Weekend - March 14, 2024

Hayley M. Dunn

St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke

Welcome home to Holyoke

ON BEHALF OF THE

St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, welcome to “Homecoming Weekend” — a beloved tradition for 71 years. Stepping into the role of president has been a tremendous honor. It has allowed me to contribute to a legacy that brings immeasurable joy to our community each year. The dedication of my fellow committee members who plan and promote the parade and all our associated events is a true labor of love, and for that, they have my deepest gratitude.

This weekend’s festivities are also a testament to the unwavering support of our regional committees and generous sponsors. While the parade marches down the streets of Holyoke, it showcases the best of Western Massachusetts, making it a regional event in the truest sense. We are proud of the positive cultural and economic impact these events have on the region.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Mayor Garcia and his office, the valiant men and women of the Police and Fire Departments, the Department of Public Works, and other public officials and departments. Their tireless efforts ensure a

Holyoke invites all to enjoy ‘Green Season’

IT’S GREEN SEASON IN Holyoke … time to get your Irish up!

Since 1952, thanks to the wonderful efforts of our St. Patrick’s Committee, Holyoke has given a warm embrace to its Irish roots with ceremonies, pageantry, distinguished guests, dances, dinners, a legendary parade, and the selection of a Grand Colleen.

Though we are famous for our ethnic and cultural diversity, we’re all Irish during Green Season. Throughout the year in Holyoke, we celebrate and affirm the city’s many nationalities and traditions — an uplifting

demonstration that diversity need not divide. In Holyoke, diversity unites.

First-time visitors and longtime residents are in for a great time. If you haven’t witnessed the St. Patrick’s

Though we are famous for our ethnic and cultural diversity, we’re all Irish during Green Season.

ST. PATRICK’S 2024

Day Parade, get ready for a whole, new experience. It’s like a homecoming parade with hundreds of thousands of fans. In a word: Epic. Events leading up to the parade are many and varied: The Battle of the Bars, Dobbin’s Tartan Party, awards ceremonies, and The Coronation Ball. The St. Patrick’s

MORE INSIDE: 2024 St. Patrick’s Parade line of march, Page E12

2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Colleen Elizabeth Gourde and her court at the 68th annual Grand Colleen Coronation Ball and Awards Recognition Reception in Holyoke on Feb. 17.

Leading the St. Pat’s parade

By K eith O ’C onnor

Special to The Republican

It is the first float to pass by excited onlookers along the streets of Holyoke every year during the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, set for Sunday.

This year’s Holyoke St. Pat-

rick’s Parade Grand Colleen float will be transporting five Irish lassies led by 2024 Grand Colleen Elizabeth Katherine Gourde and her court Natalie Belle Morris, Hunter Rose Edwards, Taryn Shaylene Ryan, and Amelia Frances George who is Miss

Congeniality. Selecting a colleen to oversee the parade is a longtime tradition that began in 1955 by a ballot that was published in the Holyoke TranscriptTelegram newspaper. It became a full-fledged

Day Road Race is another enormous draw. Runners from 32 states and nations overseas swarm to what has become a “destination 10K.”

Look behind the scenes and you’ll see the unsung heroes who make it all happen. The all-volunteer St. Patrick’s Committee meets year-round to ensure that each edition of celebration is better than the year before. Also essential are the contributions of the Department of Public Works, the Police

and Fire Departments, the Auxiliary Police, Holyoke Gas & Electric, the Water Department, Holyoke Medical Center, and the Massachusetts State Police. Scouts, Cubs and clubs also pitch in to complete the full-court press.

While you’re in town, visit our restaurants and shops. Check out our historic canals and the old mill buildings that have been newly repurposed. We’re proud of our city and we wish you a wonderful visit.

Oh … don’t forget to wear green.

Joshua A. Garcia is the mayor of the City of Holyoke.

Thursday, April 11, 2024, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

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.

25

Joshua A. Garcia Holyoke Mayor

HOLYOKE

From left to right are Colleens Amelia George and Taryn Ryan, Grand Colleen Elizabeth Katherine Gourde, and Colleens Hunter Edwards and Natalie Morris. (ED COHEN PHOTO)

Mike Gorman, longtime commentator for the Boston Celtics, is this year’s recipient of the John F. Kennedy National Award.

2024 award recipients will proudly wear their green

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

An Emmy award winner who has served as the play-byplay commentator for the Boston Celtics for 43 years, and a longtime educator and member of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Holyoke, 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 annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday.

2024

Basketball Hall-of-Famer Mike Gorman is the 65th recipient of the John F. Kennedy National Award, presented annually to an American of Irish descent who has distinguished themselves in their chosen field.

“Mike’s professional accomplishments, which include his service to our country, exemplify the criteria the Committee seeks in honoring an American of Irish descent in the spirit of President

It’s a time to reconnect with old friends, make new ones and celebrate our heritage and community.

Dunn

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E3

safe and successful weekend for us all.

I am thrilled to celebrate our distinguished 2024 award recipients, who each embody the indomitable Irish spirit. Our grand marshal is Mary Lynch. Her longstanding dedication to the committee, our community and family is notable, and as her niece, I’m proud to march behind her. We warmly welcome

Mike Gorman, our John F. Kennedy National Award recipient, and Dr. Catherine Shannon, our Ambassador Award recipient, to Holyoke. Their personal and professional achievements are inspiring.

We honor Billy Harbilas with the Citizenship Award for his decades-long contributions to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race, the parade’s largest fundraiser. His friendship means the world to us.

Congratulations to our committee award re-

cipients: Stephanie Joyce (Rohan Award), Johnny Driscoll (O’Connell Award), and Susie Howard (Gallivan Award). Marching with them, whom I am fortunate to call friends, will be a highlight of mine this parade.

Finally, congratulations to our Grand Colleen, Elizabeth Gourde and her Court — Natalie Morris, Hunter Edwards, Taryn Ryan and Amelia George. I hope they enjoy this journey of camaraderie and community.

Whether you are running the famed Holyoke St. Pat-

rick’s Road Race, cheering on the runners from the region’s biggest and best block-party in downtown Holyoke, marching in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, or watching from the sidelines or through our media partner, WWLP, I look forward to seeing you this Homecoming Weekend. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends, make new ones and celebrate our heritage and community.

There truly is no better place to be than in Holyoke on St. Patrick’s Day!

Debra Allen, of Easthampton, gives a thumbs up to the marching units at the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade on March 19, 2023. (HOANG 'LEON' NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Ready to step off for 47th St. Patrick’s Road Race

By K eith O ’C onnor

Special to The Republican Ready. Get set. Go.

With those words, more than 7,000 racers are expected to step off on a 6.2-mile jaunt throughout Holyoke as part of the 47th annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s 10K Road Race on Saturday.

The race, one of the most challenging in the region, offers a dual opportunity for all levels of runners to participate in a 10K run or for others to opt for a 2-mile stroll with family and friends through the streets of Holyoke in what officials call “the area’s most beloved homecoming weekend.”

“It really is a homecoming for people who come back to western Massachusetts for parade weekend to enjoy and participate in all the activities leading up to Parade Day, especially the block party that is held downtown as part of Race Day,” said former George E. O’Connell Award winner and race coordinator Brian Donoghue.

“Come for the race and stay for the block party lining the downtown streets with food and drink vendors as well as other exhibitors selling a variety of things from services to plenty of trinkets and toys for the kids,” he added.

The race starts at 1 p.m. at the beginning of Maple Street. The 2-mile walk begins immediately after the runners depart. Walkers will travel to the first mile marker and the course will circle back on Maple Street and finish at Dwight and Maple streets. For those who want to cheer on the runners as they make their way throughout different sections of Holyoke, a map of the road race can be found online at holyoke stpatricksroadrace.org/ general-info and embedded in this story.

Prizes in the men’s and women’s categories are $1,000 for first place, $650

First

Last

for second place, $450 for third place, and $250 for fourth place. Michael Norberg, of Amherst, placed first for the men at 30.50.16 and Jenna Gigliotti, of Amherst, placed first for the women at 35.28.89 in last year’s race.

“Participants usually

come from about 40 states throughout the country and we have had international winners from Kenya, Ireland and Morocco,” Donoghue said.

“The average run time for most is about one hour and

From the South: Take Exit 16, bear left at bottom of ramp, at stop sign cross-over and take left up Cherry St.,take left at set of lights onto Homestead Ave., proceed to HCC.

Above, a map above shows the route for the 47th Holyoke St. Patrick’s 10K Road Race and shuttle bus locations. At left, runners wear their luck of the Irish socks during a past Road Race. (SCREENSHOT / HOLYOKESTPATRICKSROADRACE.ORG; THE REPUBLICAN FILE

Holyoke

contest by 1963 with hopefuls competing at the War Memorial.

“The Grand Colleen and her Court are a very important part of the parade each year. Young girls look up to them and can’t wait to see them go down the street on their beautiful float,” said Kathryn Dulchinos, colleen coordinator and overall “mom” to the girls.

“It is a real fairytale experience for them. All five are amazing young ladies ... very impressive and extremely intelligent ... with full resumes that boast community service, academic achievement as honor roll students, and participation in athletics,” she added.

2024 Grand Colleen Elizabeth Katherine Gourde is a resident of Holyoke whose family roots trace back to ancestors hailing from the picturesque counties of Sligo and Cork.

She is “proud” of her city and her Irish heritage.

“My parents have a Postcard History Series book on Holyoke. It tells the story of this great city of ours being built along with images of the Irish who came here to help in the effort to create factories and canals and so much more. I’m proud of the Irish for this labor of love and their hard work alongside others that

“It is a real fairytale experience for them. All five are amazing young ladies ... very impressive and extremely intelligent.”

Kathryn Dulchinos, Holyoke colleen coordinator

resulted in creating a vibrant city,” Gourde said.

A graduate of Pope Francis Preparatory School in 2019, Gourde consistently earned a place on the honor roll and was inducted into the Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society. Her academic achievements continued at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, where she excelled academically, graduating in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a concentration in writing. Throughout her college career, Gourde was the co-editor in chief and writer for the BLOOM Literary Magazine. She also had an internship with the Elms Alumni Magazine and pioneered a two-week writing workshop in poetry and prose at the Care Center in Holyoke. She also worked with Sister Jane Morrissey at Homework House in Holyoke.

A recipient of several awards, she earned the Mary Connors Viamari Award in 2020, the Thomas and Mary Smith Fitzgerald Endowed Scholarship the following year, and the Dorothy Fitzgibbon Award for “Outstanding Poetry or Prose” in 2022.

Gourde’s commitment to service extends beyond

academia. In January 2023, she volunteered to rebuild homes with the Saint Bernard Project in Puerto Rico, later traveling to El Paso, Texas, for a service trip, where she cooked and cleaned in a refugee shelter, gaining firsthand knowledge of the border crisis.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and serves in part my drive to travel and see more things, but more so to get to know people of other cultural backgrounds, and I was lucky to be welcomed in by them,” she said about the service trips organized through Elms College.

Currently working as a service appointment coordinator for Gary Rome Hyundai,

Gourde has her sights set on further academic pursuits. She is applying to Boston University with the aspiration of earning a master of arts degree in either prose or poetry. Her long-term dreams include working for a publishing company or in the film industry, recognizing storytelling as an essential part of her identity. Ultimately, Gourde envisions receiving her doctorate and fulfilling her passion for literature and education as an English professor.

As part of the several gifts given to the Grand Colleen every year, Gourde will be traveling to Ireland.

“I have never been to Ireland, only to Canada and Puerto Rico, never far across the sea. I’ll be bringing my mom along on the trip. She is the Irish side of my blood and I wouldn’t have the confidence to be the woman I am today without her. She is my hero,” Gourde said. Gourde and her court will be

riding aboard a float designed by Liliana Nofal, a fifth grade student at Holyoke’s Blessed Sacrament Church, and constructed under the direction of William Quesnal, who chairs the parade’s Float Committee, along with a dedicated crew of volunteers.

“I wanted to keep all the attention on the colleen and her court with a design that was simple and more about them with flowers surrounding the top of the float. I was so proud and happy to be able to do it,” she said about participating in the 2024 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Colleen Float Design Concept Contest, which began nine years ago to involve local students in the parade process.

As this year’s winner, Nofal received a $100 scholarship, framed copy of her design, and the opportunity to ride in the float’s tow vehicle, which she looks forward to doing.

‘Great pride’ in marching for Springfield contingent

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

It is not just about Holyoke, but the many surrounding communities who are also represented in the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, including Springfield and its surrounding towns — East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Hampden, Ludlow and Wilbraham — organized by the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.

The Springfield contingent begins with Springfield Parade Marshal Stephen McGirr.

Since 1990, serving as a coordinator for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, he has helped guide the Springfield contingent along the parade route, but this year he will actually be leading the contingent.

“I was very surprised, excited and proud to be honored. I never expected it and it is something I will never forget,” McGirr said about becoming marshal.

This year’s Colleen Emma Feeley and her court, Hannah Ailis Willetts, Bridget Mary Laviolette, Caitlin Grace Dowd, and Madelyn Johnson, were selected by a panel of judges during the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Colleen Coronation and Awards Presentation Ball early in February.

“I have great pride in my Irish heritage and being colleen is a great way to show my pride and to be a role model for younger members of the Irish community. On parade day I am looking forward to seeing friends and family along the parade route,” Feeley said.

Additional award recipients honored at the ball were Maureen Olds, who received the Paul G. Caron Award, presented in memory of the founder of the Springfield Colleen Contest to a past or

Chicopee contingent ready to celebrate Irish tradition

“I have great pride in my Irish heritage and being colleen is a great way to show my pride and to be a role model for younger members of the Irish community.”

Emma Feeley, 2024 Springfield Colleen

present committee member or someone who has contributed greatly to the Greater Springfield community; Bridget Barcomb for the John and Agnes Burke Award, presented in memory of the couple for their lifelong commitment and support to their Irish heritage and presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the Irish people of the City of Springfield; and the Mary B. Troy Award to Iron Duke Brewing, given to a person or business that is not a member of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee that has given outstanding service to the committee.

“This is one of the city’s longest-running traditions to hon-

or the Irish community and it is always a fun event with Irish music, dancing and cultural traditions being passed down and preserved. Saturday’s ceremony was a beautiful event with so much to be proud of,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.

This year’s Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee float, which carries the colleen and her court, is called “Aran Go Bragh,” a twist to the popular saying “Erin Go Bragh” which means “Ireland forever.”

“Aran Go Bragh” is a reference to the famous Irish sweaters worn by so many on St. Patrick’s Day.

“The float was conceived as a way to pay tribute to the popular sweaters and to the great Irish tradition of knitting from the sheep that produce the fleece to the spinning wheel where it is spun into wool beside a warm fireplace,” said Kerri F. Sullivan, vice president of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, about the sweater that takes its name from the Aran Islands where it originated.

“We are grateful to the students at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy under the guidance of the school’s carpentry instructor

By C ori U rban Special to The Republican

The Chicopee Comprehensive High School Band — recipient of the William H. Burns Memorial Award in 2023 for Best High School Marching Band in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade — will be marching in the famous parade again this year. The band will be joined by

a large Chicopee contingent that is to include cheerleading squads and marching bands from Chicopee High and Chicopee Comprehensive high schools, members of the fire and police departments, Chicopee elected officials, the Parade Committee president, award recipients, committee members and the colleen and court. Local businesses and nonprofits to be represented will include WWLP-22 News and The CW, Chicopee Electric, Moose Family Center,

ST. PATRICK’S 2024

Sitting is 2024 Springfield Colleen Emma Feeley and surrounding her, left to right, are court members Hannah Ailis Willetts, Caitlin Grace Dowd, Bridget Mary Laviolette and Madelyn Johnson.

Kinamarie Ayala, center, 2024 Chicopee Colleen, poses with members of her court, from left, Morgan Presnal, Madelyn Rice, Giannalee Beach and Lilian Young at the Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee’s Irish Night on March 8 at the Portuguese American Club in Chicopee. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)

ST. PATRICK’S 2024

Springfield

Dave Stevens, who brought the concept to life. It will feature the colleen sitting on a throne built into a giant ball of yarn with giant knitting needs,” she added, noting Aran sweaters will be the apparel of choice on the float.

Additional floats in the Springfield Division include the John Boyle O’Reilly Club’s “The Seisiun” alongside the club’s color guard and other marchers, and Springfield Lodge of Elks #61 accompa-

Race

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the fastest-ever runner came in at 28 minutes with the women’s record being 32 minutes. As for the longest, let’s just say we have some runners come in well after we have shut down the finish line,” he added.

Fees for the 10K race are

nied by members.

“Seisiun is how session is spelled in Gaelic and refers to when people get together and play Irish music. The club has a weekly session where this happens and the float is a tribute to them,” Sullivan said.

“The Elks’ float is called ‘Grace O’Malley, Pirate Queen,’ in tribute to Ireland’s famous female pirate,” she added.

Other individuals and organizations in the Springfield line of march include Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance, Libertas Academy Charter School of Springfield, West-

$40 all ages or $30 for the 2-mile walk. Walkers and runners also receive a T-shirt as part of their entrance fee. And so that no one feels left out, there is a free Kid’s Fun Run at 11 a.m. with no registration needed. Lineup begins at 10:45 a.m. at the intersection of Hampden and Walnut streets for boys and girls who will be divided into ages groups 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, and

ern Mass News, Springfield Thunderbirds and mascot Boomer, Claddagh School of Dance, Springfield Youth Cheerleading, PeoplesBank, and the majestic Mountain View Clydesdales, followed, of course, by JR Sweeping Services, as well as members of the Springfield City Council and School Committee, Springfield state senators and representatives, and members of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee. Additional marchers include Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood, Springfield Police

8-10.

Given the limited on-street parking in the downtown area, a free shuttle service is available from Holyoke Community College and will drop runners and observers to the race’s starting area. The shuttle runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional race information can be found online at holy okestpatricksroadrace.org.

Department Honor Guard and Marching Unit, Springfield Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi and the Fire Department’s Marching Unit. For extra fun, there will be a juggler and hula hooper, and the sounds of the Hot Tamales and Manchester Pipe Band.

The City of Springfield sends the largest contingent to the

Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. In 1962, a small group of Irishmen wishing to promote their love for their Irish heritage formed the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee. Among those instrumental in its formation were the late U.S. Rep. Edward P. Boland and the late Springfield Newspapers reporter Frank B. Murray.

Dome.

Agawam contingent will have fun no matter the weather

By C ori U rban

Special to The Republican

“We have fun no matter what the weather because the people on the parade route give us energy,” said Doug Reed, past president of the Agawam committee for the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.

Nonetheless, the current president, Abaigeal G. Malouin, is hoping for “beautiful weather” on parade day, March 17. “We are excited no matter what the weather is,” she said. “It’s a great day to be Irish!”

The 71st Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade will feature bands, floats, elected officials, firetrucks and fun as it makes its way through the city.

The Agawam contingent will include elected officials, award winners, committee members and — riding in a horse-drawn carriage — the colleen and her court.

This year’s award winners are parade marshal, Frank Benson; Anne Sullivan Award recipient,

Northampton, Easthampton contingents ready to make St. Patrick’s Parade memories

By C ori U rban Special to The Republican

“The warmth and joy you feel while marching down the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade route is unmatched,” said Erin E. Cahillane, Northampton’s St. Patrick’s Association president.

“There is nothing better than being with your people as you walk down the streets of Holyoke and are greeted by people who are happy to see you and are thankful for all that the Holyoke Parade Committee and

Abaigeal Malouin; and Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award recipient, Anthony Russo.

“Getting to experience this event and giving back to our community is so important for us,” said Malouin, a former court member and director. The energy of the colleen and court “is so contagious.”

Members of the Agawam contingent begin planning for the next parade after the first monthly meeting after a parade. “It is by far the biggest event for us, and the preparation is spread out across the year so it is not overwhelming,” Reed said.

He is hoping there will be “nice weather and a big crowd” for this year’s event.

The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade has been designated a Local Legacy by the Library of Congress.

Malouin encourages people to join in the Agawam committee’s activities, and said, “We are always welcoming new people to join us for all the fun.”

For more information about the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Sons of Erin is all about community

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

The sounds of the Westfield High School Band followed by an American Legion color guard will begin the Westfield contingent’s line of march at this year’s Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday.

For more than four decades, the Sons of Erin — founded in 1979 and dedicated to the preservation of Irish heritage — through its St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has assembled a robust group of marchers, vehicles and floats to represent the City of Westfield in Holyoke’s grand parade of everything Irish.

“We are an Irish organiza-

tion and all about the community, so it is fitting that the Sons of Erin has participated in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade every year since our founding. It’s also a way to shine the spotlight on the Sons of Erin for those who don’t know about us,” said committee member Karen Casey.

Kellie Brown will be leading the Westfield contingent as parade marshal.

“It is one of the highest honors I have ever received, and I am humbled and still in awe of being chosen. I am very much looking forward to leading the City of Westfield at the parade on St. Patrick’s Day,” Brown said.

Chief operating officer at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield for the past 24 years, Brown is past

president of the Kiwanis Club of Westfield and is an active parishioner of St. Peter & St. Casimir Parish in Westfield where she serves as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and a member of the Finance Council.

Additional 2024 award recipients include Michael Conroy, a charter member of the Sons of Erin, who has received the Billy Buzzee “St. Pat on the Back” Award; Michael “Mac” McMahon, one of the founders of the Sons of Erin, who is the Thomas M. Kane Irishman of the Year; and Theresa Jessen Fitzgerald, who is the Dorothy B. Griffin Irish Woman of the Year.

Irish eyes will be smiling on the 2024 Westfield Colleen Sydney Helen Drugan and

2024 Agawam colleen Rachel Sills and her court: Gianna Smith, Sabrina McBride and Destiny Bullock. (PHOTO COURTESY AGAWAM PARADE COMMITTEE / FACEBOOK)

ST. PATRICK’S 2024

The 2024 Westfield colleen and her court are, from left, Grace Hanna, Kaitlyn Jones, colleen Sydney Helen Drugan, Riley McDonnell and Brie Kelly-Barrett. (MARC ST. ONGE / THE WESTFIELD NEWS)

Chicopee

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local Boy Scout troops and the Chicopee Braves football team and cheerleaders.

The contingent will have a float with an Irish theme.

“Chicopee is home to people of many different nationalities, including Irish. For those folks, there are traditions that have been carried down through the generations, albeit through their faith, holiday celebrations, food and music,” said Mary O’Brien Rodowicz, recipient of the Woods Award, given each year to a long-standing committee member for exemplary service.

“But everyone, regardless of ancestry, is welcome to share those traditions with us. Many travel to Ireland because it is such a beautiful country to visit. There is renewed interest in studying the Irish language. And in March, we all come together to celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick!”

The committee president is Meghan Balakier, who is responsible for overseeing a number of events leading up to Chicopee’s participation in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.

This year’s parade marshal is the Rev. William Tourigny, a priest of the Diocese of Springfield who has served in Chicopee.

The Atkinson Award recipient — given to a person or persons who are non-committee members and who have supported the committee through hard work, sponsorship or other contributions — is Bernardino’s Bakery.

“As we march through the streets of Holyoke, we frequently see Chicopee supporters along the way. Many even bear signs and shout greetings! Those welcoming cheers mean a great deal to us,” said Rodowicz, co-chair of the Publicity Committee. “And likewise, we hope they enjoy all the variety in our contingent — the music, the pageantry of the colleen float and the enthusiasm of our Scouts and youth groups. Seeing the marchers go by will hopefully bring back fond memories of past parades and days gone by for the loyal spectators.”

South Hadley to honor prisoners of war

By C ori U rban Special to

The Republican Members of the South Hadley St. Patrick’s Parade Committee are planning a World War II prisoners of war/missing in action theme for their float in this year’s Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. Eight POWs and MIA servicemen from South Hadley will be honored. To accomplish this, the committee is partnering with American Legion 260 in South Hadley, which is helping to provide information about the servicemen.

“Paradegoers like to see both new things that are part of the parade, along with many of the same traditions,” said Jacqueline L. Reardon, St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke liaison to South Hadley.

Westfield

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her court, including Katelyn Olivia Jones, Riley Jane McDonnell, Brie Simone Kelly-Barrett, and Grace Sophie Hanna.

The Westfield Sons of Erin colleen float will depict the popular children’s song, “The Unicorn,” made popular by The Irish Rovers. It features the colleen and her court seated “on the doc of the bay” with Noah welcoming the green alligators and long-neck geese and some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees, some cats and rats and elephants onto the floating zoo. But, sadly, the unicorn realizes too late and is left behind.

“We built the float ourselves,” Casey said.

Also in the line of march will be Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe alongside city officials and offices including the Westfield police and fire departments, as well as State Sen. John Velis and State Rep. Kelly Pease. Also, the

“Paradegoers like to see both new things that are part of the parade, along with many of the same traditions.”

Jacqueline L. Reardon, St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke liaison to South Hadley

Among the others in the parade will be the 2024 South Hadley marshal, members of the American Legion, South Hadley School Committee members and South Hadley select board members, as well as the South Hadley High School band, Fire Districts #1 and #2, and town administrator Lisa Wong.

The parade traditionally takes place every year on the Sunday following St. Patrick’s Day. This year the parade will be on St. Patrick’s Day itself, March 17.

The parade is 2.65 miles long and can take up to three hours to pass by any one

Sons of Erin have their own marching unit including the Women’s Auxiliary. Still others include St. Mary’s Parish School along with a float “Celebrating 125 Years of Catholic Education” honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph, Westfield High School Western Mass Champion ice hockey team, Westfield Starfires, and Blandford/ Chester officials, Huntington Fire Department and Granville Police and Fire Departments. Helping to move the units along will be the lively sounds of Warehouse Point Fife & Drum and the Connecticut Hurricanes bands.

“It’s a lot of fun working together as a committee and making sure the Sons of Erin and Westfield are well represented in the parade. Over the years, we have also made long-lasting friends with committee members from other town contingents,” Casey said, recognizing her committee’s other three members — Susie Howard, Barb Rogers and Maura Hurley.

Weekend’ a great event,” Reardon said. “There is an increase in revenue for the Western Mass. area because many families come home to celebrate their Irish heritage.”

spot along the route that runs north on Northampton Street to Beech Street; east on Beech Street to Appleton Street; southeast on Appleton Street to High Street; north on High Street to Hampden Street. It’s important for the people of South Hadley to support their Holyoke neighbors by participating in the St. Patrick’s Parade because “our participation helps make ‘Homecoming

Colleens, music, floats and a large attendance, make for a fun time at the parade, she added.

Not everyone involved with the parade marches, however.

“I work on the reviewing stand which is on High Street where all the award recipients gather along with the 2024 Grand Colleen and court. Planning is ongoing all year,” she said.

To volunteer with the contingent or for more information, contact Jacki Reardon at jr080645@comcast.net.

ST. PATRICK’S 2024

Line of March

2024

By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Sunday this year, the 71st Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade is shaping up to be a special one. The 2.65-mile route will step off from the Kmart Plaza parking lot on Northampton Street at 11:10 a.m. and head toward Hampden Street via Beech, Appleton, and High streets.

ST.

This year’s grand marshal is Mary M. Lynch. She will be accompanied by parade president Hayley Feyre Dunn and chief-of-staff Jennifer Morrison.

Entertainment this year includes the Magic Soul Drum Line from Hartford, the Worcester Sound Military Band and the Fralinger String Band from Philadelphia, among others.

For more information, visit the parade’s website at holy okestpatricksparade.com or Facebook.com/HolyokeParade. The parade’s Instagram page can be found at “holyokestpatricksparade”, and the hashtag for posting to social media is #Parade413.

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

*Note: Performances and special floats are denoted in bold.

DIVISION AA

HOLYOKE ST. PATRICK’S PARADE COMMITTEE

• Curran Vehicles (Bill Dinn)

• 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

Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band

• Holyoke Police Chief

David Pratt

• Holyoke Police Department Marching Unit

• Retired Holyoke Police

• Massachusetts State Police Vehicles

Tian Guo Marching Band

— Greater New York

• Grand Marshal Mary M. Lynch and family

• Past Grand Marshals

• Past Marshals Float

• St. Patrick’s Parade Chaplin the Rev. Michael J. Twohig

• JFK National Award Win-

ner Mike Gorman

Bushwackers — Princeton, N.J.

• Parade President Hayley Dunn, Frank Dunn and Family

• Rohan Award Winner

Stephanie Joyce and Family

• O’Connell Award Winner

Johnny Driscoll and Family

• Gallivan Award Winner

Susie Howard and Family

• Valet Park Vehicle

Holyoke St. Patrick’s

Parade Committee Grand Colleen; Elizabeth Kather-

ine Gourde & Her Court, “Fields of Ivy” (Music)

• Ambassador Award Winner Catherine B. Shannon

• Attorney General of the Republic of Ireland

• Citizenship Award Winner Billy Harbilas and Family (B-1) 2 Stilt Walkers

Stony Creek Fife and Drum — Brandford, Conn.

• 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

• Knights of Columbus Assembly 4044

DIVISION B

CITY OF HOLYOKE

• Holyoke High School Cheerleaders

• Holyoke High School — Restorative Roots Program & Music Program

Holyoke High School Band

• Sullivan Cheerleading

Above: Rick Rodriguez, of Springfield, is excited for the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 19, 2023. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Chris Daley, Angel Gonzalez and Linda Skibski are all smiles at the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 19, 2023. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

PATRICK’S 2024

March

Squad and Basketball Team

• Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia and Family

• Holyoke City Offices

• Holyoke City Council

• Holyoke School Committee

• MIFA, Volleyball Hall of Fame

• Holyoke Fire Department Color Guard Unit

• Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadlewicz

• Holyoke Fire Department Conklin Float — “Sustainability Meets Style”

• Conklin Marching Unit

• Federal dignitaries

• Congressman Richard E. Neal

• County officials: Register of Probate Rosemary Saccomani, District Attorney Anthony Gulluni

• State Sen. John Velis, State Rep. Patricia Duffy

• National Association of Letter Carriers – Branch 46 (mail truck)

Magic Soul Drum Line — Hartford

• Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi & Marching Unit

• Holyoke/Chicopee Head Start Marching Unit

• Holyoke Community Charter School Cheerleaders

• Holyoke Community Charter School (vehicle)

• Pa’lante Transformative Justice

• Ms. Massachusetts Senior America 2023 Diane Erickson

• Miss Western Massachusetts 2024 Meghan Kalbaugh

• Miss Western Massachusetts’ Teen 2024 Elaina Bergeron

• Miss Bay State 2024 Caroline Holladay Worcester Sound Military Band

• Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts

• Boy Scouts of America Western Massachusetts Council

• Blessed Sacrament School

• Mater Dolorosa School

• Holyoke Youth Baseball

• Mount Tom Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Most Worshipful George Forest Hamilton,

Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts

• Hope for Holyoke

• Holyoke Art Pridefest

“We Are The World” — Jericho

• Jericho Marching Unit

• Marcotte Ford Vehicle

• Holyoke Gas & Electric Utility Vehicle

Fralinger String Band — Philadelphia, Pa.

• Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Marching Units

• Valet Park Mini Van & Ambulance

• Cassin Academy of Irish Dance

• LAOH 2024 Woman of the Year Patricia Clayton

• AOH 2024 Man of the Year John Gaughan

• AOH Marching Unit

• AOH 2024 Christian Charity Award winner James Kelly

• Irish Flag Travel Float

AOH Dancers

• Gary Rome Hyundai Vehicles

Caballos De Paso — Gaited Horses

• JR. Sweeping Services LLC.

DIVISION C

MILITARY

Great American Marching Band — East Windsor, Conn.

• Veterans’ Home in Holy-

Department

• Easthampton Mayor –Nicole LaChapelle

• Easthampton City Officials and City Council

• Easthampton School Committee

• Easthampton High School

— We The People

Brooklyn United Drumline — Brooklyn, N.Y.

• South Hadley St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Banner

Sign

• South Hadley Parade Marshal Douglas Percy and Family

• State Sen. Jake Oliveira

• South Hadley Town Administrator Lisa Wong

• South Hadley Selectboard and School Committee

South Hadley High School Band

• South Hadley American Legion Honor Guard

South Hadley Float — “WWII, POW/MIA”

• South Hadley Fire District

# 1 Chief Tom Stark

• South Hadley Fire District

#2 Chief Todd Calkins

Windy Hill Stable Horses

oke

• Westover USO

• Disabled American Veterans #11, #41 & #68

• 82nd Airborne Division Association

• American Red Cross Sailing Masters of 1812 — Glastonbury, Conn.

DIVISION D

EASTHAMPTON/ SOUTH HADLEY

• Easthampton Parade Marshal Robin Bialecki

• Gallagher-Walker Award Winner Meg Brzezinski

• Shamrock Award Winner Nini’s Restaurant

• Easthampton Past Marshals

• State Rep. Dan Carey

• Greater Easthampton Parade Committee

Duffy Academy Ceili Cottage

• Duffy School of Irish Dance

• Easthampton Police Color Guar

• Police Chief Bob Alberti and the Easthampton Police Department

• Fire Chief Christopher Norris and Easthampton Fire

Wing Dancer & Hula

Hooper

Fusion Core Drum & Bugle — Morris County, N.J.

DIVISION E

NORTHAMPTON/AMHERST

• Northampton Banner

• Northampton Parade

Marshal Ken O’Brien

• Past Marshals

• James Brennan Award

Recipient Meggan Gilboy

Polish American String Band —Philadelphia, Pa.

• William F. O’Connor

Shanachie Award Winner Matan Ryan, Northampton High School

• James Diggin Award Winner Alex Sirois, Northampton High School

• Northampton City Councilors

• Northampton St. Patrick’s Association Banner

• St. Patrick Bill Metzger

• Northampton St. Patrick’s Association Members

Molly, The Irish Trolley

• Look Park jeep

• Vintage police cruiser

• Hampshire County Sheriff Honor Guard

Above, the Holyoke High School band marches in the 2023 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. At left, Elizabeth Deroy, of Holyoke, carries her daughter, Willow, during last year’s parade. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTOS)

Award

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5

Kennedy. He is a legend in the sports world, especially among the legion of Boston Celtics fans who for over 40 years have depended on his play-by-play voice. Mike’s Irish wit has made him a cherished figure in the sportscasting world, and I’m thrilled we will be honoring him with this award in his farewell season with the Celtics,” said 2024 Parade President Haley M. Dunn.

Gorman grew up in Dorchester and attended Boston State, now known as University of Massachusetts — Boston. A former aviator in the U.S. Navy for five years in the early 1970s, he began his broadcasting career at WNBH in New Bedford and WPRO radio in Providence, Rhode Island. He served as sports director at WPRI-TV in Providence, as the voice of the University of Rhode Island Rams on WPRO, and as television play-by-play announcer for the Providence College Friars and for ESPN’s Big Monday during the 1980s. He has also called the NCAA basketball tournament on CBS, and the NBA Playoffs on TNT. He was a basketball play-by-play announcer for the 2016 Rio Olympics on NBC and previously used his expertise to serve as a tennis correspondent with NBC during the 1992 Olympics alongside veteran announcer Bud Collins. Gorman also covered handball at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. His true passion and claim to broadcasting fame has been his role as the Boston Celtics’ television play-byplay announcer since 1981, a steady and reliable voice documenting some of the most memorable moments of one of the greatest franchises in the history of sports, from the rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Bird and Magic battles in the 1980s to the team’s resurrection in the late-2000s and its dreamedof championship runs of the last few years. He was also there for the lean times, such as the deaths of Len Bias in

1986 and Reggie Lewis in 1993. He currently holds the longest tenure as play-by-play voice for a Boston professional sports franchise. For almost 40 years, right beside him was Tommy Heinsohn, the Hall of Fame player and coach, making them television’s longest-running telecast duo.

A five-time Emmy award winner, Gorman was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004 and the National Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

The 2023-2024 NBA season will be his last after 43 years. In honor of the occasion, Gorman is being honored and celebrated throughout his farewell year by NBC Sports Boston, the Celtics, NBA teams, and fans all over the country.

“It is an honor to be receiving the 2024 John F. Kennedy National Award from the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke. Covering the Boston Celtics has been a privilege. It’s also been a lot of fun. I am extremely proud of my Irish-American heritage. My grandmother came here from Skibbereen where she met my grandfather who came from Dublin. They would be so proud to see me among the stellar list of previous award recipients. I look forward to a wonderful weekend,” Gorman said.

The 71st Grand Marshal of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Mary M. Lynch, who is Professor Emerita from the Education Department at Holyoke Community College.

“Mary’s love of heritage, family, education and community makes her the perfect choice to lead the 71st Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.”

Hayley M. Dunn

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.

“Mary is most deserving of the honor of Grand Marshal. Not only has she served on nearly every subcommittee, but she has held several leadership roles and is instrumental in the overall success of the parade. Her calm and friendly demeanor has welcomed many new members and all look to her guidance each parade weekend. Mary’s love of heritage, family, education and community makes her the perfect choice to lead the 71st Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade,” Dunn said.

A lifelong resident of Holyoke, Lynch is a graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School and Holyoke Community College. She went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Westfield State College.

Lynch became actively involved in the field of education as a substitute teacher in the Holyoke Public Schools and a master teacher in the Laboratory Preschool at Holyoke Community College. It was during this time that the YMCA became an integral part of her professional and public life. In 1985, she implemented “Preschool at the Y,” which served as an educational preschool

program for children ages 3-5 throughout Holyoke and its surrounding communities. She remained as a teaching director at the Y while teaching courses during the evening at Holyoke Community College in their Education Department. Lynch later became an academic support teacher and substitute teacher with the Suffield Public School System and in 1996 became a full-time faculty member in the Education Department at Holyoke Community College, where she remained until her retirement, completing 36 years as an educator.

Active in the Holyoke community over the years, Lynch has been a member of the Holyoke Crosstown Friends Committee and the Board of Directors of the Holyoke Youth Pioneer Valley Soccer Club. She is the 2010 recipient of the

Louis F. Oldershaw Community Service Award by the Greater Holyoke YMCA. Lynch also served on the Board of Directors of the Irish Cultural Center at Elms College. Her long association with the parade began in 1970 as a member of the Grand Colleen’s Court. A member of the St. Patrick’s Committee since 1989, Lynch was elected a member of its Board of Directors and has served on and chaired a number of operating committees. In 1996, she received the Thomas F. Rohan Award.

She and her twin brother, Ray Feyre, have the distinction of being the only set of twins — he led the parade in 2015 — to serve as Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Committee.

Other than the John F. Kennedy National Award recipient and the Grand Marshal, Catherine B. Shannon, Professor Emerita of History at Westfield State University, where she taught courses in Irish, British, Medieval and Women’s History, is recipient of the Ambassador Award. Billy Harbilas has received the Citizenship Award, while Stephanie Joyce is the Thomas F. Rohan Award winner, Johnny Driscoll is the George E. O’Connell Award recipient, and Susie Howard is the Daniel J. Gallivan Award recipient.

2024 Grand Marshal Mary Feyre Lynch, left, and her twin brother Ray Feyre, 2015 Grand Marshal. (FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)

March

• Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane & Marching Unit

• Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Smith Vocational School Float — Early Spring

McGann Marching Band — Gardner, Mass.

• Hampshire County Relay for Life

• UMass Police Department Horses

• Amherst Fire Department Chief Timothy Nelson Full Power Radio Float

DIVISION F

SPRINGFIELD

• Springfield banner

• Springfield Parade Marshal Steve McGirr

• John & Agnes Burke

Award Winner Bridget Barcomb Dupuis

• Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance

• Paul G. Caron Award Winner Maureen Olds

• Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award Winner Iron Duke Brewing

Libertas Academy Charter School

• Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Banner & Marching Unit

Springfield Colleen

Emma Feeley and Her Court — “Aran Go Bragh”

• WMASS News

• Springfield Thunderbirds Foundation

Hot Tamales — Cambridge, Mass.

• John Boyle O’Reilly Club Color Guard

• John Boyle O’Reilly Past Presidents

• John Boyle O’Reilly Club Membership President Thomas Scott

• John Boyle O’Reilly Club Irish Person of the Year George Podmore

John Boyle O’Reilly Club — “The Seisiun”

• John Boyle O’Reilly Club Volunteer of the Year Mike Forys

• Claddagh School of Dance — Irish Step Dancers

• Pope Francis Western

Mass Champion Boys Basketball Team

• Springfield State Sen. Adam Gomez

• Springfield State Rep. Angelo Puppolo

• Springfield City Council

• Springfield School Committee

Manchester Pipe Band — Manchester, Conn.

• Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood

• Springfield Police Department Honor Guard

• Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno

• Springfield Police Marching Unit

• Springfield Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi

• Springfield Fire Department Marching Unit

• Springfield Lodge of Elks # 61 — 2024 Irish Elk of Year

Cindy Miller

• Springfield Lodge of Elks # 61 Officers

Springfield Lodge of Elks #61 Float — “Grace O’Malley, Pirate Queen”

• Stand Out Truck —People’s Bank

Hula Hooper and Juggler

• Springfield Youth Cheerleading

Mountain View Clydesdales

• JR. Sweeping Services LLC.

DIVISION G

WEST SPRINGFIELD

• West Springfield Banner West Springfield High School Band

• West Springfield Parade

Marshal Gary Sheehan

• Ray DiStefano Citizenship Award Winner Dante Club

• Olde Mittineague Award Winner John R Sweeney Insurance Agency

• Jinx Powers Award Winner Karen Demers

• West Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee

West Springfield Colleen Olivia Lyons and Her Court — “Dunbrody”

• West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt

• West Springfield Town Council and School Committee

• West Springfield Police Department Marching Unit –Chief Paul Connor

• West Springfield Fire Department Marching UnitChief C.J. Bartone

• Jack Jonah Foundation Western Massachusetts

Ghostbusters

Aqua String Band — Philadelphia, Pa.

• Irish Cultural Center

• Springfield Rugby Club

DIVISION H

AGAWAM

• Agawam Parade Marshal

Frank Benson

• Agawam Ann Sullivan Award Recipient Abaigeal Malouin

• Agawam Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award Recipient Anthony Russo

• Colleen Escort Vehicle Agawam Colleen Rachel Sills and Her Court — “Mystical Emerald Passage”

• JR. Sweeping Services LLC.

• Agawam Parade Committee Members

• Agawam Town Banner

• State Rep. Nick Boldyga

• Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson

• Agawam City Council

• Agawam School Committee

New York Skyliners Drum & Bugle

• Agawam High School Cheerleaders

• Agawam Fire Department — Chief Sirois

• Agawam Police Department — Chief Eric Gillis

• Dunkin’ Donuts vehicle Worcester Kil Tie

DIVISION I

CHICOPEE

• Chicopee Banner

• Chicopee Marshal Rev. William Tourigny

• St. Joan of Arc School

• Past Parade Marshals

Chicopee Comprehensive High School Marching Band

• Chicopee Parade Committee President Dr. Meghan Balakier

• Jack Woods Award Winner Mary O’Brien Rodowicz

• Atkinson Award Winner

The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade is a joy for all spectators — human and canine alike. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO, FILE)

Bernardino’s Bakery

• Chicopee Parade Committee Members

Chicopee Colleen

Kinamarie Ayala and Her Court — “New Beginnings”

• Chicopee Mayor John Vieau

• Chicopee City Council and Elected Officials

• Chicopee Police Department – Chief Patrick Major

• Chicopee Police Department Marching Unit

• Chicopee Police Canine Unit

Chicopee High School Marching Pacers Band

• Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team

• WWLP-22 News & The CW Springfield (2 vans)

• Chicopee Fire Department – Chief Daniel Stamborski

• Chicopee Fire Department Marching Unit

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

• Chicopee Braves Football and Cheerleaders

• Chicopee Little League

• 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 delima Church

Juggler and Wing Dancer

DIVISION J

WESTFIELD

Westfield High School Marching Band

• American Legion Post

#124 Color Guard

• Westfield Parade Marshal Kellie Brown

• Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe

• Westfield City Officials

• State Sen. John Velis

• State Rep. Kelly Pease

• Thomas M. Kane Irish Man of the Year Mike “Mac” McMahon

• Dorothy Griffin Irish

Woman of the Year Theresa Fitzgerald

Kevon Isa, of Holyoke, all geared up for the 70th St. Patrick’s Parade in 2023. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

• Sons of Erin Marching Unit President Steve Griffin

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

• Billy Buzzee St. Pat on the Back Award Winner Mike Conroy

Sons of Erin Colleen

Sydney Helen Drugan and Court — “The Unicorn”

• Westfield Police Department Chief of Police Jerome Pitoniak

• Westfield Fire Department — Deputy Fire Chiefs

• St. Mary’s Parish Schools — Principal Matthew Collins St. Mary’s High School — “Celebrating 125 Years of Catholic Education” Warehouse Point — Enfield

• Starfires Baseball Team

• Westfield High School Western Mass Champion Ice Hockey Team

• Huntington Fire Department Captain John McVeigh

• Granville Police Department Chief Rick Rindels

• Granville Fire Department Connecticut Hurricanes — Seymour, Conn.

DIVISION K

MELHA SHRINERS

• L.O.S.N.A.

• Rainbow Girls

’Hamp

other regional committees do for this area.”

That contingent will be joined by others in Sunday’s parade, including the Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.

Both will include award winners, elected officials, emergency responders and others.

This year’s Greater Easthampton parade marshal is Robin Bialecki; Northampton parade marshal is Ken O’Brien. Meggan Gilboy is the Northampton 2024 James Brennan Award Winner. The Diggins Award went to Alex Sirois and the O’Connor-Shanachie Award to Matan Ryan.

• Parade Marshal Marcos Babilonia

• Melha Banner Color Guard Legion of Honor

• Illustrious Potentate Jeff Hastings

• Divan, Chief Rabban, Asst. Rabban, and past Potentates

Melha Temple Military Band — Springfield

• 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 Band — Springfield

• Mariners

• Melha riders: Hadji: Dune Buggy, Mustang, Mini-Bikes, Big Rig’s Plus, Rattlers, Model T’s Monster Trucks, Go Karts, Dune Buggy

• Jeeps and trykes

Melha Temple Drum Corps.

• Melha bus

• PVTA electric bus

• Veolia sweepers

“The whole weekend is a marathon, not a sprint, but it’s so much fun and worth being tired for.”

Erin E. Cahillane, Northampton St. Patrick’s Association president

was 2007, the year I was Easthampton parade marshal. The night before the parade we were hit by a nor’easter which dropped two feet of snow. The parade went on thanks to the Holyoke DPW.”

The best year, he added, was when the temperature was recorded at 70 degrees and “close to a half-million people showed up.”

Greater Easthampton’s Gallagher Walker Award winner is Meghan Brzezinski, and the Shamrock winner is Aristide (Johnny) Daniele.

“Every parade year provides its own memories,” commented Michael W. O’Neill, president of the Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Parade Committee. “The worst parade year that I can remember

“I just make sure I have outfit options because we never know what the weather is going to be,” Cahillane said. “I certainly don’t get a good night’s sleep the night before. The whole weekend is a marathon, not a sprint, but it’s so much fun and worth being tired for.”

Bad weather “cannot keep us from having a good time” and celebrating Irish heritage, she added.

St. Pat’s Committee, T-Birds team up for parade afterparty

Party will take place at MassMutual Center on March 22

The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke and the Springfield Thunderbirds invite the community to join them for a post-road race and St. Patrick’s Parade party at the Thunderbirds home arena.

The bash will be held on March 22 at 7:05 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield.

“The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke is so excited to celebrate the success of Parade weekend on March 22 with the Thunderbirds,”” said Hayley Dunn, 2024 parade president. “We are grateful for their Shamrock level support for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race and the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and look forward to continuing green season for another week!”

The cost per attendee is $18. The event will include

Plenty of parties lined up for St. Patrick’s Day weekend

ALTHOUGH SOME festivities already have taken place this past weekend, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations really kick into high gear in the coming weekend.

The annual Holyoke Road Race will be held Saturday, and the city’s parade will actually occur on St. Patrick’s Day itself, which should make the area even livelier than usual.

So if you’re looking for a place for the “wearin’ o’ the green,” hearing a bit of the old fiddle-dee-dee, or just sip a pint of beer with some traditional Irish food, check out these possibilities below.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with a St. Patrick’s party at Leena’s Place in Belchertown, where Jim Blanch and Boot Hill will play 5-8 p.m. Leena’s is located in the Cold Spring Country Club at 336 Chauncey Walker St.

Irish music, Irish step dancers, Celtic bagpipers, and the recognition of award recipients and colleens. Guests can learn more about the event and purchase tickets online at springfieldthun derbirds.formstack.com/ forms/hspd322, or by calling 413-417-2289.

“The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Road Race & Parade is a staple event in the western mass region, an event that brings our community together much like our games do,” added Thunderbirds president Nathan Costa. “We are thrilled to support the events through our foundation, and excited to start an annual tradition of celebrating this successful event with a Thunderbirds game to recognize all of the participants of the Road Race along with the volunteers and organizers.”

For more information, contact Lauren Blanchard at lblanchard@springfieldthunderbirds.com or call/text 413-417-2289.

Then, on Saturday, Hitchcock Brewing Co. (203 South St. in Bernardston) will host a Paddy’s Day dance party at 7 p.m. Although the music will be classic rock, pop, and country rock from AfterGlo, the food (from Riff’s Joint/Myer’s

Catering) will definitely have an Irish theme.

The Yarde Tavern (3 Hadley St. in South Hadley) will also get the celebration started on

shortage of opportunities for “wearin’ the green” across Western Massachusetts this weekend. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Saturday, but will continue it to Sunday. The weekend will include traditional, Irish music, Irish food, and Irish drinks Banish Misfortune will play Saturday, 4-7 p.m, after the road race, and Ardaigh

SPRINGFIELD

Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer is pictured in this file photo. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

George Lenker Live Wire

Above, Rich Bourbeau, of Chicopee, and Michele Kehoe, of West Springfield, are pictured at the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade in 2023. There is no

Disney on Ice will present “Into The Magic” today through March 17 at the MassMutual Center.

Disney On Ice skates into MassMutual Center

By C ori U rban

Special to The Republican

Disney On Ice performers don’t just act, they act on skates.

It’s the art of show skating.

“Skating is something most of us have done our whole life,” said Kirstie Nelson, who portrays Cinderella in the show that is coming to Springfield.

Like her, many of the performers began performing in local ice shows or were competitive skaters. “We definitely developed a skill set skating under different conditions,” she said in a telephone interview from London, Ontario, where Disney On Ice was performing.

Disney On Ice will present “Into The Magic,” an action-packed extravaganza, produced by Feld Entertainment Inc., that features a half dozen beloved Disney characters returning in seven performances through March 17 at the MassMutual Center.

“When you put on the makeup and the hair and the costumes (for the show), it kind of

transforms you,” Nelson said. “We all love to some degree to be in the spotlight and see people react. … It’s one of the most incredible feelings.”

Nelson, 35, began skating when she was 5 in her native Canada, and “skating was the sport for me that stuck,” she said. She skated with her local club, and the annual ice show was “the most exciting time of year for me,” she said. She also competed in Canadian provincial and national competitions, and after high school she did some coaching.

A graduate of the University of Alberta with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Nelson worked for two and a half years for a construction company, but she missed skating and wanted to travel.

Disney On Ice offered her both, and she is currently on her 11th tour.

Thanks to “Disney magic,” Disney On Ice’s I"nto The Magic" show brings six Disney movies to life on the ice: "Beauty and the Beast," "Coco," "Tangled," "Cinderella," "Frozen" and "Moana";

CALENDAR

THURSDAY

Botanic Garden 2024 Spring Bulb Show: Thu.-Sun, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lyman Conservatory, through March 17, 16 College Lane, Northampton.

Mount Holyoke Spring Flower Show: Thu.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mount Holyoke College in the Talcott Greenhouse. Free and open to the public. 50 College St., South Hadley.

Disney on Ice "Into the Magic": Thu.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Sun., noon and 4 p.m. MassMutual Center. Tickets start at $14; for more information visit massmutualcenter.com. 1277 Main St., Springfield, 413-787-6600.

vations are needed. Call Michele Axtmann at 413-596-3325 or Linda Raffa at 413-596-8245. 42 Main St., Wilbraham.

FRIDAY

Back Porch Festival: Fri.-Sun, Academy of Music Theatre. Premium weekend passes to the show are on sale at aomtheater.com; For more information about the Back Porch Festival and the other acts, visit backporchfest.com. 274 Main St., Northampton, 413-584-9032.

Botanic Garden 2024 Spring Bulb

Show: See Thursday listing

Mount Holyoke Spring Flower

Show: See Thursday listing

each has its own segment in the show.

“Through really cool lighting and special effects, audiences are transported and made to feel part of the (story),” Nelson said. “Talented wardrobe teams and the details of the costumes … really bring the story to the next level and bring the characters to life.”

Each character is faced with different obstacles to overcome and becomes the hero of his or her own story. “It inspires audiences to become the hero of their own story and overcome obstacles and pursue their own dreams,” she said. “I’m confident the audiences will enjoy” the performances.

Performances will be March 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., March 16 at 11 a.m. 3 and 7 p.m. and March 17 at noon and 4 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

The run time is one hour and 55 minutes.

Tickets are available online at massmutualcenter.com or in-person at the box office.

Easter Bunny is Back: Thu.-Sun., Holyoke Mall, Hop by the lower level near JCPenney through March 30 to grab your pictures with the Easter Bunny. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 2-7 p.m., extends to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 18; Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. on March 23);Sun. noon-6 p.m. extends to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 24. Reservations are encouraged. Walk-up visits available as space permits. For reservations, visit holyokemall.com/ events, 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke. Espressivo! Piano Quartet: Thu., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sweeney Concert Hall, $0 to $35. 7 College Lane, Northampton; smith.edu.

"The Ladyslipper": Thu.-Sun., Majestic Theater, through March 24. Tickets range from $31-$35. 131 Elm St., West Springfield. (413) 747-7797 or majestictheater.com.

Wilbraham Women's Club March

Meeting: Thu., noon St. Cecilia Church, The speaker for the day will be Jen, who is the owner of the Flower Shed in Wilbraham's Post Office Park. Cost is $10 and reser-

"The Cemetery Club": Fri. and Sun, 2 p.m.; Sat, 7 p.m. First Congregational Church of Ashfield, Masks required for Friday shows. Advance tickets available at Ashfield Hardware (cash or check) and online at theticketing.co/o/ paulinelive or at the door one hour before the show (cash or check). Adults $15, $25, $35; children $10 (ages 12+). 429 Main St., Ashfield.

"Clue on Stage: High School Edition": Fri, 7 p.m.; Sat, 1 and 7 p.m.; Sun, 1 p.m. Hartsbrook School, Presented by the Hartsbrook High School. Tickets $17, $13 senior/ students, $50 family package (2 adults, 2 students). 193 Bay Road, Hadley.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Dinner: Fri, 5-7 p.m. St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Beer and wine available for purchase. Tickets available at the door. Call ahead for take-out orders only. $20 for adults, $9 for children under 10. 1 Porter Road, East Longmeadow.

Disney on Ice "Into the Magic": See Thursday listing

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E24

SPRINGFIELD

Easter 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!

Cedar Street Grille will be offering their unique brunch menu all day plus some great Easter specials. For reservations, visit exploretock.com/cedar-street-grille-sturbridge or call 508-347-5800. Seating is 10am–4pm.

The Barn at Wight Farm’s spectacular annual Easter brunch buffet is brimming with all your favorites. Cost is $44.95 for adults and $20.95 for children 5-12. Seating is 10am–4pm. Reservations require a $25 per guest non-refundable deposit which will be applied to your check. To make a reservation please visit thebarnatwightfarm.com or our Facebook page. For questions, call 774-241-8450.

The Duck and Avellino will be serving a pre-fixe menu with all your holiday favorites, fantastic holiday cocktails, and decadent desserts. Pricing is $43.95 for adults and a children’s menu is available for children under 12. For reservations, visit exploretock.com the-duck-avellino or call 508-347-2321. Seating is 11am–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 order.

2 classic Irish stouts — besides Guinness

WITH ST. PATRICK’S DAY

just around the bend, Guinness is probably on some readers’ minds.

Although I drink mostly Irish craft beer on my visits to the Emerald Isle, I’m sure no one will be surprised to learn that I also indulge in plenty of The Black Stuff. Although it’s true that even most of the older traditional pubs now feature at least a few craft offerings, Guinness is always a welcome choice when I want to keep the alcohol level on the lower side.

Of course there are any number of good craft stouts in Ireland, including Carlow Brewing’s excellent O’Hara’s Stout and Wicklow Brewing’s Black 16, but you can’t always find them everywhere (although O’Hara’s is pretty ubiquitous). However, if you want an standard alternative to Guinness that is fairly available in most municipalities, there are two that you should try: Murphy’s and Beamish.

Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2000.

Since I never had it before the big boys took it over, I can’t say if it’s changed over the years, but I’m always worried that good products often do –but not always. I have had it plenty of times since 2000, including my most recent trip to Ireland in January. And I have to say it’s pretty tasty stuff. It has a more pronounced toffee note than Guinness and seemed to have a lighter body. There is also a noticeable coffee element to it.

Western Mass ready to kick off ‘Maple Weekend’

ISo, if you like those aspects, you’ll probably like it. I enjoy it, but I would prefer Guinness most of the time. It’s even lower and alcohol, then goodness, sitting right at 4% ABV.

N HONOR OF NEW ENgland’s sweetest season, the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association has designated the weekend of March 16 and 17 as “Maple Weekend.” Over that two-day span of time, sugarhouse locations across the region will be offering up-close opportunities to enjoy the maple sugaring experience.

Let me start with this caveat: Only one of those options is available here in America as of this writing. So I’m also writing this with the idea that some of you will be visiting Ireland and can seek all sorts of stouts out when you’re there. I’m also hoping they’ll all be available again at some point. But let’s start with the one that you can get here in the United States .

Murphy’s Irish Stout originally hails from Co. Cork, which was the only place you could get it until 1983, when Heineken acquired the rights to the brand. Whitbread got the rights to brew and distribute it in the U.K. in 1988, and Whitbread was acquired by a subsidiary of the multinational group

Beamish Genuine Irish Stout is also a Cork product. It was first brewed by Beamish & Crawford, who opened their brewery in 1792. The business exchanged hands several times over the years, and is now defunct, having been absorbed by Heineken International in 2008. The beer is still brewed in Cork, however, at the Heineken facility in the city.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Heineken decided to stop selling it in the United States more than a decade ago, if memory serves. In my opinion, this is unfortunate, as it’s a great alternative to Guinness and Murphy’s. It has a little bit more of a chocolate vein in it, and the roasted nuttiness is blended in well. It goes down smoothly, and at 4.1% ABV, it’s also perfect as a session beer. I hope that it returns to these shores someday, but I’m not holding my breath.

Anyway, happy St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy whatever stout you prefer — and Sláinte!

Sugarhouse restaurants, those enjoy-it-at-the-source seasonal eateries, will be open, serving maple inspired creations both classic and creative.

Davenport Maple Farm in Shelburne, for instance, will be offering breakfast all day, including their signature Finnish pancake. They also hope to once again have maple baked beans for sale.

Davenport can be reached at 413625-2866.

High Hopes Farm in Worthington will be presenting their Sugarhouse Buffet of breakfast favorites from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both weekend days.

Call them at 413-238-5919 for more details.

Maple Corner Farm in Granville will have their rustic pancake restaurant open from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m., offering a classic menu of pancakes, French toast, eggs, and plenty of freshly made maple syrup to go-with.

Maple Corner can answer questions at 413-357-8829.

Easy to reach on Route 5 in Deerfield, Williams Farm Sugarhouse serves breakfast, including maple

frosted donuts, on Saturdays and Sundays for 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their direct line is 413-773-5186.

Other maple producers in Western Massachusetts have put together one-time open house events for Maple Weekend.

The Harris Mountain Sugar Shack in Granby plans on boiling both day and will offer tours and demonstrations as well as a small-scale crafters’ fair. Several food trucks will be on hand, including Moeshmallows Food Truck, which, in addition to its gourmet marshmallows, cookies, and tarts, will be serving crepes.

Hours for the weekend festivities will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 413-218-0496 for more details.

Ferrindino Maple in Hampden will be observing Maple Weekend on Sunday, March 17 with an Open House. In addition to their “Perfectly Pure” Certified Organic Maple

Columnist George Lenker shares some classic Irish stouts ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. (GEORGE LENKER PHOTO)

George Lenker Beer Nut

Ferrindino Maple LLC, located at 284 Glendale Road in Hampden, is among the Western Massachusetts sugarhouses offering sweet treats for “Maple Weekend.” (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Hugh

Interview, tasting at Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a four-part series about Burgundy wineries visited this year by the author in Gevrey-Chambertin, France.

GEVREY-CHAMBERTAIN,

FRANCE — Traffic races by the large wooden door partially shrouded in ivy leading into Domaine Trapet.

Decades ago, you could play in this same street since few cars drove by most days, according to Louis Trapet.

“My grandfather told me that when he was young he was playing in the road when he was three or four years old,” Trapet said as he walked through his family’s winery. “There was maybe one car a day or so.”

But while the world has changed dramatically outside, time seems to stand still behind that large wooden door thanks to people like Trapet, the seventh-generation at this renowned family-owned winery that continues to create world-class wines.

This is no easy task.

Demand for wines from Gevrey-Chambertin has soared in recent years, especially for some of the “Grand Crus” produced by Domaine Trapet Pere Et Fils, the official name of the winery, which translates as Domaine Trapet Father and Sons.

But some years can be more challenging than others due to unpredictable weather conditions.

The 2022 growing season “was just perfect,” Trapet said as we walked through the winery. But 2021 “was a very hard year,” he added.

So how does Domaine Trapet overcome such obstacles, year in and year out?

Ironically, by not being stuck in the past.

The Trapets respect tradition. You can feel it as we walk beneath the wood-beamed ceilings and stone-lined walls in the winery built in 1860.

But the Trapets also embrace innovation. You can

see that in their wine cellars. Before being aged in oak barrels, many of the wines are vinified in concrete tanks or sometimes steel tanks.

But no matter how the wines are aged or vinified, the goal remains the same – to produce the best possible wines.

“We are not alchemists,” Trapet said. “We not putting some stuff in the wines. We are working biodynamically since 1996.” (The winery was officially certified as biodynamic in 1998.)

That innovative approach starts in the fields as well.

Since 2020, the winery has been experimenting with different types of canopy

management, which involves how the vines are pruned and trimmed.

“The thing that we saw in the vineyard was in February, when we have some sun on the skin, the UV (rays) are getting stronger and stronger,” Trapet said. “And we really wanted to protect the grapes and also the soils. So that’s why when there are no leaves the sun is going through the canopy. But when it’s in summer, it’s really important and really interesting to protect the grapes and the soils.”

As a result, since 2020, the winery has been using taller stakes in the vineyard to encourage the vines to

have to travel far to create the winery. He came from the neighboring village of Chambolle-Musigny. “But in 1859, it was quite long because you had to walk two hours,” Louis Trapet said. “But he came here to Gevrey because he married someone in Gevrey.”

And in 2003, the Trapet family also inherited their other winery located in France’s Alsace region. That winery produces many outstanding wines as well, especially its five “Grand Cru” white wines from Alsace.

Domaine Trapet’s wines

grow taller. “So the last part of the vines (in summer) we have a lot of shadow on the grapes and the soil,” Trapet said. “We really could see the difference during the harvest between the higher (taller) stacks and the lower stacks because of the sunburn on the grapes” on the lower grape vines.

You can taste that attention to detail in each wine as well. That’s why it was such a thrill to spend time with the youngest member of the Trapet family at their historic winery in this legendary winemaking village in Burgundy.

History of Domaine

Trapet Pere & Fils

The winery was founded by the Trapet family in Gevrey-Chambertin in 1859, the same year the winery began purchasing many of its renowned vineyards. The first winemaker at Trapet was named Louis Trapet as well. By today’s standards, the first Louis Trapet did not

The winery owns 45 acres of vineyards mostly in Gevrey-Chambertin and other parts of Burgundy. As for its Alsace wines, the winery owns and manages 34 acres of vineyards.

Sticking strictly with its Burgundy vineyards, Domaine Trapet owns vines in three of Gevrey-Chambertin’s greatest “Grand Cru” vineyards – Chambertin, Chapelle-Chambertin and Latricieres-Chambertin. The winery also produces wines from three “Premier Cru” vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin and village wines from Gevrey-Chambertin and Marsanny.

Winemaking philosophy

In general, Domain Trapet’s winemaking philosophy is simple – less is more. That’s why they don’t add anything to their wines. (Many winemakers add sulfur during the vinification process.) They also try to take as much of a hands-off approach as possible in the vineyard. “With the vines, when you just cut it, you give the information to the vines that they have to concentrate (their energy)

Above, the wines tasted at Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin, France. At left, Louis Trapet of Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin, France.

(KEN ROSS PHOTOS)

Ken Ross Wine Press

Wine

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E22

on the fruits,” Trapet said, adding, “What we can see in Burgundy is… we are harvest more and more earlier but… the concentration in the flavor in the grapes is still the same.” This approach also produces wines with less sugar and lower alcohol “with more maturity in flavor,” Trapet explained.

Wine tasting notes

Note: Wines tasted at the winery in Gevrey-Chambertin with the winemaker, Louis Trapet. All wines listed below are red wines made with pinot noir grapes unless otherwise noted.

2021 Domaine Trapet Passetoutgrain “A Minima”: Made with a blend of equal

parts pinot noir and gamay grapes, this soft, subtle wine slowly builds in intensity and flavor. Hints of fresh pepper, spices and subtle fruit flavors abound.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Marsannay: Big, bright, flinty wine with intense blackberry flavors give this wonderful wine a lot of structure and character. You can taste the stone-filled soils in this lovely, firm wine.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Gevrey Chambertin Ostrea: Bright, lively, fruit-forward wine filled with vibrant fruit flavors, including fresh raspberries and cherries. A great easy-drinking wine ready to enjoy anytime.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Gevrey “1859 Cuvee”: Named in honor of the year the winery was founded, this

well-balanced, understated wine has a wonderful soft finish with subtle fruit flavors.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Ergot: The first Premier Cru of the tasting has big, ripe, vibrant fruit flavors (especially raspberry) along with a fleshy and flinty finish that lasts at least half a minute after each taste.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Petite Chapelle: Grown in limestone soils, this outstanding Premier Cru has vibrant fruit flavors and a long, intense, flinty finish that beautifully brings to life this charming hillside vineyard’s rocky soils.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Clos Prieur: This Premier Cru wine has lighter,

more floral-like aromas and flavors, including hints of cherry and raspberry. A delightful, bright wine that goes down easy.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Cru Latricieres: The first of three Grand Crus we tasted, this austere, elegant wine slowly builds in intensity like a large ocean wave approaching the shoreline. Its bold, dark fruit flavors last nearly two minutes after each taste. Truly magnificent.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Cru Chapelle-Chambertin: Another limestone-rich vineyard, this Grand Cru masterpiece starts off low at first. Initially, its flavors are soft, subtle and understated. But as the wine opens up and warms up, those flavors build in in-

tensity and power, delivering flashes of vibrant fruit flavors that last several minutes.

2021 Domaine Trapet

Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Cru Chambertin: There’s a reason why the town of Gevrey added the word Chambertin to its name. That’s because the wines from this legendary Grand Cru vineyard truly live up to all the hype. Powerful, vibrant, superb fruit flavors (including blackberry and raspberry) dance in harmony with softer, more subtle notes played in a whisper by a concert pianist. Absolutely amazing.

Cheers!

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

Syrup, Ferrindino will have their food trailer open and serving Maple Bacon Hot Dogs, Maple Creemees, and Maple Affogatos.

Ferrindino Maple LLC answers at 413-374-7511.

Maple Ledge Farm in Holland will be holding their Annual Pancake Party on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The party includes pancakes and fixin’s for a freewill donation. Maple Ledge Farm, which can be reached at 774-230-0936, produces and sells maple syrup, maple cream, maple sugar, and maple candies.

Visits to an operating sugarhouse, it should be noted, is an outdoorsy, often muddy experience, so appropriate dress is a wise precaution.

More information about sugarhouses across Central and Western Massachusetts can be found at massmaple. org.

Side Dishes

• In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee will have a corned beef dinner on their menu through March 17.

Available at both lunch and dinner, the meal package includes house-made corned beef, boiled potatoes, braised carrots and cabbage, salad or soup, and Irish soda bread. The corned beef meal is available for take-out or dinein.

The Munich Haus German Restaurant can be reached at 413-594-8788.

• On March 28, the Still Bar & Grill in Agawam will be co-hosting a Jack Daniels Whiskey Dinner. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. and will incorporate a four-course menu crafted to pair with a selection of Jack Daniels Premium whiskeys.

Tickets for the event, which are $100 plus a convenience fee, can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. The Still Bar & Grill answers at 413-3042795.

• The Shortstop Bar & Grill in Westfield is currently compounding a selection of specialty cocktails in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

The Lucky Charm Martini features vanilla vodka, cräme de menthe, white chocolate liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur with a garnish of mini-marshmallows, while a Jameson Orange Mule enhances Jameson Orange Irish Whiskey with triple sec and

Corned beef and cabbage, an Irish staple, is available throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend at the Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee and at Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)

fresh lime as part of a ginger beer thirst quencher.

A Leprechaun Bite incorporates both spiced and coconut rums, blue curacao, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice blended into a sour mix base.

Shortstop’s Drunken Leprechaun is a riff on Irish coffee of which Kahlua, Irish Cream, and creme de menthe are the featured spirits.

Call the Shortstop Bar and Grill at 413-642-6370.

• Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield will be holding its 5th annual Vintner’s Dinner on March 23 at 6:30 p.m.

The event will feature an

inventive four-course menu prepared by Porch Too of Brattleboro; Black Birch will be pouring wines, some of which are yet to be released, to accompany the dinner.

In addition to tasting notes, a presentation on the Vineyard’s outlook for the 2024 season will be delivered. Dinner is $125 plus a convenience fee. Reservations can be made online.

Black Birch picks up at 413247-3300.

• This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, March 15 though 17, Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield is getting its “Irish”

on with an array of menu specials.

At both lunch and dinner Champney’s will be serving Corned Beef & Cabbage and well as a Colcannon Croquette. The latter brings together minced potato, corned beef, and braised cabbage, forms those ingredients together into a cake, which is then fried crispy. The croquette is served with whole grain mustard cream.

Additional dinner specials include “Bangers & Mash”assorted sausages, caramelized onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and sweet peas. A herb-crusted Roast Spring Leg of Lamb dinner will also be available

Two “adult” desserts, A Bailey’s Affogato and a Guinness Float, are planned.

Live Irish music by John Waynelovich will be featured from 4 to 8 p.m. on March 17. Reservations, which are suggested for all three weekend evenings, can be made by calling 413-774-5587.

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.

Live Wire

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E18

will play Sunday, 4-7 p.m. after the parade.

The remaining events are all on St. Patrick’s Day itself (March 17):

• The Daily Pint (2523 Boston Road in Wilbraham) will feature one of the most wellknown Irish bands around, The Healys, starting at noon;

• The Brewery at Four Star Farms (508 Pine Meadow Road in Northfield) will kick off the day’s events with Pogues Musical Bingo from noon to 3 p.m., followed by Ragged Blue in the taproom at 3:30 p.m. There will also be first-come, first-served corned beef and cabbage dinners available while they last.

• It seems that many

parties are taking place at breweries this year. Such is the case for Skyline Beer Co. (98 Southwick Road in Westfield), which will feature a celebration that includes a corned beef dinner, music by Small Talk from 2-5 p.m., and three special beers: their signature Irish Goodbye Stout, Peanut Butter Irish Goodbye Stout, and Eddie Fitz Red Ale.

• Likewise, Great Awakening Brewing (77 Mill St. in Westfield) will feature an Irish-inspired menu, a few beer releases and Irish music by Below the Gaff, which performs Celtic rock, sea shanties, and traditional Irish tunes played on fiddle, guitar, upright bass, and percussion. However you celebrate, stay safe, and have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Friday Fish Fry: Fri, 5-7 p.m.

Swift River Sportsman’s Club, through April 5. Prices range from $14 for fish and chips to $18 for a fish, shrimp and chip combo. For more information, call the club at 413-323-9387, 79 Moore Road, Belchertown.

Hampden DA Anthony D. Gulluni

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party: Fri., 5-8 p.m. John Boyle O’Reilly Club. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door. In addition to food and drink, the event will feature live Irish music by Don Healy, as well as Irish step dancing by the Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance, 33 Progress Ave., Springfield. 413-788-8603 or jboclub.com.

Human Agenda Theatre: “Gorgons”: Fri.-Sat, 7-9 p.m.; Sun, 2-4 p.m. The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, $15-$30. 289 Main St., Greenfield, hawksandreed.com.

SATURDAY

Back Porch Festival: See Friday listing

Burden of Hope: Sat, 7 p.m. Elms College, featuring renowned violist Dr. Kinga Augustyn, $15-$35. 291 Springfield St., Chicopee; Henry Balzarini to host Improv Workshop: Sat, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. LAVA Center, No improv experience necessary. Intended for adults. Limit of 15 spaces. To sign

up, email hbquit@hotmail.com, Free. 324 Main St., Greenfield.

Maple Tour and Tasting: Sat, 11 a.m. Two Mamas Farm, featuring beanbags, books, and activities related to maple trees for all of the kids and kids-at-heart to enjoy! Farm owner will give a tour with a focus on the sustainability of sap harvesting and Two Mamas’ bird-friendly tapping practices. Suggested donation of $0-$50. 11 Porter Hill Road, Cummington.

SUNDAY

2024 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day

Parade: Sun, 11:10 a.m. K-Mart Plaza, Step off is at 11:10 a.m. Featuring bands, floats, and more.

Back Porch Festival: See Friday listing

Close Encounters With Music presents “Celtic Baroque Band

Makaris: A Bach Family Concert with an Irish Twist”: Sun., 4 p.m. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, $28-$52. 14 Castle St., Great Barrington; 413-528-0100 or mahaiwe.org.

Purim Art Studio: Sun, 10 a.m. Lander Grinspoon Academy. Hear the story of Purim and design your own Purim crown or hat, 257 Prospect St., Northampton.

Quabbin Valley Twirlers Square

Dance Club: Sun., First Church in Ludlow. Beginner dancing starts at 6:30 p.m. Sun. and the plus classes for advanced dancers is from 6-8 p.m. on Monday. $6 per class by donation, 859 Center St., Ludlow.