It’s Monday and we’re back with our roundup of the week’s events. Here are the town government meetings, and cultural, recreational, and athletics events that caught our eye.

Town Council – Monday

The Town Council meets on Monday evening with a packed agenda. After hearing a presentation on the Valley Green Energy Program (see below), the Council will discuss a proposed waste hauling program and consider a recommendation to issue an RFP for town-contracted waste hauling service. Read about the proposed changes in this post. The Council also will review proposed amendments to the nuisance property bylaw, the charge for a new Black Reparations Committee, as well as the Town Manager’s goals for the year. Monday, 6:00 pm (Valley Green Energy presentation); Town Council meeting 6:30-10:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom. MORE

Public Information Sessions: Valley Green Energy Program – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

The Town of Amherst invites the community to attend an information session about the new Valley Green Energy regional electricity program. Valley Green Energy is a regional group electricity buying program developed to provide the dual benefits of cleaner electricity and stable prices to residents and businesses in Amherst, Northampton, and Pelham. There are four opportunities for the public to learn and ask questions about the new program, three of which are this week. Monday, 6:00-6:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom; Tuesday, 1:00-2:00 pm in Bangs Community Center; Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Amherst School Committee & Regional School Committee – Tuesday

The Amherst (elementary) SC and the Regional (secondary) SC are meeting jointly with the Pelham SC on Tuesday evening. The committees will discuss goal setting for the current year for the Superintendent of the three public school districts. They’ll also review proposed policy updates to two policies related to bullying and student harassment. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the Library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Old 97’s with Kimmi Bitter at The Drake – Wednesday

One of the most enduring bands in the alt-country community, Old 97’s merged power pop melodies with classic country feel, anchored by the rock-solid twang of guitarist Ken Bethea and the emotive vocals of Rhett Miller, whose tales of romantic misadventure hit a sweet spot between yearning and swagger. Hear them Wednesday at The Drake. Kimmi Bitter, “the future of classic country” according to Saving Country Music, opens. Wednesday, 8:00 pm at The Drake. $ MORE

ARHS Varsity Athletics at Home – Thursday and Friday

Catch ARHS Varsity teams at home this week. Boys Soccer vs. Minnechaug, Thursday at 5:15 pm. Girls Volleyball vs. Ludlow, Friday at 6:45 pm. MORE

Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing and Meeting – Thursday

The ZBA will hold a public hearing Thursday about a proposed ground-mounted solar project on Shutesbury Rd. Thursday, 6:00-9:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Bellweather Film Screening & Post-Film Conversation with the Director – Thursday

Head to Amherst Cinema Thursday evening for a screening of a Sundance Film Festival official selection documentary, “Look Into My Eyes.” Director Lana Wilson joins for a post-film conversation with the audience. A group of New York City psychics conduct deeply intimate readings for their clients, revealing a kaleidoscope of loneliness, connection, and healing. Thursday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. $ (Free to Amherst Cinema members). MORE

Cuppa Joe with Paul and Police Chief Gabriel Ting – Friday

Join others for coffee and conversation with Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Police Chief Gabriel Ting. The “Cuppa’ Joe with Paul” coffees are a monthly event and rotate locations around the Town. Each time, Paul is joined by a different Town department head or official. Residents and others are welcome to share their concerns, offer suggestions, or just get to know each other. Friday, 8:00 am – 9:00 am Atkins Farms Country Market. Free. MORE

Public Listening & Visioning Workshops: Downtown Design Standards – Friday & Saturday

The Town of Amherst invites the community to participate in a series of workshops on Friday and Saturday to help envision the future of downtown Amherst. The Town is working on updated Downtown Design Standards that will guide how streetscapes and private properties in the downtown area look and feel in the future. The Town wants to ensure these standards reflect the needs and aspirations of everyone who lives, works, and spends time downtown. Join these sessions to share your ideas, concerns, and hopes for Amherst’s future. Downtown walking tour, Friday, 3:30-5:00 pm at the North Common; listening session, Friday, 6:00-8:00 pm in the Cafeteria at ARHS; visioning session, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm in the Cafeteria at ARHS.  MORE

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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.