December began this week. From weather reports, no snow in our area is predicted for the next week. The first snowfall with measurable accumulation is magical.
***
The Survival Center served a wonderful Thanksgiving meal last week.It seems more people were doing takeout than eating inside. When I left at 1:30, more than 175 meals had been served. The dinner ended at 3 p.m.
Lev Ben Ezra, who is the late Issac and Hilda Ben Ezra’s granddaughter, gave a wonderful welcoming speech. She noted the meal was celebrating Native American heritage and cited the Nipmuc and Norwottuck people who stewarded the land on which the center is located.
While there, I learned the center is holding a gift drive during the month of December. Children’s books, family games, hats, mittens and scarves are requested. Items can be brought to the center every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon until 3 p.m. Thanks.
Many other groups and businesses collect items for those in need. Anything contributed is welcome.
***
Ken Samonds, formerly of Amherst, has written a book, “A Slant of Light: the Stained Glass Windows of Grace Church.” He will sell and sign his book at the St. Nicholas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 3. In addition, he will give a talk on the windows Sunday, Dec. 4, at 12:15 at the church. The talk is free and open to the public.
He sent me this email:
“I never dreamed of publishing a book, but during the Sesquicentennial celebration in 2015/6 I accumulated so much interesting information, I thought it would be such a waste to just dump it into the church’s archive and to leave it for someone else to find it in 50 years. However, I had never realized how complicated it was to publish a book. But Grace Church provided a few “helpers” who shepherded the project to completion: Suzannah Muspratt as editor, Carl Vineland doing the layout, and two photographers, Nancy Lowry and Doug Moore, who provided the 75 illustrations. (How can you publish a book about stained-glass windows without lots of pictures?)”
Ken created the most amazing decorations at his Dana Street home for Halloween. He was also active in the Valley Light Opera.
***
Tim Anderson, director of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band and the Amherst Community Band, sent me an email about a free program.
“The Amherst Community Band is going to have its Holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Newman Center. UMass Dining will be providing winter favorites to eat. No cost to attend, just an hour of Holiday music,” he wrote.
***
Janet Street sent me an email saying she is launching a new magazine, “Amherst Living.” She said she is looking for a few more sponsors.
“Once we have the sponsors, which are local businesses in the Greater Amherst area, the real fun begins; the editorial content and design,” she wrote.
She is looking for photographers and writers. For information call 413-475-4415 or email amherstlivingmagazine@gmail.com.
***
Send items for the Lehrer Report to Phyllehrer@gmail.com.
