Weekend - March 16, 2023

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TAKE YOUR MARK: Runners ready for 46th St. Patrick’s Road Race, E4

LIVEWIRE: Bill Burr to bring laughs to MassMutual Center, E17

BEER NUT: The perfect pint of Guinness, E18

Weekend Find the latest WMass happenings at masslive.com/entertainment
It’s greenest time of the year Your roadmap for St. Patrick’s festivities E | | THURSDAY, MARCH 16 , 2023

Welcome to ‘Parade Central’ ST.

IMAGINE A PARTY with 400,000 guests. A family reunion that’s 2½ miles long.

A 10K road race with 7,000 runners.

A Massachusetts Mardi Gras featuring so many championship marching bands, so many prize-winning floats, and so much citywide cheer that it

PATRICK’S PARADE

has been designated a “Local Legacy” by the Library of Congress.

Since 1952, the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade has been the city’s annual epic event. It brings people in, it brings people together, and it brings out the best of Holyoke and Western Massachusetts.

2023 ST. PATRICK’S PARADE GUIDE

Where to watch, what to know

Start time: Sunday, 11:10 a.m.

Parade route: The 2.65-mile parade route leaves the former Kmart Plaza and heads north on Northampton Street to Beech Street; east on Beech Street to Appleton Street; southeast on Appleton Street to High Street; and north on High Street to Hampden Street.

And even though St. Patrick’s events are as Irish as a shamrock, the residents of this Hispanic-majority city love the parade, the Grand Colleen and Her Court, the parties, the music, the costumes, and all the festivities. As a proud Puerto Rican, I’m all about “the wearin’ of the

Parking: There are some spots to park on side streets along the parade route, but absolutely no parking is allowed on the parade route itself. Parking is also available in the municipal lots downtown on Suffolk and Dwight streets — near City Hall — for a flat rate of $5 per day.

Where to watch: If you can’t attend in person, the parade will be broadcast live on WWLP-TV, 22News, starting at noon. WWLP-22News may be viewed over the air on channel 22.1, on Comcast channels 5 & 822, on Charter channels 9 & 787, DISH channel 22, and on DirecTV channel 22. The parade also will be livestreamed on WWLP.com

For more information: Go online to holyokestpatricksparade. com or visit the Parade on social media:

• Twitter: @holyokeparade

• Facebook: Facebook.com/HolyokeParade

• Hashtag: #Parade413

St. Patrick’s parade is labor of love for community, volunteers

St. Patrick’s

IT IS MY HONOR TO welcome everyone to the city of Holyoke, which is celebrating turning 150 this year, as president of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke.

We have so many great things leading up to our annual road race and 70th parade. We have thousands of runners this year that come from all

over. After the race, downtown becomes like a reunion weekend, sharing stories and memories each year.

Of course, Parade Day is the culmination of all the hard work of the volunteers on this committee who work endlessly to make this happen. It is seen by over 300,000 in-person spectators along the route and more than 1 million people

Patrick’s Weekend

THURSDAY NIGHT

March 16th

Thursday

Kick Off Party with THE STORY TELLERS 4:30pm – 7:30pm followed by the phenomenal TRAILER TRASH

FRIDAY NIGHT

March 17 6:30 PM

PROJECT 267 followed by the tremendous MOOSE & THE HIGH TOPS

THURSDAY & FRIDAY ONLY

Famous Corned Beef & Cabbage Sandwiches

• FAMOUS WHITE HUT – outstanding eatery!

• TJ’S POP GOURMET POPCORN

• Huge Heated Tents – Road Race starts in front of Francie’s Tavern

• March Madness – 7 HD Large Screen TV’S

• IRISH BEER WAGON – Promotions!

• Parade Day – Entertainment in Tent

• Francie’s Exclusive Event Weekend Tee Shirts

SATURDAY March 18 NOON

SUNDAY March 19 2:30pm

MANZI FAMILY BAND

SUPPORTING LOCAL Serving BBC

INTRODUCING Hoop Tea Spiked Ice Tea

THE BEST HOLYOKE BAR TO CELEBRATE!

Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia and his wife Stephany march in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 20, 2022. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN) SEE GARCIA, PAGE E3
SEE COMMITTEE, PAGE E4 E 2 | THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM WEEKEND
THE KNOT’S
3182428-01 New Line Up! St.
FRANCIE’S
Tradition Continues!
Maple Street, Holyoke, MA
and MIDLIFE CRISIS
TAVERN The
108
16th,17th,
Road Race & Parade Party Central March
18th, 19th, 2023

Even though St. Patrick’s events are as Irish as a shamrock, the residents of this Hispanic-majority city love the parade, the Grand Colleen and Her Court, the parties, the music, the costumes, and all the festivities.

Welcome to “Parade Central!”

green” during parade season. Of course, it’s not just a parade. On Saturday, the day before the parade, thousands of runners from 32 states plus nations overseas will pound out the miles — 6.2 miles, to be exact — for fame, glory, and cash. Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s events are made possible by the awesome efforts of the St. Patrick’s Committee. These are the dedicated volunteers who meet and plan throughout the year to make each edition of the celebration better than the last. Pitching in also are the city’s Department of Public Works, the Police and Fire Departments, the Auxiliary Police, Holyoke Gas and Electric, the Water Department, the Holyoke Medical Center and the Massachusetts State Police. And that’s just a partial list. Scouts, clubs, schools and unsung volunteers of all ages are part of the full court press that makes it all happen.

So, again, welcome. Especially if you are new to Holyoke … please spend some time here. We have most every kind of restaurant — Puerto Rican, Indian, Greek, Chinese, Soul, Colombian and American, among others. Check out the shops on Main Street and High Street, the unique canals and the old mill buildings that have been repurposed for modern enterprise. Bring your walking shoes and explore our beautiful reservoir trails. The city of Holyoke — like the St. Patrick’s Parade — is like nothing you’ve ever seen.

Garcia CONTINUES FROM PAGE E2 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 | E 3 WEEKEND Real. Simple. Banking. bankatpeoples.com Member FDIC/Member DIF It's simple. Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

St. Patrick’s Road Race veteran loves day’s atmosphere

Runners are off at 1 p.m. Saturday

THE 46TH RUNNING of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race will be held on Saturday and Westfield’s Michael Brunelle, 52, has run a majority of them — at least 30.

“I first started running the race in high school. Our track coach, Paul Whitlock, suggested we run it. Turns out it wasn’t really a suggestion,” he said. “My first time out was a struggle. I wasn’t used to distances that long. Went out way too hard and blew up.”

Committee

watching from home. WWLP is the official partner of the committee, and this year will be no different. You can watch it on WWLP Channel 22, and it also will be livestreamed on WWLP.com. But honestly, an in-person experience is the best if you can!

We must also remember the hard work that the Holyoke Police and Auxiliary Police Departments, Massachusetts State Police, Holyoke Department of Public Works, the Holyoke Medical Center, the Holyoke Fire Department, and the Holyoke Gas & Electric put out during this time to keep us running and safe, not only parade weekend but all year round. They have a tough job, and I am thankful for their support. Mayor Joshua Garcia and the Holyoke City Council also make our events a success with their support; we are so thankful to them as well. Everyone behind the scenes as well, we thank you!

Our success also stems from the generosity of our sponsors,

Lining up for the annual 10K race begins at 10:45 a.m. at the intersection of Hampden and Walnut streets. The race itself starts at 1 p.m.

Brunelle can’t remember missing a year and says, “I’ve run it in snow, rain, heat, and beautiful spring days. The years that it was canceled due to COVID, we ran the course, of course!”

Brunelle’s best year was probably 2008 or 2009 — before his daughter was born.

“I trained that year with Dan Brown, the meteorologist.

More than 4,000 runners and walkers turn out for a previous St. Patrick’s Road Race in Holyoke. The 46th edition of the race is scheduled to take place starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

173 High Street, Holyoke, MA ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEK

Wednesday, March 15th

NUTRL Promo 6pm

Thursday, March 16th

Weekend Kick-Off!

Outside Heated Tent Hoop Tea Sampling 6pm

Darik & The Funbags @ 8pm Deep Eddy Vodkas

Friday, March 17th

Outside Heated Tent Cutwater & Loophole

which makes this all possible, through television, marching bands, beautiful floats, etc., throughout the parade, we could not get down the street without them, and so thankful to the many business owners who must tolerate interruption throughout the weekend. Please be sure to see all that Holyoke has to offer and support them all year!

We could not do any of this without all of our sponsors,

including PeoplesBank, who is a major sponsor of the entire weekend; we can’t thank them enough.

On behalf of the entire St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, I thank you for your constant and ongoing support. Please come out and enjoy all the festivities we have; you won’t want to miss a thing!

Karen M. Casey is the 2023 president of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke.

Sampling & Giveaways! The Boston Blackthornes @ 5pm followed by The E Street Shuffle

Tribute to Bruce from Asbury Park, NJ!

Irish Whiskey & Jack Daniel’s Apple

Saturday, March 18th

Outside Heated Tent Race Day Finish Line Party! Union Jack

HOLYOKE
CONTINUES FROM PAGE E2
SEE
E 4 | THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM WEEKEND
Oliver Caswell waves the Irish flag during the 69th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 20, 2022. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)
ROAD RACE, PAGE E5

Road Race

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E4

He’s wicked fast. I hung on with Dan for as long as I could and broke 40 minutes that year. The one and only time,” he said.

Brunelle describes the race as having a great atmosphere but also says it’s a tough course.

“Miles 2 and 3 are brutal: Uphill, under the highway past Schermerhorn’s. Then that right turn up the hill past HCC. You turn right again on to Beech Street and you think it’s a downhill cruise to the finish,” he said. “But right when you see the CVS on the corner, Beech takes a nasty upturn. I hate that hill worst of all.”

As Brunelle gets older, he has started to try to temper his expectations. But then his old competitive spirit takes over.

“Every year, I tell myself I’m going to take it easy. But then race mode kicks in, and I want to keep it under 50 min-

utes for as long as I can,” he said. “I’m 52, so if I can keep breaking my age, I should be happy.”

But his favorite part of the whole day is the crowd.

“The best part of the scene is obviously the crowd — from start to finish. But I love the folks handing out Bud Lights on Beech Street — they go crazy when someone grabs a beer. And the cross-culture of Salsa music and Reggeaton as you come down the homestretch.”

“The best part of the scene is obviously the crowd — from start to finish. But I love the folks handing out Bud Lights on Beech Street — they go crazy when someone grabs a

beer. And the cross-culture of Salsa music and Reggeaton as you come down the homestretch. It has a good beat to run to,” he said enthusiastically.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 | E 5 WEEKEND
Michael Brunelle, of Westfield, St. Patrick’s Road Race participant
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Award recipients will be honored during annual parade

AHOLLYWOOD ACtor and Holyoke native, and a longtime member of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Holyoke, who is committed to working with victims and families who are witnesses to crimes and also to ending child abuse, along with outstanding members of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Holyoke, are among this year’s award winners who will wear their green in the line of march during the St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday.

• Born and raised in Holyoke, actor Lenny Jacobson is the 64th recipient of the John F. Kennedy National Award, presented annually to an American of Irish descent who has distinguished themselves in their chosen field.

“I am so excited to have

Lenny Jacobson as our JFK Award recipient. He’s from Holyoke, so he is sure to bring down the hometown crowd. His successes I’m sure make his family and friends so proud, as is the city of Holyoke. It’s an honor to have him as our award winner and at our homecoming weekend events,” said Karen Casey, president of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke.

Jacobson attended Blessed Sacrament School and graduated from Holyoke Catholic High School, where he was a member of the 1991 Western Mass Division III champion basketball team. In 2001, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and got his big break on the Showtime series “Nurse Jackie.” Since then he has worked on a number of television series, including “NCIS,” “CSI,” “For All Mankind,” “Peacemaker,” “Marcos: Mexico” and many others. He also had a starring role in the science fiction series “Frequency,” which ran for 14 episodes on the CW network.

Back to the beginning for St. Pat’s contingent

WHEN THE South Hadley contingent of the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade moves along the parade route, it will unfurl its flag theme.

That theme, “1776 – The Beginning” refers “to the American flag and when it started and how it has evolved through the years,” explained Jacqueline L. Reardon, regional liaison between South Hadley and Holyoke.

The South Hadley marshal is Sara Butler who was born,

• The 70th Grand Marshal of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade is Jane Coughlin Chevalier, who currently serves as director of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit in Hampden County under District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. The Grand Marshal is the highest local honor given to a person of Irish ancestry and either a resident of Holyoke or a member of the Parade Committee, who has distinguished themselves as a loyal person to the Parade Committee, their career, family and to their Irish ancestry.

A graduate of Holyoke High School, Chevalier earned an associate’s degree in early education from Bay Path University and bachelor degrees from Elms College in sociology and elementary education. Her love of working with children began at Mont Marie Day Care Center in Holyoke

and continued with the opening of her own family day care, which provided her the opportunity to be home when her daughters were young. She is on the board of directors for the Children’s Museum at Holyoke and is chair of the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance, a statewide organization that pioneers the most promising ways to end child abuse. Her involvement in the Holyoke Parade Committee was inspired by her late dad Edward Barrett “Pop” Coughlin, who was Grand Marshal in 1992 and was committed to assisting in parade coordination throughout the years.

“Jane Coughlin Chevalier is a great choice for our Grand Marshal this year. She is a longtime member of the committee, past president, and a former Rohan award recipient. Jane can always be counted on to help wherever needed, as in her role as Deputy Chief of Staff for Parade Coordination, except this year, and many other things she does. I’m excited for Jane and her family and look so forward to marching with her this year,” Casey said.

• Other award winners include Claire Cronin, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland nominated by President Joe Biden in June 2021, recipient of the Ambassador Award; the Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band, which has received the Citizenship Award; Cathy McEvady, Thomas F. Rohan Award winner; Kelly Anne McGiverin, George E. O’Connell Award recipient; and Jenn Voyik-Morrison, Daniel J. Gallivan Award recipient.

raised and lived in eastern North Carolina until she and her late husband, Larry, moved to South Hadley in 2015 to be near their only child, Kyle, his wife Caitlyn, and three grandchildren who live in Northampton. She is an election poll worker for the town of South Hadley, a member of Pine Grove Condominium Association and a member of the South Hadley St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.

Among the others in the South Hadley contingent will be members of the South Hadley Select Board, representatives of the South

Hadley Fire Districts 1 and 2, the South Hadley High School Band and cheerleaders and members of the school’s championship boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. Reardon, who has been a member of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke for 23 years, said she “loves every minute” and that the other members are like her second family. “The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke and all the regional groups came back after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and have shown that they were excited to be back marching in the streets of Holyoke and putting on the best parade ever,” she said. “These committees work hard all year to promote pre-parade events that lead up to parade weekend and celebration of

their Irish ancestry.” She has long enjoyed seeing the parade leave the K-mart parking lot and entertain the crowd along the parade route.

HOLYOKE
Lenny Jacobson Jane Coughlin Chevalier Claire Cronin Cathy McEvady Kelly Anne McGiverin Jennifer VoyikMorrison SOUTH
E 6 | THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM WEEKEND Holyoke Tradition, Hot Dogs, Take Out Food nicksnestholyoke.com 1597 Northampton St, Holyoke, MA • (413) 532-5229 Nick’s Nest is open Monday – Saturday 11am until 8pm, Sundays 11am until 7pm. We are open road race all day and closed
parade day.

‘Treasure of the city’ awaits paradegoers

Special to The Republican

EVEN BEFORE THE sights of the Holyoke Auxiliary Color Guard and the sounds of Fusion Core Drum & Bugle Band officially begin the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, there’s the Grinch.

Yes, the Grinch.

“We put the Grinch aboard a 1930 AA Fire Truck and kids love seeing him. The Grinch really gets the crowd enthusiastic for what is to come,” said Kathy Krisak, chair, Parade Coordination.

Once the Fusion Core Drum and Bugle Band passes by, they will be followed by Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt and retired and current Holyoke Police officers marching in line before the appearance of some shiny Massachusetts State Police vehicles.

The Tian Guo Marching Band from New York heralds the appearance of Grand Marshal Jane Coughlin Chevalier and her husband and family, past Grand Marshals, St. Patrick’s Parade Chaplin Fr. Michael J. Twohig, and J.F.K. National Award Winner actor and Holyoke native Lenny Jacobson and family members.

With the sounds of Marquis of Granby, Conn., the parade continues with Parade President Karen Casey, her husband and family; Rohan Award Winner Cathy McEvady and family; O’Connell Award Winner Kelly Anne McGiverin, Pat Lacey and family; Gallivan Award Winner Jennifer Voyik-Morrison, Joseph Morrison and family, followed by a Valet Park vehicle.

The first float to drive down the streets of Holyoke is always the Holyoke Grand Colleen float called “Seoda na Cathrach — Treasure of the City.” This year it will be carrying Grand Colleen Abby Ross Glasheen, and her court – Catherine Mary Keane,

Lauren Nicole Ryan, Caroline Sullivan Leahy (Miss Congeniality) and Mara Moriarty Downie.

Several years ago, as a way to generate greater interest in the parade among the youth of Holyoke, the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee initiated a contest with local Holyoke schools to render a design for the Grand Colleen float.

The St. Patrick’s Parade Committee recently honored Maura Tyler for submitting the winning design for the Grand Colleen float. The committee presented the Blessed Sacrament School 7th grader

with a $100 scholarship during a ceremony on Feb. 7 at the school.

“Their float is one of seven in the Holyoke Division and among 15 in the entire parade,” William Quesnel, chair of the Float Committee, said.

Once the colleen float passes by, it will be followed by Ambassador Award Winner Ambassador Claire Cronin and her family, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Minister for Education for the Government of Ireland Norma Foley and the music of the Holyoke Caledonian Band who are this year’s Citizenship Award winner.

“Celebrating 100 Years of Compassionate Care,” the

Sisters of Providence float follows next with members of the order on the float and in a van, one of whom is 100 years old, noted Quesnel. Behind them will be the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Color Corps and members of the Knights of Columbus Assembly 2670, 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, and some fun and tall stilt walkers

in Irish for the occasion.

The City of Holyoke takes center stage next in the marching procession with Holyoke High School and Middle School Cheerleaders, Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia and family, Holyoke

dressed
HOLYOKE
Abby R. Glasheen, center, was named 2023 Grand Colleen of Holyoke at the 67th annual Grand Colleen Coronation Ball and Awards Recognition Reception on Feb. 18 at The Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. Joining Glasheen is her Grand Court Catherine M. Keane, Lauren N. Ryan, Caroline S. Leahy and Mara M. Downie. (FREDERICK GORE PHOTO) Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee members Karen Casey and William Quesnal present Maura Tyler with a $100 scholarship for submitting the winning float design, which will be featured in the St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday.
SEE HOLYOKE, PAGE E9 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 | E 7 WEEKEND
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Holyoke

’Hamp ready for return to normal

STEPHEN ZAVISZA

will lead the Greater Easthampton contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.

Ciara Catherine Morgan Johnson-Corwin, of Westfield, center, was crowned 2023

WESTFIELD

during the 40th annual Sons of Erin

Sons of Erin ready to showcase Irish pride

THE SONS OF ERIN IN Westfield is more than a social club: It’s a gathering place for people who serve the community and host an Irish Festival each year.

“We are a fun group of people and are very proud to be Irish,” exclaimed Karen M. Casey, chairperson of the Sons of Erin Westfield Parade Committee.

It’s that committee that will enter a “Four Green Fields” colleen float in the annual St. Patrick’s Parade in Holyoke. The colleen and her court will be riding on a natural landscape depicting the four provinces of Ireland as described in the classic Irish song “Four Green Fields.”

“The fine old woman (mentioned in the song) serves as a symbol of Ireland. The song speaks to Ireland’s desire to be reunified,” said Casey, who also is president of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke this year.

In addition to the float, the Westfield contingent will include Sons of Erin President Jim Laverty; members of the Board of Directors; Auxiliary President Beth Burns; officers; Legion Post 124; State Sen. John

C. Velis, D-Westfield; State Rep. Kelly Pease, R-Westfield: Mayor Michael A. McCabe; City Council members; The Westfield High School band; representatives of St. Mary’s Parish schools; Westfield State University representatives; members of the Westfield police and fire departments; and Huntington and Granville Fire department members. This year’s award recipients are Westfield Parade Marshal Kevin O’Connor; Thomas Kane Irish Man of the Year Gil Barrett; and Dorothy Griffin Irish Woman of the Year Mary Jane McMahon. The Billy Buzzee St. Pat on the Back Award winner is Patti Hills. Parade day, Casey said, is “a day to celebrate our Irish heritage and have a lot of fun doing so; seeing people along the parade route is so much fun and celebrating is the best!”

The 2023 colleen is Ciara Johnson-Corwin, and members of her court are Kelly Burns, Cailyn Crean, Shannon Corbett and Sarah Moriarty.

“I’m just very proud to be a part of this with my committee — Maura Hurley, Susie Howard and Barbara Rogers. We have a great time and enjoy doing this,” Casey said.

The night manager of Big E Foodland’s bakery department was awarded the Gallagher Walker Award in 2019 for his outstanding contributions to the St. Patrick’s Committee.

“We are proud that Steve will be leading our contingent down the streets of Holyoke on Parade Day,” said Jean M. Graney, vice president of the Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Committee.

The contingent also will include members of the parade committee, representatives of the police and fire departments and elected officials.

People from Easthampton and Southampton represent their communities.

“The Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Committee has been a little dormant as other various groups have because of COVID and the restrictions the government put in place. We are excited to march in this year’s parade and to once again get back to normal,” Graney said. “In the past we have had a big St. Patrick’s party at the end of February to kick of the St. Patrick’s season. We hope to bring that back for next year.”

According to Michael O’Neill, president of the Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Committee, the contingent has participated for more than 50 years in the parade and plans on continuing this tradition.

This year’s Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Committee 2023 Barbara Parnell Scholarship winners are Austin Bush, Nora Scott and Riley Smith.

The parade marshal, Zavisza, has been involved with many community

colleen Colleen Ball at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield Feb. 3. Joining Corwin are her court members Shannon Marie Corbett, Sarah Margaret Moriarty, Kelly Elizabeth Burns and Cailyn Grace Crean. (FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)
EASTHAMPTON
SEE EASTHAMPTON, PAGE E10 E 8 | THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM WEEKEND Good health and Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from Holyoke Medical Center. Experience the new standard in patient care. HolyokeHealth.com
Greater Easthampton Scholarship winners with grand marshal Stephen Zavisza, right. From left, Austin Bush, Riley Smith and Nora Scott.
May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.

SPRINGFIELD

Women will lead march of city’s parade contingents

Springfield’s float will be bookthemed

Republican

IN WHAT COULD BE A first, three of the biggest march units in the Springfield contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade will be led by women.

The Springfield Parade Committee will be led by president Siobhan Cullen.

The John Boyle O’Reilly Club will be led by club president Patty Devine. Springfield Elks Lodge 61 will be led by exalted ruler Ann Austin. This will be the second year that contingent members will wear the Springfield Tartan. “Many marchers in our contingent will be wearing it proudly down the streets of Holyoke,” said Kerri F. Sullivan who serves as media relations/public relations contact and is a member of the Springfield St.

Patrick’s Parade Committee and Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Board of Directors and the regional liaison to Holyoke. “Springfield truly is a diverse city, and our tartan reflects that. The story of Springfield is one that has been woven together through time by its people. The tartan represents the strength of our city’s residents, their resilience and their dedication to the betterment of future generations. This tartan is representative of all that is

City Council, Holyoke School Committee, Holyoke Historical Committee, and members of Holyoke’s 150th Committee and their float.

“The float is a combination 150th Anniversary Celebration and the efforts of MIFA/ Victory Theatre with a film projector, movie theater seats and various signs on board,” Quesnel said.

The float is followed by the Holyoke Fire Department Color Guard Unit, Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadlewicz and members of the Holyoke Fire Department marching before the arrival of another float called “What Goes Around, Comes Around” entered by Conklin Office Furniture with their own marching unit behind. They will be followed by federal dignitaries, state senators and representatives, District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 46 and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi.

The line of march continues with the lively sounds of the flamboyant Aqua String Band of Philadelphia followed by marchers including Holyoke/Chicopee Head Start, Holyoke Community Charter

School, Holyoke Girls Youth Lacrosse Team, Ms. Massachusetts Senior America 2022 Debbie Peixoto, Miss Western Massachusetts 2023 Bailey Tatro, Miss Western Massachusetts Outstanding Teen 2023 Sydney Drugan, and Miss Pioneer Valley 2023 Olivia Tochio.

More music is on tap from the Brooklyn United Drumline back after rave reviews from last year’s first appearance in the parade. They will be followed by marchers from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, Blessed Sacrament School, Mater Dolorosa School, Hope for Holyoke, as well as an appearance by Princesses Elsa and Anna and Captain America and Wonder Woman.

Jericho — the Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults has marchers and a float called “Noah’s Ark” carrying donated stuffed animals. It will be followed by a Holyoke Gas & Electric utility vehicle.

As the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee section of the long parade nears an end, Stony Creek Fife and Drum from Branford, Connecticut, makes some noise followed by marchers from Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems as well as a Valet Park Mini Van and Ambulance, and then the Cassin

Academy of Irish Dance. The Holyoke Ancient Order of Hibernians has two floats, dancers, and marchers including the AOH 2023 Man of the Year John “Jay” Whelihan, LAOH 2023 Woman of the Year Mary Kate O’Connor, and AOH 2023 Christian Charity Award Winner Brenda Lamagdeline.

Next the amazing Caballos de Paso Horses perform for parade watchers followed by the Great American Marching Band from East Windsor, Connecticut, and by marchers from the Veterans’ Home of Holyoke (formerly Soldier’s Home), Westover USO, Disabled American Veterans, 82nd Airborne Division Association, American Legion Post #351, American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army Disaster Service Van.

The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee section of the annual parade ends with the distinct tones heard off the Worcester Sound Military Band Organ, followed by a surprise.

“The surprise is we have nine people stringing along a Balloonworks Shamrock. It’s the first balloon in our parade in a long time,” Krisak said. “And there is much more to follow by other cities and towns after our Holyoke Division comes to an end with the balloon.”

2023 Springfield Colleen Caitlyn Feeley poses for a photo with members of her court, from left, Ayden-Maeve Bradley, Kiley Arsenault, Meghan Curley, and Norah Doyle at the 2023 Colleen Coronation & Awards Ceremony presented by the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee on Feb. 11 at the Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel . (ED COHEN PHOTO)
CONTINUES FROM PAGE E7 SEE SPRINGFIELD, PAGE E10 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 | E 9 WEEKEND D&W DUNN & WILSON ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1693 Northampton Street | Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 533-6800 | (413) 533-1468 – FACSIMILE thomas@dunn-wilson.com | www.dunn-wilson.com Thomas N. Wilson & Mary Dunn Come See Us at Our New Location! 1693 Northampton St, Holyoke
Holyoke

St. Pat’s parade is community affair

Agawam St. Patrick’s Parade committee traditionally have prided themselves in building prize-winning floats. But this year the Agawam colleen and her court will be riding in a horse-drawn carriage.

“We will not be having a float this year. We lost our space to build one and are currently seeking a new space,” explained Douglas E. Reed, president of the contingent and this year’s parade marshal.

But other parts of the parade contingent will remain the same with invited participants including the mayor, city councilors,

Springfield

good in our community.”

The parade contingent will include elected officials, members of the police and fire departments, members of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, students in the Claddagh School of Irish Dance and Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance, members of Elks Lodge 61, Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee members and award winners, Springfield colleens and the Springfield Kiltie Band.

This year’s award winners are parade marshal, Michael

Easthampton

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E8

organizations including the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Emily’s Friends of the Emily Williston Library,

school committee members, representatives of the police and fire departments, the Agawam High School band/ color guard and the Agawam High School cheerleaders.

Also included this year are award recipients: Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award winner Brian Burbank and Anne Sullivan Award winner Donna Burke.

The parade brings together the Agawam community because it allows city residents “to showcase Agawam pride and their Irish heritage,” said Reed, who is working with a committee of 13 members.

And it is important to continue to celebrate all things Irish via the St. Patrick’s Parade “to continue the tradition started by the Agawam

Fenton; John and Agnes Burke Award, Eamonn Burke and Michael Ireland; Paul G. Caron Award, Siobhan Cullen; Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award, Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant; Springfield colleen, Caitlyn Feeley; Springfield colleen court, Kiley McQuade Arsenault, Ayden-Maeve Bradley, Meghan Curley and Norah Doyle; Irish Elk of the year, Michael Joseph Fitzgerald; John Boyle O’Reilly Club person of the year, Susan Forys; and John Boyle O’Reilly Club volunteer of the year, Steve Bennet.

The theme of the Springfield float “Books are worth their weight in gold.” It is a tribute to Irish authors. Students in

Committee’s founders 23 years ago and honoring their memory,” he added.

Irish pride is evident in Agawam as shown by the local business involvement and the “wonderful turnouts and participation of our residents at our fundraising events,” said Reed, who has been part of the parade since his wife volunteered him to help build a float nine years ago.

But he remembers watching the parade throughout his youth from his Aunt Helen Griffin’s second-floor apartment on Chestnut Street across from the Victory Theater. He still enjoys watching the joy in the faces of the colleen and her court as they ride in the parade with the crowds cheering them on. Reed is hoping this St. Patrick’s Parade day is marked by great weather with “lots of smiling faces along the parade route.”

For more information about the Agawam contingent, go to the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee page on Facebook.

the carpentry shop at Putnam Vocational High School in Springfield, under the direction of teacher David Stevens, are building the float. “Their float will be the focal point of our contingent. I hope their families and friends line the streets of Holyoke to see the hard work these scholars and craftsmen put into such a magnificent work of art,” Sullivan said.

The John Boyle O’Reilly Club will have a float, which usually includes live music. Elks Lodge 61 of Springfield will have a float and “will be looking to outdo their grand prize-winning float of last year,” she said.

Fri

Sat

Dollars for Scholars, the Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Committee and is the representative on the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.

“We are all very excited to take part in this year’s parade and other activities

sponsored by the Holyoke Parade Committee,” Graney said. “There is an air of excitement to just be back to normal.”

Throughout the year committee members plan to sponsor different activities to highlight Irish culture.

AGAWAM
Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee members attend the 21st Agawam Colleen Competition & Awards Ceremony at Oak Ridge Golf Club in Agawam on Feb. 18. From left, President Doug Reed, Abaigeal Malouin, Nikolas Fiore, Mary Jo Safford, Kay Benson, Todd Arslanian, Frank Benson, and Donna Burke. (ED COHEN PHOTO)
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20, a student at Holyoke Community College; and Ava Lapa, 17, a student at Chicopee Comprehensive High School.

Long-time city resident and Councilor-at-Large Gerard (Jerry) Roy has been selected as the 2023 Chicopee Parade Marshal. Kathy Sliwa, an active member of the parade committee since 2010, is this year’s Woods Award recipient. The Atkinson Award winner is Rob Pion, a third-generation business owner for Bob Pion Buick GMC.

The St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Chicopee will have a float with a Celtic Mythology theme.

Denise Noble, committee president, will be marching with her family near the head of the contingent that also

CHICOPEE

Months of excitement lead up to parade step-off

Councilor Gerard (Jerry) Roy will guide Chicopee contingent as parade marshal

HOURS UPON hours of preparation go into getting ready for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, but it never gets old or tiring for Mary O’Brien Rodowicz, publicity chairperson for the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Chicopee. “It seems that right after New Year’s, excitement begins to build for the parade,” she said.

The committee has several events leading up to parade day including the President’s Dinner, when VIPs are presented with their sashes; the Colleen Coronation Ball, when the colleen and court are chosen; and Irish Night, a less formal occasion to celebrate the season with food, music and dancing.

Then comes the highlight for Rodowicz: “Stepping off onto Northampton Street (at the beginning of the parade). All the hard work is behind us; that is the time to celebrate and wave to all the spectators as we walk by!”

Chicopee is a diverse city, and “you can see much of that diversity in the parade, which is wonderful,” she said. “On March 19, our Irish music,

dance and culture will be front and center. Everyone is welcome to be a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!”

The 2023 colleen is Kailyn Poniatowski, 17, a student at Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Court members are: Nydia Morales, 17, a student at Chicopee High School; Martha O’Donnell, 18, a student at the Ethel Walker School; Hailey Prive,

will include cheerleading squads and marching bands from Chicopee High and Chicopee Comprehensive high schools, representatives of the fire and police departments, Chicopee elected officials, parade committee members, Chicopee Braves Football participants and cheerleaders as well as representatives of WWLP-22 News and The CW of Springfield, Moose Family Center and Boy Scout Troops 1849 and 183.

The parade committee is beginning the process of developing its own tartan as it makes plans to celebrate its 70th year in 2024.

For more information, go online to chicopeespc.com or facebook.com/ chicopeespc.

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2023 Colleen Kailyn Poniatowski and her Colleen Court at the 2023 Chicopee Colleen Coronation Ball sponsored by the Chicopee Parade Committee and held at the Knights of Columbus Council 69 on Feb. 25. (ED COHEN PHOTO)
3183380-01 E12 | THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEST SPRINGFIELD

West Side adds ‘whimsical folklore’ to parade

Middle school student helped create float design

“WHIMSICAL

Irish Folklore” is the theme of this year’s West Springfield contingent’s float in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.

NORTHAMPTON

“Every year we create a new float from scratch; a design is chosen from the middle school students based on a theme,” said Karen L. Demers, president of West Springfield’s parade contingent.

Between 35 and 50 people are involved with the contingent’s efforts including float builders, painter/design specialists, committee members, fundraisers, web designers, sponsorship organizers —

“anything that a nonprofit needs to be successful,” she said. “Building a float in a building with little or no heat can be challenging,” but the volunteers get the job done.

Among those marching with the West Springfield contingent will be elected officials, members of the fire and police departments, the West Springfield High School band, athletes and the colleen and her court.

The colleen winner is Emmalee Spear and court members are Paige Davis, Jillian Elizabeth Stopa, Lauren Eleanor Fletcher and Kadyn Faith McDonough.

This year’s award recipients

‘Humbling honor’ for parade marshal

THE ST. PATRICK’S Day Parade may be a Holyoke tradition, but it really embraces the entire Western Massachusetts community.

This means that Holyoke’s neighbor to the immediate north, Northampton, has long been an integral part of the proceedings. While a coterie of ’Hamp honchos walk in the parade, two of the main participants are the parade marshal and the James Brennan Award winner, both chosen by the Northampton St. Patrick’s Association.

This year’s marshal is Tony Ryan, whose family hails from Ireland’s County Tipperary. Ryan has visited the Emerald Isle nine times. He called leading the Northampton contingent a “humbling honor.”

“It’s humbling from the perspective that I’m being placed in the company of past recipients to receive this award, some of our communities most recognized volunteers, civic servants, and leaders over the past 43 years,” he said. “And, needless to say, it’s an honor. I’ve been watching the parade as far back as the mid-’50s. In leading this year’s marchers as marshal, I feel I’ve come full circle, from an 8-year-old running

up and down the sidelines to the person leading the city’s contingent.

“Yes, it’s a great day for the Irish but it’s even a greater day for our community to come together and celebrate Northampton.”

Harry Jekanowski, this year’s James Brennan Award winner, said he was “shocked and a little confused” when he heard he had been honored.

“I never expected to be recognized for my contributions — the little that I did was in line with what the Northampton St. Patrick’s Association has been doing for years, and I was inspired by all those who contrib -

uted their time and talent,” he said. “Probably the biggest influence was my father-inlaw, the late Jack Dunphy (former Marshall Award winner and the inspiration behind the now annual Jack Dunphy Toy Drive.) He, along with many other enthusiastic volunteers, are an inspiration to the entire community.

“I am truly honored and humbled to play a small part in the charitable works of the St. Patrick’s Association and look forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, a day when everyone is Irish, with Marshall Tony Ryan and all the members of the association.”

Be A Voice For Ireland-

are marshal Jim Sheridan; Olde Mittineague Award — Collins Tavern; Ray DiStefano

Citizenship Award — Eastern States Exposition; and “Jinx”

SEE WEST SPRINGFIELD, PAGE E17

Mater Dolorosa School

OPEN HOUSE

This is an opportunity for families to discover and explore everything our beautiful school has to offer to students in Preschool through 8th Grade. We provide a faith-based education, and the school is accredited by NEASC. Our school also offers before and after school programs and tuition assistance, if needed. Families will be able to tour the school campus and receive enrollment information that day.

RSVP is preferred, but not required. Interested families may contact Mrs. Fedora at 413-532-2831.

If you can’t make it that day, call the school to schedule a private tour.

The

2023 West Springfield Colleen Emmalee Spear is pictured with court members, from left, Paige Davis, Jillian Elizabeth Stopa, Lauren Eleanor Fletcher, and Kadyn Faith McDonough. (ED COHEN PHOTO)
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A milestone march for the 70th

When the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade steps off on Sunday, all involved will be celebrating a major milestone: The parade is marking its 70th anniversary this year.

The 2.65-mile parade will step off from the former Kmart Plaza on Northampton Street at 11:10 a.m. and make its way to Hampden Street via Beech, Appleton and High Streets.

Jane Coughlin Chevalier, of South Hadley, will serve as grand marshal. Parade president Karen M. Casey will be joined by chief of staff Kathleen M. Krisak and deputy chiefs of staff Kathleen Lynch, Craig Haslam and Johnny Driscoll. Special guest Micheál Martin, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense of Ireland, will also march. As the deputy prime minister of Ireland, Martin will be the highest-ranking sitting official to march in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.

“Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our friends in Western Massachusetts, and I am delighted to attend the wonderful Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023,” Martin wrote in a letter to the Parade Committee.

“I am also grateful to be part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Holyoke. Ireland’s links with Western Massachusetts run deep, and

nurturing these connections is a priority for the Irish Government. St. Patrick’s Day offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the 70 million people worldwide of Irish background,” he added.

For more information, visit the parade’s website at holyokestpatricksparade. com or Facebook.com/ HolyokeParade. The parade’s Twitter page can be found at @holyokeparade, and this year’s hashtag for posting to social media is #Parade413.

Here is the line of march, which is subject to change:

Division AA

Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee

Curran Vehicles

Holyoke Auxiliary Police — Car Parade Program Books — Van

1930 AA Fire Truck — Grinch

Division A

Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee

Holyoke Auxiliary Color Guard

Fusion Core Drum & Bugle Band —

Chris Daigle, of Southampton, above, enjoys her time at the 69th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade with her granddaughters Lily and Lucy. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Morris County, New Jersey

Holyoke Police Chief Dave Pratt

Holyoke Police Department

Marching Unit

Retired Holyoke Police

Massachusetts State Police Vehicles

Tian Guo Marching Band — Greater New York

Grand Marshal — Jane Coughlin Chevalier, Tom Chevalier and Family

Past Grand Marshals

St. Patrick’s Parade Chaplain — The Rev. Michael J. Twohig

J.F.K National Award Winner — Lenny Jacobson and Family

Marquis of Granby — Granby, Connecticut.

Parade President — Karen Casey, Jim Casey and Family

Rohan Award Winner — Cathy McEvady and Family

O’Connell Award Winner — Kelly Anne McGiverin, Pat Lacey and Family

Gallivan Award Winner — Jennifer Voyik-Morrison, Joseph Morrison and Family

Valet Park Vehicle

Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Grand Colleen Float - Abby Ross Glasheen and her court, “Seoda na Cathrach — Treasure of the City”

SEE LINE, PAGE E15

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Ambassador Award Winner — Ambassador Claire Cronin and Family

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal

Tanaiste Micheál Martin and officials of the Irish Government

Citizenship Award — Holyoke Caledonian Band

Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band

150 Years of Compassionate Care

Sisters of Providence Marching Unit

4th Degree Knights of Columbus

Color Corps

Knights of Columbus Assembly

2670 — Chicopee

3rd Degree Knights of Columbus

Marching Unit #388

C-1 2 Stilt Walkers

Division B

City of Holyoke

Holyoke Division Sign

Holyoke High School Cheerleaders

Holyoke High School Band

Holyoke Middle School Cheerleaders

Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia and Family

Holyoke City Council

Holyoke School Committee

Holyoke Historical Committee

Holyoke 150th Marching Contingent

150th Anniversary/MIFA

Holyoke Fire Department Color

Guard Unit

Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadlewicz

Holyoke Fire Department Marching Unit

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Conklin Marching Unit

Federal Dignitaries

State senators and representatives

District Attorney Anthony Gulluni

National Association of Letter Carriers – Branch 46

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and Marching Unit

Aqua String Band — Philadelphia

Holyoke/Chicopee Head Start

Marching Unit

Holyoke Community Charter School

Holyoke Girls Youth Lacrosse Team

Ms. Massachusetts Senior America

2022 — Debbie Peixoto

Miss Western Massachusetts 2023

— Bailey Tatro

Miss Western Massachusetts

Outstanding Teen 2023 — Sydney

Drugan

Miss Pioneer Valley 2023 — Olivia Tochio

Brooklyn United Drumline — Brooklyn, New York

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts

Blessed Sacrament School

Mater Dolorosa School

Hope for Holyoke

Something Royal Party Company — Princesses Elsa and Anna

Something Royal Party Company — Spiderman and Wonder Woman

NOAH’S ARK — JERICHO

Jericho’s Marching Unit

Holyoke Gas & Electric Utility Vehicle

Stony Creek Fife and Drum — Branford, Connecticut

Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Marching Units

Valet Park Mini Van & Ambulance

Cassin Academy of Irish Dance

AOH 2023 Man of the Year — John

“Jay” Whelihan

LAOH 2023 Women of the Year — Mary Kate O’Connor

AOH Marching Unit

AOH 2023 Christian Charity Award — Brenda Lamagdeline Travel float

AOH Dancers

Caballos de Paso — Gaited Horses

Jr Sweeping Services LLC

Division C

Military

Great American Marching Band — East Windsor, Connecticut

Veterans’ Home in Holyoke

Westover Air Reserve Base

Disabled American Veterans #11, #41, #68

Year—- Gil Barrett

Billy Buzzee St. Pat on the Back Award Winner — Patricia Hills

Sons of Erin Marching Unit — President James Laverty

Sons of Erin Women’s Auxiliary Marching Unit – President Beth Burns

Dorothy Griffin Irish Women of the Year — Mary Jane McMahon

Sons of Erin Colleen Ciara Johnson and court, “Four Green Fields”

Westfield Police Department Chief Larry Valliere

Westfield Fire Department Deputy Fire Chiefs

St. Mary’s Parish Schools — Matthew Collins, principal

Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Marching Unit — Western MA Charity Danceathon Bushwackers — Princeton, New

Jersey

Westfield State University

Blandford/Chester officials

Granville Police Department — Chief Rick Rindels

Huntington Fire Department — Capt. John McVeigh

Southwick Fire Department

Cycling Murrays — Cambridge

Division E

Chicopee

Division Sponsor Banner

Chicopee Banner

Chicopee Marshal — Gerard (Jerry) Roy

Past Parade Marshals

Chicopee High School Marching

Pacers Band

Chicopee High School Cheerleaders

Chicopee Parade Committee President Denise Noble

Jack Woods Award Winner — Kathy Sliwa

Atkinson Award Winner — Rob Pion

Chicopee Parade Committee Members

Chicopee Colleen Kailyn Poniatowski and her court, “Jewel of the Sea”

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau

Chicopee City Council and Elected Officials

Chicopee Police Department Chief Patrick Major

Chicopee Police Department Marching Unit

82nd Airborne Division Association

Holyoke American Legion Post #351

American Red Cross

The Salvation Army Disaster Service Van

Worcester Sound Military Band Organ — Worcester

Balloonworks Shamrock

Division D

Westfield

Westfield Division Sponsor Sign

Westfield High School Marching Band

American Legion Post #124 Color Guard

Westfield Parade Marshal — Kevin

O’Connor

Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe

Westfield City Officials

State senator and representative

Thomas M. Kane Irish Man of the

parade watchers are ready for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
E. NANTON
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Ashley Bourbeau, of Chicopee, sits with Chloe the Beabull — half beagle and half bulldog — at a past Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)
Young
(STEVEN
PHOTO)

Chicopee Police Canine Unit

Chicopee Comprehensive High School Marching Band

Chicopee Comp Cheerleaders

WWLP-22 News & The CW Springfield

Chicopee Fire Department — Chief Daniel Stamborski

Chicopee Fire Department Marching Unit

Hot Tamales — Cambridge

Moose Family Center #1849 Officers Marching Unit

Moose Family Center Marching Unit

Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troop

1849 — Moose Family Lodge

Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troop 183 — St. Rose De Lima Church

Chicopee Braves Football and Cheerleaders

Chicopee Little League

K-1 Juggler and Wing Dancers

Division F

South Hadley/Easthampton

South Hadley Division Sponsor Sign

South Hadley St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Banner Sign

South Hadley Parade Marshal Sara Butler and Family State Representative

South Hadley Selectboard

South Hadley Cheerleaders

South Hadley High School Band

South Hadley High School Boys Soccer, 2022 State Champions

South Hadley High School Girls

Soccer, 2019 State Champions & 2022 Western Mass. Champions

South Hadley float, “1776 — The Beginning”

South Hadley Fire District #1 Fire

Chief Robert Authier

South Hadley Fire Districts #2 Fire

Chief Todd Calkins

SHELD Marching Unit

Polish American String Band — Philadelphia

Division Sponsor Sign

Easthampton Parade Marshal Steve Zavisa

Easthampton Past Marshals

Greater Easthampton Parade Committee

Easthampton High School Champion Cheerleaders

Easthampton float, “The Ceili Cottage”

Duffy School of Irish Dance

Easthampton Police Color Guard

Easthampton Police

Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle

Chief Bob Alberti and the Easthampton Police Department

Chief Christopher Norris and Easthampton Fire Department

Easthampton City Officials and City Council

Easthampton School Committee

M-1 2 Wing Dancers

Worcester Ki Tie

Division G

Northampton/Amherst

Division Sponsor Sign

Northampton Banner

Northampton Parade Marshal Tony Ryan

Past Marshals

James Brennan Award Recipient — Harry Jekanowski Jr.

William F. O’Connor Shanachie Award Winner — Jacob Furtaw

James Diggin Award Winners —

Kaitlyn Nowak, Northampton High School

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra

Northampton City Councilors

Connecticut Hurricanes — Seymour, Connecticut

Northampton St. Patrick’s Association Banner

St. Patrick — Bill Metzger

Northampton St. Patrick’s Association Members

Northampton Police DepartmentVintage car

Department of Conservation

“Smokey Bear”

Look Park Jeep

Warehouse Point — Enfield

Hampshire County Sheriff Honor Guard

Hampshire Sheriff’s Office Marching Unit

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School (cruiser/truck)

UMass Police Department Horses

Amherst Fire Department — Chief

Timothy Nelson

Division H

Springfield

Division Sponsor Sign

Springfield Banner

Narragansett High School — Baldwinville

Springfield Thunderbirds — Boomer

Springfield Parade Marshal Michael Fenton

John & Agnes Burke Award — Ea-

monn Burke and Michael Ireland

Paul G. Caron Award — Siobhan

Cullen

Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award —

Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant

Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Committee Banner & Marching Unit

Springfield Colleen Caitlyn Feeley and her court, “Books Are Worth Their Weight in Gold”

Central High School Air Force

Junior ROTC

WMASS News

Springfield International Charter School Cheerleaders

High School of Commerce Junior ROTC

Springfield Kiltie Band

John Boyle O’Reilly Club Irish Person of the Year — Susan Forys

John Boyle O’Reilly Club Volunteer of the Year — Steven Bennett

John Boyle O’Reilly Past Presidents

John Boyle O’Reilly Club Membership President — Patricia Devine

Claddagh School of Dance Irish Step Dancers

Black Rose School of Dance

John Boyle O’Reilly Club float, “A Day At The Pub”

Springfield City Council

Springfield School Committee

Springfield State Senators & State Representatives

Springfield Police Superintendent

Cheryl Clapprood

Springfield Police Department

Honor Guard

Springfield Mayor Domenic J.

Sarno

Springfield Police Marching UnitVehicles

Springfield Fire Commissioner B.J.

Calvi

Springfield Fire Department

Olde Mittineague Award — Collins

Tavern

Jinx Powers Award Winner — Patrick Kelly

West Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee

West Springfield Colleen

Emmalee Spear and her court, “Joanie’s Mythical Journey”

West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt

West Springfield Town Council and School Committee

Jack Jonah Foundation

Irish Cultural Center

Springfield Rugby Club

Fralinger String Band — Philadelphia

West Springfield Police Department

Marching Unit — Chief Paul Connor

West Springfield Fire Department

Marching Unit — Chief Bob Manchino

Marching Unit

Springfield Lodge of Elks #61 2023

Irish Elk of Year - Michael Fitzgerald

Springfield Lodge of Elks #61 Officers

Springfield Lodge of Elks #61 float, “Duck Boat MS 61-11 HR”

Stand out Truck — PeoplesBank

Hula Hooper and Wing Dancer

Division I

West Springfield

Division Sponsor Sign

West Springfield Banner

West Springfield High School Band

West Springfield Parade Marshal

Jim Sheridan

Ray DiStefano Citizenship Award — Eastern States Exposition

Mattatuck Fife Drum Band — Waterbury, Connecticut

Division J

Agawam

Division Sponsor Sign

Agawam Parade Marshal Doug E. Reed

Agawam Ann Sullivan Award Recipient Donna Burke

Agawam Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award Recipient Donna Burck

William G. Pfau Cultural Award Recipient Sabrina McBride

Agawam Colleen Hope Clark and her court, “Jaunting Thru Holyoke Parish”

Agawam Parade Committee Members

Agawam Town Banner

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E15
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Members of the B-12 Stilt Walkers entertain the crowd during a past Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

Bill Burr to bring laughs to MassMutual Center

COMEDIAN BILL

Burr will return to the MassMutual Center on Aug. 12.

Bill Burr, one of the top comedic voices of his generation, has seen success not only on stage, but in TV and film as well. Last August, Burr made history as the first comedian to headline at Fenway Park. In addition, his Monday Morning Podcast is one of the most downloaded comedy podcasts.

In 2022, Burr was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor In A Short Form Comedy Or Drama

Series for his Roku Channel series, “Bill Burr Presents: Immoral Compass.” In 2020 he made his debut as host of “Saturday Night Live” and was nominated for a Grammy

West Springfield

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E13

Powers Award — Patrick Kelly. The St. Patrick’s Committee of West Springfield is an association formed

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CONTINUES FROM PAGE E16

Agawam Mayor William P. Sapelli

Agawam City Council

Agawam School Committee

Agawam High School Band

Agawam High Cheerleaders

Agawam Fire Department — Chief

Alan Sirois

Agawam Police Department — Chief Eric Gillis

St. Peter’s Drum Corp. — Torrington, Conn.

Massachusetts State Lottery

Division K

Melha Shriners

L.O.S.N.A.

Rainbow Girls

Parade Marshal Marcos Babilonia

Melha Banner — Color Guard —

Legion of Honor

Illustrious Potentate - Jeff Hastings

Divan

Chief Rabban

Asst. Rabban

Past Potentates

Keep Her,” Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards (with 16 nominations), two CMA awards, two Academy of Country Music awards and is one of only 15 female members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Award for his album, “Bill Burr: Paper Tiger.”

Liner notes

• Mary Chapin Carpen-

to promote the history of the Irish culture.

Demers said it is important to celebrate Irish heritage and keep the parade tradition alive: “West Springfield Irish pride is long in tradition. We have an Irish club in the high school,

Melha Temple Military BandSpringfield

Legion Van

Trustees; administrators; aides, ambassadors

Directors - Float

Directors Van - Mel Balloon on Trailer

Past Masters

Mini Scooters

Shrine Club: K-9, Burns Brigade, Berkshire Shrine Club

Clowns float

Riders Mini - Choppers

Flyers - Trailer

Highlanders band

Vintage autos

Dazzle balloon float

Melha Temple Oriental BandSpringfield

Mariners

Melha Riders (Hadji: Dune Buggy, Mustang, Mini-Bikes, Big Rig’s Plus, Rattlers, Model T’s Monster

Trucks, Go Karts, Dune Buggy)

Jeeps

Trykes

Melha Temple Drum Corps.

Melha bus

PVTA electric bus

Veolia Sweepers

ter will play the Academy of Music in Northampton on Aug. 22.

With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll

Irish step dancing in town, lots of Irish bars and restaurants, and we continue to raise Irish families in town from Foley and Flaherty to McDonough and McCarthy.”

For Demers, the best part is parade day is when a priest blesses the float.

Over the course of her career, Carpenter has sold over 16 million records. In 2020, Carpenter recorded two albums – “The Dirt And The Stars,” released in August 2020, and “One Night Lonely,” recorded live without an audience at the legendary Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Virginia during the COVID-19 shutdown, and nominated for “Best Folk Album” at the 64th Grammy Awards in 2022. Tickets are $49.50 to $75

“Once the blessing is completed, then I know it’s in God’s hands and we have done our part as a team and it’s time to enjoy the day.”

For more information, go online to stpatricksparadecommitteeofwestspringfield.org.

LIVEWIRE
Bill Burr arrives at the premiere of “Blonde” Sept. 13, 2022, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The comedian will make a stop at the MassMutual Center on Aug. 12. (JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / ASSOCIATED PRESS)
SEE LIVEWIRE, PAGE E24 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 | E 17 WEEKEND 3183267-02
George Lenker LiveWire

The perfect pint of Guinness

IT’S ALMOST ST. PATrick’s Day, so allow me to talk about a few things concerning Guinness (and one thing about Jameson).

Some folks may scoff, but there *is* a proper way to pour a pint of Guinness, and it does take a few minutes. That’s why in the busier Irish bars at peak times, you will see bartenders starting to pour them before they’re even ordered — because they know they will be sold within a minute or two.

I won’t give a step-by-step guide on how to pull a perfect pint, but you can see that on the internet at youtu.be/ Myqk3Vl2oQA

The end result should be a picturesque pint filled about ⅞ to the top with the black stuff, crowned with a creamy 2 centimeter head that may slightly rise above the edge of the glass. but whose surface tension holds it without running over the sides of the glass.

Speaking of Guinness, the tradition of drawing a shamrock on the top of the head isn’t much of anything I’ve ever seen in Ireland. I suspect it’s an Irish-American tradition. Perhaps in some trendier bars in Ireland they’ve caved into this activity, but I am guessing that happened because of American tourists asking for it. To me, it somewhat ruins the pure satin perfection of the surface.

Oh, and one more thing about Guinness. The stereotype that the Irish are drunks who spend their days in pubs makes my eyes roll in my head. Certainly Ireland has its percentage of alcoholics and drunks. But you’ll find that most cultures can be stereotyped in this way. A report in 2021 showed that while Ireland has heavy alcohol consumption, plenty of other countries have heavier

Old vine California red zinfandels that get better with age

intake.

And don’t forget that although there are plenty of craft beer bars in Ireland now, the Irish drinking stereotype has been around forever, and most Irish people sitting around for long periods in a pub over the years were drinking Guinness. Guinness is only 4.2% alcohol by volume. So you can sit and drink a lot more of them than you can, say, a 7.5% IPA here, without getting inebriated.

And finally, moving onto the other traditionally famous Irish drink, Jameson whiskey, I’d like to point out to my readers something I’ve pointed out to plenty of people in pubs over the years here in America: I’ve never seen anyone order a pickleback in Ireland. Indeed, when I asked my friend Joe about it one day in a Dublin pub, he laughed and basically told me that you might get run out of the place if you tried ordering one. He had never heard of the concept and that was just two years ago.

For those who don’t know what a pickleback is (and in my view, it’s a whiskey drink for people who don’t like whiskey): Basically you order a shot of Jameson and a shot of pickle juice next to it. You bang back the Jameson and then immediately drink the pickle juice shot — which negates the taste of the Jameson. No thanks. I’ll take my Jamo neat. Sláinte.

SOME THINGS TRULY get better with age. Antique furniture and first-edition books.

Oak trees and aged prosciutto.

And that old adage is especially true when it comes to many wines and whiskies. But let’s just stick with wine, even though I could on about the beauty of aged whisky.

Many of us know that certain wines — especially red wines — often get better with age.

But what about wines made with grapes from old vines? The old, gnarled vines often definitely look different than younger ones. But do the wines taste any different?

You bet they do! That’s probably why many wineries make a point of publicizing the fact that their wines are made with old vine grapes.

But why do old vine wines taste different or better? What’s the difference? And why does it matter?

This week, you can learn all about the science of old vines, along with tasting notes for four California red zinfandels made with old vine grapes. Let me add that two of the wines cost less than $10 a bottle and can be easily found in many local wine stores.

Hope you enjoy.

What are old vines?

There’s no official definition for what’s considered an old vine. Any winemaker can claim to make wine using old vines and there’s nothing stopping them from doing so. But in general, some winemakers agree that vines must be at least 50 years old to be considered “old vines.” At

least, that’s the number that the Historic Vineyard Society in California agreed on when it comes to calling certain vines old vines. And in the case of the four California zinfandels featured this week, they all meet that 50 year threshold.

SEE WINE, PAGE E23

WEDNESDAY

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Minimum Admission $50

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CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE

DINE & WINE
George Beer Nut The old vine California red zinfandel wines recommended this week. (KEN ROSS PHOTO) Ken Ross Wine Press
E 18 | THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM WEEKEND

Maple Weekend celebrates peak-season syrup

THE METEOROLOGIcal “pattern change” responsible for the chilly weather so far this March has been a boon to maple syrup producers across our region. Cold nights and brisk days are ideal conditions for good sap flow, so the peak of the maple syrup season is now upon us.

The weekend of March 18 and 19 has been designated Maple Weekend by the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, and a number of local sugarhouse operations are celebrating with special “tastes” of maple.

If you’re looking for a fullon maple-flavored experience, Hartman’s Herb Farm in Hardwick is holding a Maple Brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu includes everything from maple-glazed ham and maple-mustard salmon to maple mousse for dessert. Charge to attend is $25 per person and reservations can be made by calling 978-355-2015.

In Dalton, the Holiday Brook Farm sugarhouse will be celebrating Maple Weekend both days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a pancake breakfast that also includes the likes of maple bean casserole and maple cinnamon applesauce. Call 413-684-0444 for more information.

The Maple Corner Farm in Granville will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days, with a restaurant menu serving pancakes, French toast, eggs, and more. Their phone number is 413-357-8829.

Other area sugarhouse operations will be “boiling” as weather permits. Nearly all will have syrup and sugar for sale; many will have other distinctive products like maple popcorn, maple cotton candy, maple donuts, and even maple hot dogs available for sampling and purchase.

A complete roster of Maple Weekend experiences is available online at massmaple. org/category/maple-weekend/.

Side dishes

The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub at the Irish Cultural Center in West Springfield will be offering a special St. Patrick’s Week menu through tomorrow. Corned beef and cabbage, beef stew, shepherd’s pie, seafood stew, and a Rueben sandwich will be featured. The restaurant’s regular menu won’t be available those days.

On Friday, the Irish House will open early at noon with Irish-themed entertainment planned in the evening. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and they can be made by calling 413-342-4358.

• Atkins Farms Country Market in Amherst will host another “Tastings in The Loft” event on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Open to the public, the event will feature samples of wines, beers, and ciders available at the market.

Complimentary light snacks will be served, and those attending can take advantage of special price deals on the beverage products being sampled.

For more information, contact Atkins Farms at 413253-9528.

• Tomorrow, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern at the Deerfield Inn will be offering live Irish music and a menu of Irish-inspired specials.

TJ & The Peepers will entertain from 6 to 9 p.m., and, in addition to the restaurant’s regular menu, Champney’s will be featuring Colcannon croquettes as an appetizer. Special entree selections will include roast spring leg of lamb, corned beef and cabbage, and “bangers & mash” served with an authentic caramelized onion gravy. Reservations, which are strongly encouraged, can be made by calling 413-7745587.

• On Saturday, from 10

a.m. to 3 p.m., Historic Deerfield will be presenting an educational program, “Baking in the Beehive Oven.” The session is a part of Historic Deerfield’s ongoing “Fun with Fireplace Cookery” series.

Using the historic kitchen in the Hall Tavern, the museum’s interpretative staff will demonstrate how to fire up a beehive oven and make it ready for baking. The program will also include the preparation and sampling of dishes both sweet and savory prepared using the oven.

Tickets are $75 per person

and can be ordered online at historic-deerfield.org/ events. Historic Deerfield answers at 413-774-5581.

• The Union Street Bistro & Bakery in Easthampton has announced new operating hours. The establishment is now open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

The new schedule has allowed Union Street to offer a Bistro Breakfast menu until 11 a.m. daily. Four chef-curated

Sweet Dreams from Firefly featuring

The North Hadley Sugar Shack in Hadley will be among the Massachusetts sugarhouses and eateries celebrating Maple Weekend this weekend. A full list of participating locations is available on massmaple.org/category/maple-weekend/ (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
SEE MENU, PAGE E23 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 | E 19 WEEKEND AdamEveGreenfieldMA AEStoresGreenfield 18 Main St., Greenfield, MA • 413-774-9800 www.Greenfield.AdamEveStores.com Sun. 12pm-7pm, Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm, Wed. & Thurs. 10am-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 10am-10pm Everyone Welcome Pleasure, Adventure, & Fun
Atkins Farms Country Market, located at 1150 West St. in Amherst, will offer a “Tastings in The Loft” event on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Here, a customer looks at the wine selection available at the market. Many of the wines for sale will be available to sample during the tasting.
(DON
TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
Firefly Dream

WITH TABLE 3 RESTAURANT GROUP

For a special Easter celebration leave the cooking to Table 3 Restaurant Group. Our talented chefs have prepared sensational menus so you can enjoy a stress-free and relaxing holiday meal.

Celebrate Easter at one of Table 3’s highly acclaimed locations. We have so many terrific dine-in options it may be difficult to choose!

The Duck and Avellino will be serving a traditional à la carte menu with all your holiday favorites, fantastic holiday cocktails, and decadent desserts. Call 508-347-2321 for Easter dinner reservations at The Duck & Avellino. Seating is 11am–4pm.

The Barn at Wight Farm’s spectacular annual Easter brunch buffet returns this year, brimming with all your favorites. This Easter feast is just $43.95 per guest (plus tax & gratuity). Call 774-241-8450 for reservations. Seating is 10am-4pm.

Cedar Street Grille will be offering their unique brunch menu all day plus some great Easter specials. Call 508-347-5800 for reservations. Seating is 10am–4pm.

Cedar Street Café and Table 3 Restaurant Group have you covered for the best Easter holiday catering around. We can provide your complete meal or you can add a few key items to enhance your celebration. Please check out our Easter holiday catering menu on our website and give us a call at 774-241-8450 to place your holiday order.

Easter TABLE
RESTAURANT
The Duck & Avellino | 508-347-2321 | theducksturbridge.com | avellinorestaurant.com Cedar Street Grille | 508-347-5800 | cedarstreetgrille.com Cedar Street Café | 508-347-6800 | cedarstreetcafesturbridge.com The Barn At Wight Farm | 774-241-8450 | thebarnatwightfarm.com
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CALENDAR

Events

THURSDAY

LAVA Center presents Beetle

7: Thu., 5-8 p.m., LAVA Center.

A new live music project from local Steve Koziol, featuring Joel Paxton, Kevin Smith, Steve Koziol and Leo Hwang. Masks are required for all patrons, Suggested donation of $5-$10. 324 Main St., Greenfield.

“The Glass Menagerie”: Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Majestic Theater, through April 2. For tickets, call 413-747-7797; tickets start at $29. 131 Elm St., West Springfield; 413-747-7797, majestictheater.com

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

“Rock of Ages” at Northampton High School: Thu.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Northampton High School presents “Rock of Ages,” a rock-n-roll musical set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, featuring the hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Play directed by David Grout; musical direction by Susan Dillard. Choreography is by Zazie Tobey, $15. 380 Elm St., Northampton; 413-587-1344, hamphigh.org/

Silverthorne Theater presents “Intimate Apparel”: Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 7:30 p.m., Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center. Tickets available at silverthornetheater.org, $25. 289 Main St., Greenfield, hawks andreed.com.

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

FRIDAY

Friday Fish Fry: Fri., 5-7 p.m., Swift River Sportsman’s Club, through April 7. $14 Fish & Chips; $16 Shrimp & Chips; $18 Fish, Shrimp & Chips Combo. For more information, call 413-323-9387. 79 Moore Road, Belchertown.

“The Glass Menagerie”: See Thursday listing MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

Movie Life Stories Program: Fri., 6-8 p.m., South Berkshire Friends Meetinghouse. This program is created for and geared toward the Berkshire immigrant population and their allies. These workshops provide opportunities to share personal journeys, stories, and connections to places past and present through movement games, exercises, dancing and community building. For more inform, visit berkshirepulse.org/classes-programs/ special-programs/, 280 State Road, Great Barrington.

“Rock of Ages” at Northampton High School: See Thursday listing

Silverthorne Theater presents

“Intimate Apparel”: See Thursday listing

St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Cultural Center: Fri., noon, West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub. The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub opens early at noon for St. Patrick’s Day; offering a St. Patrick’s menu. Kitchen closes at 9 pm. Reservations for tables are strongly encouraged; call 413342-4358. At 5 p.m., students from the Cassin Academy of Irish Dance will perform. The festivities continue with traditional Irish music with New Leaf from 6 to 9 p.m. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield; IrishCenter wne.org.

The Young Dubliners with special guests Kilashandra: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre. $50; for tickets visit berkshire theatregroup.org. 111 South St., Pittsfield; 413-997-4444 or thecolonialtheatre.org

SATURDAY

“The Glass Menagerie”: See Thursday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

On the Same Page-Amherst: Sat., 3 p.m. Jones Library, “Puerto Ricans Making the Valley Home.” In this talk, Maria Cartagena addresses the migration of Puerto Ricans to Holyoke and throughout the valley. 43 Amity St., Amherst; 413-256-3090, joneslibrary.org.

“Thomas De Hartmann: Rediscovering a Ukrainian Master”: Sat., 7 p.m., Bromery Center for the Arts, featuring acclaimed pianist and scholar Elan Sicroff. The concert will be approximately 90 minutes long with intermission. Face masks are required in the concert hall. A post-concert reception will be held in the

lobby of the Bromery Center for the Arts, hosted by the Thomas de Hartmann Project. Sicroff’s appearance is sponsored by Thomson Financial Management as Sage View Advisory. This concert is made possible by the Thomas de Hartmann Project, Greenfield Cooperative Bank, New England Public Media, and Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, with additional support from the UMass Department of Music and Dance, $5-$25. Presidents Drive, Amherst.

Psychedelic Cinema Orchestra performs “South”: Sat., 7 p.m., Academy of Music Theatre. Film about the Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance Expedition was released back in 1919; running time is 81 minutes. For more information, visit northamptonartscouncil.org, $20. 274 Main St., Northampton, 413-5849032 or aomtheatre.com

“Rock of Ages” at Northampton High School: See Thursday listing Silverthorne Theater presents “Intimate Apparel”: See Thursday listing

WriteAngles Writers Conference Pop-up In-person

Brainstorm: Sat., 1 p.m., LAVA Center. Writers at all stages of development and all genres are invited to participate in the conversation about what kinds of programming would most benefit their writing practice. Local writers Nina Gross and Ellen Meeropol will facilitate the discussion. Masks are required for all patrons. 324 Main St., Greenfield.

SUNDAY

ClariConnect Concert: Sun., 2 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall, with Andre Moison of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and UMass faculty pianist Steven Beck. Free

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

and open to the public. North Pleasant Street, Amherst; 413545-2511 or umass.edu.

Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Sun., noon-3 p.m. Kicks off from the former Kmart Plaza and continues down Northampton Street. Northampton Street Route 5, Holyoke.

“The Glass Menagerie”: See Thursday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

“Rock of Ages” at Northampton High School: See Thursday listing

Square Dancing Classes: Sun., 6:30-8 p.m. Union Church of Christ, the first two dances are free and then it is $5 per person. The instructor is Gloria Vivier. For more information, call 413467-3352. 51 Center St. (Route 21), Ludlow, 413-583-5717.

“The Swindlers” Staged Reading: Sun., 2 p.m. Unicorn Theatre, in collaboration with Roundabout Theatre Company. For tickets visit berkshiretheatregroup.org, free. 6 East St., Stockbridge; 413-298-5576, berkshiretheatre.org

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 the free family activities.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Nelson Stevens: Color Rapping,” through Sept. 3. “New/Now: Contemporary Art Acquisitions,” through July 30. “Museum a la Carte” today, 12:15 p.m. Topic is “The Original Fly Girls: A History of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.” $4, free for members. During World War II, more than 1,000 American women served as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) in support of the war effort. Presented by Amanda Goodheart Parks, historian, museum educator and historical interpreter.

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.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor exhibition provides interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed tickets required, for reservations visit springfield museums.org

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.

MORE ONLINE

For more information on events, galleries and markets in Western Mass, visit MassLive.com

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

E 22 | THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
The Young Dubliners will play the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield Friday at 7:30 p.m.
WEEKEND

sandwiches are being served, including “The Bistro,” which features egg, Applewood smoked bacon, sautéed spinach, Havarti cheese, and a smear of pesto. Another option, the Mt. Crumpit, includes meatloaf, egg, bacon, Vermont cheddar, and tomato-bacon jam. A Breakfast Burrito is also available — it’s stuffed with scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, cheddar jack cheese, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Among the luncheon dishes the restaurant has in its current repertoire are the likes of a cod reuben assembled from a beer-battered cod filet and traditional Rueben garnishes, side orders of eggplant fries, and a hearty chicken potpie chowder. The Union Street Bistro & Bakery answers at 413-203-5759.

• Given that many restaurants are still operating on limited schedules, it’s often not easy to find a comfortable spot to enjoy a sit-down midday meal. Those in Westfield, however, have just such a resource in the Shortstop Bar & Grill, where Julie Hannoush offers a lunch menu that includes entrees such as chicken francaise, baked cod, and a traditional

Wine

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E18

Why do old vine wines taste different? Winemakers love to talk about why their wines taste different. But when it comes to wines made with grapes from old vines, they’re telling the truth. Old vines don’t just look different than younger vines. They often have deeper roots in the soil to reach down for water, especially during drier years. And the grapes these old vines produce often taste different and have more character. That’s because many older vines produce fewer grapes with more concentrated flavors. Which grapes grow best on old vines? In theory, any wine grape grows well on old vines. However, certain grapes seem to thrive on older vines. In particular, zinfandel

fish and chips platter. A soup and salad combination is available for those looking to eat light at lunch; hearty sandwiches like a meatball sub and a tuna melt are also available. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Shortstop Bar & Grill can be reached by dialing 413-642-6370.

• As a limited-time-only menu addition that will be available through May 14, participating Burger King locations have brought back BK Melts. Built on grilled, extra-thick toast, BK’s Classic Melt features two patties, cheese, caramelized onions, and a squirt or two of a proprietary Stack sauce. A Spicy BK Melt variation includes jalapeno slices and spiced-up sandwich sauce, while a Bacon BK Melt incorporates a bacon strip finish.

Spicy Chicken Fries - thin strips of fried chicken with a special spicy coating - are also currently being featured at Burger King.

• As part of an effort to grow their catering business, Nini’s Italian Ristorante in Easthampton will host “Taste of Nini’s” on March 26 starting at noon. A by-reservation-only event, the Taste will give those planning a party or celebration the chance to sample what

grapes as well as syrah, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir often flourish on many older vines. But don’t just take my word for it. Try some old vine wines next time you see any in your local wine store.

Old Vine wine tasting notes

• 2020 Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel ($9.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)

Made with grapes grown on 60 to 80 year old vines, Bogle Vineyards was founded in 1979 but the winery located there has been making wine since the late 1800s. I first remember tying Bogle’s zinfandel in the 1990s. It was dense, complex and affordable. Trying the wine again recently, I’m not sure why it’s been so long since I’ve had this wonderful, dry wine. Straight out of the bottle, its flavors are spicy and flinty. A few minutes later, its texture turns softer and more

Nini’s has to offer. For more information or to book a reservation, call 413527-0149.

• Perhaps illustrating that “more” is never enough, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has introduced Cheesy Bacon Homestyle Fried Chicken, an entree that piles it on by topping fried chicken with cheese, bacon, fried onion strings, and buttermilk ranch dressing.

Loaded Steak Fries reflect the same flavor philosophy, coming to the table topped with cheese sauce, chopped bacon, shredded Colby cheese, and buttermilk ranch dipping sauce. Both items will be on the Cracker Barrel menu through the spring months.

• Max Tavern at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Irish Whiskey Dinner tomorrow at 6 p.m.

The spirits poured during the four-course dinner will be from one of Ireland’s new generation of whiskey producers, the Hinch Distillery in County Down.

Max Tavern Executive Chef Nate Waugaman has put together a menu featuring some traditional Emerald Isle flavors — glazed cod loin, housecorned beef brisket, and a

delicate. As for specific flavors, toasted black cherry mixed with roasted blackberry first emerge, followed by a faint hint of raspberry, caramel and hard candy.

• 2020 Cline Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi California ($9.99 at Table & Vine)

Made with grapes grown on vines at least 50 years old in California’s Lodi region, this red zinfandel also has a spicy finish straight out of the bottle. But in just a matter of a few minutes, those flavors become less spicy but just as intense, with hints of bright, light plum mixed with dark chocolate and black licorice. An absolutely luxurious and decadent wine at an amazing price.

• 2020 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel Contra Costa County ($14.99 at Table & Vine)

Made with grapes grown

dessert of Irish stout pudding.

Tickets for the dinner are $85 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Call the restaurant at 413-746-6269 for reservations.

• KFC locations have brought back a limited-time-only menu item that was a headline-grabber when it was first offered a decade ago.

The Double Down is a “sandwich” that replaces the bun with pieces of fried chicken. Two of KFC’s Extra Crispy filets have two slices of cheese and two strips of bacon layered between them; a smear of mayonnaise or a spicy sauce completes the sandwich build. The Double Down is available a la carte or as part of a combo meal.

mostly on 100 year old vines in California’s Contra Costa County, this Cline wine pushes those vibrant flavors even further than the Cline zinfandel from Lodi. The spicy notes are spicier straight out of the bottle, along with flinty hints of soft yet intense plum and blackberry. A few minutes later, those flavors become even more intense and flinty and yet somehow soft and silky. Something magical is at work here and it definitely must be due to the old vines.

• 2020 Turley California Old Vine Zinfandel ($25 Suggested Retail Price)

This is the old vine wine that inspired this column. For years, I have been huge fan of Turley wines. Like Larry Turley, who founded the winery and who I interviewed in Napa Valley in 2019, Turley wines have a lot of personality. They’re fun yet

The 2023 version of the Double Down, which will be available through the end of March, differs from its predecessor in that the chicken filets are, according to company press materials, about 20% larger. The reintroduction of the Double Down is reportedly an effort on the part of KFC management to create interest in the brand among a younger customer demographic.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.

refined, elegant yet down to earth. This particular wine — the Old Vine Zinfandel — has long been one of my favorite wines. Big, velvety and spicy straight out of the bottle, the 2020 vintage has a bold, smooth finish. Personally, I would wait another 5 to 10 years to open another bottle of this wine. But already, it’s smooth and silky with hints of dried blackberry and almonds. No wonder Larry Turley and his winery have been so passionate about preserving old grapevines. As the winery often says on its website, “old vines, young love” — because what’s not to love about this beautiful young wine with an old soul. Cheers!

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

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 | E 23 WEEKEND
Guests enjoy dinner at the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub, located inside the Irish Cultural Center. The restaurant is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a special menu through tomorrow. Also tomorrow, the restaurant will open early, and provide Irish-themed entertainment in the evening. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)

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and can be found at aomtheatre.com

• VegasInsider.com recently conducted a survey about who Americans want to see perform at next year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, and Taylor Swift was the clear winner, garnering 11.69% of the votes.

Adele held her own, however, coming in second in the poll with 8.94% of the votes, followed by Justin Bieber (4.56% of votes).

Swift also captured most of the generational groups, coming in first with the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Z. Adele only won with the Millennials.

As far as NFL teams’ fans, Swift also dominated: She came in first with 14, followed by Adele, who won the votes of seven NFL teams’ fan.

The 2024 Super Bowl will take place at the Allegiant Stadium, the home stadium of the Las Vegas Raiders; Swift also happens to be the top choice of the Raiders’ fans.

• The Peter Gabriel tour

announced in November finally has added some North American dates, and one of them will be at Boston’s TD Garden on Sept. 14.

The tour, which will be Gabriel’s first in six years, will kick off in Europe in May before heading stateside in September.

Gabriel will be releasing a new album, “i/o,” which is still being recorded.

He recently shared a song, “Playing for Time,” from the new record.

Gabriel will be backed by his usual band of Tony Levin, David Rhodes, and Manu Katché.

It’s not exactly a Cardiac Kids reunion, but fans of the popular local 1980s pop/rock group should be happy about a new project from keyboardist/ songwriter Steve Moser.

Produced by Moser and former Kids guitarist Dave MacDonald, Moser’s new “Portrait of an Artist’s Father” features 10 original songs.

Moser’s website describes the record as “a wide variety of styles & moods, (including some old tunes familiar to early Cardiac Kids fans).”

You can find the album at cardiackidsband.com under the “Other Projects” tab.

E 24 | THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM WEEKEND 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400 www.frigosfoods.com Corned Beef Dinner complete with roasted potatoes and cabbage. Thursday at both locations. Call and order ahead. 3150030-01
Taylor Swift attends the 2022 MTV VMAs at Prudential Center on Aug. 28, 2022, in Newark, New Jersey. (DIA DIPASUPIL / TNS)

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