cooling centers and outdoor facilities remain open for anyone needing relief from ongoing extreme heat, alongside a previously issued Level 2 water use restriction and a swimming update for Puffer's Pond. Residents can find full details on the specific hours and locations of cooling sites through the town's alert system.
The Town Council will hold a Public Forum on Monday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. on an appropriation outside the annual budget, as required under Section 5.6 of the Town Charter. The same evening will also bring meetings of the Residents' Advisory Committee, the Design Review Board, a joint Regional School Committee/Union 26 session, and the full Town Council.
Town officials also provided an update on the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study, initiated after Hampshire College announced it will cease academic operations after December 2026. The study is meant to develop zoning options for the campus property's future use.
Separately, the town is asking residents to weigh in on a cable television survey, open through Friday, August 7, that seeks feedback from all residents regardless of whether they currently subscribe to cable service. Town Manager Paul Bockelman also announced the appointment of Daniel Garcia as the new Director of Senior Services, with Garcia expected to start July 20. Renovations continue at the Bangs Community Center, including health, safety, and accessibility upgrades to the Senior Center area, with completion expected in early 2027.
SCHOOLS
Amherst Public Schools highlighted several recent milestones, including 74 students who presented at the Seal of Civic Readiness Civics Fair, earning medals to be worn at graduation. The district also announced that Zoe Simonson has been selected as the ex-officio student member of the Board of Education for a one-year term beginning July 1, and that Adam Wierbinski has been named assistant principal at Amherst Central High School.
The district's music program was named among the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education for a tenth consecutive year, and educator Julie Furlong was awarded the 2026 General Music Educator of the Year. Families should note the district's Substitute & Jobs Expo is set for August 12, and the Board of Education meets next on August 4.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Amherst Town Library's "Plant a Seed, Read!" summer reading program continues through Friday, August 7, offering books, challenges, and events for all ages. Upcoming library programs include Bubbly Babies on Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m., Sprinkler Storytime and PJ Storytime on Tuesday, July 21, and the Friends of the Library Artist Reception on Saturday, July 18 at 1 p.m.
Also this month, the library will host a virtual talk on "The 3 Hidden Risks of Career Transition" on Wednesday, July 22, and a juggling performance by Jay and Leslie on Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m.
COMING UP
The Town Council holds its Public Forum on an appropriation outside the annual budget on Monday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m., alongside meetings of the Residents' Advisory Committee, Design Review Board, and a joint Regional School Committee/Union 26 session. The Finance Committee of the Town Council meets Tuesday, July 21.
At the library, look for Bubbly Babies (Friday, July 17, 10 a.m.), the Friends of the Library Artist Reception (Saturday, July 18, 1 p.m.), Little Art Makers (Monday, July 20, 3:30 p.m.), Sprinkler Storytime and PJ Storytime (Tuesday, July 21), Little Listeners and Story Makers Studio (Wednesday, July 22), and the virtual talk on career transitions (Wednesday, July 22, 9:30 a.m.). The Amherst Farmers Market and Open-Play Pickleball at Mill River both take place Saturday, July 18. State Rep. Mindy Domb holds office hours Friday, July 17, alongside the Downtown Summer Concert Series that same evening.