Garden report: I have plants in pots that have become flooded with all the rain. I have to carefully tip them over to drain the extra water.
I harvested a cucumber. I sent a picture that may or may not be included with my column. If not you can see it online. It is a decent size. I have a tomato that is mostly red, still yellow at the top. It will be ready to eat in a few days.
A paper had a story about tomato plants not producing a lot of fruit. I am happy to say I have a lot of green tomatoes and some of them are very large. However, they are late to turn. In prior years, I have had ripe tomatoes in July.
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Amherst and the Fort River Watershed Association are offering free ice cream and coloring books for kids Saturday, Aug. 8 from 2-3 p.m. at Groff Park. It’s a way for residents to learn about the local environment and what is involved with a watershed and share experiences.
The giveaways will continue on other Saturdays at various parks. Visit August calendar events on the town website for a complete schedule. Free ice cream in the summer, what a natural combination.
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John Kapitzky of Northampton is a member of the Hampshire Music Group that is sponsoring a program on Ragtime Music Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Northampton Senior Center, according to an email he sent. The program features pianist Dick Moulding who will perform and talk about the “new rage in music.” The program is free and open to the public.
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The South Congregational Church will hold a concert with singer songwriter David Roth Friday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m., according to an email from Christ Mortenson at the church. The program is free but donations are welcome. Chris also sent me an email about the church’s 15th annual chicken barbecue, Tuesday, Aug. 18 with pickup between 5-6 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 253-2977 for reservations. There is a vegetarian option.
That same evening, the Amherst Community Band will perform at 6 p.m. on the South Amherst Common. The concert is free. Bring chairs or blankets. The rain date is Aug. 19.
For some people it’s dinner and a show.
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Correction: the correct spelling of the filmmaker who produced the “I am a Hurricane “ documentary is Lexi. Apologies for the typo.
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The Amherst Community Band will perform Sat., Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Sweetser Park. Bring chairs or blankets. There are a few benches at the park. The concert is free but donations are always welcome.
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SCAM ALERT: I received two email invitations for events with names of people I know within a week. However, to attend one I had to create an account. I didn’t think that was necessary so I called the individual. She said she was hacked. All her contacts received such an invitation to an event that didn’t exist. She made the mistake of replying to such an invitation from another name she knew. One person noted the scam on a neighbor-to-neighbor site. That person’s email was also hacked. The bottom line: delete the email. Also call the individual directly if you are unsure about an invitation.Be diligent, protect yourself.
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Barbara and Geoff Allen of Shutesbury sent me an email about their trip to Sandwich on Cape Cod. “We took walks, spent time at a glass factory (where we were gifted with an adorable glass seal), ate good food, found an amazing bakery, (Beth’s Bakery & Cafe) visited the Dexter Grist Mill, which dates to 1654. A few raindrops did not dampen our spirits,” they wrote.
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