Weekend - December 02, 2021

For the most up-to-date listing of events, go online to masslive.com/entertainment

Weekend

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| THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS: Yuletide returns to Storrowton Village, E3 MUSICAL PRODUCTION: ‘Christmas Carol’ coming to Ludlow, E5 RADIO PLAY: Hartford Stage welcomes ‘Wonderful Life,’ E5

Inside Santa’s Workshop The Grinch will visit the Springfield Museums for holiday activities and more, Page E2

E2 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

ON THE COVER

The Grinch to visit Santa’s Workshop

A gingerbread creation featuring a shipwreck by the Salva family is on display at the “Gingerbread: Under the Sea” exhibit at the Springfield Museums. The exhibit runs through Jan. 2.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

scientific process.”

The Grinch will be on hand, too, from noon to 3 p.m. “I Event: Santa’s Workshop think once the Grinch’s heart Where: The Springfield grew three sizes it was never Museums, 21 Edwards St., able to shrink to its formerly Springfield curmudgeonly size,” she said.

When: Saturday and Dec. 11, meet Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 “The Grinch is always excitp.m. at the “Gingerbread: Uned to welcome visitors to the der the Sea” exhibit; make a museums. Just like when he sat miniature snowball launcher down to carve the roast beast, I from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; meet think every family can expect a the Grinch, noon to 3 p.m. highly positive, safe, fun interCost: Free with museum action with The Grinch.” admission At the museums, the focus More information: Visit is on learning at every family springfieldmuseums.org/ program. “Children are so program/santas-workshop much more likely to learn when /2021-12-04. we offer a chance for them to be with their first and most important teachers, their caregivwill be inspired to make some ers,” Powers said. “When chilUnder-the-Sea- theme holiday dren are engaged and actively gifts as well.” learning along with people they They will also be able to love and trust, the information make a miniature snowball or skills they learned is more launcher from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., likely to stick, along with an where children will be able to emotional memory of the time create their own catapult and they enjoyed together. Everyload it with a white pom-pom thing we’ve planned this holito try to hit a target. day season has been designed Each participant will learn with that in mind.” how to build a catapult out Last year many children of simple materials and then didn’t get to visit Santa and take aim and launch his or her The Grinch because of the “snowball” at a target. “I’m COVID-19 pandemic. “This sure some visitors will want to year, I can’t wait to see the factry over and over again to hit es as they’re reunited,” Powers the target,” Powers said. “This said. station seems like pure fun, but For more information, visit children will be learning while springfieldmuseums.org/ they play. This station touches program/santas-workshop on force, aerodynamics and the /2021-12-04.

IF YOU GO

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch will pay a visit to Santa’s Workshop at the Springfield Museums on Saturday. (SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS PHOTO)

Springfield Museums event features meet-and-greets, gift making and more

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By Cori Urban

said Jenny A. Powers, the museums’ family engagement hildren will coordinator.

Children will be the elves in be able to Santa’s Workshop, where they can make their own gift to give meet both a special loved one, complete Santa Claus with trimmings including card and gift tag. Options will and The include magnet sets, photos Grinch at Santa’s in mosaic frames and cup Workshop on Saturlanterns.

“While the projects in Sanday and Dec. 11 at the ta’s Workshops are designed Springfield Museums. for little hands, everyone is “There’s room for everyone welcome,” Powers said. “We on the nice list, even The find the experience to be most Grinch! Santa Claus believes meaningful when children in the best in all of us, and and their caregivers work who could appreciate Santa and talk together about their more than someone who projects and who they might knows how hard it is to deliver want to surprise this holiday presents and decorations to season.” every house in Whoville?”

The event is free with museSpecial to The Republican

um admission.

Visitors can meet Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the special exhibit “Gingerbread: Under the Sea.” Every child 12 and under will be able to choose a gift (while supplies last).

“Gingerbread: Under the Sea” is this year’s gingerbread exhibit. “We are set to have more entries than ever before in our annual show, and our exhibit designer has really outdone herself creating an immersive under-the-sea environment,” Powers said. “It’s also a perfect complement to the ‘Splash and Bubbles’ exhibit, which is now open in the Wood Museum of Springfield History.

Both exhibits fit in with Santa’s Workshop because each stop is about creativity, play and learning. We hope children

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 | E3

YULETIDE AT STORROWTON VILLAGE The following activities and entertainment will be featured throughout the Village during Yuletide Weekend:

At left, seasonal decor courtesy of the West Springfield Garden Club at a previous Yuletide at Storrowton Village Museum. Above, decor courtesy of the East Longmeadow Garden Club. (DANNY NASON PHOTOS)

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Celebrate old-fashioned Christmas with Yuletide at Storrowton Village

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gional Technical High School Horticultural Department; Storrowton Village Museum Garden Club; and independent designers Merry Mite Gardens, Natalie A. Richards, Dennis Picard and Fontaine.

“This year we have added horse-drawn wagon ride for a small fee that will bring you to our Farmers Market and you can enjoy a free cookie and cocoa. We also have Rick Corbo this year who will get into character for a reading of ‘A SEE YULETIDE, PAGE E6

Sunday 10 a.m. - noon: Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Potter Mansion 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.: Horse-drawn carriage rides with Clay Hill Farm. Tickets available in advance and include cocoa and a cookie 11 a.m. - noon: Music of the season violin and vocal performance with Ann-Marie Messbauer in the Union Meetinghouse 1-2 p.m.: Stan Svec - traditional fiddle music and storytelling in the Union Meetinghouse 1-3 p.m.: Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Potter Mansion 1-3 p.m.: Firefly Fields Mobile Farm on the Village Green

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offers a romantic notion of what the holiday might have been like back then.

“People are thrilled to see our full celebration back after COVID-19 curtailed our activities last year. We have been receiving calls and emails every day from people craving to get back to our family tradition,” Jessica Fontaine, director, Storrowton Village Museum, said.

The eight-day event begins with the free Yuletide Weekend on Saturday and Sunday Seasonal decor at a past Yuletide Open House Tour at Storrow- from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when ton Village Museum. Yuletide events begin this weekend at the visitors can participate in a museum. (DANNY NASON PHOTO) variety of activities of the season and take a self-guided

By Keith O’Connor Storrowton Village Musetour through the village’s six Special to The Republican um from Saturday through decorated historic buildings.

Dec. 11.

The winter festival Decorated by area garden t is the next best celebrates the season with clubs, florists and designthing to jumping traditional Yuletide activities, ers, the village buildings — entertainment, and shopping adorned with wreaths, swags, in a time main the historic Village with garlands, fresh evergreens chine — if there Yuletide Weekend, Yuletide and all natural materials — will offer innovative and origreally was one — Open House Tours, and a Lantern Light Evening. inal ideas to turn your home and traveling back to Although Christmas was into a holiday wonderland. an early New England not widely celebrated in the This year’s decorators in1800s — Storrowton Village clude the Westfield Woman’s Christmas.

Museum is a reconstructed Club and garden clubs from The Eastern States Exposivillage of nine authentic 18th Agawam, East Longmeadtion in West Springfield will and 19th century buildings — ow, Springfield, and West hold its annual Yuletide at the popular museum tradition Springfield; Pathfinder Re-

Saturday 10 a.m. - noon: Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Potter Mansion 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Ice carving with Mike Rondeau of Ice Creations 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.: Horse-drawn carriage rides with Clay Hill Farm. Tickets available in advance and include cocoa and a cookie 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens with first-person presenter Rick Corbo in the Union Meetinghouse 1-3 p.m.: Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Potter Mansion 1-3 p.m.: Firefly Fields Mobile Farm on the Village Green

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WEEKEND

E4 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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MUSIC | CLUBBING

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Enter The Haggis shows switch venues

Nightclubs THURSDAY Buccaneer Lounge: DJ with rock and Top 40. 86 Maple St., Agawam

HE DEC. 30-31 ENter The Haggis concerts originally scheduled at Northampton’s Iron Horse Music Hall have been moved to the Calvin Theatre.

The Toronto-based Celtic rock band is a local favorite, having played in Northampton most years on New Year’s Eve and the night before. All tickets for the Iron Horse will be honored for the Calvin show, according to the Iron The Enter The Haggis concerts originally scheduled Dec. 30Horse Entertainment Group 31 at Northampton’s Iron Horse Music Hall have been moved to website. the Calvin Theatre. (CHARLIE MILLER / SYRACUSE.COM FILE PHOTO) Tickets are available at iheg. com.

The band melds bagpipes and fiddles with rock ’n’ roll instrumentation to create a unique blend of music that has grown in popularity for two decades.

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee

Liner notes • Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton will be hitting the road next month in support of his latest EP, “2020 Vision,” and making a stop at Northampton’s Academy of Music on Dec. 17, the final date of the tour.

The EP is his first new release in the six years since his critically acclaimed album, “Mixtape of the Open Road.”

The EP is a four-song collection that includes reflections from the past year and beyond.

The recordings were tracked virtually during lockdown and produced by three-time Grammy-nominee John Alagia, who has worked with stars such as John Mayer and Paul Simon.

Alina’s: Emery Smith. 96 Russell St., Hadley

George Lenker Jon Batiste performs during the Global Citizen Festival on Sept. 25 in New York. Batiste received 11 Grammy Award nominations. (STEFAN JEREMIAH /

LiveWire

will open the show.

Tickets are $35-$45 and all previously held tickets will be honored for the new date.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE) If you have any questions or concerns, or cannot make tions was one for record of the the new date, please contact year for his album “Freedom.” the Academy of Music at box Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, office@aomtheatre.com. and H.E.R. each received eight nominations, while Bil• Cowboy Junkies will lie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo play Northampton’s Academy both snagged seven. of Music on Feb. 3, 2022.

The winners will be anThe band, originally formed nounced at the annual awards in Toronto in 1985 by three ceremony, which will be held siblings and a friend, has at the Microsoft Theater in never split up or even taken a Los Angeles on Jan. 31, 2022. hiatus over its three decades together.

• Jon Batiste is the heavy • The Psychedelic Furs The current tour will kick favorite for the 2022 Grammy Awards. show originally scheduled for off with the Northampton Batiste, who serves as the Nov. 16 at the Academy of Mu- show then take the band to bandleader and musical direc- sic in Northampton has been Portsmouth, New Hamptor for “The Late Show with rescheduled for March 18. shire; Ridgefield, ConnectiThe band is touring in supcut; and Lexington, before Stephen Colbert,” nabbed 11 port of its most recent record, heading to New York City and nominations when the Recording Academy announced 2020′s “Made Of Rain” — the down the East Coast. first Psychedelic Furs album in The show starts at 8 p.m. the nominees last week.

29 years. Royston Langdon and tickets are $35 to $55.

Among Batiste’s nomina-

East Mountain Country Club: Thursday Night Trivia. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing. 91 Taylor St., Springfield Shadow Lounge: DJ with classics.

278 Worthington St., Springfield Southwick Inn: Open mic hosted

by Steve Piper of Roadhouse Band. 479 College Highway, Southwick The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer The Still: Drink specials. 63 Springfield St., Agawam West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills

Sounds: Signature Sounds Presents Oshima Brothers. 32 Masonic St., Northampton Theodores’: Carl Ricci and 706 Union Ave. 201 Worthington St., Springfield West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills

SATURDAY Alina’s: Emery Smith. 96 Russell St., Hadley Delaney House: CO2. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing.

91 Taylor St., Springfield The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds: Signature Sounds Presents: Kimaya Diggs & Friends. 32 Masonic St., Northampton Theodores’: Six Pack of Blues. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

Whip City Brew: DJ with dance. 287 Whip City Brew: DJ with dance. 287 Elm St., Westfield Elm St., Westfield

SUNDAY

FRIDAY

Delaney House: Luther Johnson. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee East Mountain Country Club: Karaoke with Kris Sanders. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing.

91 Taylor St., Springfield The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer The Parlor Room at Signature

Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing.

91 Taylor St., Springfield The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes.

Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329; emailed to pmastriano@repub.com; or submitted to masslive.com/myevent.

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Everyone Welcome

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 | E5

LUDLOW

‘Christmas Carol’ gets musical twist

By Cori Urban

Special to The Republican

A holiday production will bring the familiar Ebenezer Scrooge to the stage as The Exit 7 Players of Ludlow presents “A Christmas Carol: A New Musical.”

The cast of “It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play” in rehearsal include, from left, Evan Zes, Jennifer Bareilles, Michael Preston, Shirine Babb and Gerardo Rodriguez. (DEFINING STUDIOS PHOTO)

HARTFORD

‘Wonderful Life’ comes to stage Hartford Stage poduction runs through Dec. 26

Connecticut playwright Joe Landry has refashioned the 1946 Jimmy Stewart movie into a play reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is Cori Urban the story of George Bailey, a Special to The Republican young man who dreams of someday leaving his homehis retown of Bedford Falls to find fashioned adventure throughout the world. When circumstances Christmas keep him from pursuing his classic fortunes elsewhere, he finds himself increasingly frustratshould be with small-town life and a wonderful addition ed his responsibilities. to Hartford Stage’s On Christmas Eve, through the intervention of an affable upcoming offerings. angel who is trying to get his “It’s a Wonderful Life — A wings, George is given the Live Radio Play” will be rare opportunity to see how staged at the theater, 50 the world would be different Church St., Hartford, Conhad he never been born. necticut, now through Dec. 26.

But this production has a “The beautiful story and different twist. “It’s a Wonmuch of the dialogue from the derful Life: A Live Radio Play” movie is there for us to enjoy transports its audience to a — all those memorable charfestive recreation of a 1940s acters and moments will be radio broadcast. The story of present,” said Rachel Alderthe Bailey Family, the greedy man, Hartford Stage artistic Mr. Potter and the residents producer and co-director. of Bedford Falls comes to life “What makes it unique is that with a cast of radio players, it will be live and unfolding a live sound effects artist, right in front of your eyes. period music and throwback … We also have some stage commercials. magic to share that you’ll have “No matter what religious to come and see.” or cultural tradition you come

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IF YOU GO Event: “It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play” When: Now through Dec. 26 Where: Hartford Stage, 50 Church St., Hartford Tickets: $30 to $100 For more info: Online at HartfordStage.org

from, this season celebrates light at the darkest time of the year. ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ has become, effectively, the American answer to Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol,’” said Melia Bensussen, Hartford Stage artistic director and co-director.

“When all is quiet, the snow has fallen, the candles are lit, we reflect on the meaning of our lives as we prepare for the coming new year. As Scrooge is saved on Christmas Eve, so too is George Bailey and we, in the audience, have a moment to take stock of what we cherish as we sit together in the theater to witness their journeys and reflect on our own.”

The cast includes Shirine Babb, Jennifer Bareilles, Michael Preston, Gerardo Rodriguez and Evan Zes.

SEE LIFE, PAGE E12

This adaptation from Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption by Jeffrey Flood (book) and Peter Hicks (music and lyrics) will have its newly orchestrated world premiere with this production.

“As a musical, this production adds a fresh twist on the classic tale,” said director Ryan M. Bird. “Over a dozen songs help tell the story with music that quickens your pulse or tugs at your heartstrings. Add to that some stunning choreography and an 11-piece orchestra and it’s like no other Christmas Carol you have ever seen.”

Music direction is by Ed Dion.

Hal Chernoff as Scrooge leads the ensemble cast.

Twenty-one cast members from throughout the region play more than 30 characters in the production.

“I’m incredibly lucky to be working with such a talented cast,” Bird said. “The show highlights the amazing vocal talents of so many great actors, but it’s the depth of the talent in the cast that brings every

IF YOU GO Event: “A Christmas Carol: A New Musical” Where: Exit 7 Theater, 37 Chestnut St., Ludlow When: Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m., Dec. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $22 (preferred), $20 (adult) and $18 (seniors over 62/children 12 and under) For more info: Online at exit7players.org

character and every scene to life.”

“A Christmas Carol” was “a ground-breaking story of its time; it illuminated those who were suffering from disenfranchisement, hunger or loneliness and showed us the capacity of all of us to change through the story of one man,” Bird reflected. “That type of hope is still relevant today as so many struggle with these same issues during the pandemic.”

SEE ‘CAROL’, PAGE E12

“Over a dozen songs help tell the story with music that quickens your pulse or tugs at your heartstrings.”

Ryan M. Bird, director, “A Christmas Carol: A New Musical”

American Legion Post 266

74 Pleasant Street, Granby • 413-467-9545 www.granbylegionpost266.com Open 7 days a week noon to 1am

Friday... 12/3 Union Jack Friday... 12/10 Moose & The High Tops Friday... 12/17 Midlife Crisis Friday... 12/23 X-Mas Party POOL & DARTS

WEEKEND

E6 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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Yuletide CONTINUES FROM PAGE E3

Simu Liu in the Marvel Studios film, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” (JASIN BOLAND / MARVEL STUDIOS / TNS)

NEW ON DVD

‘Shang-Chi’ expands MCU Tribune News Service

sary addition to this universe.”

Also new on DVD “Malignant”: Horror film directed and co-written by James Wan, about a young woman who begins experiencing visions of gruesome murders, the origins of which involve a terrifying secret from her past.

“My Life Is Murder: Series 2”: Acorn TV show with Lucy Lawless as a former police detective turned private eye in Melbourne, Australia.

“Saint Maud”: British horror movie about a Catholic nurse who becomes obsessed with saving a patient with late stage cancer.

“Reds”: The 40th anniversary two-disc Blu-ray set of the sweeping historical epic starring Warren Beatty, who also directed, as American journalist John Reed, who witnessed the start of the Russian Revolution amid World War I. Also featuring Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Edward Herrmann, Gene Hackman, Paul Sorvino and Maureen Stapleton.

“Heaven Can Wait”: A 1978 romantic comedy starring Julie Christie and Warren Beatty, who also co-wrote and co-directed, has been restored and remastered and is available on Blu-ray for the first time. Beatty plays a backup quarterback in the NFL whose soul is taken by his guardian angel too soon, only to be returned to the body of a recently killed millionaire.

Christmas in New England and some of the smaller traditions that finally led to Christmas being celebrated,” Fontaine said.

There will also be a Lantern Light Evening on Dec. 8 from 6-8 p.m. Visitors can listen to the musical storytelling of Stan Svec in the Union Meeting House and stop by Potter Mansion for self-serve cocoa and tea, and to decorate their own holiday treat. The Museum Gift Shop and Christmas Shop will be open before the event. Admission is $12, children 6 and under are free.

Horse-drawn carriage rides

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Polish American Citizens Club

Fairview Knight of Columbus

VFW Post 8006 Bingo

355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385 Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm Doors Open at 4pm.

Minimum Admission $50 1 - 1199 Progressive w/ Climbing Consolation Prize 2 - $500 Cover Alls 3 - $200 Special Games All Games will be $100 with 90 People or More All Cards are included with Admission

The schoolhouse is decorated during a past Yuletide at Storrowton Village. This year’s Yuletide events begin this weekend at the museum. (DANNY NASON PHOTO)

1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011 DOORS OPEN 4:30PM MASKS REQUIRED UNTIL SEATED Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start Min. Entry Package $15 Electronic Bingo Aval.

Limited Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms

will be held from 5:15-8:15 p.m. Tickets are available in advance and include cocoa and a cookie.

“Lantern Light Evening is such a fun event when we light the buildings with real lanterns and candles so visitors can get a feel for the natural lighting that would have existed back then in the 19th century,” Fontaine said.

Parking is free for all Storrowton events. Activities will take place weather permitting, and parking is free. For more information, call 413205-5051 or visit storrowton village.com.

18 Meadow Street Florence, MA 01062 413-530-0145 Doors open @ 5:00 PM Games start at 6:15 Early Bird and Bonanza 18 - Regular Games 1 - Winner Take All 1 - Progressive 1 - 50/50 Admission starts $20.00

CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE

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The first Marvel film to feature an Asian lead tops the DVD releases for this week.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”: Simu Liu stars as the titular kung fu master, who must leave his new life in San Francisco behind to confront his past, and his father, when he becomes involved with the Ten Rings organization.

Though his father is the movie’s antagonist, “it’s not all serious family tragedy in ‘Shang-Chi,’ which is extremely funny and playful, especially thanks to the casting of comedian Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s ride-or-die best friend,” writes Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh in her review. “The charming Liu, a Chinese Canadian actor and stuntman, holds his own with the comedy, and he’s more than equipped for the combat, which unfolds in clean, crisp action sequences.”

Walsh also credits director Destin Daniel Cretton for helping make this entry stand out in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings’ doesn’t feel like just another MCU installment, which is a compliment,” Walsh writes.

“The characters are fresh and Cretton constantly emphasizes the emotional connections between them, crafting a modern, wuxia-informed martial arts movie with heart, which just so happens to feature a Marvel superhero. Shang-Chi is a welcome, and very neces-

Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. Rick is a professional actor who came to The Big E as a fairgoer and talked to us about what he does,” Fontaine said about adding him to this year’s celebration.

Additional events will include a family craft area in the Potter Mansion where participants can make a free shooting star ornament, writing a letter to Santa with a real quill pen and ink in the Eddy Law Office, open hearth cooking demonstrations in Gilbert Farmhouse, and blacksmithing demonstrations in the Clark Blacksmith Shop.

The special weeklong celebration continues with Yuletide Open House Tours from Dec. 7-11 when visitors can explore the museum’s decorated buildings with a costumed guide from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour admission is $8 per person and free for children six and under.

“All of our guides are trained in knowing the history of the holidays in New England. While Christmas wasn’t celebrated until later in the 19th century, they will talk about the origins of

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 | E7

DINE & WINE

Cheers! Beer Nut marks another year

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HIS WEEK MARKS the 18th anniversary of this column.

Sometimes people say things like, “I can’t believe it’s been 18 years already.” Other times someone might say, “It seems so much longer.”

For me, however, it seems exactly like 18 years.

I certainly remember my first column in 2003, but aside from that I don’t remember much about the first few years. Since I was given carte blanche by my editors to write whatever I wanted about craft beer, it took me at least a few months to find some sort of consistent footing. And in many ways, I’ve never tried to make the column that consistent anyway. It’s always been sort of a hodgepodge of beer news, beer opinions, reader reactions, and other beer-related topics that tickle my fancy.

The one thing this column has never been is something I insisted on avoiding when they first approached me about writing a weekly beer piece: a “beer review” column. While I will describe certain beers as far as their flavor profile and occasionally offer a mild opinion one way or the other about certain aspects of a beer, the last thing I wanted to do was “rate” various beers.

There are plenty of websites for that sort of thing, and although there weren’t really many sites like that back when I started, I never wanted to impose my opinions on others.

To me, people should drink what they like. I do encourage people to expand their horizons and experiment with different beers, but just because I don’t like something doesn’t mean other people shouldn’t. As I have noted plenty of times, tastes are subjective, and as I’ve noted very recently, even one’s own tastes can change

5 lesser-known, affordable red box wines

B George Lenker Beer Nut

I try to give a good mix of things and make sure there’s at least either some educational or entertainment value to each item. over time.

Of course, I only have 52 of these columns each year, so I certainly can’t get to every bit of beer news, every new brewery opening — even locally — or every big story in the beer world. But I try to give a good mix of things and make sure there’s at least either some educational or entertainment value to each item.

I do enjoy getting reader feedback. It’s mostly been positive, but I’ve certainly gotten my share of heckling and negative replies. When the response is critical, as long as it’s reasonable and not nasty, I’ll respond to it or at least take it into consideration. Of course some people are just out to be mean.

Those I just shake off and forget. But I always welcome emails, and again, you can always reach me at geolenker@ yahoo.com.

I’ll end this week’s column by simply saying thank you for reading me all these years. Whether you’ve read one or two columns or almost every one I’ve ever written, I truly appreciate it.

Cheers.

OX WINE OFTEN gets a bad rap.

Mention “box wine” to many people and they’ll likely say words like “cheap” or “tacky” or “bad.”

But the reality is there are many great wines out there that just happen to come in a box.

Best of all, these box wines often cost far less than wines that come in a traditional bottle. Most box wines come in a 3-liter box, the equivalent of 4 traditional, 750 milliliter bottles of wine. The five box wines recommended this week cost less than $6 a bottle and sometimes as little as $4 a bottle.

Another advantage to box wine is these wines last longer after you first open them. You often need to finish a bottle of wine a day or two after you open it. Otherwise it loses its unique flavors. In contrast, most box wines last about 30 days or so after you first have a glass of wine out of the box.

Let me add that the five box wines recommended this week were tasted periodically over a two-week period.

And while certain box wine brands can be found almost anywhere, you don’t have to have the same box wines over and over. That’s why this week I wanted to feature five lesser-known, delicious red box wines.

Again, just because they come in a box doesn’t mean they’re not great wines. I would honestly feel comfortable serving them to family or friends at a holiday party or any other gathering.

Let me add that you might not be able to find all of them at a store near you. But hopefully you can find at least one or two of them. Hope you enjoy.

3-liter box at Table & Vine in West Springfield) • 2019 Domaine Bousquet Natural Origins Malbec ($16.99 3-liter box at Table & Vine) • 2020 GEA Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon Central Valley Andean Red Wine ($25 suggested retail price) • 2020 Folonari Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Red ($15.98 3-liter box at Yankee Spirits in Sturbridge) • 2019 Vignes des Lumieres Cotes Du Rhone Red ($21.98 3-liter box at Yankee Spirits)

Box wines recommended this week • 2019 Cinta Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Red ($15.99

Wine tasting notes 2019 Cinta Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Red Location: Abruzzo, Italy

The five red box wines recommended this week. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

Grape: Montepulciano Tasting notes: This delightful, slightly flinty red wine from central Italy has a clean, bright finish. Flavors include dry cherry and raspberry with a dash of black pepper, which gives this rustic red wine a wonderful earthy finish.

Ken Ross Wine Press

2019 Domaine Bousquet Natural Origins Malbec Location: Mendoza, Argentina Grape: Malbec Tasting notes: Domaine Bousquet in Argentina is famous for producing delicious, affordable organic wines. This great wine simply happens to come in a box. Hints of cherry and raspberry come to the forefront of this lively, vibrant red wine with a bright, clean finish.

2020 GEA Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon Central Valley Andean Red Wine Location: Central Valley, Chile Grape: Cabernet sauvignon Tasting notes: And now for something completely different, as John Cleese used to say on Monte Python’s

SEE WINE, PAGE E9

E8 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

WEEKEND

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DINE & WINE

T

Holiday traditions return to restaurants 6370 for more information.

In addition to bringing back holiday season favorites like the Peppermint Mocha and the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Starbucks has created a new hot coffee beverage this season.

The Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte blends together blond roast espresso, almond Hugh Robert milk, and sugar cookie syrup; Off The Menu the latte is served topped with red and green sprinkles. for Santa to stop by on Dec. Other seasonal lattes now 18, when he will be the guest on offer at Starbucks include The Irish House Restaurant at the Irish Cultural Center of of honor at a Breakfast with a Caramel Brulee Latte and a Western Massachusetts will feature a whiskey tasting and a Santa event.

Chestnut Praline Latte. series of Christmas caroling events this month.

There will be two seatings, In the pastry case holiday (DON TREEGER / one at 8 a.m. and a second at season patrons will find Reinseason menu rollout is a Cali starts at 11:30 a.m. and is $50, 10 a.m. The menu will include deer Cake Pops, a Cranberry Roasted Turkey Melt sandall inclusive. A glass of wine scrambled eggs, assorted pas- Bliss Bar, Sugar plum Cheese wich that’s built on grilled will be served with the meal, tries, French toast, pancakes, Danish, and a classic Snowmultigrain bread and features and a cash bar will be availbacon, sausage links and fresh man Cookie. accents of bacon, cheese, able. fruit.

Participating Starbucks roasted cherry tomatoes, and Book reservations for either Cost to attend is $22.99 for outlets will feature these avocado along with roasted date at 413-566-4158. adults and $12 for children 12 holiday treats as long as turkey breast.

The Shortstop Bar & Grill and under. Contact the Short- supplies last.

SEE MENU, PAGE E9 In the drink department in Westfield has arranged stop Bar & Grill at 413-642participating IHOP locations are compounding Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshakes.

They’re made by blending vanilla ice cream with hot chocolate, then finishing things off with whipped topping, chocolate sauce, and mini-marshmallows.

There are IHOP locations at Five Town Plaza in Sixteen Acres and on Riverdale Street in West Springfield.

As per tradition, the Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee will feature the Dan Kane Carolers nightly from Dec. 10 through 23.

Caroling begins at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are required. The restaurant will be Starting Nov 26th, through the end of the year, serving its Christmas season menu to enjoy along with the ENJOY A $10 BONUS CARD FOR EVERY $50 PURCHASED festive holiday music.

Visit table3restaurantgroup.com/gift-cards Call 413-594-8788 for more information or to make reservations.

On Dec. 15 and 16, The Starting Gate at Greathorse in Hampden will be hosting Avellino & The Duck | (508) 347-2321 | 502 Main Street | avellinorestaurant.com | theducksturbridge.com its annual Holiday LunCedar Street Grille | (508) 347-5800 | 12 Cedar Street | cedarstreetgrille.com cheons with Dan Kane and Cedar Street Café | (508) 347-6800 | 420 Main Street | cedarstreetcafesturbridge.com Friends.

The event, which features TABLE 3 RESTAURANT GROUP TABLE3RESTAURANTGROUP.COM a holiday luncheon buffet,

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Online

Gift Cards

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HOUGH THE LAST 18 months haven’t been kind to the restaurant industry, this year has seen a renewal of holiday-themed dining out experiences across the region.

These include everything from Santa “stop-ins” to special seasonal menu offerings, and what follows is a sampling of the holiday food and fun to be savored in the weeks ahead.

During the Christmas season, the Irish House Restaurant at the Irish Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts will be featuring a series of Christmas caroling events.

Scheduled on Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 22, the performances are $12 per person. The restaurant’s drinks and dinner menu are available to enjoy at the same time the performances take place.

The Irish House Restaurant also will host a whiskey tasting on Dec. 9 starting at 6 p.m. Four whiskeys will be paired with four small plate selections; the pairings will lead off with ahi tuna sliders with Bushmills Original and flank steak skewers with Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition. Other whiskeys tasted are to be Crown Royal Apple and Slane.

Tickets are $45.

Contact the Irish House Restaurant at 413-342-4358 to reserve places at either event.

IHOP is marking the arrival of the winter holidays with two new pancake creations.

Winter Wonderland Pancakes are two buttermilk hotcakes topped with a shimmering blue vanilla swirl. A garnish of miniature marshmallows and sugar “snow” completes the presentation.

Cranberry Vanilla Pancakes, a second winter-themed offering, are crowned with vanilla bean mousse, cranberry topping, whipped topping, and powdered sugar.

Also part of this winter

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Enrico Giovanello, the executive chef for the Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge, is holding his last “Cooking with Rico” event of 2021 on Dec 16 at 6:30 p.m.

The evening is his popular “Feast of the Seven Fishes,” an Italian American Christmas Eve tradition, an event he is promising to make interesting thanks to a few culinary twists he has added.

Cost to attend is $69, not including tax or gratuity. Reservations and information are available at 508-347-2321.

Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield has a full schedule of special holiday experiences lined up this year.

On Thursday evenings in December Champney’s is presenting Holiday Music by the Fire from 6 to 9 p.m., with various performers featured on successive Thursdays.

For the young (and the young at heart), Champney’s will be sponsoring a “Santa Experience” on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14.

On each of those four evenings, from 4 to 6 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus have made time in their busy December schedules to stop and listen to the holiday wishes of children attending.

A full children’s and regular dinner menu will be available, and complimentary Mrs. Claus cookies will be served for dessert.

The fee to attend the “Santa Experience” dinners is $25, not including items ordered off the menu. Reservations, which are required, can be made by calling Champney’s at 413-7723087.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout the early winter months the Deerfield Inn is sponsoring private 30-minute carriage rides through the historic village; a party of four can be accommodated for $50. Reservations can be booked by calling 413-7745587.

“Flying Circus.” If you’re looking for a unique wine with a slightly sweet distinct finish, this wine’s the one.

Caramel flavors mixed with marshmallow, cotton candy and toffee make this red wine more of a dessert wine or the perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth.

Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn, 81 Old Main St. in Deerfield, has a full schedule of special holiday experiences lined up this year, including Holiday Music by the Fire, a “Santa Experience” and carriage rides. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

branching out and offering nonfood products as promotional awareness builders. Recently, two restaurant chains have taken that practice to new places.

In order to promote the chain’s two french fry sides, in November Arby’s announced the sale of two flavored vodkas — one infused to taste like Arby’s Curly Fries, the second flavored with the same spice blend used on the Crinkle Fries Arby’s released in March.

Offered online, the limited-quantity vodka Arby’s made available sold out within an hour.

The second nonfood marketing gimmick offered this fall is a limited edition “ugly” Christmas sweater being offered by Lee’s Famous Fried Chicken.

Fans of the brand can win a Lee’s-branded, holiday-themed sweater by participating in a TikTok and Instagram Reels social media contest. Fifty “ugly” sweaters will be awarded to those creating the best short video with a Lee’s Famous holiday theme.

ribeyes, New York strip steaks, filets, filet medallions, and filet tips. Most items are sold in packs of four.

The Butcher Shop also offers a subscription program through which steaks can be delivered monthly, every other month, or every quarter.

The Texas Roadhouse Butcher Shop operates its digital storefront at trbutchershop.com.

2020 Folonari Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Red Location: Abruzzo, Italy Grape: Montepulciano Tasting notes: One of my favorite wines of the tasting, this soft, subtle wine has an intense, clean finish with dry cherry flavors and a dash of blueberry. Like the other Italian red box wine from Abruzzo, this one pairs

2019 Vignes des Lumieres Cotes Du Rhone Red Location: Cotes Du Rhone, France Grape: 70% grenache, 30% syrah Tasting notes: While I enjoyed all five box wines recommended this week, this was the one I found myself returning to again and again over the past two weeks. It’s slightly drier and earthier and more robust than the other four wines. Flavors range from dried blackberries and cherries with a flinty finish.

Absolutely superb.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.

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• From March 6 though 8 the International Restaurant and Food Service Show of New York will take place at the Javits Center in New York City.

Traditionally one of the nation’s most important restaurant trade shows, the “New York Show” was a longtime November tradition in the hospitality business.

Reworked and rescheduled to serve what the show’s promoters are labeling as a “refocused food service industry,” the show will feature a full array of in-person educational seminars and special events along with more than • Texas Roadhouse, the 500 exhibitors.

Louisville, Kentucky-based More information about American steakhouse chain, is the show is available at its now selling its steaks online. website, international The company’s “Butcher restaurantny.com.

Shop” website went live late Hugh Robert is a faculty last month, offering a variety of member in Holyoke Commuthe brand’s most popular steak nity College’s hospitality and cuts. The steaks are sold along culinary arts program and has with seasoning blends and more than 45 years of restaucooking instructions. rant and educational experiSide dishes The assortment available at ence. Robert can be reached • Over the past several years, the Texas Roadhouse Butcher online at OffTheMenuGuy@ restaurant brands have been Shop includes ribeyes, bone-in aol.com.

perfectly with heartier meats and stews.

E10 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

WEEKEND

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CALENDAR

Events THURSDAY 2021 Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees: Thu.-Sun, MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. 413-787-6600 or massmutualcenter.com.

2021 Feztival of Trees: Thu.-Fri, 4-7 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Clarion Hotel & Aqua Lagoon Water Park, Through Sunday. For $10 you get 15 raffle tickets. Shop at the craft fair, have lunch or dinner. Take a photo with Santa, 1080 Riverdale St., West Springfield.

Bright Nights at Forest Park: Thu.Sun, Forest Park. Hours: Mon.-Thurs.

5-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5-11 p.m.; Sun. 5-9 p.m. Holidays 5-11 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets available online at brightnights.org, $23 per car, $35 limousine; $80 mini buses (seating capacity of 17-31); $175 buses (seating capacity 31+). Sumner Avenue, Springfield.

Menorah Lighting on the Green: Thu, 5 p.m. Longmeadow Town Green. Hanukkah treats will be available, Route 5, Longmeadow.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park: Thu.Sun, Six Flags New England. Open on various days, for more information or to purchase tickets visit sixflags. com/newengland, $14.99 per person. 1623 Main St., Agawam. 413786-9300. For information about the drive-thru event, visit sixflags.com.

UMass Amherst Trombone & Brass Choirs: Thu, 7:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall; Free. North Pleasant St., Amherst.

413-545-2511 or umass.edu.

Wilbraham Garden Club Meeting: Thu, 10:30 a.m., St. Cecilia Church, meet in the parish center. The speaker for the day will be Carole King Platt. Her arrangements will be raffled at the end of the meeting, 42 Main St., Wilbraham.

FRIDAY 2021 Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees: See Thursday listing 2021 Feztival of Trees: See Thursday listing 2021 Franklin County Festival of Trees: Fri, 5-8 p.m.; Sat, noon-6 p.m.

Aromatic Fillers, 253 Greenfield Road, Deerfield.

Applause Series Presents: Fri, 7 p.m., Agawam Senior Center, featuring Scott Sanches, “Bach to the Present: An Evening with the Guitar.” Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and admittance will be through the lower level entrance only. Free. 954 Main Street, Agawam. Masks recommended. 413-821-0604.

Bright Nights at Forest Park: See

Thursday listing

listing

Christmas Bazaar 2021: Fri.-Sat, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Holy Mother of the Rosary Parish in the parish hall. The bazaar will feature gifts, crafts, auction, baked goods and more. There will be food for lunch or takeout. Admission is free, masks are required. For more information, call the parish office at 413-592-2032, 26 Bell St., Chicopee.

2021 Feztival of Trees: See Thursday listing

Christmas Shoppe: Fri.-Sat, 9 a.m.-noon, First Church in Ludlow, featuring Christmas decor as well as handmade items. The bookstore will also be open as well as the Hummingbird Shop, which features fabric, yarn and needlework supplies, 859 Center St., Ludlow.

Cocoa Carnival: Fri, 2-4 p.m., Chicopee Main Library. Featuring carnival games and a storywalk that leads to the tree lighting at city hall, 449 Front Street, Chicopee. 413-5941800.

Holiday Stream of STREB Extreme Action Company’s 2021 Dance Festival: Fri.-Sun, online. Featuring performance and behind the scenes content. Available through Jan. 6.

Tickets available at jacobspillow.org/ events/holiday-stream-streb/, $15.

The 2021 Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees runs Thursdays to Sundays at the MassMutual Center through Dec. 12.

(FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)

mm/654269; Free. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst.

selling locally-made wares, 324 Main St., Greenfield.

Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing

Shutesbury Holiday Shop: See Friday listing

Brunch with Santa: Sat, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., East Mountain Country Club; Brunch served 11:15-11:45 a.m., Santa arrives at noon. To make your reservation, call 413-568-1539 or online at eastmountaincc.com. $20 adults, Shutesbury Holiday Shop: Fri, 6-9 $8 children ages 10 and under, 3 and p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sun, 11 under are free. 1458 East Mountain a.m.-6 p.m., Shutesbury Athletic Club. Road, Westfield.

Pop-up shop features handcraftChristmas Bazaar 2021: See Friday ed work by local artisans, artists, crafters, authors, and musicians, 282 listing Christmas Concert Brass and Wendell Road, Shutesbury.

Organ: Sat, 7:30 p.m., First Church of Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See Monson, The Fanfare Brass Ensemble Thursday listing and Kiel Krommer organ present a Suffield Players Present “A ChristChristmas/Holiday concert and sing mas Carol”: Fri.-Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 along, free. 5 High St., Monson. p.m. Mapleton Hall. Masks required inside theater. Adults must also show Christmas Shoppe: See Friday proof of COVID vaccination. Children listing Festival of Wreaths: Sat, 10 a.m.-4 under 12 must be fully vaccinated p.m.; Sun, noon-4 p.m., Morning or have a negative COVID test. See star Community Baptist Church. suffieldplayers.org for COVID-19 guidelines. $10 general admission, no Handcrafted wreaths will be displayed through the Fellowship hall. In reservations needed. 1305 Mapleton exchange for an entrance fee of $2, Ave., Suffield. 860-668-0837. receive raffle tickets to enter to win your favorite wreath. Buy additionSATURDAY al tickets at $10 for 10 to increase your odds, 11 North Main St., South 1 Cottage Street Open Studios: Hadley.

Sat.-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cottage Street Studios. Over 25 artists’ studios will be open offering original work for sale. Masks required; free. 1 Cottage Street, Easthampton.

2021 Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees: See Thursday listing 2021 Feztival of Trees: See Thursday listing 2021 Franklin County Festival of Trees: See Friday listing Amherst Symphony Orchestra Concert: “Gallic Charm”: Sat, 8 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall or event livestream at amherst.edu/go/ musicstream. For health and safety protocols, please visit amherst.edu/

Holiday Bazaar: Sat, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Somers Congregational Church.

The bazaar will feature homemade crafts and baked goods, vintage Christmas items and poinsettias for sale. A luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a cash only event, and masks are required while in the church building, 599 Main St., Somers.

Holiday Stream of STREB Extreme Action Company’s 2021 Dance Festival: See Friday listing

Saturday Holiday Salon: Sat, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., LAVA Center. Pop-up-art salon and marketplace features local vendors, artisans and craftspeople

Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See Thursday listing St. Mary’s Women’s Guild Holiday Craft Fair: Sat, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Mary’s Academy. The fair features 30 crafters and artisans, a book sale, giant raffle baskets, and baked goods and boxed lunches for sale.

Admission is free, 56 Hopkins Place, Longmeadow.

Suffield Players Present “A Christmas Carol”: See Friday listing UMass Amherst Brass & Woodwind Chamber Ensembles: Sat, 3 p.m.

Bezanson Recital Hall; Free. North Pleasant St., Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.

A Very Lamb Chop Holiday: Sat, 2 p.m., Cultural Center at Eagle Hill.

Join Shari Lewis’s daughter, Mallory, and Lamb Chop for an old-fashioned afternoon of music and laughs. $20-$25. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick; 413-477-6746 or thecenterateaglehill.org.

Amherst College Vespers: A Festival of Christmas Readings and Carols: Sun, 7 p.m., Johnson’s Chapel-Amherst College, presented by the Amherst College Choral Society and the Center for Religious & Spiritual Life. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors must show proof of negative test result from a PCR test or an antigen test taken within 72 hours, or proof of full vaccination. Home administered tests are not permissible. Masks are required. Capacity is limited; free. 11 Quadrangular, Amherst.

Breakfast with Santa: Sun, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Our Lady of the Lake Church, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council #11178. Christmas carols provided by Jack and His Guitar. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children, children under 5 free; maximum family $25. 224 Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick.

Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing Christmas Tree Lighting: Sun, 5 p.m., Gazebo Park. The Wilbraham Fire Department will give Santa a ride down main Street to usher in the holidays. Children can help Santa flip the switch to light up the tree and then tell Santa what they want for Christmas. A collection box will be set up to receive donations of warm winter clothing and hygiene items, Main Street, Wilbraham.

Christmas/Holiday Sing along: Sun, 3 p.m., Stanton Hall, free and open to the public. Routes 20 and 112, Huntington.

Fall Free Zoom Webinar “Polish Christmas Customs, Wigilia, and Oplatek” by Sophie Hodorowicz Knab: Sun, 1 p.m., online, presented by the Polish genealogical Society of Massachusetts. This presentation will discuss some of the Winter Holiday Singalong and Party: historical origins and symbolism associated with the unleavened Sat, 11 a.m., Edwards Public Library, with Kathy Marks. Enjoy carols, crafts, bread called oplatek. To register, visit pgsma.org, Free. and cookies. Elizabeth Coppez will read her new children’s book, “Farley, Festival of Wreaths: See Saturday the Hippity Hoppity Goat,” 30 East listing St., Southampton. 413-527-9480.

Fire on Ice: Sun, 5:15 p.m., The Wyben Craft Fair: Sat, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wyben Union Church. The 4-H Club will sell fresh evergreen wreaths and a selection of cheeses. There will be a baked goods table and a corn chowder luncheon. For more info, email dmachado8888@gmail.com, 678 Montgomery Road, Westfield.

SUNDAY 1 Cottage Street Open Studios: See Saturday listing 2021 Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Festival of Trees: See Thursday

Longmeadow Shops. Menorah Lighting at Longmeadow Shops outside of Delaney’s. Come see the carving of a 5.5 feet ice menorah at 5:15 p.m., interactive Hanukkah story walk including audio of the Hanukkah story and activities, 5:30 p.m.; Menorah lighting at 6 p.m., followed by fire dance performance with fireballs. There will be music, dreidels, hot cocoa, hot latkes, donuts, LED Menorah and Dreidel wristbands. No reservations, open to the entire community, 690 Bliss

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E11

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Calendar CONTINUES FROM PAGE E10 Road, Longmeadow.

Friends of the Stone Church Concert: Sun, 2 p.m., The Stone Church, Featuring the duo of Ferrante and Gusev. Tickets available at the door, $15. 283 Main St., Gilbertville.

Holiday Stream of STREB Extreme Action Company’s 2021 Dance Festival: See Friday listing Shutesbury Holiday Shop: See Friday listing Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See Thursday listing Suffield Players Present “A Christmas Carol”: See Friday listing Tree Festival at the Old Meeting House: Sun, 2-5 p.m., The Old Meeting House. The museum will host a display of Christmas trees decorated by various community groups. There will also be the annual Wreath Raffle and a Teacup Raffle. Children’s author Michelle Stallworth will be at the museum gift shop to sign copies of her latest Christmas book. Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status, 450 Main St., Wilbraham.

UMass Chamber Choir “Holiday Card to Amherst”: Sun, 6 p.m. Tillis Concert Hall, formerly the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. All attendees must wear a face mask; those ages 12-plus must also be prepared to present either proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 or antigen with collection date and time stamp within 72 hours of the event. $10 general, $5 students, seniors & UMass Amherst employees, and free for UMass students. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst. 413-545-2511 or fineartscenter.com.

UMass Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Sun, 12:30 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall; Attendees must wear a face mask, those ages 12 and up must also be prepared to present either proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 or antigen with collection date and time stamp within 72 hours of the event. $10 general, $5 students, seniors & UMass Amherst employees, and free for UMass students. North Pleasant St., Amherst. 413-545-2511 or umass.edu.

Village Closet Holiday Clothing Cleanout: Sun, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., The Village Closet. Free. 2 Main St., Cummington.

White Christmas Celebration: Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., West Brookfield, touring the town, strolling the downtown district, exploring local businesses and open houses, decorating gingerbreads in the great hall, meeting Santa; Main Street, West Brookfield.

Quadrangle Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Dr.

Seuss National Memorial, free on the green.

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. Handson making activities in the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center.

WEEKEND Edith Wharton: The Mount: “Nightwood: An Outdoor Sound and Light Experience.” Through Dec. 31.

Thurs.-Sun. evenings starting at 5 p.m. $20 adults, $10 children (5-18), free for children 5 and under. Holiday House Tours, Sat.-Sun, through Jan. 2. Tours are self-guided. Book online at EdithWharton.org. 2 Plunkett St., Lenox.

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Splash and Bubbles: Dive in, Lend a Fin!” Interac- Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Color \ Joy \ Eric Carle.” tive Exhibit. Through Jan. 16.

Through March 6. Included with Michele and Donald D’Amour general admission. “Speechless: Museum of Fine Arts: “Ai Weiwei: The Art of Wordless Picture Books.”

Tradition and Dissent,” through Jan. Through Dec. 5, in the East Gallery.

2 in the Wheeler and Barn Galleries.

Tickets must be purchased in ad“Capturing Our Worlds: Works by the vanced online. “The Undefeated: An Springfield Photographic SociExhibition of Original Paintings” by ety.” Through June 26. “The Body Kadir Nelson. Through April 3. Hours: Adorned: Artistry and Legacy of the Thurs.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat. 10 Ancient Americas.” Dec. 4-Feb. 27. a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m. $6, $9, Museum a la Carte, today, 12:15 p.m., $22.50 for a family of four. 125 West “Dresses Set Beautiful: Black Crafts- Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum. women in the Nineteenth-Century org.

Connecticut Valley, 1840-1880.” Cost Mead Art Museum: Various Ameriis $4, $2 members. The program is can and European paintings, Mexican in-person or on Zoom. For Zoom, register at springfieldmuseums.org. ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. and Springfield Science Museum: “Cut Sun. 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 9 a.m.-8 ‘N’ Rough Collection.” Through June p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: in Mineral Hall. “Gingerbread Under free. 220 South Pleasant St., Amthe Sea,” annual Gingerbread exhiherst or amherst.edu. bition, through Jan. 2. “Stars Over Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Springfield.” Friday, 7:30 p.m. Topic of Fame: Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 is “Stargazing During the Pandemic p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $28 Shutdown,” with Rich Sanderson.

Cost is $3 adults, $2 children. Santa’s adults (16-24); $23 seniors (63+); $19 youth (5-15); $23 students with valid Workshop, Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; high school or college ID. free for Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free with ages under 5, 1000 West Columbus museum admission.

Ave., Springfield or hoophall.com.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Timed tickets required, for Norman Rockwell Museum: “Jan Brett: Stories Near and Far.” Through reservations visit springfield Jan. 2. Included with general admismuseums.org. sion, free kids, teens and members.

Quadrangle admission: $25 for adults, Purchase admission tickets online. $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college Joyful Holidays Family Day, Saturday, students with ID, $13 for children ages 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Children’s book 3-17; free to children under age 3 and readings from “Jan Brett: Stories members, Springfield residents are Near and Far, on the Hour,” Drawing free with proof of residency. Welcome in the gallery, meet Hedgie the iconic Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. character from Jan Brett’s books.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Advance admission tickets at NRM. org. Included with admission, free for children and teens and members.

Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunts, Sunday, throughout the day.

For children and families. Advance Amelia Park Children’s Museum: admission tickets at nrm.org. IncludSign up online for a play session at ameliaparkmuseum.org. Hours: Mon, ed with admission, free for children, teens. Hours: Thurs.-Mon. 10 a.m.-5 Thurs, Fri, Sun. 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Advance tickets purchase p.m. Open for groups on Tues. and required. Admission: $20 adults; Wed. Admission: Children and adults $18 seniors, AAA, retire military; $10 $8; Seniors (62+) $5; Children under 1 college students, free children ages year of age and members are free. 29 18 and under, members and active South Broad St., Westfield or amemilitary. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or liaparkmuseum.org. nrm.org.

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Old Sturbridge Village: OSV Holiday Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Fri. 9 Market and Cafe: Wed.-Sun, through a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Closed12-1 Dec. 30. Admission to the museum p.m. for cleaning each day; Sat. 10 is not required. Visit osv.org for a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Sun.- 12-4 more information. Hours: Wed.-Sun. p.m. (two slots). Admission: $8, se9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $24, $22 seniors, niors (62+) $5; children under 1 year $8 children 3-17, free for children of age and members are free. 444 under 3. “New England on Parade” Dwight St., Holyoke or childrens exhibit through July 2023, included museumholyoke.org.

Museums

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 | E11 with general admission. Christmas

by Candlelight on select dates in December, the village will open with special hours, 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., to take in sights, sounds and special traditions of holidays long ago. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets: $28 for adults, $14 children, children 3 and under free. Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org.

hours are weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sat. 1-5 p.m. A reception will be held Dec. 11, 1:30-3 p.m. The gallery is free to the public.

Williston Northampton asks that all visitors are fully vaccinated and wear masks while indoors. williston. com/visual-and-performing-arts/ grubbs-gallery/. 19 Payson Ave., Easthampton or williston.com.

University Museum of Contemporary Art - Fine Arts Center: Nicole Eisenman: “Prince,” through Sunday; and Feb. 3-May 1. “We Are for Freedoms.” Through Sunday. “Sideshow: Nicole Eisenman’s Modernist Inspirations.” Through Sunday; Feb. 3 - May 1. Permanent exhibits are available online, visit fac.umass.edu/UMCA/ Online/. “Artifacts at the End of a Decade.” Through Sunday; first annual Eva Fierst Student Curatorial Exhibition, curated by Jessica Scott and Jill Hughes. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst.

Holyoke Community College: Virtual Art Exhibit of HCC’s Visual Art Faculty. The 2021 HCC Visual Art Faculty Exhibition can be viewed online now through the end of the 2021. Visit the exhibit at hcc.edu/ taber-faculty21. 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke or hcc.edu.

Wistariahurst Museum: “Wisteria Vines in Full Bloom,” Carriage House and Gift shop open Sat.-Sun, Mon. noon-4 p.m. Historic house tours: $7, $5 students and seniors.

Holiday Open House, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring live music, children’s activities and storytime. Local vendors selling jewelry, handknit items, Irish tartans, photographs, books and plants and a guided tour led by Skinner family descendant on Saturday afternoon.

Register for the events at wistaria hurst.org. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or wistariahurst.org.

Galleries

Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat. noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard 413-543-3321.

Taber Art Gallery: “Cosmology of the Body” by Anna Bayles Arthur.

Through Dec. 9. Gallery Hours: Mon.Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. during regular school sessions. 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke 413-552-2614.

William Baczek Fine Arts: Chie Yoshii and El Gato Chimney Solo Art Exhibitions. Through Dec. 4.

Chie Yoshii will be exhibiting new figurative oil paintings and El Gato Chimney will present new large-scale watercolors. wbfinearts.com/index. php. 36 Main St., Northampton.

Outdoors

Great Falls Discovery Center: “Quack! Quack! A Self-Guided Duck Investigation Station” Dec. 2-Jan. 2. A A.P.E. Gallery: “Wave / Surge / variety of activities for different ages Spike” by Amanda Maciuba, Jen will be available. Story Walk: “Thanks Morris and Jessica Tam. Through to the Animals,” through Jan. 4. Great December; gallery hours: Wed.Hall Exhibit: “Junior Duck Stamps: Sun. noon-5 p.m.; Fri. noon-8 p.m.

Connecting Youth with Nature Permanent exhibit hours: Tues.through Science and Art.” Dec. 2 Thurs. noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon-8 through Jan. 2. Kidleidoscope Story p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. 126 Main St., Hour, Friday, topic is “Ducks,” 10:30Northampton or apearts.org.

11:30 a.m. For children ages 2-6 Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery: accompanied by an adult. Visioning Hours: Tues.-Fri. 12:30-4:30 p.m.; B.E.A.R. Circle Presents: TransformSat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First floor of build- ing the Culture of Power. Saturday, ing 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring Walking in 413-755-5258.

Balance with All Our Relations Circle, BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: drumming, dancing, and storytelling.

Exhibit of Angel de Cora’s work in the In support of the nonprofit Visioning Parish Hall through Friday. 130 Pine B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal coalition, St., Florence. the event includes a silent auction, Forbes Library: “Canary in the Coal craft sales, raffle prizes, food, and drinks. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or Mine” an exhibition by Zea Mays Printmaking. Dec. 2-30. 20 West St., greatfallsma.org.

Northampton or forbeslibrary.org.

The Republican is not responsible Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: for unannounced schedule changes.

Small Wonders Holiday Show and Listings must be received two weeks Sale, Dec. 2-31. Opening reception, before the date of the event. Items Friday from 5-8 p.m. Holiday hours: should be mailed to: Entertainment Thurs.-Sun, 3-8 p.m.; Dec. 24, 31, 3-5:30 p.m., closed Christmas day. 28 Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329; emailed Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250. to pmastriano@repub.com; or submitGrubbs Gallery: Jeff Stauder “The ted to masslive.com/myevents Reckoning.” Dec. 2-Jan. 5; Gallery

E12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

‘Carol’

delight audiences of all ages.

“A Christmas Carol: A New Musical” will be staged Dec. 3, CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5 4, 10, and 11 at 8 p.m., Dec. 5 Exit 7 requires everyone and 12 at 2 p.m. at Exit 7 Theattending the show to wear ater, 37 Chestnut St., Ludlow. masks, and there is a section of Tickets prices are $22 (prethe theater that has distanced ferred), $20 (adult) and $18 seating available on a first(seniors over 62/children reserved basis, where every 12 and under) and are availother row is blocked off. able through the Exit 7 PlaySince 1984, the Exit 7 Players ers Theater box office at have been dedicated to the exit7players.org or via phone production of classical, conat 413-583-4301. Group ticktemporary and musical works ets are available by calling the that entertain, educate and box office.

Life

“If this pandemic has amplified anything, it is how much we need each other CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5 and how our lives exist in Leer Leary will perform the relation to each other. We Foley sound effects. never know how many lives “If you have seen the movie, we touch on a daily basis, you will love watching your but when we were forced to favorite scenes translated to isolate, as it was when the the stage in a way that only pandemic first hit and as the magic of theater can do,” it still is for many people, Bensussen said. “The idiosyn- we realize the cost of that crasies of actor choices, the ad- loneliness,” Bensussen justments to the text making it said. “‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ more Hartford-centric and the is all about humanity and joy of seeing a new interpreta- our need to be connected, tion of familiar to care for Connecticut material are all one another reasons to come deeply. We playwright Joe join us for this understand Landry has production.” what it is to refashioned the “It’s a Wonlose and to derful Life — A grieve, and 1946 Jimmy Live Radio story is Stewart movie into this Play” runs all about trana play reminiscent scending that through Dec. 26. Evening — it’s about of the Golden Age performances saving each of Radio.

Wednesday other and through Saturday are at 7:30 celebrating each other in our p.m.; Saturday and Sunday darkest hours.” matinees are at 2 p.m.; Dec. 21 The production “is a treat the show is at 7:30 p.m. for the senses — visually The open-captioned perfor- stunning, aurally captivating mance for deaf and hard-ofand emotionally compelling. hearing audiences will be Dec. It’s the story we all know and 12 at 2 p.m. The audiolove, on its feet, in a 1940s described performance for Golden Age of Radio format vision-impaired audiences will plus a few more theater magic be Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. moments that can only be To ensure the health and enjoyed live and in person,” safety of artists, staff, volunAlderman said. “Great for teers and audience members, families.”

Hartford Stage has implementTicket prices are from $30 ed a COVID-19 policy that into $100 with a 20% discount cludes proof of vaccination and for students. They can be purmasks worn at all times inside chased online at Hartford the theater. Up-to-date details Stage.org, by calling 860of COVID-19 safety measures 527-5151 or by visiting the box can be found at hartfordstage office at Hartford Stage from .org/covid-19. noon to 5 p.m.

We offer a wide variety of gift baskets for the holiday season.

Beautiful gift baskets, with the finest selection of cheeses, wines, imported pastas, olive oils, meats, aged balsamic vinegars and so much more.

We make each basket to order using the best products of the season.

Christmas Eve December 24 until 4pm New Years Eve December 31 until 4pm 90 William St., Springfield 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow 525-9400 l www.frigofoods.com