Home Posts tagged Downtown Amherst Foundation

Pazmany Named Executive Director of the Downtown Amherst Foundation

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Downtown Amherst Foundation (DAF) has named Claudia Pazmany its new executive director, bringing a familiar downtown leader back to Amherst in a role focused fully on the foundation and its signature cultural enterprise, the Drake.

Her first day will be June 1.

“Bringing Claudia onto this team feels like the most natural next step,” said Gabrielle Gould, president of the Downtown Amherst Foundation Board of Directors. “I truly can’t imagine a better person to join us at this moment in our growth.”

Gould said the hire marks an important step as the Drake builds on four years of momentum as a destination for live music, community gathering, and downtown energy.

“The Drake has thrived because of the support of our community and key partners across Amherst,” Gould said. “We’re grateful to everyone who has helped bring us this far and to the generosity that is allowing us to take this next step toward long-term sustainability and success.”

Pazmany previously served as executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce from 2019 to 2024, where she was a visible advocate for local businesses and the vitality of downtown. She most recently served as chief development officer for Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services in Springfield, helping advance fundraising, partnerships, and new initiatives.

That combination of downtown knowledge, nonprofit leadership, and community-building experience makes Pazmany well positioned to guide the foundation’s next chapter.

“My time at Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services has been profoundly shaping,” Pazmany said. “I’m proud of what we built together — from launching inaugural events and statewide collaborations to strengthening partnerships and laying the groundwork for sustainable fundraising. I remain dedicated to advancing its mission as a volunteer.”  

“As I step into this new role, I bring that same commitment to community, belonging, and bold, collaborative growth,” she said. “I’m excited to help expand the reach of the arts across our communities, deepen access, widen participation, and help shape the next chapter of The Drake’s impact in Amherst.”

Grant Funds Announced in Second Round of Relief and Resiliency Grant Program

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Downtown Amherst Foundation announced that the second round of grants from the Relief and Resiliency grant program have been made available to 28 Amherst businesses from the retail, restaurant, and service sectors. The funding arrives as more businesses open up and prepare for in-store services, shopping, and dining.

Restaurants and eateries to receive awards are Arigato, Kaiju, Momo Tibetan, Oriental Flavor, Osteria Vespa, Sunset Grill & Pizza, Wheelhouse (a catering company located in the former Lumberyard restaurant space), and the Subways on Main Street and College Street (owned and operated by locals).

Retailers awarded are Dion Tack, J. Austin Antiques, Knowles Flower Shop, and Mystery Train Records. Salons, spas, and health clubs awarded are Global Cuts, Absolutely Hair, Amherst Extensions & Beauty Supply, Artressa Salon, Casimir Kocot Salon, Eliana’s Barbershop, Electrolysis by Athena & Lorraine, Elements Hot Tub & Spa, Hair by Harlow, Hair East, and Sandy’s Barber Shop. Service-sector awards go to Amherst Copy & DesignWorks, Hampshire Athletic Club, Fitness Together, and Paul’s Shoe Repair.

The funds help business owners and staff struggling with lower customer volume while navigating staffing, services, and fiscal obligations like paying suppliers, while staying healthy and safe. Kevin Grimard at Paul’s Shoe Repair, who has been in business for 32 years, taking over from his father, who opened in 1960, said, “I’ve done really well all these years in Amherst and never thought in my life something like this would happen.”

The fundraising effort has garnered more than $300,000, with generous recent donations from Applied Mortgage and the Amherst Rotary Club, along with numerous donations from residents.

The Downtown Amherst Foundation has secured personal protective equipment (PPE), and will distribute gallons of hand sanitizer, face masks, and gloves to Amherst businesses. Jay Paulo, owner of the Subway on Main Street, as well as a part-time EMT in Springfield, said the PPE is most welcome as supplies remain very limited.

The town of Amherst was also able to secure a $10,000 grant from the Solomon Foundation, which it has awarded to the Downtown Amherst Foundation. The DAF will match this grant and will use it to purchase umbrellas and large planters for shade trees to enhance the outdoor dining experience. The Amherst Downtown Business Improvement District will be working with the Department of Public Works to string café lighting along the streetscapes to create a welcoming and vibrant nighttime setting.

To donate to the Downtown Amherst Foundation, visit downtownamherstfoundation.org or send a check to 35 South Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002.

First Round of Grants Announced for Amherst Businesses

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Downtown Amherst Foundation’s grant review committee has selected the successful applicants from the first grant-giving cycle with businesses representative of several sectors, including restaurants and cafés, bars and pubs, retail establishments, and services. Nearly $150,000 was awarded to businesses in amounts up to $10,000.

Recipients included Amherst Coffee, Bistro 63, Crazy Noodles, Cushman Market, El Comalito, Fresh Side, La Veracruzana, LimeRed Teahouse, Miss Saigon, McMurphy’s Uptown Tavern, the Moan and Dove, Pita Pockets, Sibie’s, and Stackers for restaurants and bars; Amherst Books, Fretted Instrument, J. Austin Jewelers, M&M Links, the Bower Studio, the Toy Box, and Zanna for retailers; Cheryl Nina Salon, Matt’s Barbershop, Sei Bella Salon, Styles by Deborah, and the Lift Salon for salon/barbershop services; and Amherst Fitness, Amherst Inn, Center Dance Studio, Collective Copies/Levellers Press, Hope & Feathers Framing, the Laundry Club, and the Yoga Center Amherst for other services.

Contributions to the fund include donations from Amherst Insurance Agency, bankESB, Bueno y Sano, C&H Architects, Encharter Insurance, Felicity Hardee Law Practice, First Church Amherst, Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank, Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation, Mom’s House Chinese Food Market, PeoplesBank, Stakeholders Capital, UMassFive College Credit Union, and the Amherst Business Improvement District. Donors helped the foundation reach half its $500,000 goal in only three weeks.

The Downtown Amherst Foundation anticipates another round of grants and plans on a more concrete announcement in coming weeks regarding this second round. That announcement will include information on eligibility, as well as timing and size offered in this grant cycle. With the Commonwealth’s announcement of a phased reopening strategy on May 18, these grants will be focused on helping businesses get up and running. Anyone who has an interest in maintaining a vibrant Amherst environment and business culture is invited to contribute to the fund at www.downtownamherstfoundation.org.