The Lehrer Report: Feb. 5, 2026

Good news — We have 10 hours of daylight, 5 p.m. isn’t dark anymore.

More good news. Adrienne Terrizzi, the Orchard Valley neighborhood communicator, sent out a request for volunteers to shovel the fire hydrants in the neighborhood. Within two days they were all cleared. Many thanks to those who volunteered and keep our community going.

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Winter ends and spring begins on the Vernal Equinox in March. Therefore, a groundhog can’t predict (by a handler) six weeks of winter since the date doesn’t change. However, the language should change to the effect that six more weeks of winter-like weather is predicted. 

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The UMass Chinese Lion Dragon Parade will be held Sunday, Feb. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. The parade will start at the Fire Department on  North Pleasant Street and stop at Amherst’s downtown Asian restaurants. See the restaurants receive traditional lion’s dance blessings to bring luck, fortune, and prosperity in the new year. The event is sponsored by the Amherst BID.

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The Northampton Youth Performance Festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1 and 4 p.m. at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St. The event features music, dance, plays, poems and videos by youth artists ages 8-18. Tickets are sliding scale and available at the door.

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Nicola Courtright of Amherst sent an email photo of Kicker Rock off San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos, where she visited with family. The penguins, sea lions, iguanas, birds, turtle, fish that were seen while hiking, kayaking and snorkeling were phenomenal, she wrote. The rock is massive and has an amazing split. Thank you. 

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Joyce and Allan Austin of Amherst sent stunning photos via email of the ruins at Ephesus in Turkey.

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The South Amherst Thursday Club, of which I am a member, is hosting a concert by the ARHS Chorale directed by Todd Fruth, Thursday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Munson Memorial Library. The concert is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. I am bringing cheese and crackers. 

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Looking  ahead — The Amherst Winter Fest will be held Feb. 14-21 with a variety of free and affordable activities around town. The events are coordinated by the Amherst Recreation Department.

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

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