Amherst Now
Digital Community Noticeboard serving Amherst MA, and surrounding towns.
UMass Amherst got $173,404 to stop birds from flying into windows. The internet had thoughts.
Marty Goulet suggested they buy the birds little helmets. Shane Frenier offered to dress as a cat and scare them away from the buildings for the same price.
We read every comment so you don't have to. The funny, the angry, the ridiculous, and the one comment that made the strongest case for the grant that nobody else managed. Link in comments.
https://www.amherstnow.com/blog/posts/umass-bird-grant-comments/
03/25/2026
๐ Get Involved in Your Community, Belchertown! ๐
Are you a Belchertown resident eager to make a difference in your community? The Belchertown Select Board is calling on YOU to step up and join various town boards and committees. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the decision-making processes that shape our town's future. ๐
There are openings available NOW and continuing into 2026 across a diverse range of committees. Whether you have specific expertise or a passion for community involvement, there's a place for you! Current vacancies include:
- Agricultural Commission
- Animal Control Advisory Board
- Board of Assessors
- Capital Improvement Planning Committee
- Communications Committee
- Creative Economy Committee
- Energy and Sustainability Committee
- Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Advisory Board
- Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation
- Zoning Board of Appeals
Some roles require specific qualifications, like being a registered Belchertown voter for the Board of Assessors, but many positions value general community interest and relevant skills.
Why should you join? ๐
1. **Empowerment**: Take part in local governance and make your voice heard.
2. **Impact**: Contribute to planning and initiatives that benefit our vibrant community.
3. **Learning**: Gain insights into how the town operates and make lasting connections.
4. **Service**: Give back to the community and help shape a brighter future for all residents.
Don't wait! These roles remain open until filled, so act now to ensure your place in community governance. Your participation is crucial in driving positive change and nurturing the spirit of Belchertown.
๐ Ready to get involved or want more details? Contact the Belchertown Select Board today! Let's build a community we're all proud to call home.
More details on Amherst Now.
๐ง โจ Think you know Western Massachusetts? Put your knowledge to the test with the brain game: Em-Dashing! ๐ Dive into a world of fun and challenge friends to see who reigns supreme in local trivia. Are you ready to claim the title of Western Mass Wiz? ๐
Play now and discover just how much you really know! ๐ games.amherstnow.com
03/24/2026
Seen all those Tai Chi ads?
Now you can try it out.
The South County Senior Center is offering free Tai Chi classes every Thursday at 1 PM at Whately Town Hall, located at 194 Chestnut Plain Road, Whately, MA. These classes are open to all participants but require membership with the South County Senior Center. The program is funded through a Mass in Motion grant with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG). The sessions provide a structured group setting for guided movement and exercise led by Mari Rovang.
To sign up, call or text Tom Patria at 413-665-9508 or email scpa[at]town.deerfield.ma.us.
The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) has announced the appointment of Katie Streater as the new Marketing & Communications Manager. ๐
Katie comes in hot from Brand USA, where she excelled as a senior coordinator in Global Trade Development, particularly in the Canadian and Latin American markets. Her impressive work included leading a successful six-city campaign across Canada, even earning her a place on Destinations Internationalโs 2024 30 Under 30 list. Most recently, she built strong partnerships at FRESHFARM, a nonprofit that champions food, community, and place.
With a Master of Tourism Administration from The George Washington University and a passion for community engagement, Katie is ready to dive into her new role. She shares, โIโm thrilled to join the Amherst BID and look forward to celebrating Amherstโs unique character with local businesses and partners.โ
We congratulate Katie and can't wait to see the positive impact she'll have!
For more info, check out Amherst Now.
๐
๐ Attention all caterpillar enthusiasts and Eric Carle fans! Get ready to wiggle your way to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art for a celebration so sweet, even the Very Hungry Caterpillar would need a nap! ๐
Join us on Sunday, March 29, from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM for a day jam-packed with activities that promise more fun than a leaf buffet. ๐โจ
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ Embark on a museum-wide scavenger hunt, cozy up for storytime, and get creative in the Art Studio. ๐จ๐ฌ Plus, catch film screenings that are sure to inspire the next generation of bookworms!
But wait, thereโs more! ๐คฉ Get your cameras ready because the Very Hungry Caterpillar himself will be available for photos from 1:30-2:15 PM and 3:30-4:15 PM. ๐ธ
Feeling peckish? Swing by Riffโs Food Truck to satisfy your cravings. ๐ฏ๐
And to sweeten the deal, enjoy a 15% online store sale (or 30% if you're a member) from March 20-29. ๐๏ธ
Members, we know you're already full from the exclusive pancake breakfastโlucky you! ๐ฅ๐
Mark your calendars and bring your appetite for fun! For the full schedule and more details, visit our events page.
๐ฝ๏ธ๐
๐โจ The World Starts Less Than 2 Hours Away! โจ๐
Guess what, Amherst peeps? You donโt need a passport or a plane ticket to explore world-class wonders! Just hop in your car (or on your trusty bicycle if you're feeling ambitious ๐ดโโ๏ธ) and within two hours, youโll find yourself surrounded by jaw-dropping art, mesmerizing ocean beaches, and mountain trails that will have you questioning if you've somehow landed in a fairytale. ๐ผ๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ
Forget the week-long vacations โ whoโs got time for that when there's a world to explore right in your own backyard?! With our guide, youโll have enough adventures to fill every weekend for years. Yes, YEARS. So, dust off those hiking boots, pack a snack, and prepare to make your weekends legendary!
Ready to discover your next great escape? ๐
๐ Check out our guide here: [The World Starts Less Than 2hrs Away](https://amherstnow.com/)
๐ฟ๐๐
03/21/2026
๐ Discover the hidden gems in your backyard with Amherst Now! ๐กโจ Whether you're a resident or just passing through, uncover new events, attractions, and opportunities in Amherst, MA, and the surrounding towns. Dive into local culture & connect with your community like never before! ๐ค๐ amherstnow.com
What new thing have you discovered about Amherst lately? Let us know in the comments! โฌ๏ธ
Em-Dashing is live ๐ฎ Can you solve today's puzzle before this person? Play at games.amherstnow.com
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