Not my garden report: A friend showed me pictures of primrose in bloom in his backyard. This is December. I have also seen iris shoots sprouted in some beds around town.

I have yet to wear my boots or my heavy winter coat with the hood and fleece lining.

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Three King Festival greetings to all those who celebrate the tradition on Jan. 6. It is celebrated in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Latin America and in this country. Another opportunity for family and friends to get together.

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Kathy Lanza sent me an email issuing a call for artists for submissions to the Burnett Gallery of the Jones Library. The in-person library exhibits conclude with the January show. However, monthly virtual exhibits on the Jones Library website will resume in June 2024 and continue until the library reopens.

Artist applications are available online at joneslibrary.org/galleryapplication.

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The South Amherst Congregational Church has changed its format for the first meal sale of the year. You can buy either hot and ready to eat or frozen for a later meal. Pickup is between 11:30 a.m and 12:30 p.m., which is not the usual evening time.

The menu is comfort food time with chili, meat or vegetarian, mac and cheese, chowder, corn bread, focaccia, zippy chippies and cookies. To see the price list, visit amherstsouthchurch.org. To order, call 253-2977. Portions of the proceeds benefit local charities, such as the Survival Center.

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The deadline for nominations for the Conch Shell Award, which is presented by the Amherst Historical Society, is Jan. 27. This award goes to a person, business or organization that has contributed to the preservation and awareness of Amherst history, has demonstrated a commitment to education and interpretation, and has used innovative and creative methods to showcase Amherst’s history.

Send the nominations to the society by letter or email.Or if you see society president Gigi Barnhill in the supermarket, you can tell her.

The recipient(s) will be honored at the Founders Day ceremony Feb. 11 at the Munson Memorial Library.

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FYI, 2024 is a leap year and the Year of the Dragon. I mention that since I was born in a dragon year.

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