Bockelman names Daniel Garcia new senior services director
AMHERST — Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced the appointment of Daniel Garcia as the new Director of Senior Services, with a start date of July 20, as construction and water-use restrictions continue to shape daily life across town this week.
TOWN HALL
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced Daniel Garcia as the town's new Director of Senior Services, with Garcia expected to begin the role on July 20, according to the town's News & Announcements page. The announcement comes as the Bangs Community Center undergoes renovations aimed at improving health and safety, accessibility, and the Senior Center space, with the building remaining open throughout construction and completion expected in early 2027.
The town also flagged an active Level 2 water use restriction and issued a swimming update for Puffer's Pond, both posted as active alerts on the town homepage. Separately, the Department of Public Works confirmed continuing construction work on University Drive, part of a broader set of road and sidewalk projects affecting traffic across town this summer.
Amherst officials are also preparing for a virtual community meeting to address questions about the future of the former Hampshire College campus property, a topic a Western Mass News report also covered this week (see Elsewhere in the News).
SCHOOLS
The Amherst Central School District highlighted several recent honors and appointments. Seventy-four students presented at a Seal of Civic Readiness Civics Fair, each receiving a medal to be worn at graduation, per the district's news page. The district also announced that Zoe Simonson will serve a one-year term as ex-officio student board member beginning July 1, and that Adam Wierbinski has been named assistant principal at Amherst Central High School.
Additional recognitions included Julie Furlong being named the 2026 General Music Educator of the Year, Patrick Kapperman being named high school principal, and the district being named among the Best Communities for Music Education for a tenth consecutive year. Sean McKeone was also named the district's varsity football coach. The Board of Education has a meeting scheduled for 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 August 7, offering books, challenges, and events for all ages. Upcoming library programs include a virtual Presidential Series talk on Andrew Jackson with doodler Heather Rodgers on July 10 at 10:30 a.m., a C3Brix Lego Challenge for kids on July 13, a virtual "Little Gems of Germany" session on July 14, an in-person Mahjong session on July 16 at 1 p.m., and a virtual "Insect Safari" program the evening of July 16. A Friends of the Library Artist Reception is set for July 18 at 1 p.m.
Around town, the community calendar lists a Downtown Summer Concert Series performance and a Yellow Barn Summer Festival Concert on July 10, along with the Amherst Farmers Market and open-play pickleball at Mill River on July 11.
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 the former Hampshire College property (read it at https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/07/08/future-hampshire-college-campus-focus-amherst-virtual-meeting/).
COMING UP
The Public Art Commission meets Friday, July 10, alongside a "Cuppa' Joe with Paul" session with Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Communications Manager Samantha Giffen the same day. The Finance Committee's Ad Hoc Budget Document Subcommittee, the Local Historic District Commission public hearing, 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 Amherst school board meeting at 7 p.m. The Jones Library's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Subcommittee meets Wednesday, July 15.