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.

Stay Cool: Free Open Swim & Cooling Centers – Monday through Wednesday

Extreme heat and humidity are expected through Wednesday, and the Town of Amherst offers a variety of ways to stay safe and cool during these forecasted conditions. Cooling centers are available during limited hours, the spray pad at Groff Park is operational, and both public pools are free to use during open swim. Mill River and War Memorial free open swim, Monday-Wednesday, 12:00-8:00 pm. For more information, including Groff Park spray pad and cooling center hours: MORE  

Historical Commission Public Hearing & Meeting – Monday

The Historical Commission hosts a public hearing on Monday about proposed plans to demolish a commercial building at 37 North Pleasant St. to make room for a new 2-story mixed use building. At its meeting afterward, the Commission will discuss applications to the Town’s Barn Preservation Program, the CPA project for the North Cemetery fence, and more. Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Regional School Committee & Joint Meeting – Tuesday

The Regional School Committee meets on Tuesday jointly with the Superintendency Union 26 Committee and will consider entering executive session to discuss strategy related to contract negotiations with the Superintendent. Afterward, the Regional SC meets jointly with the Amherst and Pelham school committees to discuss and potentially vote on the annual evaluations of the Superintendent. The Amherst and Regional SCs will later discuss allegations of policy violations by member Irv Rhodes. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Governance, Organization, & Legislation Committee – Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Town Council committee on Governance, Organization, and Legislation meets to continue its discussion to develop the charge for the Amherst Black Reparations Committee. The Committee also will develop its recommendation to the Town Council for appointments to fill a vacancy on the Finance Committee and the Charter Review Committee. Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 pm on Zoom. MORE 

Conservation Commission Public Hearing & Meeting – Wednesday

The Conservation Commission meets on Wednesday to discuss the approach to revising the Town’s Wetlands Protection bylaw and regulations. The Commission also will host public hearings on several notices of intent for work in buffer zones and vegetated wetlands. Wednesday, 7:00-10:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Summer Music Concert Series – Friday

The Amherst Business Improvement District’s Summer Music Concert Series is back! Happening on Fridays through August 1 (except July 4), these community concerts bring great music, great vibes, and great company to the heart of Downtown Amherst. The series kicks off on Friday with music by Harvest & Rust and Matt York. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, friends, and family, and enjoy a variety of live music performances under the summer sky. This free event is open to all and celebrates the spirit of our downtown community. A cash bar will be open on-site serving beer, wine, and cider. Friday, 5:00-8:00 pm on the Common. MORE

Salsa in the Park – Saturday

Get ready for the 3rd Salsa in the Park Amherst of the year! Head to the pavilion at Mill River Recreation Area for outdoor dancing, great music, and food from the Thai Chili food truck. Rain or shine! Saturday 6:00-7:00 pm, free salsa lesson with Ray & Rebeccah of Salsa Worcester; 7:00-9:30 pm, free Latin Dance Social (Salsa, Bachata, Merengue) with DJ Picu. In the pavilion at Mill River Recreation Area. MORE

The Surfrajettes – Sunday

Head to The Drake on Sunday to hear The Surfrajettes, a four-piece instrumental combo from Toronto, Canada. Since forming in late 2015, the band has charmed audiences with their clever mix of psychedelic rock and reverb-drenched surf music, sky-high beehives, go-go boots, and eyeliner as thick as their guitar strings. The Surfrajettes are guitarists Shermy Freeman and Nicole Damof, bassist Sarah Butler, and drummer Annie Lillis. Sunday, 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.