Reminder: Monday, April 16 is Patriot’s Day, a state holiday. Town offices are closed but the post office will be open.

Reminder: Because of the holiday, the deadline to file state and federal income taxes is Tuesday, April 17.

The check(s) will be in the mail.

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The sun was out Monday so it was able to be eclipsed, partly, by the moon. It was definitely something to see. Just the sliver of sun that wasn’t still covered generated quite a lot of light. Ironically, clouds came in at about 4 p.m. and obscured the sun. Timing is everything.

How popular was the event at the UMass Sunwheel — it attracted a food truck. People had picnics, set up lawn chairs, and children and pets were in abundance. Big crowd.

Thanks to UMass for the use of the field.

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Garden report: The forsythia have bloomed and there are green tips on the lilac bush. The willow tree has that pale green tinge that occurs just before the leaves pop out.

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Anne Homme of Amherst sent an email about a concert Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m. at Grace Church. The concert features Stephen Porter, pianist, and Krista River, mezzo-soprano. The program will include works by Handel, Grieg, Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn and Benjamin Britten. Free. Donation of $20 is suggested to support the Food Bank of Western Mass.

Stephen is the son of Lee and the late David Porter of Amherst, and an ARHS grad.

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The Arcadia Players will present “The Faithful Shepherd ” Sunday, April 14 at 4 p.m. at the Bombyx Center in Northampton, according to an email from Andrew Arceci, music director. The program is based on an Arcadian drama and features soloists. Call 586-8742 for tickets.

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Susan Morrello and Jeanne Esposito, both of Amherst, attended the annual Fresh Air Fund conference at the beautiful Sharpe Reservation in New York, according to an email from Jeanne.

Those interested in learning about hosting a New York City child for one week this summer should call Sue at 256-6463 or email Jeanne.Esposito@friendlytown.org.

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David and Betsy Mullins of Amherst sent a postcard of a camel caravan from Maroc (Morocco). They sent greetings from the Sahara Desert, where they spent two days in a tented camp.

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