AMHERST — Youth empowerment programming in Amherst, an initiative of the town’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department, is continuing, with a college preparedness workshop the focus of a recent session.
As Amherst Regional middle and high schoolers got an early release day on Oct. 29, 17 students came to Town Hall to take part in presentations and discussions led by Suhilah Booker, associate director of admissions at the University of Massachusetts, and Michael Ellison, associate dean of admission for Amherst College’s financial aid office.
DEI Director Pamela Nolan Young said the idea of the youth empowerment work is to have teens better prepared for the world outside school. Young said that the department has completed three initiatives within the past year, and is trying to time some of the programs to days when students get out of school early.
The programming is a different and more engaging and inspiring way to reach students, said Assistant DEI Director Philip Avila.
Prior to April’s Global Village event, for example, the teenagers who took part in youth empowerment programming were able to create products and showcase their talents, selling these items at a Youth Market spotlighting young entrepreneurs.
During the college preparedness workshop, where pizza and snacks were offered, DEI intern Aileen Feliz, a senior at UMass studying political science and education, presented the students an interactive quiz about higher education.
Following that, Booker walked the students through the application process and what they should know as they begin thinking of their lives after high school. Booker talked about the essay colleges and universities seek from students.
“The point of the essay is for colleges to learn more about who you are,” Booker said.
Veterans Day
Amherst will mark Veterans Day with a ceremony near the flagpole on the North Common starting Tuesday at 10:45 a.m.
Businesses that day can open at their usual times, based on a blanket permit issued by Police Chief Gabriel Ting.
Hazard mitigation plan
Amherst’s hazard mitigation plan will be the subject of a meeting Monday at 6 p.m., with participants invited to Town Hall or to join via Zoom.
During the meeting, attendees will learn about what the town is doing to prepare for natural hazards and the impacts of climate change. They also can share ideas and concerns.
Development of the plan is happening with assistance from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. When complete, Amherst will be eligible for federal and state mitigation grant funding.
The Zoom link is at https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/85483967542 pwd=cFv2q2fuLcsFvac0KUnQR3aGJb4TF6.1
Live interpretation will be available on Zoom in both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
Youth programming talk
Recreation Department Director Rey Harp and Outreach Director Becky Demling will discuss youth-driven community programming on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.
They are participating in the Amherst League of Women Voters Racial Justice Conversation series, which honors long-time local educator, civic leader and League member Judy Harris Brooks.
Among the programs they will talk about are Morning Movement and Mentoring, begun three years ago as a before-school initiative supporting middle school students and offering physical activity and athletics paired with mentors and academic support, and Rise Together, a free, eight-week program open to students in grades 7 to 10 designed to deepen students’ understanding of diversity, racism, and inclusive leadership.
Register at lwvamherst.org to join the conversation.
Cuppa Joe
Town Manager Paul Bockelman will be joined by Finance Director Sean Mangano at the next Cuppa Joe, taking place at Futura Coffee Roasters, located at the North Square at the Mill District, Nov. 14 at 8 a.m.
The conversation with Mangano, who has returned to the position after previously serving from 2020 to 2023, will focus on the upcoming fiscal year 2027 budget, including revenue and expenditure projections, potential challenges and capital projects.
Free concert
The Cushman String Quartet will perform at the Amherst History Center on Boltwood Walk on Saturday to commemorate the birthday of Amherst Historical Society founder Mabel Loomis Todd.
Featuring works by Hayden and Sibelius, doors will open for the program at 1:30 p.m.
UMass Alumni awards
Six UMass alumni were recently honored by the UMass Amherst Foundation with 2025 UMass Alumni Honors Awards, recognizing those who have translated their UMass experience into professional success and meaningful service.
“This year’s honorees reinforce the notion that UMass is a place that fosters innovation, creativity, and the motivation to drive change where it is needed the most,” said Michelle-Kim Cohen, president of the UMass Amherst Alumni Association.
The recipients are Marian Heard, president and CEO of Oxen Hill Partners; Dr. Christopher Lathan, chief clinical access officer for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Mark A. Vezzola, deputy general counsel for the Pechanga Band of Indians; Katrina Spade, founder and CEO of Recompose; Janie Kaplan, chairwoman of Women for UMassnt; and Nabanita De, founder and CEO of PrivacyLicense.ai.
Meetings
SATURDAY: Four Towns Meeting, 9:30 a.m., middle school library.
MONDAY: Cultural Council, 5:30 p.m.