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Aug. 1, 2021, has been proclaimed Emancipation Day in the Town of Amherst.
The date marks the 187th anniversary of the day the Slavery Abolition Act became law in the British Empire. The act ended the practice of slavery for millions of African people and their descendants living in the empire, including those in what became Canada.
More than $83,000 in Community Support and ‘A’ Fresh Start Initiative grants were handed out by the Town of Amherst to 16 local organizations during an event in Victoria Square on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.
“Amherst wouldn’t function without these very active community organizations,” Mayor David Kogon said, on behalf of the members of Amherst town council.
“Their work, whether with children or adults, is priceless to this community. The groups presented with cheques here today truly help make Amherst a great place to live, work and play.”
Amherst and Truemanville firefighters battled a structure fire on Hickman Street on Monday, July 12, 2021, that caused extensive damage to a two-storey home turned into an apartment building.
“The call came in at 5:55 p.m.,” Capt. John Matthews, Amherst Fire Department spokesman said. “When we arrived, smoke was coming from the first-floor kitchen window and the door adjacent to it, and there were signs of smoke progressing into the upper elevations of the house.”
David Gautreau has fixed his last broken water main.
That’s because the 45-year veteran of the Town of Amherst’s public works department is retiring. His last official day on the job is July 2, 2021.
“The first year I was here was in 1975, as a student,” Gautreau said. “The boss told me to go back to school to get my Grade 12 and that he’d give me a call in the spring of the following year.”