Amherst Names Daniel Garcia New Senior Services Director
Town Manager Paul Bockelman on July 10 announced Daniel Garcia as Amherst's new Director of Senior Services, with Garcia expected to start July 20, while the town continues to ask residents to conserve water under a Level 2 restriction.
TOWN HALL
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced the appointment of Daniel Garcia as the new Director of Senior Services, with a start date of July 20, according to the town's News Flash. The announcement comes as the town homepage also flags an active Level 2 water use restriction and a Puffer's Pond swimming update for residents to be aware of this week.
The town is also inviting residents to participate in a cable television survey, open through Friday, August 7, to gather feedback on cable service in Amherst regardless of current subscription status. Separately, the Department of Public Works continues construction work on University Drive as part of ongoing road and sidewalk improvements, and renovations at the Bangs Community Center — covering health and safety, accessibility, and Senior Center upgrades — remain underway with completion expected in early 2027. The town has also kicked off a month of community events and celebrations for July.
SCHOOLS
Amherst Central School District recognized 74 students who presented at the Seal of Civic Readiness Civics Fair, where students earn a medal worn at graduation. The district also named Zoe Simonson as its ex-officio student member of the Board of Education for a one-year term beginning July 1, and announced Adam Wierbinski as the new assistant principal at Amherst Central High School.
The district additionally highlighted music educator Julie Furlong, named the 2026 General Music Educator of Year, and confirmed Patrick Kapperman as the new high school principal. The Board of Education meets Tuesday, July 14, at 7 p.m. in the District Board Room.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Amherst Town Library's summer reading program, "Plant a Seed, Read!," continues through Friday, August 7, offering books, challenges, prizes and events for all ages. Upcoming library programs this week include the C3Brix Lego Challenge and Little Art Makers on Monday, July 13, Once Upon a Story Hour on Tuesday, July 14, and Little Listeners and Story Makers Studio on Wednesday, July 15.
Adult programming includes "Little Gems of Germany," a virtual event Tuesday, July 14, at 2 p.m., a mahjong session Thursday, July 16, at 1 p.m., and a virtual "Insect Safari" that evening at 7 p.m. The Friends of the Library will hold an Artist Reception on Saturday, July 18, at 1 p.m.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Future of Hampshire College campus focus of Amherst virtual meeting" — Western Mass News reports that town officials are holding a virtual meeting to address community questions about the future of Hampshire College's property (read it at https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/07/08/future-hampshire-college-campus-focus-amherst-virtual-meeting/).
"Smells Like Nirvana Tribute 'MTV Unplugged' Live in Concert | Amherst, MA" — Patch's events calendar lists a Nirvana tribute show at The Drake on N. Pleasant Street set for Saturday, August 1, at 8 p.m. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/amherst-ma/calendar/event/20260801/e007e093-c144-4fa1-ad08-7ec1206760f7/smells-like-nirvana-tribute-mtv-unplugged-live-in-concert).
COMING UP
The Finance Committee Ad Hoc Budget Document Subcommittee, the Local Historic District Commission, and the Jones Library Building Committee all meet Monday, July 13. The Public Shade Tree Committee meets Tuesday, July 14, the same day as the Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m.
The Jones Library's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Subcommittee and the Human Rights Commission both meet Wednesday, July 15. The Friends of the Library Artist Reception is set for Saturday, July 18, at 1 p.m., and the FSC's NAMI Family Support Group meets Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m.