Chanukah greetings to all our Jewish friends and neighbors.
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The South Amherst Congregational Church will present a Cantata, “Hosanna to the son of David,” featuring soloists Eugenia Collin’s and Todd Fruth with the church choir directed by Marilyn Brayne Sunday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m., according to an email from Kirby Deater Deckard. Musicians Kaila Graef, Sarah Briggs, Mark Fraser and Gregory Hayes will provide accompaniment.
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More music — the Amherst Community Band, conducted by Tim Anderson, will present a holiday concert and sing along, Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the First Congregational Church on Main Street. It’s free and open to the public.
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More music — The Arcadia Players will perform, “ A German Holiday, Works for Advent and Christmas,” Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. at Grace Church on the Common. For tickets visit: arcadiaplayers.org. Full disclosure: I will be ushering.
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Linda Michaud of Amherst sent me an email about her husband’s exhibit at the Oxbow Gallery, 40 Cottage St., Easthampton. Ronald Michaud’s “Landscapes from Home” will be on view until Jan. 4. The gallery is open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from noon until 5 p.m. and Fridays from 2-7 p.m. She included photos of the art work and they are large and worth seeing.
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Many thanks to all the groups, organizations, town departments, volunteers and the UMass Marching Band who made the Merry Maple possible. It was cold but the crowd was enthusiastic.
You have to love tuba players. The instruments are large, yet the students sway with them as they play. They also jump up and down holding these weighty metal instruments. I am grateful when I can get up a curb without tipping over.
The best part of the event, Santa gave me a lollipop. Town Councilor Lynn Greismer took my picture with Santa sitting on the fire truck. I don’t know if it will reproduce in the paper since it was dark, but it’s a great photo.
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The holiday season continues in Amherst with the 4th annual Sip and Stroll, Thursday, Dec. 18 from 4-9 p.m. with horse drawn carriage rides, stores open, pop up market at the Boltwood Inn ( former Lord Jeff) ballroom and prix fixe meals at restaurants. Get out and see your friends and neighbors and support our businesses.
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