Happy Father ‘s Day to all the dads, granddads and step dads who look after children.
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Janet Van Blerkom, of Amherst, sent some good news via email. “I’m so happy to report that my daughter, Suzy Van Blerkom Dawid, has been granted tenure and promotion to associate professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. Suzy runs a lab there in infectious disease and also practices medicine as a pediatrician. Suzy received her M.D. and Ph.D. from Washington University in St Louis and did her internship at CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan. She and her husband, Rob, have three children,” she wrote.
I heard Janet play Sunday at the Quabbin Valley Pro Musica concert in New Salem. She was part of a string quartet.
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The Senior Center staff put on a splendid reception to mark Maura Plante’s retirement. She joined the staff 27 years ago and has served as social worker and as Program Director for Services. She is in charge of the UMass Meals on Wheels Program, for which I volunteer. The words of praise from so many attending was well deserved. A bonus at the reception, her adorable grandson was there. She formally retires at the end of the month.
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No cooking required this weekend. The Taste of Amherst is back from Thursday through Sunday on the Town Common with food, music and children’s activities. It’s a great community event. Hope to see you there.
Phyllis Lehrer can be reached at phyllehrer@gmail.com.
