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

Cherry Hill Working Group — Monday

The Cherry Hill Working Group meets on Monday to discuss and approve short-term recommendations to the Town Manager about the Cherry Hill public golf course agenda. The Working Group was formed last fall with the goal to provide advice and recommendations about the long-term viability of golf operations at Cherry Hill Golf Course, innovative strategies for course management and fiscal sustainability, and alternative or compatible uses of the property. Monday, 7:00–9:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Town Council Special Meeting — Monday

At a special meeting on Monday, the Town Council will convene in executive session to discuss strategy related to bargaining with the union representing employees at the Dept. of Public Works. There are no public comment periods at special meetings of the Council. Monday, 7:00–10:00 PM in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

Rainbow Coffee Hour – Tuesday

Join the Rainbow Coffee Hour on Tuesday for a heartwarming and inclusive experience. The group gathers once a month on the first Tuesday where they create a safe and welcoming space for connecting with like-minded individuals, share stories, and combat loneliness. Tuesday, 9:30-11:00 AM at the Senior Center in Bangs Community Center. MORE

Finance Committee — Tuesday

The Finance Committee meets on Tuesday to discuss and plan its work related to the FY27 budget development. Tuesday, 1:00–3:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Amherst Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Joint Meeting — Tuesday

The Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meet jointly on Tuesday for a presentation and Q&A with the Town attorneys, KP Law, about solar siting. Tuesday, 7:00–9:00 PM in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE 

Budget Coordinating Group — Wednesday

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Budget Coordinating Group will discuss updates on health insurance rates and FY27 budget projections and Free Cash/Excess & Deficiency for the Town and Amherst Regional Public School District. The Budget Coordinating Group coordinates budgeting between the Town Manager, Town Council, School Committees, and Library Board of Trustees and ensures that information is shared amongst those entities as the Town Manager develops a budget. Wednesday, 12:00–1:00 PM on Zoom. MORE 

Joint Capital Planning Committee — Wednesday

The JCPC meets on Wednesday to continue its review of project requests for the FY27 capital spending budget. Topics include project discussions on Conservation, Planning, Town Facilities, and other departments as needed. Wednesday, 5:00–7:00 PM on Zoom. MORE 

Understanding Voter Suppression with Sophia Lin Lakin of the ACLU – Wednesday

Head to the UMass Campus Center on Wednesday for a talk and Q&A with Sophia Lakin of the American Civil Liberties Union presented by the UMass Community, Democracy, and Dialogue initiative. Sophia Lin Lakin is the Director of the ACLU Voting Rights Project and a leading voting rights attorney who has dedicated her career to protecting and expanding voting rights across the United States, successfully challenging discriminatory voting laws and redistricting plans across the country. In her leadership role, she directs the Project’s strategic litigation efforts that have helped secure voting access and fair representation for millions. Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 PM in the Amherst Room at the UMass Campus Center. MORE

Planning Board — Wednesday

The Planning Board meets on Wednesday to review a draft consultant scope of work for a study on zoning change options to increase housing density in the East Amherst Village area. Wednesday, 6:30–9:30 PM on Zoom. MORE

MASSive Desk Concert – Thursday

Head to UMass Downtown on Thursday for the March edition of the monthly MASSive Desk Concert series. Thursday, 7:00-8:00 PM at UMass Downtown. MORE

Public Hearing: Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee — Thursday

The CDBG Advisory Committee hosts a public hearing on Thursday about a proposed amendment to FY25 funding and the proposed final projects for FY26 funding. The FY25 amendment proposes to transfer funds from two planning projects to a project to construct a paved plaza and seating area at the south end of Kendrick Park. Thursday, 7:00–10:00 PM on Zoom. MORE

Black Art Matters Festival – Thursday and Saturday

Head to Amherst College this week for its annual Black Art Matters festival. This year’s festival begins with the opening reception on Thursday for a powerful visual art exhibition at the Mead Art Museum and featuring student speakers.

Then, the energy continues with a dynamic Performing Arts Showcase at the Powerhouse on Saturday, bringing the stage to life with performances you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy inspiring art, vibrant performances, and great food — all in one incredible festival experience. Everyone is welcome. Thursday, 6:00 PM at the Mead Art Museum; and Saturday, 7:00 PM at the Eighmy Powerhouse. 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