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

Jones Library Board of Trustees – Monday

The Trustees of the Jones Library meet Monday morning for a regular meeting. Topics include reports on the Annual Fund and Capital Campaign as well as an overview of the “Plan B” from the Building & Facilities committee. Monday, 9:00-11:00 am on Zoom. MORE

Casablanca: Film School in 90 Minutes – Monday

If you don’t know a pan from a dolly, or an over-the-shoulder from a two-shot, this program is for you! Local filmmaker and film expert Nina Kleinberg comes to Amherst Cinema to walk us through the making of Casablanca. Using raw footage, clips, and production stills with expertise and humor, Kleinberg reveals how suspense is “manufactured” from raw materials, how continuity errors end up in the final film, and how the filmmakers worked around the censors from the Hays Commission. Monday, 6:30 PM; film at 8:00 PM at Amherst Cinema. $  MORE

Finance Committee – Tuesday

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Finance Committee will discuss funding requests from the Regional School Committee for the ARHS track and field project. They also will continue discussions about financial options presented to establish a reparations endowment fund. Tuesday, 2:00-4:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Community Book Group: Complicity-How the North Promoted, Prolonged, and Profited from Slavery – Wednesday

South Congregational Church is hosting a two-part book group discussion, beginning this week, of the thought-provoking examination of a hidden history, Complicity: How the North Promoted, Prolonged, and Profited from Slavery. Facilitated by Patty Ramsey and Bruce Penniman, the June 12 session will focus on the Introduction through Chapter Four, but don’t worry if you are unable to read all the chapters – you are welcome! Register ahead of time by emailing office@amherstsouthchurch.org. Wednesday, 7:00-8:30 pm at South Congregational Church. Free. MORE

Community Safety & Social Justice Committee – Wednesday

The Community Safety & Social Justice Committee meets on Wednesday evening to hear updates on CRESS and town DEI initiatives. They’ll also discuss potential creation of a resident oversight board and a youth empowerment center. Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Amherst Pride Celebration – Thursday

Join a town-wide celebration of pride and progress on Thursday afternoon. Head to Town Hall for a reading of a proclamation and flag-raising celebrating Amherst’s LGBTQIA+ history. After that, the event continues at Amherst College’s Alumni House with a talk from Justice Roderick Ireland on the landmark Goodridge vs Department of Public Health case and the state’s recognition of same-sex marriage 20 years ago. Following that, hear the personal experiences of Amherst residents Connie Kruger, Pat DeAngelis, and Marguerite Sheehan in a panel discussion. Thursday, 3:00-5:00 PM at Town Hall and Alumni House at Amherst College. Free. MORE

Fireside Chat: Firefly Ecology – Thursday

Do you love the ephemeral season of fireflies? Or maybe you call them lightning bugs, either way head to the Hitchcock Center and learn about and enjoy some firefly watching with guide John Green. They will have a fire going and snacks while you talk about fireflies in Hitchcock gardens before heading to fields to revel in them together. Thursday, 8:30-9:30 pm at the Hitchcock Center. Free. MORE

Fort River Day – Saturday

Come find out how you can help take care of the Fort River and the habitat that surrounds this special tributary. Learn about and celebrate the Fort River Watershed at this annual event at Groff Park. The Fort River Watershed Association hosts this morning of activities and information, including an interactive stream table. Saturday, 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Groff Park. Free. MORE

Juneteenth Celebration Walking Tour – Saturday

From historical struggles to present-day efforts for positive change, this event presented by Ancestral Bridges will recognize the everyday heroes who contribute to our community and inspire future generations. Take a walk through history with stops at cherished Amherst locations as you delve into local historic Black military service, education, housing, and civil rights. Saturday, 11:00 am-4:00 pm. Free. MORE

Juneteenth Celebration Story Slam – Saturday

The celebration of Juneteenth continues Saturday evening at The Drake with an inaugural story slam. Featuring diverse storytellers from Amherst and the wider Connecticut River Valley and presented by Ancestral Bridges, the “Chains to Change” Story Slam will inspire with its celebration of heritage, culture, and the human spirit. Saturday, 7:00 pm at The Drake. $ donation to benefit Ancestral Brideges. 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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