Garden report: the snap dragon and astilbe have bloomed. Several -larger than a pea but smaller than a golf ball – tomatoes are visible. The basil needs warm weather. It has not grown much. The thyme and mint are thriving.
I pruned forsythia and discovered a bird’s nest on a branch. I avoided that area. It is an active nest because I see a bird flying in and out and sitting there. Can’t see if there are eggs. I don’t want to get close and spook the mother.
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June 20 is the official start of summer and the solstice. The UMass Sun Wheel has programs at 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The sun rays still work the next day if you can’t make it Friday.
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The Amherst Community Band concert series begins Sat., June 28 at 6 p.m. at Sweetser Park, according to director Tim Anderson. The theme is “Of Witches and Magic.” Bring a blanket or lawn chair. It’s free but donations are welcome.
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Historic Northampton is having a Summer Barn Open House, Sat. June 21 from 1-3 p.m. with programs and activities. It’s free.
Historic Northampton is also sponsoring a walking tour, “Northampton Fires and Firefighting” led by Josh Shanley, June 22 and 28 at 10 a.m. Registration is required and there is a fee. Visit: wwwhistoricnorthampton.org to register.
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Amherst will hold its first Pride Parade Sun., June 22 with step off at noon at the high school. The parade ends at the Common where there will be a rally and resource fair.
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Kaelyn Zakaitis, the daughter of Robert Zakaitis Jr. and granddaughter of Robert and Alice Zakaitis all of Amherst, was named Player of the Week in softball at Our Lady of the Elms College, according to her proud grandfather.
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Dr. Margaret Clark of Cape Cod, had her freshman composition class read my weekly column as a class exercise. I received 13 Cape Cod themed postcards from the students!
One captured the essence of my column. “May the gift of writing always be your link to people’s lives, hearts and minds.” Unfortunately the card wasn’t signed. Thank you and all those who sent postcards.
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