March is always such a transitional month.
Meteorological spring begins on the 19th – but New England weather may have another idea about things. I’ve seen surprise blizzards in April.
Given this year’s nearly snowless winter, anything goes (but don’t put those shovels away quite yet).
March also heralds several big events for Western Mass. – not the least of which is the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, slated to step off at 11:30 a.m. this year (a half-hour later than usual) on March 22. The run-up to this huge celebration of Irish heritage also means there will be plenty of other Irish-inspired events taking place in the Valley, several of which are mentioned in this month’s calendar.
If the weather cooperates, March is the month when local maple sugar production is in full swing. Storrowton Village, located on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, has slated their traditional Maple Harvest Day events and pancake breakfast for March 15. For information on local sugaring houses and events, check out the maple product producers listed on the Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture website at www.buylocalfood.org.
Another big local event – and one for which Prime has been a media partner for many years – is Mount Holyoke College’s annual spring show, “The Big Broadcast,” the re-creation of a live, 1940s radio show. Now in its 15th year, the 2020 production brings back Mount Holyoke ‘02 alum, bassist and singer Caitlin Jaene Mercer, as a featured performer. Brian Lapis, who this year plays the role of the show’s emcee “Fred Kelley” for the 13th time, talks about how he originally got his gig with ”The Big Broadcast” and the kindred spirit he feels with his show persona in an interview on our Dining & Entertainment page this month.
The March cover story on comedian Paula Poundstone goes beyond what she’ll be talking about at her March 14 show at Smith College. The veteran comedian shares how she continues to find the funny after four decades in the business, as well as her foray into the world of podcasing with her new weekly offering, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.”
It’s always entertaining interviewing someone who makes jokes for a living. My chat with Ms. Poundstone was no exception.
If getting back in shape before the warm weather hits is one of your goals, this month’s tech column has some suggestions.
As always, thanks for reading. And, happy spring!
Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com
