A friend told me that the days begin to lengthen after Dec. 28. It’s about a minute a day. Therefore, we have about 15 more minutes of daylight so far, more if you reading this column on Saturday.

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Bravo to all the cast, crew and volunteers who put together a splendid show —  “Seussical” — at Bowker Auditorium last week. My Orchard Valley neighbor, Bob Gustafsen, plays the Cat in the Hat and he is super! The show continues this weekend. Word to the wise — get a ticket.

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Good news: Girl Scout cookies are now on sale. Check Glendale Road in Orchard Valley. A Scout leader who lives on the street puts up a sign on the lawn on how to get the cookies. Ringing the bell with cash in hand helps.

Scouts also have tables at supermarkets and the mall.

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Bruce Penniman of Amherst sent me an email describing the year’s worth of programs to celebrate South Congregational Church’s 200th anniversary this year. A coffee house is first up with popular Valley musicians Jerry and Kara Noble, who will perform Sunday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. at the church.

“They will share a mix of singer-songwriter titles from the famous to the obscure, with a sprinkling of toe-tapping traditional jazz classics from such artists as Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson,” he wrote.

Admission is free; however, donations will be appreciated. Reservations are required due to limited seating, which is why he suggested I put in this notice early. For reservations call 253-2977 or email office@amherstsouthchurch.org.

He wrote that the year will include an Arts and Social Justice Series with music, guest speakers, and book groups.

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Dr. Shalini Bahl of Amherst has written a book,” Return to Mindfullness.” A celebration of the book launch and reading will be held at the Old Mill District General Store on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

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