Condolences to the family and friends of John Spinetti, who founded the Amherst Farmers Market over 50 years ago. When the market was in the parking lot, John had the first spot on the left as you entered from Pleasant Street. While he was know for his fig trees, he sold a wide variety of plants as well as vegetables.

He was so devoted to farming and the market. He was cheerful, friendly and readily shared his knowledge of plants and farming.

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Musical weekend ahead.

The Amherst Community Band, directed by Tim Anderson, will perform a holiday concert Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the St. Brigid Parish Hall on North Prospect Street. It’s free.

Tony Butterfield of Amherst sent me an email about a concert at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. to benefit the Amherst Survival Center. The Valley Festival Brass will perform. Carol singing is also on the program.

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Orchard Valley neighbor Adrienne Terrizzi invites everyone to the lighting of the modest evergreen tree on Pondview Drive on the north side of the pond Friday, Dec. 15 between 4 and 5 p.m.

The event includes hot cider cookies and meeting neighbors and friends from every neighborhood.

The tree has blue bulbs as requested by a child.

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Kari Ridge of Leverett sent me an email about events at the Leverett Co-op on Rattlesnake Gutter Road.

A Holiday Fair will be held Sunday, Dec. 17 from to 2 to 5 p.m. with children’s activities, local authors signing their books, Fire Cider tastings, Fairy Hair, mulled cider and hot cocoa.

In addition, bidding has begun on the third annual Holiday Baskets Silent Auction with 10 fabulous baskets. The bidding ends Dec. 20.

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Phoebe Hazard of Amherst sent me an email about the Amherst Community Theater production of “Seussical” that will be performed at Bowker Auditorium at UMass on Jan.11-14 and 18-21.

It’s probably a good idea to get tickets now since they sell out. Visit amherstacts.org.

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