Reminder: Real estate taxes are due May 1, which is Monday.

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Reminder: Tuesday, May 2 is an election day in Amherst. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. I will be working at the polls at the Amherst Regional High School this year. I will miss my slot at Crocker Farm.

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Garden report: The backyard is bright with dandelions. The radishes and snap peas have sprouted. The weekend rain helped.

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The 13th annual Daffodil Run to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County is Saturday, April 30. The 10K walk and run begins at 10 a.m., while the 5K walk and run begins at 10:15 a.m. on the Town Common. There will be food and activities for children. Visit the website for details.

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Friends of the Jones Library are accepting books for the sale that will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20. Drop off books (no moldy or damaged books, please), Monday, May 1, 1-3 p.m.; Thursday, May 4, 4-6 p.m.; Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.-noon; Monday, May 8, 1-3 p.m.; Thursday, May 11, 4-6 p.m.; and Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-noon.

The back door to the Woodbury Room will be open for donors.

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The South Church is holding another takeout dinner Saturday, May 6 with pickup 5-6 p.m. The menu includes pulled pork, mac and cheese, baked beans, corn bread and carrot cake. A vegetarian option is available. The cost is $18. Call 253-2977 for reservations.

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Ralph Faulkingham of Pelham sent an me email about “Together We Sing,” a multicultural concert featuring Mak’hela and the First Church Choir, on May 7 at 2 p.m. A donation of $15 is suggested.

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I went to three celebrations of life in less than a week for Norm Newell, John Olver and Rhoda Honigberg. The trio are very different in careers and personalities, but they share a common thread. All three cared very deeply about their community. The care was reflected in their actions. They worked to make a positive difference in Amherst for all of us.

Norm was a townie who went to Amherst High School. The event at the Jones Library only briefly touched on how he helped so many nonprofit and other area organizations with their printing needs, often at a discount. He was active in the community with the Rotary Club and helped found the Amherst Club.

Rhoda lived in town for over 70 years. She served on the School Committee, school building committees, and many other town boards. She was also very active in the League of Women Voters.

John’s accomplishments were well documented in the papers.

They are role models for us.

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

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