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

Regional (secondary) School Committee – Tuesday

The Regional School Committee meets on Tuesday to discuss and vote on the budget for next year. 6:30 pm in the Library at ARHS and online.  MORE

A Reading and Conversation with Diasporic Burmese American Writers – Tuesday

The Amherst College Visiting Writer Series features three diasporic Burmese American writers on Tuesday evening. Hear poet Maw Shein, speculative literary artist Audrey T. Williams, and author and language instructor Kenneth Wong at this event, open to the public. Tuesday, 7:00 pm in the Aliki Perroti & Seth Frank Lyceum. Free MORE

Science on Screen: Planet of the Apes – Wednesday

On Wednesday, Amherst Cinema presents Science on Screen^(R) with Comparative Psychologist Tara Mandalaywala and a screening of the movie Planet of the Apes. 

The film asks us to imagine a not-too-distant world where apes are intelligent, cultured, and at the top of the hierarchy, while humans are mere beasts at the bottom. This premise feels so outlandish because many people think of humans as the endpoint of evolution, treating humans as the “most evolved” species. But is there good evidence that present-day apes already have culture and intelligence? And could apes become human-like (and humans become ape-like) in a mere 2000 years (just a blink of the eye in evolutionary time)? Join Comparative Psychologist Tara Mandalaywala to learn what we share with, and how we differ from, our closest relatives. Wednesday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. $ MORE

Conservation Commission – Wednesday

Also on Wednesday, the Conservation Commission meets with a packed agenda. Among the many topics, they’ll hear about updates on land management as well as the open space and recreation plan. (Reminder: provide your input for updating the community open space and recreation plan by completing the survey by March 22. Read more.) Wednesday, 7:00 – 10:00 pm online. MORE

Community Safety & Social Justice Committee – Wednesday

The Town committee on Community Safety and Social Justice will hear updates on CRESS, including the director search, as well as the Police Chief search at its meeting on Wednesday. 6:30 – 8:00 pm online. MORE

The Alternatives to Suicide Approach: The Hope of Harm Reduction – Wednesday

Come learn about The Alternatives to Suicide Approach: The Hope of Harm Reduction., presented by members of the Wildflower Alliance. This is part of the “Be Kind. It’s Good for Your Mind.” speaker series hosted by the Recreation Department and the Department of Public Health. The event is free and advance registration is required. Wednesday, 5:30 – 7:00 pm online. Free. MORE

Drop-In Tech Support @ the Senior Center  – Thursday

Presented by Matt Berube of the Jones Library. Get free 1-on-1 help with your laptop, phone, or tablet at this drop-in support session.  Learn to borrow free digital books, audiobooks and magazines, and learn to stream free movies. 2:00 – 4:00 pm in the Senior Center. Free. MORE

¡Guitarra! Series: Bokyung Byun – Saturday

In this second of three events in its ¡Guitarra! classical guitar series, UMass Fine Arts Center presents yet another leading light of the form in the intimate setting of Old Chapel on Friday. Praised by Classical Guitar magazine as “confident and quite extraordinary,” Korean guitarist Bokyung Byun​ holds the distinction of having been the first woman to win the prestigious JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition. Falletta herself described Byun’s performance as “stunning, showcasing her gorgeous tone, immaculate technique, and sophisticated musicianship.” Saturday, 8:00 pm in the UMass Old Chapel. $ MORE

Get Involved

You don’t have to run for an elected office to contribute to the future of our community and government. There are multiple Town boards and committees looking for new members, including the Finance Committee and the new 2024 Charter Review Committee. See the complete list of committee vacancies and apply, HERE.

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Want more? We’ve gathered the event and program calendars from the many organizations and committees in Amherst onto Community Calendars. Check it out to find even more upcoming events.

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