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.

Town of Amherst Financial Indicators – Monday

On Monday, the Town Council meets jointly with the Amherst School Committee and the Jones Library Board of Trustees for a presentation by the Town Manager about the financial state of the town and initial projections regarding next year’s budgets. This meeting is the kick-off of the annual budget development process and the presentation will provide the first look at anticipated Town revenue and funding for public schools, library operations, and other town services. Monday, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

Cultural Council – Monday

The Amherst Cultural Council will discuss its FY25 grants schedule and process at its meeting on Monday. 6:00 pm -7:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Town Council Meeting – Monday

Later on Monday, the Town Council will meet to consider tax classification policy, including whether to have a split tax rate for residential and commercial properties and whether certain exemptions should be adopted. They’ll also consider rescinding previously authorized but unissued debt as well as other general Town Council business. Monday, 7:00 pm-10:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE 

Election Day – Tuesday

Tuesday is election day (finally!). Voters who have not already cast their votes through early voting or by mail ballot can cast their votes at their polling place on Tuesday. Polls are open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Find your polling location here. Precinct 1-A Voters – your polling location has moved to the North Amherst Library. MORE

Planning Board Public Hearing & Meeting – Wednesday

On Wednesday, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the site plan review for a University Drive mixed-use development project to be located at the intersection with Amity St. The Board also will review possible changes to zoning bylaws that may be required with the recent state changes regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Wednesday, 6:45 pm on Zoom. MORE

Carl Clements at The Drake – Wednesday

Escape from the stress of not knowing the full results of Tuesday’s election and head to the Drake for this free event on Wednesday! Saxophonist, flutist, and composer Carl Clements performs and records internationally in a variety of styles, with a  particular focus on jazz, Hindustani classical music, and various forms of improvised and pre-composed music. Wednesday, 8:00 pm at The Drake. Free. MORE

Amherst Public Art Commission – Thursday

At its meeting on Thursday, the Public Art Commission will hear updates about the Electrify Amherst initiative, discuss the schedule of exhibits for the gallery in Town Hall, and review suggestions for art at the parking garage headhouse. Thursday, 6:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

History Bites: the Cold War in Amherst – Friday

On Friday, the Amherst Historical Society’s lunchtime series History Bites returns with a presentation on cold war preparedness in western Massachusetts. Local author and retired firefighter Joshua Shanley brings that time to life with his discussion as he explores several historical sites around Amherst, including the bunker on Military Road built in 1957, and the lesser-known “backyard bunker” on Pine Street, which he is currently investigating. Friday, 12:15 pm-1:15 pm in the Bangs Center. Free. MORE

Late Nights: Hundreds of Beavers – Friday

Need a good laugh? Late Nights, Amherst Cinema’s Friday-night series of the best cult, genre, and other outré film features Hundreds of Beavers this week. The film is a slapstick epic about a frostbitten battle between Jean Kayak and diabolical beavers—hundreds of them—who stand between him and survival. Robert Abele of the Los Angeles Times wrote about the film: “This underground festival hit is a feverish fit of creative buffoonery—you haven’t experienced anything remotely like it.” Friday, 9:45 pm at Amherst Cinema. $ MORE

---

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.