Letters
Region
Obituaries
Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition At New Hampshire Antique Co-Op
Now on view through May 31, 2020
Congregational Church Stays Connected
During the suspension of in-person activities in light of the Covid-19 situation, the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC has a variety of ways for members and others to connect with church programs. This is especially important during April as Holy Week and Easter are on the horizon.
The most up-to-date information about church activities can be found on the church’s website (ccamherst.org) or by calling the church office at 673-3231. Sunday services are broadcast on FacebookLive and recorded for later on-line viewing. Services are followed by a Virtual Fellowship Hour. Links for these and other events can be found on the website.
The church’s Facebook page is another source of information, including updates and video messages from the pastors. Pastors Maureen Frescott and Kate Kennedy are available to provide pastoral care during this time, and the church welcomes community members to connect with this loving, serving, open and affirming community of faith.
Lorraine Alice Hamilton
AMHERST – Lorraine Alice Hamilton of Amherst, New Hampshire, Beach Haven, New Jersey and Rancho Mirage, California died June 14, 2020 from pancreatic cancer at her home in California. She was 73 years old and a participant in the trial of a new cancer drug at NYU Langone in New York City since April 2019. She hoped that results from the trial would improve care for other patients who develop this cancer. She was with her family when she died and was
Donald Richard Haaker
Donald Richard Haaker, 80, born June 2, 1940, son of Carl E Haaker and Jeanne LaRochelle Haaker of Fitchburg, MA, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA.
Don, as he was affectionately referred to by friends, and Dad or Grandpa by family, was a proud veteran, avid fisherman, former business owner, collector of “As Seen On TV” gadgets, and
Town
Bicycle Pedestrian Committee Work Moving Ahead
Amherst Street Project Underway, others on the horizon
AMHERST – The Amherst Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), a subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen, was created to facilitate a town-wide network for the enhancement and encouragement of safe, multi-use transportation for connectivity, recreation, and health through the development of strategic and actionable plans. The Board of Selectmen accepted the Amherst Multimodal Master Plan in early 2019. The committee has been working diligently to identify and prioritize cost-effective efforts in coordination with the Amherst Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, the Community Development Office, the Board of Selectmen and input from the community.
The first major project is now under contract with Continental Paving as part of the work being done on Amherst Street, from Courthouse Road to the Milford border. This project will result in a 1.9 mile, paved, bi-directional, multimodal path separated from traffic by 5 feet. The path will safely connect several neighborhoods with the village as well as providing a safe way to travel to Milford. DPW is expecting the project to be completed by the end of April. The committee is working with the Milford DPW regarding a proposed extension from the Milford border to the Oval. That portion of the project would be entirely funded by Milford as they work to upgrade the route in the near future. The Board of Selectmen and DPW are assisting the committee with efforts to have Route 122 from Courthouse Road to Baboosic Lake Road/Birch Park re-striped to extend the multimodal path. This portion of the road is maintained by the state.
Recognized as the top priority for the community, the committee continues to focus on routes along Boston Post Road from the village to the schools. The first section to be addressed is from Simeon Wilson Road to Homestead Road. This project will be done independent of major road work and requires surveying and engineering work. It also requires a bridge to be built where the road crosses wetlands near the end of Stearns Rd. Efforts with DPW have started as the committee tries to develop the most cost effective plan for this effort.
The committee continues to encourage input and help from the community, which has led to upwards of 30 suggested projects. Though not every proposal is feasible or in our immediate focus, many offer excellent opportunities that could make for safer alternative transportation throughout our community.
Committee meetings are held monthly, currently held via Zoom. Agendas and minutes are posted on the town website. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments on the committee Facebook page: “Amherst Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee” https://www.facebook.com/AmherstBPAC
Rescue of a Great Egret in Amherst
On Saturday afternoon Amherst’s Finest responded to a call that an injured great egret was attempting to cross Route 101 near Walnut Hill Road. Eventually, the bird was apprehended and placed in the police cruiser for relocation to a local wetlands. Thank you to Officer Christopher J. Corey.
