Garden report of sorts: I was driving south on Middle Street when I saw, not one, but two forsythia in bloom. What a surprise. This is still February.

Such early blooming makes me wonder how the maple syrup season will turn out. Warm days and cool nights are the key. But some of our days have been hot, not warm.

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My good friend Sherry Wilson, retired Daily Hampshire Gazette garden writer, has written a book, “Valley Gardens,” a collection of columns she wrote for the paper.

Sherry will have a book launch and signing Saturday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at Collective Copies, 71 South Pleasant St.

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“The Resilience of African Americans Through Music,” a Black History Month Celebration, will be held Sunday, Feb. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Amherst Regional Middle School. The event features music from 1619 to the present. The event is sponsored by the Human Rights Commission and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

It’s free. Refreshments will be served.

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The South Amherst Congregational Church will host its next takeout dinner Saturday, March 4 with pickup between 5 and 6 p.m. The menu is a prelude to St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, soda bread and carrot cake. There is a vegetarian option. The cost is $17. Call 253-2977 for reservations.

Proceeds benefit local charities.

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Laura MacLeod of Amherst sent me a postcard of the Casa De Gobierno, the Government House in San Miguel de Tuchman in Argentine. She wrote she is enjoying family and the mountains.

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A reminder to those doing publicity for events on the Town Common. The section adjacent to the Lord Jeff and bordering Route 9 is not the South Common. It should be noted as the south side of the Town Common.

Several people were so happy to read that the Farmers Market was going to be on the South Common, which is in South Amherst across the street from the Munson Memorial Library and the South Amherst Congregational Church. Note that the Farmers Market will not be on the South Common in South Amherst.

Another option for publicity location — say it is south of the Spring Street parking lot.

And since I have lived here for decades, it is the Lord Jeff for me, not the other name.

And for a few years, the Amherst College president’s house will still be referred to as Lucy Wilson Bensons’ house.

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

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