Phyllis LEHRERTHE LEHRER REPORT
Phyllis Lehrer

Thank you to all the firefighters, emergency personnel and police officers who helped with the fire at Olympia Drive. After seeing the photos, it’s difficult to find the words to convey the effort needed to put out the fire. Also many thanks to all the communities that sent staff and equipment to help us. We are very grateful for the support.

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Apologies to all veterans and their families. I forgot to mention Veterans Day, Nov. 11 in last week’s column. However, thanking veterans shouldn’t be limited to one day a year. I am sorry many events that recognized veterans for their service had to be canceled because of the government shut down.

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Chris Mortenson of Amherst sent an email about the Sleighbell Fair that will be held Saturday, Nov. 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Amherst Congregational Church on the South Amherst Common. The fair includes homemade jams, raffle, clothing, bake sale, white elephant, toys and lunch.

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Hira Brynne Paulin, formerly of Orchard Valley, received the Springfield College Young Alumni Award. She earned an undergraduate degree in 2012 and PhD in 2013 in rehabilitation counseling. She serves as access counselor at UMass. She is also affiliated with the Rochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

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Say Good Night to the Sheperd Barn, which will close for the season, at Historic Northampton Saturday, Nov. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. The event includes music, activities for children and families and refreshments. It’s free and open to the public.

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Arcadia Players will present a concert,” Vincente Lusitano and His Circle” Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke. A pre-concert talk is at 1 p.m. Visit www.arcadiaplayers.org for tickets.

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Garden report of sorts. The begonia and wave petunia still have blossoms. The pink blossoms are unmistakable.

Begonia and wave petunia in bloom earlier this week. Credit: PHYLLIS LEHRER / Contributed

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