AMHERST — An Amherst town councilor and an Amherst business owner recently earned recognition from a regional organization at its inaugural celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, held in Springfield.

At Mask Off Day 2024 on March 2, At Large Councilor Elisha Walker was awarded the Policy and Leadership Excellence Award, while Pat Ononibaku, who leads the Black Business Association of Amherst Area, won the Administration of Justice Achievement Award.

Walker’s award reads, “In recognition of your significant contributions to Massachusetts politics and your demonstrated commitment to driving positive change, fostering innovation, and leading with vision and effectiveness in the realm of policy-influencing, policy-making and legislative processes for the growth and sustainability of our collective society.”

Ononibaku’s award reads, “For your demonstrated and exceptional dedication, leadership, and accomplishments in maintaining pathways of accountability for the greater good of Massachusetts citizens. With recognition of your significant contributions to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law for marginalized communities.”

Walker and Ononibaku were both members of the town’s Community Safety Working Group that was instrumental in making a series of recommendations to address racial disparities in Amherst. One of the outcomes of the group’s work is the unarmed Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service department, an alternative to police response in some situations. 

Tiffany Allecia, who chairs the Mask Off Day Planning Committee, said the event is part of developing a sustainable, culturally competent and culturally relevant creative economy in the city.

“Mask Off Day is a placemaking and placekeeping event that was designed to inspire various economic development stakeholders and community residents to dream bigger about what we can establish and produce right here in our city,” Allecia said.

International Womens’ Day

Both the police and fire departments in Amherst used social media channels to appreciate the work done by members of the departments on International Women’s Day.

“We are lucky to have these highly qualified and professional women in a variety of roles within our department,” the Police Department wrote, posting photos and information about its officers.

Those recognized include Sgt. Janet Griffin, an administrative supervisor who specializes in domestic violence and sexual assault investigations, and Detective Yvonne Feliciano, who is a Crisis Intervention team officer; along with Officers Jessica Damon, Molly Farber and Lindsay Carroll and student officer Hannah Caillouette, who is currently in the academy.

The Fire Department posted a collage of images showing its female members serving the town in various ways, from fighting fires to being at community events. “Recognizing our staff on International Women’s Day,” the post read.

Charter review

The Charter Review Task Force for the League of Women Voters of Amherst is continuing its review of the town’s home rule charter by hosting a series of public Zoom discussions on questions related to potential amendments to the charter.

The next event is Sunday at 2 p.m., with a focus on articles 2 and 5, which relate to the Town Council and financial policies and procedures.

The Task Force will provide a report, potentially including recommended amendments tied to the League’s good government principles, and will note issues raised by officials and the public at the upcoming municipal meetings on this subject. 

Go to https://tinyurl.com/2p9m8zfc to participate.

Sping equinox

Sunrise and sunset events take place at the University of Massachusetts Sunwheel on Tuesday.

Talks will be given at 6:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. while viewing sunrise and sunset among the standing stones south of Alumni Stadium. During the evening session, there will be an opportunity for participants to have telescopic views of the sun and moon, weather permitting.

Observers standing at the center of the Sunwheel’s standing stones will see the sun rise and set over stones placed to mark the equinoxes, very close to due east and due west. Other structures around the world mark this astronomical change, such as the pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico.

Solar eclipses talk

Paul Mott, a former National Parks ranger, will be speaking about solar eclipses at the Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle St., Monday at 1:30 p.m.

The talk, in advance of the April 8 eclipse, will include photos. The event is free and open to the public.

Easter bunny

The Easter Bunny will be at Cafe Square in Hampshire Mall in Hadley, starting Friday at 2 p.m., and will be present throughout the day Saturday and Sunday, as well as March 22, 23 and 24, and March 29 and 30.

People can go to www.whereisbunny.com to make reservations.

Meetings

SUNDAY: Superintendent Search Committee, 2 p.m.

MONDAY: Town Council, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.

WEDNESDAY: Subcommittee for a Superintendent, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Historical Commission, 6:30 p.m.