Garden report: The leaves on the lilac bush have black spots. It is very sad looking. The blight was caused by the excessive rain. From what I have read, the bush should be OK next year. I hope so. The lilacs have such a wonderful aroma and I would miss that.

I am harvesting cucumbers, peppers and onions.

***

Drum roll … the postcard winners will be announced next week. Residents who sent or delivered a postcard from the greatest distance receive vegetables from the garden.

***

I was talking to someone at the Farmers Market last week and the person said it would rain next weekend. I asked how he knew. “The Community Fair will be here,” he replied.

Amherst has a unique tradition — rain is guaranteed at some time during the Community Fair. One year I think the fair was canceled because it rained for three days.

One summer when there was a drought, several people said the fair should be scheduled to guarantee rain.

For the record, the Community Fair, sponsored by the Amherst Rotary Club with rides and fair food, will be held this weekend, Aug. 25-27, on the Town Common. Admission is free. There is a fee for the rides and food.

Also for the record, the fair used to be held in May.

The fair is a wonderful opportunity to see all your friends and neighbors and support the Rotary, which funds many programs and projects.

***

Elizabeth Dominque Loyd-Kimbrel of Amherst sent me an email about about her book of poetry, “Matrimonies,” that has just been released from the gate by Finishing Line Press of Georgetown, Kentucky.

“The cover art is by dear friend and local resident, the artist Gillian Haven Duda. We’re hoping to have a book launch and maybe a reading at Nat Herrold’s Amherst Books at some time in September, ” she wrote.

Visit finishinglinepress to order copies.

***

The Strings at the Strong concert series continues Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. on the lawn of the Strong House Museum on Amity Street. It’s free. Bring a chair or blanket.

***

I read the Sunday New York Times and there was a letter from Lynn Pasquerella , who was president of Mount Holyoke College. I met her when she spoke to the Amherst Club and was very impressive. She has a local connection with Elsie Fetterman, who will glad to share that story.

There was also an article cited on an online site by Dan Winslow, who is an attorney. He lived on Pondview Drive, my street, and was in Charlie Baker’s administration. It’s nice when you can make local connections.

***

Send items for the Lehrer Report to phyllehrer@gmail.com.

]]>