Memorial Day is Monday. Enjoy the holiday with family and friends. However, please remember those whose service made it possible for us to be here now.

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Brian Emond of Leverett sent an email saying the Leverett Grocery and Co-op holds a Veterans Day every Tuesday with free coffee from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans also receive a 10% discount on purchases. The veterans agent will attend the first Tuesday of the month to help veterans and their families with claims.

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Reminder: Two of the town’s campuses will hold graduations this weekend. UMass commencement for undergraduate and graduate students is Friday at 9 a.m. in the stadium. Amherst College holds commencement on Sunday at the quadrangle at 10 a.m. The best time to go through town is during the ceremonies.

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Garden report: The rhododendron and daisies have bloomed. I have harvested radishes. I was fortunate that I lost no plants to the frost last week. I did cover the tomatoes and sensitive flowers.

Several south Amherst residents reported losing plants that were covered.

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Sherry Wilson, retired reporter and garden writer for the Gazette and Bulletin, sent me an email about another plant sale. The Grace Church plant sale will be held Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to noon in front of the Church on Boltwood Avenue. The plants are from the church gardens and from parishioners’ home gardens.

“It’s the first sale since before COVID,” she wrote.

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The South Church signature dinner — chicken salad, asparagus and strawberry shortcake — is Saturday, June 3 for takeout only between 5 and 6 p.m. at the church on the South Amherst Common. The meal also include pickles, cranberry sauce, potato chips and a roll. There is a vegetarian option. Call 253-2977 for reservations or visit the church website.

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I saw Tim Anderson, director of the UMass Marching Band, but just as important the director of the Amherst Community Band. He said the concert schedule has been announced, so pencil in your calendars. The band will play June 16, July 22 and Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in Sweetser Park, and on Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. on the South Amherst Common.

In addition, the band will perform at the Pioneer Valley Community Band Festival at Mount Holyoke College June 17. The concerts are free, but donations are always welcome.

Musician of all ages are welcome to perform. Visit Amherst Community Band for information.

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The Amherst Senior Center is holding a Pop-up Closet fundraiser June 10 on the Town Common from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make it a success donations are needed. Bring scarves, wallets, ties, handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and travel bags to the center, which is open Monday-Friday. The items should be clean and in working condition. No broken watches, please. This is a chance to do some spring cleaning and benefit a worthy cause.

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

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