Happy Monday, Amherst! Here’s your look at the week ahead in town government and community life. It’s a busy one — fourteen civic meetings span the full workweek and many community events offer something for everyone from book lovers to coffee drinkers to fans of the great outdoors. All meetings are open to the public; Zoom links and agendas are available on each event’s calendar page.

Town Council Work Session – Monday

The Council convenes to discuss recommendations from the Charter Review Committee. Monday, 6:30–10:30 PM in Town Hall and Zoom.  Event Details

Historical Commission – Monday

The Historical Commission meets on Monday for a continued public hearing on a request to demolish a ca. 1850 single-family home at 80 South East Street; approval of December and January minutes. Monday, 7:00-9:00 PM on Zoom. Event Details

Public Shade Tree Public Hearing – Tuesday

The Public Shade Tree Committee hosts a public hearing on Tuesday on the proposed removal of shade trees at 5 University Drive (three maples for a bus pull-off and new curb cut) and at 485 Pine Street (one honey locust for a curb cut). After the hearing, the Committee meets to discuss Second Saturdays/Arbor Day, Significant Tree Ordinance, food forest, Tree City USA declaration, and state-level Municipal Reforestation Bill. Tuesday, 5:00-7:30 PM on Zoom. Event Details

The Translated Book Club: Human Acts – Tuesday

The Translated Book Club promotes the reading of literature translated into English and recognizes and supports translators and their publishers. Each event is hosted by a UMass Amherst faculty member or graduate student and designed for readers of diverse backgrounds with no specific language requirement other than English. This month’s selection is Human Acts by Han Kang, translated from Korean by Deborah Smith. The event is hosted by Toki Lee of the UMass English Department. The first eight to sign up receive a free copy of the book. Advanced registration required. Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 PM at UMass Downtown. Event Details

Regional School Committee – Tuesday

The Regional SC meets on Tuesday and will review the Q2 update on the FY26 budget and an update on amending the regional agreement to revise the language about leasing space to third parties in preparation for the Amherst elementary district relocating 6th grade to the middle school. The SC also will review an update on the progress to shift the school day hours back by 30 minutes, to 8:30 AM-3:00 PM, and reintroduce a time block for extra teacher help and student clubs at 3:00-3:30 PM. Tuesday, 6:30 PM in the library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. Event Details

Joint Capital Planning Committee – Wednesday

The Joint Capital Planning Committee (JCPC) has its first meeting of the budget year on Wednesday. The JCPC is composed of representatives from the Town Council, Library Trustees, and Amherst School Committee. Each budget cycle, the Committee meets to discuss capital planning needs, make recommendations regarding annual capital spending, and make recommendations regarding the long-term Capital Improvement Plan. At this week’s meeting, the JCPC will select a chair and vice chair and review the FY26 plan and FY27 timeline and process. Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 PM on Zoom. Event Details

Energy and Climate Action Committee – Wednesday

The ECAC meets on Wednesday and will discuss a draft Solar Bylaw; PACE program; UMass Climate Plan; heat pumps; Climate Bank; UMass Decarbonization Forum; transportation updates. Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 PM on Zoom. Event Details

Cuppa’ Joe with Paul- Wednesday

Grab a coffee and chat with Town Manager Paul Bockelman, Police Chief Gabriel Ting, and ECC Supervisor Jason Rushford. An informal opportunity to ask questions and share what’s on your mind. Wednesday, 5:30-7:00 PM in the Community Room at the Amherst Police Station. Event Details

Public Meeting: Puffer’s Pond Dam Repair and Other Improvements – Wednesday

The Town presents proposed improvements at Puffer’s Pond — including dam and dike repairs, trail restoration, sediment removal, beach replenishment, boardwalks, a kayak/canoe slide, and ADA accessibility upgrades — as part of a statewide environmental review (MEPA) process. State officials will explain the review process, followed by public comment. Feedback is also welcome through the Puffer’s Pond Project Feedback Form or in writing to Alexander.strysky@mass.gov by February 23. Tuesday, 7:15-8:15 PM on Zoom. Event Details

Winterfest – Begins Saturday

Get ready to celebrate the magic of winter with eight days of frosty fun! The Town of Amherst Recreation Department, in collaboration with many community partners, is thrilled to announce WinterFest 2026. The festivities are set to take place from Saturday, February 14 through Saturday, February 21, bringing together thousands of residents and visitors of all ages to embrace the winter season through an array of free and affordable events. See the full schedule of events. This week’s highlights:

• Love is in the Air Family Dance Party at The Center Dance: This open-house-style event is perfect for little movers and their grown-ups—come for the whole time or just stop by when it works for you. Dance together to great music, make a craft, and enjoy a snack. This event is free and open to all, with optional donations welcome to help cover snacks and art materials. Saturday, 3:00-4:30 PM at The Center Dance. Event Details
• Amherst College Athletics Community Days: Visit Amherst College for their Community Days to watch a women’s basketball game and/or a men’s hockey game. Amherst College sports games are always free, but on these Community Days there will also be free food and special give-a-ways. Women’s basketball vs. Williams on Saturday at 3:00 PM; Men’s hockey vs. Middlebury on Friday, 2/20 at 7:00 PM. Event Details
• Winterfest Activities at The Local Art Gallery: Kick off school vacation week with arts and activities for all ages at The Mill District. Snowflake making 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and pinecone gnome making 1:00-5:00 PM every day beginning on Saturday. The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery, for details, visit the listing on Eventbrite.

Food & Necessities Drive – Monday through Saturday

West Street Coffee & Tea is hosting a food and necessities drive to support the Amherst Survival Center. Drop off non-perishable items at their location (450 West St.) during business hours through Saturday. Event Details