AMHERST — Even with the late start on constructing a new $97.5 million elementary school on South East Street, indications are that the building will still be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2026.

At a mid-February meeting, the Elementary School Building Committee was informed that general contractor CTA Construction Managers LLC of Waltham is still on track to get the building open for classes on the original timeline, even after a several-month delay caused by a bid challenge resolved by the state attorney general.

Kseniya Slavsky, a representative of project manager Anser Advisory of Boston, told the committee the building will be turned over for school use in the fall of 2026, but that some site work will be continuing that fall and into 2027.

“As far as as occupying the school, the general shape of the project, everything is full speed ahead and faster than anticipated," Slavsky said.

Slavsky described the project as being off to a very good start with no complications, with the concrete foundation being poured in early February, even with the cold, muddy and slippery conditions for the construction equipment and workers.

The first visible sign of progress to the public will come as steel starts going up in March. During that time, the site will become a controlled access zone, Slavsky said.

A topping-off ceremony, with the final structural steel, will likely be the first opportunity for the public to get a close-up look at the project, which could include having students at the neighboring Fort River School signing a beam.

Both Fort River and Wildwood schools will close when the new school opens.

Sponsorships for youth baseball

Amherst Baseball and the Hadley Amherst Softball League recently announced 2025 sponsorship drives to make youth baseball more accessible to families of all financial backgrounds. The intent is to pilot a sliding-scale registration fee.

“Sponsors have always played a vital role in keeping our league strong, and this year, their support is more important than ever,” said Nick Reich, president of Amherst Baseball. “With the help of a strengthened community sponsorship program, we hope to cover any additional costs of offering a sliding-scale registration fee.”

The aim is to have 30 community sponsors, with first-time sponsors paying $500 and getting an opportunity to hang a banner at the Mill River Recreation Area fields in Amherst, and at the Hadley Softball field alongside the banners of continuing sponsors that are paying $400 for the season.

One of the sponsors is Ziomek and Ziomek Law. Peter Ziomek notes the family has been part of the league for more than 70 years. “We’re proud to sponsor these leagues that engage kids in a healthy activity while learning the value of teamwork and sportsmanship,” he said.

Amherst Little League was founded in 1952 and has been in continuous existence since its founding. Stan Ziomek, a member of the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame and the National Babe Ruth Hall of Fame, was president of the Amherst Baseball Leagues for 60 years until his retirement in 2012.

Interested sponsors can visit www.amherstbaseball.org.

New staff at Amherst BID

With a background in community engagement and business development, Robert Allingham is the new marketing and communications manager at the Amherst Business Improvement District.

Allingham has spent the past few years working closely with Amherst-area businesses, supporting their growth through strategic marketing, social media, and outreach efforts. His expertise spans hospitality, education and nonprofit sectors, all with a focus on strengthening local businesses.

Allingham has an MBA from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Song & Story Swap

Folk trio The Hill Town Ham Hocks, of Shelburne Falls, will be performing at the Song & Story Swap on Saturday at 7 p.m. at First Church, 165 Main St.

With Colleen Stanton on fiddle, Stevie Jick on guitar and Hannah French on fiddle and banjo, the trio engages audiences with close harmonies and spirited instrumental work.

The monthly Song & Story Swap, in its 29th year, is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society of Western Massachusetts. For more information call Paul Kaplan at 413-687-5002.