It’s Thanksgiving week and though we are surrounded by heavy news and piles of work, it’s a time to pause and reflect on the things for which we are grateful. 

We at the Current want to know what our neighbors are grateful for about Amherst. Whether you’ve lived here for two months or two decades (or more!), there are likely things about Amherst that you appreciate. Sure, there are things we decidedly do not appreciate (potholes…). But what about Amherst keeps us here?

We asked around and here is what some have told us. We invite you to share what you’re grateful for about Amherst in the comments!

I’m grateful we live in a college town, with all the energy, culture, and diversity that brings, in a beautiful, bucolic setting.

Andy Churchill

I am grateful to the members of our community who worked to address food insecurity in Amherst by collaboratively creating and continuing the Amherst Mobile Market.

Pat De Angelis (District 2 Town Councilor)

Amherst is a relatively affluent community but there is a lot of hidden poverty. I am thankful for organizations like Family Outreach of Amherst, the Amherst Survival Center, faith-based food programs, Craig’s Doors, among others. Their collective concern and care, and the support they receive from the people of Amherst, help make this a community in the most generous and caring sense of the word.

Stan Rosenberg

There is so much about Amherst for which to be grateful. We’re blessed to live in a historic New England college town with beautiful countryside for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and much more. I love that there is always something going on — whether a festival, a holiday celebration, a summer concert in Sweetser Park, an art show or book reading — there’s always something to do and someplace to go to connect with others in the community. Closer to home, I’m grateful for my neighborhood’s first-Sunday-of-the-month potluck brunches – a tradition for nearly three decades. I love living in an engaged, committed community—it certainly makes for lively debate!

Jennifer Taub (District 3 Town Councilor; District 4 Councilor-Elect)

I am grateful for the incredible natural beauty of our town’s conservation areas. I’m regularly inspired by unfolding cloudscapes over Wentworth Farm, frolicking wildlife in the Fort River that ribbons through town from Amethyst Brook to Hickory Ridge, and emerging stars viewed from Mount Pollux. The many open spaces that Amherst has permanently protected are something I am grateful for on a daily basis.

Johanna Neumann (Planning Board Vice Chair)

A civically engaged community! A community that isn’t willfully blind to problems at the local, national, and global levels but tackles them head-on.

Sarah Marshall (Co-Founder, The Amherst Current and School Committee Member-Elect)

The incredible quality of life my family and I have here. Hiking and foraging, rowing on the CT, apple picking, an hour to ski mountains and an international airport, 2 to Boston, 3 to NY. The BEST friends anyone could ask for. The world class Amherst Cinema, and The Drake live music venue as well as any global dining option one can imagine! A vibrant downtown filled with youth, visiting parents & friends, and a year round community of families and retirees – most of them lovely, happy people who love ALL that Amherst is and has to offer.

Gabrielle Gould (Executive Director, Amherst Business Improvement District)

That we are surrounded by natural beauty and easy access to outdoor activities yet have the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of a more urbane place. That I can have frequent, deep, and impactful conversations about how to make the town and the world a better place with people who are actively working to do so.

Bridget Hynes (School Committee Member-Elect)

Live music in Amherst. The Drake has provided a wonderful range of high quality music in a great setting and right downtown, so close to home! A dream come true.

Clare Bertrand

I’m grateful to live in a town and public school district that still invests in the arts. In particular, our Amherst Regional Orchestra Director Yasuaki Suzuki inspires creativity, community and collaboration. His leadership is a gift for our teens and our town.

Ginny Hamilton

I give thanks that I live in a town that gave only 7.5 percent of its vote to Donald Trump in 2020 (third lowest of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts).

Nick Grabbe (Co-Founder of The Amherst Current)

I am grateful for Amherst’s embrace of difference. And for all the talented, engaged and active residents who care deeply about our community.

Connie Kruger

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What about Amherst do you feel grateful for?

Share your thoughts in the Comments!