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

Freedman Lecture – The Certainty Trap: Democracy’s Existential Threat – Monday

Sociologist, writer, and academic entrepreneur Ilana Redstone will present the 2024 College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Freedman Lecture at UMass on Monday. Redstone will explore how the notion of certainty drives the tendency to judge harshly, demonize and dismiss people with whom we disagree, and how that poses a threat to both aspiring and established democracies. Monday, 11:30 am in Room 301 of the Integrative Learning Center. Free. MORE 

ARHS Varsity Sports at Home – Monday through Friday

ARHS student athletes are busy this week! Catch the varsity action at home. Boys Lacrosse vs. Westfield, Monday at 5:15 pm. Girls Tennis vs. Westfield, Tuesday at 4:15 pm and vs. Agawam, Thursday at 4:15 pm. Boys Tennis vs. E Longmeadow, Wednesday at 4:15 pm. Girls Lacrosse vs. McCann, Thursday at 4:15 pm. Boys Baseball vs. Hopkins, Thursday at 4:30 pm. Girls Softball vs. St. Mary’s, Friday at 4:30 pm. Boys and Girls Track & Field face Agawam on Tuesday at 4:15 pm at Agawam H.S. (ARHS cannot host home meets due to the condition of its track and field.)  MORE

Planning Board Site Visit – Monday

The Planning Board will meet to review preliminary plans for Larry Construction’s 75-unit affordable housing project on the south common. Monday, 8:46 am, on the Common in front of the Inn on Boltwood and on TikTok. MORE

Cuppa Joe with Town Manager – Monday

Come sip java with Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman. This week’s topic: new and better uses for the Town Common. Meet in front of the Inn on Boltwood. Shovels will be provided. Monday, 9:20 am. Free. MORE

Town Council Meeting – Monday

At its meeting on Monday evening, the Town Council will discuss the Regional School budget before referring it to the Finance Committee for review. The Regional School Committee submitted a budget that relies on funding from Amherst that is around $700K higher than the guidance from Town Council and avoids approximately $1 million in cuts to current services. Monday, 6:30 pm in Town Hall and online. MORE

Amherst-Hadley Reunification Society – Monday

Later on Monday, the AHRS holds its annual meeting and will review a report of the special committee to secure a legislative sponsor to repeal the Special Act of 1759 and reunite the East Precinct with Hadley proper. Keynote address by Dr. Vebegyu Vekantstantit, professor emeritus, East German State University: “Recovering from the Long, Strange Trip: Preparing Psychologically for Reentry into Liberal Democracy.” Monday, 7:59 pm in Munson Library. MORE

Meet & Greet with Amherst Police Chief Finalists – Tuesday

On Tuesday, the community is invited to meet each of the two finalists for the Chief of Amherst Police position in an informal gathering hosted by the Police Chief Search Committee. The two finalists are Todd Ahern, a Lieutenant in the Chelmsford, Massachusetts Police Department and Gabriel Ting, a Captain and Temporary Chief in the Amherst Police Department. Mr. Ahern will be present at 5:00 pm and Mr. Ting will be present at 6:30 pm. Interpretation services will be available and child care provided. Tuesday, 5:00-7:30 pm at Bangs Community Center.  MORE

nibia pastrana santiago at the Mead – Wednesday

An incredible opportunity to experience the incredible nibia pastrana santiago! The Mead Art Museum at Amherst College will host her as she creates a one-time performance inspired by the installation of Trópico es Político at the Mead. Due to the unique nature of the event and the constraints of the space, audience members will cycle through in 15-minute increments during this two-hour performance. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 pm at Mead Art Museum. Free. MORE

Ali McGuirk at The Drake – Friday

Blending classic soul power with a folk songwriter lyricism, New England’s Ali McGuirk has the rare ability to silence a room with just a few words of a song. With a voice that is raw and sultry and a style rooted in improvisation, her sets are a hypnotic and intimate journey. Hear her at The Drake on Friday at 8:00 pm. $ MORE

Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser – Saturday

Get your tickets now and head to the Amherst Survival Center on Saturday afternoon for a delightful meal and table service by fabulous local celebrities! You’ll find gorgeous handmade bowls from local potters and delicious soup made by local restaurants and the Center’s very own kitchen. This annual fundraiser supports the Center’s food and nutrition programs which serve more than 10,000 people facing food insecurity each year. Saturday, 12:00-4:00 pm at the Amherst Survival Center. $  MORE

Organist Nathan Laube in Concert – Sunday

South Congregational Church continues its 200th Anniversary Celebration Arts and Social Justice Series with an afternoon concert with internationally acclaimed organist Nathan Laube in concert on the church’s 1896 Casavant organ. Sunday, 3:00 pm at South Congregational Church. Admission is free, but donations at the door will be appreciated.  MORE

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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.