Pulse Magazine

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Januar y 2017

january 2017 In this issue COVER story

28 The Luxe list: 6 solutions to start the New Year right

6 2017's people to watch

sports+fitness

entertainment 14 concert series focuses on

29 findingbalance: Yoga for the New Year

alternative care

FOOD+DRINK

15 pulsebooks: Let's hear it for the ladies

30 new around the woo: Maple Mama Craft Spritzers

16 THE central scene 17 gameon: Star Fox blasts back 18 making the most of the cold

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31 Pulsebrew: Harpoon Brewery partners with The Movember Foundation 32 dining review: Quinn's is your spot for winter comfort food

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33 hot & now 20 Club, Pub + grub Listings 24 PulseShots

lifestyle 26 the 10-step sugar detox plan 27 OUT+ABOUT: The Rainbow Readers

art+culture

read pulse Online @

34 bandits and heroes bring the

culture of brazil to worcester

beauty+style 36 hair dyes get a little more natural 37 steal the style: Dream catchers

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PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc. Also by Pagio Inc.: Worcester Medicine, Vitality Magazine, Thepulsemag.com, Thevitalitymag.com, & TasteWorcester.com

Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Vanessa Herbold, Art Director Chris Reddy, Alex Theisen, Kyle Sullivan Account Executives Mitchell Perry, Event Manager

Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Carly O’Brien, Merilee Kern, Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Sloane Perron, Jamie Burke, Rachel Shuster, Kendall Korengold Writers

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By Sloane M. Perron

As 2017 begins, now is the time to reflect on the past while planning new goals for the next year. The individuals in this year’s People to Watch issue come from richly diverse backgrounds and fields; however, they are united by the fact that they all followed their dreams.

Through passion and persistence, these up-and-comers from Central Massachusetts are sure to make a difference – not just in their own lives, but in the communities around them.

Photography by Matt Wright | Location provided by The Edge at Union Station

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Januar y 2017

Melanie Bonsu

Fund Development Manager of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Melanie Bonsu, 35, is proof that although difficult, it is it possible to raise a family as a single mother and maintain a successful career.

A Worcester resident, Bonsu is the fund development manager for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, where she has worked since 2004. As a mother of two sons, Bonsu understands the importance of reaching out to youth in the city.

“Working to benefit kids benefits me. I am a mom,” she said Bonsu said that of all the charitable giving that is donated nationally, only 7 percent of these funds benefit girls-only programs such as the Girl Scouts. As a result, Bonsu’s role is crucial to the success of the organization.

“Building girl leaders is important to the community, and my role is securing the funding to do that.”

In order to encourage more young girls to join, in 2013, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts started using a community-based model. Many mothers now are outside the home working and therefore do not have the extra time to volunteer and lead Girl Scout troops. In order to solve this problem, the community-based model sends staff members to area programs and organizations where the girls are already going. While the standard troop model is still used in most of the 187 towns that comprise Central and Western Massachusetts, the community-based model gives young women more accessibility to the program and is currently being implemented in five cities and towns, including Worcester.

For Bonsu, one of the greatest aspects of working with the Girl Scouts is eliminating stereotypes. “Most people think Girl Scouts are campfires and crafts, but it is so much more.” The Girl Scouts focuses on the importance of reading, financial literacy, positive body image, good nutrition, building healthy relationships and science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Recently, the Girl Scouts of Worcester held a STEM conference at WPI. Bonsu’s parents are her greatest inspiration because they always have her back through good and bad times. They also have greatly helped with Bonsu’s sons, who are now 13 and 5. Finding the delicate balance between motherhood and work life is something that Bonsu has perfected. She joked about having to bring her youngest son to work sometimes: “For the longest time, my littlest one thought I just made cookies because every time he came I gave him a box of cookies.”

Bonsu said she feels that happiness is at the heart of success and believes that everyone has the ability to achieve their own level of success.

“If happiness is around you, you are successful.”

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Irvi Stefo artist and Student

At 18, Irvi Stefo’s art is not just personal expression, it is part of his family heritage. When Stefo was 5, his family emigrated from Albania to the United States and settled. in Worcester. As a child, Stefo felt out of place in this new environment and, as a result, did not have many friends. Instead, he would watch cartoons and draw them. Stefo’s grandfather, Vaske Melka, was an artist.

He spent two hours a day teaching Stefo about art and perfecting his drawing skills.

As a student at Bancroft School, Stefo toyed with the idea of becoming an animator but realized, “I felt in the back of my mind I always wanted to be an artist and be in the art field.” During his junior year, Stefo was awarded a medal for his art during a scholastic competition. This recognition solidified Stefo’s decision to become an artist, and today, he is studying at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Stefo believes that the goal of any piece of art should be “to catch people’s eye and be captivating.”

As a college art student, Stefo has been encouraged to let go of the methodical way he used to draw and become more expressive and free with his work. He is even trying his hand at sculpture and jewelry making at RISD. “It’s not about anyone else. It is about you. It can be a beautiful thing. It can be cathartic. You can use it to communicate with the world.”

In 2017, Stefo is looking forward to his time as a student at RISD and wants to keep growing as both an artist and as a person.

“I don’t believe in the phrase ‘found yourself,’ but I do want to connect more with who I am.”

Ryan Richard chef at 435 bar & grille

Ryan Richard has been cooking since the age of 15, and as the head chef of 435 Bar and Grille in Leominster, this 26-year-old has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

At 19, Richard graduated from culinary school and worked in restaurants throughout Boston, Vermont, Philadelphia and New York before returning home to Leominster. He has been with 435 Bar and Grille since the gastropub opened its doors in January 2016. Starting as a prep cook and becoming head chef, Richard described working at 435 Bar and Grille: “It’s like a small family.”

Richard described his unique cooking style as “a lot of classical French dishes with a modern twist.” Throughout his career, Richard has been inspired by Thomas Kellar, a California chef. Each day presents itself with a new opportunity to experiment in the kitchen and create a new dish. This aspect is Richard’s favorite part of the business.

“It’s all about being different in this field,” he said.

In the next five years, Richard would like to achieve his goal of opening his own high-end restaurant. In the meantime, Richard gave some advice to those interested in a culinary career: “Don’t do it!” he joked.

But he described the real key to becoming a chef is hard work and dedication.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things.”

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Januar y 2017

Joy Rachelle Murrieta Main Idea

Ever since she was a child, Joy Rachelle Murrieta’s parents instilled a passion and appreciation for music in their little girl.

Today, the 30-year-old Holden resident shares her love of music with her students at the Worcester Music Academy and through the nonprofit that she co-founded, Main Idea.

As a bi-racial woman whose mother is Caucasian and whose father in Mexican, Murrieta described her family as “racially diverse.” This respect for diversity and love of the arts soon culminated into an idea for a nonprofit when Murrieta, along with other musicians who lived in Main South, saw a need for artistic expression.

“We wanted to combine social work with art,” Murrieta said.

According to Murrieta, Main South is one of the most diverse communities in the city, but it has the highest crime rate and lowest income. This means that children in Main South are not usually given the opportunity to attend music classes or art camps, since the families cannot afford the extra expenses.

Main Idea created a week-long day program during the summer in which children, mostly from the Main South area, are exposed to all aspects of art such as music, dancing, singing and visual arts. Main Idea has been serving Main South children for six years and has become an official nonprofit organization that is entirely run through volunteers and donations. Each year, the program gets bigger and bigger, with 2016 serving 55 children.

Clark University has even become part of the program by allowing Main Idea to use one of its halls as a venue for the week-long event.

For Murrieta, the goal of Main Idea is to empower students through art and expression. “It is really cool watching a shy kid at the beginning of the week become the most outgoing kid by the end.”

Ideally, Murrieta would like Main Idea to be more self-sustaining in the future. Financial stability for the program, a permanent staff, a facility and the ability to offer more programs and classes are goals that the members of Main Idea strive to accomplish in the longterm.

Describing herself as passionate, outspoken and feisty, Murrieta believes in the power of helping people.

“I want to be someone who advocates as much as I possibly can for the community around me,” she said. “I don’t want to settle for less.”

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Nate Erskine UMass and Worcester Tech

Nate Erskine, 28, of Shrewsbury, knew as a very young man that medicine was his calling. In high school and college, Erskine was interested in becoming a chemist for medicinal development, but an internship at a pharmaceutical group helped Erksine discover his passion was the clinical side of medicine. After working in Singapore as a medical chemist, Erskine started the next chapter of his career by becoming a Ph.D. candidate who is currently studying epidemiology at UMass.

As a former Bancroft student, Erskine described how the school’s resources and support assisted him during the arduous process of applying for college. As a result, he went back to Bancroft and established a program that would allow the Bancroft students to experience a week at UMass.

Inspired to reach out to students who may not have access to such support, Erskine – along with other coordinators, including Johanna Vanderspek, head of the Biotechnology Department at Worcester Technical High School – reached out to Worcester Tech students interested in the medical field. In the summer of 2014, the program linked Worcester Tech students enrolled in biotechnology with laboratories at UMass. According to Erskine, the first year was a huge success that “really ended up empowering those students.”

Today, the program has grown and now incorporates stipends for students, many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college. This program also gives students the opportunity to participate in a learning experience that looks impressive on their resumes while meeting mentors in the field.

As far as his personal goals for 2017, Erskine is looking forward to following up with the Worcester Tech students about their future career prospects while he continues his own education.

“I will be in a much better place to help people than I was a year ago,” he said.

While he is happy to be recognized for his work with Worcester Tech students, he wanted to share the credit with coordinators from both Worcester Tech and UMass who worked hard to make the program a success, “Medicine is a team sport.”

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Januar y 2017

Jessica Walsh

Owner of Worcester Wares

Jessica Walsh, 34, loves Worcester, and she is not afraid to show it! Originally from Bellingham, Walsh and her husband moved to Worcester nearly 10 years ago to shorten their work commutes.

However, one random interaction turned into a very unique and unexpectedly successful business venture for Walsh.

One day, Walsh bought an “I <3 Worcester” pin at a store. She wanted another pin, but could not find it anywhere, so she started to make her own. She started selling the pins and soon began making totes. Fourteen months ago, Walsh opened Worcester Wares in the DCU Center. This unique shop features work from more than 50 artists and has a wide variety of products such as glassware, totes, mugs, jewelry, condiments, T-shirts and artwork. These diverse products are all tied together by one theme: They must demonstrate an appreciation of the city of Worcester.

“We don’t buy kitschy knick-knacks. Everything in my store is handmade, high-quality and hand-selected.”

The store is also symbolic of how Walsh and her husband have made the city their new home. “It sounds dramatic, but the day that I bought that pin, the day I bought that ‘I <3 Worcester’ pin, is when I decided I wanted to stay here,” she said. “It’s got its bumps and grittiness, but it’s ours. I love it. I am in a relationship with Worcester.”

For Walsh, one of her biggest inspirations was her father, who passed away five years ago. She described him as a hard-working woodworker who lived his life with honesty. Every six months, Walsh invites a local artist to paint a large mural in her store. They are free to create whatever they want, with one caveat: The painting must include Walsh’s father in some way.

“He still inspires me every day,” she said.

John & Tom Vo Owners of Nine Dot Gallery

Growing up in Worcester, John Vo, 29, felt that the community “did not have a space that facilitated creative learning.” After graduating from the College of the Holy Cross and becoming an artist in his own right, John and his brother, Tom, opened Nine Dot Gallery to meet this need.

Located at 763 Main St., John describes Nine Dot Gallery as “locally based. It’s a gallery for everybody.” Artists are encouraged to use the gallery’s studio space while the public is welcome to attend events and engage in dialogue. The gallery seems to be part of a movement among young artists as Worcester becomes an increasingly growing hub for creative expression.

Along with providing a space for artists to work and express themselves, the Vos said Nine Dot Gallery has other positive impacts.

“It’s a facelift to have a young person as a business owner. It’s empowerment to young people,” John said.

John had no prior business before opening the gallery. Instead, he has learns everything as he goes and through communicating with other young, local entrepreneurs, such as Jessica Walsh. He considers her not only a friend but also an inspiration.

“I really appreciate her model for the way she works with the community,” he said.

In 2017, the Vos are looking forward to a year of collaboration.

They want to collaborate with more artists and businesses. Artists in Montreal, Austin and Providence are all currently interested in doing an art trade with Worcester artists from Nine Dot Gallery. John is also excited about creating and showing more of his own pieces, as well.

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Kyla Pacheco Action! Worcester Co-Founder

A few years ago, if you told Kyla Pacheco that she would co-found one of the most influential non-profits and think tanks in the city, she probably would not have believed you. Now, the 30-year-old Leicester resident, along with fellow co-founder Joshua Croke, has created Action! Worcester, an organization that reaches out to the community in order to foster urban growth, reach out to young entrepreneurs and professionals and provide resources to engage residents.

In order to facilitate economic development in Worcester, Action! Worcester looks at the aspect of lifestyle development which pertains to, “connecting people, retaining people and attracting people.” While looking at studies and reports, the staff at Action! Worcester realized that Worcester attracted many professionals and students. However, these individuals did not stay in the city to spend their paychecks, but instead just went home after work. Through collaboration with other nonprofits, Action! Worcester seeks to retain these young professionals and students within the city. Pacheco said Action! Worcester is just one of the up-and-coming organizations that is redefining and revitalizing Worcester.

“I think there are so many people doing amazing things, and it is part of an overall movement to reclaim a sense of pride in Worcester,” she said.

Pacheco loves going to work each day, “I get to go work with people who are super energized and are doing good things and no one is telling us to stop.” Although working at a nonprofit was never Pacheco’s goal, she enjoys working with young people who are making a difference in the community and who are actively seeking creative solutions rather than just complaining. She credits her relationship with Croke for forming the basis for a healthy and productive team.

“We sometimes fight like brother and sister, sometimes we act like husband and wife, but we are best friends.”

With programs like Pow!Wow! Worcester, a mural festival that focuses on the arts, think tanks and Action! Community Scholars, which allows high school juniors and seniors to engage in social enterprise, the year has been very busy for this local nonprofit. In 2017, Action! Worcester will introduce three new events and programs, including the organization’s first fundraiser Feb. 11 at Bull Mansion, which will benefit the Action!

Community Scholars program.

Curtis Kariuki Filmmaker

At 18, Curtis Kariuki, a Worcester native, has already established himself as a force in the filmmaking and music industries. Kariuki's filmmaking career began when he was young teen videotaping his own skateboard tricks and uploading them on YouTube in order to get free merchandise from sponsors.

Kariuki's skateboarding career came to an end after an injury. However, when a skateboarding friend – who was also a rapper – asked Kariuki to record a music video, Kariuki took the opportunity and created his first official music video.

Now, Kariuki has created more than 300 music videos and received publicity for his drone video, which highlighted many notable Worcester landmarks. Completely self-taught, Kariuki has come to understand the importance of trial and error.

Kariuki has a no-holds-barred attitude and is not afraid to take risks. In fact, most of his greatest accomplishments have been the result of not being afraid and taking a chance.

This is demonstrated by Kariuki's recent tour as the personal videographer for rapper Lil Yachty. Prior to the tour, Kariuki snuck into one of the rapper's shows and videotaped the performance. He then created a film and sent it to the Lil Yachty's manager. The singer was so impressed by the footage that he hired Kariuki to come on tour with him.

“Success is, like, making yourself more vulnerable, and by doing that, taking it to the next level.” He added, “No success without risk. The greater the risk, the bigger the reward.”

He described his style as a filmmaker: “I break a lot of rules.”

And that’s paying off. Recently, Kariuki returned from Atlanta after shooting his biggest commercial yet – a commercial for Adidas. During this venture, he got to be the boss, shoot the commercial the way he wanted and convey his vision to those on set.

As a young artist himself, Kariuki recognizes the positive impact that the new art movement has overall on the city. He said because the young people in Worcester are channeling their energy into art and other forms of expression, gang violence in the city has decreased.

In 2017, Kariuki will be releasing the documentary The Rare, which captures the heartbeat of this new art movement in Worcester that is redefining the youth in the city.

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Angelique Webster N-CITE Community Media

As the co-founder of N-CITE Community Media, Angelique Webster, 44, believes in the healing power of stories.

A resident of Worcester, Webster co-founded N-CITE five years ago, when Webster and her fellow cofounder wanted to combine Worcester youth, social justice and documentary filmmaking. Webster developed a 16-week curriculum for high school students.

Throughout the course, students are responsible for coming up with story ideas, selecting topics, shooting footage and editing the movie. Webster believes that the completely youth-generated content is very important to N-CITE, as well as the community.

“Young folks have a lot to say, and sometimes, as adults, we don’t listen to them,” she said. “Basically, the whole idea of N-CITE was to amplify young people’s voices through media.”

Each year, the cohort creates a film that premieres at Clark University. Dialogue and the exchange of perspectives are key to members of N-CITE. As a result, each screening is accompanied by a Q&A with the student filmmakers.

Providing youth with a voice, older generations with hope and adults with a new perspective of their children are all ways that Webster believes that N-CITE Community Media positively impacts the community. One of Webster’s favorite student videos was “Black Beauty,” which took a look at colorism and how society views young people based on how they look.

Along with “sparking conversation,” Webster believes that through these talented young people going to screenings and being honored at the Statehouse, a sense of pride is shared among the residents of Worcester.

“I think people are happy and hopeful and are wondering what is next.”

In 2017, Webster plans to focus on developing her own work more. Currently, she is attending the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpellier. Instead of just focusing on high school students, Webster wants to incorporate more adults.

“I think the high school students’ parents have stories, too,” she said. “My dream role would be to teach community members filmmaking skills.”

thepulsemag.com

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entertainment

Concert series focuses on alternative care

By Kendall Korengold

The first event for Bulldozer Health, co-sponsored

community, Edge said. She said they are constantly

in November at Electric Haze, with six bands and

concerts are just one way to get the word out.

by the New England Veteran’s Alliance, was held After facing her own health battles, Wendy Edge

created Bulldozer Health to help others battling illness and disease access alternative health care.

Now, the organization is raising money with a series

of monthly concerts, which rotate among venues like

Electric Haze, Bull Mansion and Spiritual Haze.

Edge said a host of local bands play at these events

to help bring the community together to raise money and lift their spirits. Some of the local Worcester musicians that play at the events have traveled along the coast to play and speak about the organization.

The funds from these club nights go to help clients pay for alternative health care.

“The bands love what Bulldozer Health stands for

and what they are trying to accomplish and often try

to do more shows after doing one. Music brings the community together and promotes inspiration and healing for a happy and healthy life,” Edge said.

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Januar y 2017

motivational speeches.

Bulldozer not only uses the shows to raise money but

also as structure for motivation and education. The shows feature some alternative health care providers

and artists to help those who need it find alternative care.

working to reach out to the community, and the With social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and

Instagram, Bulldozer Health is at people’s fingertips.

The organization wants to educate by providing films,

podcasts, blogs, YouTube health tips, newsletters, music and art.

Hosting these events makes it easier for the patients

In December, for example, the show featured mental

to go out and talk to people.

ticket. The Motivact Group, Renew with Kim, and

“People are so generous,” Edge said. “People genuinely

massage workshops included in the price of the

Revitalize Massage and Yoga not only provided the workshop but were available to answer questions

and sell their products, along with Art Reach, Art by Zophia and Carol Record Jewelry.

“Working with local alternative health providers and artists is very important to Bulldozer Health,” Edge said. “And this event was a huge success meeting our goals and education, access to care and inspiration.”

The heart of Bulldozer Health is its volunteers and

want to help.”

Bulldozer’s next benefit concert, which will also celebrate the passage of Question 4, will be at 8 p.m. Jan. 13 at Spiritual Haze, 589 Park Ave. in Worcester. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit bulldozerhealth.org or like it on Facebook.

pulsebooks: Let's hear it for the ladies

By Kimberly Dunbar

Though March is usually celebrated as Women’s History Month, there’s no time like the present to remember the wonder women who have helped change the world. Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa and Oprah Winfrey are some of the names that come up when we think of strong, influential women; however, there are many unsung heroes.

In 1970, 46 brave Newsweek women sued their employer for the right to write. This momentous and often forgotten fight is the subject of Amazon’s new series Good Girls Revolt, which is based on a book of the same name by Lynn Povich. Povich was one of the many aspiring female journalists at Newsweek in the late 1960s/early 1970s who was relegated to a research and reporting role and told that if she wanted to write, she should go somewhere else. On March 16, 1970, at the height of the fledging feminist movement, Povich and her fellow “good girls” sued the newsmagazine for discrimination. In Good Girls Revolt (PublicAffairs), Povich tells the inspiring story of how a group of well-mannered women joined together to challenge their male bosses, and in turn, changed the face of media forever. Though this lawsuit was the first of its kind and paved the way for many other female journalists to fight back in the 1970s, it’s a battle that still exists today. Povich shows this by highlighting Newsweek’s 2010 story – written by three female reporters – on the 40th anniversary of the “Good Girls Revolt,” which found that that while things are better, women journalists still aren’t afforded equal opportunities as their male counterparts.

Last November, the U.S. came close to electing its first female president. Though a woman has yet to shatter the ultimate glass ceiling and become America’s Commander in Chief, there have been many women in the White House who have greatly contributed to the history of our country. First Ladies: Presidential Historians on the Lives of the 45 Iconic American Women (PublicAffairs) is a new book that documents the lives of the 45 first women who have lived and reigned in the White House. Adapted from C-SPAN’s year-long history series, First Ladies: Image and Influence, this book is a collection of edited transcripts of each episode, slightly modified to achieve a conversational essay style of storytelling. Though unconventional, I personally found it reader-friendly. First Ladies accomplishes the goal of shining a light on who the first ladies were: women who sacrificed the comforts of a private life to spend it by their husbands’ sides – and often in their shadows. From the often overlooked wives like Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams and Julia Dent Grant to the wellknown like Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (yes, her real name was Anna) and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, these condensed biographies include anecdotes of their time in the White House and the roles they played during each presidency, as well as bits from their personal lives and, oftentimes, the effects each had on American culture.

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Events happening around Central Massachusetts – January 2017

1. Winter Soiree Want to host a holiday party, but no time to do it? Head to Mechanics Hall’s Winter Soiree. Designed for small staffs, families or a friendly get-together, you can enjoy dinner, music and dancing without having to plan it! 6:30-11:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20; Mechanics Hall, 231 Main St., Worcester; $45; mechanicshall.org.

2. Winter blooms Come in from the winter cold to the warmth of Worcester Art Museum’s annual floral extravaganza, when the museum blooms with flower arrangements inspired by works of art. This event includes imaginative interpretations of artworks created by skilled arrangers from across the region and displayed in virtually every Museum gallery. Jan. 26-29; Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester; free with museum admission; worcesterart.org.

3. Dancers together Artists Simply Human brings together dancers, teachers and faculty for the ultimate dance experience.

Challenge yourself as an artist and get inspired with three days of workshop classes and a performance showcase. Jan 20-22; The DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester; prices vary; dcucenter.com.

4. Holy Grail of comedy John Cleese will be in Worcester for an evening of absurd conversations and a ridiculous audience Q&A. Hear stories of Cleese’s life and career and then watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail on the big screen.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20; The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; $79$89, $250 for VIP tickets; thehanovertheatre.org.

5. A look ahead The Worcester JCC will hold its annual Gala to support its youth scholarship program in February. Besides, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, music and a silent auction, the organization will celebrate 50 years at its Salisbury Street location in Worcester, which has created a community center for thousands throughout Central Massachusetts. 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4; Mechanics Hall, 231 Main St., Worcester; $125; worcesterjcc.org.

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gameon:

Star Fox blasts back

By Jason Savio

Good old Star Fox is back. One of the all-time fan-favorite video game titles, Star Fox has finally made its much anticipated return to the spotlight on Nintendo’s Wii U with Star Fox Zero. Fox McCloud’s familiar gang is in tow to back him up again on this adventure, and the nostalgia factor on this one is turned all the way up to 11.

But is Star Fox Zero worth the wait? Luckily, Fox McCloud and his team deliver with this newest release, bringing back the fun and engaging playability of the franchise’s crown jewel, Star Fox 64. But this time around, Star Fox is even more exciting.

Star Fox Zero’s story is basically a rehash of all the previous ones, with the space team fighting off the evil Andross and his cronies. But the gameplay approach is designed to play specifically to Wii U’s best qualities. The Wii U gamepad controller gives the option of having a view from the cockpit, in addition to simultaneously offering the classic behindthe-ship view on your television, making for an experience that feels like you’re really in the action.

The downside of this, however, is the game’s insistence on using the motion-controlled targeting with the gamepad. So, you have to physically move the entire controller in the direction of where you want to shoot to lock onto your target. You’re essentially doing what your mom used to do when she’d play the original Star Fox with you back in the day. You also have the option to move your target lock around with the directional buttons, but it will cause you to have to readjust its accuracy, and with comrade Peppy Hare constantly yelling at you to use the motion control, you’ll likely just do it to shut him up.

Star Fox’s strength has always been its aerial fights that are reminiscent of the best Star Wars X-Wing battles. Star Fox Zero offers plenty of this, and the Star Fox patented Arwing has the ability to transform into Walker Mode. In Walker Mode, the Arwing becomes a sprinting land machine that infiltrates buildings and spaces normally too tight for the Arwing. It can be clumsy at times and a bit irritating (especially when surrounded by enemies), but it is a nice change of pace in the game. There’s no denying that the most fun is still to be had in the air, where you can do as many barrel rolls and somersaults as your heart desires.

Not often can a new release in a classic game franchise transport you back to when you first picked up the controller and gave it a go. With the passage of time and advances in technology, some things with Star Fox have indeed changed, and that’s not always a good thing with Star Fox Zero. But for the most part, those changes are trumped by the overall joy that this game brings. If you were once an ace pilot on Star Fox’s team, the time has come for you to take flight once again.

For more information, visit starfoxzero.nintendo.com.

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Making the most of t h e c o l d

By Jennifer Russo The holidays are over and the temperature outside is starting to plunge into the obscene. For some of us, hell is not flames and lava for eternity, but snow, ice and sunset at 4 p.m. While you may be tempted to hide in your blanket fort, binge watch Cupcake Wars and pretend life outside of your comfortable 70-degree walls doesn’t exist, you’re bound to get cabin fever at some point this winter.

So put on your big boy/big girl jackets and see what might be a welcome reprieve from boredom.

‘If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’ Ideas Go skiing/snowboarding: Try your legs out on the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding are great calorie-burners, and with some really adorable North Face jackets out there, you can be stylish while you work out. Plus, think of all the great YouTube inspiration when you and your buds fall face-first into a snow pile. If you aren’t in love with the sports after trying them for a little while, get cozy near the fire in your ski cabin. At least you tried it.

Go sledding/tubing: Be a kid again. Buy a cheap plastic sled or snow tube from your local department store, find a nearby hill and just have a great time with some fun-loving friends. Be careful that the end of the hill is not on a busy street, and – as tempting as it might be – we do not recommend recreating National Lampoon’s sledding scene.

Go ice skating on the Common: For a small $5 fee (plus $3 for skate rental), the Worcester Oval behind City Hall is open for public skating Friday-Sunday and on school vacation weeks.

Check out the stickwork exhibit at Holy Cross: Patrick Dougherty, the artist-in-residence at Holy Cross, combines architecture and the environment to create beautiful works of art. During his residency, he, along with some volunteers, has been creating a sculpture on the Linden Lane lawn.

Walk: Though I wouldn’t recommend this in the absolute bitter cold, if it’s bearable, bundle up in every piece of outwear you can find until you look like that kid from The Christmas Story and take a walk, alone or with a friend/partner. Take some pics with your phone or camera, because although snow is a nuisance, it really is beautiful at times, and the winter birds (blue jays, cardinals and woodpeckers) provide a pop of color on the trees.

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‘Stay warm, but get out of the house’ Ideas See a show: We are lucky that Worcester has some outstanding venues to catch world class entertainment. The Hanover Theatre is offering John Cleese and the Holy Grail, Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy, Decades Rewind, and Elvis Lives in January. Mechanics Hall has a CDMMEA Festival Concert, the second annual Winter Soiree, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the 10th annual Worcester’s Best Chef Competition. The DCU Center is hosting Monster Jam, Artists Simply Human, a Bridal Expo and the 2017 Worcester Auto Show. The Palladium has August Burns Red, Old Wounds and Blaze Ya Dead Homie this month.

See some art: I love being able to walk out of the cold and into a place that is not only warm but beautiful. The Worcester Art Museum always has a great selection of rotating exhibits. This month, check out Picket Fence to Picket Line: Visions of American Citizenship or Facing the World: Modernization and Splendor in Meiji Japan. Beginning Jan 19, the Davis Art Gallery will open its Parallels exhibit, a selection of art by Lowell artists in an effort to show the parallels of our two city scenes.

Catch a movie the old-fashioned way: Just a short drive and $27 per car, the Mendon Twin DriveIn is open on weekends for movies, sometimes with double features and celebrity guests. Plus, you can crank up your car’s heat to any temp you want. Then, on the way back, you can marvel at how many people still have their holiday lights up.

Take a spa day: I can’t think of many things that are better to do when it’s cold outside than go to a spa. Try the Coconut & Lime glow treatment for a tropical-like escape from reality over at Tu Moda Spa on Pleasant Street or the Moroccan Massage at Mocine Day Spa on Park Avenue, where you can save 10 percent with your local college ID. I recommend visiting Bellisimo Spa on Chandler Street for their Chocolate Crème Experience, which has a cocoa polish, a chocolate mud wrap, a chocolate crème massage and a cup of hot chocolate.

Since we have three more months of winter, let’s make the most of it – whether that means reorganizing our stuff, going to a tanning booth (or getting a spray tan), baking cookies or volunteering for a great cause. There actually is plenty to do if we peek out from under our blankets and take a look around.

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Club+Pub+GRUB Listings

Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs & other select venues 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010 B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 140pub.com The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc.

508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com Wednesdays: Trivia Night Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc.

508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Jan. 5: Don Prang Jan. 6: Charlie Johnson Jan. 7: Jessa Potts Jan. 11: Wednesday Night Mayhem Jan. 12: Black Sabbath Tribute Jan. 14: Jennifer Lee Band Jan. 18: Beatniks Open Mic Night Jan. 19: Chris Reddy Jan. 20: Gladstone Jan. 21: Fellowship of the King Jan. 25: Wednesday Night Mayhem Jan. 28: Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys Feb. 1: Beatniks Open Mic Night Beemer’s Pub & Grill 310 Main St., Fitchburg 978-348-2100 beemerspub.com Jan. 6: Dave Gordon Jan. 13: Kevin Shields Jan. 27: Paul Richards Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 blacksheeptavernsterline.com Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc.

508-797-4827 blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 Thursdays: Open Mic Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 Jan. 5: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

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October 2016

Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough 508-485-4416 boltonstreettavern.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008 Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-752-3862 brew-city.com Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-5734 destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc.

508-926-8353 Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) Jan. 7: Lisa Marie & All Shook Up with Johnny Juxo Jan. 13: Jim Perry & Lisa Marie Jan. 21: New England Weather Jan. 28: Alias Draleaus Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 chopsticksleominster.com Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-767-9728 Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke Jan. 21: Go Gadget Go Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc.

508-798-8385 Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke Jan. 13: Auntie Trainwreck The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc.

508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Jan. 6: Alex Tuohey Jan. 13: Mike Melendez Jan. 20: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 27: The Sage Project Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc.

508-752-0482 The Cove Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc.

508-363-1888 thecovemusichall.com Thursdays: Subterra: Resident’s Night Jan 6: Danny Klein’s Full House with Way Up South Jan 7: Rocket Queen (Guns N’ Roses tribute) Jan 7: Bottlefight and more Jan 11: Nytro: Industrial, Goth, Dark Techno Jan 13: Children of the Korn (Korn tribute) Jan 20: Opiate (TOOL tribute) with Mr. Self Destruct (NIN tribute) Jan 27: Blackout (Sevendust tribute) with Influenza and V Jan 28: Danny Pease & the Regulators with MDDS & The Trees Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc.

508-757-6977 danceranchandsaloon.com Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 daysendtavern.com Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens 978-862-0060 devensgrill.com Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc.

508-799-0629 Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc.

508-792-3700 aohworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 flipflopsma.com Jan. 6: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-757-1450 flyingrhinocafe.com Frank’s 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

774-420-2253 Jan. 27: Dezi Garcia Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-753-2995 funkyandjosemurphys.com Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Mondays: Blue Mondays Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live music The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Jan. 6: Jim Weeks

Jan. 7: Heather Ralston & Joe Macey Jan. 13: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 14: Hitchcock Blondes Jan. 19: Dan Cormier Jan. 27: Amanda Cote Jan. 28: Ed McCarron GD Lounge Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worc.

(508) 755-6555 facebook.com/GDloungeandtapas Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-853-1350 greendalespub.com Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy; Local Musicians Showcase Jan. 8: Mikey Lynch hosts Sunday Jam with Liza Marie Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halliganssportsbarandmore.com Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 Jan. 6: Mike Livingston Jan. 7: Dave Harrington Jan. 13: Sean Fullerton Jan. 14: Topher Brew Jan. 20: Zack Slik Jan. 21: Carl Ayotte Jan. 27: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 28: Amanda Cote Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc.

Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 indianranch.com Industry Bar Room 109 Water St., Worc.

508-756-2100 industrybarroom.com Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg 978-582-9701 ixtapacantina2.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc.

508-793-0900 jilliansworcester.com Sundays: Sunday Game Night Jan. 13: Key Performance Jan. 14: XS Band Jan. 20 - Jan. 21: Key Performance Jan. 27: Neon Alley Jan. 28: Squelch JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 jbag.biz Jan. 7: The Brit Wits Jan. 14: No Alibi Jan. 20: Far From Eden Jan. 21: Flock of A-Holes Continued on Page 23

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Continued from Page 20 Jan. 27: The Ed Sullivans Jan. 28: 9-Teen Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-6500 Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc.

508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc.

508-796-5177 loft266.com Jan. 14: Dave Ashman Jan. 27: Jay Graham Jan. 28: Erica & Justin London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc.

508-799-7655 londonbilliards.com Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc.

508-277-1073 Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc.

508-754-0033 martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc.

508-799-4521 mblounge.com McNally’s Grille & Pub 88 Sargent Road, Westminster 978-874-1444 mcnallysgrille.com Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc.

508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com Jan. 4: Jodee & Brian Jan. 6: Neon Alley Jan. 7: Ghost Train Jan. 12: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 13: Bittersuite Jan. 14: Blue Light Bandits Jan. 19: Niki’s Fix Jan. 20: Navy Train Jan. 21: Abraxas Jan. 27: Hoodoo Revelator Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825 The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com Jan. 5: Night Train Jan. 6: Joe Macey Jan. 7: Bill McCarthy Jan. 12: Mark & Anthony Jan. 13: Jay Graham Jan. 14: Brian Chaffee Jan. 19: Josh Briggs Jan. 20: Scott Babineau Jan. 21: James Keyes Jan. 26: Paul Janowski Jan. 27: Belit Jan. 28: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900

millstreetbrews.com

508-856-9255

speakersnightclub.net

Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc.

Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-459-2025 quinnsirishpub.com Jan. 4: Mike Melendez Jan. 5: John Brazile Jan. 6: Josh Briggs Jan. 7: Sam James Jan. 12: Brian Twohey Jan. 14: Kevin Shields Jan. 18: Dave Ashman Jan. 19: John Brazile Jan. 21: Mike Melendez Jan. 26: Brian Twohey Jan. 27: Terry Brennan Jan. 28: Dave Ashman

Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255 sprucestreettavern.com

The Muse 536 Main St., Worc.

508-756-6873 Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc.

508-753-4030 Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc.

508-340-0318 Jan. 19: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Oak Barrel Tavern 229 Grove Ave., Worc.

508-755-8047 oakbarreltavernworcester.com Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 Jan. 20: Windfall On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-6692 Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford 508-987-5397 Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

774-823-3022 padavanosplace.com Jan. 21: Ravioli, Rock & Blues with Auntie Trainwreck Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc.

508-797-9696 thepalladium.net Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc.

Fridays, Saturdays: Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Karaoke Jan. 7: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 14: Crossroads Jan. 21: JCDC

Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc.

508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-304-8133 Wednesdays: Open Mic Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville 978-939-7373, 978-939-8321 Rocky’s 139 Water St., Worc.

Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc.

508-755-5542 clubuniverseworcester.com Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Jan. 5: Jon Short Jan. 6: Scott Babineau Jan. 7: The Two Timers Jan. 8: Brunch with Zack Slik Jan. 12: Zack Slik Jan. 13: Dan Cormier & Ethan Caouette Jan. 14: Retro Stew Jan. 19: Jay Graham Jan. 20: City Boys Jan. 21: Ken Macy Band Jan. 22: Brunch with Jon Short Jan. 26: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 27: Brian Chaffee’s Hot Mess Jan. 28: L&M Rythym Kings Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc.

508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 sakura-tokyo.com

Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc.

508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com

Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 888-824-3924, 978-345-2000 seanpatricksrestaurant.com

Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc.

508-756-7555

South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com Jan. 6: Dave Andrews Jan. 7: Goldrush Jan. 13: Danny Leblanc Jan. 14: Maximum Recoil Jan. 20: Amanda Cote Jan. 21: Our Buddy Karl Jan. 27: Sean Fullerton

The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-414-1314 Wednesdays: What’s That Tune? Trivia Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc.

Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222

Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton 978-448-5614, 877-782-4346 grotonstagecoachinn.com Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham 978-827-1272 thetavernoncentral.com Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc.

508-754-3516 3gs-sportsbar.com Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc.

Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre 978-355-2224 upperdecksportsbarandgrille.com Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-752-9439 Tuesdays: Boogie Chillin’ Jan. 7: Hip Swayers Deluxe Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc.

Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc.

774-578-8829 whiskeyonwater.com Sundays, Wednesdays: Karaoke Thursdays: DJ Cuzn Kev Fridays, Saturdays: DJ TecThreat Jan. 6: Eric Paquette Duo Jan. 7: Tequila Bonfire Jan. 13: Traveling Wanna B’s Jan. 14: On the Rocks Jan. 20: Stereo Love Duo Jan. 21: Phil Pacino Jan. 27: Tom Appleman Band Jan. 28: Sam James Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 85 Main St., Oxford 508-987-3087 StopByTheWhistle.com White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green St., Worc.

774-245-1991 Wednesdays: Karaoke with DJ M Thursdays: DJ M William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner 978-632-7794 williamsrestaurantandtavern.com Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

Ye Olde Tavern 7 E. Main St., W. Brookfield 508-867-9709, 508-867-4139 westbrookfieldtavern.com

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23

the gazbar sports grill – leominster

By Justin perry

435 bar & grille – leominster

parkway restaurant & Bar – worcester

lock 50 – WORCESTER

24

Januar y 2017

quinn's irish pub – worcester

the usual – worcester

british beer company – worcester

mezcal tequila cantina – worcester

thepulsemag.com

25

lifestyle

The 10-Step Sugar Detox Plan Earlier this year, research into sugar’s deleterious effects showed a connection to cancer, heart disease and diabetes. More recently, the American Dental Association reminded parents just how bad sugar is for their children’s teeth.

“Beware of sugar in places you might not have expected, like tomato sauces,

“We think we’re so advanced in 2016, yet when it comes to health and a nutritious diet, many of us have a long way to go,” said nutritionist and juicing pioneer Cherie Calbom, who is known as “The Juice Lady.”

For more information, visit juiceladycherie.com.

The good news is you can dedicate yourself to a healthy, sugar-free lifestyle, said Calbom, author of The Juice Lady’s Sugar Knockout.

University. Known as “The Juice Lady” for her work with juicing and health, she is

salad dressing and marinades,” Calbom said. “Make a habit of studying labels.”

Cherie Calbom holds a Master of Science degree in whole foods nutrition from Bastyr author of 31 books, with millions of copies sold worldwide.

Below is Calbom’s solution: a 10-step detox plan to eliminate sugar in your diet.

#1 Avoid all sugar If you can do it for 30 days, you can change your lifestyle.

During this time, avoid even healthy sweeteners, like honey, and substitutes, which overwhelm the taste buds.

#4 Enjoy healthy smoothies Healthy smoothies that include dark, leafy greens like kale or chard make you feel good in the long term and can help eliminate the urge for sugary snacks and excessive caffeine.

Eggs, nuts, fish and other meats balance blood sugar and insulin.

GTF chromium, L-glutamine, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and vitamin C assist your body in various ways to overcome sugar cravings.

Januar y 2017

There are multiple benefits to cutting back on your caffeine, including the temptation to use sugary creamers and accompanying sweets, along with actually causing sugar cravings.

#5 Power up with protein

#8 Supplement your diet

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#2 Cut caffeine intake

#3 Skip foods that turn to sugar easily This includes wheat and other grains, alcohol and starchy foods like white potatoes.

#6 Eat your veggies Non-starchy vegetables provide your body with much-needed vitamins that also will cut your urge for unhealthy, sugary snacks.

#9 Sleep well; sleep enough Lack of sleep messes with your hormonal balance and contributes to feelings of hunger.

#7 Drink eight glasses of water a day Sufficient pure water keeps you hydrated, reduces headaches and constipation and flushes out toxins.

#10 Fight sugar cravings with fat Healthy fats like avocados and fish make you feel full and satisfied.

OUT+ABOUT: The Rainbow Readers

By John Trobaugh My first realization of the power of a book was in sixth grade. Although the book was not about LGBT issues, it did allow me to escape my current circumstances of southern Alabama, red dirt and peanut fields. I found a particularly captivating a book about a runaway named David, who explored the countryside of Greece. I was able to learn about other worlds, while learning about myself, through a novel. I think people thought I was a bookworm or super-smart, but in reality, I just wanted to escape my current circumstances.

When I learned of the Rainbow Readers, I was quickly transported back to that time when I needed to escape and then the many, many times since when I escaped for pleasure, not necessity.

Sarah Slocum has taken it upon herself to start not one, but two, LGBT reading groups, and it was easy to see why.

“Most bookstores carry very little LGBTQIA fiction. Most, if they do carry it, is mainly young adult fiction, memoirs or sex help books. I sought a place that would not only be able to provide books but also offer a space that was friendly and inviting. I started this book group last November, and more and more people have started coming regularly,” Sarah said.

“The book club has given me a queer/LGBT space where I feel free to discuss books that I haven’t been able to explore since college. … I started with the idea that I read books very different from the average person in a bookstore. I searched for bookstores in the area that fit and would host us. I came to Annie’s and was welcomed immediately by Patty, one of the owners. She has been very helpful with guiding me to reach more people.”

I feel that the book club is an important part of the complex fabric that makes the Worcester area so livable. We need to give youth cultural opportunities that will help them grow into productive, creative citizens.

“The youth group (Rainbow Readers: Youth Group) started based on a discussion with one of the librarians at my library in Sutton as they helped with some of the brainstorming about the adult group,” Sarah said. “The youth group keeps all reading PG-13 and originally met at Chickpea on Park Ave. before moving to Annie’s. Starting in January, we will be meeting in the Banx Room of the Worcester Public Library on second Fridays from 3-5 p.m. On Jan. 13, we are reading None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio. The adult book club generally meets either the second or third Saturday of the month, depending if I am traveling or there are other store events. Our January meeting is the 21st from 6-8 p.m., with the book being Power Play by Avon Gale.”

At one recent Rainbow Readers meeting, I met a few new people and a couple of people I had met before. I value diversity and was pleased to see the meeting was a nice mix of gender identities and sexual orientations.

To find out more, email Sarah at rainbowreadersmass@gmail.com.

Have an idea for a new column topic? Email John@JohnArt.com.

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27

the luxe list: 6 solutions to

starts the New Year right It’s a new year, and we’ve got some ideas to help you reach your goals and keep you in great shape throughout 2017.

1. The Level Balance Board

4. Maverick Skincare

With the rise in use of standing desks, this award-winning balance board creates a subtle instability underfoot and increases your range of motion and heart rate while you work. It also fires up your core muscles and is really fun to use, kind of like surfing at your desk! It keeps you moving and adds motion to your day, but not so much that it distracts you. Indeed, you can multitask while onboard, and the mind-body connection actually helps increase productivity. $289$489, fluidstance.com.

Maverick's Face Kit offers total face care in a box. The kit’s just one minute a day, consisting of three bottles. First up is Protect, a morning SPF 30 barrier to keep your face protected and hydrated all day. Wash is a minty cleanser that leaves your face fresh and smooth.

Finally, Rebuild supercharges your face overnight. $2-$89, getmavericks.com.

2. VARIChair

5. Salonpas Lidocaine 4% Pain Relieving Gel Patch

A durable, cushioned seat and articulating pedestal, the VARIChair is designed to engage your leg, back and core muscles, giving you the freedom to move throughout your day while promoting good posture. It comes fully assembled, so simply remove it from the box and you’re ready to go. This chair provides dynamic range of movement both sitting and standing. $195, varidesk.com.

3. Pure Gold Mask with Native Fish Collagen Indulge yourself with these breakthrough products from Naturel Collagen. The Pure Gold Mask with Native Fish Collagen (a set of three masks) rejuvenates the skin and is supported by the intensive, regenerating activity of hydrated fish collagen and elastin.

The mask also contains moisturizing vitamin B3, rejuvenating vitamin E, soothing aloe and hyaluronic acid – the “poster child” of plump skin. $75, naturelcollagen.com.

Want effective spot-targeted pain relief? Instead of taking oral pain-relieving pills or paying for expensive prescription lidocaine patches, just apply a Salonpas Lidocaine 4% Pain Relieving Gel Patch. It delivers nearly prescription-level lidocaine for pain relief for less than prescription patches. These unscented, over-the-counter patches numb and desensitize aggravated nerves for temporary pain relief. $11.99, salonpas.us.

6. MyRxProfile App The MyRxProfile app can manage your over-the-counter and prescription medications. It lets you check drug information and interactions simply by scanning a bar code. You can use your phone to scan the barcode on any medication, no matter where you are, and create a medication profile. myrxprofile.com.

The Luxe List Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter @LuxeListEditor and Facebook at TheLuxeList.

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Januar y 2017

sports+fitness

findingbalance: Yoga for the New Year

By Jennifer Russo With the hustle and the bustle of the holidays behind us, it’s time to look at what the New Year has to offer. Many people are making their resolutions – the old standards such as losing weight, cutting back on coffee, being nicer to people, travelling more, etc. Instead, consider starting a yoga practice.

Many people think that yoga is difficult and requires getting into gravity-defying poses, eating nothing but wheatgrass and sweating in a room set to 100 degrees. Some worry that they are not going to be good at yoga and fear of judgment prevents them from trying it.

Well, what if I told you that you don’t ever have to be “good at yoga” at all?

Yoga is a practice, and it is called this for a reason. You set your own pace, find your own edge and challenge yourself when you feel comfortable doing so. If there is a pose your body is not feeling that day, back off of it. There is no judgment and no requirement. Just show up and let your body be present in the current moment. Escape from your busy work or school day for an hour or so.

It is not about being good. It is not about being flexible. It is not about being a health nut. It is about JUST being.

There are many different types of yoga, and you may prefer one style over another. Here is a breakdown of the five most common types of practices:

Vinyasa: This is my favorite. It is flowy, connecting your movements with your breathing, and gives just enough of heart rate increase to feel like a workout without being too strenuous. It is often set to calm music and creates a sense of focus through continued and controlled movement.

Bikram: This is not for everyone, but you may enjoy it. The room is very warm and humid. This is a great way to improve flexibility and sweat out toxins. There are 26 specific poses and a sequence to these which doesn’t vary. Drink a lot of water before practicing. Hot Yoga is similar, but doesn’t follow the same rigid sequence.

Yin: This is a wonderful practice that is more mind-centered and restorative. Yin poses are held for a few minutes each and stretch the deeper muscles and tissues. This is great for flexibility and simply relaxing into poses and focusing on being in the present moment.

Kundalini: For those who would like a more spiritual connection in their practice, this is for you. It is challenging and exercises not only the body but the breath. It incorporates meditation and chanting with the goal to achieve self-awareness through connecting to the spiritual energy around and in us.

Hatha: This is a great practice for beginners. It is fairly slow-moving, and you hold poses for short amounts of time. It is about balancing your physical and mental energies and focusing on postures.

Every year, the number of people practicing yoga increases by 15 percent to 20 percent – and with good reason. The benefits of yoga include increased muscle tone, strength and flexibility, a balanced metabolism, increased energy, cardio health, mental focus, joint and spinal health, improved circulation, balanced blood pressure, stress relief, better sleep habits, depression relief, improved concentration and memory, boosted immune system, lung health, self-awareness, improved balance and more.

Worcester and the surrounding area are full of places to take a class, and most studios allow drop-ins. Flowforms Yoga on June Street offers all levels of yoga, as well as private classes. Union Street Yoga has yoga, reiki, massage therapy and wellness classes. Metrowest Yoga on Prescott Street has a beginner’s course, as well as many hot yoga classes available. Central Mass Yoga and Wellness in nearby West Boylston is offering a free introduction to yoga on Jan. 8 – sign up at centralmassyoga.com.

Remember, yoga is not about finding perfection. It is about the understanding that perfection does not exist and that we are who we are now, in this present moment, and being OK with that.

The pure light in me honors and respects the pure light in you. Namaste.

thepulsemag.com

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food+drink

New around the woo:

Maple mama craft spritzers

By Kendall Korengold With more than 45 outlets in the Pioneer Valley, Maple

Mama Craft Spritzers has come a long way since Joe Laur and his wife, Sara Schley, started developing concoctions on their kitchen table.

Making syrup in their backyard for years, Schley, “chief

mama maple,” and Laur, “maple officer,” decided they wanted to create soft drinks with syrup, instead of sugar, for their twins. Their success boomed when the

twins made and sold the maple spritzers at a festival in Wendell, Mass. They made more money than anybody

at the festival and decided they should go commercial with the beverage.

After a year and a half of development, Laur and Schley

decided to give the product a shot and begin creating

prototypes of the unique-tasting beverages. Then, they connected with Whole Foods about getting their

spritzers on the shelves. The grocery chain liked the beverage in its early stages and helped them improve it.

The family moved to Worcester soon after to be closer

to the spritzers’ bottler and natural, fresh ingredients. In

2016, Maple Mama hit the shelves of its first customer – Whole Foods. Laur began promoting his beverages at pizza parlors and neighborhood markets.

When asked what people could expect from the Maple

Mama spritzers, Laur answered, “It depends on what you try.” Many people tell him that the beverage is

“reminiscent of cream soda” and “reminds them of birch

If you’re looking for an alternative to sugary soda, check out Maple Mama at maplemamabeverages.com.

beer and egg creams that were sold at drug stores.”

According to Laur, the Fair Trade Vanilla is the fan

favorite. “People make the face. Their eyes go wide.”

The vanilla flavor is an unusual combination of dark, rich sweetness.

Januar y 2017

without being too sweet.”

Maple Mama has big aspirations. Currently they have a few flavors in the works, including Maplechino, a blend

Another favorite maple spritzer is the Cold Brew Coffee.

of maple syrup that is mixed with milk, and Starbucks

How does the maple taste in the spritzer? It is very light

like to have six to eight different flavors, including an

Cappuccino, with half the calories. Laur said he would

and primarily sweet. Laur said that each formula blends

almond, cola and cocoa bean.

taste.

Laur said he would like to be selling Maple Mama

Laur said every taste has a “nice maple finish,” and that

Mama is hoping to go regional.

with another flavor to give each spritzer flavor a unique

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his customers describe the beverages as “sweet enough

nationally in five years. Within the next year, Maple

pulsebrew:

Harpoon Brewery partners with The Movember Foundation

By Kerry Cyganiewicz Usually in this column, I share my favorite places to grab a beer or my favorite beer for the season, and this article is no exception. I am, however, going to ask you wait until the end for the review of the Harpoon Beer Hall in Boston and the two great beers I had there. Trust me, the beer and the venue is worth the wait, but the cause before it deserves your attention, as well.

Back in the December 2015 issue of Pulse, I spoke with Dan Kenary, the CEO of Harpoon.

We spoke about his connections to Worcester, including his family members attending Holy Cross and Harpoon’s long ongoing relationship with Atlas Distributing. We lightly touched on Harpoon’s philanthropic arm, Harpoon Helps, and recently I got an up-close look at a Harpoon event that benefited the Movember Foundation.

For the past nine years, Harpoon has hosted a fundraising event for men’s health in November.

This was the fifth year it was officially held in conjunction with the Movember Foundation. The mission of the Movember Foundation, as the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, is to stop men from dying too young. According to movember.com, “The state of men’s health is in crisis. Men experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier. Prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years. Testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last 50. Three-quarters of suicides are men. Poor mental health leads to half a million men taking their own life every year. That’s one every minute. The goal of The Movember Foundation is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25% by 2030.”

Craft breweries and craft beer bars are known for their staff being on the forefront of facial hair trends. Years before it was cool to have full, lush beards, these guys not only grew them but maintained them well. Some employees at Harpoon grew their beards for a portion of the year, or just November, (you have heard of No Shave November, right?). They then shaved it all off – except for the mustache – and held various contests, raising money for their “Mustache November.” On Nov. 30, Harpoon hosted a public event to raise funds and educate the public on men’s health needs.

The Private Stache Black IPA at 8.1% ABV was specially brewed for this event, and $1 from every pint went to the Movember Foundation. Entry tickets and raffles were also sold to raise money. This event is one of the top fundraisers for the Movember Foundation. There were freshbaked pretzels with various delicious dipping sauces and even prizes for the best mustaches. This was less like a stuffy charitable event and more like your neighborhood bar, where everyone felt welcome and had fun. That’s right, I said "fun" and "charitable" in the same sentence. Now, on to the venue and beers as promised.

The Harpoon Brewery Beer Hall is at 306 Northern Ave. in Boston. If you are in the area or there is a special event that interests you, do not hesitate to attend. There is ample street parking, and the hall itself is large enough to not feel crowded, while it retains a warm intimate feel with large panes of glass and warm wood and brick walls.

I counted 19 beers on tap. However, I only tried two. Private Stache is a Black IPA weighing in at 8.1% ABV. It was not overly bitter from the dark malts (used to get the dark color), nor was it overly biter or floral from the hops. It went quite well with the fresh pretzels and, in my opinion, is a small step up from the regular Harpoon IPA. The other beer I sampled was Craig, a red IPA. This was 7% ABV and cloyingly hid the alcohol. Oh my, was this drinkable and possessed of a different hop profile than the other IPA I tried, a more fruity – perhaps tropical – one. Both beers were pilot batches, meaning they were small batches, brewed once and only available in the beer hall. When you go, there will be others to try, and try them you should.

Check out The Movember Foundation at Movember.com. There is a wealth of information there, an online store and ways you can help. Check out harpoonbrewery.com for specifics on tours, hours, what’s on tap, etc.

thepulsemag.com

31

dining review

Quinn's is your spot for

winter comfort food

By Bernie Whitmore On paper, Quinn’s Irish Pub is just the kind of place we want to like – an informal meeting place for friends, rowdy but not deafening, where you fit in with after work khakis or Saturday afternoon jeans and flannel. These are the places we adopt as “our own” to enjoy with friends and neighbors. All of this, of course, hinges on one thing: cuisine. We want honest, non-industrialized menu items that are fairly priced and delicious. And as we slide into winter, this means plateloads of comfort food and crafty brews with assertive flavor.

With all of that as my mission, I rendezvoused with a friend at Quinn’s on a Thursday evening. The small parking lot was already full, so I drove around the curb to the Family Dollar’s spacious lot and easily found a parking place. (The two businesses seem to have a parking agreement.)

Once inside, a quick glance is all that’s required to get a “lay of the land.” Unlike the byzantine pubs in Dublin’s Temple Bar district, you won’t lose your way in Quinn’s. A long central bar is lined with big screens showing multiple sporting events overhead.

Around that are tables for dining, and at one end, there’s a step up to some booths.

After a reasonable 10-minute wait, we were seated.

Around us were groups of all ages and families with little children. Well behaved, of course. Our server – no name offered this evening – exuded

calm competence and directed our attention to the daily special menu. Tonight’s special was steamers, a favorite that’s always tempting. But the evening’s objective was comfort food; we’ll save clams for next spring.

In that spirit, I started with a mug of Quinn’s Homemade Chili. My initial concern was that the topping of shredded cheddar cheese showed no sign of softening. Would I have to send it back for a proper nuking?

Alas! That wasn’t at all the case, for as soon as I dug through lukewarm the top layer, I found the depths to be plenty hot and thick with soft red beans, chunks of ground beef and bits of tender green pepper. The tomato base was mildly spicy – the barely-1-alarm fire was easily snuffed out with a couple quaffs of Wormtown’s Bottle Rocket Pale Ale. Reporting from the other side of the table, my friend gave a solid thumbs-up to his mug of Mary Murphy’s Clam Chowder. “It’s everything I expect in chowder. It’s thick, just the way I like it. Creamy.

Lots of potatoes and lots of clams … good clam flavor. No downsides. None!”

It was the next course, our entrées, which would get to the very foundation of comfort cuisine. And, in view of the fact that this is an Irish pub, I just had to try the Big Fish and Chips. Quinn’s serves its fish on a paper-lined dish piled up with crazy-long, crispy French fries. As soon as I started digging

into my plate-long fillet, it was obvious I’d entered fish-lovers territory. Quinn’s plates up a seriously large haddock fillet that’s been richly battered and fried to a deep, golden brown.

But I’m very particular about fried fish and conducted an extensive analysis. Within that tasty golden shell, the white flesh was tender and just flaked apart. We’ve all suffered the manufactured product that other places try to pawn off as “fish.”

Or thin little scraplets that are really just delivery vehicles for oily breading. Quinn’s generous portions of haddock are fresh and mild-flavored.

Why sully them with tartar sauce?

OK, so I liked my fish. How about my friend’s plate of Pete’s Irish Home Style Meatloaf?

It’s hard to believe this, but he raved about Quinn’s meatloaf more aggressively than I did with my Big Fish. Two large chunks, a blend of ground beef and pork, were dunked in rich brown gravy and topped with fried shoestring onions. Mashed potatoes and a big portion of sautéed green beans completed the dish. But all he really paid attention to was the meatloaf; Quinn’s mix of herbs and spices must be exceptional.

A few days later, when I mentioned that I’d been to Quinn’s Irish Pub, a neighbor gushed about the Shepherd’s Pie. What is about this place that gets people so fired up? This visit went a long way toward answering that question.

Quinn’s Irish Pub • 715 W. Boylston St., Worcester • (508) 459-2025 • quinnsirishpub.com

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hotandnow: What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene

By Paul Giorgio Chopped. Worcester’s 111 Chop House on Shrewsbury Street recently was chosen as the Restaurant of the Year by the Massachusetts Retailers Association. Owners Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist accepted the award at the Retailers’ annual meeting the last week of November.

One number less. The 110 Grill is slated to open next month in Leominster. The restaurant’s website claims it offers modern American cuisine in a trendy, casual atmosphere. There is one close by in Berlin. The 110 began operations in 2014 with its first restaurant in Chelmsford.

More Shrewsbury Street news. Dell’Ovo Kitchen, a Restaurant Row mainstay, will be changing

its hours starting this month. It will be closed Mondays starting mid-January but open Saturdays.

And now, some Shrewsbury news. Burtons Grill & Bar will open a Shrewsbury location late this summer. The small chain has about a dozen locations and has been in business since 2005. This will be part of the new development on Route 9.

Now, some news from MetroWest. Springfield-based fast-casual sandwich chain Hot Table announced it will expand into MetroWest with the Marlborough opening of its sixth store next fall. The chain, which specializes in grilled panini, will open its latest location in the Apex Center of New England, located on Route 20.

Calling all you couch potatoes. A new restaurant delivery service is ready to launch in Worcester.

Dashed, based in Boston, will expand into several New England cities this year, most of them with large student and millennial populations. The concept is simple: Dashed contracts with restaurants to deliver food – a lot like the Uber model, with a phone app. There is a small fee for

the delivery, but hey, you will get fresh sushi or a hot Italian meal and a guaranteed delivery of 30 minutes based on time, day and, of course, weather.

South County changes. Indian Ranch, Webster’s premier tourist attraction and summer music venue wants to build a new restaurant on the shores of Webster Lake. The 200-seat American

classic restaurant will be named after the founder of Webster – Samuel Slater, one of the fathers of the American Industrial Revolution. The eatery will be sited on what is now an open-air pavilion.

You can go home again. Geoffrey Zakarian comes to The Hanover Theatre on Monday, Feb. 27. Tickets are on sale now. A Burncoat High School graduate and Worcester State University

alum, Zakarian is a judge on Chopped and known for his Iron Chef title on The Food Network.

He may be better known as the chef who is suing Donald Trump.

Something brewing in Maynard. Battle Road Brewery & Brew House is slated to open at the

end of January in Maynard. Besides beer, there will be food created by Chef Jordan Mackey.

Traditional New England fare will be on the menu. The brew house is owned by Mackey, brewmaster Jeremy Cross and Mario Rocci.

New brew. New Belgium Brewing will hit local shelves in February. The Ft. Collins., Colo., brewer is expanding east with a host of products, including Fat Tire and what will become a

New England favorite – Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Beer. Look for it next month in local liquor stores.

thepulsemag.com

33

art+culture

Bandits and Heroes brings the culture of Brazil to Worcester

By Kendall Korengold “There is never a typical day,” Honee Hess answered when asked about her hectic schedule with Bandits and Heroes at Worcester Center for Crafts.

Featuring the art of northeast Brazil, Bandits and Heroes will open at the Center for Crafts with an interactive festival Jan. 28. The exhibit was organized about two years ago in Michigan.

It’s been on the road ever since and will end March 11.

As I sit down with the executive director of Worcester Center for Crafts, she enlightens me about her vast responsibilities. She oversees the daily operations of the craft center, and she directs fundraising and development efforts, human resources and marketing/publicity efforts.

Hess said she loves that Bandits and Heroes “focuses on the art of ordinary people and that it explores how culture is made up of many cultures, just as our American culture is made up of many cultures.”

The exhibition explores how diverse ethnicities mold together with artwork crafted by historical and modern artists. The artists create a captivating vision of historical African and Portuguese culture, which extends into modern-day Brazil. The exhibition is separated into three parts: “The Land and its People,” “Expressions of Faith,” and “Poetry, Celebration, & Song.”

“The Land and its People” looks at the complex history of the sugar plantations and African slavery in colonial Brazil. The exhibition shows the life and struggles of its workers and heroes of the Northeast.

“Expressions of Faith” introduces the African-Brazilian religion of Candomble. It meets with the Roman Catholic religion in photographs, paintings, sculptures and sacred objects to show the fusion of two cultures.

For more information on the Bandits and Heroes exhibit, visit worcestercraftcenter.org.

“Poetry, Celebration, & Song” is produced by singing poets who sell their songs at small markets and fairs. Poetry, prints and sculpture-inspired folk legends and current events signal the dynamic fusion of tradition and improvisation in the culture of the Northeast.

A non-profit, community-based organization committed to providing quality craft education, Worcester Center for Crafts assists artists and artisans gain prominence in the community.

Hess said she finds many aspects of her job exciting, but the most rewarding is seeing her audience grow.

“Seeing that the community values our work – even creating budgets – is kind of exciting because it gives us an opportunity to plan for the next year.”

Worcester Center for Crafts unrolled a youth program in the fall and has a host of winter classes for adults, as well as February vacation workshops for kids.

In the future, Hess plans to strengthen ties with Worcester State University and the local academic institutions, as well as continuing to showcase exhibits that are meaningful to the communities of Central Massachusetts.

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N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • s h o p p i n g

N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G

N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • s h o p p i n g

style+beauty

hair dyes get a little more natural Consumers determined to make environmentally friendly decisions whenever possible – even with beauty products – usually find that compromises are in order when they want to change the color of their hair.

Opt for natural ingredients only and the color is temporary – and may not be the result you’re looking for, especially in terms of grey hair coverage.

Choose a permanent dye that’s mass-produced for at-home use and you’ll have to accept at least some chemicals, but you’re more likely to get the color you’re after and it will last much longer.

“The question often comes down to just how many chemicals will be in the hair dye and what chemicals can be avoided,” said Paolo Tramonti, owner and CEO of Bios Line, an Italian company that manufactures the BioKap Nutricolor Delicato brand of at-home hair dyes.

One of the more troublesome chemicals commonly found in hair dyes is paraphenylenediamin (PPD), which can cause skin to become swollen, red, blistered, dry and cracked.

“Many consumers have become aware of the hazards of PPD, and they prefer to avoid it,” Tramonti said. “That’s why we have created a PPDfree line, the BioKap Nutricolor Delicato line, which contains 18 colors and 1 lightening cream, all PPD-free and fragrance-free.”

Katelyn Giffen, a professional hairstylist and blogger at Rynsroost.com, said there’s a big divide when it comes to how concerned people are about natural ingredients.

“Some people are conscious of what they put inside and on their body and others couldn’t care less,” she said. “But the number of people interested in natural beauty products is growing, and I am getting more and more clients who wonder if they could buy something with more natural ingredients.”

But even the BioKap brand from Tramonti’s company, with 90 percent natural ingredients, can’t eliminate all chemicals and still achieve the

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Januar y 2017

permanent hair color that its customers are after. In addition to not using PPD, BioKap does avoid ammonia, paraben and resorcin, which many dyes contain, Tramonti said.

So where does this leave environmentally minded consumers determined to change their hair color? A few factors to consider include: Consider going natural for real. True natural dyes are henna-based and, as previously mentioned, only work as temporary dyes. Henna is a powdered form of the leaves that come from the henna plant. You can also research do-it-yourself hair dying using herbs or other ingredients.

In almost all cases with true natural dyes, though, getting the exact color you’re after will be difficult.

Check the ingredients. No boxed dye you buy online or at the local drug store, supermarket or retail store will be entirely chemical free. But you can check the list of ingredients to make sure some of the more worrisome chemicals, such as PPD and ammonia, aren’t present.

Consider the environmental big picture. What’s the brand’s overall ecofriendly record? There are many ways to be an environmentally aware consumer, and one of those is to seek to do business with companies that try to reduce their negative impact on the natural world.

“Many companies are making an effort to lessen their impact on the environment as much as possible,” Tramonti said. “I know that’s important to us. We’re involved in efforts to fight global warming, and we’ve installed solar panels at our headquarters. Bios Line is also involved in the LifeGate’s Zero Impact project, where the carbon dioxide emissions created by the company’s activities are compensated by carbon credits generated by the creation and the protection of growing forests.

And we’ve been a strong proponent of doing product testing that doesn’t involve the use of animals.”

Paolo Tramonti is owner and CEO of Bios Line (biokapusa.com), an Italian company that he founded 30 years ago. Today, the company’s products are distributed in 35 countries. Most recently, the BioKap Nutricolor Delicato brand of at-home hair dyes has been introduced in the United States.

stealthestyle: Dream catchers

By Jamie Burke Everything comes full circle with trends. You never have to recreate the wheel; you just have to wait until it passes through again. Become a hoarder, and you will never have to keep up; you will have everything hidden in your pile of treasures. One of the oldest trends goes way back in time.

Dream catchers have been around for centuries. They were originally made by Native Americans from twigs, feathers, gem stones, rocks and string. They were believed to instill natural wisdom and happiness. Dreams float around the night air and fill the heads of unsuspecting sleeping dreamers. And with every feather movement on the catcher, a dream passes through someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind. They catch the bad dreams, but all the good dreams can slip through the web, filling the receiver with happiness and wisdom. I love this craft because it is all about good vibes. In an hour, you can create yourself a dreamy dream catcher of your own!

Supplies Embroidery hoops, varying sizes (You can paint them or leave them!)

Lace or fabric Ribbon/feathers/beads A piece of wood or rope String or rope Hot glue Chalk Scissors

Steps This craft is so easy, but it looks very intricate. You want to lay out all your hoops first. Put them on the floor or on a large surface and see exactly how you want them to line up. Mix in all the sizes for a fun pattern.

Now once you have your general pattern, lay out your lace or fabric or both. Now, remove the inner hoop, and place it over the patterns on the lace or fabric you want to display. Now, trace about two inches around each loop with chalk. Once you have each pattern drawn out, cut out the circles and put them to the side with the inner hoops.

You will want to glue the lace or fabric directly to the hoop. Put the glue on the backs of the hoops and lay the front on the lace or fabric. Gather the fabric to fold over hoop onto the glue on back. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even necessarily need the glue, but it secures it well. Repeat for all the hoops and lace. Then, cut off the excess fabric or lace.

Once you have all the laced circles done, place them back into the large hoops and screw tight.

Then, place the hoops back into the pattern you want and glue them together, or keep them separate, depending on your design. You can glue ribbons or strings with feathers and beads to the bottom of each loop or wherever you want. Take your large piece of wood, or rod, and attach a string or rope to each end. You can tie it on securely or screw or nail it in for extra reinforcement.

Then, attach the string or rope to your creation and secure it to the wood or rod. Find a place to hang your magical dream creation and curl up into a ball underneath it and take a nap. It is hard ruling the craft world. You must get your beauty rest and fill your head with only good, happy craft dreams.

thepulsemag.com

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