2007 was a good year; however ...

By Phyllis Lehrer
Staff Writer

Published on December 28, 2007

Some would say that 2007 was a "however" year.

This year-in-review wrap-up report is a gathering of some of the year's "however" news stories, plus some other stories of note.

For instance, Amherst's dire financial situation led to predictions of staff layoffs in January; however, when the fiscal year began in July, there were no actual layoffs.

In February, a mutual aid agreement was inked between the University of Massachusetts and Amherst police departments that allowed them to exercise full powers in each others' jurisdiction. However, the agreement yielded no savings in money or staff.

The Amherst Regional Public Schools said an override was needed to fund budget in the spring. However, this fall the schools revealed there was a $1 million surplus.

Amherst set a 1 percent budget increase for fiscal year 08. However, Amherst had to increase its share of regional school funding to match the 3 percent increase adopted by Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury as per the regional agreement.

The Amherst Regional Middle School hired guidance counselor Talib Sadiq, a Desert Storm veteran. However, Sadiq had changed his name from Vincent Bias, after being imprisoned for bank robbery, and some parents objected shortly after his hiring. The state Department of Education denied his certification. However, that was appealed and certification was granted in the fall.

Cameras were proposed for ambulances to record vehicles that don't get out of their way. However, the cameras were never installed because of concerns about the sound recording.

The Boy Scouts had to donate $1 per tree to the Senior Center since the tree sale is held on town property. However, DPW employees and local benefactors reached into their pockets to ensure the Scout's annual fundraiser did that.

The town could have received $30,000 if Niblick Golf Management took over Cherry Hill Golf Course. However, Town Manager Larry Shaffer declined the offer. And a group in April wanted to call a special Town Meeting to privatize the golf course. However, that didn't happen.

Many howevers were recorded in the saga of David Keenan and his property on Shays Street. The town was going to evict Keenan for nonpayment of back taxes. However, Keenan paid the $63,200 bill with help from friends. There was a caveat: inspectors had to view the site. It was condemned. However, Keenan stayed put, living in a tent in his yard. By year's end, Keenan has relinquished his hold on the property.

In February, Amherst Regional High School teacher Ronald Garney pleaded innocent charges of possessing child pornography. However, in December he pleaded guilty (See related story on front page).

The ARHS Gospel Choir was invited to sing at graduation in June. However, it was disinvited because of concerns that gospel music has a Christian message. Another however: they were reinvited and sang.

It rained on the Fourth of July. However, the fireworks were still held despite the notice of a rain date.

The outdoor pools were scheduled to be closed for the summer. However, a last minute Town Meeting vote restored funding. The first swimmer dove in July 10.

The Amherst Regional Middle School pool remained closed to nonschool users. It cost $54,000 to operate, while Leisure Services was only paying $30,000 for its use, the superintendent said. However, the pool was opened Dec. 10 after the town and school came to an agreement.

In June the Fisher Home, a residential Hospice, was found in noncompliance with Department of Health and Human Service regulations. However, the violations were corrected. Several staff quit for other reasons.

The Master Plan reports came out calling for balance of land preservation and development, vibrant downtown and village centers, enhanced town gown relations. However, some of the suggestions are in conflict.

Amherst recently asked Hadley to pay $381,00 for ambulance service. However, it has been paying $66,000.

UMass President Jack Wilson proposed reorganizing top level administrators. However, that ended with Lombardi's resignation. Thomas Cole, former president of Clark Atlanta University, was named interim chancellor.

In the March town election, School Committee member Alisa Brewer defeated Robie Hubley for a Select Board seat, while Gerry Weiss was re-elected. Andy Churchill was re-elected to School Committee and Kathleen Anderson was elected to fill the open seat. Chrystel Romero was defeated in her school committee run. However, she became a member after being appointed to fill Brewer's unexpired term.

Neighbors wanted public funds to buy the land where a condo project, Strawberry Fields, was proposed on South East Street. However, that didn't happen.

The downtown parking meter limit is two hours. However, movies last longer. The solution: increase the time on the meters at the Amity Street parking lot in March.

People

In May Peter Jessop, head of Integrity Development and Construction, received the Citizen of the Year award from the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.

Crocker Farm Principal Paul Wiley, Wildwood Principal Mark Prince and Fort River Principal Russell Vernon-Jones announced they will retire at the end of the school year.

Retired Amherst Town Manager Barry Del Castliho was named interim South Hadley town administrator.

Gordon King recovered a year after gas explosion that killed his wife and destroyed several Echo Hill condos. The cause has yet to be determined.

Ryan Bourdon, who admitted stealing 75 anti-Proposition 21/2 election signs, paid $250 to Amherst Taxpayers for Responsible Change for the deed.

Deaths

Donatello's owner Vincenzo Marchesi; organizer activist Aaron Wilson; former Select Board and School Committee member William Atkins; Amherst College history professor Theodore Greene; Senior Center volunteer Grace Thayer at age 100; former Amherst College President Calvin Plimpton; UMass chemistry professor John Chandler; Angie Lederle, widow of UMass president; Board of Library Commissioners Joe Hopkins; poet Joe Langland; firefighter and town building supervisor Ned Markert.

Places

In March Grace Episcopal Church stop performing weddings after church leaders ban blessing same-sex unions.

A State Appeals Court said Town Meeting could regulate development with regard to rezoning flood prone land in North Amherst. The five-year legal battle cost over $100,000.

Beavers building their habitat created a flood that collapsed a section of the rail trail in April.

In April, UMass and Amherst police visit students living in neighborhood encouraging them to keep their voices down.

Roosters Restaurant in North Amherst closed. Wendy's restaurant closed. Michelson's Gallery on North Pleasant Street closed and Scandihoovians moved in. SunEthanol moved to University Drive.

The National Yiddish Book Center received a $352,000 state grant for its $6 million addition.

The Amherst Cinema received $675,000 from the state and $265,000 from the feds.