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.

National Day of Service & Community Card Making – Monday

On Monday the Town is celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a Day of Service. Everyone is invited to join in this spirit of service by making it “a day on, not a day off.” As part of the Day of Service, the Town is hosting a Community Card Making event. 

Show your appreciation for the dedicated individuals who serve our community. Write a card to thank our Amherst DPW, Police, Fire, and CRESS departments. Make a card to send to residents participating in Meals on Wheels, or recognize a favorite teacher or librarian. All ages welcome. Materials provided. Monday, 1:00-3:00 pm in the Bangs Community Center. Free. MORE

Light and Love Amherst Community Food Drive – Monday

The Light and Love Amherst Community Food Drive is running in Amherst through Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. The food drive is inspired by Dr. King’s words: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

This food drive will stock the shelves in the Amherst Survival Center food pantry which provides free groceries to individuals in need every month. Food donations can be brought to the Survival Center between 10:00 am-1:00 pm, or to the Community Card Making event at the Bangs Center between 1:00-3:00 pm. Monday, 10:00 am-1:00 pm at the Amherst Survival Center. MORE

ARHS Varsity Athletics at Home – Tuesday & Wednesday

Catch ARHS varsity athletes in action at home this week! Boys Basketball vs. Longmeadow, Tuesday at 7:00 pm; Boys Hockey vs. McCann Tech, Wednesday at 5:15pm at Orr rink. MORE

Conservation Commission – Tuesday

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Conservation Commission will review a variety of policies, including one about dogs on conservation lands. The Commission also will discuss beavers. Tuesday, 12:00-1:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

National Day of Racial Healing Event – Tuesday

Amherst will be joining dozens of other communities across the country observing this Day of Racial Healing by hosting a community discussion focused on racial healing and racial equity. Food and refreshments will be provided. Please register for the event using this form. Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 pm in the cafeteria at the middle school. MORE

Amherst School Committee – Tuesday

The Amherst (elementary) School Committee meets on Tuesday and will consider reorganizing committee officers. The Committee will also get an update on the 2nd quarter of the current year’s budget, review the draft FY26 budget, and discuss projected enrollment and class sizes. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Housing Authority Board of Commissioners – Wednesday

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will review its Annual Plan for FY26. After the Annual Plan presentation, the Board will convene its regular meeting. Wednesday, 4:00-5:30 pm in the community room in the Jean Elder House. MORE

Planning Board Public Hearing & Meeting – Wednesday

The Planning Board is hosting public hearings about the development at University Drive and Amity Street and the proposed University Drive Overlay District to encourage affordable housing and commercial development. At their meeting, they’ll review the construction logistics plan for the elementary school building project at the Fort River site. Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Regional School Committee & Union 26 Committee Meeting – Wednesday

The Regional (secondary) School Committee and the Superintendency Union 26 Committee meet jointly on Wednesday and will consider entering executive session to discuss complaints or charges brought against the superintendent. Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the PD Center at the middle school. MORE

Building Homes & Breaking Barriers: Constructing Affordable Housing in Amherst – Thursday

On Thursday, the Town of Amherst and the Amherst League of Women Voters is sponsoring a panel discussion and Q&A about affordable housing in Amherst. During the program six expert panelists will present information about affordable housing projects that are in planning or are in the process of being built in the town of Amherst. Q&A moderated by Representative Mindy Domb. Thursday, 7:00-9:00 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing – Thursday

The Zoning Board of Appeals holds a public hearing on Thursday about a request to convert an office space to a residential unit on North Whitney St. Thursday, 6:00-9:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Jones Library Board of Trustees – Friday

The Trustees of the Jones Library meet on Friday and will get updates from committees, including the building project committee and the development committee (annual fund and capital campaign). Friday, 4:00-6:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Newsies! – Thursday through Sunday

Join Amherst Community Theater for an electrifying production of Disney’s Newsies, the Tony Award®-winning musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein. Inspired by the 1899 newsboys’ strike, this rousing tale of resilience, justice, and community is more relevant than ever in today’s fight for workers’ rights and equality. Our spirited, inclusive production features a dynamic cast of all-gendered newsies, reimagining the story’s heart with dynamic choreography and show-stopping music. Five performances at Bowker Auditorium, UMass running January 24–26, 2025. MORE

Madison Curbelo with Lucia Dostal – Saturday

Head to The Drake on Saturday to hear two Western Mass singer songwriters! Northampton native Lucia Dostal opens with her folk, soul, and indie-pop styles. Westfield native and The Voice veteran Madison Curbelo takes the stage later with her songs that tell stories from her favorite films, books, and the daily struggles of a “girly in her twenties.” Saturday, 8:00 pm at The Drake. 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.