Every Monday, we spotlight the town government meetings, and cultural, recreational, and athletics events that caught our eye. Read on and mark your calendars!

ARHS Varsity Athletics at Home – Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Catch Amherst Hurricanes varsity action at home this week! Girls Basketball on Monday vs. Pope Francis and on Wednesday vs. Hoosac Valley. Both games are at 7:00 pm at ARHS. Boys Basketball vs. Springfield International on Friday at 7:00 pm at ARHS. $ MORE

Municipal Housing Trust, Community Resources Committee, and Planning Board – Tuesday, Wednesday

Housing will be on the agenda at three different meetings Tuesday and Wednesday. The Amherst Municipal Housing Trust meets in-person at 5:00 pm on Tuesday and will discuss goals related to the Town’s housing policy. The Community Resources Committee of the Town Council meets on Tuesday at 6:30 pm to discuss a proposed rental registration bylaw with rental owners. And, on Wednesday, the Planning Board will meet at 6:30 pm to discuss a proposal to allow more apartment and mixed-use buildings along University Drive.  MORE

Unpacking the MA Climate Action Plan – Wednesday

On Wednesday evening, the Hitchcock Center presents a virtual workshop with Hampshire College professor Steve Roof as part of its Climate Action Series. Massachusetts has a meaningful Clean Energy and Climate Action Plan that quickly and dramatically reduces our carbon emissions to 50% by 2030, 75% by 2040, to net zero by 2050. Join this workshop to learn about the state’s strategies for meeting this goal and get us thinking about how we can contribute as a region. Registration required, donations appreciated. MORE

Black History Month Proclamation & Flag Raising – Thursday

The Town of Amherst will mark the start of Black History Month on Thursday with a flag raising ceremony and proclamation at Town Hall at 6:00 pm. Afterward, head into Town Hall to view the opening of the exhibit The Black Experience in Amherst, a self-guided exhibit of shared stories and experiences of Amherst Black Communities past and present through historic photographs and artifacts. The exhibit will be open throughout February, Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Read about these and the other events planned for Black History Month, HERE. 

Rise (and Fall) of the Machines Cinema Seminar – Thursday

Later on Thursday, head to Amherst Cinema for its Cinema Seminar, Rise (and Fall) of the Machines. Curated and guided by industry and academic experts, Cinema Seminars invite you to take a deep dive into new and familiar film worlds. Each seminar begins with an introductory talk followed by a film screening. On Thursday, Dan Cashman explores the contradiction of TERMINATOR 2’s gold standard in visual effects being the very death knell of practical and optical effects. The film is a rich text on the dangers of computer technology, both in theme and in practice. All levels of learners and curiosity are welcome. Thursday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. $ MORE

Veterans Community Breakfast – Friday

Beginning this week, the Town of Amherst CRESS Department (Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service) welcomes the entire community on the first and third Friday of each month for a Veterans Community Breakfast. These breakfasts aim to bring veterans and other community members together for food and friendship to help coalesce a spirit of camaraderie and enable authentic, veteran-oriented communities to flourish. At each breakfast, a veteran or veteran family member will share their story about military service. Friday, 8:00-9:00 AM, Bangs Community Center. Free. MORE 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day – Saturday

The Amherst College Department of Athletics is partnering with the Amherst Recreation Department to present an event on Saturday for girls in grades 4-6 as part of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). The event offers girls the opportunity to explore various sports, play, and have fun together. The event will feature activities led by women’s sports teams, including: squash, basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, field hockey, lacrosse, golf, cross country and track & field. Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Alumni Gym at Amherst College. Free. Read more and register, HERE.

Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria – Saturday

Winterfest! Continues this week and concludes on Saturday with a celebration on the Common. The Amherst BID, Amherst College, Amherst Recreation, and Amherst Fire Department present the 4th annual Fire & Ice Festival in the afternoon. Enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa, view ice sculptures and a fire performance, and take in the magical glow of luminaria after dark. Saturday, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the Common. Free. MORE. See the full week’s Winterfest schedule, here.

Coffeehouse Concert – Sunday

South Congregational Church in Amherst marks its 200th anniversary this year. A whole year’s worth of events is planned, kicking off on Sunday afternoon with a coffee house concert featuring Valley musicians Jerry and Kara Noble. Sunday, 3:00 pm at South Congregational Church. Donation of $20 per person suggested. Reservations required. MORE

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