Groundhog Day occurred the day before this column comes out, so I can’t comment on the duration of winter or the start of spring. Officially spring begins with the vernal equinox, which is March 21. If it snows that day, you could say we have another day of winter.

***

Amy Gates of Amherst sent me an email about a monthly Chamber Music Series at the Drake. Elizabeth Chang, violin, and Steve Beck, piano, will perform Sunday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. The series continues March 26, April 16 and May 7. For tickets and details visit www.thedrakeamherst.org.

***

Laura MacLeod of Amherst sent an email photo of herself in front of the Historical House of Independence in San Miguel de Tuchman, Argentina. She wrote that the house “is a national monument where Argentina independence from Spain was declared by our patriots July 1816. The independence movement followed for all Latin America. We are all proud in all started in this colonial home.”

She is in Argentina visiting family.

***

The Amherst Winterfest is now underway with many activities for all ages. A cribbage tournament to benefit the Amherst Senior Center will be held Friday, Feb. 10. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and we begin to play seven games at 9:15 a.m. Suggested donation is $15. I am one of the organizers and would be happy if you could join us.

For a full listing of all the programs, visit the town’s Recreation Department website, the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce website or the Business Improvement District website.

***

Motorists take note: The potholes are back! One day the road was fine in Orchard Valley, the next day it was your head hitting the car roof. However, it’s not just Orchard Valley.

On another Orchard Valley note, a neighbor said the bears didn’t hibernate this year. One attacked a bird feeder recently.

***

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

]]>