Weekend - December 16, 2021 by repubnews

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

Weekend

| THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

‘GIFT OF CHRISTMAS’: Jim Brickman reflects on career before Bushnell show, E3 HOLIDAY MUSIC: September Girls to bring Christmas cheer to Springfield, E5 WINE PRESS: Wines worth splurging on, holiday gift ideas, E6

A sea turtle gingerbread creation by Samantha Skiba.

A gingerbread castle by Vicki Cote. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

‘Gingerbread: Under the Sea’ Gingerbread creations by the Mackie family of Longmeadow, above, and residents of East Village Place retirement community, right.

43 gingerbread creations on display through Jan. 2 at Springfield Museums, Page E2

WEEKEND

E2 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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“Everything about this exhibit … is a celebration of imagination, fun and beauty.” LARISSA M. MURRAY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS

The “Gingerbread: Under the Sea” exhibit at the Springfield Museums is open for viewing through Jan. 2. Above, is a creation is by Robin and Liane Ledger. Below is a display from the Cedrone-Arvantely family. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

ON THE COVER

Gingerbread exhibit goes

‘Under the Sea’ 43 displays in annual Springfield Museums exhibit

By Cori Urban

Special to The Republican

f the word “gingerbread” makes you think of cookies shaped like little smiling “men” or tabletop houses trimmed with white frosting “snow,” imagine the flavorful dough used to make sunken pirate ships, treasure chests, sea turtles, octopuses and mermaids.

“Sturgeons Like Holidays, Too!” by the Fisk family of Holyoke. See more photos from the “Gingerbread: Under the Sea” exhibit at MassLive.com. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Actually, you won’t have to imagine because the Springﬁeld Museums is presenting “Gingerbread: Under the Sea” through Jan. 2. The annual gingerbread exhibit — with a new theme each year — is a beloved holiday tradition that helps launch the Museums’ celebration of Grinchmas, a month-long array of activities to help everyone celebrate the season of joy and giving. “Everything about this exhibit … is a celebration of imagination, fun and beauty,” said Larissa M. Murray, director of education. “One of the most highly anticipated days

for staff is when the gingerbread arrives. We love to see the pieces and witness their artistry.” This year, there are 43 gingerbread displays in the exhibit. “While we do have a few traditional winter scenes, more people participated in the exhibit theme than ever before,” Murray noted. “‘Under the Sea’ proved to be quite popular with entrants, and in the gallery you can clearly see that families and bakers had a lot of fun with the concept.” Some people have been entering for years. “We have a nice mix of new and returning bakers this year,” she said. Karen M. Fisk, vice president of community investment and external affairs for the Springfield Museums, participated in the exhibit this year. “As a family we have created a gingerbread house every Christmas since our now 30-year-old son

IF YOU GO Event: ‘Gingerbread: Under the Sea’ When: Through Jan. 2; the Museums are closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1 Where: Springfield Science Museum, 21 Edwards St., Springfield Admission: $25 adults; $16.50 seniors, college students; $13 youth ages 3–17; children under 3 are free. For more info: springfieldmuseums.org/exhibitions/ gingerbread-under-the-sea

was born. We have had varying success—mostly disasters. But this year we really wanted to enter the Springfield Museum exhibit, so we pulled out all stops,” she said. The family members were inspired by the sturgeon in the Live Animal Center in the Science Museum. Their SEE GINGERBREAD, PAGE E3

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Gingerbread CONTINUES FROM PAGE E2

“Sturgeons Like Holidays, Too” was a group effort, with Fisk’s daughter taking the lead on how to create curved gingerbread for the fish’s gills and sides. “We feel very proud to be among such amazing creations in the gallery and hope folks visit to experience the remarkable display Sarah Gogal, who designed the gallery, created,” Fisk said. The exhibit stretches imaginations beyond typical gingerbread scenes as snow has been replaced by ocean water and evergreens have turned into coral. “The displays this year are extremely colorful with realistic and imaginary sea creatures constructed out of candy, pasta, pretzels — all sorts of fun ingredients,” Murray said. The entries are displayed in the large changing exhibits gallery in the Springfield Science Museum. Each display has its own pedestal nestled among the kelp forest. This is the 12th annual exhibit; each year has a new theme. “Other than the Grinch, we have often gone with something non-traditional. Participants and visitors really have fun with the challenge,” she said. Previous themes have included “Gingerbread in Space” (astronomy and sci-fi murals), “Gingerbread: The Pop Culture Edition” (various art and pop culture murals), “Hollywood & the Holidays” (holiday movies/ movie theater and posters) and “Gingerbread in Wonderland” (Alice in Wonderland). This year each family or individual that created an entry received a participation gift and passes to the museums. Visitors to the exhibit can vote for their favorite entry; the People’s Choice winners will be announced in January. (There is not a prize associated with People’s Choice.) The exhibit runs through Jan. 2; the museums are closed Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1.

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 | E3

HARTFORD

Jim Brickman presents ‘Gift of Christmas’ Pianist reflects on career before Bushnell show By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

im Brickman, who brings his “The Gift of Christmas Live! In Concert” to The Bushnell on Sunday, professes a love for Hartford. The piano maven has said he has a “special fondness” for The Bushnell and the audience there. “The people of Hartford were really big advocates for me early on.” Brickman told The Republican why he enjoys performing in majestic old theaters such as The Bushnell so much. “I come from a theater background and never played piano in a bar or wedding, that wasn’t the trajectory for me. I performed in high school and later became the music director for a regional theater where we put on productions such as ‘Babes in Toyland,’ ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’,” Brickman said. It wasn’t until his late 20s that Brickman, who attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, would actually be the one performing on stage after being signed to Windham Hill Records in 1994. “What I do is a one-man show with no band. It is not in any way a traditional concert and comes from my desire to present my shows in places known for theater, not for concerts,” Brickman said. Today, the hit-making songwriter is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 21 No. 1 albums and 32 Top 20 radio singles in the industry bible, “Billboard Magazine.” He has garnered two Grammy nominations, gospel music’s

Acclaimed pianist Jim Brickman will perform at The Bushnell in Hartford on Sunday.

released this year and was moving train for most of my the culmination of a longtime career, always planning ahead dream to record with a symfor the next year. For me, it was Event: Jim Brickman: “The phony orchestra. It features permission to stop for a year. I Gift of Christmas Live! In vocals by Broadway’s Kelli will tell you that this Christmas Concert” O’Hara and John Ondrasik of I feel better than ever. My playWhen: Sunday, 3 p.m. Five for Fighting. ing is markedly better and there Where: The Bushnell’s Last year, during the corois an energy, an excitement we Maxwell M. and Ruth R. navirus pandemic, Brickman have on tour that feels like the Belding Theater For tickets and more info: didn’t cancel his 24th annual next level,” Brickman said. bushnell.org/showsChristmas outing, instead This year’s tour features concerts/jim-brickmanturning it into his “Comfort Christmas standards and holithe-gift-of-christmas & Joy at Home 2020″ Virtual day tunes written by Brickman, Tour. To help the struggling and is also sprinkled with his theaters where he was original- hits. He is joined by singers Dove Award, two SESAC Song- ly scheduled to perform before Anne Cochran, a longtime writer of the Year Awards, and the pandemic hit, Brickman friend since attending high the Canadian Country Music donated a portion of each tick- school together, and John Award. He also has a music et purchased to the live event Trones. scholarship named for him by to benefit them. Showtime in Hartford is 3 his alma mater, the prestigious “The forced break (during p.m. in The Bushnell’s MaxCleveland Institute of Music. COVID) in retrospect actualwell M. and Ruth R. Belding Brickman has recorded more ly helped me. I’ve been on a Theater. than 10 Christmas albums, so many that he actually has a greatest hits collection strictly for Christmas called “Jim Brickman Greatest Hits Christmas.” His first Christ74 Pleasant Street, Granby • 413-467-9545 mas album entitled “The www.granbylegionpost266.com Gift” was released in 1997 and Open 7 days a week noon to 1am is a classic containing the hit Friday... 12/17 Midlife Crisis single “The Gift” co-written Thursday... 12/23 X-Mas Party by the pianist and featuring Friday... 12/24 No Band the vocals of Collin Raye and Friday... 12/31 Kitchen Jam Live Music Susan Ashton. His latest, “A Christmas Symphony,” was POOL & DARTS

IF YOU GO

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WEEKEND

E4 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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MUSIC | CLUBBING

Rickie Lee Jones to headline Back Porch Festival

HE BACK PORCH Festival will return March 3-6, featuring headliner Rickie Lee

Jones. The festival, which was founded in 2014 as a one-day event at the Academy Of Music Theater in Northampton, has since grown to a four-day, multivenue event. Other acts playing the March festival will be Aoife O’Donovan, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, and Kris Delmhorst, among others. This year’s festival will take place at The Academy of Music and The Parlor Room in Northampton and Hawks & Reed in Greenfield. Tickets are on sale at signa turesoundspresents.com. Liner notes • Country superstar Tim McGraw will perform at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, and the Xfinity Center in Mansfield in the spring.

Nightclubs THURSDAY Buccaneer Lounge: DJ with rock and Top 40. 86 Maple St., Agawam Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee 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 Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Lez Zeppelin. 289 Main St., Greenfield 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 Whip City Brew: DJ with dance.

forward to a great tour. Hope to see you at a show! Aloha,” Johnson said in a statement. Tickets to the general public are available at jackjohnson music.com. • Alice Cooper will kick off the spring leg of his 2022 North American tour at Foxwoods Resort Casino on George Lenker March 18. LiveWire Tickets, priced between $40 and $60, are available Live Nation announced through foxwoods.com/ McGraw will play Hartford on Singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones will headline the Back Porch entertainment June 2 and Mansfield on June Festival in March. (EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO) The shows continue Coo4. Both shows are at 7 p.m. per’s campaign in support of Tickets will go on sale 2021’s “Detroit Stories,” a tomorrow at 10 a.m. through artist Jack Johnson’s North The Indications, Johnson will tribute to the musical legacy Livenation.com. American 2022 tour will be joined at various points on of the Motor City, Cooper’s McGraw has released 16 stu- include a stop at the Xfinity the tour by Ben Harper & the hometown. dio albums with 10 of those Theatre in Hartford on June 26. Innocent Criminals, Ziggy Buckcherry will serve as albums reached the No. 1 spot Durand Jones & The IndiMarley, Lake Street Dive, and the opener on most dates on the Top Country Albums cations will open the show. Ron Artis II & Thunderstorm through April 20 in Seattle. chart. The 30-date summer tour Artis. Cooper will then join up Joining McGraw on the road will kick off June 21 at Bank of “It’s been a while since the with ex-KISS guitarist Ace is multiplatinum recording New Hampshire Pavilion in band and I have gotten togeth- Frehley for co-headline artist Russell Dickerson. Gilford, New Hampshire, and er to play music. We can’t wait concerts on April 22 in Reno, end Oct. 7. to see all our friends on the Nevada, and April 22 in Paso • Multiplatinum recording Aside from Durand Jones & road next summer and looking Robles, California.

287 Elm St., Westfield

FRIDAY Alina’s: Emery Smith. 96 Russell St., Hadley Delaney House: Zak Trajano. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee East Mountain Country Club: Rattletones Band. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing. 91 Taylor St., Springfield The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer

St., Hadley Delaney House: Floyd Patterson. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee East Mountain Country Club: 91 South Band. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield Gateway City Arts: Stephen Kellogg. 92 Race St., Holyoke Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing. 91 Taylor St., Springfield The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: DJ Lucas with 22BB, Weird Dane, Kala. 289 Main St., Greenfield

The O’s Music Bar: Metal Night. 330 Amherst Road, Sunderland

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Pete Bernhard and MorganEve Swain. 289 Main St., Greenfield

Theodores’: Ed Peabody & the Big Blue Thang. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer

West Springfield Fish and Game Club: CD jukebox, pool table. 329 Garden St., Feeding Hills

The O’s Music Bar: Sarah Libby Live. 330 Amherst Road, Sunderland

SATURDAY Alina’s: Emery Smith. 96 Russell

SUNDAY Doc’s Place: Karaoke. 1264 Granby Road, Chicopee Mardi Gras: Nude female dancing. 91 Taylor St., Springfield The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Nellie McKay. 289 Main St., Greenfield

The Republican is not responsible for schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before event. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329; emailed pmastriano@repub.com; or submitted to masslive.com/myevent

Turn Up The Heat Tonight Find Your New Flame with Warming Rabbits

Theodores’: Hash Browns. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Whip City Brew: DJ with dance. 287 Elm St., Westfield

The Magic Lantern: Nude female dancers. 399 Wilbraham St., Palmer

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WEEKEND

SPRINGFIELD

September Girls spread holiday cheer with show

By Cori Urban

Special to The Republican

he September Girls are performing in December.

The four-woman ensemble comprised of Karen Drumheller, Jane Garabedian, Ellen Harris and Brenda M. Jermakian will be part of the annual Christmas Spectacular concert on Sunday at St. Mark Armenian Church, 2427 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. The September Girls will perform a blend of holiday music including a jazz rendition of “Let It Snow;” “The First Noel/ Pachelbel’s Canon;” the Pentatonix arrangement of “Mary Did You Know,” “Carol of the Bells,” a capella; Chuck Bridwell’s arrangement of various themes on “Fa-La-La;” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” “We take pride in pushing our voices to blend well in whatever music we choose, whether it’s classical, pop, using soundtrack or a capella,” said Jermakian, a member of St. Mark Armenian Church. “We know each other well, have fun as friends. … We make it work, and we really enjoy the process.” In addition to the Christmas repertoire The September Girls perform throughout the holiday season, the group performs a variety of music genres from Motown to Broadway, classical and a cappella. They are members of the Springfield Symphony Chorus. The Christmas concert also will include David Jermakian on saxophone. He “always brings smooth and soothing tones to our audience,” Brenda Jermakian said. David Jermakian, also a member of St. Mark’s, has

The September Girls will bring their Christmas Spectacular to St. Mark Armenian Church in Springfield.

IF YOU GO Event: Christmas Spectacular concert When: Sunday, 4 p.m. Where: St. Mark Armenian Church, 2427 Wilbraham Road, Springfield Tickets: Adults, $15; students, $10; and ages 12 and under, $5 For more info: Call 413537-4371 or email brenda jermakian@gmail.com

been playing saxophone most of his life, beginning as the lead saxophonist with the Tech Tantrums of Springfield Technical High School. He has enjoyed performing various genres of music such as Glenn Miller-style, pop, blues and funk; he has been a member of several local bands. The concert also will feature vocal duets and a mix of piano, sax and vocals. “The blend of holiday music inspires attendees and brings all into the holiday spirit,” Brenda Jermakian said. This year’s concert marks the 11th year the church has presented this festive event after a 1-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those attending who are unvacci-

nated will be asked to wear a mask. “We want all to feel safe and comfortable during the concert and reception” that follows, Brenda Jermakian said. A fundraiser for the church, the concert also is “a wonderful way for the public to connect with our church during the holiday season,” she added. She is looking forward to this year’s Christmas Spectacular — “being together, giving our talents to not only our parish, but the community,” she said. “Many people make this annual event a holiday tradition. Missing last year was huge. We look forward to bringing the Christmas spirit to all who attend.” The event is open to the public, and tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children 12 and under. A reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will follow the concert. Seating is limited and RSVPs are appreciated by contacting Anna Garabadian at GMG3@aol.com or 413478-7688. For more information about the concert, contact Brenda Jermakian at 413-537-4371 or brenda jermakian@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 | E5

DVD RELEASES

Tom Hardy returns in ‘Venom’ sequel Tribune News Service

A superhero sequel starring Tom Hardy in dual roles tops the DVD releases for this week. “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”: Hardy reprises his role as San Francisco journalist Eddie Brock, who is also the host body for an alien known as Venom. This time the villain is played by Woody Harrelson, a serial killer on death row transformed into Carnage by a drop of alien blood. “The sequel doesn’t have that sense of joyful discovery and gleeful mischief that the first film did, because it’s obviously now a comedy on purpose,” writes Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh in her review. “But the Venom/ Eddie dynamic remains the best buddy action comedy going these days.”

Carnage in the film, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.” (SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT/TNS)

drama about the rise and fall of the first American-born drug kingpin in Mexico. “Dangerous”: A reformed ex-con breaks parole when head heads to a remote island to investigate his brother’s death in this action thriller. With Scott Eastwood, Mel Gibson and Tyrese Gibson. “Holler”: Rust Belt-set drama about a young woman who joins a dangerous scrap metal Also new on DVD crew to save up money for college and the chance to make “The Last Duel”: Ridley a better life for herself. Scott’s historical epic, which “Language Lessons”: stars Matt Damon, Adam Natalie Morales and Mark DuDriver, Jodie Comer and Ben Affleck, recounts the final trial plass star in this drama about by combat in medieval Europe. a Spanish teacher and student “The Card Counter”: Oscar who develop an unexpected bond following a tragedy. Isaac plays a pro gambler “South of Heaven”: Jason haunted by his past as a former Sudeikis stars as a convicted military interrogator at Abu felon who gets paroled after Ghraib in this thriller written and directed by Paul Schrader. 12 years in prison and returns SEE DVD, PAGE E12 “American Sicario”: Crime

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E6 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

WEEKEND

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DINE & WINE

Wines worth splurging on, holiday gift ideas

large enough so you can swirl the wine around in the glass. It’s not just for show. Swirling wine adds oxygen to the wine and “opens” it up and releases its wonderful flavors, which can often make a huge difference with really young or really old wines. • “Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2022” ($16.99 Suggested Retail Price) – An indispensable wine guide has been published every year for the past 45 years. The 2022 book is also the last one that Johnson will be personally involved with. But fear not. The pocket wine guide will live on, Some of the wine gift ideas recommended this week, includwith its detailed, trustworthy ing books and corkscrews. ( KEN ROSS PHOTO) recommendations for wines from around the world. fun to collect). I personally • “On California: From prefer what’s known as a Napa to Nebbiolo … Wine “waiter’s corkscrew.” Once Tales from The Golden State” you learn how to use them, I ($34 SRP) – Published by find they’re the best type of Academie Du Vin Library, corkscrew for easily opening a this informative, entertaining bottle of wine. book features recollections • A set of wine glasses, and insights about California preferably at least four match- wine from some of the best ing glasses and ideally even wine writers in the world more since you will (not if) (including Johnson and Oz Ken Ross break a few of them over time. Clarke) as well as pioneers in Wine Press Make sure the glasses have creating distinct California stems and the glass part is wines (including Randall family and friends. Frankly, any great wine makes any occasion a special occasion. Let me add that there are no sparkling wines or Champagnes on this week’s list. That’s because next week’s wine column is devoted exclusively to sparkling wines WEDNESDAY THURSDAY and Champagne. Polish American Fairview Knight of This week I have also Columbus Citizens Club included a few holiday gift 1599 Memorial Drive, 355 East Street, Ludlow, suggestions for winelovers Chicopee 583-6385 other than wine. I’ve written (413) 532-2011 Bingo Wednesdays about some of these gift ideas DOORS OPEN 4:30PM 6:30-9:30pm in the past but most of them Doors Open at 4pm. MASKS REQUIRED are brand new. Minimum Admission $50 UNTIL SEATED Hope you enjoy. 1 - 1199 Progressive w/ Progressive Jackpot Holiday gift ideas Climbing Consolation Prize 6:15pm Early Bird for wine lovers 2 - $500 Cover Alls 6:20pm Start 3 - $200 Special Games Min. Entry Package $15 So what should you get the All Games will be $100 wine lover in your family othElectronic Bingo Aval. er than a bottle of wine? with 90 People or More Limited Snack Bar, Here are a few suggestions: All Cards are included Open Seating, • A nice corkscrew (you with Admission Handicap Restrooms can never have too many) or an antique corkscrew (they’re CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO

Grahm and Paul Draper). White wines worth splurging on $20 to $50 a bottle • 2019 Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Domaine Sainte Claire ($21.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield): Let’s kick things off with a nice, dry, crisp white wine from the greatest white wine region in the world – France’s Burgundy region. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars on elegant, refined white wines from this part of France, especially from the Cote De Beaune in Southern Burgundy, which is home to Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and other iconic wine villages. Chablis in Northern Burgundy produces more mineral-like, crisp, dry wines. And this particular one – which also happens to be an outstanding vintage – has a wonderful, clean finish with hints of peach, sea salt and lemon. • 2020 Domaines Ott By.Ott Cotes De Provence Rose ($23 SRP): Jean-Francois Ott serves as the co-director of SEE WINE, PAGE E9

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OR MANY YEARS, my parents have given my wife and me a oneof-a-kind Christmas gift — a case of wine. But not just any case. All 12 wines are carefully selected, one by one, by my father. As I’ve written here before, my dad’s crazy about wine. He’s the one who really got his father and the rest of the family into wine years ago. So when he’s shopping for wine throughout the year, he’s always keeping an eye out for great wines to add to our Christmas case, which is also the exact same 12 wines he gives to my sister and brotherin-law. Some of these wines cost $10 to $20 a bottle. Others cost significantly more. But they’re all great wines that cover a wide range — from cellar-worth French red wines to ready-to-drink New Zealand white wines. There’s also often a fair number of wines from Italy, Spain, Australia, South Africa, California and Oregon. My dad also includes a piece of paper with copies of reviews about the wines from various well-known wine publications. (He reads a lot of them.) The Christmas case changes from year to year. And it’s one of my favorite Christmas gifts since it’s the gift that keeps on giving all year, as Cousin Eddie would say in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The same goes for this annual wine column about wines worth splurging on. (And by splurging, I mean any wine that costs more than $20 a bottle.) Don’t feel as though you have to buy all the wines on the list. And if you do decide to do so, don’t feel pressured to drink all the wines over the holidays. Save a bunch of them for something special next year — perhaps a birthday party or wedding anniversary or just a nice meal with

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 | E7

DINE & WINE

Don’t get too jolly this season

’T

IS THE SEASON to be jolly. Of course, some folks get a little too jolly at this time of year. As someone who writes a column extolling the virtues of a certain type of alcoholic beverage, I am keenly aware that not everyone can drink safely. We all know someone George Lenker who drinks too much. Some Beer Nut of us may have people in our lives who think we drink too cognizant that it doesn’t take much. And I’m pretty sure some of us actually do drink much for some folks to fall off too much. The percentages the wagon when they are in recovery. just bear me out on this. I have received some emails So every so often I like to take a step back and talk about from nondrinkers over the drinking in a less than celebra- years complimenting my tory manner. And the holidays column. They basically go are a good a time, considering something like this: “I don’t drink, but I love reading your the imbibing that occurs. descriptions of Let’s start If you’re going good beers,” with the basics: to drink, do not etc. These Look, a lot of us will be attenddrive. Plan ahead messages always give me ing various to either stay pause as I’m parties and out where you’re left to wonder get-togethers where alcohol drinking or have a if they simply don’t drink, or will be flowing designated driver if they can’t due freely. That’s cool in general, to get you home. to alcoholism. I have sometimes but even though reached out to these readers we’ve all heard this a million to make sure I’m not tempting times before (yet people still ignore the warning, so it bears them into a bad situation. Of course it’s none of my repeating), let me remind you: business what people choose If you’re going to drink, do not drive. Plan ahead to either to do or not do, but since I am stay out where you’re drinking in the public square, I feel a or have a designated driver to certain amount of responsibility to occasionally temper my get you home. enthusiasm for beer with the The problem with not acknowledgment that not evplanning is that you might drink too much but not realize eryone can or should drink it. Again, the holidays are a paryou’re impaired. It doesn’t take much, and of course part ticularly dangerous time for recovering alcoholics (They of the impairment is how the even have a name for this time booze clouds your judgment — even about whether you’re of year: the Bermuda Triangle impaired or not. It’s a tricky — of Thanksgiving, Christmas and scary Catch-22. So please and New Year’s Eve.) be smart and cautious before So, please, if you shouldn’t drink I implore you not to. you head out. And if you do drink, please The second issue I like to do so safely and responsibly. address when writing these Don’t turn your holiday cheer cautionary columns is about into someone else’s tears. alcoholism. I am also highly

Starbucks faces labor challenge

HE EYES OF THE restaurant world have been on Buffalo, New York, for the last several months, watching a labor relations story with industrywide implications unfold. Earlier this year Starbucks workers in several locations in that upstate New York city began a union organizing effort, eventually collecting enough signature cards to trigger a certification election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. Starbucks workers in Buffalo won their bid to form a union after votes were counted last Thursday. The Elmwood Village coffee shop became the first unionized location at Starbuck’s 9,000 corporate-owned stores in the United States. Unions are a rarity in the restaurant industry, where they are typically only active in a few major cities and resort destinations, and major chains and independents alike have in the past vigorously opposed any and all unionization efforts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 1.2% of workers in the food service industry are currently represented by a union. What makes this whole controversy so unsettling for the wider restaurant world is that Starbucks is regarded as one of the industry’s more enlightened employers. Successful unionization at Starbucks, many feel, could result in copycat efforts at a time when the industry already faces labor challenges aplenty.

Starbucks employees and supporters wait as votes are read during a union-election watch party on Dec. 9 in Buffalo, N.Y. Starbucks workers voted to unionize over the company’s objections, pointing the way to a new labor model for the 50-year-old coffee giant. (JOSHUA BESSEX / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

What makes this whole controversy so unsettling for the wider restaurant world is that Starbucks is regarded as one of the industry’s more enlightened employers.

Matrix Resurrections,” which opens in theaters Dec. 22. This digital marketing campaign, which is available on Dennys.com as well as the brand’s iOS and Android apps, will offer patrons access to randomized, Matrix-inspired offers that include free menu items, waiver of delivery fees, and a variety of other discounts. The promotional campaign lasts through Jan. 4; Dennys. com has more information. There are Denny’s locations on Boston Road in Springfield, on Northampton Street in Holyoke, and on Elm Street in Enfield.

• It’s Christmastime in Springfield; downtown’s Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant is celebrating the season with two proud traditions. Side dishes The Fort Carolers are ap• On Monday, Cima tal wish list on Amazon.com; pearing nightly through Dec. Restaurant & Chop House child-appropriate gift cards are 24. Reservations are essential in Wilbraham will be holding more than welcome. to enjoy their performances a holiday fundraiser to benefit For additional information, and a Student Prince dinner to the Shriners Hospital for Chil- contact Cima Restaurant at “go-with.” dren in Springfield. 413-279-3322. The restaurant is also featurFrom 5 p.m. that evening on, ing its holiday season menu, each person dining at Cima • Participating Denny’s a festive lineup of kitchen who donates a new unwrapped locations are involved in a five- creations both traditional and toy or gift card will be rewarded week-long marketing partner- contemporary. with a complimentary pasta ship with motion picture studio Among the appetizer offerdish. Warner Brothers. Both are co- ings guests will find the likes For ideas on possible donaoperating to promote the fourth of potato pancakes, fried SEE MENU, PAGE E8 tions go to the Shriners Hospi- film in The Matrix series, “The

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E8 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

announced that, along with the Deerfield Inn, it will be taking a weeklong Christmas break from Dec. 20 through 27 in order to allow the staff to enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E7

camembert cheese, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Entree selections include braised lamb shank, Hungarian beef goulash, Kassler Ripchen (smoked pork chop), Harz Mountain jager schnitzel and sauerbraten. Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without The Fort’s own eggnog, made with a recipe developed by Ruppercht Scherff, the Fort’s longtime owner. Complementing that renowned tipple this December are a host of holiday-inspired cocktails, such as a Peppermint White Russian, a White Christmas Cosmo, and a cranberry-garnished Holiday Old Fashioned. Reservations at the Student Prince can be made by calling 413-734-7475. • KFC, the fried chicken brand, is celebrating the season by once again promoting its “11 Herbs and Spices Firelog.” First introduced in 2018, the fire log, manufactured by Fitzgerald, Georgia-based Enviro-Log, is said to have an “extra crispy scent” when burned. The log can be ordered online at walmart.com. This year KFC has upped the promotional ante with a contest for log purchasers. The grand prize is a twonight stay at the “KFC Firelog Cabin,” a deluxe vacation hideaway tricked out with all sorts of KFC-styled furnishings and fittings. As part of the prize package, KFC’s head chef will prepare a dinner for the winners that features KFC chicken and sides reworked into a fivecourse “gourmet” meal. Customers who download KFC’s U.S. Ordering App can also enter the KFC Firelog Cabin contest. Entry deadline is Dec. 31.

(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

the buyer to a $10 bonus card. Gift cards are available as a physical card that can be traditionally gifted or in digital format that can be emailed. Visit table3restaurant group.com./gift-cards for more details or to purchase cards. • Max Catering & Events, the catering division of the MAX Restaurant Group, is providing a Holiday Dinner Packs service this December. Each pack serves four or five diners and comes with three side dishes, dinner rolls, a dessert selection, and some bonus cookies to leave out for Santa’s visit. Main course options include prime rib, roasted turkey breast, crab-stuffed colossal shrimp, and a veal and spinach lasagna. Additional sides and desserts are available a la carte; the chefs at Max’s have even put together a Christmas Day brunch package and a “spiked” eggnog kit. Order pickups on Dec. 24 can be made at Max’s Tavern in Springfield. Delivery is also available (for an additional fee) within a 25-mile radius. Call 413-746-3003 for more information. • Friday is National Ugly Sweater Day, and Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield is marking the occasion with a

special promotion. Guests wearing their festive-themed sweater to the restaurant that day will be rewarded with 15% off their entree. The deal is available at both lunch and dinner; for more details contact Champney’s Restaurant at 413-7723087. Champney’s has also

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has more than 45 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached • The Irish House Restau- online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol. rant in West Springfield will com.

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• The Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge has announced a savings promotion for those who order online gift cards for use at the Table 3 Restaurant Group’s four locations. Now through the end of 2021, every $50 in gift card value purchased will entitle

Holiday carolers are performing Friday and Saturday evenings at Storrowton Tavern, located on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, through Christmas.

• The Calvanese Family, which operates the Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield, announced that its holiday carolers are performing on Friday and Saturday evenings through Christmas. The tavern is offering its regular menu those evenings, a selection that combines traditional New England fare with some Italian American favorites. Among the former are Yankee pot roast, baked Boston scrod, chicken potpie, and, on weekends, prime rib with a popover. Italian-style menu options include homemade lasagna, seafood alfredo, and chicken marsala. Reservations at Storrowton Tavern can be made by calling 413-732-4188.

host a free “Meet Santa” event Saturday from noon until 3:30 p.m. Those stopping by to socialize with the Jolly Old Elf should be prepared to take their own photos of the event if they so choose. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served; the restaurant and tavern will be open for lunch and drink orders. The Irish House has also announced that it has rescheduled its Whiskey Tasting next month to Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. An evening at which four “small plates” are paired with four different whiskey samples. The tasting event costs $45. Contact the Irish House Restaurant at 413-342-4358 for more details on either happening.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Wine

subtle, understated luxurious white wines in this famed Mosel wine region of Germany. CONTINUES FROM PAGE E6 If you like your white wines Clos Mireille and Domaines on the drier side (like myself) Ott located in La Londe-lesmake sure to get the “kabinett” Maures in France’s Provence version of this riesling wine. region. While there are many Let me add that now’s the time great rose winemakers in to stock up on these wines since Provence, Ott has consistently 2019 is widely considered the helped raise the bar by produc- best vintage for Germany’s ing distinct, understated, outMosel region in the past twenty standing rose wines. This dry, years. Crisp, dry, refreshing subtle wine made with a blend and perfectly well-balanced. of cinsault, grenache and syrah Wunderbar! grapes has a refreshing finish with hints of fresh melon and sea salt. Give this wine time (about half an hour) to open up and slowly reveal its secrets. Trust me. It’s well worth the wait. • 2019 Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($32 SRP): I’ve written here before about this winery in California’s Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, which makes many outstanding chardonnay and pinot noir The 2019 Sonoma Cutrer wines. So if you can’t find this Winemaker’s Release Limparticular wine (which you ited Edition No. 40 Estate can find easily online, like all Chardonnay was one of the the wines recommended this best California chardonnays week) you can’t go wrong with columnist Ken Ross tasted any of their other wines. This this year. (KEN ROSS PHOTO) intense, dense, earthy white wine bursts with robust yet $50 to $100 a bottle elegant flavors, including sea • 2019 Sonoma Cutrer salt, green apples, toasted but- Winemaker’s Release Limter and the wonderful fog-like ited Edition No. 40 Estate mist notes often found in great Chardonnay ($70 SRP): This Russian River chardonnays. Russian River Valley chardon• 2018 Stags’ Leap Winery nay in Sonoma County was Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley one of my favorite California ($32 SRP): Stags’ Leap Winchardonnays I tasted this past ery in California consistently year. Created to celebrate the produces outstanding wines winery’s 40th anniversary, this with a clean, bright finish that wonderful white wine strikes emphasizes the grapes’ flavors just the right balance between and the uniqueness of the soil. bright and refreshing flavors (The opposite is wines with as well as more depth and overpowering oaky flavors and complexity. A very fragrant, arother tricks employed by some omatic wine, everything about winemakers in an attempt to this elegant chardonnay whishide flaws.) This beautiful, un- pers soft and subtle. Flavors derstated wine has a light, crisp range from a dash of lemon and dry finish with hints of freshbutter to honeydew melon, sea cut grass. An absolute pleasure salt, pears and baked apples. to drink. Absolutely amazing. • 2019 J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett ($40 Over $100 a bottle SRP): Another well-known, • 2018 Kellerei Cantina well-established winery Terlan Terlaner I Primo (founded in 1911 by J. J. Prum, Grande Cuvee Alto Adige whose family has been making ($200 SRP): I’ll be right up wine in the Mosel region in front and say it’s nearly imposGermany for hundreds of sible to find this wine, which I years) this winery remains the had the good fortune to taste gold standard for producing at an online wine tasting I was

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invited to this past summer featuring white wines from Italy’s Alto Adige region. You don’t have a spend this much money to find outstanding white wines from this part of Northern Italy. But if you love crisp, dry white wines with a mineral-like finish and a dash of butter, you’ll be amazed by how intense, complex and wonderful this white wine tastes. Made with a blend of 65& pinot bianco, 32% chardonnay and 3% sauvignon blanc, it’s pure perfection in a glass. • 2019 Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet (At least $100): Expect to pay at least $100 for chardonnays from Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy’s two famed white wine villages. The 2019 vintage is just being released now and it’s another spectacular one, right up there with 2015 and 2016. However, like 2016, quantities are limited for the 2019s. I can see some of you rolling your eyes at the thought of buying a white wine that costs more than $100 a bottle. But trust me, these life-changing wines are worth it. I highly recommend chardonnays (especially Premier Cru) from these two villages from two producers in particular – Joseph Drouhin and Domaine des Comtes Lafon. Both wineries consistently produce some of the absolute best chardonnays year after year in Burgundy, which are frankly the best white wines in the world. (Bargain hunter’s tip: Try their white wines from Macon, which cost a fraction of the price and have a different but delightful finish. You can read more about them next month.)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 | E9

The 2018 La Mascota Unanime Merlot “abounds with ripe fruit flavors that range from fresh-picked cherries to hints of black pepper,” Ken Ross writes. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

rated — and affordable — red wine grapes. Chile might be better known in South America for making great merlot wines, but Argentina can more than hold its own judging from this intense, full-bodied wine. This rich, robust wine abounds with ripe fruit flavors that range from fresh-picked cherries to hints of black pepper. Powerful perfection. • 2018 Pio Cesare Barbera D’Alba ($25 SRP) – One of the best-known wineries (Pio Cesare) from one of the best-known wine regions in Italy (Piedmont), this delicious wine hits all the right notes. Made with 100% Barbera grapes, this wine has vibrant fruit flavors (plum and blackberries, in particular) without being too sweet or cloying. Instead, this dry yet voluptuous wine has a fresh, inviting finish that tastes great straight out of the bottle and goes great with a wide range of foods, from grilled meats and pasta to pizza or great simply on its own.

wines, which cost significantly more, the winemakers re-pass (hence the name “Ripasso”) the dried grapes through a second fermentation to create Ripasso wines, which are more affordable than Amarone but intense and delicious in their own, unique way. This particular Ripasso from Zenato has a dark, dense, bright fruit finish with hints of smoked cherries, blackberries and roasted almonds. • 2019 Landmark Vineyards Grand Detour Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast California ($35 SRP): Landmark Vineyards in California’s Sonoma County consistently produces high-quality wines for a reasonable price. This delicious pinot noir is no exception. Clean and crisp straight out of the bottle, this easy-going, earthy wine has a delightful, subtle fruit finish, with hints of cherry and strawberry mixed with a dash of cedar and licorice. A smooth, silky wine perfect for a long winter’s night. • 2018 Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.99 at Table & Vine): I’m often critical of California cabernet sauvignons. They’re too expensive, too fruity, too over the top. Thankfully, this particular gem from Mount Veeder Winery in California’s Napa Valley proves all those preconceptions wrong. Yes, this wine is particularly jammy and ripe straight out of the bottle. But give this wine about 90 minutes to open up before Thanksgiving and you’ll be rewarded with a dry, smooth, velvet-like wine with a long, intense finish. There’s nothing over the top about this subtle, concentrated wine with hints of dried blackberry, cherry and plum. Simply superb.

Frankly, any great wine makes any occasion a special occasion. Red wines worth splurging on $20 to $50 a bottle • 2018 La Mascota Unanime Merlot ($24 SRP): Cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir might get all the glory when it comes to red wine grapes, but I cannot say enough great things about merlot, one of the most under-

• 2016 Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso ($27.99 at Table & Vine): If you love complex, robust, Italian red wines, you’ll love this relative bargain from Italy’s Valpolicella near Venice in Northern Italy. Ripasso (also sometimes known as “Ripassa”) refers to a particular type of wine from Italy. After winemakers create Amarone

• 2017 Duca Enrico ($49.99 SRP): Sicily and wines made with Nero d’Avola grapes aren’t on many wine lovers’ radar. They should be. These silky, smooth, full-bodied wines hit all the right notes. And this particular Nero d’Avola from Central Sicily knocks it out of the park.

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

CALENDAR

Events THURSDAY 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. Holiday Stream of STREB Extreme Action Company’s 2021 Dance Festival: Thu.-Sun, online, featuring performance and behind the scenes content. The stream will be available through Jan. 6. Tickets are $15 and are available at jacobspillow.org/ events/holiday-stream-streb.

Ben Ashley and Luis Manzi perform in a past “Home for the “Home for the Holidays”: Thu, 7:30 Holidays” show at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield. This p.m.; Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 and 7 p.m., Majestic Theater. year’s production runs through Dec. 22. (THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

Tickets: $26, $28. 131 Elm St., West Springfield. 413-747-7797 or majestictheater.com. LaughCrafters: Holiday Show: Thu, 6 p.m., Agawam Senior Center. Free community show features sketches and improvised unscripted scenes created on the spot based on audience interaction. 954 Main Street, Agawam; 413-821-0604. 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. 413-7869300 or sixflags.com/newengland. For information about the drive-thru event, visit sixflags.com/newengland.

Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing Holiday Stream of STREB Extreme Action Company’s 2021 Dance Festival: See Thursday listing “Home for the Holidays”: See Thursday listing Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See Thursday listing

Springfield Garden Club Program: Fri, 11:30 a.m., Barney Carriage House, Holiday Floral Designs and Boutique. Will also take place on Zoom. The members will create and demonstrate floral designs for the holiday season which will be auctioned afterward. There will also be a holiday boutique after, in Sweet Honey in the Rock: Celeperson and online. Luncheon will brating the Holy Days (On-Demand): be provided, beginning at 11:30 Thu.-Sun, BOMBYX Center for Arts & a.m. Event is open to the public and Equity, This concert will be available members. $5 guest fee and tickets on-demand through Jan. 6. bombyx. are available on eventbrite.com. live/events/sweet-honey-in-theSEE CALENDAR, PAGE E11 rock, $15. 130 Pine St., Florence;

Wine

corvinone and 5% negrara, this voluptuous — often a great wine’s an absolute rock star that sign of great things to come in shines bright late into the night. the future. Then again, many CONTINUES FROM PAGE E9 people enjoy such intense, $50 to $100 a bottle What I love about this wine is fruit-forward flavors. So don’t how it manages to be both del• 2018 Justin Vineyards wait and enjoy this rare treat icate yet decisive, intimate yet & Winery Justification ($60 sooner rather than later. intense. Its flavors and aromas SRP): Another longtime favorite • 2016 Ehlers Estate Porrange from ripe cherry and winery that deserves more attrait ($65 SRP): This complex, vanilla to toasted walnuts and tention, this California winery intense red wine from the St. dark chocolate. But more than in Paso Robles (the outstandHelena subregion in Califoranything, this wine remains ing, unpretentious wine region nia’s Napa Valley perfectly smooth from start to finish, located midway between San captures this beautiful area’s even three or four hours after Francisco and Los Angeles) sense of place. (That’s where you open the bottle — if you can consistently produces outstand- the wine’s portrait name comes make it last that long. ing wines year after year. Last from.) Made with a blend of • 2016 Famiglia Pasqua year, I raved about the 2017 vin- three grapes (38% cabernet Amarone della Valpolicella tage for this same wine in my sauvignon, 34% cabernet franc DOCG ($49 SRP): Amarone annual wines worth splurging and 28% merlot), this dark, della Valpolicella wines almost on this holiday season column. full-bodied wine tastes like need no introduction. These The 2018 vintage (made with a combination of a luxurious silky yet powerful blended red a blend of 65% cabernet franc, Bordeaux and a powerful pinot wines from northeast Italy not and 35% merlot) is just as noir or zinfandel. Flavors range far from Venice have legions delicious and understated and from ripe cherries and roasted of fans around the world. It’s bursting with subtle, ripe fruit blackberries to dark chocolate easy to understand why. This flavors. No cloying oak notes. and toasted walnuts. Truly particular, relatively affordable Just silky smooth and intense delightful. Amarone (many easily cost $60 from start to finish. • 2018 Lassegue Saint to $100 a bottle or much more) • 2019 Hess Collection Emilion Grand Cru ($65 tastes huge straight out of the Iron Corral Estate Grown SRP): Fans of austere red wines bottle. Intense and peppery Cabernet Sauvignon ($60 will love this understated yet with a slightly flinty finish, this SRP): This robust, California intense red wine from France’s wine’s pure and powerful and Napa Valley cabernet sauviSaint Emilion subregion in voluptuous for the first hour or gnon from Hess Persson Estates Bordeaux. Made with a blend so. If you can restrain yourself still needs time to develop in of merlot, cabernet franc and and wait at least two hours, get the cellar. But set this intense cabernet sauvignon grapes ready to enjoy a softer, silkier wine aside now and give it a few from 40- to 50-year-old vines yet equally powerful red wine. years (five to 10 years ideally) in limestone-rich soil, then Made with a blend of 65% to fully blossom. Right now, aged for in French oak for 12 corvina, 25% rondinella, 5% its flavors are bright, ripe and months, this wine has a flinty

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Valley famous for its complex pinot noirs, this wine hits all the right notes — bright yet subtle fresh berry flavors, a hint of toasted almond, vanilla and fresh herbs mixed with a dash of roasted figs. An outstanding wine that will drink well for at least the next 10 years. Over $100 a bottle

Flavors of the 2016 Ehlers • 2017 Chateau de Nalys Estate Portrait range from ripe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand cherries and roasted blackVin ($105 SRP): One of my faberries to dark chocolate and vorite wine regions in the world toasted walnuts. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

yet earthy finish, with notes of dried blackberries and roasted almonds as well as a slightly smoky finish and a dash of sea salt. The only problem you’ll probably have with this wine is you might be tempted to age it for another five to 10 years. But good luck resisting the urge to open this wine right away. • 2018 Penner-Ash Yamhill-Carlton Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir ($75 SRP) – Oregon has been on a roll the past few years, consistently producing outstanding pinot noirs, one year after another since 2014. This voluptuous 2018 pinot noir from Penner-Ash Wine Cellars is another stunning wine from another great vintage. Made with grapes from the Yamhill-Carlton subregion in the widely respected Willamette

is Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which is located in the southern part of France’s Rhone region. For about $50 to $100, you can find some of the best, intense red wines in the world. They’re consistently full-bodied yet elegant, rugged yet refined. Best of all, they often taste great three to five years after they’re bottled. Sure enough, this 2017 from the famous Guigal family winery hit the bullseye. The 2016 vintage might grab all the hype (it is amazing) but the 2017′s just as delightful in its own charming way. Flavors range from dark chocolate, roasted cherries and blackberries to leather, coffee and almonds. Cheers! Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s weekend section every Thursday.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Calendar CONTINUES FROM PAGE E10 200 Trafton Road, Springfield. Sweet Honey in the Rock: Celebrating the Holy Days (On-Demand): See Thursday listing

SATURDAY Bright Nights at Forest Park: See Thursday listing Holiday Stream of STREB Extreme Action Company’s 2021 Dance Festival: See Thursday listing “Home for the Holidays”: See Thursday 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 selling locally-made wares, 324 Main St., Greenfield. Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See Thursday listing Sweet Honey in the Rock: Celebrating the Holy Days (On-Demand): See Thursday listing Virtual Holiday Pops Concert: Sat, 4 p.m., Downtown Greenfield, streaming at 4 p.m. Premiere of new works from composers Ivan Enrique Rodriguez and Clifton “Jerry” Noble Jr., honoring American holiday celebrations of all kinds, a holiday pop songs review, and classic seasonal favorites. Featuring the PVS Chorus and Youth Orchestra. Suggested donation: $15. Main Street, Greenfield; 413-773-5463 or franklincc.org.

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abedian at GMG3@aol.com. Adults $15, Students $10, 12 and Under $5. 2427 Wilbraham Road, Springfield.

$2.50-$3.50, 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or volleyhall.org. Windsor Historical Society: “100 Years of Windsor Historical Society” exhibit, through Summer 2022. “Gallery Day,” Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Special free showing of the society’s two changing exhibit galleries in the Chaffee House museum as well in the main museum building. 96 Palisade Ave., Windsor or windsor historicalsociety.org.

Sweet Honey in the Rock: Celebrating the Holy Days (On-Demand): See Thursday listing Weir River Concerts: Sun, 2 p.m., The Stone Church. Face masks are required. Donations and gift cards to benefit the Hardwick/New Braintree “Christmas for Kids” will be accepted. Free. 283 Main St., Gilbertville.

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. Part of the free family activities. Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Splash and Bubbles: Dive in, Lend a Fin!” Through Jan. 16. Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia. Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Ai Weiwei: Tradition and Dissent,” through Jan. 2 in the Wheeler and Barn Galleries. “Capturing Our Worlds: Works by the Springfield Photographic Society.” Through June 26. “The Body Adorned: Artistry and Legacy of the Ancient Americas.” Through Feb. 27. Museum a la Carte, today at 12:15 p.m., “A Christmas Journey” by Kevin O’Hara. Cost $4, $2 members.

The Giant Poinsettia Candles display shines at Bright Nights at Forest Park, which runs through Jan. 2. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBChildren under 1 year of age and members are free. Members and infants are free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield. Berkshire Museum: “Museum of the Moon Art Installation “by Luke Jerram.,through Jan. 9. 39 South St., Pittsfield or berkshiremuseum.org. Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Fri. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.. Closed 12-1 p.m. for cleaning each day; Sat. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Sun.- 12-4 p.m. (two slots). Admission: $8, seniors (62+) $5; children under 1 year of age and members are free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrens museumholyoke.org. Connecticut Trolley Museum: “Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights,” runs through Dec. 19, Fri.-Sun. 5-9 p.m. The museum will be open from Dec. 26-30. Closed trolley cars transport guests down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas Carols. Admission: $15-$20 per person and all ticket sales must be made in advance online, 58 North Road, East Windsor or cttrolley.org.

Original Paintings” by Kadir Nelson. Through April 3. “I Could Do That!” The Picture Book Art of Ed Emberley, Dec. 18 - June 12. Virtual gallery talk with Caleb Neelon, Jan. 27, 7-8 p.m. Hours: Thurs.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m. AdmissioN: $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $28 adults (16-24); $23 seniors (63+); $19 youth (5-15); $23 students with valid high school or college ID. free for ages under 5, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield or hoophall. com. Norman Rockwell Museum: Hours: Thurs.-Mon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance tickets purchase required. Admission: $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retire military; $10 college students, free children ages 18 and under, members and active military. “Jan Brett: Stories Near and Far.” Through Jan. 2. Included with general admission. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org.

Wistariahurst Museum: “Wisteria Vines in Full Bloom,” Carriage House and Gift shop open Sat.-Sun, Mon. noon-4 p.m. Historic house tours are $7, and $5 for students and seniors. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or wistariahurst.org. Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” Hours: Thurs, Fri, Sun, and Mon. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, free for members, students and children, 1021 West St., Amherst or yiddishbookcenter.org.

Galleries A.P.E. Gallery: Hours: Tues.-Thurs. noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. “Flat File” exhibition. Through Dec. 18, reception, Friday. 126 Main St., Northampton or apearts.org. Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery: Hours: Tues.-Fri. 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First floor of building 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield 413-755-5258.

Anchor House of Artists: “Labyrinth for Modern Eyes” Single-line compositions by Jonathan Stark, Springfield Science Museum: “Cut through Dec. 31, http://anchorhouBreakfast with Santa: Sun, 9:30 ‘N’ Rough Collection,” through June seartists.org. “Any Resemblance?” and 11:30 a.m., Collegian Court in Mineral Hall. “Gingerbread: Under exploring Michael TIllyer, through Restaurant. Children who bring a the Sea” annual Gingerbread exhibiDec. 31. “Birth Wheel (Happennew unwrapped gift to be donated tion runs through Jan. 2. stance).” An interactive installato Toys for Tots eat for free or will get The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss tion and show of cards by Amy free gingerbread house kit for the Old Sturbridge Village: OSV Holiday Edith Wharton: The Mount: Museum: First floor exhibition gingerbread house event at 1 p.m. Market and Cafe: Wed.-Sun, through Johnquest, through Dec. 31. 518 “Nighwood: An Outdoor Sound and features interactive three-dimensionPleasant St., Northampton. Bring your own camera. The event Light Experience.” Through Dec. 31, Dec. 30. Admission to the museum al exhibits. Second floor contains is $20 and includes a gingerbread is not required. Hours: Wed.-Sun. Forbes Library: “Canary in the Coal Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed Thurs.-Sun. evenings starting at 5 house. Call to reserve a table at either 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $24, $22 seniors, Mine” an exhibition by Zea Mays tickets required, for reservations visit p.m. NightWood combines music, 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. at 413-331-4444, $8 children 3-17, free for children Printmaking. Through Dec. 30. 20 lighting and theatrical elements to springfieldmuseums.org. or text “Santa” to 978-407-8539, 89 West St., Northampton or forbeslicreate scenes that evoke feelings of under 3. “New England on Parade” Quadrangle admission: $25 for adults, Park St., Chicopee. 413-331-4444. exhibit through July 2023, included brary.org. wonder, mystery and magic. Book $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college with general admission. Christmas now at EdithWharton.org. AdBright Nights at Forest Park: See Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: students with ID, $13 for children ages by Candlelight on select dates in mission: $20 adults, $10 children Thursday listing Small Wonders Holiday Show and 3-17; free to children under age 3 and (5-18), free for children 5 and under. December, with special hours, 1 p.m. Sale, through Dec. 31. Holiday hours: Holiday Stream of STREB Extreme members, Springfield residents are or 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tickets are on Holiday House Tours, Sat.-Sun, Thurs.-Sun, 3-8 p.m.; Dec. 24, 31, Action Company’s 2021 Dance free with proof of residency. Welcome through Jan. 2. Tours are self-guid- sale now. Tickets: $28 for adults, $14 3-5:30 p.m., closed Christmas day. Festival: See Thursday listing Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. children, children 3 and under free. ed. Book online at EdithWharton. 28 Amity St., Amherst 413-25610 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. “Home for the Holidays”: See Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org. org. 2 Plunkett St., Lenox. 4250. Thursday listing Springfield Armory National HistorEric Carle Museum of Picture Book Grubbs Gallery: Jeff Stauder Six Flags Holiday in the Park: See ic Site: Hours: Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.Art: Everyday art Project: “Shaping “The Reckoning.” Through Jan. 5; Thursday listing 4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield Creatures.” Today - Jan. 20, in the art Gallery hours are weekdays from St. Mark Christmas Spectacular studio. Free with museum admission. or nps.gov/spar. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sat. 1-5 Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Concert: Sun, 4 p.m. St. Mark Ar“Color \ Joy \ Eric Carle.” Through Titanic Museum: Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 p.m. Williston Northampton asks Sign up online for a play session at menian Church, Featuring: The SepMarch 6. Included with general ada.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4, that all visitors are fully vaccinated ameliaparkmuseum.org. Hours: tember Girls vocal ensemble, David mission. Gabrielle Healy Carroll Sto$2 children and students, 208 Main and mask while indoors, williston. Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sun. 10 a.m.-noon Jermakian on saxophone and more. rytime Programs are held Tues. and St., Indian Orchard or titanic1.org. com/visual-and-performing-arts/ and 1-3 p.m. Open for groups on Reception to follow with appetizers Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 grubbs-gallery. 19 Payson Ave., Volleyball Hall of Fame: Open Sat.Tues. and Wed. Admission: Children and cash bar, limited seating, and p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Easthampton. Sun. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: and adults $8; Seniors (62+) $5; RSVPS are appreciated: Anna Gar“The Undefeated: An Exhibition of SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E12

SUNDAY

Museums

E12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

DVD

dered finds new purpose and clarity after discovering the whereabouts of those who CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5 killed them. to his childhood sweetheart, “The Waltons’ Homeplayed by Evangeline Lilly, coming”: CW movie comwho is dying of cancer. memorates the original holi“The Auschwitz Report”: day film that launched “The Historical drama based on a Waltons” TV show. Starring true story about two Slovakian Logan Shroyer, Bellamy Jews who are taken to the Aus- Young and Ben Lawson, with chwitz concentration camp in Richard Thomas reprising his 1942 and manage to escape role as the adult John Boy and two years later, but still must narrator. return home. “Pond Life”: Coming-of“The Mitchells vs. the age drama set in 1994 about Machines”: Netflix animated a small mining town and the feature about a family road legend of a giant carp. trip that gets derailed by a “The Wolf of Wall machine apocalypse that Street”: 4K Ultra HD release threatens humanity. of the Martin Scorsese film “Vengeance Is Mine”: A starring Leonardo DiCaprio, man unable to move on after featuring a new film transfer his wife and child are mursupervised by the director.

Calendar

Hour on Friday; topic is “Deer,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2-6 accompanied by an adult. CONTINUES FROM PAGE E11 Whenever possible, activities will be outdoors, meeting in the Great Holyoke Community College: The Hall courtyard. In case of bad 2021 HCC Visual Art Faculty Exweather, activities will be in the hibition can be viewed online now Great Hall, with social distancthrough the end of the 2021. Visit ing. no shared materials/items. the exhibit at hcc.edu/taberSiblings and friends welcome. 2 faculty21. 303 Homestead AveAvenue A, Turners Falls or nue, Holyoke or hcc.edu. greatfallsma.org. Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: Hours: Sat. noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard 413-543-3321.

Markets

Robert Floyd Photo Gallery and Learning Center: “20th Annual Women in History” photo contest and exhibit, runs through Jan. 2. Gallery hours: Sun. Tues. and Wed. 1-5 p.m. and by appointment. 2 East St., Southampton 413-5292635. William Baczek Fine Arts: Winter Show 2021-2022 runs through Jan. 29, highlights the work of gallery artists. See more information at wbfinearts.com/index.php. 36 Main St., Northampton or wbfinearts.com.

Outdoors Story Walk: “Thanks to the Animals,” through Jan. 4. “Quack! Quack! A Self-Guided Duck Investigation Station,” through Jan. 2. Enjoy scavenger hunts, quizzes, and crafts in the Great Hall at a self-guided investigation station all about ducks. A variety of activities for different ages will be available. Great Hall Exhibit: “Junior Duck Stamps: Connecting Youth with Nature through Science and Art,” through Jan. 2. Kidleidoscope Story

Winter’s Farmers Market at Forest Park: Cyr Arena, Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month through March. Sumner Avenue, Springfield. Winters Farmers Market at Hampshire Mall: In the Target hallway, Saturdays through April 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 367 Russell St., Hadley. Northampton Winter Farmers Market: Saturdays through April 2, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., Northampton or northamptonseniors.com.

Giving a gift of 274 Olive Oil and Rubio Balsamic Vinegar is sending the gift of health and good wishes. Make with a delicious bread dipper on your holiday table.

Open in both locations Friday, Dec. 24 & Friday, Dec. 31 for all your holiday needs!

Holyoke Winter Farmers Market: First and third Saturdays of the month through March 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at War Memorial, 310 Appleton St., Holyoke. 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/myevents

90 William St., Springfield 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow 525-9400 l www.frigofoods.com