Off The Streets (For Now)

APD arrests Paul Scace, age 54, June 30th at CVS

Paul Scace a "frequent flyer" with our first responders who lists his address as "streets of Amherst" was sentenced to ten days in the House of Correction after he pleaded "guilty" yesterday to the charge of "trespass" at the CVS in town center.

 Paul Scace (APD booking photo)

Which means he will not be out in time for the July 14th town sponsored community forum on homelessness .

One For Two

Centrally located Amity Street lot should reopen tomorrow

Our downtown is about half done with construction projects as the most popular downtown parking lot, adjacent to Amherst Cinema and the Jones Library, reopens for business (any minute now).

But construction continues in the north end of downtown as our DPW is preparing the area for the removal of ugly above ground utility poles, which hopefully will be completed before the lifeblood of our community -- college aged youth -- come flocking back to town the middle of next month.

 Triangle/East Pleasant intersection yesterday.  Next year will become roundabout

Another Icon Gone

Stan Ziomek, aka "Mr. Baseball"

The man who made baseball, Amherst, and civic engagement his life's work has been called back.

But his memories will remain in the most prominent playing field in town named in his honor, the generations of players who came up under his tutelage or anyone who interacted with him via the Rotary, Recreation Department or his long time spent as DPW Director and Tree Warden.

 Ziomek Field, the little office he used to hand out baseball uniforms (far left) and War Memorial Pool he made happen

While I was never particularly adept at the great game of baseball I learned from Stan how to work hard at what you love, play fair, and never, ever, surrender. Qualities that served me well in sport karate.

So long Stan.  Enjoy the view.  You now have the best seat in the house.

Click frame for better viewing

SJC Approves Pot Question

If Amherst's medical market is $10 million what will the recreation market be?

The November 8th ballot will spark a historic turnout in our little college town as it becomes a perfect storm for generating interest:  A Presidential contest, a marijuana legalization question and a local pocket book issue with a $30+ million Debt Exclusion Override for a new Amherst elementary Mega School.

Today the State Judicial Supreme Court unanimously (7-0) approved placing the legalization of recreational marijuana on the November 8th ballot, but did slap the Attorney General for her original wording of the question.

The new wording for the title of the question is:

"Legalization, Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana."

And the summary is as follows:

"A yes vote would allow persons 21 or older to possess, use and transfer marijuana and products containing marijuana concentrate (including edible products) and to cultivate marijuana, all in limited amounts,  and would provide for the regulation and taxation of commercial sale of marijuana and marijuana products."

It's Like A Heat Wave

Town Common last week

Since my bricks-and-mortar media friends made such a big deal about Groff Park wading pool being closed on July 4th and probably not open this coming weekend, maybe the town can wound two birds with one drone and invite kids to play in the sprinklers used to water the Town Common and/or Memorial Field.

 Wading Pool leaks require constant refilling

The fire department doesn't seem to mind the DPW tapping into hydrants and if the town website disclosed the hours on a HOT weekend when irrigation is happening kids could show up in their bathing suits.

 Memorial /Ziomek Field

And, if that works, maybe employ it to welcome back college students on Labor Day weekend.  We could even charge admission (for spectators).

War Memorial aka "the big pool" is open

Mill River pool and Wading Pool are open 

Puffers Pond is open

Let Freedom Ring

Amherst town center 7:00 AM.  Weather could not be more perfect

Commemorative flags are down to 20  due to wind damage (I rescued this one)

South Amherst 7/4 Community Picnic and Parade (10:00 AM):

 Hundreds attended this generations old family friendly patriotic community event

Wagner Farm (2:00 PM)

Silver Bridge near Puffers Pond (3:00 PM)

AFD & APD on scene for a campfire built by swimmers under the bridge

Puffers Pond (5:30 PM)

 Main beach

Not much water going over the dam

UMass McGuirk Stadium (6:30 PM)

 LSSE town sponsored celebration

Sundown (8:35 PM)

Fireworks (9:45 PM)

Ancient Family 4th of July Tradition

The South Amherst historic common, aka Fiddlers Green, will also turn red white and blue tomorrow morning

The 140+ year old South Amherst Community 4th of July Picnic is the perfect blend of a family oriented patriotic event that would have moved Norman Rockwell to get out his brushes.
  

Click to enlarge/read

Because children are the bedrock of any community.   And in this digital age of electronic gadgets, it's especially nice to see a wholesome event that brings people together in the great outdoors.

July 4th weather will also be perfect!