State Rep. Mindy Domb sent me an email about the food drive she is hosting to benefit the Amherst Survival Center. The Light and Love Community Food Drive is inspired by the Rev. Martin Luther King’s words, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” she wrote.

The drive has already started and will culminate Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center. That’s Martin Luther King Day, a national holiday.

“That is also Inauguration Day. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the new administration and “observe” the upcoming Inauguration Day — together we will join in an event whose purpose is to care for one another, strengthen our community, and manifest Dr. King’s words,” she wrote.

Donations will also be accepted besides food.

***

More food. The South Amherst Congregational Church has begun a new season of food sales. This one is pickup only and will be Jan. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. You can order meat or vegetarian chili and clam chowder by the pint or mac and cheese, 7 oz. Call 253-2977 to order.

***

I noticed red boxes of candy with hearts on them in the supermarket before Dec. 25. Valentine’s Day already! However, it is only seven weeks between Dec. 25 and Feb. 14. I guess that’s a reasonable time.

***

The guardrail on the Fort River Bridge at the light on West Street (Route 116) and East Hadley Road is being repaired. Fencing and netting now covers the rusty and broken rails. To motorists stopped at the light it was obvious awhile ago that the metal had passed its prime.

***

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