Weekend - April 06, 2023

LIVEWIRE: Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham makes Mohegan Sun return, E3

BEER NUT: New brewer’s first beer is a home run, E5

CALENDAR: Events at museums, galleries in WMass, E10

More thrills, more fun as Six Flags opens for 2023

Season highlight features new air-conditioned VIP Lounge

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

YOU KNOW THAT spring has arrived when amusement parks such as Six Flags New England open their doors to thrill seekers young and old for another season.

Billed as the Thrill Capital of New England, Six Flags New England opens its 2023 season on weekends and select days until summer beginning Friday.

While coaster fanatics won’t find a new thrill ride to test their fortitude this year, the park will benefit from a little sprucing up.

“For the 2023 season we continue to focus on creating a first-class guest experience through exceptional events, park beautification and enhancements and improved

customer service,” said park president Pete Carmichael in a news release about the park’s opening. “As New England’s premier family entertainment destination, we’re laserfocused on elevating our guests experience each and every year. For the 2023 season our guests will experience new restaurants, new shade structures, increased seating, VIP Lounge, new game locations and so much more.”

The new VIP Lounge is really something to “scream” about, noted Jennifer McGrath, communications manager for Six Flags New England.

“For an additional fee visitors can enjoy our relaxing and fun new indoor mecca that

features Wi-Fi, charging stations, televisions, cozy leather couches, and small bites, soda and other beverages,” McGrath said. “It’s a nice zone to catch up on social media and relax in air-conditioned comfort.”

Throughout the season

Six Flags New England will introduce a variety of new and returning events including SCREAM Break, Flavors of the World, Viva La Fiesta and Blues Brews and BBQs, while welcoming back park favorites such as July 4th Fireworks presented by Coca-Cola, Oktoberfest, Boo Fest, Fright Fest and a Veterans Day celebration. To kick off the season and to tie in with spring break for many school students, Six Flags will offer what they are dubbing “SCREAM Break” with unlimited nighttime access to heart-pounding rides and others such as Scream, Flashback, Tomahawk, Thunderbolt, Rock N Rodeo and Stampede Bumper Cars. Visitors will also experience haunts and other spine-tingling happenings such as roaming zombies, “BOOzy drinks,” live music provided by a DJ, and yummy treats to choose from. It all happens from 7 to 10 p.m. on select days April 14-23. Separate admission is required for the special event, however, admission is free with a valid

Above, guests are suspended 400 feet above the ground on the New England SkyScreamer ride at Six Flags New England on Aug. 5, 2021. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)

Left, a group of children walk hand-in-hand with Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird while visiting Looney Tunes Movie Town at Six Flags New England. (FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)

pass or membership.

“With limited capacity for SCREAM Break, we expect it to be a sellout with pass holders receiving a free event wristband. Otherwise, tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis only in person at the park,” McGrath said.

Visitors looking for a new ride will have to wait until May 27, May 26 if you are a pass holder, when the Dino Off Road Adventure is unveiled in the Kidzopolis area of the park. The new attraction for youngsters will feature life-size dinosaurs including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Dilophosaurus, Maisasaura and others, several of whom will be roaring up a storm along with their life-like movement.

“The ride will be as much fun for adults as it is for their kids. It’s very immersive, all about science and learning, as riders come across adventure guides and view factoids about their favorite creatures. Riders will climb aboard a safari-like vehicle which runs on a track, while still allowing them to steer and push a pedal to keep it in motion. It features the best in sound and animatronic motion and is only to be found at Six Flags

New England right now,” McGrath said.

“Before or after the ride, you can stop at Fossil Fuel to enjoy a dinosaur funnel cake in the shape of a paw, as well as other themed snacks and even some prehistoric punch,” she added.

Visitors will also have to wait until May 27 when the much warmer weather hopefully returns to don their bathing suits and head to Hurricane Harbor in the park with its many water rides. Some 15 attractions await water lovers at New England’s largest water park from the Hurricane Falls water slide to Hurricane Bay where you can swim, dive, and enjoy splashing around to the Kiddie Pirate Ship play structure and Splash Island just for kids, with a small wave pool and lazy river to cruise down on their own.

The park opens daily for the summer season June 14.

Six Flags New England offers a variety of passes including unlimited admission, parking, and more with a 2023 pass, which includes exclusive benefits and events all season starting at $7.99 a month after initial payment. For one-day daily admission prices and more, visit sixflags.com.

Six Flags New England is open select days and weekends starting tomorrow. The park opens daily for its summer season beginning June 14. (PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND)

Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham makes Mohegan Sun return

VENTRILOQUIST

Jeff Dunham will return to the Mohegan Sun Arena Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.

Nightclubs

THURSDAY

BOMBYX Center for Arts &

Equity: Tinsley Ellis and Marcia

Ball. 130 Pine St., Florence

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

Southwick Inn: Open mic hosted by Steve Piper of Roadhouse Band. 479 College Highway, Southwick

The Drake: The Butterfly Effect-UNICEF Charity Night. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Funk Dance Night with Oakland Stroke. 289 Main St., Greenfield

The Still: Drink specials. 63 Springfield St., Agawam

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

Dunham has sold out global concert tours, broke ratings for broadcast specials, and set a few high-water marks in the Guinness Book of World Records. His NBC primetime special, “Unhinged,” ranked as the time period’s top non-sports program and was rebroadcast six weeks later on Comedy Central to become its top-rated special of 2016. His most recent special, “Me the People,” was the most watched comedy special of 2022.

Tickets are now on sale, ranging from $69, $59, $49, and $39.

For more information, visit mohegansun.com/ events-and-promotions/ schedule-of-events/come dy-jeff-dunham.html.

Liner notes

• Iain Matthews will play the Shea Theater in Turners Falls on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. with special guests Pairdown and Allysen Callery.

Matthews first rose to prominence in 1967as a founding member of Fairport Convention, where he created renowned harmonies with both Judy Dyble and Sandy Denny. After two years, he left and formed Matthews Southern Comfort. He later fronted such bands as Plainsong, Hi-Fi, No Grey Faith, and a Dutch jazz combo, The

Searing Quartet. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The Shea Theater is at 71 Avenue A.

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

FRIDAY

Delaney House: Gerry Moss. 3

Country Club Road, Holyoke

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

MGM Springfield: ROAR Comedy Club at MGM: Christine Hurley. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

Shaker Farms Country Club: Tom Savoy. 866 Shaker Road,

Westfield

The Drake: Muriam Gendron, Izzy Oram Brown. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

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

Theodores’: Buddy McEarns. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

SATURDAY

Delaney House: Ask Wanda. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke

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

MGM Springfield: ROAR Comedy Club at MGM: Christine Hurley. 1 MGM Way, Springfield

The Drake: An Evening with Hiss Golden Messenger. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

Theodores’: Neal Vitullo and the Vipers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield

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

SUNDAY

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

The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Spring Cajun/ Zydeco Fest with Bunk

SEE NIGHTCLUBS, PAGE E11

Brooks and Dolly Parton are teaming up to host the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11. (ART STREIBER / PROVIDED BY THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY

Hands All Around Quilt Show

April 22-23, 2023

Iain Matthews will play the Shea Theater in Turners Falls on April 21. (COURTESY / RAY HEFFERNAN)

• Singer/songwriter A.J. Croce’s “Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary” tour in honor of his father, Jim, will make a stop at MGM Springfield’s ARIA Ballroom on Oct. 27. The show will feature a renowned band including drummer Gary Mallaber, bassist David Barard, and

guitarist/violinist James Pennebaker, and a multimedia presentation accompanying Jim Croce’s songs. The two Jim Croce albums that turn 50 in 2023 are considered among his finest: “Life and Times,” originally released in January of 1973, and “I Got A Name,” his final studio album, released after his death in September of that year.

• Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks will host the 58th

American Quilt Study Group Exhibit 2020 Framed Center/Medallion Quilts: History of Style

Robert Crown Gymnasium Hampshire College, Amherst MA. 893 West Street- Route 116 10:00-4:00 each day

Raffle Quilt Raffle Baskets Mini Quilt Sale Vendors

Adults - $10.00, 12 and under FREE Student and Military - $5.00 (must show ID) Visit www.handsacrossthevalley.org for updated information and to make arrangements for groups

Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his puppet character Walter are pictured on Sept. 21, 2017, in Los Angeles. Dunham will play the Mohegan Sun Arena Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. (CHRIS PIZZELLO / INVISION / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Garth

MUSIC)

George Lenker

LiveWire

SPRINGFIELD

WMass native Alex2e to play show in heart of city

Performance at MGM is free, open to the public

By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com

AWESTERN MASSAchusetts singer-songwriter is returning to the city this weekend to play a show at MGM Springfield.

Alex2e — Alex Tuohey — was born in Agawam, but identifies Springfield as being his hometown. “I grew up in Agawam, but I went to all Springfield schools,” he said. “I went to Cathedral, I went to American International College.”

Tuohey now lives in Connecticut and has been all over Western Massachusetts and beyond to play shows. He will play the Commonwealth Bar and Lounge on Sunday at 5 p.m. The show is free.

Tuohey, who got his start in music later than most, took time to reflect on his journey prior to his Springfield performance.

“I’m 35 now, I picked up guitar and singing as a hobby at 26, 27, so I’m relatively newer,” he said. “The fact that it went from a thing that I did for just myself in my bedroom to something I can do fulltime is really cool. Having it go from that to this feels like I already kind of won.”

LiveWire

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E3

Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11. This marks the first time Brooks will take the stage to host an awards show, and the second consecutive year the ACM Awards will be hosted by Parton.

“I am thrilled to return to host the ACM Awards, this time with my friend Garth,” Parton said. “While I’ve had the pleasure of spending

Tuohey has opened nationally for acts like Howie Day, Shawn James, and O-Town. He is now headlining a series of shows that will take him to around 70 different venues over the next several months. That number could go up to 110 to 125 by the end of the year, Tuohey added.

“I’ve gotten really used to being an opener to just now where I’m really starting to have six, eight, 10 headline venues around New England,” Tuohey said. “I’m just starting to get my footing with having my own shows that

time with him throughout the years, I can’t believe we’ve never had the chance to work together.”

The show will stream live exclusively on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The full rebroadcast will stream the next day for free on Amazon Freevee.

• Procol Harum cofounder and songwriter Keith Reid recently died at the age of 76.

Reid was best known for

New Alternative and Discover Weekly playlists.

“I remember wanting to have 100 consistent listeners on Spotify (or just anywhere) and felt like it would never happen,” Tuohey said. “Now, I would love to have 5,000. In a year maybe it’s more.”

His latest single, “Stepping Stone,” released several weeks ago, has already earned him more than 32,000 listens.

Asked about the meaning behind “Stepping Stone” and what he hopes listeners take away from it, Tuohey said he was inspired by past relationships, though he is engaged now. “(I was) thinking about old relationships and how certain ones would end and how I would be so devastated and it would take me a while to bounce back,” Tuohey said.

said he is currently in the songwriting phase and hopes to record a new single by the end of the year.

Following his solo performance at MGM Springfield, Tuohey will kick off a threestop ticketed tour with fellow artist Sage King. The two will perform April 11 at 9 p.m. at Arlene’s Grocery in New York City; April 13 at 8 p.m. at Café Nine in New Haven; and April 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Article 24 in Boston. Tickets to those shows can be purchased online at alex2e.com/tour

This is Tuohey’s second time headlining a ticketed show. His last tour — a fourshow run last fall — took him to New York City, New Haven, Springfield and Boston, alongside artists Sage King and Alex Rohan.

aren’t in my hometown.”

His experiences as an opener have taught him a lot as an artist. “You’re kind of an unknown to a lot of people. You have this opportunity where you can win over a ton of new fans,” Tuohey said. “Even if you come away with two people, it’s a win, because you wouldn’t have been there otherwise.”

All of that hard work is paying off. Under his stage name Alex2e, Tuohey has racked up more than 1,600 monthly listeners on Spotify, earning spots on the music platform’s

having written the lyrics for almost every song by the band, most notably their biggest hit, “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” which was released in 1967. A statement from the band read, “It is with the deepest sadness that we must announce the passing of the lyricist Keith Reid, who died suddenly on 23 March 2023, in hospital in London. He had been receiving cancer treatment for the past couple of years.”

“Those moments feel like the end of the world and, looking back, you see these little moments that you’re like ‘the sky is falling’ and it turned out to be exactly where you needed to go. I feel like oftentimes there’s something better waiting for you on the other side,” he added.

As for what’s next, Tuohey

Tuohey invites everyone — fans and new listeners alike — to the show at MGM Springfield. He also encourages people to check out one of the three ticketed shows, if they’re able.

“This tour is insanely important and I would love for people to come out,” Tuohey said. “Come to both. We’d love to have you.”

Western Massachusetts singer-songwriter Alex Tuohey, whose stage name is Alex2e, will play a free concert at MGM Springfield on Sunday.

New brewer’s first beer is a home run

WHEN THE Northampton Brewery’s former head brewer Boog Pacher left the area, there was no doubt that the brewery’s beers were in good hands, as assistant brewer Steve Bilodeau took the reins.

The A to Zs of Wine: Letters S, T, U & V

Editor’s note: This article is part of an ongoing series about wine terminology from A to Z.

AS WE CLOSE IN ON the home stretch, there are still quite a few more interesting wine-related words, including sediment, tannin and vinification. Well, interesting if you’re a wine nerd like me. So let’s get right to them and hope you’re enjoying this series. Only one more story to go!

Letter S

• Sauterne: Elegant, delicious dessert wine from the Sauterne region in France’s Bordeaux region.

below. The bottom line? Sediment in certain older red wines often means you have a great bottle of wine. Don’t be scared by the dirt. Simply filter out the sediment (a clean coffee filter can do the trick) before pouring the wine into a glass.

• Sherry: Fortified wine (meaning alcohol is added to it) from the Sherry region in Spain that’s a classic dessert wine.

• Sommelier: French word used to describe someone who works in a restaurant who knows a lot about wine and helps people decide which wine to have with their meal.

Ken Ross Wine Press

Popular wine grapes that start with S

There aren’t a lot of wine grapes that start with the letter S. But the ones that do make some of the best-loved wines around the world.

The only question was who would slide into Steve’s slot as assistant brewer. As I wrote back then, the powers that be decided to take a chance on an unknown quantity and hired a staff member, Meghan Leahy, who had no brewing experience. Although the brewery could have hired an outsider who had some brewing acumen, the brain trust, including Steve, decided Meghan’s energy, enthusiasm and willingness to learn was enough to give her a shot. Man, were they ever right. And clearly Steve is a great teacher, judging by Meghan’s recent results. Meghan just brewed her first beer, (that is, one she created the recipe for), Seal Point Porter, and she knocked it out of the park (to use an apt metaphor for the new baseball season).

It’s a delightfully smooth porter underpinned with chocolate notes and featuring subtle hints of vanilla and blackberry. The body is right down the middle for a porter and the mouthfeel is just creamy enough. It’s comes in at 5.4% ABV.

I was thrilled to see Meghan tackle a porter, a style that often gets somewhat ignored in this heyday of juicy IPAs

and imperial stouts.

“Porters are my favorites,” Meghan said after she served me the first-ever pint of the stuff ever pulled. (Hey, this job has some perks.) “I love IPAs, but there are so many of them, and there aren’t that many porters.”

The Northampton Brewery has another somewhat recent porter named Some More Porter — a slightly smoky beer brewed with vanilla beans — and that porter served as an inspiration for Meghan.

“It’s my favorite beer, but I wanted to make my own,” she said.

The beer is named after Meghan’s seal point Siamese cat and it is just as pretty as that breed. It’s brewed with chocolate and German black wheat malts, a blend that works splendidly in this brew. Chocolate is the flavor that lingers on the palate, but who can complain about that? Not me.

Meghan told me there was

• Sec: French word for dry, which is often used when describing the sweetness levels in sparkling wine.

• Sediment: Tiny, dirt-like particles that sometimes form in the bottom of certain bottles of wine over time. This is especially common in some great red wines with a lot of tannins, which you can read more about

• Sulfites: A byproduct of the fermentation process, sulfites can be found in every wine. But you wouldn’t know it from some of the talk about the evils of sulfites in wine. That said, some winemakers add extra sulfites in an effort to keep the wine tasting fresh and alive. Either way, don’t worry about sulfites. They’re perfectly natural and don’t harm the taste of the wine.

• Sangiovese: One of the most widely-planted red wine grapes in Italy, Sangiovese can often be found in many great wines from Tuscany, one of Italy’s best and most famous wine regions.

• Sauvignon blanc: Outstanding white wine grape used to make crisp, dry wines throughout the world, including in New Zealand, which makes delicious, affordable sauvignon blanc wines that have a distinct fresh cut grass aroma and flavor.

SEE WINE, PAGE E7

Meghan Leahy, assistant brewer at the Northampton Brewery, serves a pint of her new Seal Point Porter.

(GEORGE LENKER PHOTO)

George Lenker Beer Nut

Pioneer Valley restaurants ready for Easter

CELEBRATORY meals are, for many families, no longer athome affairs. Whether the motivation is lack of time, deficit of cooking skills, or just a desire to relax and enjoy, holidays like Easter have increasingly become a dining out must for many families.

Up and down the Pioneer Valley, restaurants have recognized the opportunity and are this year capitalizing on it with distinctive Easter dining experiences. What follows are just a few of the many possibilities on offer.

Already known for its elaborate Sunday brunches, the Delaney House in Holyoke will be hosting a special Easter brunch on Sunday, with seatings starting at 10 a.m. and continuing through midafternoon.

The brunch is a threecourse, plated meal affair, with starter choices ranging from Fresh Fruit Parfait to Smoked Salmon.

A brunch main course at the Delaney House can be breakfast-focused, taking the form of Fried Chicken & Waffles or a Lobster ’n’ Crab Omelet. Those opting for something more dinner-oriented will be able to choose from the likes of Rack of Lamb, Braised Short Ribs, Roast Turkey, and more.

The brunch is $59.95 per person with a discounted price for kids from 3 to 10 years of age. Reservations can be made at DelaneyHouse. com.

Also on Sunday, the Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant in Springfield will be serving an Easter brunch

buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with carved ham, prime rib, and a create-your-own omelet option taking center stage.

Traditional breakfast dishes and German specialties will be on the menu, as will a selection of Student Prince favorites for dessert.

Brunch is $48 for adults and $19.99 for children. Reservations can be made by calling 413-734-7475.

The Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge will

offer several Easter Sunday options, with the Duck and Avellino both serving a traditional a la carte menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations can be made at 508-3472321.

A brunch menu will be featured at the Cedar Street Grille, while the Group’s function venue, The Barn at Wight Farm, will be offering a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cedar Street Grille answers

nel Bar, has been opened for the event, which will incorporate an extensive buffet and a Viennese dessert table.

More details are available by calling 413-341-3161.

Johnny’s Tavern in Amherst will be serving an Easter Prix Fixe on Sunday, April 9. A three-course offering, the Easter menu will be priced at $50 and is available for dinein only.

Reservations can be made by calling 413-253-8000.

Hanna Devine’s Restaurant in Ware is doing a buffet-style brunch menu on the holiday, with service commencing at 8:30 a.m. and continuing until noon. An omelet station, a carving station, and waffles-to-order will be part of this buffet presentation, which is priced at $25.50 per person.

at 508-347-5800, while reservations for the Barn at Wight Farm buffet can be secured by calling 774-241-8450.

The Roosevelt Room at Union Station in Northampton will be presenting an Easter brunch on Sunday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The entire Union Station complex, including the Tun-

An Easter dinner menu featuring ham and prime rib takes over at 12:30 p.m. and remains available until 6 p.m. Reservations, which can be made by calling 413-277-0707, are strongly recommended for both brunch and dinner.

The Yarde Tavern in South Hadley Center is promoting an Easter brunch this year.

WEDNESDAY

Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385

Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm

Doors Open at 4pm.

Minimum Admission $50

1 - 1199 Progressive w/ Climbing Consolation Prize

2 - $500 Cover Alls

3 - $200 Special Games

All Games will be $100

with 90 People or More

All Cards are included with Admission

THURSDAY

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

DOORS OPEN 4:30PM

MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird

6:20pm Start Min. Entry Package $15

Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms

CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE

The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant in Springfield will offer an Easter brunch buffet on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)

The Delaney House in Holyoke will host a special Easter bunch on Sunday, with seatings from 10 a.m. to midafternoon.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

Wine

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5

• Syrah: Sometimes called shiraz, this wonderful, full-bodied red wine grape can often be found in many outstanding wines either on its own (especially in France’s Northern Rhone region) or blended with other grapes like grenache and mourvedre (especially in France’s Southern Rhone region).

Popular wine regions that start with S

• Saint-Emilion: Outstanding wine region on the Right Bank of France’s Bordeaux region famous for making elegant red wines that age gracefully for decades.

• Santenay: Village in the southern part of Burgundy in France best known for its affordable yet complex red wines made with pinot noir grapes. You can read more about this village soon based on my trip to several wineries there earlier this year.

• Sonoma County: Amazing wine region in California wedged between Napa Valley and the Pacific Ocean famous for making a wide range of terrific wines, from earthy pinot noirs to complex chardonnays.

Letter T

• Table wine: I’ve never been a fan of this term since it implies that the wine is simply an ordinary, everyday wine. But what the term technically means is the wine simply doesn’t adhere to certain strict rules that some wine regions have, especially in some Euro -

Menu

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E6

Three seatings, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., will be available, and the buffet will be stocked with a range of breakfast and lunch specialties, including chef-carved turkey breast and glazed ham.

Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 413-315-4339.

The Easter celebration at the Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee is

pean countries.

• Tannin: Chemical compound sometimes found in the skin, seeds and stems of a grape, which often gives a sharp taste to certain wines, especially some red wines. In general, tannins are a great thing in many red wines since these wines age well, thanks to the tannins.

• Terroir: French word that refers to where a wine is grown and how a specific place makes a particular wine taste a certain way. Many winemakers in France talk about terroir in terms of how the soil and climate of a specific place give a wine its unique character. Some people dismiss the overemphasis on terroir. But let me tell you — terroir is real and certain wines from certain places taste absolutely magical.

• Tokaji: A delicious, distinct dessert wine from Turkey made with furmint grapes.

Popular wine grapes that start with T

• Tannat: Red wine grape best known for making elegant, hearty wines from Uruguay. However, wines made with tannat grapes can also be found in parts of southwest France and northern Spain.

• Tempranillo: Red wine grape often used to make many outstanding wines in Spain and Portugal.

• Trebbiano: White wine grape used to make a wide range of wines in Italy and also sometimes used in France, where it’s called ugni blanc and it’s best known for making cognac.

Popular wine regions that start with T

going to be a two-floor affair.

The main level of the Munich Haus will be offering a four-course prix fixe menu with choices such as Roasted Stuffed Pork, Lamb Shank, Baked Ham, and Prime Rib. Appetizer, salad, and dessert are part of the menu package as well. The restaurant’s regular a la carte menu will also be available.

Upstairs in their banquet hall, a brunch buffet will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Selections on the buffet will

SEE MENU, PAGE E12

• Tuscany: There might not be many wine regions that start with the letter T, but this one’s easily one of the best known and best loved wine regions in Italy. Odds are if you love Italian red wine, you love wine from Tuscany.

Letter U

One of the reasons why I include four letters this week instead of three partly has to do with the letter U. I’m sure if I really tried I could come up with a wine word that starts with U but it would be a real stretch.

Popular wine grapes that start with U

• Ugni blanc: French term for trebbiano grapes, which are described above in more detail. Popular wine regions that start with U

• Umbria: Wine region in central Italy best known for making white wine in Orvieto and red wines in Torgiano.

• Uruguay: South American country best known for its red wines made with tannat grapes, which you can read about

Beer

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5

some consideration of putting it on nitrogen for carbonation, but she decided not to.

“I don’t know why I decided that. Maybe next time,” she said with a shrug.

I hope she does, as I’d love to experience how the tighter bubbles, creamier mouthfeel and more stable head would work with this beer. Either way, I’ll be drinking plenty of it whenever it’s on tap.

different years), that’s the wine’s vintage and that refers to the year the grapes were grown and picked to make wine.

Popular wine grapes that start with V

• Verdicchio: White wine grape often used to make many outstanding wines in central Italy.

• Viognier: White wine grapes used to make dry, aromatic wines throughout the world, but especially in France’s Northern Rhone region.

Popular wine regions that start with V

more above and in a recent wine column I wrote about six tannat wines from Uruguay.

Letter V

• Vat: Large container often used to store wine during the blending and fermentation process before bottling.

• Vielle Vigne: French term that simply means the wine that the wine comes from old vines.

• Vineyard: The place where wine grapes are grown and where all the magic happens.

• Vinho Verde: Type of wine, often white wine, that comes from Portugal’s Vinho Verde region. These delightful wines are affordable, refreshing, dry and distinct.

• Vinification: Term used to describe the process of turning grape juice into wine.

• Vintage: This term refers to what year the grapes were harvested to make a particular wine. If you see a year on the wine label (some wines are non-vintage wines which means the grapes come from

• Valpolicella: Iconic wine region in Northern Italy best known for its elegant red wines, especially its Amarone wines and its more affordable sibling, Ripasso.

• Veneto: Large wine region in the northeastern part of Italy near Venice that includes Valpolicella and many other famous, smaller wine subregions.

• Vosne-Romanee: Small wine village in the northern part of France’s Burgundy region revered for its austere, elegant red wines made with pinot noir grapes. Some of the most expensive wines in the world come from this magical village where terroir truly matters and produces distinct, divine wines.

• Vouvray: Wine region in France’s Loire Valley best known for its crisp, mineral-rich white wines made with chenin blanc grapes.

Cheers!

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

Some of the wines discussed in this week’s wine column — an Amarone from Valpolicella in Italy, a Vinho Verde from Portugal and red wine from California’s Sonoma County.

(KEN ROSS PHOTO)

Mother’s Day

WITH TABLE 3 RESTAURANT GROUP

Show Mom that you recognize and appreciate all she does throughout the year by celebrating Mother’s Day at her favorite Table 3 restaurant.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at one of Table 3’s highly acclaimed locations. With the many available dine-in options it may be difficult to choose!

The Duck and Avellino will be offering the Duck’s daily menu plus some fantastic specials sure to delight Mom. Call 508-347-2321 for Mother’s Day reservations at The Duck & Avellino. Seating is 11am–4pm.

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

The Barn at Wight Farm’s will host a spectacular Mother’s Day brunch buffet this year, brimming with all her favorites. This mom’s day feast is just $43.95 per guest (plus tax & gratuity). Call 774-241-8450 for reservations. Seating is 10am-4pm.

Events

THURSDAY

Easter Bunny at the Holyoke Mall: Thu.-Sat., Holyoke Mall, at the Cafe Square. Reservations are encouraged, walk-up visits available as space permits. Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., extends to 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on April 7; Sat., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sun., noon-6 p.m. To register, visit holyokemall.com/ photos-with-the-easterbunny-2023/. 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke.

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

Spring/Floral Beer and Wine

Glass Painting: Thu., 7 p.m., West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub, Instructor MaryBeth Reed from Paint Craze will guide participants through the process of custom-painting glasses in spring and floral-themed designs. Cost includes your choice of all materials to paint your choice of two glasses (stemmed or stemless wine, pint, pilsner or handled beer mug — mix or match). Advance registration is required, $30. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, IrishCenterwne. org.

FRIDAY

‘Fiesta del Agawam’: Fri., 7 p.m.

Agawam Senior Center, Agawam Cultural Center Applause Series presents Mexican Mariachi band Fiesta del Norte “Fiesta del Agawam.” Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Performance also will be livestreamed on Agawam Comcast channels 1074 (HD) and 15 (SD). Consider calling 413-821-0604 to say you will be attending. Free and open to the public. 954 Main St., Agawam, 413821-0604.

Easter Bunny at the Holyoke Mall: See Thursday listing

Friday Fish Fry: Fri., 5-7 p.m., Swift River Sportsman’s Club. $14 Fish & Chips; $16 Shrimp & Chips; $18 Fish, Shrimp & Chips Combo. For more information, call 413-3239387, $14-$18. 79 Moore Road, Belchertown.

Intro to Arab Music: Fri., 7 p.m., Northampton Community Music Center. Limited seating available, free. 139 South St., Northampton; 413-585-0001 or ncmc.net

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

“Mother Tongue”: A multilingual Performance at the Shea: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Shea Theater, developed by members of First Generation, an

intergenerational arts and youth leadership organization based in Springfield. “Mother Tongue” is inspired by family stories and events from Congo/Tanzania, Bhutan/ Nepal, South Sudan, Holyoke, and Springfield. The performance incorporates movement, music, dance, and weaves together stories in Arabic, Swahili, Nepali, and English. Themes addressed in this 90-minute original work include culture, identity, diaspora, masculinity, xenophobia, racism and revolution, among others. Tickets are sliding scale $15-$25. No one will be turned away. Appropriate for ages 13+. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls; 413-8632281 or theshea.org/home.html.

Music at Amherst Series: Fri., 8 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall, Tai Murray on violin with Gilles Vonsattel on piano. Tickets $28 general, $22 seniors (65+), $12 students with valid ID. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst, amherst.edu.

Tiny Glass Tavern presents “Nature’s Cook”: Fri., 7:30 p.m., A.P.E. Gallery. Limited seating, ticket reservations highly recommended. To purchase tickets go online to Eventbrite.com, $10, $20, $30 suggested donation ticket. 126 Main St., Northampton, 413-586-5553, apearts.org.

SATURDAY

Drive-In Collection of Donations: Sat., 1-3 p.m., Foster Memorial Church, In the church’s back parking lot. Church will collect nonperishable food for the Emergency Food Cupboard of the Open Pantry. The church is located in the Sixteen Acres section, 1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. 413782-2112.

Easter Bunny at the Holyoke Mall: See Thursday listing Free Easter Egg Hunt: Sat., 10 a.m., Heritage Woods Assisted Living, free outdoor Easter egg hunt for children 12 and under; children should bring their own baskets. The Easter Bunny also will be hopping by to say hello! Free; RSVPs required. 462 Main St., Agawam; 413-789-8332 or genesishcc.com/ heritagewoods.

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing Troy Kennel Club Dog Show: Sat., 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. Dog show with special ring for toy breeds. Admission free; parking $5 (collected by ESE Fairgrounds). 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-7372443, thebige.com.

“Vulture Sister Song”: Sat., 7 p.m. A.P.E. Gallery, for tickets visit Eventbrite.com, $5-$40 sliding scale. 126 Main St., Northampton; 413-586-5553 or apearts.org.

SUNDAY

Easter Service at Foster Memorial Church: Sun., 8 and 10 a.m., Foster Memorial Church. The 8 a.m. service will include the construction of the Flowering Cross; 10 a.m. service will include special music by the choir and a surprise as they “Unpack our Alleluias” for this holy day, 1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield; 413-782-2112.

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing Sunday Easter Brunch Buffet: Sun., Crestview Country Club, featuring omelet station, waffle station, carving station, with chef’s favorites on the buffet, dessert as well. Reservations required; call 413-786-2593, $47.95 adults, $20 children 4-12, children 3 and under free, plus tax and gratuity.

281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, 413786-2593, crestviewcc.org.

Trap Falls Kennel Club Dog Show: Sun., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. Free admission; $5 parking (collected by ESE Fairgrounds). 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443, thebige.com.

Quadrangle

Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Outdoor sculpture garden of largerthan-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. Hands-on making activities in the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center.

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.

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., “Sassafras, Big Dogs, and English Settlers on Cape Cod.” $4, free for members, presented by Christy Anderson, professor at the University of Toronto.

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. Stars Over Springfield: Fri., 7:30-8:30 p.m., $3, $2 children. Join members of the Springfield Stars Club for a discussion of current topic in astronomy and, weather permitting, skygazing in the Science Museum’s observatory. Topic: Ed Faits, Northern Lights: The “Magical” Phenomenon in the Night Sky.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor exhibition provides opportunities to explore 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.

Museums

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

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

Connecticut Trolley Museum: Easter EGGSpress Trolley Breakfast: Fri. and Sat. The Easter Bunny will be roaming the grounds and posing for pictures from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each child will receive an Easter egg with a surprise inside when they complete a scavenger hunt, make a bunny ear craft and visit the Fire Truck Museum. All activities and Fire Truck Museum entrance is included with your admission price. $13 for ages 2 and up, under 2 is free for lap seating. Museum members

receive half-off admission. 58 North Road, East Windsor, cttrolley.org. East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit. Featured at the museum are East Longmeadow artifacts pertaining to the quarries, local Native Americans, period clothing, the railroad system, and much more. 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, Sept.-June, weather permitting. Free. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book

Art: “What Might You Do? Christian Robinson,” through June 4. “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions,” through April 9. “Eric Carle Loves Japan,” through Aug. 20. Featuring never-before-seen photos of Carle’s visits to Japan over a 32-year period. Permanent exhibit: Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Museum hours: Weds.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four; 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, carlemuseum.org.

Holyoke Heritage State Park: Art exhibit: “Ethereal Diversity: The Eloquence of Shared Experience,” through May 31. Holyoke Heritage State Park celebrates Holyoke’s 150th birthday by hosting the works of one who has made the city his home. Pieces created by J. Bryant II will be on display in the Exhibition Hall of the park’s visitor center. Open house to meet the artist on Sat., from 1-3 p.m., in the visitor center. Admission is free and the Visitor Center is open year-round, Tues. through Sun., from noon to 4 p.m. The park and visitor center are wheelchair accessible. Free, mass. gov/locations/holyokeheritage-state-park. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, 413-534-1723.

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

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

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit: Three floors with dozens of hands-on exhibits, a regulation sized basketball court and more than 900 artifacts on display. Exhibits include: “High Above Center Court,” “Hall

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of Honor,” “1891 Gallery,” “Players Gallery,” “James Goldstein Superfan gallery,” and “Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams.” Mon.Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $28 adults (16-24); $23 seniors (63+); $19 youth (515); $23 students with valid high school or college ID; free under 5. 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield, hoophall.com.

Norman Rockwell Museum: Nora Krug: “Belonging,” through June 18. Permanent exhibit: gallery. Thu.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Tues. and Wed. Advance-ticket purchase required. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retired military; $10 college students; free children 18 and under, members and active military. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, nrm.org

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

Pan African Historical Museum

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

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

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

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum: Permanent exhibit: Daniel Anthony’s Store, The Legacy Room, The Birthing Room, The Portrait Gallery. Open Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6

students and children 6-17, free for children under 6 and NARM/ NEMA/ROAM members. 67 East Road, Adams, susanbanthony birthplace.com.

The Emily Dickinson Museum: Homestead and Evergreens. Permanent exhibit. Open Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is by guided tour, for which advance-purchased timed tickets are required. Visit EmilyDickinsonMuseum.org/ Visit to purchase your tickets and for more information. 280 Main St., Amherst or emilydickinsonsmuseum.org.

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

University Museum of Contemporary Art - Fine Arts Center: Permanent exhibit. The Fine Arts Center, requires patrons to be fully vaccinated to attend performances. UMass students, staff, and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated per university policy. Masks are not required, but are welcome and encouraged. The University Museum is open through May 1; Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-4 p.m.; and first Thursdays until 8 p.m. Closed Mondays, holidays, and academic breaks. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst, umass.edu

West Springfield Town Museum: Permanent exhibit. The museum is open every first Sat. of the month from 1-3 p.m. Items of Interest and on display include hand-built models of early town buildings and other structures, local artifacts and historic items from the Civil War, Mittineague Park and Bear Hole area, as well as other local historic items and displays. 55 Altamont Ave., West Springfield.

Wistariahurst Museum: “Victory Theatre WPA Murals” exhibition, through March 2024. Permanent exhibit: Gardens and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk. Carriage House and gift shop open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.2 p.m. For information about house tours, group tours and upcoming events, visit wistariahurst.org. $7 Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 youth (under 18); free museum members, active military & family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke, wistariahurst.org.

Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center will be open to the public on Thu., Fri., Sun.

and Mon. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Shabbos (Saturday) and Jewish and legal holidays. $8 adults, $6 seniors, free for members, students and children. 1021 West St., Amherst, yiddish bookcenter.org.

Galleries

A.P.E. Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Tues.-Thu., noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. “Dress” exhibition by Suzanne Wright, through April 23, reception April 14, 5-8 p.m., part of Arts Night Out. 126 Main St., Northampton, apearts. org.

Agawam Public Library: Friends of the Agawam Public Library photography show, virtually through May. To view the images, visit agawamlibrary.org. 750 Cooper St., Agawam.

Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Tues.Fri., 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First floor of building 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield, 413-755-5258.

Chicopee Main Library: NAMI Western Massachusetts 12th annual Art and Poetry Show, through April 29. The show will feature art and poetry works for sale to the public, with proceeds going to the artists. Complimentary refreshments will be served and all are welcome. The exhibit runs through the end of April. The show provides an important opportunity to educate the public about the lives, abilities, and creativity of individuals in the Western Mass. community with mental health conditions. Free, namiwm.org/events. 449 Front St., Chicopee, 413-5941800.

Cooper’s Common: Historical art exhibit presented by the Agawam Community Artists and Artisans, through May. 159 Main St., Agawam.

Forbes Library: “Monoprint Collage: New one of a kind works,” through April 29, featuring works from Betsy Feick, Kate Jenkins, Lynn Peterfreund and Rich Turnbull. 20 West St., Northampton, forbeslibrary.org.

Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Becoming Form” by Karen Iglehart, today-April 29, reception today, 5-7 p.m.; Art Forum online, April 20, 7:30 p.m. Register at gallerya3.com. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-2564250.

Hope and Feathers Framing and Gallery: “A Distant Horizon” original paintings by Holly Tomlinson, through April 30, reception today, 5-7 p.m. Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 319 Main St., Amherst, hopeandfeathersframing.com.

Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Sat., noon-4 p.m., or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard, 413-5433321.

J. H. Miller Custom Framing and Gallery: Featuring the works of local artists. Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Thu., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 86 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-732-9128.

Jasper Rand Art Museum: Permanent exhibit. Mon.-Thu., 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 6 Elm St., Westfield, westath.org.

Old Town Hall: “Brushstrokes” by Jessica Bernardara. through April 8. 43 Main St., Easthampton.

Pulp Art + Object: Typewrite-based work by Frederique Q.R. Zacharia, through April 30. The artwork is in the front room. “Rocks, Squids, Clouds, and Other Beings” works by Ashley Eliza Williams, through April 30. 80 Race St., Holyoke.

Sunnyside Road Gallery: Featuring the work of Carolyn Avery. Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by calling 413-569-0384. 52 Sunnyside Road, Southwick.

Trinity United Methodist Church: Paintings by Chuck Morkin, through April 30. Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thu., 4-7 p.m. and other times by appointment, 413218-7391. In the Trinity Community Gallery. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield.

Outdoors

Great Falls Discovery Center: “Crossroads Exhibit-Life is: An Exploration of Being Through the Eyes of Local Young People,” through April 26. Hours: Tues., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kidleidoscope Story Hour: Fri., “Frogs”; April 14, “Chipmunks”; April 21, “Beavers”; April 28, “Trees,” 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Program includes a story, activities, and a craft. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. Nice and Easy Walks: Fri., April 14, 21, 28 1 - 2 p.m. An easy paced, 1-2 mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail trail or downtown Turners falls, geared for seniors but open to all ages. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy boots. Meet

outside the main entrance. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, greatfallsma.org.

Natural Bridge State Park: Visitors Center exhibits daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round; explore the park story through displays, artifacts and scavenger hunts. $2 parking fee; programs are free. 107 McAuley Road, North Adams

The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center: Open for the season Sat.-Sun. through May 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Open during school vacation week for MA and CT students, April 10-14, April 17-21. For more information, visit forestparkzoo. org. $12 adults; $8 seniors (62+); $6 children 1-12. City of Springfield charges a daily parking fee of $3 per in-state car, $5 per out-of-state car, cash only. Bushes and larger vehicles are $15 per vehicle. Sumner Avenue, Springfield, forestparkzoo.org.

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 011021329, emailed to pmastriano@ repub.com or submitted to www. masslive.com/myevent

Nightclubs

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House Boys Cajun Band and Zydegroove. 289 Main St., Greenfield

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

The Drake: Open Mic. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst

WEDNESDAY

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

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

include Chicken Francaise, Jager Schnitzel, and Baked Haddock. Polish specialties such as golumpki and pierogies will also be served, as will chef-carved ham and roast leg of lamb.

Reservations are requested for both dining options and can be made by calling 413-5948788.

Side dishes

• When it comes to tipping in full service restaurants, the traditional 15% tip is a thing of the past, according to data released last month by Toast, a Boston-based company that specializes in restaurant pointof-sale software.

On a state-by-state basis the average tip left ranged from 21.8% in Delaware to 17.5% in California, with Massachusetts ranking 28th with an average tipping rate of 19.4%.

Many restaurant bloggers now assert that 20% is the “new 15%” as far as tipping is concerned, and increasingly the mandatory tip added to bills for large parties or function-style events is 20% or more.

Better-than-average service in a restaurant, tipping advocates suggest, now “requires” that a 25% tip be left.

• The Still Bar & Grill in Agawam has updated its $24 Four Course Meal menu, which now features 10 different entree options around which the prix-fixe deal can be built.

Main course choices include Chicken Parmesan, Shrimp Scampi, Meatloaf, and Penne Bolognese. Appetizer, salad or soup, and a choice from among three dessert possibilities are also included.

The deal is available Mondays only after 4 p.m.

On Wednesdays, as long as the supply the kitchen has prepared lasts, the restaurant is currently serving Prime Rib with a baked potato and honey-glazed carrots at a special $15 price.

The Still Bar & Grill answers at 413-304-2795.

• Wendy’s, the No. 2

hamburger chain, introduced three new menu items in late March.

These included a Grilled Chicken Cobb salad garnished with grilled, diced chicken, bacon, tomato, diced egg, and crispy fried onions; a Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap filled with chicken, cheddar cheese, and fresh romaine lettuce; and Blueberry Pomegranate Lemonade.

The new items will be on the menu at participating locations for an unspecified period this spring.

• On April 21, the 1761 Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster will be hosting Brickroad Productions of Monson in a dinner-theater performance of “The Mountain Moonshine Mystery.”

A hillbilly-themed tale of murder and mayhem written by Brent Northup, the murder mystery is part of buffet dinner and show evening that begins at 7 p.m. Members of the audience are encouraged to join in and help solve the crime.

Tickets are $45 and a cash bar will be available.

To reserve seats, call 978874-5941.

• After a nine-month market test, KFC has rolled out its new chicken nuggets on a nationwide basis.

The all-white-meat nuggets are hand-breaded and seasoned with the brand’s signature 11 herbs and spices. They are being offered in four different portion sizes and also as part of a Nuggets Combo meal.

To make room for the Nuggets, KFC has removed several items from its menu, including Popcorn Chicken.

To showcase the new Chicken Nuggets, the chain is additionally bringing back, for a limited time only, its $5 Mac & Cheese Bowl.

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.