It’s Monday, and we’re back with our weekly outlook to the public meetings, activities and events for the upcoming week.

Town Council – Monday

At its meeting on Monday, the Town Council will continue its discussion about the recommendations of the Charter Review Committee for updating the Town’s charter. The Council also will discuss and vote on a resolution to hold federal agents accountable for violating Massachusetts criminal laws. Monday, 6:30–10:30 PM on Zoom (no in-person attendance; Town Hall closed due to winter storm). MORE

Heat Pump Program Information Session – Tuesday

Learn about the Amherst Heat Pump Incentive Program, which provides up to $3,500 in financial incentives to eligible homeowners installing energy-efficient heat pump systems. Representatives from CET will explain program benefits, incentives, and how it works. A Q&A follows. Tuesday, 6:30–8:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Finance Committee of the Town Council – Tuesday

The Finance Committee meets on Tuesday to discuss multiple financial orders and appropriations from free cash, as well as a request from the Regional School Committee to appropriate additional funds to support expanding the middle school roof project to include the auditorium roof. Tuesday, 1:00–3:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Amherst School Committee – Tuesday

The Amherst (elementary) School Committee meets on Tuesday to review the FY27 budget plan and vote on guidance for developing the final budget. The committee also will review an update on the FY26 2nd quarter budget, discuss a report on bullying prevention and intervention, get an update on the school restructuring plan for the Fall, and get an update on ICE activity in the Amherst elementary schools. Tuesday, 6:30–9:00 PM in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

Wednesday Market – Wednesday

The weekly Wednesday Market is free and open to all — fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods generously donated by Whole Foods Market. Bring your own bag. Wednesday, 10:00-11:30 AM in the Bangs Community Center. MORE

Jones Library Poetry Discussion – Wednesday

The Jones Library is kicking off a new series of poetry discussions on Wednesday. The monthly poetry discussion groups for adults are led by ARHS English teacher and poetry aficionado Chris Herland. Each session will give participants a chance to explore the literary world, with topics that may range from the works of iconic individual poets, to the intricate structures of haiku or sonnets, or to poems centered on universal themes such as hope and nature. Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 PM at Applewood (1 Spencer Dr.). MORE

Joint Capital Planning Committee – Wednesday

The JCPC meets on Wednesday for presentation and discussion of FY27 capital project requests for Assessors, Police, Public Works, and other departments as needed. Wednesday, 5:00–7:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Planning Board – Wednesday

The Planning Board meets on Wednesday to discuss a request for proposals for a consultant to develop possible plans for rezoning to support additional housing development in the East Amherst Village area. The board also will continue its general housing discussion. Wednesday, 6:30–9:30 PM on Zoom. MORE

Conservation Commission – Wednesday

The Conservation Commission meets on Wednesday to get an update on drought status, discuss water levels in Gull Pond, review a final draft of Conservation Land Management Policy and Regulations. Wednesday, 7:00–10:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Northampton Jazz Workshop with Eric Alexander – Wednesday

Head to The Drake on Wednesday for the Northampton Jazz Workshop with tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander. Boasting a warm, finely burnished tone and a robust melodic and harmonic imagination, Eric has appeared in many capacities on record, including leader, sideman, producer as well as composing a number of the tunes he records. While he has garnered critical acclaim from every corner, what has mattered most has been to establish his own voice within the illustrious bop-based jazz tradition. Wednesday, 7:30 PM at The Drake. MORE

Regional School Committee – Thursday

The Regional SC meets on Thursday to discuss and vote on cost-of-living adjustments to salaries for the superintendent and non-unit committee action employees. The SC also will discuss and vote on a new contract with the APEA, the union representing teachers, paraeducators, and clerical staff in the Amherst, Pelham, and Regional school districts. Thursday, 5:00 PM in the library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Becoming Beloved Community: Conversation with Community Heart & Soul – Thursday

Help shape the future of Amherst! The Department of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion hosts a community conversation with Community Heart & Soul, a resident-driven process for envisioning the community’s future together. A meal will be provided. Free and open to the public. Register on or before Thursday. Thursday 5:30–8:00 PM at the Bangs Community Center. MORE

Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing & Meeting – Thursday

The ZBA hosts public hearings on Thursday about special permit requests for a property at 74 N. Whitney St., and a property at 169 Meadow St. Thursday, 6:00–9:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Regional Schools FY27 Budget Hearing – Thursday

The Regional SC hosts its budget hearing on the FY27 budget on Thursday. The Regional district faces significant challenge and is projecting a $1.1 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Thursday’s hearing includes a detailed presentation of the proposed budget and an opportunity for community members to ask questions and share feedback. Thursday, 6:30 PM in the library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Jones Library Celebratory Topping-Off Ceremony – Friday

The public is invited to celebrate a milestone in the Jones Library renovation and restoration project: the Topping-Off Ceremony on Friday. A Topping-Off Ceremony is a customary way to celebrate a significant milestone during the construction of a new building—when one of the last steel beams is put in place. The ceremonial beam will be available on Wednesday and Thursday for community members to sign the beam at their convenience.  

On Friday, the beam will be returned to the construction site. Community members will gather to watch the beam be put in place after a brief ceremony. Ceremonial beam available for signing, Wednesday & Thursday in the Amity St. parking lot. Topping-Off ceremony on Friday, 2:30 PM behind the Strong House (67 Amity St.). MORE

Cookbook Club – Friday

Join the Cookbook Club meeting and potluck at the North Amherst Library on Friday. Each month, the library selects a cookbook and has copies available to check out. Select a recipe and prepare it at home, then bring your dish to the meeting to share! February’s book is Comfort by Yotam Ottolenghi. Registration is required. Friday, 5:30-7:00 PM at the North Amherst Library. MORE

Amherst College LitFest 2026 – Saturday & Sunday

Amherst College will host the 11th annual LitFest this weekend, a literary festival celebrating fiction, nonfiction, poetry, spoken-word performance, and the College’s extraordinary literary life. Guest speakers include Pete Buttigieg, U.S. secretary of transportation from 2021 to 2025 [SOLD OUT]; award-winning author Jamaica Kincaid; and acclaimed poets Lena Khalaf Tuffaha and Evie Shockley, among others. Various events on Saturday and Sunday. See the complete schedule and register: MORE