COVID still casts shadow on beer events

IDON’T KNOW ABOUT you, but I am exhausted by COVID. And COVIDrelated stories. And debates about it.

But my mental and emotional fatigue about the subject doesn’t change the harsh reality we are still facing.

As I noted in my column last week about trends from 2022, COVID is still haunting the craft beer world in various ways. Although the early lockdown measures — which first required bars to close down and then maintain pretty restrictive social distancing measures, as well as masking — have been pretty much done away with, the reality is that COVID’s many variants keep cropping up. Some are more dangerous and some are not quite as bad but more contagious. I would hate to have to choose between any of them.

But the reality is that the craft beer world has a pretty large stake in promoting social gatherings. Starting with simply meeting up with friends at pubs and breweries all the way up to beer festivals, people gathering together to enjoy beer is a staple of the industry.

I’ve been fairly careful over the past few years, starting with initially not going out at all to carefully picking my spots when I did. At some points I relaxed a little bit more, but usually tightened up my behavior when it felt necessary. I rely on my gut instinct, but I do so under the overarching umbrella of believing (and following) the science. There are a lot more folks who played a lot looser than me, and there are some folks who still follow stricter measures.

What prompted me to pursue this topic (again) today was the recent announcement that the 2023 Oregon Brewers Festival has been canceled.

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This Waterfront Park festival, which brought in around 80,000 beer lovers at its peak, went dark in 2020 and 2021 (like most beer events). In a statement, festival organizers cited low attendance, higher costs and extreme weather as reasons for the cancellation of this year’s fest. But the statement also acknowledged “that’s far from an exhaustive list.”

While low attendance and higher costs are the symptoms of the problem, it would seem that COVID is the underlying cause. The statement went on to say “that the hospitality industry, which is at the core of our festival, is still working to recover from the effects of the pandemic.” outstanding, affordable red wines from Lirac

I hope everyone, not just beer drinkers, pauses for a moment and perhaps take one step back from where we are now. I’m not advocating any draconian lockdown measures, which would probably be ignored by many folks anyway; I am just gently suggesting that we make thoughtful and informed decisions when we decide to socialize. The past several years have been a rough ride, and it’s good to see things recovering to varying degrees.

But seeing the Oregon Brewers Festival get canceled made me blanch a bit. I have to think it might not be the only one.

Take care out there. Cheers.

FRANCE’S SOUTHern Rhone region makes some of the best (and most affordable) blended red wines in the world.

Villages like ChateauneufDu-Pape and Gigondas consistently produce outstanding red wines made with a blend of grenache, syrah, mourvede and other popular wine grapes.

But don’t stop there. Go a little further afield and you’ll find many great wines from other nearby villages.

One of those villages is Lirac, which is located near Chateauneuf Du Pape on the other side of the Rhone River, just north of Avignon.

I first learned about Lirac wines when I was tasting wine at Domaine Roger Sabon four years ago in Chateauneuf Du Pape. Near the end of the tasting, the winery’s head winemaker, Didier Negron, opened a bottle of 2017 Lirac red wine.

I was blown away by how great the wine tasted. In my article about the winery, I wrote that I loved this particular Lirac wine, describing it as having a “soft, subtle finish with hints of dried cherries, raspberries and almonds.”

I also wrote that Lirac “deserves far more attention,” especially because this outstanding wine cost only $7 in France at the time and less than $20 in the United States.

But I had a hard time finding Lirac wines when I returned home, so I was

WEDNESDAY

Polish American Citizens Club 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

THURSDAY

Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011

DOORS OPEN 4:30PM

MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start

Min. Entry Package $15 Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms

CALL TODAY 413-788-1250

Menu

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5 will quickly evolve to be “human-free.” A video of Spotless in operation can be viewed at youtu.be/ Ckygln100k4

Nala Robotics has developed other robotic food service solutions such as Wingman, an automated deep-frying system, and PizzAIola, a robotic “chef” that can make pizza, burgers, and more.

Side dishes

• Reflecting shifts in several economic forces, restaurant menu price growth slowed in December, which was welcome news for food service operators and the general public alike.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, across the industry, menu prices only rose 0.4% in December, a considerably smaller amount than November’s reported 1.1% uptick. Overall, restaurant menu prices increased 8.3% during 2022.

December price increases in full service restaurants averaged 0.1%, while prices at limited service restaurants inched up by 0.5% during the same period.

Among the factors cred-

Wine

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E6 reluctant to write about them.

Fortunately, four years later, Lirac wines are slowly becoming easier to find here. This week, you can learn more about three of them, along with Lirac wines in general.

Hope you enjoy.

• More about Lirac

People have been growing grapes and making wine in Lirac for thousands of years, according to the Rhone Wine Association. The village of Lirac (technically a “commune”) includes 1,960 acres of grapevines and just under 1,000 people. (Nearly 2 acres of wine for every resident! That’s my kind of town.)

Like several other well- ited for holding down price increases were falling gasoline prices, slowing inflation in wholesale grocery and commodities markets, and a softening in the demand for labor.

The growth in restaurant labor costs continues to slow as more and more operators report being “staffed up,” a state of affairs that reduces the competition for employees and the consequent bidding up of wage rates a tight labor market causes.

• On Feb. 2, the Delaney House in Holyoke will hold a Wine & Dine event.

The four-course dinner, which will begin at 6 p.m., will feature wines from the McPrice Myers Winery of Paso Robles, California, a label not yet available in East Coast retail outlets.

A maple-rubbed pork shank will serve as starter course and will be followed by a beet-garnished spinach salad.

The centerpiece of the evening’s enjoyment is to be red wine braised short ribs; for dessert, a chocolate torte with berry coulis will be served.

Cost to attend is $69 plus tax and gratuity; reservations can be made online at delaneyhouse.com/wine-dinner

The Delaney House can be known wine villages in the southern Rhone region — including Gigondas and Vacqueyras – Lirac wines were granted “cru” status in 1947. Only 13 villages in the Rhone region have received “cru” wine status, which means the wines are considered high-quality wines. Lirac also received AOC status, which simply means Lirac wines must come from Lirac and meet other standards set for Lirac wines. (More about that in a bit.)

• Types of Lirac wines

Like many southern Rhone villages, the vast majority of wines from Lirac (85% to be exact) are red wines. These wines tend to be full-bodied, earthy wines. But as my wine tasting notes explain below, there are a variety of flavors when it comes to Lirac red wines. That’s probably due to reached at 413-532-1800.

• The Windsor Locks Lions Club will be sponsoring a special “Dining in the Dark” evening on Feb. 11, starting at 5 p.m.

To be held at the Skyline Restaurant in Windsor Locks, the meal is designed to give participants a chance enjoy food in a new, nonvisual way. Eye masks and bibs will be provided to each guest, and the lighting in the restaurant’s dining area will be reduced to minimal levels.

Dinner participants will be given four entrée options from which to choose, and the menu will also include salad and dessert.

Cost to attend is $35, and tables for eight to 10 can be reserved. Tickets are available online at forms.gle/pqi7iLfMFaMdPA8u9.

Contact Karen Doody at k.doodygirl@gmail.com for more information.

• Today, the Ludlow High School Culinary Team will be holding a fundraiser at Vanished Valley Brewing Company in Ludlow.

Organized to support the team’s participation in a national cook-off, the fundraiser will bring together team members and the kitchen staff at Vanished Valley in a joint limestone rich soils found in many vineyards throughout Lirac. The remaining 15% of wines from Lirac include white wines (10% of annual production) and rose wines (5%).

• Common wine grapes

When it comes to southern Rhone red wines, three grapes consistently play a major role. Those three grapes are grenache, syrah and mourvedre, which are sometimes referred to by wine hipsters as “GSM.” The same is true for Lirac red wines, which also often include cinsault and sometimes carignan. In fact, in order for a Lirac red wine to have Lirac listed on its label, the wine must include at least 40% grenache as well as syrah and mourvedre grapes.

SEE WINE, PAGE E11 effort to prepare a created-for-the-occasion specialty, the Lion’s Pride Burger. A grilled Austin Acres ground beef patty topped with bacon jam, whiskey glaze, caramelized onions, and smoked gouda, all assembled on a brioche roll, the Lion’s Pride Burger will be served with a side of house fries.

The fundraiser will run from 3 to 9 p.m., with Vanished Valley donating a portion of all its taproom food sales during the event.

Vanished Valley Brewing Company answers at 413-6101572.

• Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern at the Deerfield Inn is offering the opportunity to enjoy a range of artisan ciders during its upcoming Adult Cider and Food Pairing event.

Planned for Feb. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., the evening will feature fermented ciders of West County Cider, a Colrain-based operation. West County has a 35-year tradition of using the harvest from local orchards to produce critically-acclaimed small-batch ciders.

The kitchen staff at Champney’s has created a menu designed to harmonize with five different West County cider bottlings. Offerings are to include a pumpkin cider bisque, assorted game sausages, grilled chicken & shrimp Alfredo, and an apple bread pudding.

Cost to attend this event is $95 plus tax and gratuity; reservations are required.

Contact Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern at 413-774-5587.

• The Skyline Beer Company in Westfield has organized a Winter Whisk(e)y Dinner for Feb. 6, starting at 3:30 p.m.

The four-course whisky and food pairing will be hosted by “Whisky Pirate” Jay Cole, who will be providing tasting notes during the event.

Tickets for the dinner are $60 plus tax and tip; they can be ordered online at skylinebeerco.com or picked up in person at Skyline’s Southwick Road location. Skyline Brewing Company answers at 413-378-3333.

• Participating Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar locations are currently offering three “all-you-careto-eat” entrée options.

All You Can Eat Boneless Wings come with a choice from among six different

Thursday

MGM Casino: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield, featuring retail stores, restaurants, Regal Cinemas and more. For more information, visit mgmspringfield.com, 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

“Native Gardens”: Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., Majestic Theater, through Feb. 12. Tickets start at $29. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-747-7797 or majestictheater. com

Square Dance Classes: Thu., 6:30 p.m., American Legion 0239, first two classes free, $5 further classes. For more information, contact Gloria at 413-467-3352 or email ladicaller@gogtt.ent, 66 State St., Belchertown.

FRIDAY

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

“Native Gardens”: See Thursday listing

ROAR Comedy Club at MGM Springfield: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. MGM Springfield, Caitlin Peluffo in the Armory. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com/artist/ 2952607?venueId=9264, $25. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

SATURDAY

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

“Native Gardens”: See Thursday listing

A Quiet Moment with Kamauu: Sat., 7 p.m., BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, $35. 130 Pine St., Florence.

Railroad Hobby Show: Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, Young & Stroh Building, Mallary Complex. $15 adults; free for ages 15 and under. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443 or thebige. com

ROAR Comedy Club at MGM Springfield: See Friday listing

SUNDAY

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

“Native Gardens”: See Thursday listing

Railroad Hobby Show: See Saturday listing

Square Dancing Classes: Sun., 6:30-8 p.m., Union Church of Christ, first two classes free, further classes $5 per person. The instructor is Gloria Vivier. For more information, call 413-467-3352. 51 Center St. (Route 21), Ludlow, 413-583-5717.

Quadrangle

Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Outdoor sculpture garden of larger-than-life bronze statues of Springfield native Dr. Seuss at his drawing board surrounded by some of his most beloved characters including Horton the Elephant, the Grinch, the Lorax and others. Free on the green.

George Walter Vincent Smith

Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “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 free family activities.

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “The Grinch’s Grotto: A Wonderful, Awful Idea,” extended through Jan. 29. The Grotto is a cave-like structure with a highly decorated chair for the old curmudgeon himself to greet visitors for selfies and portraits. Visitors are invited to bring their cell phones or cameras to take a portrait with the Grinch.

“The Grinch: A Car with a History,” through Nov. 1, 2023. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “New/Now: Contemporary Art Acquisitions,” Jan. 28 - July 30. Museum a la Carte: Today, 12:15 p.m. “Black Art Patrons in Colonial Lima: Afro-Confraternal Chapels in the Spanish Peruvian Capital.” $4, free for members. Presented by Ximena Gómez, assistant professor of art history at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Springfield Science Museum: “Leonardo’s Lab,” through April 23. Visitors can recreate Leonardo’s tool-and-hardware-free interlocking bridge and assemble an air powered flying helicopter, making changes to improve the aerodynamics and more. “We’re Still Here,” through June 30. Native Voices Initiative begins with contemporary perspectives. Curated by Aprell May Munford.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Theodor Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed tickets required. For reservations, visit springfieldmuseums.org.

Calendar

Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Museums

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibit: Hands-on activities and creative exhibits, including the Hurricane Simulator. Sign up online for a play session at ameliaparkmuseum.org. Mon., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thu.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for groups Tues. and Wed. $8 adults, $8 children (12 months and older), $4 grandparents/seniors (60+), military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission, members and infants free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org.

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent exhibit includes the Wiggle and Wash Vet Clinic, a toddler merry-go-round and a STEM-based cash register for kids. Tues.-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. In the event of severe weather conditions, check Facebook or Instagram, or local TV Station 22 for closures. Children and adults $8; seniors (62+) $5; children under 1 and under and members are free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrensmuseumholyoke.org

East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit: Historical artifacts. Featured at the museum are East Longmeadow artifacts pertaining to the quarries, local Native Americans, period clothing, the railroad system, and much more. 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, Sept.-June, weather permitting. Free. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “Eric Carle’s Book Birthdays,” through March 5. “What Might You Do? Christian Robinson,” through June 4. Bilingual Storytime (English and Spanish), Jan. 29, 2 p.m., Feb. 26, 2 p.m. “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions,” through April 9. Online discussion today, 7-8 p.m., “Love Without Bounds: An IntersectionAllies Book About Families.” Artists and authors online talk. To register, visit carlemuseum.org. Free. Bilingual storytime: “Last Stop on Market Street,” Jan. 29, 2-2:30 p.m. in the Reading Library. Free with museum admission. Permanent exhibit: Ga- brielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Hours: Wed.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org

Holyoke Heritage State Park: Permanent exhibit: Preserving the history and culture of Holyoke through permanent exhibits on the paper and textile industry. Also featuring a new scale model of Mountain Park. Visitor Center open Tues.-Sun., noon-4 p.m. Closed Mon. Free admission. mass. gov/locations/holyoke-heritage-state-park. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, 413-534-1723.

Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit: Featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing and documents from 1754-1902. Call for open house schedule and individual tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members. 70 Park St., West Springfield, 413-734-8322.

Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Tues.-Thu. and Sun., 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free, 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or amherst. edu

Naismith Memorial Basketball

Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit: Three floors with dozens of handson exhibits, a regulation-sized basketball court and more than 900 artifacts on display. Exhibits include “High Above Center Court,” “Hall of Honor,” “1891 Gallery,” “Players Gallery,” “James Goldstein Superfan gallery,” and “Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams.”

Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $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: Permanent exhibit: gallery. “Eloise and More: The Life and Art of Hilary Knight,” through March 12.

“Norman Rockwell’s Spirit of the Holidays,” through Feb. 5. Thu.Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Tues. and Wed. Advance ticket purchase required. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retired military; $10 college students, free children ages 18 and under, members and active military.

9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm. org

Old Sturbridge Village: Permanent exhibit: Visit Kidstory, an indoor learning gallery in the Visitor’s Center where kids 3-10 can try on period costumes and imagine life in the 1830s. “Neat and Tasty: Getting Dressed in Early New England”; apparel in portraiture. Hours through Feb. 21, Fri.-Sun. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. $28, $26 seniors, $14 college students with ID & children 4-17, free for children 3 and under, Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org.

Pan African Historical Museum

USA: Permanent exhibit: Exhibitions by local artists. Tue.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Free, 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413-733-1823.

Polish Center of Discovery and Learning: Permanent exhibit: A living monument safeguarding historical objects representative of the material culture of the Polish people in America. Galleries include “Coming to America”; “At Home in America”; “Folk Art”; “History.” The Polish Center is open to the public daily, Mon.-Fri., 1-5 p.m., except for inclement weather and holidays. Other times may be scheduled by appointment. $5 donation, 33 South St., Chicopee or polishcenter.net

Springfield Armory National Historic Site: Ranger-led interpretive programs offered in the museum in the afternoon. Junior Ranger programs conducted frequently each day. Wed.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or nps.gov/spar

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum: Permanent exhibit: Daniel Anthony’s Store, The Legacy Room, The Birthing Room, The Portrait Gallery. Open Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 students and children 6-17, free for children under 6 and NARM/ NEMA/ROAM members. 67 East Road, Adams or susanbanthony birthplace.com

The Emily Dickinson Museum: Homestead and Evergreens.

Admission to the museum is by guided tour, for which advance-purchase timed tickets are required. Visit EmilyDickinsonMuseum. org/ to purchase your tickets and for more information. 280 Main St., Amherst.

Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: Exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Society. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4, $2 children and students, 208 Main St., Indian Orchard or titanic1.org

University Museum of Contemporary Art - Fine Arts Center: Permanent exhibit. The Fine Arts Center requires patrons to be fully vaccinated to attend performances. Masks are not required, but are welcome and encouraged. The University Museum is open through May 1, Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon–4p p.m.; and first

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E10

Nightclubs

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E3

Easthampton

MGM Springfield: MGM Free Music

Fridays: Screamin’ Eagle Band. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

The Drake: Lou Barlow. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow

Theodores’: Down the Alley. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

SATURDAY

Delaney House: Fred Marion. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

Ghosts

to explore mysteries. Maybe they just love the stories or love to walk through an old house at night by flashlight,” Oakes said.

Others may want to find out whether something unusual might happen to them. Some may have had an experience before, and that makes them want to seek answers or confirmation. “I also think many people are deeply curious about the afterlife. What really happens when we die? Is it possible that some part of us may remain? Stories about hauntings may offer some answers or at least a sense of possibility,” he continued.

All of the activities at Ventfort Hall contribute to the restoration of the Gilded Age mansion, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum. “The ghost story tours and investigations have been very helpful in the past two years bringing in revenue when it was difficult to hold our regular programming that often would involve a tea and refreshments,” Rocke explained.

“It was easier to maintain social distancing and masking also” during the pandemic.

Most of the tours and

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

The Drake: Pink Talking Fish. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

Theodores’: Blue Devil Bluez. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

SUNDAY

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

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 investigations begin with an overview of the history of Ventfort Hall. “And the atmosphere of Ventfort, with its rather dark and castle like feel, is the perfect setting” for the ghost tours, she added.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and declared an official project of “Save America’s Treasures,” a Millennium program of Hillary Rodham Clinton and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Ventfort Hall was one of some 75 “cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort.

“It is important to preserve the past for future generations and connect people to the past,” Rocke said.

The restoration of Ventfort Hall continues, with the first floor open to the public along with many of the rooms on the second floor. Lectures, exhibits, theatrical performances and other events have taken place there, and it was the film set for the Academy Award-winning movie, “The Cider House Rules” and other movies.

Admission for the ghost tour is $30; the minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call 413-637-3206.