AMHERST — An Amherst organization marking a century of service and scholarships, a regional nonprofit offering mentorship opportunities for children and teens and the owner of Belchertown bar that provides food, drink and entertainment are among those earning A+ Awards.
The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced the recipients who will be celebrated at the 2026 A+ Awards Dinner, at the Student Union Ballroom at the University of Massachusetts on Nov. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m.
“One of the chamber’s greatest privileges is shining a light on the people and organizations that make our region stronger,” Jacob Robinson, the outgoing executive director, said in a statement, praising the talent, generosity and spirit they show. “The A+ Awards recognize excellence in many forms, from business leadership and innovation to community service and sustainability.”
Individuals being honored are Sherri Willey, property manager of RLS Properties, who is receiving the Chamber MVP Award for leadership on the chamber’s board of directors and other chamber committees; Tim Drost, owner of Window World of Western Massachusetts in Belchertown, who is earning the Emerging Business Leader Award; and the Legacy Award is going to Janice McCarthy Rogers, owner of McCarthy’s Pub, also in Belchertown.
The Leader in Innovation Award is going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, to be accepted by Executive Director Susan Nicastro, an organization recognized for expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening community connections through creative programming; the Leader in Sustainability Award is being awarded to The Hartsbrook School, to be accepted by Head of School Diego Sharon, recognizing the school for over 40 years of integrating academic learning with environmental stewardship; and the Community Service Award is being presented to the Rotary Club of Amherst, to be accepted by President Robin Brown, recognizing the club for 100 years of service and more than $1.3 million contributed to area nonprofits.
“Celebrating local leadership, innovation, and service is an important part of building a vibrant region, and we’re pleased to recognize this year’s outstanding honorees,” said Matt Bannister, senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships of PeoplesBank, which is a sponsor of the awards.
For tickets and more information, go to www.amherstarea.com/awards or send email to info@amherstarea.com.
Fall Foliage and Cider Run
An annual benefit for the Amherst A Better Chance program, which prepares academically talented young men of color from educationally underserved school districts for college and future leadership roles, takes place Saturday.
The 54th annual 5k Fall Foliage And Cider Run will celebrate the ABC program and raise money to support the home on North Prospect Street.
The event starts at the Town Common at 10 a.m., partly circles Amherst College’s campus and enters the woodlands of the college’s sanctuary, before following the Norwottuck Rail Trail back to the campus. Upon completion, runners and walkers are invited to enjoy a cup of cider and healthy snacks before results and prize winners are announced.
Send email to FallFoliageAndCiderRun@gmail.com for more information, or visit amherstabetterchance.org.
Vaccine clinic
The Amherst Health Department is hosting a vaccine clinic with both flu and COVID-19 shots, regular and high-dose options, at the Bangs Community Center Oct. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The 2026-2027 flu vaccine has been updated to protect against three seasonal influenza strains and is recommended for anyone six months and older, while the COVID-19 vaccine has also been updated and is available starting for the same ages.
Vaccines are free, though people should bring their insurance cards. Due to limited walk-in availability, registration is recommended by going to northamptonma.gov/2219/vax
This vaccine clinic is being organized in collaboration with the Northampton Department of Health and Human Services through the regional Public Health Excellence grant.
Reparations Committee
The Amherst Black Reparations Committee, which will guide the allocation of funds, has its first six members.
The Town Council recently appointed, based on recommendations from Town Manager Paul Bockelman, Andrew Grant-Thomas and Amilcar Shabazz to three-year terms, Monica Cage and Raphael Rogers to two-year terms, and Sarah Crary and Kelly Norris to one-year terms.
Money being collected from the tax on cannabis sales in Amherst is going into an account that will offer reparations for harms caused by support of slavery and post-Reconstruction discrimination.
Wine tasting
The Amherst Woman’s Club is celebrating fall with a wine tasting Oct. 24, with expert commentary offered by Gary Mescon, wine manager at Spirit Haus.
The event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hills Memorial Club House, 35 Triangle St., giving guests an opportunity to sample wines from Spain. Afterward, everyone will enjoy appetizers and desserts, along with socializing. A silent auction will accompany the event.
The money raised provides scholarships to local students and grants to local service agencies.
The cost is $45 per person and reservations can be made online at amherstwomansclub.org. Seating is limited to 50 participants.
For more information, send email to hello@amherstwomansclub.org.
