Bockelman Names Daniel Garcia New Senior Services Director
AMHERST — Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced the appointment of Daniel Garcia as the town's new Director of Senior Services, with a start date set for July 20, while the town continues to manage Level 2 water use restrictions and ongoing construction at the Bangs Community Center.
TOWN HALL
The town's most notable announcement this week is the appointment of Daniel Garcia as the new Director of Senior Services, per Town Manager Paul Bockelman. Garcia is expected to begin his new role on July 20.
The town remains under Level 2 water use restrictions, and residents should also note a swimming update affecting Puffer's Pond, according to alerts posted on the town website. The Department of Public Works continues construction on University Drive as part of ongoing efforts to improve roads and sidewalks across town, with impacts to traffic expected to continue during the work. Separately, renovations at the Bangs Community Center are underway, covering health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, the Senior Center, and the area near Room 101; the building will stay open throughout, with completion expected in early 2027.
SCHOOLS
Amherst Public Schools highlighted several recent recognitions and appointments. Seventy-four students presented at the district's Seal of Civic Readiness Civics Fair, earning medals they will wear at graduation. The district also announced that Zoe Simonson has been selected as the ex-officio student board member for a one-year term beginning July 1, and that Adam Wierbinski has been named assistant principal at Amherst Central High School.
Additional district honors include Julie Furlong receiving the 2026 General Music Educator of the Year Award, Patrick Kapperman being named high school principal, and the district being recognized for the tenth consecutive year as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Sean McKeone was also named varsity football coach. The district's next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 7 p.m. in the District Board Room.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Amherst Library's summer reading program, "Plant a Seed, Read!," continues through August 7, offering books, challenges, prizes, and events for all ages. Upcoming library programs include ATL Reads: Cookbook Club and an evening book discussion of "Revolutionary Summer" by Joseph Ellis, both on July 9, along with a virtual Presidential Series talk on Andrew Jackson on July 10 and the C3Brix Lego Challenge for kids on July 13.
The town's community calendar also lists several summer happenings, including the Downtown Summer Concert Series and the Yellow Barn Summer Festival Concert, both July 10, and the Amherst Farmers Market on July 11.
COMING UP
Several public meetings and community events are scheduled over the next week. The Community Resources Committee of the Town Council, the Jones Library Board of Trustees, the Board of License Commissioners, and the Zoning Board of Appeals all meet Thursday, July 9. The Public Art Commission meets Friday, July 10, followed by a Local Historic District Commission public hearing on Monday, July 13.
Library events include ATL Reads: Cookbook Club and the "Revolutionary Summer" book discussion on July 9, the virtual Presidential Series talk on July 10, and the C3Brix Lego Challenge on July 13. Community happenings include Open-Play Pickleball at Mill River on July 9, "Cuppa' Joe" with Paul Bockelman and Communications Manager Samantha Giffen on July 10, the Downtown Summer Concert Series and Yellow Barn Summer Festival Concert on July 10, and the Amherst Farmers Market on July 11. The Amherst Public Schools Board of Education meets July 14 at 7 p.m.