Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Community Music School alum, returns to Springfield for album release concert
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‘DAWN’
‘DAWN’
Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Community Music School alum, returns to Springfield for album release concert
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
It was some 30 years ago that Sarah Elizabeth Charles sat in the lobby of the Community Music School of Springfield with her grandmother, waiting for her lessons to begin. In 2012, she returned to the Community Music School to perform songs from her debut album “Red.”
She would return to Springfield several times over the next few years to celebrate her subsequent albums: “Inner Dialogue,” “Free of Form” and “Blank Canvas.” In-between her personal music projects, she became a music teacher in New York, got married and gave birth
“It feels very crazy that the same lobby where I used to wait with my grandmother is now the same exact location where I’m going to be celebrating this release about my kids.”
SARAH ELIZABETH CHARLES
Sarah Elizabeth Charles, a Springfield native and Community Music School alum, will play a concert in the Robyn Newhouse Hall of the school on Oct. 4 to celebrate her fifth album, “Dawn.” (SHERVIN LAINEZ)
to two children.
It only felt right for Charles to make another return to the Community Music School in celebration of her fifth album, “Dawn,” due out Oct. 3.
“Each record release has felt really special, but this particular record is all about my journey becoming a parent, becoming a mom,” Charles said in an interview with The Republican. “It feels very crazy that the same lobby where I used to wait with my grandmother is now the same exact location where I’m going to be celebrating this release about my kids.”
The Community Music School, a nonprofit community arts school in downtown Springfield, will host Charles in its Robyn Newhouse Hall on Oct. 4. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the show, priced on a sliding scale from $10 to $20, can be purchased on the Community Music School’s website.
“Sarah is such a special part of the Community Music School of Springfield’s story — she is, and will always be, family,” Eileen McCaffery, executive director of the school, said. “Over her amazing career as a groundbreaking artist, Sarah has always taken time from busy life to give back and to honor her roots in Springfield.”
Working as a teacher now herself, Charles said that the teachers at the Community Music School helped lay the groundwork for her success.
“I don’t believe that there’s a blueprint for every music student that works, so you really have to get to know your students and see what they need to grow,” Charles said, adding that staff at the music school structured her learning and what they had to offer around who she was and who she wanted to be.
“I was very lucky to find that at the music school.”
Sharing intimacy of motherhood
“Dawn” chronicles the intimacy of motherhood, and the songs were written as Charles
“Sarah is such a special part of the Community Music School of Springfield’s story — she is, and will always be, family.”
EILEEN
MCCAFFERY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL OF SPRINGFIELD
was actively experiencing the highs and lows of becoming a mother. “Angel Spark” was written when she experienced her first of two miscarriages.
“After I had my first miscarriage, I got pregnant again, and I was like, ‘I can’t write about anything else except what I’m moving through right now because it’s so present in my body and my spirit and mind,” Charles said.
Charles wrote the album over the course of four years, and recorded it in 2024 while six months pregnant. All songs were written in real time, as she experienced the grief of loss and the celebration of the birth of her two sons.
The result is the deeply vulnerable and intimate “Dawn,” a 10-song album in which Charles is joined by pianist Maya Keren, bassist Linda May Han Oh, drummer Savannah Harris, violinist Skye Steele, and cellist Marika Hughes. Her husband, pianist and composer Jarett Cherner, also contributed to several arrangements.
“I’m a mom. I have two kids. I have a partner, We have a cat. My life is a lot different now in 2025 than it was in 2012,” Charles said. “As a songwriter, I try to just tell my story and focus on do -
ing that in a clear way, a way that resonates with me and gives me goosebumps and makes me feel good or feels cathartic to me.”
Her concert at the Community Music School of Springfield will highlight more than just her voice. The evening will include the screening of two short documentaries Charles created to accompany two of her songs — “Angel
‘DAWN’, PAGE D12
Sarah Elizabeth Charles' newest album, "Dawn," is an exploration of motherhood told through the lens of Charles' own journey.
Community Music School of Springfield Executive Director Eileen McCaffery presented Sarah Elizabeth Charles a bouquet of flowers at the conclusion of the concert at the Springfield native’s "Free of Form" album release party in 2018.
(ED COHEN PHOTO)
Eddie Griffin comes to MGM
WEST SPRINGFIELD
ZZ Top flair closes out fair
Lori Wood, and her daughter, Sara Wood, both of Agawam, above, await the start of the ZZ Top concert at The Big E in West Springfield on Sunday. At right, Jeffrey and Heidi Porteous, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, show off their vintage ZZ Top shirts at the concert. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTOS)
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican SPRINGFIELD — It’s never a good idea to do something on a dare, because the results could be disastrous.
But when comedian Eddie Griffin, coming to MGM Springfield on Saturday, took a dare from his cousin, it changed his life forever.
When the two were out on the town at Sanford and Sons comedy club, Griffin accepted a dare to go on stage and do three minutes of stand up. Those short three minutes turned into a successful laugh fest that lasted for 45 minutes. And, as the story goes, he then purchased a one-way ticket to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a stand up.
“We are thrilled to welcome Eddie Griffin to the MGM Springfield stage,” said Amanda Croteau, director of entertainment for the casino. “His energy, wit and legendary comedy are sure to make for an incredible and unforgettable night for our guests.”
Showtime is 8 p.m. in the Aria Ballroom.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Griffin was voted class clown three years in a row
Mark Winters’ ‘Good Vibes Highway Tour’ lands in Easthampton
SOME PEOPLE MIGHT say rock music “isn’t rocket science,” but for Mark Winters, it partially is.
Winters, who holds a dual degree in aerospace and aeronautical engineering, uses that analytical part of his brain to inform how he approaches his songwriting.
“My poetry mind and my science mind are both kind of competing for time, so a lot of my songs have layers, where they have both a poetic meaning and a scientific meaning,” he said. “From a structural point of view, I have a good idea of systems and flow, so when I was learning to write songs, the easiest thing for me was song structure and certain compositional elements. Those parts were very much like science to me.”
Based out of Houston, Texas, Winters will make a stop at Luthier’s Co-op in Easthampton on Oct. 3 on his current “Good Vibes Highway Tour.” He will also do Massachusetts shows in Maynard,
“My poetry mind and my science mind are both kind of competing for time, so a lot of my songs have layers, where they have both a poetic meaning and a scientific meaning.”
Mark Winters, who is playing Luthier’s Co-Op in Easthampton on Oct. 3
Chelmsford and Cambridge in the following days. Visit his website, markwinters music.com, for a complete list of times and venues.
For Winters, the “good vibes highway” has been a road to success. He said he has always had a positive mindset, even as a child.
“I’ve had my share of tragedy and setbacks and drama, but I bounce back quickly and find ways through the maze of life. I also find myself wanting to help other people,” he said.
To that end, Winters
Saturday, October 4 • 10 am-5 pm Spooky Season has
Explore the folklore surrounding witchcraft and the evolution of witches in popular culture through hands-on activities for all ages.
Comedian and actor Eddie Griffin. (JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / ASSOCIATED PRESS)
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
Nightclubs
THURSDAY
Theodores’: Rockstar Karaoke. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Katie Boyle. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Morrissey Boulevard with Grand View Point. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Six Pack of Blues. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Dan Ringrose. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Katie Boyle. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Emo Night Brooklyn. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
SUNDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive.com/myevent
From ‘Jersey Shore’ to mom of 3
‘Snooki’ talks parenting, podcast before MGM show
BY AshleY P otter apotter@repub.com
SPRINGFIELD — Fifteen years ago, you might not have been familiar with the name Nicole Polizzi, but chances are you knew of “Snooki,” her reality TV nickname.
Polizzi broke into fame in 2009 for being a party girl on the MTV reality show “Jersey Shore.” She was 22 when the show started.
Snooki became a cultural phenomenon — with many embracing her leopard-print fashion and iconic “pouf” hairstyle.
In 2010, while “Jersey Shore” was drawing in about 5 1/2 million viewers a week, The Associated Press reported that Snooki was one of the most popular Halloween costumes that year.
After “Jersey Shore” ended in 2012, Polizzi went on to star in numerous other reality TV shows, including “Snooki & Jwoww,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “The New Celebrity Apprentice,” and, most recently, “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation,” which is currently in its eighth season on MTV.
Now 37, Polizzi is married to former “Jersey Shore” co-star Jionni LaValle. She is a mother of three — with her oldest being 13 — and she loves her “mommy duties,”
she said in an interview with The Republican.
A successful entrepreneur, Polizzi owns The Snooki Shop, a chain of clothing boutiques for which she
The Reagan Doctrine: Lessons for Today
Thursday, October 9 · 12:00 – 1:00pm 1350 Main Street, 9th Floor Gallery
Featuring Ambassador Frank Lavin
Register at wacwestma.org or scan QR Code
or email
“I wouldn’t tell myself anything, because everything I’ve done, it’s all landed me to where I am now. It’s like the butterfly effect.”
Nicole Polizzi
curates the merchandise, and runs Messy Mawma Wine, among several other business ventures. She has authored several books, including New York Times bestsellers “A Shore Thing,” “Confessions of a Guidette” and “Gorilla Beach.”
She also co-hosts the podcast “It’s Happening with Snooki & Joey” alongside Joey Camasta. The duo, who have together produced more than 200 episodes, dive into everything from celebrity gossip to personal stories, pop culture and other trending topics.
Polizzi and Camasta will
Nicole Polizzi attends MTV's "Jersey Shore" 15-year anniversary celebration on Dec. 3, 2024, in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. (MANNY CARABEL / GETTY IMAGES FOR MTV, FILE)
SEE SNOOKI, PAGE D11
A night of laughs, geared toward diligent educators
Bored Teachers tour stops at Springfield Symphony Hall
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican SPRINGFIELD
— It’s not a school night, so teachers on Friday can leave their classroom worries behind and head to the “Bored Teachers: The Struggle Is Real! Comedy Tour” to destress from the “struggles” of teaching.
Showtime at Springfield Symphony Hall is 7:30 p.m. “We deeply appreciate teachers and recognize the challenges they face. Sometimes, a little laughter is exactly what they need to get through those tough days,” said Amanda Spear-Purchase, venue and events director for Springfield Symphony Hall. “This show is a chance for educators, staff and the community to come together, celebrate their hard work, and enjoy a well-deserved night of fun.”
Since 2022, Bored Teachers has been selling out comedy clubs and major theaters across 49 states, bringing laughter to over 150,000 teachers throughout the school year — but you don’t have to be a teacher to enjoy the show.
Born more than eight years ago, Bored Teachers emerged from a love-hate relationship with the teacher profession. Founders James and Marilou Tarantino were classroom teachers and avid travelers. On their travels, they met and shared stories with teachers from all over the world who went through the same struggles and frustrations. Through these shared sentiments, they began a community on social media through sharing humorous skits, memes and articles detailing the “very real” experiences, true stories and honest feelings behind teaching.
The feelings expressed were so relatable that the
Andrea Caspari is among the comedians that make up the team for “Bored Teachers: The Struggle Is Real!,” a comedy tour that pokes fun at the struggles faced by educators.
engagement exploded from like-minded educators and the Bored Teachers creative team expanded into a full-production house with writers, content creators, and comedians garnishing tens of millions of views on every skit, story, and podcast clip posted to the Bored Teachers’ channels.
Today Bored Teachers is the No. 1 teacher-entertainment media company in the world. With more than 10 million followers, the No. 1 ranking teacher podcast, and over a billion video views combined online, it is a one-stop portal to share laughter, release stress and advocate for teachers by shining the light on global issues in education through comedy.
Some 18 teacher-comedians, like Andrea Caspari, make up the many shows on the road for which the lineup varies. If you are wondering if seeing the show is worth it, Caspari, in an online video, explained why.
“Being a teacher and a comedian really goes hand in hand, especially when I’m dealing with my fourth block because they are rowdy. Being a comedian has definitely made me a better teacher, for sure, because I know how to handle things off-the-cuff. I know how to use humor and
“Being a
comedian
has definitely made me a better teacher, for sure, because I know how to handle things offthe-cuff.”
Andrea Caspari
nothing ruffles me at all, like nothing. Come on out for the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour. It’s going to be the best night of your life. You’re going to have so much you. You’re going to laugh and feel like you are not alone with all these people feeling the same crazy things that you do. It’s so relatable and it is so hilarious and you’re going to feel so much better in the morning,” she said. The comedians note that PG-13 language — things you might not hear in the classroom — is used during some sets.
Tickets, ranging in price from $38 to $58, are available online at springfield symphonyhall.com.
in high school. His first love was always dance and by the age of 16, he opened his own dance studio and was choreographing the Kansas City Chiefs half-time shows.
From the stage to filmed comedy specials, he has received rave reviews for the TV series “Def Comedy Jam,” the Cable Ace Award-nominated HBO special “One Night Stand” (1992), the HBO special “Voodoo Child,” “Dysfunktional Family,” Comedy Central’s “You Can Tell ’Em I Said It,” and the Showtime Special “Undeniable.” Comedy Central has honored Griffin as one of the Top 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of all time.
Griffin also starred in television’s “Malcolm & Eddie,” one of the former UPN’s most successful and long-running sitcoms, for which he was nominated in 1996 for the NAACP Image Award for Best Actor. He was nominated for the award again, and won, in 2000.
The show allowed him to further stretch his acting chops as writer, producer and director of several episodes, as well as writing the
theme song with co-star and former “Cosby” kid — the late Malcolm–Jamal Warner. The series also occasionally showcased Griffin’s choreography, harkening back to his pre-comedy dance career.
He is also no stranger to the big screen, and has appeared in films including “The Last Boy Scout,” “Coneheads,” “Armageddon,” “Norbit,” “American Hero,” “Mucho Dinero,” “Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo,” and “A Star Is Born,” in which he played the pastor opposite Dave Chappelle, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. His awards include the LAIUFF Award for Best Actor and Critics Award for Best Actor in 2014. He was also nominated for the CableACE Stand-Up Comedy Special in 1995, the 2000 Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series and the Festival Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film in 2024.
Griffin is currently enjoying a successful residency in Las Vegas where he is booked through next year with his “Live and Unleashed” show at the Saxe Theater at Planet Hollywood. Tickets, available online at mgmspringfield.com, range in price from $41 to $129.
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
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
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
Your guide to fall leaf-peeping
Here’s a state-bystate guide for fall foliage this year
Fall foliage enthusiasts planning trips across New England this year will encounter a season marked by both exceptional beauty and unpredictable timing due to unusual weather patterns.
The 2025 fall foliage season is expected to progress from north to south across New England, with northern states like Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire seeing peak colors in late September through early October, while southern states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut will peak from mid to late October.
This year’s conditions are creating a
more variable “patchwork” of colors that will require visitors to explore different elevations and regions to catch the best displays.
Peak viewing periods are typically brief, lasting only seven to 10 days in any given location, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Vermont
The state calls itself “home of the World’s Best Foliage,” a claim supported by its forest coverage of 7075% of the state and the highest percentage of maple trees in the country. These sugar maples are particularly valued because they “are capable of producing all three pigments that give leaves their color, which is why you can pick one up off the ground with yellows, oranges, and reds in it,” according to SmokyMountains.com
According to Vermont Tourism, fall foliage in the state “tends to start in the northern regions of the state, at
the highest elevations first, before moving down from the mountains and geographically into the central and southern regions.”
However, drought conditions are significantly impacting this year’s display. WAMC Northeast Public Radio reported on Sept. 2 that “the main areas that we’re seeing drought in right now are actually northern New York into Vermont and into New Hampshire and then northern New England.”
The National Integrated Drought Information System noted that “in some areas of Vermont, corn will not recover” due to drought severity, and “Lake Champlain water levels were near record low.”
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has been rated the second-best state in the country for fall foliage in 2025, according to Seacoast Online. The state expects
approximately 3.7 million visitors during fall 2025, with an estimated visitor spending of $1.8 billion.
The White Mountains region, specifically the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), is considered the premier location for fall foliage viewing in New Hampshire. Local sources suggested that “mid-October is typically the best time for peak fall colors, though exact timing is weather-dependent.”
But drought conditions are creating challenges there as well. New Hampshire Public Radio reported on Sept. 8 that “this fall’s outlook isn’t looking too promising after a cool wet spring and a dry, hot summer. Now, most of the state is in a drought, with some of the worst conditions in the north.”
The state also faces another threat to its fall landscape. Beech leaf disease has “spread as far north as
A couple takes in the view from the ocean lookout ledges of Mount Megunticook at Camden Hills State Park in Camden, Maine. For a different perspective on the fall foliage, try viewing the colors from the summit of a New England peak, either by hiking, driving or taking a ski lift. (ROBERT F. BUKATY / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE)
FRIDAY
“Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster:” Fri., 6 p.m. Academy of Music Theatre. Get swept into a whirlwind of imagination as “Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster” brings Mo Willems’ books to life with vibrant puppets, colorful visuals, and playful storytelling. This inventive production by Manual Cinema invites you to see the world through a childlike lens where creativity knows no bounds. Run time is 45 minutes. For ages 3 and up. There are some loud sounds, flashing lights, and furry monster puppets in this show, $16.24-$25.16 (includes fees). 274 Main St., Northampton; 413-5849032 or www.aomtheatre.com.
Music at Amherst Series: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Buckley Recital Hall, Karen Slack, soprano & The Pacifica Quartet. Single ticket pricing: general public $28; senior citizens (65+) $22; students with valid ID and children $12. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst, www. amherst.edu.
Springfield 2 Northampton Music/Visual Arts Event: Fri., 7:30-10 p.m. A.P.E. Gallery, presented by Flip Factory and ValleyCreates, 126 Main St., Northampton. 413-5865553 or www.apearts.org.
SATURDAY
Agawam Historical Association Apple Pie Contest: Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Thomas Smith House. Local historian and “Whips of Westfield” author Bruce Cortis will be on hand during an open house to discuss the industry that powered the Westfield economy during the late 18th century. The Agawam High School marching band will make its Smith House debut. Pie judging gets underway at 1:30 p.m., with winners announced as soon as the judges make a decision. Signed copies of the historical association’s new Images of America title, “Around Agawam and Feeding Hills,” will also be available for purchase. Free and open to the public. 251 North West St., Feeding Hills. www.thethomassmithhouse. com.
CitySpace Bluegrass — Pickers, Singers, & Strummers: Sat., 4 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace. Calling all bluegrass lovers — Bluegrass musician David Clark Carroll and CitySpace presents CitySpace Bluegrass, a new monthly bluegrass jam designed to bring the community together in the spirit of music, joy, and good old-fashioned fun. CitySpace Bluegrass lights up the first Saturday of every month from 4–7 p.m. in the
CALENDAR
The Academy of Music will host a show about a “Terrible Monster,” celebrating two books by bestselling children’s book author Mo Willems: “Leonardo, The Terrible Monster” and “Sam, the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the World.” The show comes alive with Manual Cinema’s use of puppetry and film, incorporating illustrated paper puppets, book pages, two-dimensional props, furry monster puppets, and songs.
heart of downtown Easthampton during Art Walk. Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Enlace De Familias Community
Family Block Party: Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Armour Yard. Enjoy free food, bounce houses, games and more while learning about the power of your vote. Meet local candidates, register to vote, Race Street, Holyoke.
HUT X3 Movement, Words, Sound: Sat., 8 p.m. Center for the Arts Trust Building, An evening of experimental music, movement and words. For tickets, visit scdt noho.com/hut.html, $15-$25. 33 Hawley St., Northampton.
Mt. Holyoke College professor Adrianne Greenbaum launches album “Di Klezmer Flute Nisht Fargesn” in concert: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Mount Holyoke College, Free and open to the public. 50 College St., South Hadley.
Secret Planet Live x CitySpace presents PUULUUP: Sat, 8:30 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Tour of Old Town Hall: Sat., Blue Room at CitySpace, Join City-
the tiny pop-up market. The tour is free and open to the public, Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton; Walking Tour of Riverside Cemetery: Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. Riverside Cemetery, Windsor Historical Society will host a guided walking tour of Riverside Cemetery in Windsor, Connecticut. Part of the society’s popular “Wandering Windsor” series. Preregistration required. The tour will take place rain or shine. For tickets and more information, visit WindsorHistoricalSociety. org or email info@windsorhistoricalsociety.org. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and WHS members, and $6 for children. 102 East Street, Windsor.
SUNDAY
10th Annual Domestic Violence
Awareness Walk: Sun., 1 p.m. Veterans Park. Participants will gather at Veterans Park, Main Street, Ware to listen to speakers including Rep. Todd Smola, Dan Orzulak, faculty adviser to the Ware High School Task Force, and others active in domestic violence prevention. Activities and displays will be available, and there will be free hot dogs courtesy of the Ware Knights of Columbus, and free tickets to enter a raffle for children’s bicycles, sponsored by the Ware Police Department and Ware WalMart. Free. Main Street, Ware.
thehills.com/road-race/ for race information and registration links, $37-$45. 16 Elm St., Conway.
Friends of Forbes Library Artisans Fair: Sun., 10 a.m. Forbes Library, Fair will feature 50 artisans, food trucks, music, and raffles. Free parking and free to admission. 20 West Street, Northampton; 413587-1011 or www.forbeslibrary. org.
New England Digital Accordion Orchestra Concert: Sun, 2 p.m. The Stone Church, Digital Accordion Orchestra Concert will host a tribute to Stanley Midura. Sam Falcetti, internationally recognized accordionist and music educator, will conduct the 20-member New England Digital Accordion Orchestra. Friends of the Stone Church will serve snacks at a reception following the concert, which is free to all. Donations appreciated. 283 Main St., Gilbertville.
Pioneer Valley Symphony 87th Season Opening Concert: Sun., 2 p.m. Greenfield High School, featuring pre-concert talk with Dr. David Schneider at 1 p.m. Sliding scale $20-$40. 21 Barr Ave., Greenfield.
Quadrangle
Space for a tour of the second floor of Old Town Hall, 4-7 p.m. Learn about the history of the historic municipal and learn about its current and upcoming restoration projects. While you are at Old Town Hall check out the gallery exhibitions at the Elusie and ECA galleries, CitySpace Bluegrass and
Covered Bridge Classic 10K Road Race: Sun., Field Memorial Library, 10 a.m. The Covered Bridge Classic 10K kicks off the Festival of the Hills on Oct. 5. A challenging and scenic point-to-point course on both pavement and dirt, the Covered Bridge Classic finish line is in Conway’s town center, where participants can join the festival fun. Advance registrants receive discounted registration fee and race-day swag. Visit festivalof
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 is free.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem,” through Nov. 2 The exhibition explores how the first instance witchcraft hysteria in the American colonies influenced the
CALENDAR, PAGE D10
early history of the city and how the conversation continues today. Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia. “Spellbound,” Oct. 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Welcome spooky season with an exploration of the enduring fascination with witchcraft through hands-on activities, inspired by the special exhibit Witch Panic. Free with museum admission.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: Museum a la Carte: Oct. 2, 12:15 p.m. “Becoming Darlene: The Story of Belchertown Patient #4952.” Free for members. This talk is the story of seven-yearold Darlene Rameau, who in 1963, became patient #4952. Presented by Ed Orzechowski, author and advocate.
Springfield Science Museum: “Reputation: Under the Stars in the Seymour Planetarium.” Fri, Sat, and Sun. at 4 p.m. The show features the original recordings from Taylor Swift’s 2017 album. Permanent exhibit: State-of-the-Art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit. “Stars Over Springfield,” Oct. 3, 7-8:30 p.m. Cost: $7 general, $5 for members. This beginner’s astronomy program features a short talk by a local expert, hands-on activities or demonstrations, a planetarium show with the museum’s historic Korkosz starball and brand-new Zeiss projector, and stargazing in the rooftop observatory. Recommended for ages 8 and older. This month’s topic: “Invisible Universe.” Registration strongly recommended, online at www.springfieldmuseums.org.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First floor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia.
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,
Calling all astronomers
The Springfield Stars Club is inviting all astronomers ages 8 and older to the Springfield Science Museum on Oct. 3 for “Stars Over Springfield.” The beginner’s astronomy program will include a talk by a local expert and hands-on demonstrations. Above, Kevin Kopchynski, STEM curator at the Springfield Science Museum, works on the full-dome video system for the Seymour Planetarium at the museum in this 2024 file photo. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTO)
library, grocery store and weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum. org for information. Hours: Thur.-Tues., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Wed. Admission: $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission; members/infants free.
29 S. Broad St., Westfield or 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 second Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. For more information, email artists@ anchorhouseartists.org, go online to anchorhouseartists.org, or call 413-588-4337. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton
Edith Wharton, The Mount: Outdoor Sculpture: “Sculpture at the Mount.” Through Oct. Free and open to the public. 2 Plunkett St., Lenox or www.edithwharton.org.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture
Book Art: “The Art of Grace Lin: Meeting A Friend in an Unexpected Place.” Through Jan. 4. Included with general admission, “Cooking with Eric Carle.” Through Aug. 23, 2026. “Open + Shut: Celebrating the art of Endpapers.” Through Nov. 9. Guest curated by Bruce Handy. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four. 125
West Bay Road, Amherst or www. carlemuseum.org.
Historic Northampton Museum and Education: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Wed.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 46 Bridge St., Northampton or www.historic-northampton.org.
Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit: Featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing and documents from 1754-1902 Call for open house schedule and individual tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members, 70 Park St., West Springfield or 413-734-8322.
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: “Anni’s Orchestra: Theme and Variation in the Prints of Anni Albers.” Through Dec. 9. Lower Lake Road, South Hadley or www. mtholyoke.edu.
Norman Rockwell Museum: Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM. org. “Hidden Worlds and Wonders: Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition,”
Learning: Permanent exhibit: a living monument safeguarding historical objects representative of the material culture of the Polish people in America. Galleries include “Coming to America”; “At Home in America”; “Folk Art”; “History.” The Polish Center is open to the public daily, Mon.-Fri, 1-5 p.m., except for inclement weather and holidays. Other times may be scheduled by appointment. $5 donation, 33 South St., Chicopee or www.polishcenter. net.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum: “Forty Acres and the American Revolution: Stories of Independence and Servitude.” Through Oct. 15. Guided tours available Sat.-Wed. from 1-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children. 130 River Drive, Hadley or www.pphmuseum. org.
Smith College Museum of Art: Permanent exhibits: “Ancient World Gallery, Beyond the Museum: Art on Smith’s Campus.” Hours: Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) is free to all. “Michel Kameni: Portraits of an Independent Africa.” Through Jan. 4. SCMA Exhibition “A City in Flux: Reflecting on Venice.” Through March 22. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or www.scma.smith. edu.
through Oct. 26. “I Spy! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders,” through Oct. 26. “ Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection,” through Jan. 4. “Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Walking Tours,” Oct. 4, 11. Take a guided walking tour of downtown Stockbridge and discover how the town and its inhabitants both inspired Norman Rockwell and appeared in some of his most iconic works of art. These tours do not take place at the Museum — tour groups will meet in front of The Old Corner House, 48 Main St., in Stockbridge. Event is rain or shine. $20. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www.nrm.org. Old Sturbridge Village: “For the Purpose of Illumination.” Learn how New Englanders needed, used, and created artificial lighting methods in the 1830s and see first-hand artifacts from the era. Included with standard daytime general admission. Standard daytime admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (55+), $15 for youth (4-17), $15 for college students (with a valid college ID), and free for children 3 and under. Route 20, Sturbridge or www.osv. org.
Pan African Historical Museum USA: Permanent exhibit: Exhibitions by local artists. Hours: Tues.Fri. noon-4 p.m. Free. 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413-733-1823. Polish Center of Discovery and
Springfield Armory National Historic Site: Ranger-led interpretive programs offered in the museum in the afternoon. Junior Ranger programs conducted frequently each day. Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or www. nps.gov/spar.
Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Society. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4, $2 children and students. 208 Main St., Indian Orchard or www.titanic1.org.
University Museum of Contemporary Art - Fine Arts Center: Permanent exhibit. The University Museum is open through May 1; Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat.Sun., noon–4 p.m.; and first Thursdays until 8 p.m. Closed Mondays, holidays, and academic breaks. For more information, visit umass.edu. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: guided tours of the first and second floors. Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206. Admission is $18 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $10 students with ID, $7 children 5-17, and free for children 4 and younger. 104 Walker St., Lenox or www. gildedage.org.
bring their podcast live to MGM Springfield on Oct. 3. Tickets, which start at $56, can be purchased online. Before arriving in Springfield, Polizzi talked with The Republican by phone about her life as a mom. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q. Being someone who’s been in the public eye for so long, how have you found that balance between what to share with the public and what to keep private for you and your family?
A. I feel like I’ve always had a good balance, and I think it helps (that) my husband is very private, and he doesn’t like to film or be on the show at all. So that helps, in the sense that our marriage is very private. It’s to us. And with my kids, I don’t want to show them too much, but I love showing me being a mom and all of that stuff, because I feel like the fans grew up with us, and they’re moms now, too. I want them to be comfort-
able, and they’re at that age where I’m like, ‘OK, do you guys want to film today with mommy?’ And they’re like, ‘No,’ so I say ‘OK, that’s fine.’ They’re basically teenagers, and they just let me know if they’re comfortable or not.
Q. Being the mom of a teenager now, do you have any advice for other moms entering that tricky period?
A. I don’t know, I need advice myself. I just feel like (my son’s) going through all the things, and he’s a boy, so I can’t really relate as much as to my girl. It goes day by day, but I definitely like to have an open communication with them. I’ve been having talks with Lorenzo about growing up and how he might be experiencing things or doing things. I’m always like, ‘Come to mommy,’ you know, ‘I’m not going to be mad; I’m here for you.’ I never want him to be scared to tell me anything. I think open communication and him not being scared to tell me things is big for me.
Q. Do you ever feel like people know all about the 2009 Snooki from ‘Jersey
It’s like the butterfly effect. If I told myself to calm down and, you know, not go so crazy and live your life, then I wouldn’t be where I am today. So, everything that’s happened, even if it’s embarrassing or I want to delete it, it’s all made me a great mom and given me a happy marriage. Everything that happened made my life so much better.
Q. Can you tell me more about your podcast with Joey?
Woodstock and is likely to be present in most areas south of the White Mountains, even if it has not been formally reported yet.” With beech trees comprising about 30% of hardwoods in the state, their potential die-off could significantly alter the fall landscape.
Maine
Maine’s fall foliage season officially began in mid-September 2025, with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry providing weekly reports through their spokesperson Gale Ross. The state divides its foliage viewing recommendations by distinct regional zones: Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Maine.
According to the 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map by SmokyMountains.com, the northernmost parts of Maine will start to hit peak colors during the last week of September. This aligns with historical patterns, as WCVB reported that “trees up along the Canadian border don’t typically see colors coming to peak until late September.”
The travel blog Helene Sula predicted in July 2025 that “Northern Maine (particularly Aroostook County): Expect peak colors from September 27 to October 9. Due to a slightly warmer and wetter summer, the colors may arrive just a hair later than average.”
Maine’s coastal regions typically experience peak foliage later than inland areas, with coastal areas like “Belfast and Bar Harbor in Maine tend to have slightly different and later peak foliage periods
Shore’ but might not know much about your current business and personal endeavors?
A. Yeah. I feel like now it’s just my brand, and it is what it’s become. It’s my career, what I’m known for, and I feel like the OGs and the fans know everything that I’m doing. But yeah, for people that don’t keep up, they hear “Snooki” and they just think of 2009 me. They have no idea that I have kids,
compared to inland regions,” according to Jeff Foliage, a personal blog focused on New England fall colors.
Massachusetts
Moving south, Massachusetts typically experiences peak fall foliage later than its northern neighbors. According to Helene Sula’s travel blog, Central New England (including Massachusetts) should expect “peak colors likely from October 10 to October 21. Perfect timing for a road trip through classic New England towns.”
WCVB reported that fall colors “progress southward through October and peak in Boston toward the end of the month.”
Climate change is affecting Massachusetts’ fall season. WBUR reported on September 1, 2025, that “Boston’s average autumn temperature increased by 2.3 degrees be-
and I’m married, that I have my own store and everything. It’s nice to be able to catch people up on what I’ve been doing.
Q. Do you ever look back and wish you’d done something differently, or any advice you would give to your younger self?
A. I feel like I wouldn’t tell myself anything, because everything I’ve done, it’s all landed me to where I am now.
tween 1970 and 2024,” which “could have big impacts on everything from fall foliage to farmers’ crop schedules to the length of allergy season.”
Jim Salge, the foliage expert for Yankee Magazine, told WBUR that “in general, there may be more muted colors this season. The heat is playing a role in this, but Salge said so is all that rain we got in the spring. ‘That caused a lot of fungus that has really persisted through the forests into the summer,’ he said. ‘And then now we’re facing increasing drought conditions, and that’s gonna cause leaves to turn perhaps early and last less time on the trees.’”
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s fall foliage typically peaks in October, with the state’s tourism website noting that “Rhode Island shows its brightest
A. Yeah, you said it, right? I feel like nobody knows that I have a podcast with Joey, and it’s literally been 12 years. (laughs) I have a podcast, everyone! Our show comes out every Friday, and it’s just a fun listen, because the world is so crazy right now. So, if you want to get away and laugh for a couple of seconds, not take yourself too seriously, it’s like the best girls’ podcast to listen to. We’re just lighthearted, and we want to make people laugh. We want to have a good time.
Tickets to “It’s Happening with Snooki and Joey” can be purchased on the MGM Springfield website.
colors in October. Western and northern Rhode Island are heavily wooded.” The Providence Journal reported in late August 2025 that “this year will see another beautiful show, according to the fall foliage forecast from Yankee Magazine.”
Connecticut
Connecticut, as the southernmost New England state, typically experiences peak fall foliage later than its northern neighbors. According to the Herald News, “the southernmost New England states will likely peak the second week of October” in 2025.
Editor’s note: Generative AI was used to organize and structure information for this story, based on data provided by multiple New England tourism sources and weather reports. It was reviewed and edited by MassLive staff.
Nicole Polizzi, left, and Joey Camasta will bring their live podcast show, “It’s Happening with Snooki and Joey,” to MGM Springfield on Oct. 3.
“[Springfield] has had such a huge impact on who I am and my journey.”
Sarah Elizabeth Charles
‘Dawn’
Spark” and “Mother” — and a time for audience members to reflect and share their thoughts.
“People start reflecting on their own parents or where they come from. They may not have kids or not want to have kids, but still identify with the material in different kind of ways,” Charles said. “Even if you don’t think it’s for you, there’s something that will come up.”
Live Wire
mentors entrepreneurs like himself, and along with his wife, donates a lot of time to philanthropic organizations throughout the Houston area.
Speaking of his wife, Winters credits his music career to her. He had always wanted to play music, but had never found time to even learn guitar. Then, in 2011, he decided to go for it and used his wedding anniversary as a launching pad (to employ an aeronautical term).
“I thought what better way to do it than to learn guitar and sing a song for my wife on our anniversary,” he said.
“I bit off a little more than I could chew,” he added with a laugh. “I thought three months would give me plenty of time. But I could remember all the lyrics and chords. But my daughter helped make a giant anniversary card, which I brought into the restaurant, and it had the
Asked what keeps her coming back to Springfield to celebrate her new music, Charles’ answer was simple: It’s still home. Having grown up in the Hungry Hill neighborhood, she still has family and friends that live in the city.
“I’ve been in New York for 18 years, and lived in Springfield for 18 years,” Charles said. “These are the only two places I’ve ever called home, and it just feels like at this point in my life, [Springfield] has had such a huge impact on who I am and my journey.”
lyrics and chords on my side and ‘Happy Anniversary’ on the other side.”
The emotional connection he felt from playing that song for his wife was so gratifying that he decided to put together a little cover band with friends.
“When I started singing for other people, I discovered I had something to say,” he said. “I wake up in the morning and see the beauty in the world and try to see the best parts of people.”
But one piece of the puzzle was missing. He didn’t feel authentic singing other people’s lyrics all the time, so in 2018 he decided to get serious about music and started writing his own songs.
“So I bought some online courses and taught myself music theory and recording,” he said. “And when I put my first album together, I knew it was very special. And the more I did it, the more I connected with people. And the more my music had a chance to lift people up a little bit, the more I leaned in.”
