WINTER WONDERLAND: McCray’s Farm hosts Holiday Light Stroll, D3
LIVE WIRE: Jazz is Dead puts fresh spin on Grateful Dead songs, D4
‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’: Annual variety show returns to Majestic Theater, D5
Spirit of Christmas
Inside: Caroling, trolley rides and lantern-lit tours are some of the activities at Storrowton’s Yuletide celebration this weekend.
PLUS Champagne and sparkling wines for the holidays
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Spirit of Christmas alive at Storrowton
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
While
nobody is alive today to recount in person what the holidays were like several hundred years ago when the pilgrims landed in the New World, visitors to Storrownton Village this weekend can enjoy a romanticized version of what it might have been like.
The nine-day Yuletide calendar at Storrowton runs Dec. 7 through 14 — free only on Dec 7 and 8. Among the festive activities planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend include entertainment, educational tours through well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings, shopping opportunities, caroling, trolley rides, lantern-lit tours, and much more, including a favorite of visitors since the event first began: the holiday décor.
“Decorated through the generosity of area garden clubs, florist, business, school groups and designers, our historic buildings draw people to Yuletide at Storrowton where they come to get ideas for decorating their own homes. We have had people married here and who come back to reminisce and take photos among the beautiful decorations,” said Jessica Kaeding Fontaine, director of Storrowton Village Museum.
Walking through the buildings, decoration seekers will find wreaths, swags, garlands, fresh evergreens and all natural materials around every corner.
As part of the special holiday weekend, visitors can
walk among the animals in the Firefly Fields Petting Zoo; listen to the musical stylings of Three of Cups; marvel at shiny ice sculptures; take a trolley ride; observe trade demonstrations of old; write quill pen letters to the North Pole; visit with Santa and Mrs.
Claus; enjoy a reading of “A Christmas Carol” provided by Rick Corbo; learn about the history of the American Christmas Tree from Dennis Picard, and more. Trade demonstrations reminiscent of the Christmases of old will include Lance Kozi-
kowski, a talented tinsmith; open-hearth cooking in the Gilbert Farmstead; the Aborn family broom makers; John Barret, a printing press operator who utilizes an old-fashioned letterpress; and a crew of blacksmiths in the Clark Blacksmith Shop.
“We have had people married here and who come back to reminisce and take photos among the beautiful decorations.”
Jessica Kaeding Fontaine, director of Storrowton Village Museum
“Back this year after its absence during Covid is our holiday bake sale in Potter Mansion with delicious baked goods lovingly made by our volunteers. The sale will offset some of the costs of opening our doors for free on the weekend,” Fontaine said.
Other treats on sale during the event will be all kinds of maple goods from Ferindino Maple, a popular concession during The Big E, with treats such as their signature maple bacon hotdogs, maple creemee affogatos and more.
But Yuletide doesn’t end once the weekend is over. The celebration continues from Dec. 9-14 when, for $10 per person (children under 6 are free), visitors can tour
Matt Slowik forges an item inside the Clark Blacksmith Shop during Storrowton’s 2019 Yuletide Lantern Light Evening with musical storytelling, hot cocoa and decorate your own cookie. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)
The Yuletide celebration at Storrowton runs Dec. 7 through Dec. 14. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
One of the rooms inside the Christmas Shop is decorated by the Westfield Technical Academy horticulture students during a previous Yuletide Lantern Light Evening (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
SOUTH HADLEY
McCray’s Farm transforms into winter wonderland
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
Walking in a winter wonderland.
That is exactly what light-seekers heading to McCray’s Farm in South Hadley will find, albeit the snow yet, this weekend as part of their third annual Holiday Light Stroll.
No wagon rides here like during their annual Halloween scare fest. McCray’s Christmas Light Show is a three-quarter mile walk through the farm, which is decked out for the holidays with more than 400,000 hand-strung bulbs.
Three years ago, the McCrays took a chance opening their Holiday Light Stroll just as they did back in 1991 when they introduced their Fear on the Farm. The Halloween attraction has grown into one of the largest in Western Massachusetts, and all indications are that the Holiday Light Stroll will become a tradition as well for families.
“Steve (McCray) got a call from the town commissioner who told him about a similar holiday walk through in Maine. He checked it out and decided to give it a try,” said Mandi Carroll, who is overseeing this year’s light spectacular.
“Steve is kind of like an uncle to me. I’ve been working on the farm for 13 years helping to process the milk, drive the tractor, then helped with our Halloween attraction and now our Holiday Light Stroll,” she added.
Carroll noted that once their Halloween attraction ends, it is full speed ahead with the 12 of them working around the clock to set it all up in time.
“Everything is a big undertaking when putting the show together, but I would say one of the biggest is getting up in those trees with lighting and making sure all the lights up there work,” she said.
Strollers who have visited McCray’s in past seasons will notice a few new touches to their holiday landscape.
“We’ve added a couple space scenes including a cow being abducted by a UFO and a 7-foot-tall rocket ship, as well as Whoville, which has replaced our city scape with the Grinch and other characters from the story, and a giant ice castle,” Carroll said.
There are also snowmen, a globe with Santa and his sleigh flying over it, reindeer, elves, a motion display of a cow jumping over the moon, the farm’s mini-golf course strung up in lights, a lover’s lane in honor of Valentine’s Day, tractors bathed in lights because they are a working farm, a tunnel you can walk under with moving smart lights, displays for sports fans and more. Also, trees and bushes on the property are lit up along with the building used as their Halloween haunted house, which is now dedicated to “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Strolls last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on whether you are a hiker,
runner or slow as molasses — and how often you stop to take photos.
“Taking a holiday stroll with
us is something families have been telling us they love to do. Many tell us they have never seen anything like this before, and that incites us to just want to keep getting bigger and better every year,” Carroll said. McCray’s Farm Country Creamery will be open during the Holiday Light Stroll of-
Select Dates November 29 - December 30
Stroll through the candlelit Village and take in the beauty of the season. Hear the history of holiday traditions, stories, and live music. Taste sweet treats, warm up with a hot beverage, and so much more.
People walk on a path at the Holiday Light Walkthrough at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley in 2022. (DAVE ROBACK PHOTO, FILE)
SEE MCCRAY’S, PAGE D4
A covered bridge in mini-golf section of the Holiday Light Walkthrough at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley in 2022.
(DAVE ROBACK PHOTO, FILE)
THURSDAY
BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity: Fiesta de la Simcha: A Multicultural Musical Mash-up. 130 Pine St., Florence
The Drake: House of Groove: featuring Sapien Joyride, B’Sharar, Ravenous Conglomenate, rappers and MCs. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Trad Irish Session. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield FRIDAY
East Mountain Country Club: Time Trippers. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield
Fort Hill Brewery: Tom Savoy. 30 Fort Hill Road, Easthampton
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Adam Ferrara. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Gimme Gimme Disco. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: She Said. 289 Main St., Greenfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
SATURDAY
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Adam Ferrara. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: The Slambovian Circus of Dreams: A Very Slambovian Christmas. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center: Dylan Reese & Dylan Owen: Keep on Keeping on Tour. 289 Main St., Greenfield
Theodores’: King Saison. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Billy Eagan. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Iron Horse Music Hall: Socks in the Frying Pan. 20 Center St., Northampton
The Drake: New Thread Quartet. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
MONDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: 50% off individual deep dish pizza (dine in only). 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
TUESDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Blues Music. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
WEDNESDAY
The Drake: Back Porch Songwriters Series: Songs of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris. 44 North Pleasant St., Amherst
Uno Chicago Grill: Light Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
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 or email pmastriano@repub.com or submit it to www.masslive.com/ myevent
Jazz is Dead puts fresh spin on Grateful Dead songs
FOR CASUAL MUSIC
fans, the Grateful Dead are probably best known for their jaunty and catchy radio-friendly hits such as, “Casey Jones,” “Touch of Grey,” and “Truckin’.”
But more ardent devotees of the band will be familiar with the group’s free-form, experimental and improvisational side.
Renowned bassist Alfonso Johnson made the journey from casual listener to true aficionado after he met and played with Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir when they were both endorsing instruments made by Ibanez. That chance meeting led him to playing with Weir in a side group and eventually landed Johnson in a band known as Jazz is Dead — a group of master jazz musicians interpreting the songs of the Grateful Dead.
Jazz is Dead will make a stop at the Iron Horse in Northampton on Dec. 6. The current lineup features Johnson, Steve Kimock, Bobby Lee Rodgers, and Pete Lavezzoli.
garnered a deeper knowledge and respect for the Dead’s music.
“Playing the music gave me a real appreciation of the songwriting. I wasn’t even aware of that before,” he said.
fering a limited selection of their ice creams as well as their regular menu of sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, hot chocolate, baked goods, and other treats. For those old enough to imbibe, there is a trailer selling beer, wine and sangria, and spiked hot chocolate and cider.
The stroll is open through Dec. 29, but closed on Dec. 9, 10, and on Christmas Day.
Tickets are sold in 15-minute time blocks beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 7:45 p.m.
Tickets are $18 per person. Children under 12 are $15 and free to children 2 and younger.
The farm’s website highly recommends placing online ticket orders to guarantee your reservation, but walkins are welcome if there are more tickets available for a particular time block. For more information, visit mccrays-farm.com or call 413-533-0775.
Johnson, who also was a founding member of the iconic jazz/fusion band Weather Report, has had a storied career also playing with the likes of Weir, Santana, Phil Collins and many others.
“I didn’t know much, to be quite honest,” Johnson said about his early knowledge of the Grateful Dead in an interview last week. “Of course, I had heard the hits. Growing up in Philly, we had a radio station that played everything. Hendrix, Coltrane, you name it — they played it.”
But after he had toured with Weir for a while and then joined Jazz is Dead, Johnson
Johnson said that one of the biggest challenges was finding a new way to interpret the music without “sounding like just another Grateful Dead cover band” — even though that was probably an unlikely scenario for a group filled with great jazz musicians.
Johnson noted that while Grateful Dead’ songs provide a great platform for improvisation, he likes to keep parts of the music accessible to the audience. To this end, he gives a nod to the Grateful Dead’s longtime bass player Phil Lesh, who just died last month.
“I’m a strong believer in upholding tradition. And there are parts of songs that are just so ‘Phil’ and it’s just right. So I try to maintain that, although not by playing it exactly the way he played it,” Johnson said. “But then there are other areas where
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849 431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird 6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating
2 Halls for Players
Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
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 Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900 2 - $500 Cover Alls 3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with additional attendence. Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm.
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
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
WEST SPRINGFIELD
‘Home for the Holidays’ returns to Majestic Theater
The annual seasonal show runs through Dec. 22
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
If you have never been “home for the holidays,” then now is the time.
West Springfield’s Majestic Theater is presenting its annual seasonal variety show, “Home for The Holidays,” now through Dec. 22.
The family-friendly show, featuring performers from the Majestic over the years, has become a tradition at the theater for more than a dozen years. Similar in style to nostalgic holiday television specials of years gone by headlined by Andy Williams and Perry Como, “Home for The Holidays 2024” will be co-hosted by singer Ray Guillemette, Jr., who has headlined countless “A Ray of Elvis” sold-out shows at the Majestic, and Ben Ashley, a Majestic favorite who has performed in several hit shows including “Mamma Mia” and “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.”
“I love Christmas and everything associated with it from the Baby Jesus to all the beautiful religious songs, as well as the secular side with its holiday music, gift giving, all the colorful lights and so
much more,” said the show’s director, Stephen Petit.
“We have such a talented cast and it is a real blessing to work with them,” he added.
Joining Guillemette and Ashley onstage will be several veteran Majestic performers,
including Kait Rankins, Caelie Flanagan, Tully Russell, Brad Shepard, as well as a special appearance direct from the North Pole - Santa Claus.
Mitch Chakour is musical director.
“I love Christmas and everything associated with it from the Baby Jesus to all the beautiful religious songs, as well as the secular side with its holiday music, gift giving, all the colorful lights and so much more,” said the show’s director.”
Stephen Petit, director of “Home for the Holidays”
The fun begins with the show’s signature song, “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays,” sung by Guillemette, who later puts his Elvis voice on to perform “Blue Christmas” “How Great Thou Art” and “Hallelujah.” Guillemette is also joined by Ashley for the crowd-pleaser “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” as originally performed by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. Among the other songs by cast members are “Put A Little Love in Your Heart” heard in the big screen movie “Scrooged,” “Christmas Vacation” from the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” and favorites such as “Silent Night.” Russell sings the modern-day classic by Donny Hathaway, “This Christmas,” while Rankins
chimes in with “Sugar & Booze” and Flanagan with “A Cradle in Bethlehem.”
“Our set is a beautiful cozy living room complete with stockings hung by the fireplace, a comfy couch, bar area, and, of course, a Christmas tree. And it is all set to a beautiful winter background of sow-covered trees and a brightly shining moon,” Petit said.
Bev Browne is set designer and Daniel Rist is lighting designer. Tickets are $30 and $28 for adults, and $15 for children 10 and under. They can be purchased online at www.majestictheater.com or by calling (413) 747-7797 from Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
I’ll put my own spin on it. And I think it’s important because audiences want to grasp on to something.”
“So you have to feed them something a little bit, but then let them go hungry,” he added with a laugh.
Another thing the bassist noted was the crossover between Grateful Dead and jazz audiences.
“There just seems to be a group of people who are
attracted to music that has some adventure to it. Not just playing the hits or sounding like the record,” he said. “The Grateful Dead, Santana, Weather Report and jazz fans, all those bands have fans who like music with some adventure in it.”
After playing Grateful Dead music for 25-plus years, does Johnson have a favorite Dead song?
“I wouldn’t say I have a favorite song. It depends on the audience. I do remember when one time we were playing in upstate New York and
we only had five or 10 minutes to go and we wondered what could we do where we won’t go overtime,” he said.
Johnson got inspired and suggested the band play the classic tune “Ripple.”
“And everyone was like, ‘yeah!’ And what made it so special was toward the end, we started lowering our volume and we could hear people singing along. So we stopped playing completely, and they just kept on singing.”
“So, for that tour, that was my favorite song,” he added.
December 7 & 14 • 10 am-5 pm
Cohosts Ben Ashley, left, and Ray Guillemette Jr. perform during “Home for the Holidays” at the Majestic Theater in 2023.
The Grinch’s Grotto is from the creators of The Dr. Seuss Experience, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Grinchmas is sponsored by
Alexzandr Ellithorbe, of Chicopee, chats with Santa at the MassMutual Center in Springfield in this 2019 file photo. The MassMutual Center will again be hosting special guest St. Nick for a Breakfast with Santa event on Dec. 14.
Santa Claus to visit Western Mass
restaurants for holiday brunches
IT’S ANYONE’S GUESS as to how he does it, but some Elfin magic — or perhaps cutting-edge North Pole AI — must be involved. Santa, it seems, has the ability to be everywhere during the holiday season, visiting dozens of area restaurants to meet with fans young and old.
The Delaney House in Holyoke, a restaurant known for its elaborate Sunday morning buffets, is holding two Brunch with Santa events, one on Dec. 16 and a second on Dec. 22. Served from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., the buffet includes fresh fruit, house-baked breads and pastries and all the customary morning food favorites. That array is complemented by a carving station, madeto-order omelets and several luncheon entrees.
Reservations, which are required, can be made by calling 413-532-1800.
The MassMutual Center in Springfield will be opening
its doors to Santa fans on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. The occasion will feature a menu of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and more, while at the same time providing those attending with the opportunity to visit with St. Nick himself.
Admission to this particular breakfast includes the opportunity to view the Festival of Trees at the MassMutual Center.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://shorturl.at/ ZbSGn.
The Southwick Inn in Southwick has managed to get San-
Good news about gluten-free beers
ONE INTERESTING
facet of my job as a beer writer is that it compels me to sometimes try things I normally wouldn’t.
For example, I’m not an alcoholic, so I really don’t have much interest in nonalcoholic beers. But because I know other people do have an interest and I want to be informative with this column, I’ve tried a bunch of them, and I’ve written about them. That’s not to say I would never have tried one out of curiosity, but I certainly wouldn’t have tried as many as I have.
Likewise, I don’t have celiac disease, so I don’t really have an interest in trying a lot of gluten-free beers. But because there are probably readers who do have celiac disease, I feel a duty to at least try some of them and let you know what I think.
close, but none of them really hit the mark.
So, I approached gluten-free beers with a similar concern. I decided to start off with two: my local Northampton Brewery’s Insensitive IPA, which they unveiled last year around this time, and Stone Brewing’s Delicious IPA, which is not totally gluten-free but gluten-reduced.
ta and Mrs. Claus to stop in on Saturday, December 21 while the Inn is hosting a Breakfast with Santa get-together. The meal, which is is $12 per adult and $6 per child, will feature the Inn’s bountiful waffle bar. Contact the Southwick Inn at 413-569-5031 for more information.
Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant in Springfield is also hosting Santa & Mrs. Claus at a breakfast to be held on Dec. 15. A buffet will feature all the favorites — scrambled eggs, French toast sticks, waffles, home fries, bacon and sausage.
Photos with Santa and cookie decorating will be part of the fun, which is $15 per person.
Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.
The Summit View Banquet House in Holyoke will be hosting its first annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 15 starting at 10 a.m. In addition to a well-stocked
The whole gluten-free diet phenomenon is also fascinating to me. According to studies, only about 4-5% of the population suffers from celiac disease. But other studies have shown that somewhere between 20% and 30% of the population are on some form of gluten-free or gluten-reduced diet — even though they don’t technically need to be.
But because a decent number of people give up gluten for whatever reason, gluten-free beer has become a necessary niche market. However, whenever brewers decide to remove something that is normally part of beer in its natural form, I worry that it’s going to affect the flavor. For example, while there are really good nonalcoholic beers out there, I’ve yet to have one that really has the body and full flavor of a beer with alcohol in it. Some come
The verdict is good news for beer drinkers needing or wanting to avoid gluten: Both beers were really good. I detected no big difference as far as flavor, body or mouthfeel between these beers and regular IPAs. Northampton Brewery’s Insensitive IPA is a lovely flavor journey of tropical fruits. It features huge citrus notes as well as hints of pineapple and other juicy fruits. It comes in at 5.1% ABV. Stone’s Delicious IPA, as I mentioned, is a gluten-reduced beer, so it’s probably not for those who need to avoid gluten completely. But it’s also, well, delicious, as the name boasts. It’s more of a West Coast style IPA, but still with plenty of citrus aspects and a dry finish. It clocks in at 7.7% ABV, so it certainly packs a punch. Have you tried gluten-free beers? Let me know at geolenker@yahoo.com.
Whenever brewers decide to remove something that is normally part of beer in its natural form, I worry that it’s going to affect the flavor. SEE MENU, PAGE D7
(FREDERICK GORE PHOTO)
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
George Lenker Beer Nut
breakfast buffet, the Summit View will be preparing special holiday drinks for young guests, each of whom will also leave with a special gift.
Tickets for the breakfast, which are priced at $16 and $26 plus a convenience fee, can be ordered on Summet View’s website.
Dr. Seuss’ creation, The Grinch, will be joining Santa at four holiday dinner parties organized by Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Sturbridge. To be held on Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19, each evening will feature face painting, themed drinks, goodie bags and a photo with the two holiday guests of honor.
Reservations, which are a must, can be made by calling 508-347-6420.
Side Dishes
• Frigo’s Gourmet Foods in Springfield will be hosting its second annual Open House on Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Frigo’s is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
The Open House event, which is being held at Frigo’s Springfield location only, will include samplings of wines, cheeses, chocolates and much more.
Frigo’s Gourmet Foods is located on 90 Williams St. in Springfield’s South End; there is also a second location on 159 Shaker Road in East Longmeadow.
Call 413-732-5428 for more details.
• This year’s McRib saga continues with the sandwich now available (as of Dec. 3) in participating McDonald’s Restaurants nationwide.
The company previewed the sandwich’s return with a special offer for McRib diehards, who got the chance to buy a half-gallon jug of McRib Sauce. The sauce, which was being offered on a while-supplies-last basis, sold out in less than a day.
Industry observers suggest that return of the McRib represent the burger giant’s attempt to “change the nar-
Cheeseburger is also making a short-term menu appearance. The sandwich is served with toppings of roasted mushrooms, Muenster cheese, garlic cream, and bacon. The third limited-time-only offering this December is a Salted Caramel Frosty dessert; it replaces the Pineapple Frosty that was on the menu earlier this fall.
• Villa Rose in Ludlow will be holding its Holiday 5 Course Wine Dinner on Dec. 19. The dinner, which will begin at 6 p.m., has lobster bisque as a first course; duck breast with roasted corn and foie gras mousse will follow.
A seafood offering of King Salmon filet will precede the main course, which is to be a braised beef “Tomahawk” short rib. Wild mushroom risotto and parmesan roasted asparagus will be served with the beef.
Their analysis of some 130,000 workers compensation claims filed with the company revealed that restaurant workers are filing a record number of back injury claims. AmTrust attributes that uptick in such claims to the growing importance of delivery in the restaurant industry, as service personal in restaurants find themselves increasingly engaged in handling heavy delivery orders.
Muscle strains and related incapacities are, according to AmTrust’s data, the most common class of injuries experienced by restaurant personnel. As a result, insurers are encouraging restaurants to train employees in safe ways to lift and bend down when handling heavy objects.
rative” after a recent E. coli outbreak that was traced back to McDonald’s restaurants across Colorado and neighboring states.
• The Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee will be once again celebrating a holiday time Weihnachtsfest (Christmas festival) from Dec. 9 through 23. In addition to special menu selections, the restaurant will be presenting the Dan Kane Carolers nightly starting at 6:30 p.m.
Reservations are required for the evening when caroling is taking place, and they can be made by calling 413-5948788.
• Burger King has introduced its latest menu item, Pickle Fries.
Available as a single size “side dish,” the dill pickle “fries” are coated with a seasoned breading before being fried. They’re then served with a cup of ranch dressing for dipping.
Like most Burger King menu promotions, the new Pickle Fries will have limited-time-only availability.
• The Yee family, which operates a number of restaurants
in Western Massachusetts, including the Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant in Springfield, Johnny’s Tavern in Amherst, and several White Hut locations, on Nov. 21 opened Crush Wine Bar in West Hartford.
Crush represents the Yee family’s third foray into the Connecticut restaurant market. Their Bean Restaurant Group operates Union Kitchen in West Hartford and will open a new concept in Simsbury in early 2025.
Crush Wine Bar’s menu, which can be viewed online at crushwinebarct.com, features snacks, charcuterie, and tapas-style small plates. The kitchen at Crush is run by chef Tim East.
Crush Wine Bar is located at 37 LaSalle Road in West Hartford. They can be reached at 860-790-8000.
• The Wendy’s Corp. has introduced three limited-time-only menu items. These include a Taco Salad is garnished with Wendy’s chili, roasted corn, and tortilla strips. A salsa-based dressing has also been developed to complement this particular salad build.
A Mushroom Bacon
An espresso martini chocolate cheesecake will conclude the holiday feasting.
Each of the five courses will be accompanied by a wine chosen to harmonize with it. Holiday entertainment will be provided by Rick Sylvester.
Tickets are $120 per person and can be ordered by calling Villa Rose at 413-547-6667.
• AmTrust Financial Services, a major player in the worker’s compensation insurance market, recently released a report dealing with some of the business risks and hazards the restaurant industry faces.
• It’s restaurant gift card time again, with eateries of all sorts offering early bird (and perhaps in a few weeks, “last minute”) deals on gift cards
The Student Prince Cafe & Fort Restaurant is currently holding a Gift Card Bonus Card Sale. Purchases of $50 in gift cards is rewarded with a $10 “bonus” card; purchases of $100 come with a $25 bonus.
For more details, contact the Student Prince at 413-7347475.
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.
Joe Frigo and his Frigo’s Foods on 90 Williams St. in Springfield is celebrating the restaurant’s 75th anniversary with an Open House on Dec. 7. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
Champagne and other sparkling wines perfect for the holidays
THIS TIME OF YEAR, no wine quite captures the spirit of the season like Champagne and other sparkling wines.
That might explain why 1 out of 5 sparkling wines sold every year are sold during this month alone.
From holiday parties to New Year’s Eve toasts, family gatherings to other celebrations, many people regularly raise a glass or two of sparkling wine this month.
This is why I have made a point about writing about sparkling wine this time of year since I first started writing this wine column 12 years ago in 2012.
However, let me be the first to say that sparkling wine tastes great anytime of the year, especially because they taste so great with so many different foods.
So what is sparkling wine? What makes all those bubbles? What’s the difference between Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and other popular sparkling wines? And which ones should you serve this holiday season?
This week, you can find the answers to all these questions, along with recommendations for several sparkling wines from around the world.
Some of these sparkling wines cost under $20 a bottle. Others cost a lot more. But all of them have one thing in common. They all taste great!
Hope you enjoy.
What is sparkling wine?
First, it’s important to understand that sparkling wine is made with grapes just like any other wine. Sparkling wine “sparkles” mainly because it has carbon dioxide in the wine. How did the carbon dioxide get in the wine? By undergoing a second fermentation process. A few other ingredients (which you can read about below) are also added to the wine which helps create the bubbles in sparkling wine.
Where do the bubbles come from in sparkling wine?
Three ingredients help
make the bubbles in sparkling wine — sugar, yeast and time. Sugar and yeast are added to wine during the wine making process. But just as important is time. Many sparkling wines take months or years to develop in a winemaker’s cellar or cave deep underground. In the bottle, the yeast ferments the sugar, creates more alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO2). Since the bottle is sealed tight, there’s nowhere for the CO2 to go. It dissolves in the wine, forming bubbles. This is why Champagne bottles are so thick. The glass needs to withstand the high pressure due to the dissolved CO2.
History of sparkling wine
References to sparkling wine with bubbles date back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when people reportedly thought the bubbles were due to other-worldly factors, including the phases of the moon and good or evil spirits. Modern sparkling wine dates back to the 1660s, when a monk named Dom Perignon created Champagne. Thank you, Dom!
Popular sparkling wine regions
The names of some of the most popular sparkling wines often simply refer to where the sparkling wines are made. This is the case with the three most popular sparkling wine regions:
• Champagne is French sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France;
• Prosecco is Italian sparkling wine from the Veneto region near Venice, Italy;
• Cava is Spanish sparkling wine from the Penedes region near Barcelona, Spain.
So in short, Champagne, Prosecco and Cava can only come from specific places and nowhere else. You can also find many great sparkling wines from other parts of France, California, Argentina, Canada and practically anywhere in the world.
What is the ‘traditional method’ for making sparkling wine?
You will often hear a lot of people talk about sparkling wine, especially Champagne, being made using the “traditional method.” What does
sweetest to driest, the six different sweetness levels for sparkling wines are: Doux, Demi Sec, Sec, Extra Dry, Brut, and Extra Brut.
Sparkling wine grapes
that mean? Wine made using the traditional method must go through certain steps:
• Sparkling wines aged for at least nine months after first fermentation.
• Bottles regularly and gradually rotated so the yeast slides into the neck of the bottle, a process called riddling.
• Neck of the wine bottle is frozen, forming an ice plug and encasing the yeast.
• Cap on bottle and yeast removed from the wine, a process known as disgorging.
• Some sugar added to the sparkling wine to add sweetness.
• Cork added to sparkling wine and the bottle is resealed and ready to sell.
Dry vs. sweet sparkling wine
Perhaps more than any other wine, sparkling wines cover a huge range – from very sweet to very dry. What makes sparkling wine confusing is many “dry” wines are actually quite sweet.
The more sugar there is in a sparkling wine, the sweeter it tastes. There are six basic levels of sweetness. From
Winemakers use many different types of grapes to make sparkling wine. Some of the most common grapes, particularly in France’s Champagne region, include: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Certain grapes are also often used to make other types of sparkling wine. Prosecco is made with Glera grapes, which used to be called prosecco grapes. Cava is generally made with Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello grapes but can be made with other grapes as well.
Vintage vs. non-vintage
Sometimes, some sparkling wines will have a year printed on the label. If you see that, the year refers to the specific year the grapes were harvested for that sparkling wine. It also means that sparkling wine is a Vintage one. Most sparkling wines are non-vintage wines, which means the grapes come from more than one harvest year.
Sparkling wine tasting notes
UNITED STATES
Dr. Konstantin Frank Celebre ($24.99 Suggested Retail Price) (New York, USA)
Upstate New York might not be the first place you think of when you think of sparkling wine. But this outstanding,
One of the Champagnes recommended this week for the holidays. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)
Ken Ross Wine Press
Wine
traditional method sparkling wine made with Riesling grapes has a bright, honey-like finish with hints of apple and raspberry.
J Vineyards Cuvee 20 ($40 SRP) (Russian River Valley, California)
Created in the cool, coastal climate of California’s Russian River Valley, this delightful sparkling wine has rich blend of subtle flavors, including hints of raspberry, cherry and peach, along with toasty, nuttier notes as well. Absolutely delightful.
2019 Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Blanc De Noirs ($60 SRP) (Carneros, California)
Another traditional method sparkling wine made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, this outstanding, dry sparkling wine has a crisp, bright, mineral-like finish with hints of toast, straw, raspberries and strawberries.
SOUTH AMERICA
Domaine Bousquet Charmat Brut ($13 SRP) (Mendoza, Argentina)
Another home run from one of the world’s best producers of good, affordable, dry wines. This sparkling wine made with a blend of 75 percent Chardonnay and 25 percent Pinot Noir grapes has a crisp, light, delicate finish with hints of lemon, apples and lime. Truly refreshing.
SPAIN (CAVA)
Segura Viudas Brut Cava ($9.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield and other locations) (Catalonia, Spain)
This delicious, affordable, reliable sparkling wine from Spain has long been one of my go-to wines over the years, especially when I’m looking for something crisp, dry and refreshing on a hot summer day or cold winter night. Flavors include hints of toast, lemon zest and green apple.
Juve Y Camps Gran Reserva De La Familia Cava Brut Nature ($22.99 at Table & Vine) (Catalonia, Spain)
Another one of my favorite Spanish Cavas, this dry, sparkling, organic wine has a clean, crisp
taste with hints of dried lemon, peach and apricots. Its flavors are especially vibrant and delicate since this wine is aged for four years before being sold. A great holiday treat.
ITALY (PROSECCO)
Zardetto Prosecco Brut DOC NV ($14.99 at Table & Vine) (Veneto, Italy)
Made with a blend of Glera grapes and a dash of Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay grown in the hills near Conegliano, this crisp, dry Prosecco from one of the most consistently great wineries in Italy has a slightly citrus-like finish with hints of lemon, apricot and ripe blood oranges.
Nino Franco Valdobbiadene
Prosecco Superiore Brut ($43 SRP) (Veneto, Italy)
Elegant, refined sparkling wine made with 100 percent Glera grapes from Valdobbiadene in the Veneto region in northern Italy. Flavors include toasted almonds and pears with crisp, subtle, floral hints of butter and dried citrus.
FRENCH SPARKLING WINES
De Chanceny Cremant de Loire Brut ($17 SRP) (Loire Valley, France)
Made with a blend of three grapes (70 percent Chenin Blanc, 15 percent Chardonnay and 15 percent Cabernet Franc), this crisp, dry, sparkling wine has a wonderful, slightly nutty, clean finish with hints of toasted almonds, melted butter and rye toast. Simply wonderful.
Luc Belaire Brut Gold ($35.99 SRP) (Burgundy, France)
Made in Burgundy with 95 percent Chardonnay and 5 percent Pinot Noir grapes, this bright, refreshing, toasty sparkling wine has wonderful hints of peach and pear along with citrus-like notes, including grapefruit and lemon.
CHAMPAGNE
Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne ($39.99 at Table & Vine) (Champagne, France)
Another consistently great Champagne house, Moet & Chandon (which I visited last year in France) excels at producing crisp, refreshing Champagnes. This is their flagship Champagne, which consistently impresses me. Flavors include roasted almonds, fresh
peach and hints of cherry.
Chateau de Bligny Grand Brut Reserve (SRP $49.99) (Champagne, France)
A lesser-known Champagne producer that’s part of the smaller, grower Champagne trend, this delicious Champagne made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes has a wide range of wonderful, refreshing flavors, including hints of orange zest, toast and almonds.
Laurent Perrier Non Vintage Brut ‘La Cuvee’ Champagne ($64.99 at Table & Vine) (Champagne, France)
One of my favorite champagne producers, Laurent Perrier has been making great champagne since 1812. I could have easily picked several other Laurent Perrier champagnes (including their “Brut Nature”) but I decided to recommend this crisp, dry, slightly nutty, refreshing one.
Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut ($64.99 at Table & Vine) (Champagne, France)
Another one of my favorite Champagne producers which I visited last year, this non-vintage Brut Champagne will appeal to traditional Champagne fans. Here, you can practically taste the chalky, limestone walls in this toasty Champagne with hints of almonds, butter and apricot.
Lanson Non Vintage Rose Champagne ($85 SRP) (Champagne, France)
Founded in 1760, Lanson has been producing outstanding, dry Champagnes for more than two centuries. Made with a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes, the flavors here include dry, subtle hints of raspberry, strawberry and dried orange rind.
2015 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Annee ($268 SRP) (Champagne, France)
This stellar vintage Champagne made with a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes has a wonderful range of luxurious, vibrant flavors, including crisp hints of almonds, toasted butter, cinnamon and candied orange. Decadent, luxurious and delicious! Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
CALENDAR
THURSDAY
Champney’s Restaurant: Holiday Music by the Fire Tonight by John Waynelovich: Thu.-Fri, 9 p.m. Deerfield Inn/Champney’s Restaurant, Live music in the Tavern by local keyboardist John Waynelovich. Full dinner menu available. Make reservations by calling 413-774-5587, 81 Old Main St., Deerfield. (413) 7745587 or www.deerfieldinn.com.
Fiesta de la SImcha - Preconcert Mexican Jewish Dinner: Thu, 5:30 p.m. BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, Enjoy a night of music and Jewish Mexican cuisine with Ilan Stavans and recipes from his new Sabor Judio cookbook. Then, after dessert, savor the very special musical mash-up of Jewish klezmer and Puerto Rican cuatro featuring Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band and Fabiola Mendes Trio. Dinner tickets also include preferred seating to the concert and a copy of the cookbook, $118. 130 Pine St., Florence; Medicare Drop-in Session: Thu, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Willits-Hallowell Conference Center, Health New England Medicare experts will be on hand to answer your Medicare Advantage questions and explain the company’s 2025 Medicare Advantage options. Register or find other community Medicare sessions at healthnewengland.org/medicare/sessions, or email msupport@hne.com for a 1:1 meeting, 50 College Street, South Hadley; (413) 538-2217 or https:// www.mtholyoke.edu/willits.
MGM Springfield Tree Lightning and Ice Rink: Thu.-Sun, MGM Springfield, Tree lighting takes place at 6 p.m. Hours: Mon.-Tue. Closed. Wed.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m.; Fri.- Sat. 1-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Special Holiday Hours: Dec. 23, 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 24, 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 25, 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 30, 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 31, 4-10 p.m. Jan. 1, 4-10 p.m. Walk-up sales only; tickets not available online. For more information visit https:// mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/entertain ment/ice-rink.html; MGM Rewards, Member Pricing Sapphire/Pearl/Gold Admission $12 Sapphire/Pearl/ Gold Skate Rental $7; Platinum/NOIR Admission & Skate Rental Member and up to 1 guest: FREE *Must have valid MGM Rewards card. Pricing is for member and 1 guest; General Public Pricing Ad. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
NAMI Western Massachusettts Responsible Decluttering: Thu.-Sun, 9 a.m. NAMI-Western Massachusetts, NAMI–WM will be holding a Responsible Decluttering Program fundraiser at their office. They will be collecting housewares, gently used clothing, towels, small household appliances, books, sporting goods and much more. All clothing should be in kitchen or 30 gallon size trash bags, durable goods should be in manageable size boxes. Anything wet or soiled, in non-working condition, and any baby safety items will not be accepted. Call the office to arrange a time to drop off your items or to have them picked up. Visit their website to find a list of items they will take. https://namiwm.org/events or 413-786-9139, Free. 1221 Main St. Suite 100, Holyoke.
FRIDAY
Captain Charles Leonard House Open House: Fri, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Captain Charles Leonard House, The event will feature tours of the house and seasonal refreshments.
Each room of the 1805 stage tavern, located at 663 Main Street in the Agawam Center National Register Historic District, will be decorated for the season. The exterior of the house and the Minerva Davis Meeting SEE CALENDAR, PAGE D10
Calendar
Room will be decorated by the Agawam Garden Club with the theme of Christmas at the Captain Leonard Stage Tavern. Prominent among the decorations is a tavern sign painted by Garden Club member Rosemarie White, 663 Main St., Agawam.
Champney’s Restaurant: Holiday Music by the Fire Tonight by John Waynelovich: See Thursday listing A Charlie Brown Christmas (An EHS Production): Fri.-Sat, 7 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they discover the true meaning of Christmas. EHS Drama students present this holiday favorite that the whole family is sure to enjoy, $10. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick; www. thecenterateaglehill.org.
Cocoa Carnival: Fri, 2:30 p.m. Chicopee Main Library, Join in for a winter celebration! Play some games, enjoy a craft, and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa! No registration required. For kids and families of all ages. Head down the road to check out the Tree Lighting at City Hall after, 449 Front Street, Chicopee. (413) 594-1800.
Eastern Dog Club Holiday Classic Dog Show: Fri.-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. (413) 737-2443 or www.thebige.com.
GCC Community Chorus Holiday Concert: Fri, 12:15-12:45 p.m. Greenfield Community College, The program will comprise carols and traditional music for the season as well an exciting Gospel number and a nineteenth century anthem by Lowell Mason. The audience will be invited to join in the singing of several holiday songs, and light refreshments will be available. Performers will include Margery Heins, conductor; John Yannis, accompanist; and soloists from the chorus. This is the group’s third and final concert of the fall 2024 semester, 1 College Drive, Greenfield.
Medicare Drop-in Session: Fri, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hampton Inn & Suites, Learn about Health New England’s 2025 Medicare Advantage options from your local team. They will explain your options and what you need to know when choosing a Medicare plan. Register or find other community Medicare sessions at healthnewengland.org/medicare/ sessions, email msupport@hne. com for a 1:1 meeting, or call (877)
443-3314 for more information, 445 Pittsfield Road, Lenox.
MGM Springfield Tree Lighting and Ice Rink: See Thursday listing Music at Amherst: The Juilliard String Quartet with Romie de Guise-Langlois, clarinet: Fri, 7:30 p.m. Buckley Recital Hall, eneral Public: $28 ; Seniors 65+: $22 ; Student with ID: $12. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst; www.amherst.edu.
NAMI Western Massachusettts
Responsible Decluttering: See Thursday listing
Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies
Coffee Social Hour: Fri, 1 p.m. Northampton Senior Center, Gay Men’s Group, every Fri, 1 p.m., 67 Conz St., Northampton. (413) 5871228 or www.northampton seniors.com.
Shutesbury Holiday Shop: Fri, 6-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Shutesbury Athletic Club, Open for just three days, featuring handcrafted work from over 40 local craftspeople, authors, and artists. Cash or check is preferred. Credit cards are accepted. ATM on the premises, free. 282 Wendell Road, Shutesbury.
Spirits of Christmas Past: Fri, 6 p.m. Storrowton Village Museum, Enjoy one of Storrowton’s Ghost Tours with a Yuletide twist. Take a tour of Storrowton Village Museum & learn about the history of Christmas ghost stories, unexplained occurrences in the Village, the dark side of historic winter festivities, and more. Tickets going quickly, visit https://www.storrowton village.com/p/events/storrow tonyuletide; Spirits of Christmas Past tours are approximately 2
hours long, and are recommended for ages 12 and up. Photography will be allowed on certain parts of the tour. No video is allowed. Please check in at the Meeting House where the tour will begin. Dress in layers and wear sensible shoes. Ghost tours are not wheelchair accessible and include walking up and down stairs, $25 per person. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. www.thebige.com.
SATURDAY
A Charlie Brown Christmas (An EHS Production): See Friday listing Christmas with The West Mass Brass Band: Sat, 2 p.m. First Church in Ludlow, Free music Christmas concert by The West Mass Brass Band on December 7th at 2 pm at First Church – 859 Center St., Ludlow, MA. Bring the family and friends to a wonderful Holiday program. For more information visit our Facebook page, or contact Ken McCance: (413) 659-2622, westmassbrass@gmail.com.
To hear the band please visit http://facebook.com/ WestMassBrass, free. 859 Center St., Ludlow.
CitySpace’s Pop-Up Market: Sat, Old Town Hall, Over 40 artists will be showing and selling one-ofa-kind gifts and special somethings at Old Town Hall as part of CitySpace’s Pop-Up Market, Big Red Frame’s Art is a Gift, and ECA Gallery. Shoppers can find all kinds of unique items like clothing, cards, prints, paintings, pottery, photography, books, and more unique artist-made items from throughout
NAMI Western Massachusettts Responsible Decluttering: See Thursday listing
Shutesbury Holiday Shop: See Friday listing
Yuletide Weekend: Sat.-Sun, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Storrowton Village Museum, A festive, free weekend of beautifully decorated buildings, entertainment, trade demonstrations, farm animals, kids activities, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and so much more, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. www. thebige.com.
SUNDAY
the region. Entry is free and all are welcome, 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Cottage Street Studios Open Studios: Sat.-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cottage Street Studios, Over 40 artists and makers working in variety of media open their studios for our semi-annual open studios and holiday sale. It is a not to miss event, 1 Cottage Street, Easthampton.
Eastern Dog Club Holiday Classic Dog Show: See Friday listing Free Photos with Santa: Sat, 10 a.m. Heritage Woods Assisted Living, Santa Claus is coming to Heritage Woods Senior Living on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 - 12:00. Parents can take pictures of their children with Santa for free, Free. 462 Main Street, Agawam; (413) 789-8332 or http://www. genesishcc.com/heritagewoods.
Healing Winds Of Autumn Poetry Event: Featuring Magdalena Gomaz,video presentation Kevin Sharp, reading by Jeffery Lomar Trainor,Renay Instisar Jahad, Willie J Naylor Jr. Special recognition to Marjorie Hurst Editor of the Af-Am Point of View and presenta: Sat, 2 p.m. Arts for the Soul Gallery-Tower Square, Free and Open to the Public. For more information call 413-271-4197 or email willnaylor604@yahoo.com, 1500 Main St. 2nd floor, Springfield. (413) 788-3903.
LCA Holiday Store: Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Barnes Gallery of Leverett Crafts and Arts, Mudpie Potters holiday sale, 13 Montague Road, Leverett. (413) 548-9070.
MGM Springfield Tree Lighting and Ice Rink: See Thursday listing
Ball for All: Sun, 7-10 p.m. Progression Brewing Company, Ball for All is our inaugural gala fundraiser celebrating Art, Resiliency & Inclusion in the Valley. The event will feature both Live and Silent Auctions, offering bidding opportunities to spend time with local artists and makers to acquire new skills. Featured hyperlocal artists will include ceramicists, photographers, fiber artists, printmakers, jewelry makers, and more. Additionally, raffle prizes from local businesses and original artworks will be up for grabs, $25-$50. 9 Pearl St., Northampton;
A Charlie Brown Christmas (An EHS Production): See Friday listing
Cottage Street Studios Open Studios: See Saturday listing Eastern Dog Club Holiday Classic Dog Show: See Friday listing
MGM Springfield Tree Lighting and Ice Rink: See Thursday listing NAMI Western Massachusettts Responsible Decluttering: See Thursday listing Shutesbury Holiday Shop: See Friday listing
Tavern Carolers: Sun, West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub, The Irish Cultural Center presents the Tavern Carolers throughout Dec. This is a festive opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with a delicious meal in a beautifully decorated pub while listening to some of the area’s best Christmas music. Tickets are $60 for ICC Patrons and $65 for General Public. Ticket includes music, 3-course meal and server gratuity for food. Full bar will be open for purchase. The Dec. 22 and 23 performances feature a special visit from Santa. These include a $25/$30 kids ticket option. Learn more and purchase tickets online at https://www.irishcenterwne.org/, 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield. www.IrishCenterwne.org.
West Springfield Coin Club Meeting: Sun, 7 p.m. Mittineague Congregational Church, A presentation & discussion will include facts
A holiday tree lighting will take place at MGM Springfield on Thursday at 6 p.m. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
Calendar
about the U.S. Mint in Charlotte, NC. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For further information contact Peter Setian at 413-596-9871, 1840 Westfield St., West Springfield.
Winter Wonderland Concert: Sun, 2 p.m. First Church of Monson, Millennium Magic, a Sweet Adelines Chorus, will perform their Winter Wonderland Concert in the sanctuary of First Church. A cookies and punch reception will follow the concert in Fellowship Hall. The cost is a $5 donation at the door, 5 High St., Monson.
Yuletide Weekend: See Saturday listing
QUADRANGLE
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums will be free. For more information, visit www.springfield museums.org.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Gingerbread in Toyland.” Through Dec. 31. In this 15th annual holiday exhibit, favorite toys and classic games will be crafted out of sugar and spice by local bakeries, residents and families, and set within a land of holiday whimsy and wonder.
• “The 200th Anniversary of the Springfield Republican.” Through January 5.
• Meet the Grinch in The Grinch’s Grotto. Dec. 7, 8 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Step into the Grinch’s Grotto to meet the Grinchiest of Grinchy beings, the Grinch himself. Visit with Mt. Crumpit’s most famous resident, snap a few photos, and explore a winter wonderland of holiday spirit. Please note: Because he needs his beauty rest, the Grinch will take a short break every 40 minutes.
• Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Gilded Echoes: The Tiffany Influence in Josh Simpson’s Glasswork.” Through Feb. 25. “Look Again: Portraits of Daring Women” by Julie Lapping Rivera. Through Feb. 23. “Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass.” Through Feb. 25.
• Grinchmas After Hours 2024. Dec. 5, 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Cost: $20, $10 members. An adults-only romp through our holiday exhibitions! En-
Siblings Isabella Johnson, 6, and Mason Johnson, 3, give the Grinch a hug during the Meet the Grinch event at the Springfield Museums on Nov. 18, 2023. The Grinch will meet visitors at Grinch’s Grotto on Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)
joy the Grinch’s Grotto, gingerbread exhibition, and lights on the Quadrangle Green; festive holiday music; complimentary hors d’oeuvres; and cash bar. Reservations recommended, visit www.springfieldmuseums.org.
• Grinchmas Saturday. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Join in for holiday family fun in the galleries. In addition to the Grinch’s Grotto and Gingerbread in Toyland, meet St. Nick and enjoy hands-on activities. Free with museum admission.
• Museum a la Carte. Dec. 5, 12:15 p.m. Holiday Performance by Berkshire Hills Music Academy Musicians. In-person only. Cost: $4, free for members.
Springfield Science Museum: Permanent Exhibit: State-of-theArt Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station Exhibit. The newly upgraded, interactive International Space Station exhibit will provide visitors with a better understanding of what it takes and it’s like to fly among the stars, living and working in outer space for months on end. Stars Over Springfield. Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Cost: $7, cost for members: $5. Join in for a beginner’s astronomy program. Recommended for ages 8 and older. This Month’s Topic: Oh My Stars!
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent Exhibit. 1st floor exhibition provides opportunities to engage in activities with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. 2nd floor: contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia, including never before publicly displayed art, the original Geisel Grove sign which used to hang in Forest Park,
temporaries including the visionary Charles Miller, the representationalist Gregory Stone, and others. Always something to see and do. June hours: Wed. Thurs. and Sat. 2-6 p.m.; Friday, 2-8 p.m.; More at NEVA-museum.org
Arts Night Out, 2nd Friday every month, 5-8 p.m. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton
Connecticut Trolley Museum: Winterfest and the “Tunnel of Lights.” Fri, Sat, Sun. through Dec. 22 with extended hours during winter vaction, Dec. 26-30. Admission ranges $16-$21 per person, and all tickets must be purchased in advance at www.ct-trolley.org.
Museum members receive half off; 58 North Road, East Windsor or www.cttrolley.org.
80 Old Main St., Deerfield or www.historic-deerfield.org.
Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Museum hours: Tues.-Thurs. and Sun. 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. free, 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or www.amherst.edu.
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum: “Northern Exposure: Painting from the Low Countries in the Permanent Collection.” Through May 25.
• “Mariam Ghani: Like Water from a Stone.” Through May 25. Lower Lake Road, South Hadley or www.mtholyoke.edu.
and furniture from Ted’s sitting room and studio, including his drawing board and armchair. Timed tickets required, for reservations visit springfieldmuseums.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 exhibits include spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store. Weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum.org for information. Hours: Tue.-Tue, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open for groups Wed. $8 adults, $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); Military Personnel & Teachers: Receive a 10% discount off the price of your regular admission. Members/infants free; 29 South Broad St., Westfield or www.ameliaparkmuseum.org.
Anchor House of Artists: Rotating art exhibits, self-staged by fine regional talents. The best leastknown gallery in the Pioneer Valley. Free public receptions on the 2nd Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. email: artists@anchorhouseartists. org, anchorhouseartists.org; 413588-4337.
The New England Visonary Artists Museum. Offers a summer full of captivating new art events that are guaranteed to entertain, plus rotating exhibits by regional con-
East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent Exhibit. Open every 3rd Saturday of the month, 1-3 p.m. with free admittance. Featuring displays of local history. Guided tours are available. For more information about seasonal events, visit them on Facebook at East Longmeadow Historical Commission. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow
Edith Wharton: The Mount: NightWood. through Jan. 4. An innovative sound and light experience that takes visitors on a journey through a fantastical winter landscape. Inspired by the natural world, NightWood combines cinematic and atmospheric music, theatrical lighting, and scenic elements to create encounters that evoke wonder, delight, and mystery. General Admission: $27 adults; $12 Youths 13-18; free for children 12 and under. Admission is limited and timed. Reservations are required and can be made at EdithWharton. org or 413-551-5100. 2 Plunkett St., Lenox or www.edithwharton. org.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: 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: Wed.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four.
• “Artful Collaboration: Eric Carle & Ann Beneduce.” Through March 9.
• “Free to Be.You and Me: 50 Years of Stories and Songs.” Through April 6.
125 West Bay Road, Amherst or www.carlemuseum.org.
Historic Deerfield: “Building a Collection: Recent Acquisitions.” Through Feb. 23.
• “In Pursuit of the Picturesque: The Art of James Wells Champney.” Through Feb. 23.
Norman Rockwell Museum: Online Exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” The exhibition highlights the important role of Norman Rockwell and other artists in advancing and communicating these ideals, envisioned as core human rights for all people. The fee for accessing “Imagining freedom” is $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM.org.
Anita Kunz: Original Sisters Portraits of Tenacity and Courage. Through May 26. $10/$25, https:// www.nrm.org/2024/09/ anitakunz/
Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays. Through Feb. 23. $0 - $25, https://www.nrm. org/2024/09/134735/
Permanent exhibit: Gallery. Hours: Thurs.-Mon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Advance tickets purchase required; Closed Tuesday and Wed.; In July and Aug, museum open Tuesdays noon-7 p.m. $20 adults; $18 seniors, AAA, retire military; $10 college students, free children ages 18 and under, members and active military,
• Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection. Through Jan. 4. $0/$25, https://www.nrm. org/2024/09/illustrators-oflight-rockwell-wyeth-andparrish-from-the-edison-mazdacollection/
Sharing Light: Exhibition Opening & Holiday Reception. Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Join NRM for a festive evening celebrating the exhibition of never-before-seen paintings in Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection. Enjoy informal gallery tours with Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and holiday treats and libations. Also featuring Norman Rockwell’s holiday paintings and Stockbridge Village recreation. $35, members free, https://www. nrm.org/events/sharing-lightexhibition-opening-holidayreception/
the museum’s six historic buildings in all their holiday splendor. During the tour, costumed volunteers will discuss holiday traditions of the past such as how Christmas was not widely celebrated during the 18th and 19th centuries represented by the authentic buildings at Storrowton Village. Other fun facts will include the evolution of Christmas over the years and why Storrowton calls its event a yuletide celebration. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are available at storrowton village.com.
For a romanticized version of holidays gone by, the week will culminate with the Yuletide Lantern Light Evening on Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m. The ornately decorated Village will be aglow in the ambient light of candles and lanterns, allowing visitors an authentic, 19th-century New England experience.
“People Iove the lantern tours because it gives them an extra glimpse into what our village might have looked like back in the 19th century without modern-day electricity lighting up the holiday. The buildings are beautifully decorated, and the low lights provide an additional accent to the experience,” Fontaine said.
There will also be free family crafts and quill pen letters to Santa, blacksmithing demonstrations, openhearth cooking in the Gilbert Farmstead and horse-drawn wagon rides to and from Eastern States Farmers Market where shoppers will find wines and cheeses alongside home goods, clothing, bags, jewelry and more. Additional shopping opportunities include the Village Christmas Shop.
Fontaine noted to honor the fair’s longtime agricultural mission, the wagon rides will follow a path decorated with some of their tractors and other large agricultural machinery decorated for the occasion.
Throughout the night, kids of all ages can enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, direct from the North Pole for the event, in the Potter Mansion Kitchen; a performance by The Ne’er Do Wells, a historical and musical group, while you roam and at the Union Meeting House; and closing carols on the steps of the Union Meeting House, conducted by a special guest whose appearance is being kept a secret. Tickets — priced at $15 and free to kids under 6 — can be found online at storrowtonvillage. com.
When Storrowton officials talk about the “spirit” of Christmas, they really mean “spirits.”
As part of their Spirits of Christmas Past Ghost Tour on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m., brave souls can take a spirited walk through Storrowton Village Museum in all its festive finery while costumed guides provide insight into the dark side of Christmas, unexplained occurrences in the village and a history of holiday ghost stories.
“As part of the ghost tour we talk about the dark history behind the Christmas holiday, even our sweet Santa Claus has a dark history that spans different cultures. It’s also a time to talk about what spirits might be living right here in our village. We have had a five-year partnership with a paranormal investigator group who have gone through our buildings to give us a sense of what energies and spirits might be here,” Fontaine said.
This eerie event is recommended for participants 12 years of age and older, and tickets at $25 are available online at storrowtonvillage. com. It is recommended that participants wear layers of clothing and sensible shoes. Tours are rain or shine.
Parking is free for all Storrowton events, with entrance through Gate 1. Activities take place weather permitting. For more information and tickets, visit storrowton village.com.
