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 athletes in action at home this week! Boys Tennis vs. Northampton, Monday at 4:45 pm and vs. Minnechaug, Friday at 5:15 pm. Girls Lacrosse vs. Granby, Tuesday at 4:15 pm and vs. Pope Francis, Thursday at 4:15 pm. Girls Tennis vs. E. Longmeadow, Wednesday at 4:15 pm. Girls Softball vs. Pope Francis, Wednesday at 4:30 pm. Boys Baseball vs. Wahconah, Wednesday at 4:30 pm. Boys Lacrosse vs. Belchertown, Wednesday at 4:30 pm and vs. South Hadley, Friday at 4:30 pm. Amherst Ultimate Invite, Saturday & Sunday, 8am-5pm at UMass. MORE

Town Council – Monday

At its meeting on Monday, the Town Council will consider action to approve the Regional Schools debt authorization for capital improvements, approve the committee charge for the Amherst Black Reparations Committee, and to form two different committees related to fiscal stabilization and sustainability for the Regional School district. Monday, 6:30-10:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

UMass Founders Day – Tuesday

Join UMass on Tuesday for a daylong, campus-wide celebration of UMass pride and community building! The event is open to the community beyond campus and there will be more than 30 activities, tours, musical performances, and open houses throughout the day. Founders Day is an annual opportunity to reflect on the rich and storied history of UMass Amherst, take pride in its present standing and look toward its future. 

The centerpiece of Founders Day, as always, will be the Campus Cookout from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. In addition to the free, healthy, and sustainable meal from the award-winning UMass Dining team, all are invited to stay for programming from more than 20 departments showcasing what they do best. From scientific glass blowing, robotic dogs and tree climbing demonstrations, to a DIY Bouquet Bar with the Stockbridge Floral Design, the Campus as a Museum, and line dancing – this year’s event will have something for everyone at locations across campus. The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down, either, as you can end your day at the Student Union with an 80’s themed outdoor screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” or play a round of Glow Golf. Tuesday, 10:00 am-8:00 pm. MORE

Joint Regional School Committee & Amherst School Committee – Tuesday

The Regional School Committee and Amherst School Committee meet jointly on Tuesday. The Regional SC meets first and will consider entering Executive Session to discuss strategy related to its negotiations with the APEA, the union representing teachers, paraeducators, and clerical staff for the Regional, Amherst, and Pelham schools. After returning to open session, the Regional SC will hear a presentation from ARHS students in the Engineering for Social Good course. Afterward, the Amherst and Pelham SCs will join to review updates on strategic planning (“Portrait of a Graduate”), the student opportunity act, the welcoming schools initiative, as well as follow-ups on their midyear evaluation of the superintendent. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the Library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Gospel Choir Benefit Concert – Tuesday

Head to Grace Episcopal Church on Tuesday for a concert of gospel music to benefit A Better Chance Amherst. Performances by the Amherst Area Gospel Choir, ARHS Hurricane Singers, and the UMass Gospel Choir. Gather before the concert with ABC community friends and meet the ABC scholars at a Welcome Reception. Tuesday, Reception at 6:30 pm, Concert at 7:30 pm, in Grace Episcopal Church. MORE

Sheryl Bailey with the Northampton Jazz Workshop – Wednesday

There’s no description more apt for Sheryl Bailey than “a sizzling guitar goddess”, coined by Elliot Simon of All About Jazz. It’s said (by Lee Metcalf, The Villager) that she can “go from zero to blazing in two beats,” but she is continually praised for never sacrificing melody and lyricism for technique. Bailey joins the Northampton Jazz Workshop at The Drake on Wednesday, with open jam afterward. Wednesday, 7:30 pm at The Drake. MORE

Board of License Commissioners – Thursday

The Board of License Commissioners meets on Thursday to discuss alleged violations of the terms of the Alcoholic Beverage License at Uptown Tap & Grille. Thursday, 5:30-7:30 pm in the Town Room in Town Hall. MORE

Bellwether Film Series: Predators – Thursday

The Bellwether Film Series at Amherst Cinema celebrates fresh approaches to fiction, non-fiction and experimental cinema. The series showcases striking and important new films and engages artists and filmgoers in discussion. This week’s screening is Predators; Director David Osit joins in person for a post-film conversation. 

A cultural sensation from its inception in the early 2000s, Dateline NBC’s candid-camera investigative series To Catch a Predator ensnared sex offenders and lured them to a film set, where they would be interviewed and arrested while cameras rolled. The show was a hit and transformed its host Chris Hansen into a moral crusader and TV star, while spawning a worldwide industry of imitators and vigilantes.

Looking back on the program, and the franchises it spawned, filmmaker David Osit turns his camera on journalists, actors, law enforcers, academics, and ultimately himself, to trace America’s obsession with watching people at their lowest. Thursday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. MORE

Veterans Breakfast for All – Friday

Join others to make new friends and get to know Amherst Veterans! At each breakfast, a veteran or veteran ally will tell their personal story regarding military service. Everyone is welcome to attend including veterans, partners, caregivers, and all Amherst community members. Sponsored by the Town of Amherst Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service. Friday, 8:00-9:00 am in the Large Activity Room at the Bangs Community Center. 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.