At their Monday, December 19th meeting the Amherst Town Council and members of the public heard a State of the Town address reflecting on the accomplishments of 2022 and challenges of 2023. The presentation was kicked off by Council President Lynn Griesemer who provided a broad overview of the State of the Town in 2022. She was followed by Town Manager Paul Bockelman who spoke about the strength and resiliency of the community. Library Director Sharon Sharry provided an overview of the year on behalf of the Library Trustees and Amherst School Committee Chair Allison McDonald summarizing the status in 2022 of the Amherst Public Schools.
Council President Lynn Griesemer stated, “This Town Council, sworn in in January 2022, is working closely with the Town Manager and his staff to lead Amherst into the future. Together we continue to make progress on the six Town Manager Goals which reflect the priorities of the Town Council.”
Town Manager Paul Bockelman added, “We enter 2023 from a position of strength. We are Strong because we have solid finances and engaged leaders and staff ready to make informed decisions and do the work facing us. We are Resilient because we are emerging from the depths of the pandemic showing dozens of achievements with plans for more in the coming years.”
Sharon Sharry, Library Director, said “I really want to thank the staff, from the bottom of my heart, for their incredible passion and dedication to this community. Providing library services during the pandemic has been very difficult, both emotionally and physically, but no matter how challenging the days became, the staff never gave up. The Jones System prospers because of the staff.”
As a special feature of the address, District 1 Councilor Cathy Schoen, also Chair of the Elementary School Building Committee, shared a virtual preview of the proposed new elementary school. Councilor Schoen emphasized in her presentation that the school design will provide ample space for outdoor learning and flexible internal space for teachers and students. She noted that "this will be Amherst's first net zero public building - an exciting milestone. The building will provide an opportunity for our children to learn and participate in climate action."
You can view the full 2022 State of the Town presentation materials at https://www.amherstma.gov/3647/State-of-the-Town as well as a recording of the meeting, once available.
Questions? Contact Brianna Sunryd, sunrydb@amherstma.gov
