There’s always lots going on around Amherst, and this week is no exception. Every week, we spotlight the town government meetings, and cultural, recreational, and athletics events that caught our eye. Read on and mark your calendars!

Celebration of the Life & Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King – Monday

Today, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Human Rights Commission will host a celebration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy. All members of the community are invited to come and take part in the reading of Rev. Dr. King’s lecture, “The Quest for Peace and Justice.” Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Registration is not required, but it is appreciated. Register. Monday, 1:00 pm, at Bangs Community Center. MORE

National Day of Racial Healing – Tuesday

Tuesday is National Day of Racial Healing and in Amherst there are two events honoring this day. Tuesday morning, author, activist, and jazz singer LaTosha Brown speaks at a Community Brunch presented by UMass. Community members are invited to join this event to contemplate our shared values, celebrate our common humanity, and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world. The in-person event has reached maximum capacity, but you can join via livestream. 9:00-11:00 am. MORE. 

CANCELED On Tuesday evening, Amherst will host a series of ‘sharing circles’ at its event at Crocker Farm Elementary School. The event creates an opportunity for open communication between community members. Each sharing circle is guided by a community member who has been carefully trained to help the group build empathy and focus on listening with a goal of better understanding the uniqueness of our community. “This event holds a very special place in my heart,” explains DEI Director Pamela Nolan Young.  “It encourages people to get comfortable and share vignettes from their past, their present, and helps us build towards a more understanding and compassionate future. People of all ages and all walks of life are invited. Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 pm, at Crocker Farm Elementary School. Registration is appreciated but not required. MORE

Amherst School Committee – Thursday (New Date)

At its meeting Thursday evening, the Amherst (elementary) School Committee will review an initial presentation of the FY25 elementary schools budget and discuss the timing for moving 6th grade to the Middle School. Thursday, 6:30 pm in the ARHS Library and on Amherst Media. MORE

ARHS Varsity Athletics at Home – Wednesday, Thursday

Catch Amherst Hurricanes varsity action at home this week! Boys and Girls Swim & Dive vs. Palmer, Wednesday, 4:30 pm at the Middle School pool (new date); Boys Ice Hockey vs. Minnechaug, Wednesday, 6:00 pm at Amherst College’s Orr rink (new date); Girls Basketball vs. Taconic, Wednesday, 6:00 pm and Thursday, 7:00 pm vs. South Hadley, both games at ARHS. $ MORE

Energy and Art Committees – Wednesday

The Energy and Climate Action Committee (ECAC) and the Public Art Commission each will be meeting on Wednesday. The ECAC will discuss residential solar with an area expert, Wednesday, 4:30-6:30 pm. MORE. And, the Public Art Commission will be discussing a pop-up Black history museum, Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 pm. MORE

Amherst Community Theater presents Seussical! – Thursday through Sunday

Amherst Community Theater continues its run of Seussical! this week with performances at Bowker Auditorium, Thursday through Sunday. Questions? Please email producer@amherstacts.org. $ Buy tickets.

ARHS Cabaret at The Drake – Saturday

Head to The Drake on Saturday to enjoy an evening of skits and small group musical performances, featuring students from Amherst Regional High School. Rescheduled to this Saturday, January 20, this annual event will feature musical acts from a variety of genres and showcase the talents of students in our town. Saturday, 7:30pm. $ MORE

Owl Prowl at the Hitchcock Center – Saturday

Have you been on an owl prowl? It is a special treat in the heart of winter. Come seek out the Great-horned owl on a winter (hopefully snowy) night with expert birder Dan Ziomek. Saturday, 6:30-9:00 pm. $ MORE

Coming Up Later This Month: Winterfest!

Celebrate the season and enjoy some frosty fun during the annual Winterfest, January 27 through February 3. There’s something for everyone! See a complete listing of events, here, and follow updates on Facebook.

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NOTE: this post was updated to reflect schedule changes due to the weather and school district snow closure on Tuesday. Please be sure to follow the links labeled “MORE” above to confirm details.

Have an event you’d like us to spotlight? Email us TheAmherstCurrent@gmail.com.