Amherst hosts community events from concerts to watershed activities
The town's calendar includes watershed-focused activities, school celebrations, senior programming, and live music performances over the next week.
Amherst is hosting a series of community events over the next week, ranging from concerts and watershed protection activities to school celebrations and senior programming.
The town's Fort River Watershed Association is organizing two "Ice Cream in the Park" gatherings to engage residents about local flooding and infrastructure. The first takes place Saturday, August 22, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Puffer's Pond, and the second is Saturday, August 29, from 2 to 3 p.m. at War Memorial Pool. Both events offer free ice cream and invite parents to share experiences with flooding and identify problematic culverts and road washouts. The effort is part of a regional project led by Amherst in partnership with Hadley, Belchertown, Pelham, and Shutesbury to develop a townwide Culvert Prioritization Plan focused on flood resilience and aquatic habitat protection.
Amherst Regional Public Schools will hold a First Day Celebration on Monday, August 24, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Kendrick Park, with a rain location at the middle school cafeteria. Students can meet the superintendent, principals, and central office staff, as well as local firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. A sensory-friendly hour runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The Amherst Survival Center is offering free school physicals on Tuesday, August 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 138 Sunderland Road. No insurance or appointment is required. The medical clinic is also open Mondays from noon to 2 p.m.
The Amherst Council on Aging and related groups are sponsoring senior-focused events including a meet and greet Wednesday, August 26, at Atkins Farms Country Market, and "Senior Sips" on Thursday, August 27, at Ginger Garden.
Music and arts programming includes performances at The Drake and the Eric Carle Museum. The Drake features blues, indie rock, and jazz acts throughout the week. At the Eric Carle Museum, "Sunset Thursdays" runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on August 27, offering live music, exhibitions, and a new "Sketch the Music" activity.
Representative Mindy Domb is hosting coffee and conversation sessions on Monday, August 24, at West Street Coffee and Tea, and a community discussion on Tuesday, August 25, at the Survival Center.
Salsa in the Park takes place Saturday, August 29, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Mill River Recreation Area, featuring a free lesson from 6 to 7 p.m. and a Latin dance social afterward. The event is hosted by Salsa con Tacos Dance and sponsored by the Amherst Recreation Department.