ICE scam

AMHERST — University of Massachusetts Police have issued an advisory about a scam in which people pretending to be Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials steal money and personal information.

The alert, issued Thursday, states that college and university campuses, as well as cities and towns, have been targeted by callers impersonating ICE agents:

“This can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including through unsolicited texts, emails, phone calls and by distributing printed materials that appear to be legitimate government materials from campaigns such as ‘See Something, Say Something,’ but instead contain erroneous information.”

No incidents have been reported on the UMass campus and no students or staff are victims, said spokesman Edward Blaguszewski.

UMass Police recommend following the New York Attorney General’s office guidance to avoid scams, including not making payments over the phone or via email, only working with a licensed lawyer or an authorized provider and never signing blank applications or documents that are not understood.

Anyone receiving a possibly fraudulent communication can contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-232-8603.

Animal blessings

WESTHAMPTON — Goats, sheep, calves and animals of all kinds are invited to be blessed Sunday, celebrating the creation of life.

The animal blessing is hosted by the Westhampton Congregational Church and will be held at 10:15 a.m. Sunday on the Westhampton Public Library lawn, 1 North Road.

Richard Tracy, of the congregation, said all animals are welcome. “Furry, feathered or scaled,” he said.

Animals must be properly leashed or caged. The pastor will bless each animal individually. Pet owners can also bring a photo of their pet or former pet to be blessed.

“People these days are extremely attached to animals,” Tracy said. “A lot of people think of (their pets) as people.”

Last year was the first time the church held the animal blessing. About a dozen pets were blessed, including cats, dogs and rats. But last year, the service had an unfortunate rain, Tracy said, causing the service to be inside, which was restricting for certain animals.

On Sunday, a tent will be set up at the lawn of the library, so the event will take place rain or shine.

Race Amity Day

AMHERST — Race Amity Day, an event aimed at celebrating the oneness of the human family through singing and dancing and the sharing of culture and arts, will be held Sunday afternoon.

The Amherst Race Amity Day Committee is sponsoring the event that runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cadigan Center, 38 Woodside Ave.

The program will open with a prayer for unity and then have a welcome from Ray Elliott, founder of Citizens for Racial Amity Now. A town proclamation adopted by the Select Board will be read.

UMass professors Ash Hartwell and Amilcar Shabazz will make comments, and then a celebration with song and music, and refreshments, will conclude the event.

Larry Kelley tribute

An Amherst pizza shop will pay tribute to late Amherst blogger and Town Meeting member Larry Kelley with a display of his photos on Flag Day.

“Honoring Larry: A Photo Showcase,” featuring eight of his photos, begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Sunset Grill and Pizza, 150 Fearing St.

Kelley’s family, including his sister Peggy and his daughters Kira and Jada, selected the restaurant to have the exhibit.

“I feel very honored they asked me to display Larry’s photos here,” said owner Rebecca Casagrande. “I really want the community to come to together over the his love of the community. These photos showcase and focus on the positiveness of his contributions for Kira and Jada.”

Kelley used an aerial drone to capture images of Amherst, including one of a setting sun beyond the tower dormitories on the UMass campus near the restaurant.

The event is also timed to the day in which the flag is celebrated, as Kelley long championed the display of the American flag in Amherst, including on the anniversary of Sept. 11. One of the photos depicts a flag.

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