By Allison McDonald

As 2024 comes to a close and we prepare to ring in the new year, many of us look back on the milestones, activities, and events that were important to us over the last 12 months. Every year brings new things, and in Amherst, 2024 was no different. On this final day of the year, we bring you a recap of the many new faces and places in Amherst this year.

Departures

2024 saw the retirement of a couple of long-serving Town employees.

In June, Amherst Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson retired after serving in that role since 2009. During his tenure, he advocated for and secured additional staffing for the Department and obtained funding to upgrade its fire and ambulance equipment, providing the highest level of safety to the community. He instilled a sense of purpose in his staff, frequently noting that when firefighter/paramedics are called into action, it is usually on a person’s worst day, be it a fire or medical emergency.

The titles, the accolades, the commendations, were never the focus for Chief Nelson. It was always the human connections. His positivity, welcoming words, mentorship, and willingness to help are the qualities that will remain Chief Nelson’s enduring legacy. In his closing of his retirement announcement letter Chief Nelson signed off, “Thanks for making this the best job in the world.”

After over two decades of service, Planning Director Christine Brestrup retired in September. Brestrup joined the Planning Department in 2003 and played a crucial role in shaping the Town’s development and growth. She oversaw numerous projects that have transformed the Town, including the creation of new parks, the development of hundreds of housing units, the construction of large capital projects, as well as the implementation of innovative zoning and  bylaw changes.

Arrivals

We welcomed many people to new roles in 2024 — some new to Amherst, some longtime community members in new roles.

In April, the town welcomed Camille Theriaque as the new Director of CRESS. A former firefighter with training in psychology and social work, Theriaque was appointed by Town Manager Paul Bockelman to head the Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service program after its previous director left in October.  

After serving for several months as temporary chief, Gabriel Ting was sworn in as Amherst’s new Chief of Police in May. Ting has served in the Amherst Police Department for over 27 years. He grew up in Amherst, attended Amherst elementary, middle, and high schools, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, and worked his way through the ranks of the Police Department. 

In June, the Amherst Historical Society appointed Liz Larson as its first Executive Director since 2011. A longtime Amherst resident, Larson had been serving the society as treasurer for several years and helped to stabilize its finances, and also co-created the Strings at the Strong outdoor concert series.

The public schools began the new fiscal year in July with a new superintendent at the helm. Dr. E. Xiomara Herman, a former superintendent of the public school district in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, joined the district following an extensive selection process that concluded in a unanimous decision by the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and the Superintendency Union 26 Committee. 

In October, the Amherst Business Improvement District appointed John Page as its new Executive Director. A lifelong area resident, Page previously served as assistant director for University Events at UMass, where he was instrumental in planning and executing major events such as commencement. Page replaced the previous director, Gabrielle Gould, who stepped down in February.

The Amherst Fire Department will close out 2024 with a newly appointed chief. Fire Chief Lindsey Stromgren was appointed in December to succeed Tim Nelson in that role. Stromgren has served the Fire Department for over 42 years as a student firefighter, a professional firefighter/EMT, captain, and, for the last 22 years, assistant chief.

New Places

In November, the UMass Marching Band marched in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The group was one of only four university marching bands selected to perform in the 98-year-old nationally televised event.

The 400+ member complement of the “Power and Class of New England” included musicians, baton twirlers, dancers, and color guard members along with the university’s mascot, Sam the Minuteman.

Back in Amherst, multiple new places to shop, eat, relax, or exercise opened in 2024. 

Aster and Pine Market opened in February on North Pleasant Street. Described as the embodiment of the shared vision of Bill, a skilled chef, and Mallory, a talented designer, the shop is a destination for unique ingredients, pantry staples, local produce, sober sips, and wine and craft beer. Link

In May, the Amherst College Store opened in the former A.J. Hastings space at 45 South Pleasant St. Operated by campus retailer Follett, the store sells college-branded gear, school supplies, tech accessories and snacks. Link

In August, the long-planned North Common project was completed, transforming the downtown area. While some lament the loss of parking to accommodate the new green space, the revitalized park offers multiple gathering spots on its stepped lawn, benches, and picnic tables.

The thrift and consignment store X-Change opened in October at 48 North Pleasant St. below The Works and next to Ten One Tea House. Founded by two UMass Amherst students, Grant Cooney and Jack Mandy, who shared a passion for sustainability and a love for timeless fashion, X-Change is a place where second-hand clothing, vintage treasures, and affordable fashion coexist under one roof.

French-trained pastry chef Ya Lin Chiang opened Buttercup Craft Bakery in November at 174 North Pleasant St., the location of the former Henion Bakery. Their delicious menu features classic cakes, puff pastries, and tarts, as well as other delicious treats, including red bean bun and matcha pastries.

BrickHouse Spin is Amherst’s new spin studio, offering high-energy cycling classes designed to motivate and recharge. Opened in November in the old Amherst train station at 13 Railroad St. off Main Street, BrickHouse is built on the passion of owner Jenelle, who finds spinning to be a sweet release for all emotions and the one activity that really feeds her soul. Link 

In December, a vintage and artisan collective Innovintage opened in Amherst after moving from Greenfield. Located at 314 College St. in the space of the former Kelly’s Restaurant, Innovintage offers vintage home decor, artisan handmade gifts, and more. Link