AMHERST — A year after falling just short of achieving perfection in its commitment to equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, Amherst this year got a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman calls the achievement a “proud moment for Amherst” that shows the dedication officials have for creating a community where everyone feels supported and valued.
“This accomplishment highlights the commitment of our town departments, community leaders and advocates who work tirelessly to make Amherst a truly inclusive and welcoming place for all,” Bockelman said.
Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
“When every resident, including our LGBTQ+ community, feels safe and respected, the whole town benefits,” said Philip Avila, assistant director of the Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, adding that the department helps turn values into action. The perfect score, he said, “reflects our commitment to equity and to building a community where everyone can truly belong and thrive.”
The only blip in 2024 was not having an officially designated LGBTQ+ police liaison, even though the police department did have an officer in this role.
DEI Director Pamela Nolan-Young thanked Police Chief Gabriel Ting for making this liaison position official, reflecting an ongoing commitment.
“This achievement reflects the progress we continue to make together,” she said.
Kelly Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, applauded those communities, like Amherst, doing this work in the face of state legislatures and the current Congress and president “waging a calculated campaign to erase LGBTQ+ people from public life and the cities that wish to welcome them.”
“But there are still more of us who support equality than those who do not — and I commend each and every city that fought against tall odds to show their continued support of our community. In these challenging times, our work with the Municipal Equality Index and the leadership of these municipalities have never been more critical,” Robinson said.
Go to hrc.org/mei for more information.
Education Foundation grants
Teachers and staff members in the Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury schools are invited to apply for Amherst Education Foundation Excellence Grant Awards for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Send email to amherstedfound@gmail.com for an application packet or for more information. Applications are due Feb. 6.
The foundation raised $15,425 from its 31st annual Trivia Bee, held in October at The Drake, and won by the AEF Past Presidents, with the high school’s As Schools Matchs Wits team the runner up.
Gospel Choir concert
The Amherst Area Gospel Choir performs “Glory to the Newborn King: A Black Gospel Celebration” Saturday at 2 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 North Maple St., Hadley.
The choir, under the direction of Jacqueline Wallace, took a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, but is now back practicing and performing at various events in the region.
There is a suggested donation of $5 to $10.
Royalty returns to Amherst College
Prince Albert Grimaldi of Monaco came back to the Amherst College campus this fall, according to the college’s social media accounts that included photos of the 1981 graduate with President Michael A. Elliott.
“We recently had the pleasure of welcoming back H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco ’81 to campus!” the college wrote. “During his visit, the Prince met with current students, toured campus and visited the site of the new Student Center.”
Prince Albert is the son of late actress Grace Kelly, Princess Grace, and Prince Rainier III.
Rafters demolished
The building that long housed Rafters Sports Bar and Restaurant at 422 Amity St. was demolished this month, making way for a mixed-use development called Campus View.
Originally built in 1968 for Chequers restaurant, Rafters was at the location from 1991 to 2019, when it was replaced by Pleasantrees, a marijuana dispensary. That closed in early 2024.
Nearby preparation is also underway for a new roundabout to be complete sometime in 2026.