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.

Progress Pride Flag Raising – Monday

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Amherst is marking the month with the raising of the Progress Pride Flag on Monday in front of Town Hall. The town is planning a first annual Pride March and Rally for June 22nd. Flag raising ceremony and proclamation reading, Monday, 5:30 pm in front of Town Hall. MORE

Public Form on Capital Improvement Plan – Monday

The Finance Committee and Town Council jointly host a public forum on Monday about the FY26 Capital Improvement Plan. The Joint Capital Planning Committee reviewed and prioritized the requests for capital spending in developing the recommended Capital Improvement Plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Major items included in the plan are: a new ambulance and a new public safety radio system shared by Fire/EMS and Police; support for Amherst Elementary Schools for the relocation of the 6th grade to ARMS, three new special education vans, and two new electric school buses with associated vehicle charging infrastructure; Public Works funding for repair and replacement of roads, stormwater management, and additional traffic calming measures; funds to address the backlog of maintenance and repairs to existing Town and school facilities; and continued investment in initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Monday, 6:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

Town Council – Monday

The Town Council meets on Monday to review and discuss amended regulations for water and sewer services as well as proposed rate increases of 22.9% for water and 18.8% for sewer services. The Council also will discuss the proposed task force related to the Regional Schools and Four Towns fiscal stability, and will appoint Town Council representatives to serve on the task force. Monday, 6:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE 

Finance Committee – Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Committee continues its discussion of the overall FY26 budget and will vote on its recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council is expected to discuss the budget and vote on the budget on June 16. For more about the budget, including the Town Manager presentation and the complete budget documents, go to the Town website. Tuesday, 2:00-4:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Joint School Committees – Tuesday

The Regional School Committee meets jointly with the Amherst and Pelham school committees on Tuesday to appoint the Finance Director and approve the evaluation tool for the upcoming superintendent evaluation.

Later, the Regional SC will consider entering executive session, jointly with the superintendency Union 26 committee, to discuss strategy related to contract negotiations with the superintendent. Tuesday, 6:30 pm on Amherst Media. MORE

Planning Board Public Hearing and Meeting – Wednesday

The Planning Board is hosting public hearings on Wednesday about site plan reviews for two different proposed projects. First up is the hearing for the site plan review for work at Munson Memorial Library, including construction of an accessible walkway and ramp with railings. Later, a continuation of the public hearing about the proposed mixed-use housing development at Atkins Corner. After the hearings, the Planning Board will meet to continue its discussion of the Housing Production Plan, with a possible vote. Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Survival Center Benefit with Donnie Gallagher & Friends – Wednesday

Acclaimed area musicians will take to the stage at the Drake on Wednesday to benefit the work of the Amherst Survival Center. The Center is one of many agencies and organizations affected by significant budget cuts in Washington. Organizer and Singer-Songwriter “Donnie Gallagher and Friends” will provide three sets of popular music. Ticket and merchandise proceeds will directly benefit the Survival Center. Wednesday, 7:00-10:00 pm at The Drake. 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

Pancake Breakfast for Puffer’s Pond – Saturday

The Friends of Puffer’s Pond is holding its famous Pancake Breakfast on Saturday to raise funds that will help care for this special place we all love. Join them at the Mill River Recreation Area for all-you-can-eat multigrain pancakes, with coffee and locally made sausage options. There will be music and raffle prizes too! The event will be held rain or shine, no registration required. Saturday, 8:30-11:00 am at Mill River Recreation Area. MORE

Amherst Restaurant Week Kick-Off – Sunday

The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) is launching its first annual Amherst Restaurant Week, taking place Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12 in downtown Amherst. With more than a dozen participating restaurants and eateries, this weeklong event invites residents, students, and visitors alike to explore the diverse and delicious food scene that makes Amherst a standout dining destination.

To kick off the week, Downtown Amherst will come alive on Sunday, June 8 with free entertainment and local flavor. From 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM, the local band Prone to Mischief will perform a lively outdoor set downtown, creating the perfect atmosphere to stroll, dine, and enjoy the evening. At the same time, Chef Bill Collins will host a free cooking demo at the White Lion Brewing patio, preparing asparagus marsala for attendees to sample and learn how to make themselves. Sunday, 4:30-6:30 pm in downtown Amherst. MORE

Call for Volunteers: UMass Civic Initiative

The UMass Civic Initiative is seeking families or individuals to participate in the Summer 2025 Homestay Program. A homestay brings together one or two international undergraduate students with local individuals or families in the Pioneer Valley. The experiences are overnight. Homestay students are from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia. An eligible family will live no more than an hour’s drive from Amherst. Besides meals, hosts can arrange local activities like a movie, a hike, or sporting event. A typical guest number is two students per home. Homestay dates are one-night stays from June 27 to July 14. Those interested should contact Theresa at twodecki@donahue.umass.edu or 413-575-1709. Learn more about the Civic Initiative: http://www.donahue.umass.edu/Civic.

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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.