Monday Essentials: FIRST Sign Ups and Strategic Planning

Editor's note: The selectmen's meeting listed below has changed. Tonight will be only a short meeting at 6:30 p.m. for a public hearing regarding the finalization of the Hidden Pond apartment complex. The Fire Department will present its strategic plan on Sept. 30, as will the Amherst Town Library.

Selectmen's meeting. The fire department will present its strategic plan that it has worked on throughout the summer, developing the department's vision for the future. This was part of a project in which all of the town department heads came up with a plan to present to selectmen about where the departments should be progressing, the things they need for success and suggestions on how to achieve these goals. Read more here. 

SAU 39 Board meeting. The joint school board from Amherst and Mont Vernon is scheduled to meet this Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Mont Vernon Village School at 6 p.m. An agenda had not been posted online as of this posting but a schedule of upcoming meetings and important school year dates can be found on the SAU 39 website.

Fall farmers market. The Amherst Farmers Market continues Thursday as the season for outdoor markets is rapidly coming to a close. Make sure to squeeze in some local shopping on the green before its gone until next summer. Farmers market is from 3-6 p.m. on the town green.

Get your library card. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country remind library patrons that a library card is the smartest card you can own. during the month of September, new patrons who register for a card at the Amherst Town Library will receive a free library bookbag. Stop by the library at 14 Main St. for more information.

Join FIRST Robotics. Registration for this year’s Souhegan High School FIRST Robotics Team will take place on Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. FIRST Robotics is the varsity sport for the mind. It combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to "real-world engineering" as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. FIRST kids are significantly more likely to attend college, major in science or engineering, and be outstanding future employees and citizens. Learn more on Wednesday.