AMHERST — More than $57,000 is being awarded to organizations and institutions that help build community in Amherst through participatory activities, such as music, theater and other programs.
William Murray and Cody Rooney, who co-chair the Amherst Cultural Council, recently announced 60 grants to applicants, with the largest, at $7,000, supporting the sixth annual Odenong Powwow, and $5,000 going to the Black Business Association of Amherst Area, Inc. to put on the Juneteenth Jubilee.
Others receiving $2,000 were Restless Books, Inc. for its Amherst Immigrant Writing Workshops; The Queercore Collaborative for its QueerCore Collaborative Presents Live at The Drake; the Amherst Community Band for its Building Community through Music; the Amherst Historical Society for its Amherst was Never Silent: 250 Years of Speaking Out; the Amherst Business Improvement District, Inc. for its Showcase Stage at the Amherst Block Party; and The Country Dance and Song Society, Inc., for its Downtown Amherst Contra Dance Series.
More than 100 applicants made appeals by the October deadline, with each of these reviewed by the committee, with priority given to projects and events that have broad public benefits for the community. There was also an emphasis on providing grants for Black, Indigenous and people of color individuals, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals and other minoritized communities.
In addition to the co-chairs, the committee members are Jessica Slattery, Evelin Figueroa, Joe Mascis and Rachel Wang. New members are being sought and can apply for membership by filling out a community activity form on the town website.
Flag raising for Black History Month
A flag raising to honor Black History Month will take place on the front steps of Town Hall, immediately before the Town Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday.
The council recently adopted a proclamation asking residents to observe the month through reflection, education and community engagement. It includes references to the African American residents of Amherst who served in the 5th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry, whose members were among those who carried the news of freedom to Texas on June 19, 1865, and that this year marks that 100th anniversary of the first national commemoration for Black citizens, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week.
The proclamation also observes the challenges being faced across the United States, stating “the imperative to tell an inclusive and accurate history has never been greater, especially at a time when efforts to restrict, censor or erase Black history through legislation, book bans and curricular challenges threaten democratic values and public understanding. Black history matters not solely for its inclusion in dominant historical narratives, but for its enduring resonance in the lives, identities and futures of Black people.”
Improving Cherry Hill
Various ideas are being unveiled that could boost revenues for Cherry Hill Golf Course.
Ryan Diplock, a member of the Cherry Hill Working Group, recently presented to the panel suggestions for operating the golf course more like a business, and to balance expenses with revenues.
Describing the course as having incredible community engagement that turns a profit, Diplock’s ideas would generate $144,834,
“The general bigger picture thing is the profit impact is more than $150,000 if we can just do this low-hanging fruit,” Diplock said.
The suggestions are to spend money on proper golf management software so single players aren’t playing the course and blocking larger groups and raising membership fees and greens fees.
“I think we can raise prices and be undebatably the most affordable golf course in Massachusetts, from a lot of standards,” Diplock said.
Other ideas include extending the end season date from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15, opening each day at 7 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. and getting more town support.
Any recommendations made by the working group will go to Town Manager Paul Bockelman for possible implementation.
Leverett defends democracy
Leverett’s Select Board recently adopted a declaration defending democracy, with its resolution observing the town’s 250th anniversary came two years before this year’s national anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The statement asks the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to continue to push their colleagues to exercise their legislative authority to enforce the Constitution, to work with the judicial branch to restore the separation of powers, and to ensure that illegal or unconstitutional acts, including acts of corruption, are overturned.