Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Sept. 17 to Sept. 23

Democracy Day

Democracy Day is on Sept. 17 with a full day of events exploring service, dialogue, research, and community-building. Events include a Civic Engagement Fair, “We the People” Cupcake Decorating, and two lectures: “Questions for uncertain times: How academic training, the liberal arts, and friendship shape our understanding of the world,” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the CHI Think Tank and “How can Amherst students use a liberal arts education to practice and advance democracy?” A community dialogue hosted by Braver Angels, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Cole Assembly Room.

Downtown Amherst Block Party

The 12th annual Amherst Downtown Block Party is taking place on Sept. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. The party includes live music, street performers, aerialists and acrobatics, local food tents, and a showcase of local businesses, museums, and organizations.

Free Dish Kits

The Association of Amherst Students and the Office of Sustainability announced a new initiative: free reusable dish sets available for all students to borrow for the academic year. 50 sets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each set includes a plate, a bowl, a silverware kit (fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks), and a to-go cup for Valentine Dining Hall.

Amherst’s Performative Male Contest

The Association of Amherst Student Senators Joey Supik ’27, Dania Younies ’28, and Jiahuai Kang ’28 will be hosting Amherst’s Performative Male Contest on Sept. 19, on the First-Year Quad. The top three contestants will be rewarded with prizes, and all contestants will get a complimentary matcha latte! All gender identities are welcome.

Arm & Arm: Artist Talk with Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo

Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo is an artist, abolitionist, educator, and storyteller. In a talk on Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. in Pruyne Lecture Hall, they invite viewers to share their own lived narratives. Lukaza has had solo shows at September Gallery, Deli Gallery, Roll Up Projects, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and Printed Matter Inc.

Alternative Afternoons

Alternative Afternoons is substance-free space to explore one’s relationship to alcohol and/or other drugs. Participants can meet on East Drive by the tennis courts by 3 p.m. for a walk out to Book & Plow Farm. Hosted every other Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. (Sept. 5, Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 17).