AMHERST — A series of tree-centered events, including tree plantings, will mark Arbor Month in Amherst.

Public events begin on Saturday with the initial Second Saturday Planting of the year, taking place from 9 a.m. to noon on Dana Street and Blue Hills Road. The public is encouraged to join members of the Public Shade Tree Committee, the tree warden and neighbors, in getting new trees planted, said committee Chairman Henry Lappen.

On April 22, the town’s Sustainability Festival returns on the Town Common. The celebration of Earth Day, and the promotion of green initiatives, will include the committee’s booth, where tree seedlings will be given out.

Arbor Day comes on April 28, which will feature the planting a new tree in front of the Amherst History Museum on Amity Street, next to the Jones Library.

Lappen said this second “bride tree” to the “groom” tree comes as part of a state Department of Conservation and Recreation Heritage Tree Care grant received to protect the huge sycamore. That tree was planted in 1761 by Nehemiah Strong to honor the marriage of his son, Simeon Strong, to Sarah Wright.

The Town Council recently issued a proclamation that announces some of the events and the virtues of having a better tree canopy in town, noting that “trees can provide a source of joy and spiritual renewal, enhance mood, help with healing, and reduce depression,” and observing that the town has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation since 1987.

Police additions

Four new patrol officers for Amherst police, Anthony J. Bullough, Rebecca M. Rickson, Emily V. Rivas and Stephen M. Worthley, recently graduated from the Western Massachusetts Regional Police Academy in Springfield and are beginning their 12-week field officer training program.

Bullough, 28, the son of Michael Sr. and Tammy Bullough of South Hadley, earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education at Bridgewater State University. He previously worked as a substitute teacher for the Granby Public Schools.

Rickson, 27, the daughter of Mary Jane and Matthew J. Rickson of West Warren, earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and criminal justice at Westfield State University. She previously worked for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections officer.

Rivas, 24, the daughter of Anibal Rivas and Denise Reyes of West Springfield, earned an associate degree in criminal justice at Holyoke Community College. She previously worked for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections officer.

Worthley, 23, the son of Lee A. and William B. Worthley of Amherst, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Westfield State University.

Easter egg hunt

The Mill District General Store is hosting the Great Mill District Egg Hunt at 94 Cowls Road Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lavender the Funny Bunny will be there for three egg-hunting sessions that W.D. Cowls spokesman Tim O’Brien said will build on the success of last year’s event.

“This year, to make it easier for the littler ones, we’re creating three egg hunt areas with three separate collecting rounds, plus we’re tripling the number of hidden eggs, and including additional fun activities,” O’Brien said.

More information about the start times for each round and event registration can be found at the store’s Facebook event page with a link to Eventbrite at www.generalstorelocalgallery.com/events.

Civil Air Patrol cadet advances

Amherst resident Firas Hashmi, 17, a Civil Air Patrol cadet, recently completed all requirements for the Wright Brothers Achievement and promotion to cadet staff sergeant.

On hand to pin his new insignia was his mother, Dr. Samah Jafari.

“Cadet Hashmi is one of our best,” Major Steve Lauzon, the unit’s commanding officer, said in a statement, “In his work with the CAP we can see why the Space Force recently awarded him a four-year, full-tuition ROTC scholarship.”

The Wright Brothers award marks the end of a cadet’s learning phase and places the recipient in the leadership phase. Hashmi passed a written leadership exam and a physical fitness test and demonstrated a degree of proficiency in a drill and ceremonies.

Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, operating a fleet of 560 single-engine aircraft and more than 2,100 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Affordable housing

East Gables, the new affordable housing development being built at 132 Northampton Road, is accepting applications.

The Valley Community Development project has 28 studio apartment homes, off-street parking, connecting walkways, covered bike storage area and on-site laundry.

Information sessions will be held at Jones Library on May 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and May 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.

More information can also be found at www.valleycdc.org/affordable-housing/in-development/.

Pickleball

The Department of Public Works recently painted pickleball lines on tennis courts at Mill River Recreational Area.

The new pickleball courts come about 18 months after residents sought Community Preservation Act money for building new courts at the North Amherst site. Bockelman said other pickleball players have been welcome on the Hampshire College campus.

Meetings

TUESDAY: Public Shade Tree Committee, 5:30 p.m., and Cultural Council, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Conservation Commission, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m.

]]>