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.

Charter Review Feedback Subcommittee – Monday

The Feedback Subcommittee of the 2024 Charter Review Committee meets on Monday to continue its work to review, compile, and format a report of the public feedback on the Town Charter. Monday, 4:30-6:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Steve Hofstetter at The Drake – Monday

Head to the Drake for a night of comedy on Monday with Steve Hofstetter. Hofstetter has over a billion views on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, and is a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated comedian. His book (Ginger Kid) is a top 5 pick on Amazon and debuted at number one in its category. Hofstetter was the host and executive producer of season one of Laughs (FOX) and he has been on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and E! True Hollywood Story, Comics Unleashed, Comedy All-Stars, Quite Frankly, White Boyz in the Hood, Countdown, and more. Monday, 8:00 pm at The Drake. MORE

Valley Green Energy Working Group – Tuesday

The Valley Green Energy (VGE) Working Group meets on Tuesday to review a draft request for proposals for consultants to help develop a business plan for VGE. Valley Green Energy is the group electricity buying program for Amherst, Northampton, and Pelham residents and businesses. The Working Group also will hear updates about VGE from Paul Gromer of MassPowerChoice. Tuesday, 1:00-2:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Governance, Organization, & Legislation Committee – Tuesday

The Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee of the Town Council meets on Tuesday to continue discussions about filling a vacancy on the Charter Review Committee. The Committee also will discuss the Town Manager evaluation and proposed changes to the Town Council Rules of Procedure. The group may also review policy revisions related to public ways and the formation of a Transportation Advisory Commission. Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Big Screen Classics: The Birdcage – Tuesday

Amherst Cinema’s summer series of Big Screen Classics continues on Tuesday with a screening of The Birdcage. In this big-hearted comedy, Robin Williams and Nathan Lane play a couple who run a drag club in Miami Beach. When their son announces his engagement, the couple attempts to hide their true selves from the bride-to-be’s father, a conservative senator, played by Gene Hackman. Tuesday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. MORE

Energy & Climate Action Committee – Wednesday

The ECAC meets on Wednesday to review a draft letter to State legislators about a pending bill to establish a Climate Change Superfund. The group also will discuss an overview of SMART solar bills as well as their education & outreach efforts and advisory & support work. Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Conservation Commission Public Hearings – Wednesday

The Conservation Commission holds several public hearings on Wednesday related to various development or construction projects and other projects. Wednesday, 7:00-10:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Community Resources Committee Public Hearings & Meeting – Thursday

The Community Resources Committee of the Town Council holds two public hearings on Thursday related to proposed revisions to the zoning bylaw. One revision would allow for project-specific determination of the fees-in-lieu value for affordable units to be made by the Permit Granting Authority; the other revision would update the section about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to align with new State law. Thursday, 3:00-5:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing & Meeting – Thursday

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets on Thursday to review an updated management plan for a property at 324 West St. and to hold a public hearing about a special permit request for a project at 585 Station Rd. Thursday, 6:00-9:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Amherst Artisans Market – Thursday

Head downtown on Thursday for the weekly Artisans Market. The market showcases local artists, crafters, and food vendors offering handmade artwork, jewelry, pottery, and more. Thursday, 3:00-7:00 pm in front of Town Hall. MORE

Sunset Thursdays at the Carle – Thursday

On Thursday, the Eric Carle Museum continues its Sunset Thursdays with evening exhibition hours and live music. 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, enjoy the music of The Lucky 3 (Trombone, guitar and violin), co-presented with The Northamption Jazz Festival. See the full schedule. Thursday, 5:00-8:00 pm at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. MORE

Downtown Road Construction & Free Parking – All Week

There is no work scheduled this week on the major reconstruction of the main downtown intersection. The intersection will remain open to traffic and parking is allowed in the construction zone. Additionally, there is free 2-hour parking in the lot behind CVS through Labor Day (September 1) to help mitigate the impacts of the construction work. 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!

Coming in September: Auditions for Amherst Community Theater’s Production of The Wizard of Oz

Amherst Community Theater is holding auditions September 12-14 for its January presentation of The Wizard of Oz. This multigenerational production features singing, dancing and acting for the whole cast! In addition to the traditional characters, there will be many featured roles for all ages in both Munchkinland and Oz: Harmonic Trees, Dancing Crows, Performing Poppies and more. You might even land a role as a flying monkey! Tappers are encouraged to come and share their skills. Children age 7 (and having entered grade 2) through adults are encouraged to audition. Auditions by appointment only, September 12-14 at Amherst Regional Middle School. To schedule an audition and find out more, go to the ACT website.

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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.