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Word of the week - Pedantic

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Palmer, Massachusetts was originally known as the "Elbow Tract" due to its location at the bend in the Chicopee River. 

The town is home to the historic Steaming Tender Restaurant, which is located inside a restored train station. 

Western Massachusetts now offers a unique way to experience local wine with its new Winery Passport program, launched in late 2025. The program links eight family-run wineries across the region — from Northfield to Southampton — and encourages visitors to explore hidden gems producing everything from classic grape varietals to experimental fruit wines.

Cameron's Winery owner Leslie Cameron pioneered this self-paced, free passport experience. Pick up a passport at any of the participating wineries, gather stamps at each stop, and you’ll be entered to win wine-focused prizes — with no rush to complete the trail.

Expect tasting fees ranging $12–$22, and note many wineries host guests Thursdays through Sundays. Several sites are pet- and family-friendly, but hours and policies vary, so check ahead and plan transportation responsibly.

More than a tasting adventure, this passport supports local growers, celebrates creativity, and invites you to discover flavors you won’t find in big-name shops.

Savor distinctive wines and warm local hospitality as you tour the region’s countryside — one stamp at a time.

In the vibrant community of West Springfield, a new wave of volunteer opportunities is calling for dedicated residents to shape local governance.

Key boards need fresh voices amid ongoing projects like park enhancements and habitat conservation.

The Board of Appeals has two alternate spots open, where you can influence zoning and promote balanced development.

Join the Commission on Disabilities with two vacancies, advising on inclusive policies for all, especially those with accessibility expertise.

The Conservation Commission seeks three members to protect wetlands and advance sustainability efforts tied to Springfield's environmental goals.

Cultural Council offers one position to support arts and science grants that enrich neighborhoods.

History lovers can fill two alternate roles on the Historical Commission, preserving sites and digitizing archives.

The Library Board of Trustees has one opening for innovative library advocates.

Redevelopment Authority needs one volunteer to revitalize areas and boost the economy.

Veterans Advisory Board awaits two members to organize events honoring local heroes.

These roles build on recent successes, like expanded volunteer programs and community engagement.

Residents are embracing more active governance, bringing new ideas to town issues.

Applying is easy—step up and help guide West Springfield's future today.

Starting February 1, 2026, travelers flying out of airports  nationwide who don’t have a REAL ID-compliant license or other approved identification will face a new $45 fee at security checkpoints.

This charge allows use of the TSA Confirm.ID system as an alternative identity check, affecting anyone unable to show a REAL ID, passport, or other accepted credentials.

The fee, announced months after REAL ID rules were enforced, is nonrefundable and covers 10 days of travel but can add costs and delays for unprepared flyers.

REAL ID-compliant cards, marked by a star, have become mandatory for domestic air travel to bolster security.

Local DMV offices are experiencing high demand for REAL ID upgrades, which require in-person appointments and several personal documents.

TSA encourages residents to act soon—avoiding fees, delays, and the risk of missing flights.

Daruma Japanese BBQ & Sushi has opened its doors on Whiting Farms Road in Holyoke, introducing western Massachusetts to its first authentic yakiniku—Japanese barbecue—experience.

Here, diners grill their own top-quality meats and fresh vegetables at their table, blending fun, hands-on cooking with a full sushi menu.

The all-you-can-eat options range from affordable lunch specials to premium dinner selections that feature wagyu beef and seafood, with free sushi included on weeknights.

Families praise Daruma for its friendly staff, lively atmosphere, and attention to detail—which helps first-timers feel right at home.

Already, the restaurant is building local goodwill, donating to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Daruma fills a unique gap in the region’s culinary scene, offering interactive dining perfect for groups, kids, and anyone curious to try genuine Japanese BBQ without leaving Holyoke.

"Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing."

Back In Time - East Longmeadow

Local Events: December 9–16, 2025 (Greater Springfield & Pioneer Valley)

Bright Nights $12 Tuesday 💡 Where: Forest Park, 1040 Park Drive, Springfield, MA When: Tuesday 12/09/25, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Why Go: Score discounted drive-through holiday lights with over 1 million twinkles, animated scenes, and family rides—a budget-friendly kickoff to the season's magic in Greater Springfield. Contact Info: https://www.theq997.com/calendar/event/bright-nights-12-tuesday-springfield-ma/

Great Lake Swimmers w/ Abe Partridge 🎸 Where: The Iron Horse Music Hall, 18 Center Street, Northampton, MA When: Tuesday 12/09/25, 7:00 PM EDT Why Go: Indie folk-rock from the Canadian band, opened by soulful troubadour Abe Partridge—intimate acoustics and heartfelt lyrics in a Pioneer Valley staple venue. Contact Info: https://www.ironhorsemusic.com/shows/great-lake-swimmers

Springfield Museums Holiday Programs 🎨 Where: Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA When: Tuesday 12/09/25, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT (various classes, e.g., Pottery & Mosaics) Why Go: Dive into hands-on holiday crafts like mosaics or printmaking amid festive exhibits—creative fun for all ages with Grinch encounters and gingerbread voting. Contact Info: https://springfieldmuseums.org/programs/2025-12-09/

Festival of Trees (Ongoing) 🎄 Where: MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA When: Tuesday 12/09/25 – Sunday 12/14/25, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM EDT (daily, closes Dec 14) Why Go: Explore 500+ decorated trees supporting kids' charities, with Santa visits, live music, and shopping—a heartwarming holiday fundraiser in downtown Springfield. Contact Info: https://www.massmutualcenter.com/events/detail/fot2025

Bright Nights at Forest Park (Ongoing) 💡 Where: Forest Park, 1040 Park Drive, Springfield, MA When: Wednesday 12/10/25 – Sunday 12/14/25, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT (daily) Why Go: Cruise through dazzling light displays, including a 50-foot musical tree and AR experiences—prime weekend viewing for families and light enthusiasts. Contact Info: https://www.brightnights.org/

Grinchmas Holiday Happenings (Ongoing) 🎃 Where: Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA When: Wednesday 12/10/25 – Sunday 12/14/25, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT (daily) Why Go: Meet the Grinch in his grotto, craft holiday items, and judge Jurassic Gingerbread—whimsical, interactive fun blending mischief and seasonal cheer. Contact Info: https://springfieldmuseums.org/holiday/

Pioneer Valley Ballet: The Nutcracker 🩰 Where: Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA When: Friday 12/12/25 – Sunday 12/14/25, Multiple showtimes (e.g., 7:30 PM Fri, 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM Sat/Sun) Why Go: Classic tale of Clara's adventures with live orchestra, elaborate sets, and local dancers—a enchanting holiday ballet tradition for all ages. Contact Info: https://aomtheatre.com/aom_event/the-nutcracker-2/

Pioneer Consort 'Noel' Concert 🎄 Where: Second Congregational Church, 23 Silver Street, Greenfield, MA When: Thursday 12/12/25, 7:30 PM EDT Why Go: Choral holiday program with carols and classics after an 11-year hiatus—warm, uplifting voices in a historic Pioneer Valley church setting. Contact Info: https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2025/11/live-wire-pioneer-consort-noel-concert-returns-after-11-years.html

Yuletide - Celebrating 50 Years! (Spirits of Christmas Past Tour) 👻 Where: Storrowton Village Museum, 170 South End Pond Road, West Springfield, MA When: Thursday 12/12/25, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Why Go: 50th anniversary of Victorian holiday tours with ghostly tales by candlelight—spooky yet festive history walks for adults and history fans. Contact Info: https://www.storrowtonvillage.com/p/events/storrowtonyuletide

Holiday Pops Concert - Pioneer Valley Symphony 🎼 Where: Springfield Symphony Hall, 34 Court Square, Springfield, MA When: Saturday 12/13/25, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT Why Go: Festive orchestra, chorus, and youth performers deliver sing-along holiday hits—joyful, family-oriented music celebrating the season with local talent. Contact Info: https://www.pvsoc.org/

Song & Story Open Mic 📖 Where: The Parlor Room, 32 Masonic St, Northampton, MA When: Tuesday 12/16/25, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM EDT Why Go: Hosted by Wallace Field, performers weave songs with personal narratives—authentic, intimate folk music and storytelling in a cozy venue. Contact Info: https://parlorroom.org/calendar

Bright Nights $12 Tuesday 💡 Where: Forest Park, 1040 Park Drive, Springfield, MA When: Tuesday 12/16/25, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Why Go: Mid-season discount on the drive-through light spectacle with festive animations and rides—great value for repeating the holiday glow. Contact Info: https://www.theq997.com/calendar/event/bright-nights-12-tuesday-springfield-ma/

Pedantic is an adjective used to describe someone who is overly concerned with minor details, formalities, rules, or trivial accuracies, often in a way that comes across as annoying, pretentious, or overly focused on showing off knowledge rather than the broader understanding of a subject. It's typically a negative term, implying pedantry—excessive fussiness or nitpicking—especially in academic, teaching, or intellectual contexts.