Amherst names Daniel Garcia new Director of Senior Services ahead of July 20 start

**Friday, July 3** — Amherst Town Library is closed today through Sunday, July 5 for the Independence Day holiday weekend and will reopen Monday, July 6.

**Friday, July 3** — Today is the final day residents can take advantage of free admission at Amherst's public pools, which the town made available at no charge Wednesday through Friday this week during the stretch of extreme heat and humidity. The spray pad has also been operational through the heat event. Cooling centers were available during limited hours for those needing relief.

**Friday, July 3** — The Department of Public Works is continuing construction work on University Drive and related road and sidewalk projects across town. Residents should expect ongoing traffic impacts; the town's full project update is available at https://www.amherstma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=3968.

**Saturday, July 4** — The Amherst Farmers Market returns for its regular Saturday market tomorrow in celebration of Independence Day weekend.

**Saturday, July 4** — A community reading of the Declaration of Independence is scheduled for tomorrow as part of the town's July Fourth programming.

**Saturday, July 4** — Open-play pickleball at Mill River is on tap tomorrow, with another session offered Sunday, July 5 as well.

**Sunday, July 5** — "Reading Frederick Douglass Together: Reaffirming Our Unalienable Rights" is scheduled for Sunday as part of the town's July community events calendar.

**Monday, July 6** — Application review begins Sunday, July 6 for a resident opening on the DPW Building Committee, a temporary advisory body guiding the design and construction of a new Department of Public Works facility. Town Manager Paul Bockelman is seeking one qualified resident to fill the seat.

**Sunday, July 20** — Daniel Garcia is expected to begin his role as Amherst's new Director of Senior Services on July 20, following his appointment by Town Manager Paul Bockelman. The hire fills a key leadership position at the Senior Center, which is undergoing renovations as part of the broader Bangs Community Center improvement project — a multi-phase effort addressing health, safety, and accessibility, with completion expected in early 2027.