AMHERST — A concert featuring local up-and-coming bands had a surprise guest Sunday afternoon when one of the most prominent groups ever formed in Amherst took the stage.
Dinosaur Jr. surprised about 100 spectators who came to an event called “Freestone OR Oooze Festival Vol. 2,” which also saw a number of other performers, including Noise Nomads, Sunburned Hand of the Man and Frozen Corn.
Ann Tweedy, who handles marketing and communications for the Amherst Business Improvement District, said she was among the crowd that got to enjoy the performance of Dinosaur Jr., which came on the 33rd anniversary of its first public performance.
That concert came in early September 1984, when the band was known as Mogo and the performance was on the University of Massachusetts campus.
Lead singer and guitarist J. Mascis and his bandmates regaled the crowd for 40 minutes, with nine tracks that included “Little Fury Things,” “Kracked” and “Sludgefeast,” as well as a cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven.”
Mystery Train Records, the long-time music store in downtown Amherst, sponsored the event, which also had evening performances by several bands on Sept. 9 in Turners Falls.
Municipal employees in Amherst are raising money to support victims of the hurricanes that hit Houston and Florida by having dress-down Fridays through the end of October.
“Jeans for Victims,” as it is being called, will allow workers at Town Hall, the Jones Library, Bangs Community Center and Leisure Services and Supplemental Education offices to don casual attire, in exchange for making a monetary donation, big or small.
The idea came from Jennifer Moyston, administrative assistant in the town manager’s office, who said she was looking for a simple way of encouraging colleagues to help out.
“I think there’s a lot of people who can benefit from it,” Moyston said.
While some municipal staff, such as firefighters, will not be able to participate since they wear uniforms, members have pledged to also make contributions.
Moyston said all money collected will go to the American Red Cross.
The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is putting on the annual Annual First Responders Picnic on Friday.
To recognize the police officers and firefighters who keep local communities safe, the picnic will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the Mill District of North Amherst, with a buffet catered by Atkins Farms Country Market.
In addition to public safety personnel, Town Manager Paul Bockelman said he is encouraging Department of Public Works employees to attend because they are essential to clearing roads that allow ambulances, fire trucks and police cruisers to get to emergencies.
As first responders are honored Friday, the Amherst Survival Center is recognizing those who have supported its mission with the second annual Community Appreciation Breakfast Saturday.
The meal, beginning at 9 a.m. at 138 Sunderland Road, will feature pancakes, sausage, fruit salad, cider and coffee.
The center’s mission is to connect residents of Hampshire and Franklin Counties with food, clothing, healthcare, wellness and community, primarily through volunteers.
“Everything the Amherst Survival Center has achieved, and will accomplish, is a direct result of the community’s generosity, support and commitment,” Mindy Domb, executive director of the center, said in a statement.
A shared procurement officer who will work for both the town and schools has been hired.
Anthony Delaney, of Gardner, and a graduate of Harvard University, recently started in the position. The job, which performs administrative duties related to purchases and disposition of supplies, services and property, was funded at Town Meeting.
Meanwhile, Ron Bohonowicz, facilities director for the town and schools, retires at the end of October. Bockelman said an advertisement will soon be placed for this vacancy.
The jubilat/Jones Reading Series begins its 19th year with the first reading of the 2017-18 season Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Goodwin Room at the Jones Library.
The reading, which will feature the poetry of Kevin González, Caryl Pagel and Emily Pettit, caps the events of this year’s Amherst Poetry Festival. It is free and open to the public.
For more information, call Janet Ryan at 259-3223.
MONDAY: Jones Library Budget Committee, 9:05 a.m., Goodwin Room, Jones Library; Select Board, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.
TUESDAY: Kanegasaki Sister City Committee, 4 p.m., Garrabrants Room, Bangs Community Center; Planning Board, 7 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.
WEDNESDAY: Personnel Board, 9 a.m., First Floor Meeting Room, Town Hall.
THURSDAY: Human Rights Commission, 5:45 p.m., Room 101, Bangs Community Center.