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.
Jones Library Reopening – Monday
The Jones Library reopens in its temporary location at 101 University Drive on Monday! All are invited to a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony taking place at 9:00 AM. This location will be open during regular hours and with full library services. Monday, 9:00 am, in the Jones Library temporary location at 101 University Drive. MORE
Jones Library Building Committee – Monday
At its meeting on Monday, the Jones Library Building Committee will discuss updates on the project, the HUD environmental review, sub-bids filed for roofing, construction mobilization, and the project budget. Monday, 5:00-6:30 pm on Zoom. MORE
Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee – Tuesday
The Town Council committee on Governance, Organization, and Legislation meets on Tuesday to interview candidates to fill vacancies on the Finance Committee. There are three candidates for two non-voting positions on the Finance Committee: Priya Atiyolil, Joseph Jayne, and Steven KaCey. Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 pm on Zoom. MORE
Blade Runner: The Final Cut – Tuesday
Amherst Cinema’s summer series Big Screen Classics continues on Tuesday with a screening of Ridley Scott’s 2007 “Final Cut” version of his 1982 film Blade Runner. Based on the novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by science fiction master Philip K. Dick, Blade Runner is a haunting look at reality, memory, and mortality set against the dystopian future of Los Angeles, 2019. Tuesday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. MORE
Energy & Climate Action Committee – Wednesday
The ECAC meets on Wednesday to discuss an overview of a “Smart Solar Bill,” the draft municipal solar bylaw, the UMass climate plan, Regional and State policy updates, and more. Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 pm on Zoom. MORE
Planning Board Public Hearing & Meeting – Wednesday
The Planning Board hosts public hearings on Wednesday on site plan reviews for three different projects: the proposed accessible walkway and ramp at the Munson Memorial Library, modifications to the proposed mixed-use housing development at Atkins Corner (Gould Way and Lannon Lane), and modifications to the proposed mixed-use housing development at University Drive and Amity Street. Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 pm on Zoom. MORE
Disability Pride Month Film Festival: The Ride Ahead – Wednesday
The Amherst Commission for Persons with Disabilities is hosting the film screening on Wednesday of The Ride Ahead as part of the Free Film Festival for Disability Pride Month!
This 2024 documentary follows Samuel Habib, a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career, and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. The film captures the power of finding mentors and membership in a community, for sustaining a strong sense of self in transition to adult challenges, and for building solidarity in an ableist world. Accessibility services will include closed captioning, an ASL interpreter, audio descriptions, and wheelchair accessible venues. Mask up if you can! Wednesday, 5:00-7:30 pm in the Bangs Community Center. MORE
Local Historic District Commission – Thursday
The Local Historic District Commission meets on Thursday to hear public comment and questions about a proposal to create a new Local Historic District for East Amherst, centering on the intersection of Main Street and North and South East Streets. Thursday, 6:30-10:00 pm on Zoom. MORE
Sunset Thursdays at the Carle – Thursday
On Thursday, the Eric Carle Museum continues its Sunset Thursdays with evening exhibition hours and live music. This week, the museum welcomes community partner Chinese Association of Western Massachusetts (CAWM) to offer a medley of activities celebrating Chinese art and culture in conjunction with the exhibition currently on view, The Art of Grace Lin: Meeting a Friend in an Unexpected Place. Art projects in the Art Studio include calligraphy and origami, while performances include Kung Fu with The Chinese Kung Fu Wushu Academy, Traditional Chinese Dance with the Xi Wang Dance Company, Waist Drum Dance with the Chinese Association of Western Massachusetts. See the full schedule. Thursday, 5:00-8:00 pm at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. MORE
Veterans Community 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
Elementary School Building Committee – Friday
The Elementary School Building Committee meets on Friday morning to discuss updates on the building project and plan for a site visit on July 22. Friday, 12:30-2:00 pm on Zoom. MORE
Summer Music Concert Series – Friday
The Amherst Business Improvement District’s Summer Music Concert Series continues on Friday! This week: GemsTones and Masala Jazz. 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
Survey: On-Street EV Charging Stations – Now through July 25
The Town of Amherst is exploring new on-street electric vehicle charging options with support through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) On-Street Charging Solutions Program. All residents are encouraged to participate in a short survey to guide decisions on locations for potential stations, as well as opportunities and challenges related to public electric vehicle (EV) charging access in Amherst. Find out more about the program. Take the survey.
Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens – Now through August 15
Free summer meals are being offered for kids and teens, ages 18 and under, through the Summer Eats program. This program runs every weekday at locations across town and is sponsored by UMass Amherst Dining and the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District. No identification or registration is required, but kids and teens must be present to receive a meal and are required to eat on site. Find out about hours, locations, and MORE.
Nomination Papers Available – Now through September 16
Nomination papers for all town elected positions are now available at the Town Clerk’s office for the upcoming Amherst Town Election. Nomination papers will remain available through the deadline of 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 16. Learn more about the elected positions and who’s running on our 2025 Election Central (updated today)!
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.
