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The Lehrer Report: Sept. 19, 2023


Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Garden report: I harvested a cucumber, pepper and radishes Sunday between the raindrops. The beds will now be cleared and ready for next spring’s planting. I will remove the tomato cages and fencing.

Some of the flowers are fading. The geranium and begonia are still thriving.

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Kathy Lanza sent me an email about a fundraiser for the Jones Library, “An Evening with John Lithgow: In Support of Libraries, the Humanities and Democracy in General” that will be held Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Johnson Chapel, Amherst College. Lithgow is an actor, author and artist.

The event is by ticket and free but donations are requested. To reserve a ticket, visit the library website: www.joneslibrary.org.

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The downtown Block Party last week, sponsored by the Business Improvement District, featured tables from many organizations. It was a great way to learn of all the activities and volunteer opportunities in town.

I received a flier about the International Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day that will be held Oct. 4. Parents and children are encouraged to walk or bike together to school. ( Sorry, I forgot who handed it to me.)

It suggests contacting the principals at the Crocker Farm, Fort River and Wildwood elementary schools and the Amherst Regional Middle School to learn of groups in your neighborhood that are participating.

Thanks to the district attorney’s office for the free popcorn and the many booths that offered candy. I picked up a small Baby Ruth and a Twix bar. I passed on the lollipops.

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Dick Matteson, the music director at First Congregational Church in Amherst, sent me an email about a concert. The South Hadley Chorale, which he directs, will perform Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 7 Woodbridge St., South Hadley.

The concert is free and part of “Showcase South Hadley,” a celebration of local arts and culture, according to his email. Michael Rheault will accompany the chorale. He included information about the coming Music on Main series at First Church, but that is for a later column.

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The League of Women Voters, of which I am a member, is holding forums for candidates for elected town positions in Amherst.

The first session will be Thursday, Oct. 5. Candidates for Town Council district seats will be heard between 7 and 8 p.m. At-large Town Council candidates will be heard between 8 and 9 p.m.

The next forum will be held Thursday, Oct. 12. Candidates for library trustee will be heard between 7 and 8 p.m. Candidates for the School Committee will be heard between 8 and 9 p.m.

Both sessions are free and will be held at the Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium.

Residents can submit questions for candidates. Send them to: voterservices@lwvamherst.org.

Questions will also be accepted at the forum.

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