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.

Regional School Committee – Monday

The Regional SC meets jointly on Monday with the Superintendency Union 26 committee to vote on a proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Superintendent Dr. Xiomara Herman. The MOA updates the superintendent’s compensation to include a salary increase of 2.5% for the 2025/26 fiscal year, a one-time “transition stipend” of $15,000, an annual “doctoral stipend” of $2,500, and reimbursement of expenses for travel (up to $2,500) and professional development (up to $5,000). It also provides two days per month of compensation leave (in recognition of the high number of night meetings) plus vacation leave of 26 days at the start of each fiscal year, and allows for the carry-over of up to 52 unused vacation days each year. Monday, 5:00 pm on Google Meet. MORE

Town Council – Monday

At its meeting on Monday, the Town Council will discuss a pair of communications to the school committees regarding budget development for FY27. (Read about the draft memo to the Regional SC.) The Council also will discuss special municipal employee status and the charge for the committee on Amherst Black Reparations..Monday, 6:30-10:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom and Amherst Media. MORE

Public Listening Session: Charter Review Committee – Monday

The Amherst Charter Review Committee hosts the second of four public listening sessions on Monday to hear from the community about our town government. These sessions are a great opportunity to engage in the charter review process. Each session will be an open forum of lightly facilitated discussion for any and all Amherst residents to share thoughts and opinions about town government and how it is working. Monday, 7:00-8:00 pm at the Bangs Community Center. MORE

Finance Committee – Tuesday

The Finance Committee meets on Tuesday to review the 3rd quarter FY25 budget update and to discuss capital projects. Tuesday, 2:00-4:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Energy & Climate Action Committee – Wednesday

The ECAC meets on Wednesday to discuss a variety of topics, including plans for sponsored events, education, and outreach, as well as the UMass-Amherst climate plan and the Town’s draft solar bylaw. Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Come on Back! Film & Live Puppet Demonstration- Wednesday

On Wednesday, puppeteers Jacob Graham and Stoph Scheer present their film Come on Back! The Movie featuring a live puppet demonstration and post-screening Q&A. Tom, a meek and mild boy, has been put to death by the censors of film and television for living openly as a homosexual in 1975. Now, the inhabitants of The Village of Yesterday’s Promise are attempting to bring him back with science, sorcery, or by any means necessary. Wednesday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. MORE

Sunset Thursdays at the Carle – Thursday

On Thursday, the Eric Carle Museum kicks off its Sunset Thursdays with evening exhibition hours and live music. Enjoy breezy, late Thursday evenings while you picnic on the beautiful grounds and take in the jazz music in the courtyard. Enjoy drinks, order picnics to-go from area restaurants, or bring your own food. Feel free to bring your own blankets or lawn chairs. This Thursday, enoy the music of Ben Malynoski Plus 2 (saxophone trio). See the full schedule. Thursday, 5:00-8:00 pm at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. MORE

Independence Day Celebration – Thursday

Celebrate Independence Day in Amherst! Join the Town of Amherst for our annual celebration on Thursday, July 3rd at UMass Amherst’s McGuirk Alumni Stadium South Lawn. Get ready for a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky! Enjoy live music and a DJ, food trucks, the White Lion Brewing beer garden, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Thursday, 5:30 pm until dark, at McQuirk Alumni Stadium South Lawn. MORE

Veterans Breakfast for All – Friday

Join us 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. Friday, 8:00-9:00 am at Bangs Community Center. MORE

Reading Frederick Douglass Together – Saturday

South Congregational Church hosts the annual Reading Frederick Douglas Together event on Saturday. During the event, community volunteers will read portions of Douglass’s 1852 “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” speech, followed by small group discussions and refreshments. All are welcome to join in this important community gathering! Saturday, 3:00 pm at South Congregational Church. 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.