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

UMass Founders Day Events – Monday

Monday, April 29 marks the annual celebration of UMass Amherst Founders Day and this year’s event, open to the community beyond campus as part of a series of activities surrounding the Inauguration of Chancellor Javier Reyes, promises to be the most ambitious yet with more than 30 activities, tours, musical performances and open houses taking place between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Founders Day is an annual opportunity to reflect on the rich and storied history of UMass Amherst, take pride in its present standing and look toward its future. The centerpiece of Founders Day 2024, as always, will be the Campus Cookout 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. The award-winning UMass Dining staff will prepare a free, healthy and sustainable meal featuring locally sourced items.

See a full schedule of 30+ special events including a glassblowing demonstration, hot air balloon rides, open houses, tours, and more at umass.edu/founders-day.

ARHS Varsity Sports at Home – Monday through Friday

Catch the varsity action at home. Boys Tennis Monday at 4:30 pm vs. Agawam and Thursday at 5:00 pm vs. Minnechaug. Boys Lacrosse Monday at 4:30 pm vs. Wahconah. Girls Softball Monday at 5:15 pm vs. Lee. Girls Lacrosse Monday at 6:30 pm vs. Granby. Girls Tennis Wednesday at 4:15 pm vs. Westfield. Boys Baseball Thursday at 4:30 pm vs. Southwick. The 31st Amherst Invitational Ultimate Tournament returns to Amherst on Saturday and Sunday. More Info about the tournament.  MORE about all other athletics events.

School Committees Meeting – Monday

The Regional School Committee and the Superintendency Union 28 Committee meet jointly on Monday to discuss and vote to appoint a new superintendent for the Regional, Amherst, and Pelham school districts. There will be no public comment period at this special meeting of the committees. Monday, 5:30-7:30 pm in the Library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Design Review Board – Monday

The Design Review meets on Monday to review several items, including a new, standalone public restroom at Kendrick Park. Monday, 5:00-7:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Special Town Council Meeting – Monday

The Town Council will discuss and consider approval of a number of items that have been discussed in previous meetings, including a new policy regarding surplus property disposition (such as the Wildwood school building after the new school building opens in 2026). Monday, 6:30-10:30 pm in Town Hall and online. MORE

Walk, Bike & Roll to School – Wednesday

On Wednesday, May 1, students and families across Massachusetts will walk, bike, and roll to school to enjoy a safe, healthy, and active lifestyle. Families from all of our Amherst schools are looking forward to participating in this event and elementary school parents are setting up rally points throughout the community so participants can travel together to their school on both the morning and afternoon of May 1. If you are interested in participating in the event or want to help with the planning or support of the event, please complete this short Google form.

Planning Board – Wednesday

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing about a proposed additional building at the Emily Dickinson Museum. They’ll also discuss a proposed 3-unit apartment building on Fearing Street and the Shutesbury Road Solar Project. Wednesday, 6:30-9:00 pm online. MORE.

Codemakers: Peter Sellars on Art and Culture in Restorative Justice – Wednesday

Join UMass Fine Arts as director Peter Sellars, widely regarded as perhaps the most important figure in theater and opera over the past half century, speaks on the role of the arts in creating a more just and equitable future. The program for the evening will include both a lecture and a Q&A with this giant of the dramatic performing arts world. Wednesday, 7:30 pm at Bowker Auditorium at UMass. Free, ticket required. MORE

Evening Forest Bathing – Thursday

Connecting with nature has the benefits of reducing anxiety, easing stress and rekindling a sense of wonder. In this meditative experience, modeled on Forest Bathing, we’ll explore the woods around the Hitchcock Center at the magical hour of a spring evening. While in this magical setting, we’ll spend time with marvelous plants and practice engaging our senses through guided prompts. Slowing down, listening and exploring the intentional connections thriving in nature help to bring us into closer relationship with our surroundings and with ourselves. Thursday, 5:30-7:30 pm at the Hitchcock Center. Limited to 12 participants. $ MORE

Community Cookout at East Gables – Saturday

All are invited to a community cookout with the newest residents of East Gables! Located adjacent to Pratt Field, East Gables is one of Western Massachusetts’s first permanent supportive affordable housing residences. This community event, presented through Amherst College’s Center for Community Engagement, marks the first time East Gables has opened its doors to the public since its initial open house. All are welcome! Saturday, 2:00-5:00 pm at East Gables residences, 132 Northampton Rd. MORE

¡BIENVENIDOS! – Sunday

Amherst Neighbors, a nonprofit that offers volunteer services and programs for older adults (55+), invites Latino/a members of the Amherst and Pelham community to an in-person gathering on Sunday. Enjoy delicious refreshments and entertainment with Banda Criolla while learning about Amherst Neighbors. Registration is requested. Sunday, 3:00-6:00 pm at the Munson Library Auditorium. Free. 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.

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