Town Seeks DPW Building Committee Member as July 3 Fireworks Plans Announced
AMHERST — Town Manager Paul Bockelman is recruiting a resident to serve on the committee guiding design and construction of a new Department of Public Works building, while the town simultaneously announced a free July 3rd fireworks celebration at UMass Amherst.
TOWN HALL
Bockelman posted an open call Monday for one resident to join the DPW Building Committee, a temporary advisory body overseeing the design and construction of a new public works facility. Applications will begin to be reviewed July 6. Interested residents can find details at the town's website.
Also announced Monday: the town's Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks will be held Friday, July 3, on the South Lawn of UMass Amherst's McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The free event will include fireworks, live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Separately, the town homepage is carrying a notice that Bangs Community Center will be closed Wednesday, June 24, and that a swimming update is in effect for Puffer's Pond — residents should check amherstma.gov for current conditions before heading out.
SCHOOLS
Wednesday, June 24 is the last day of classes for students at Smallwood Drive Elementary, Windermere Boulevard Elementary, and Amherst Middle School, with an early release schedule in effect. Amherst Central High School continues its local and Regents exam schedule through Thursday, June 25. Teachers' last day — Rating Day — is Friday, June 26.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Amherst Town Library's summer reading program, "Plant a Seed, Read!", is underway through Friday, August 7, with challenges, prizes, and events for all ages. This week's upcoming library events include a Live Pet Show for children Wednesday, June 24 at 10 a.m.; Story Makers Studio Wednesday at 3 p.m.; Tots & Tunes Thursday, June 25 at 10 a.m.; Creative Corner Thursday at 4 p.m.; and an Evening of Poetry for adults Thursday evening at 7 p.m. The library is closed Sundays through Labor Day.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
No new coverage from Patch, MetroWest Daily News, or The Boston Globe in this cycle.
COMING UP
- **Wed., June 24** — Bangs Community Center closed all day; Amherst Conservation Commission meeting; Live Pet Show at the library, 10 a.m.; Story Makers Studio at the library, 3 p.m.; Amherst Area Business Expo; Summer Seminars at UMass Downtown; Celebrate Pride at The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery - **Thu., June 25** — Last day of ACHS local and Regents exams; Board of Assessors meeting; Community Resources Committee of the Town Council; Board of Health meeting; Board of License Commissioners; Zoning Board of Appeals; Tots & Tunes at the library, 10 a.m.; Creative Corner at the library, 4 p.m.; Evening of Poetry at the library, 7 p.m.; Opening Reception: In Defense of our Just Rights & Liberties - **Fri., June 26** — Rating Day/Teachers' last day at Amherst schools - **Fri., July 3** — Free Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks, McGuirk Alumni Stadium South Lawn, UMass Amherst