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.

Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust – Monday

The Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meets on Monday to discuss funding plans for the housing action plan. The AMAHT needs to secure $4 million over the next five years to support the work of the trust and will discuss advocating to increase current funding streams and developing other funding sources. Monday, 1:30-2:30 pm in Town Hall. MORE

Streetscape Workshop for Downtown Design Standards – Monday

The Town invites the community to join this interactive, in-person session to help shape the future streetscape design standards for downtown Amherst. We’ll explore design alternatives for our public spaces, including sidewalk paving, benches, bike racks, lighting, signage, outdoor dining areas, parklets, and more. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend—help us create a downtown that works for all. Monday, 6:30-8:30 pm in the Town Room in Town Hall. MORE

Can’t make it? Share your vision for Amherst’s streetscape by completing the second and final Visual Preference Survey. The survey is open through December 22, 2024.

Amherst Recreation Commission – Monday

The Recreation Commission meets on Monday evening and will hear updates about its proposal for Community Preservation Act funding, Plum Brook recreation area, Cherry Hill public golf course, and plans for pickleball courts. Monday, 6:00-8:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Cultural Council – Monday

At its meeting on Monday evening, the Cultural Council will continue its deliberation of its FY2025 grant awards. Monday, 6:00-7:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

ARHS Athletics at Home – Tuesday and Friday

ARHS athletics are back in action for the winter season! Catch them at home this week. Boys Basketball vs. Granby, Tuesday at 6:00 pm. Girls JV Basketball vs. Northampton, Friday at 5:00 pm. Basketball games are at the gym at ARHS. MORE

Disability Access Advisory Board – Tuesday

The Disability Access Advisory Board will discuss the decision by the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regarding curb cuts. Tuesday, 11:30 am-1:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Finance Committee – Tuesday

The Finance Committee meets on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the appropriation for the track and field project at the high school as well as the planning to fund the four major capital projects. An updated model of different funding options was presented to the Town Council in November. The Council is expected to commit to one of these models at its meeting next Monday, December 16. Tuesday, 3:00-5:00 pm on Zoom.  MORE

School Committees – Tuesday

The Regional School Committee meets on Tuesday and begins in an executive session to discuss strategy related to contract negotiations with the APEA, the union representing teachers, clerical staff, and paraeducators. They’ll also get an update on the FY25 year-to-date budget. 

Later, they will be joined by the Amherst and Pelham School Committees to discuss policy updates related to anti-discrimination and harassment.

At the end of their meeting, they will meet jointly in executive session with the Superintendency Union 26 Committee to discuss contract negotiations with Superintendent Herman. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the Library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Cuppa Joe with Paul and New Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren – Friday

Head to Coronation Cafe on Friday morning for coffee and conversation with Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman and new Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren. Chief Stromgren grew up in Amherst and began his career with the Amherst Fire Department 42 years ago as a student firefighter, moving through the ranks from professional firefighter/EMT, captain, and assistant chief. He officially began his duties as Chief this month after serving as Interim Chief since June. Friday, 8:00-9:30 am at Coronation Cafe. Free. MORE

Christmas Bird Count for Kids & Families – Sunday

Do you want to learn more about birds? Would you like to contribute to science? Join birdwatchers all over America in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC)! The CBC is a 124-year old event in which bird lovers of all ages and skill levels count all the birds they see in a 24-hour period in December. 

The Hitchcock Center is presenting a program for kids and families as part of the CBC, including an indoor program about how to recognize common birds and a story about the history of the Christmas Bird Count. Afterwards, families who are interested may participate in an outdoor bird count, with ID help by Hampshire Bird Club members at the Hitchcock Center bird feeders and beyond. We’ll count every bird we see! Younger participants may decorate “eye focusers” and hit the trails for a self-guided bird scavenger hunt (with paper birds!). Stay as long as you wish. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a real bird census! Sunday, 1:00-3:00 pm at the Hitchcock Center. Free. 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.