PVTA lands $435K in state grants

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has landed two grants totaling $435,000 from the state to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities and low-income individuals.

One of the grants is for $313,586 and will be used to provide senior transportation through participating Councils on Aging in the PVTA region.

Another is for $122,315 and will be used to provide travel training for older adults and persons with disabilities on the PVTA fixed-route system.

The grants are part of $5.8 million in funding awarded to 44 organizations for 56 projects statewide. The awards are provided through the Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) and will allow Regional Transit Authorities, municipalities, and nonprofits to provide rides for people who would otherwise be unable to get to their destinations; hire staff to help people learn about and learn to use transportation options; and convene regional partners to collaborate to fill gaps in the transportation network; among other approaches to enhancing mobility.

Amherst artist in spotlight at Town Hall’s art gallery

AMHERST — Amherst Town Hall’s art gallery will be showcasing the vibrant works of artist Elayna Sturm, with an opening reception of “Shedding Layers” set for Friday at 6 p.m. at the Boltwood Avenue site.

The exhibit will be on display throughout March and April and is coordinated by the Amherst Public Art Commission

“‘Shedding Layers’ explores both what we can shed to feel lighter and what we can transform to create the lives and worlds we want to be a part of,” Sturm said in an artist statement. “Venturing to get to the core of what matters, ‘Shedding Layers’ seeks to cultivate brighter joy and deeper roots.”

Sturm’s mediums range from murals, visual art, creative writing, and fiber arts to education and coaching. Go to elaynasturm.com for more information.

Phenom holding luncheon this weekend

AMHERST — Phenom will hold its “Spring Into Action” luncheon on Sunday, from 12 to 2 p.m. in UMass Amherst’s Cape Cod Lounge in the Student Union. The organization will discuss the next steps for higher education advocacy and the fight for more affordable, accessible public college in 2025.

The event will feature an awards ceremony for volunteers and allies, as well as a presentation by UMass-Amherst’s Professional Staff Union and by the Greenfield Community College SGA about tuition-free community college.

Phenom is a grassroots coalition of students, faculty, staff, alumni, business leaders, families, and community members who fight for high-quality, debt-free public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.

Cuppa Joe in Amherst to feature health director

AMHERST — Town Manager Paul Bockelman will be joined by Public Health Director Kiko Malin at the next Cuppa Joe with Paul, being held at Futura Coffee Roasters, 73 Cowls Road, March 14 starting at 8 a.m.

During the meeting, which is open to the public, people are welcome to ask questions about the Amherst Health Department and the Board of Health and the roles they play in monitoring community health, developing policies that promote wellness and providing essential health services.

The monthly Cuppa events are held at various locations in town and residents and others are welcome to share their concerns, offer suggestions and get to know each other.