The Lehrer Report: Feb. 2, 2024

Published: 02-03-2024 11:00 AM

Happy Groundhog Day, which is Friday, Feb. 2.

When you think about it, having a critter from underground predict the arrival of spring is weird but a great tourist attraction. I just read in the paper that Massachusetts has its own groundhog, Ms. G. Our groundhog makes an appearance at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm. Who knew?

Speaking of weather, my sunglasses are gathering dust. I haven’t been able to use them for over a week.

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More weather news: Some of the events I noted in last week’s column had to be postponed. Check websites and calendars for new schedules.

Call ahead if you think an event might not be held because of the weather.

While Amherst had a light covering of snow, the top of Pelham had 6 inches.

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The Jones Library continues its ” On the Same Page” series of community book readings and discussions. The selection this year is “This Other Eden” by Paul Harding. Copies of the book are available at the Jones Library. One discussion will be held Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in the library.

Author Paul Harding will discuss his book on Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. at Johnson Chapel, Amherst College.

The programs are free and open to the public.

There are other special events being held in connection with the book. Visit the Jones Library website, www.joneslibrary.org, for details.

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Have you seen the South Amherst Congregational Church steeple? It’s in the church driveway. You don’t realize how big structures can be until you stand next to them.

The steeple base will be reinforced to bear the weight of the bells and replace moldy and rotten wood.

Meanwhile, the steeple opening is covered in a blue tarp.

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I ordered my Girl Scout cookies. While the list includes Raspberry Rally, they are unavailable. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, “They are so popular, they don’t make them anymore.”

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