AMHERST, Mass. – The UMass Amherst Campus and Community Coalition to Reduce High-Risk Drinking (CCC) presents “Visioning a Vibrant and Safe Nightlife Locally: It’s Your Turn to Speak Up!” on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will be held at AmherstWorks, 11 Amity St., in downtown Amherst. The event is free and open to the public
What is the role of alcohol venues in driving the local economy? Who misses out? How do we engage all citizens in bringing vitality, arts, culture, retail, food, drink and more to one of the Best College Towns in America? This local event will explore the vision of a vibrant and safe nightlife that fosters community and revitalizes the economy, promotes fun, entertainment and lively all-ages options.
Moderated by Stephanie O’Keeffe, former Select Board chair in Amherst and CCC member, the panel includes Sarah la Cour, executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District; Anthony Vitale, president of the UMass Student Government Association; George Myers, general manager of the Amherst Cinema and co-owner of The Quarters in Hadley, and Sally Linowski, associate dean of students for off-campus student life and community education at UMass Amherst. Following a brief panel discussion, audience members will be asked to participate in breakout groups and report some of their own thoughts on a safe and vibrant local nightlife.
The program is funded in part by a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of its Communities Talk: Town Hall Meetings to Prevent Underage Drinking program. For more information on SAMHSA, please visit www.stopalcoholabuse.gov