It’s Monday and we’re back with our roundup of the week’s events. Here are this week’s town government meetings, and cultural, recreational, and athletics events that caught our eye.

ARHS Varsity Athletics at Home – Monday-Friday

Catch ARHS Varsity teams at home this week. Boys Soccer vs. Chicopee Comp, Monday at 6:30pm; Girls Volleyball vs. Agawam, Tuesday at 5:00pm; Girls Soccer vs. Frontier, Tuesday at 6:30 pm; Boys Football vs. W. Springfield, Friday at 7:00pm. MORE

Design Review Board – Monday

The Design Review Board will review plans for the ARHS track and field project at its meeting on Monday evening. They also will review proposed plans for new signage for two businesses, on Triangle St and on N. Pleasant St., as well as proposed changes to windows at a property on Pray St. Monday, 5:00-7:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Town Council – Monday

The Town Council will revisit its delayed action on defining the charge of the Amherst Black Reparations Committee at its meeting on Monday evening. It also will continue its discussion about the Town Manager’s FY25 goals. The Council also is expected to take action on proposed signage in the public way as well as proposed safety zones for the middle and high schools. Monday, 6:30-9:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

Regional (secondary) School Committee – Tuesday

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Regional (secondary) School Committee will get an update on the “Welcoming Schools” program that was implemented in 2023 to address bias-based bullying in the middle school. The SC also will discuss the use of a block schedule at the high school. Their agenda also includes two potential executive sessions with the Union 26 committee to discuss contract negotiations with the Finance Director, Doug Slaughter, and with the Superintendent, Dr. E. Xiomara Herman. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the Library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Energy & Climate Action Committee – Wednesday

At its meeting on Wednesday evening, the Energy & Climate Action Committee will review the draft solar bylaw, as well as the draft rental/building efficiency bylaw. They also will discuss Climate Resilient Schools. Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 on Zoom. MORE

Bellwether Series: Sweetheart Deal – Thursday

On Thursday, Amherst Cinema welcomes film editor and Amherst Regional High School alum Brittany Kaplan in-person with her film Sweetheart Deal, part of its Bellwether series of films. The film “is a perfect example of the type of films we look for when programming our Bellwether series: a subject, handled with great care and respect that may be challenging for audiences, often because as a culture we are unwilling to discuss or address the issue with the depth, nuance and care it requires,” says Amherst Cinema programmer George Myers. Brittany Kaplan shared, “It is so special to be able to screen Sweetheart Deal in my hometown, Amherst, where I first fell in love with the craft of editing in an AV class at Amherst High School. I hope the film provides a deeper understanding of addiction and sex work.” Following the film screening, Kaplan takes the stage for a post-film conversation.Thursday, 7:00pm at Amherst Cinema. $  MORE

Elementary School Building Committee – Friday

On Friday morning, the Elementary School Building Committee will get an update on construction plans at its regular meeting. Friday, 8:30-10:00 am on Zoom. MORE

Halloween Dog Pawty – Saturday

Bring your spooky and adorable pups to the Amherst Dog Park on Saturday for a fang-tastic time featuring a dog costume contest, raffle prizes and tasty treats! Here are the costume categories: Best Multiple Dogs, Best Owner/Dog Combo, Best Dog as Food, Funniest, Scariest and Best Celebrity/Character. Saturday, 2:00-4:00 pm. Free. Learn more and sign up to volunteer: MORE

Amherst’s Annual Halloween Spooktacular – Sunday

Get ready for a spooktacular day of fun for the whole family! Amherst Recreation will be hosting their annual Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday. The event kicks off with Downtown Trick-or-Treating from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in collaboration with the Downtown Amherst Business Improvement District and the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. Participating businesses will be identified by flyers displayed at their locations. Pick up a free trick-or-treat bag and a list of participating businesses at the Amherst Visitor Information Center (35 South Pleasant St) or the Amherst Recreation office (170 Chestnut St, Suite 1) beginning October 21.  

The Costume Parade starts at 1:00 pm at the North Common and all ages are welcome to join in the fun! Following the parade, Halloween Spooktacular continues at the Bangs Community Center from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed activities including a haunted house, kid’s carnival, crafts, and not-so-scary story time with the Jones Library. Sunday, 12:00-4:00 pm. 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.