Garden report: I have been processing food to put in the freezer — tomatoes, onion, carrot and eggplant. I still have to do yellow squash and zucchini. In the winter I take bags of vegetables out of the freezer and make soup.
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The Amherst Shade Tree Committee is coming to my neighborhood, Orchard Valley, Sat., Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. They will be planting on Farmington Road and Pondview. Dear neighbors consider joining them and offering coffee would be nice.
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Mary Jo Maffei of Shutesbury sent me an email about an Open Garden she is hosting Sun., Sept. 14 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at her home 533 West Pelham Road. It’s free.
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The Northampton Historical Society is sponsoring a walking tour, “Immigration to Northampton,” with Elizabeth Sacktor Tues., Sept. 16 at 10 p.m. There is a fee and registration is required.
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A reception for the new Amherst Senior Center Director Lisa Borchetta will be held Wed., Sept. 17 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. It’s free.
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The Amherst Block Party is Thurs., Sept. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. with food, music, sports, stilt walkers and clubs, groups and non profits sharing information and resources. It’s free. A variety of restaurants will sell food. North Pleasant Street is closed from Amity Street to Kendrick Park to allow us to walk in the middle of the street and not be jaywalking.
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Save the date: The Fort River Source to Sea Clean Up will be held Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, according to an email from clean up coordinators Victoria Quill and Bruce Yellen. Meet at Groff Park and wear long pants, bring boots and a reusable water bottle. Everything else will be provided. The event is sponsored by the Fort River Watershed Association.
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Start stocking up. Rep. Mindy Domb is sponsoring a food drive Sept. 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to benefit the Amherst Survival Center. Bring non-perishable food to the center during those hours. If possible consider adding diapers, hygiene products and toiletries to your bag. They would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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Send items for the Lehrer Report to: phyllehrer@gmail.com.

