AMHERST — A regular presence at Amherst Town Hall for 20 years, Town Clerk Susan Audette recently retired after more than four years overseeing town elections and vital records.

Appointed to the permanent role in February 2021, after serving in an acting capacity for several months, Audette said in a statement she has cherished her role that began as an assistant in 2005. Audette also is a justice of the peace who has performed nearly 300 wedding ceremonies, including some that have taken place on the green in front of Town Hall.

“Throughout my tenure, my goal has always been to uphold the integrity of our local government and to serve the people with dedication and respect,” Audette said. “It has been a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and engaged community, and I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished together.” 

Town Manager Paul Bockelman praised Audette for her integrity, exceptional customer service and genuine personal connections.

“Sue has been a strong, steadying force during her two decades in the town clerk’s office,” Bockelman said. “She has always been professional in working with the public and maintained the highest level of integrity and trust in the town’s elections.”

Audette has administered 54 elections and two recounts and contributed to Amherst’s governance through service on the Board of Registrars, the Ranked Choice Voting Commission and the Districting Advisory Board during the 2020 decennial census. She also oversaw expansion of voting access through early and mail-in voting options.

In January 2023, Audette earned the certified municipal clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

“Sue has provided outstanding services to the residents and the town of Amherst during her long tenure as town clerk and assistant town clerk,” said Town Council President Lynn Griesemer.

A graduate of Western New England College, Audette earned her bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus in marketing. She started and operated a medical transcription service for 13 years before coming to Amherst. 

In retirement, Audette will continue working on the new home she and her husband recently built in one of the Hilltowns, where they will live after moving from Belchertown, start a vegetable and flower garden, take care of chickens and travel. 

Juneteenth marked

Town Council recently proclaimed June 19 as a day for “the Amherst community to join us in the celebratory events that honors our history and our community” and encourages people to view the town’s Civil War tablets, located in the Bangs Center, and honor all our residents who served in the Civil War.

On Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. at 29A Cottage St., Ancestral Bridges will have a day-long celebration of the holiday. Then on the holiday itself, the Black Business Association of Amherst Area, in collaboration with Sankofa Gumbo, will have a jubilee starting at 5 p.m. at the parish center at St. Brigid’s Church, 43 North Prospect St.

Ramp and walkway for Munson

A new ramp for the south entrance to the Munson Library, supported through a Massachusetts Office on Disability grant, is prompting concerns that a walkway leading to it will mean removal of a large rhododendron bush.

Before the project is approved by the Planning Board, members suggested a curved walkway to avoid the bush, rather than a straight path. “Curvature just adds a lovely feeling,” said board member Karin Winter.

Winter was joined by members Bruce Coldham and Fred Hartwell in suggesting a curve to protect the bush, while member Jesse Mager said he wanted to see a detailed planting plan.

Chairman Doug Marshall said the straight path was fine. “I think the rectilinear route is what we should do and let the planting fill in around that, though I agree it's a beautiful rhododendron,” Marshall said.

Senior Planner Nate Malloy said curving the path would increase material costs and the town might miss deadlines for spending the grant money.

Board member Johanna Neumann said the board should support the plan as proposed. “I want to make sure that we don’t get in the habit of not trusting the expertise of town staff," Neumann said.

The hearing continues Wednesday at 6:35 p.m.

Band festival

The Pioneer Valley Community Band Festival is taking place Saturday at the Bromery Center for the Arts at the University of Massachusetts, with the culmination a performance on stage in the Tillis Performance Hall.

More than 100 musicians are registered to play, coming from the local region and Connecticut, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The concert is set to begin at 3 p.m., with rehearsals and a lunch earlier in the day.

Yiddish Book Center founder honored

Aaron Lansky, who is retiring as founder and president of the Yiddish Book Center after 45 years, recently received a citation from the state’s House of Representatives and a special gubernatorial citation from Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

Both citations were presented by State Rep. Mindy Domb in recognition of Lansky’s retirement and accomplishments and prior to his Melinda Rosenblatt Lecture on June 8, focused on the future of the cultural and educational center under Executive Director Susan Bronson.

Meetings

MONDAY: Design Review Board, 5 p.m., and Town Council, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.

TUESDAY: Amherst School Committee, 6:30 p.m., high school library.