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 and recreational events that caught our eye.

Local Historic District Commission – Monday

The Local Historic District Commission meets on Monday to discuss its study of a potential East Amherst Local Historic District. Monday, 6:30-10:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Regional School Committee Joint Meeting – Monday

The Regional SC meets jointly with the Superintendency Union 26 Committee on Monday and will consider entering an executive session to discuss strategy related to contract negotiations with the superintendent. Monday, 7:00 pm in Room 144 at ARHS. MORE

Amherst Restaurant Week – Monday through Thursday

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 features special menus, limited-time deals, and one-of-a-kind offers from many of Amherst’s local restaurants, cafés, dessert spots, and bars. MORE

Regional School Committee – Tuesday

The Regional School Committee meets on Tuesday with a full agenda. The SC will first reorganize, electing its Chair and Vice Chair officers. They will then consider entering an executive session to discuss negotiations with the APEA, the union representing teachers, paraeducators, and clerical staff in the Regional, Amherst, and Pelham school districts. After returning to public session, the SC will discuss and potentially vote on restructuring the School Equity Advisory Committee (SEAC) and hear a presentation from the current SEAC. They’ll also get an update on the 3rd quarter budget of the current FY25 and discuss the SC’s testimony at a state hearing on two education bills. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the Library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Joint Meeting of the Amherst and Regional School Committees – Tuesday

The Regional SC meets jointly with the Amherst and Pelham SCs later on Tuesday. The SCs will get a presentation of “artifacts” from the superintendent; the presentation of artifacts typically provides input and evidence of the superintendent’s work toward performance goals for the year that the SCs use to evaluate the superintendent. The SCs also will consider entering executive session to discuss contract negotiation strategy related to the finance director and will return to public session to potentially vote on the contract with the finance director.

Later, the Regional SC meets jointly with the Superintendency Union 26 committee to again consider entering executive session to continue discussions of strategy related to contract negotiations with the superintendent. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the Library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Community Safety & Social Justice Committee – Wednesday

On Wednesday, the CSSJ committee meets to hear updates about the work of the Town’s Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service and DEI departments, as well as updates on the potential Resident Oversight Board and a potential Youth Empowerment Center. Wednesday, 6:30-9:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

S. Amherst School Redevelopment Visioning Session – Wednesday

The Town of Amherst, in partnership with Joy Squared Architects, is exploring possible redevelopment options at the South Amherst School at 1001 South East Street.

This process aims to create a plan that reflects community input, zoning considerations, existing physical features, and housing needs. Join us at this visioning session, to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape the direction of the project!

After this session, Joy Squared Architects will prepare three distinct concepts. These concepts will be presented to Town stakeholders for feedback and prioritization, guiding more formal development efforts in the future. Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 pm at Munson Memorial Library. MORE

Community Resources Committee of the Town Council – Thursday

The Town Council’s committee on Community Resources meets on Thursday to interview candidates for three vacancies on the Planning Board. The committee will vote to recommend 3 of the 5 candidates for the Town Council to consider for appointment. Find the information about the candidates as well as the selection guidance on the Town website. Thursday, 3:00-5:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Info Session: Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit – Thursday

Curious about adding a small apartment, backyard cottage, or converting space within your home? Join the Town of Amherst Affordable Housing Trust and participating partners to learn about new regulations, building tips, financing options, and more. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to get started, this event will provide valuable insights! Thursday, 5:00-7:00 pm at Munson Memorial Library. MORE

Cuppa Joe with Paul and Housing Coordinator Greg Richane – Friday

Interested in learning more about the Town of Amherst’s housing initiatives? Join us for our next Cuppa Joe with Paul featuring Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Greg Richane, Associate Planner and Housing Coordinator.

The Town is leading several innovative and impactful housing initiatives that Richane will share and answer questions about including updating the Housing Production Plan, exploring shelter and housing concepts for the former VFW site and South Amherst School, developing affordable apartments on South East Street and Belchertown Road, and providing resources to expand housing options such as accessory dwelling units. Learn more about some of these initiatives on the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund webpage. Friday, 8:00-9:30 am at Black Sheep Deli. MORE 

5th Annual Juneteenth Legacy Celebration – Saturday

Join Ancestral Bridges on Saturday for the 5th annual Juneteenth Legacy Celebration! Families, residents, and visitors from near and far are invited to immerse themselves in the rich history, resilience, vibrancy, struggles, and triumphs of Amherst’s historic Black community and its Juneteenth roots, which have shaped our town over the years. The day’s events are a tribute to heritage, culture, arts, the human spirit, and include a range of new experiences for all ages.

The day begins with an Open House at Ancestral Bridges. Connect with our past and bring it forward. It continues later with a tour at the Historic West Cemetery. This year’s celebration features a revitalized Civil War-era reenactment and soulful tribute to the Black and Afro Indigenous Amherst residents who served in the Massachusetts 54th Regiment and the Massachusetts 5th Cavalry, recognizing their vital roles in the military actions we celebrate today as Juneteenth. We honor them and all who joined the mission to let freedom ring.

The celebration continues with a poetic lunch at The Emily Dickinson Museum, featuring readings by artists Mel Arthur and Nathan McClain. UMass Downtown will bring us home with a tribute to the jazz roots of Amherst, featuring live sets with Chuck Langford at 2:30, 3:00, and 3:30 PM. And, Jones Library & Branches will weave a thread of family friendly activity throughout the events. Saturday, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm at various locations in Amherst. 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.