AMHERST — Whether it be concerts on the Town Common, the town’s Juneteenth celebration or a high school performance of “The Sound of Music,” candidates for positions on the Town Council up for election Tuesday say they enjoy being at local cultural events.
Several of those campaigning in advance of Tuesday’s town election recently completed a survey from the Amherst Center Cultural District allowing them to answer a series of questions, such as what cultural events they have recently attended, arts organizations they belong to or support and what the council’s role is in financially supporting the arts.
They also offered ideas for how to improve the vitality of arts in Amherst.
In her response, District 5 Councilor Shalini Bahl-Milne wrote that enhancements can be made to the Town Common, such as a performance shell proposed by the Amherst Business Improvement District, and that she would work with Black, Indigenous and people of color artists to promote awareness of issues surrounding social and racial justice and climate action.
Converting the downtown fire station into a performing arts venue after a new South Amherst fire station is built is advocated by District 3 Councilor Dorothy Pam. Pam wrote that the historic building could accommodate a rehearsal room, performance space, and perhaps a dinner theater.
District 3 Councilor George Ryan wrote that he would recommend allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the BID’s live music venue downtown, to be called The Drake.
Similarly, District 3 candidate Jennifer Taub advocates for support, through time and financial resources, for The Drake, and working with the Amherst BID and the cultural district to bring cultural events and artists working in all mediums.
District 4 candidate Anika Lopes wrote that she would “daylight Amherst’s rich African American and Native American history with projects that enhance tourism, engage residents, and jazz up history class for students of all ages.”
Evan Ross, the incumbent District 4 candidate, wrote that the town needs more parking for its visitors. “This means making sure we have the infrastructure to support Amherst as an arts destination, including ensuring adequate downtown parking. I have advocated for a parking structure downtown to ensure we have the parking infrastructure to support a downtown arts economy.”
To see the full responses by candidates, go to: bit.ly/3ElGgOR.
Curbside pickup of bagged leaves, using town-approved 30-gallon paper biodegradable bags, begins Monday in East and West Amherst.
Bagged leaves should be on the curb by 7 a.m. The collection continues Tuesday in South Amherst, Nov. 3 in North Amherst and Nov. 4 downtown.
Savannas opens
A new restaurant run by the Jolly family, which previously operated The Pub and Rafters, has opened at 40 University Drive.
Savannas Bar and Bistro was recently welcomed to the community in a weekly message from Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Claudia Pazmany.
“Go. They will spoil you,” is how Pazmany put it. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
WEDNESDAY: Governance , Organization and Legislation Committee, 10:30 a.m.
THURSDAY: Elementary School Building Committee, 8 a.m.
