The Pulse Magazine

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JANUARY 2019 IN THIS ISSUE: COVER STORY

25 Resolving your resolution issue

8 People to Watch in 2019

FOOD+DRINK

ENTERTAINMENT

26 Dining Review:

12 Songwriter Brian Dickens digs deep on new album

Atlantic Poke offers a fresh take

13 GameOn: Sinner Sacrifice for Redemption is medieval mayhem

27 Hot&Now

14 NowStreaming: Creation from Crisis / Rick Monroe / Robyn

on speed

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28 New Around the Woo: The Boardroom 29 PulseBrew: Java shows up in Worcester beers

15 The Central Scene 16 Club Listings

SPORTS+FITNESS

20 Pulse Shots

31 FindingBalance:

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Chasing away winter blues

LIFESTYLE 22 6 tips for women entering the workforce

STYLE+BEAUTY 32 Heal dry winter skin

23 420 in the 508: Shops are popping up

33 StyleSavvy:

24 The Luxe List: 5 exciting consumer electronics innovations

Style changes for a new year 34 How to clean your makeup brushes

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READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM • FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TWITTER @WORCESTERPULSE • INSTAGRAM @PULSEMAG_WORC • FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE 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 pgiorgio@pagioinc.com Donna Roberson, Editor droberson@pagioinc.com Vanessa Herbold, Art Director vherbold@pagioinc.com Berkeley Wlodarczak, Marketing & Event Manager berkeley@pagioinc.com David Simone, Vice President, Sales dsimone@pagioinc.com

Chris Reddy, Account Executive creddy@pagioinc.com Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Audra Brackett, Merilee Kern, John Trobaugh, Sloane Perron, Jamie Burke, Rachel Shuster, Writers

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COVER S TO RY Story by Brian Wheeler Photography by Matt Wright Special thanks to Mechanics Hall

PEOPLE TO WATCH IN 2019

Central Massachusetts is teeming with possibility, and there’s nothing that exemplifies this possibility more than our 2019 People to Watch list.

From inventors to bakers, these people are shaking up Central Massachusetts and creating – and doing! – great things.

BOLAJI OJO Independent work for Worcester youth “I want the youth to have fun and party, but to do it with a purpose,” Bolaji Ojo, former director of education at the Worcester Boys and Girls Club, said.

“With the at-risk youth in our city, they need more than homework help,” he said. “I draw on the likes and interests of these youth, utilizing social media and pop culture to keep them engaged.”

A recent survey of 9- to 17-year-olds revealed that youth did not feel like there were many area activities geared toward their interests. Ojo’s model incorporates the interests of city youth through different mediums, but ties it to performance in school. As a result, he saw study habits increase.

Ojo took his passion for event planning and put it to its best use, supporting youth in a holistic way and protecting the environment in which they grow. Connecting city services and organically raising funds, he seeks to inspire Worcester youth and ultimately change lives. His events showcase local talent and connect city youth with leadership such as the Worcester Police Department.

One of his events Ojo advertises as a multipurpose event/concert series. A hashtag: #LitYouthEventsMatter draws youth interest. Those students who perform well in school receive discounted tickets.

“By giving entrepreneurial support through showcases and fundraisers, we are able to push excellence – so that later, youth may independently work towards their own partnerships and connections,” Ojo said. “Good things happen to you when you are doing the right thing.”

Instrumental in mentorship and support, Ojo plans to stay in Worcester for a long time. He believes the city is only growing.

“The city is buzzing and full of life – I have an optimistic view for the future of this city,” Ojo said.

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THE ASTRELLAS Rocco’s Doughnut Company In the small, residential town of Millbury, Rocco’s means doughnuts.

“The logo came before anything,” Vinny Astrella, son of owner Joe Astrella, said. “The brand was created in Rocco’s image.”

The Astrella family used an old photograph of their late grandfather in his apron and chef cap to carry on his legacy – fresh, quality doughnuts, with their own new-school twist.

Thursday through Sunday, Rocco’s Doughnut Company will sell out its assortment of food comainducing treats, each one the size of a small cake. That doesn’t stop people from lining up for doughnuts by the dozen.

Despite its emergence as a recognized brand, it remains a family operation. Dom, 18, handles ordering. Vinny, 26, bakes. Their father, Joe, handles the day-to-day needs of a growing business.

“He is chief,” Vinny Astrella said, of the owner and patriarch of the brand.

The family business competes with the likes of Blackbird in Boston amidst an increasingly hipsterinspired pastry era. However, it distinguishes itself with a combination of all the things a doughnut shop should be. Don’t expect to see vegan blueberry ginger as a flavor.

“We want our donuts to look cool, be large and taste good – mass appeal, with ultimate quality,” Vinny Astrella said.

It was last year that the Astrella’s noticed the growth of upscale donut shops in California. They saw an opportunity in Millbury – a “blank slate” – to introduce something similar.

“We wanted to bring something new to the area,” Dominic Astrella said.

“We weren’t sure this would even work,” Vinny Astrella said. “It was an experiment.”

Now, with business booming, they have their eyes set on Westborough.

“We are a lot more confident opening a second location,” Vinny Astrella said. “Millbury has been a great place to start. Eventually, we see a location in Worcester.

“We love that Worcester is being built up. I foresee an influx of people and business models. With the impending arrival of the Paw Sox and the growing popularity of the Worcester airport, it may well become a destination city,” he said.

And when it does, donuts will become part of the destination.

SUJA CHACKO Chief Diversity Officer, Worcester “In Texas, civic engagement and community involvement is highly promoted,” Suja Chacko, chief officer of diversity in Worcester, said.

Chacko, born and raised to first-generation immigrants in Houston, decided to bring her civic conscientiousness and skills of business management to the Northeast. She earned her master’s degree in social change at Clark University and immediately took a position in the human resources department of city hall.

“I know firsthand that immigrants and people of color have been historically marginalized,” Chacko said. “Our goal is to bring the voices of the underrepresented to local government, who may otherwise not have the social capital to do so.”

This year, Chacko was named chief diversity officer of Worcester, which encompasses ensuring diversity and inclusion in Worcester. This includes training, workshops and opportunities for employees in city government, as laid out in the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity of Diversity and Inclusion Plan. Chacko works to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups who work and volunteer for the city.

“We are conscious, and this is a priority of the city,” Chacko said. “We want all voices to be heard.”

“Worcester is a diverse community – it only takes a look to Main South or Park Ave. We are making sure that our workforce represents our community,” she said.

According to Chacko, this diversity is what makes Worcester such a great place to live, speaking as a resident and community member.

“It draws a lot of people and has the potential to draw more,” Chacko said.

“The different languages and ethnicities is the embodiment of the beauty of this diversity.”

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RAY DOAN Producer, RYDN Music Ray Doan began playing piano at the age of four. At 12, he played the viola. Today, Doan works with laptops, interfaces and monitors. He remains behind the scenes, but is still very much involved with music and sound as producer for RYDN music.

“It’s more enjoyable – a different workflow,” Doan said. “I create a sound stage for track. A vocalist will send a demo, and I will take the leap toward a full song – with much experimentation along the way.”

While attending Shrewsbury High School, electronic music grew increasingly popular. Doan cites a Skrillex track that got him invested in the genre. He began to research online and collaborate with friends. While attending UMass Lowell, he was able to record in a studio, refining his technique and learning proper management.

As a producer in Worcester, he has been influenced by a number of genres, including rock and grunge, despite his background in electronic music.

“I learn from all different forms of music. I try to get involved with genres that I don’t normally listen to,” Doan said. “Platforms like Soundcloud are great to discover artists and (genres) while expanding a network and growing as a producer.”

NICK O’HARA Co-founder, CEO of Canary Nick O’Hara, of Shrewsbury, is fearless. In the faces of deep-pocket investors twice his age, he makes his pitch.

“I tell them, ‘Hey, this is what we are doing – if you want to join me, then join me,’” O’Hara said.

O’Hara established his first business in 2013, fixing cracked iPhones.

What began as a service to family and friends evolved into a paid gig.

This entrepreneurial spirit blossomed and carried him from St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury to Bryant University, a business school in Smithfield, R.I. As a student at Bryant, O’ Hara explored a number of ventures while receiving the mentorship necessary to take his innovations to the next level.

Anyone can upload music to Soundcloud. Doan takes a similar approach to accessing talent. He seeks to make recording easier for everybody with his idea of portable technology.

What came next was a beach chair. But not just any beach chair – one that would keep electronic devices charged throughout the day. O’Hara has explored a number of ideas since.

“I try to keep it minimalist – interface, laptop, microphone and a small set of monitors,” Doan said.

“This way anyone can record without the aid of fancy studios.”

Recently, an acquaintance from a previous venture, a local Worcester bar owner, presented him with a new idea.

Doan recently produced an album, Riedel, by local artist, Anneliese Riedel.

“He told me that booking live music was a pain,” O’Hara said.

“I want to keep helping others while exploring new facets of sound,” he said.

A new opportunity arose. O’Hara created an app to manually enable venues, bars and restaurants to find talent.

WHERE IS HE NOW?

JOYNER LUCAS

Worcester native and one of Pulse’s 2016 People to Watch, Joyner Lucas has racked up two Grammy nominations in 2018. His viral hit “I’m Not Racist,” which has more than 104 million hits on YouTube, was nominated for Best Rap Video. “Lucky You,” in which Lucas appeared with Eminem, has been nominated for Best Rap Song. The Grammys, which will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, will announce the winners live on Feb. 10.

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“Most venues will book the same musicians over and over,” O’ Hara said.

“We are helping the musician to be seen while alleviating the hassle of booking gigs for venues.”

He hopes that his new endeavor, Canary, will revitalize the music scene in Worcester and beyond.

While Shark Tank may take him to New York and investor pitches investors to Boston, O’Hara has remained in Central Massachusetts.

“From an entrepreneurial standpoint, it is the best location to get work done – it’s manageable, and people are receptive to new ideas,” he said.

DANI BABINEAU RYAN CANUEL

CEO Redemption Rock Brewing

Co-founder, CEO Petricore

That’s how Dani Babineau described the plans for Redemption Rock Brewing, the fifth brewery to open in Worcester.

When Ryan Canuel, a gamer since 11, brought up the idea of a degree in game design to his parents, they were supportive. Good thing, too. The day before his graduation from Becker College, the papers came in, legitimizing his endeavor Petricore – a games development company. Taking the role of CEO at the age of 23 is no game.

“At Becker, I began talking about starting a business, and classmates became interested,” Canuel said. “At the start, we were not sure what Petricore would become.”

Fortunately, Canuel was able to access Worcester program resources for startups. This included access to free mentors, consultations and discounts on services. Moreover, Becker gave his team a place rent-free on campus.

This year marks three-and-a-half years as a business.

“The venture would be difficult in a city like Boston,” Canuel said. “The Worcester community is interconnected, and the access to a small circle of tech leaders is great – and there is an enormous amount of talent working on game development at Becker and WPI.” According to Canuel, the gaming industry has continuously grown year after year.

“Light, bright and open.”

Babineau, formerly an architecture student, pivoted from her career path six years ago to focus her efforts on the craft of beer – but more importantly, to open a space that serves as a fun, comfortable and welcoming space for the community of Worcester.

“The Worcester community is passionate about creating something,” Babineau said.

Babineau shares this sentiment.

“Being in Boston the last decade, Worcester has the amenities and energy of a city, but I can get involved and make more of an imprint on the city rather than in Boston – you get lost,” Babineau said.

“We made a decision we were doing this and left no Plan B,” she said. “Every obstacle we faced was just something we needed to overcome.”

Finding a location and fine-tuning a business plan was no easy task. But, the team knew, it would have to be in Worcester. With four breweries existing already in Worcester, one may (or may not) question the need for more beer. Babineau introduced the idea of a café, with the space being a “brew pub.”

“People get older, but the gamer does not stop playing games,” Canuel said. “The average age of a gamer now is 35 to 40 years old.”

“At Redemption, you can come in for an 11 a.m. beer and a 10 p.m. coffee,” Babineau said.

“The space remains fully functional throughout the day; there is no segregation of coffee and brew.”

We are not just talking about games like Pac Man or Super Mario Bros. As the gaming industry grows, the games become more compelling, and storylines become more complex.

The model, down to the selection of beers on draft, is based on inclusiveness of the surrounding community.

“It creates an experience that not a lot of other mediums can,” Canuel said. “With a movie or a book, you can place yourself in a role, but you cannot make decisions. In a game, you can actually experience and feel the impact of the role.”

Before Petricore, there were 1,000 students actively pursuing game design in Worcester, but there was no large game development company. With the work of Canuel and his team, there is a platform for these students to utilize their talents and to create something new.

“We didn’t want to differentiate on a certain style or alienate anyone,” Babineau said.

Redemption will carry four, year-round beers, including a Kolsch, hefeweizen, IPA and a stout. Besides providing great brews and great coffee, Redemption seeks to give back beyond the gift of good drink. Redemption Rock Co. is a registered Massachusetts Benefit Corporation (otherwise known as a B Corp).

“It allows (us) to work the mission of a non-profit into a for-profit company,” Babineau said. “As far as corporate classifications go, it’s pretty rad.”

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MFOUAD FARIS Student, Activist Mfouad Faris completed one year of dental school in his home country of Syria, then was forced to flee.

STEPHANIE RAMEY

“I had to come start all over again; I never thought I would finish school,” Faris said.

Director of Discover Central Masschusetts

He compares his first year in the States as living in a prison.

“From a resident’s perspective, momentum is building in Worcester,” Stephanie Ramey said. “I have chosen to raise my family (here) – to expose them to the cuisine, museums and general diversity.”

“My first year, through the asylum process, I had no job, no ID and no friends,” Faris said. It took six months alone to receive the paperwork necessary from his former high school in Syria.

Having grown up in Worcester, Ramey believes the city has achieved its due recognition, now more than ever. Her role in Discover Central Massachusetts may have something to do with that.

As director, she is responsible for attracting and creating new events for Central Massachusetts, including conferences, conventions and meetings.

“We establish Worcester as a premiere destination for visits by building an itinerary for visitors, assisting in navigation and identifying areas of interest,” Ramey said. “We are getting them immersed in the city – visitors will see the Worcester Art Museum, dine on Shrewsbury Street and shop at Crompton Collective.”

“We are helping them navigate by developing a widget and an app to customize user experience,” Ramey said.

One thing not readily obvious in the urban environment are the variety of green spaces. Ramey notes Elm Park and Green Hill Park as a couple of the spectacular parks.

“Green Hill, with its petting zoo and memorial, is a very chill place overall,” Ramey said.

It’s also kid-friendly. Just as Ramey has chosen to raise her children in this city, many others have as well, due to its thriving nature, which Ramey said, “is fit to invest and buy a home in.” Moreover, Worcester is becoming more walkable with time. Flourishing neighborhoods, Ramey attested, have begun to connect with each other.

“Through the Discover Central Massachusetts website social media analytics, we have seen page views growing. People are spending significant time on our page,” Ramey said. “There are also a growing number of events taking place in the city.”

Is Worcester finally getting the attention it deserves? As Boston draws obvious tourism, one could argue it overshadows its smaller sibling.

“But we are not trying to become Boston. We are our own community,” Ramey said.

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Then, in 2015, Faris enrolled in Worcester State University. He studied genetics, comparing genes with the use of a database. To pay for school, he barbacked at the local Buffalo Wild Wings in Shrewsbury. But still, he struggled to find his place as a student.

Now, he attempts to find identity through life on campus: studies, friends and enjoyment of extracurricular activities. However, he acknowledges that he has to continue working double to make up for lost time. He still dreams of attending dental school, as he did at the age of 17.

Meanwhile, he has not forgotten his roots. He seeks to educate the public on conflicts abroad, namely in his home country of Syria.

“Colleges are a perfect platform for this discussion, and Worcester has many of them,” Faris said. “Worcester is open-minded. It is a network of diverse and multiracial people.”

With this presence of various backgrounds, Faris said, Worcester is receptive to new ideas.

“In January 2012, I was asked by my teacher in Syria: ‘Where do you see yourself in the future?’”

It surely wasn’t Worcester.

“Today, I realize I can say many things: I’ll be a dentist; I’ll be working, specially, but that nothing is guaranteed,” Faris said.

Faris hopes to attend Tufts and/or Boston University as he pursues his dental career.

MOHAMED ELMAOLA Field Director for District Attorney Joe Early Jr. Mohamed Elmaola understands the importance of a child’s formative years.

He grew up with the stress of living during a civil war in his home country of Lebanon. It was tough, but the experience made Elmaola the man he is today.

“Childhood is the first impression of life. If you learn how to overcome problems as a child, you are more fit to face them later in life,” Elmaola said.

“I grew up living and breathing grit and hard work, and I see that in the strong middle-class city of Worcester.”

Seeing Worcester as a reflection of himself may have had something to do with all the time and effort he has invested in the city, especially the city’s youth. In 2015, he established Worcester Soccer House, an organization to provide free soccer clinics to kids. He also made a habit of meeting and speaking with young students about empowerment.

“Some people listen to music; I listen to speeches,” Elmaola said. “I have found the words of Eric Thomas, Steve Harvey, Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama (inspiring) regarding life lessons.”

GREGORY DUBUISSON / EMMANUEL CARBOO Founders of The 4ce 2.0 Gregory Dubuisson grew up in Haiti, while Emmanuel Carboo was raised in Ghana. Through their drive and self-taught sewing skills, they found themselves partnering in The 4ce 2.0 here in Worcester and revitalizing the creative arts scene.

It was never their intention, though. Dubuisson attended Anna Maria College, then Worcester State University, with hopes of becoming a doctor. He tossed that idea when he realized a true passion for fashion.

The events that the pair have put on involve more than fashion – they incorporate music and painting.

“It is tough to combine three (creative outlets) for one event, but there is a need for it – talking to people around here, they wish it would happen more,” Dubuisson said.

The Worcester community has shown its support.

He has chosen to share his own lessons with the young students of Worcester and loves seeing the transformations he attempts to stimulate.

The 4ce 2.0 held a show at the Worcester PopUp downtown, across from city hall. Local businesses, including The Loft and Bull Mansion, agreed to host events.

Elmaola sees a progressive and forward-thinking city that’s a mix of people from different backgrounds.

Their breadth continues to grow. They were invited to City Hall to attend one of the Worcester Culture Coalition meetings. Now, they hope to partner with schools and colleges to access the dormant creativity in the city.

“If we can invest in kids – arts, sports, academics – we won’t see some of the problems that plight urban communities,” he said.

While Elmaola’s ability to communicate, move and persuade plays a part in his current role as field director for Joe Early’s campaign, he will soon be commissioned as a military lieutenant.

“This country gave us opportunity, given the situation in Lebanon, and I would like to repay that debt,” he said. “I am a strong believer in serving and giving back to whatever community you may be part of – and I am excited to make being a solider part of my identity.”

“We wish to empower and motivate the creative youth,” Dubuisson and Carboo said.

Their fashion focuses on high-end streetwear, worn by the likes of Wyclef Jean and Steve Aoiki, names likely to perk the ears of students.

“The 4ce 2.0 can provide guidance. We are representative of the model of pushing forward,” Dubuisson said.

Within the next few years, the pair hopes to see more workshops in the area.

“We are raising awareness. Worcester will be known for its creativity. You don’t have to travel all the way to New York,” Dubuisson said.

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ENT E RTA IN M E N T

SONGWRITER BRIAN DICKENS DIGS DEEP ON NEW ALBUM Jason Savio

of something, and it ended up being a whole lot of disaster.”

The resurrection of Brian Dickens is upon us.

The regretfully haphazard use of a psychedelic, as Dickens described it, landed him in the hospital for four days.

The acoustically focused singer/songwriter has released a new album – Posterity Measures – which he describes as having more “oomph” than his previous two efforts, but that reviving bolt of energy didn’t come until he went through a life-altering experience.

Although he was born and raised in Winchendon, the 26-year-old Dickens spent much of his childhood venturing to Worcester.

“Worcester was my Boston for a long time,” Dickens said.

“Music is what brought me to Worcester. Going and seeing music there.”

He got his start playing solo acoustic sets with his guitar as a 14-year-old, when he had his father take him to Tammany Hall. Since then, he has performed at Beatnik’s and The Raven, as well as toured across the country.

Those gigs and years of traveling ultimately led to an unexpected chain of events that resulted in Posterity Measures, a collection of songs that Dickens is excited about.

The album, recorded in New Hampshire at producer Ben Rogers’ Loud Sun Studio in 2017, followed a tumultuous year for Dickens that landed him in the hospital and questioning life.

In the summer of 2016, Dickens had a tour along the east coast canceled on him. He returned home to “work with what he had” – living with his father, who was never home, and just being by himself and doing nothing, he said.

So, Dickens decided to take in a pet rat named Bonnie (a sketch of her is featured front and center on the album cover) but was eventually left heartbroken.

“She died very suddenly, and this is the first animal that ever died with me, and it hit me really hard,” he said.

A few days later, Dickens said he attended a party and “got dosed with something willingly that was going to be a little bit

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“It was thorough over-stimulation in every angle and in every meaning of ‘too much truth,’’’ he said. “I knew too many answers to work with, too many doors opened that I couldn’t close.”

To make matters worse, during his stay in the hospital, his grandmother passed away. Dickens believes the experience made him a different person and that what remained with him after was “what I can do, and one of the few things I’ve ever been good at is writing damn songs and telling stories because stories can outlive you absolutely,” he said. “Everything became too real too quick, and I had to make sense of things or suffer, so I made the music.”

Those songs became Posterity Measures, an acoustic/folk/rock hybrid that is Dickens’ heart on his sleeve and attempt to leave no stone unturned. The album crackles and spins with a zest that mirrors the enthusiasm of the artist who made it.

“Brian is a really high-energy guy, which is cool,” said Rogers, who also played drums on the album. “One of the things that stood out to me working with Brian was that he moved quickly and he was decisive. He had a clear vision of the project.”

Posterity Measures is Dickens’ second album with a backing band and third overall. (His debut album was a solo acoustic effort.) Although he appreciates the music he made before, he didn’t want to repeat it.

“I like these songs, but I’m not going to keep doing this,” Dickens said of his mindset before recording the new album.

“I keep putting out acoustic music of just me and the guitar, and you have to turn your volume up.”

You don’t have to turn the volume up very high to hear that Dickens means business on his third go-round. Songs like “Concussion” touch upon the fragile nature of one’s mind and memory, while “In the Living Room” looks at the simultaneous wonder and fear of all things in life.

It’s obvious when speaking with Dickens that he has a new

appreciation for living and a new way of looking at things, and it carries over into Posterity Measures, where the lyrics are the central focus. “(He’s) a thoughtful songwriter,” said Rogers. “He puts a lot of thought and work into his lyrics. His songs are pretty dense lyrically, so that’s a little different. He’s got a lot to say, and it’s a good way to express it.”

There’s certainly no shortage of lyrics in Dickens’ new material, and the overall feeling that you get when listening to it can be both uplifting and haunting. There’s love, but also anger – optimism with pessimism.

“Sitting in the living room dying and crying all about all the things for which I always sing/for the love of my family and my efforts to figure out myself eventually!” Dickens sings in “In the Living Room.” “For the wonder and magic in every cloud/and the restless worms chilling out in the ground/who will manipulate my matter once I’ve tired it out/what will free me to God, and how I’m free from all that for now.”

Posterity Measures is about finding and having a purpose in life, something Dickens said he lacked before the events leading to its recording.

“If we can’t live forever, at least we can have purpose,” he said.

For Dickens, Posterity Measures resembles a type of time capsule that he has created to mark a turning point in his journey.

“When time occurs 30, 40 years later, I, personally, would like to look back on this record and go, ‘Wow, I was 25, 26,’” Dickens said. “I want it to be some sort of record, and if I’ve succeeded in doing that, we’ll have to see.”

Dickens certainly seems thankful for where he currently is, and he’s looking to take his momentum into 2019. He has eight other “solid” songs he would like to release next year and also has a show booked at Beatnik’s on Friday, Jan. 4.

“Things are on the up and up, and this will not be my last record,” he said. “I’m cooking (another) one up already.”

For more information, visit briandickens.bandcamp.com.

GAMEON:

Sinner Sacrifice for Redemption is medieval mayhem Jason Savio Games with a twist are the best.

Dark Star Game Studios’ Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption is a perfect example.

Taking place in a post-apocalyptic, quasi-medieval world, you play as a knight named Adam, who is on a journey of redemption. Adam’s apparently done some pretty terrible things, and the only way to make up for them is to battle seven nightmarish bosses that are based on the seven deadly sins.

One, for instance, is a giant, gluttonous monster (yes, you guessed it, this one represents the sin of gluttony), whose stomach opens up to reveal a mouth and razor-sharp teeth. Believe it or not, you actually earn a trophy if it devours you.

The kicker – and the real challenge of Sinner – is that you have to make a sacrifice (give up either some of your health or your weapons) and choose “atonement” to be granted access to each different foe. Each enemy is the embodiment of one of Adam’s past sins, so he’s fighting his past to save his future and redeem himself.

That’s basically all you do in Sinner – you fight one boss after the other in whatever order you choose in a boss extravaganza without any pesky buggers trying to get at you in between.

And watch out because these bosses pack a punch.

Being at a disadvantage after having to pay up health and weaponry certainly doesn’t help, but one gets the feeling that no matter what, it would still be extremely difficult to walk away victorious from a fight with one of these ginormous monsters. They’re all big, nasty and fast. The controls don’t necessarily help either.

In fact, they’re pretty frustrating. At your disposal are swords and a rotation of extra weapons like fire bombs and magic. The extra weapons and magic rotate, but it is impossible to smoothly change between them without having to stop swinging your sword, ultimately leaving you defenseless. The control configuration and button assignment are to blame for this. As if the bosses weren’t already hard to enough to defeat, you have to deal with wonky controls, which is a shame.

But, overall, Sinner is a fun game that takes a universal theme and applies it to imaginative beasts in a made-up world, and what else can you really ask for? It’s cartoonish and dark and serious, making for some medieval badassery that moves along at a quick pace with strong storytelling.

For more information, visit anotherindie.com/sinner.

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RICK MONROE / SMOKE OUT THE WINDOW Jason Savio Rick Monroe is a man of many hats. On his newest effort, Smoke Out the Window, the singer and songwriter shows just how versatile he is and how he can do just about whatever he wants and still sound good.

Monroe may have his feet in the country music arena, but they surely aren’t planted there. Sure, there are plenty of songs on Smoke Out the Window that feature a familiar country twang, but most either flirt with other genres or outright embrace them without restraint.

“Cocaine and Whiskey” is a fun, honky-tonk singalong, as is “Truth in the Story,” and they are the two numbers on this album that most closely resemble a good ol’ country vibe. But this isn’t a plain and dry country album. Monroe likes to mix it up, and he does so without fear of consequence. The title track is drenched in a funk groove, complete with a hint of Latin percussion, and “Good as Gone” has a sharp rock edge, thanks to an electric guitar kissed with distortion.

Monroe really flips the script with “I’ll Try,” a ballad that is more pop/rock than anything else and lets him show off his soulful vocal chops. He digs deep with his vocals on the similarly emotional, big, heart-heavy ballad “October.”

CREATION FROM CRISIS / TRANSMISSIONS Jennifer Russo There are some things I really miss. Commercials that made sense; people talking to each other instead of texting; and the music scene in the Worcester area circa 2002-2011. It was a glorious time. I think I was out three or four nights per week at shows, seeing great local bands in great venues like Tammany Hall, The Raven, Ralph’s … having a few drinks with all the friends that were also always there. There was a crazy amount of talent back then, especially in the rock and metal genres. It was a good time, with very little else to care about except getting lost in the moment and the music.

I was so happy to find Creation from Crisis … oh, okay, I didn’t actually “find” them; I have known a few of the band members longer than I will ever put down in writing. But listening to their album, I was transported back to those carefree times. It was nostalgic, but also full of unexpected techniques, which brought an experimental and modern sound through.

I found the first track, “Neverending Sea,” to be exquisitely complex all around. When you think it’s going to speed up, it slows down. When you think it’s going to the bridge, it pulls another verse out. You can tell they were having fun with this one.

The ballad on the album, “When It Rains,” hit me pretty deeply.

It’s about that place you sometimes get to in life when everything seems to be getting worse and worse, with no light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a thoughtful, pretty song. No frills, just saying what needed to be said.

ROBYN / HONEY Mike Wood It’s been eight years since Robyn released an album, and while that may not be the best practice for staying top of mind in the pop universe, her track record and past dance hits – “Call Your Girlfriend” and “Dancing on My Own” among them – are perpetually played at dance clubs across the land to serve as a constant reminder that she was never going anywhere. Not a comeback as much as recommitment to her signature sound, Robyn’s Honey exhibits her powerful pop chops once more, proving that her dance hits are not just behind her.

Honey opens with “Missing U,” a heartbreaking ballad about a longtime connection that’s been shattered.

Sounds depressing, right? But, Robyn, as always, wants us to dance through our troubles – known for her melancholy, but with beats that bring music lovers to the dance floor in droves. At just nine tracks, the album feels almost too compact to unpack all the heartbreak she sings about. Standouts include “Ever Again,” where Robyn claims resilience despite a devastating heartbreak: “Never gonna be brokenhearted / Ever again… Only gonna sing about love / Ever again.”

Whether you believe her or not doesn’t matter, since she’s serving it with synth and bass that ensures you’ll dance around the pieces of your broken heart.

From the serious to the fun, the country to the pop, Rick Monroe dabbles in a little of it all and somehow manages to make it all gel together without any of it feeling disjointed on Smoke Out the Window.

My favorite track on the EP is called “The Divine.” The vocals push into a higher range, harmonizing beautifully with wellplaced screams. Guitar support and solos are obsessively detailed and timed, and the rhythm couldn’t be further from simply providing a beat – it shines.

When you have talents like Robyn – who wears that heart on her sleeve – wallowing works, because she’s vulnerable and emotive, but never sappy. Her songs are very real, and real emotion never feels tired because it’s authentic and personal, and it sounds so damn good.

Honey is moving – to the senses, to the feet, to the soul – and it’s a dance album that plays like therapy and pop perfection.

For more information, visit rickmonroe.com.

For more, visit facebook.com/CreationFromCrisisOfficial.

For more information, visit robyn.com

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Januar y 2019

THE CENTRAL SCENE: Events happening in Central Massachusetts:

DIAVOLO Are you looking for a heart-pounding, adrenaline-producing and thought-

provoking show to see this January? Diavolo is a new art form that explores the connection of the human body and it’s architectural environment. The Los

Angeles-based dance company has been performing for more than 25 years and was a Top 10 finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. The elaborately designed stage and talented dancers create surprising movements that will keep you

captivated and wondering what will happen next. 8 p.m. Jan. 26; Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; $25-$65; thehanovertheatre.org/diavolo.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - CORTEO The latest Cirque du Soleil production, Corteo, comes to the DCU Center this January. Corteo is a joyous procession, a festival parade imagined by a clown. The

show is set in the mysterious space between heaven and earth, where the passion

of the actor and power of the acrobat bring the audience into a world of fun, comedy and spontaneity. Jan. 3-6; DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester; showtimes and ticket prices vary; dcucenter.com.

SHOPLIFTERS Cinema Worcester will be screening Shoplifters in January. Somewhere in Tokyo, Osamu Shibata and his wife Nobuyo live in poverty. While Osamu receives

occasional employment and Nobuyo has a low-paying job, the family relies in large part on the grandmother’s pension. As he is shoplifting groceries with his

son, Shota, they discover Yuri, a homeless girl. Osamu takes her home, where the

family observes evidence of abuse. Despite their strained finances, they informally

adopt her. 6:20 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Jan. 25, Park View Room, 230 Park Ave., Worcester; $10, $8.50 for students and seniors; cinema-worcester.com.

BODY INTELLIGENCE Who wouldn’t want to have higher-quality physical and mental energy, end daily

fatigue, increase focus and memory, get better sleep at night and wake up ready to greet the day? Join author, inspirational speaker and body-energy expert, Joseph

Cardillo, Ph.D., and find out how you can tap your body’s full energy spectrum.

Cardillo combines Western science, technology, psychology and holistic wellness to show how to eliminate daily energy drains and increase your energy gains. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22; Worcester Public Library, 2 Salem Square; free; mywpl.org.

YOGA IN THE HALL Enjoy yoga in the world-renowned Mechanics Hall. Certified yoga instructor

Doreen DeFazio will lead a class in the majestic Great Hall with background music performed by esteemed pianist Brett Maguire. Cash bar and snacks will be

available for purchase. Bring your own yoga mat. 6 p.m. Jan. 15; Mechanics Hall,

321 Main St., Worcester; $20, $15 for students, free with a donation for Coats for Kids; mechanicshall.org.

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CLUB LISTINGS 435 Bar & Grill

435 Lancaster St., Leominster Jan. 4: Fred Ellsworth Jan. 5: Matt Soper

Jan. 11: Whitney Doucette Jan. 12: Mike Melendez Jan. 18: Dan Cormier Jan. 19: Ken Macy

Jan. 25: Melissa Gates Jan. 26: Rick Hamel

Barbers Crossing (North)

175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438

barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursday: Open Mic

Friday: Bill McCarthy Beatnik’s

433 Park Ave., Worc.

508-926-8877

beatniksbeyou.com

Wednesday: Wednesday Night Mayhem Thursday: Center Stage Karaoke Friday, Saturday: Live Music Jan. 5: Tommy Traina Jan. 8: Ukelele Night

Jan. 11: Upside Underground

Jan. 18: Marco & The Bruisers Jan. 19: Recycled Dysfunction Jan. 25: Groovealottos Jan. 26: Nuzzy

Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580

Jan. 3: Mike Melendez Jan. 4: Rita Tolman

Jan. 5: Midnight Sharp

Jan. 10: Dave Harrington Jan. 11: Jay Matarano

Jan. 12: Brian Chaffee Jan. 17: Ken Macy

Jan. 18: Whitney Doucette Jan. 19: Evan Foisy

Jan. 24: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

Jan. 25: Kevin Shields Jan. 26: Rita Tolman

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Januar y 2019

Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 Jan. 12: Synergy

Jan. 24: Zack Slik

Michael’s Cigar Bar

Jan. 26: Jay Graham

508-459-9035

Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc.

508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Friday, Saturday: DJs Jan. 4: Rick Hamel Jan. 11: Rufus Leaking Jan. 11: Ya Girl Corinne – AMP 103.3 Jan. 18: Colleen McGovern Jan. 18: Ya Girl Corinne Jan. 24: Open Mic Night with Lou Ramos Jan. 25: Jay Grahams: DJs

Greendale’s Pub

Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 daysendtavern.com Jan. 5: Riff-Raff

Jan. 18: Riff Raff

Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Sunday: Jazz Brunch Buffet Monday: Blue Mondays Thursday: Big Music Night & Audio Wasabi Jan. 4: Live music The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Jan. 3: Joe Macey Jan. 4: The Maniac Loves You Jan. 5: Lost Artifacts Jan. 10: Chris Terp Jan. 11: Ethan & Ashley Jan. 12: Kevin Shields Jan. 17: Lizzy Marquis Jan. 18: Ricky Booth Jan. 19: Rick Hamel Jan. 24: Dan Cormier Jan. 25: Mike Melendez Jan. 26: Scott Babineau Jan. 31: Joe Macey Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. 55 Millbrook St., Worcester ggimperials.com.

Jan. 3: Nate Cozzolino Jan. 4: Paul Courchaine Jan. 5: Josh Briggs Jan. 10: Chad Clements Jan. 11: Giuliano D’Orazio Jan. 12: Ken Graff Jan. 17: Arny Speilberg and Bob Sarkala Jan. 18: Jared Fiske Jan. 19: Alex2E

Jan. 25: Hit the Bus

Jan. 27: Worcester Jazz Collective 404 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-853-1350

greendalespub.com

Sunday: Sunday Blues

Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday Jam

Jan. 6: Sunday Jam hosted by Mike G featuring Rich Blais

1 Exchange Place, Worc. michaelscigar.com

Jan. 26: Doctor Robert Mill City Pub

19 Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-2134

Jan. 4: Sean Daley Jan. 5: The Chills

Jan. 11: Sean Fullerton

Jan. 11: The Verge

Jan. 12: Auntie Trainwreck

Jan. 13: Sunday Jam hosted by Mike G

Jan. 19: Big Dave & The Captain

Jan. 12: Fellowship of the King

Jan. 18: Kevin Shields

featuring Johnny Press & Scott Bronnes

Jan. 26: Garage Boys

Jan. 19: Silverbacks

The Mill 185

featuring Craig Rawding

774-261-8585

Jan. 26: Let it Bleed

Jan. 3: Guilianno D’Orazio

Jan. 20: Sunday Jam hosted by Mike G

185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston

Jan. 25: Accelerators

themill185.com

Happy Jack’s

785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433

Jan. 19: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Legends

Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-6500

Jan. 18: Fred Ellsworth Jan. 25: Lizzy Marquis

Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc.

508-796-5177 loft266.com

Tuesday: Karaoke

Wednesday: Music Bingo Thursday: DJ XKaliber Jan. 12: Jay Graham

Medusa Brewing Company 111 Main St., Hudson

Jan. 4: Whitney & Dan Jan. 10: Brother Rex

Jan. 11: Chad Clements Jan. 17: Night Train Jan. 18: Jay Graham

Jan. 24: James Keyes Jan. 25: Ken Macy Jan. 26: Joe Macey

The Monument Tap

13 Central St., Leominster 978-798-4653

monumenttap.com

Jan. 11: Small Town

Jan. 17: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

Jan. 19: Left - Right Padavano’s Place

358 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

774-823-3022

padavanosplace.com

Thursday: Karaoke with DJ Bobby J

978-310-1933

Jan. 4: Rattlesnake Shake

Jan. 4: Ricky Duran

Jan. 11: Take Two

Jan. 8: Elivate & Create Paint Night

Tribute Band)

Jan. 11: Kevin Shields

Jan. 18: Little Sugar & the Big Spoonful

Jan. 24: Open Mic Night

Jan. 25: ViVi & DaFunk

medusabrewing.com

Jan. 5: The Verge

Jan. 5: Stephen Lewis

Jan. 12: Petty Larceny (Tom Petty

Jan. 10: Open Mic Night

Jan. 16: Johnny Vincent

Jan. 12: Jon Short

Jan. 19: Blue Honey

Jan. 26: Dub in the Hud – Reggae Party

Jan. 27: Dark Horse

Continued on Page 19

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Januar y 2019

Continued from Page 16

The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc.

508-797-9696 thepalladium.net Jan. 12: The Rambudikon Local Fest, featuring Martial Law & No Eye Has Seen; Lil TJay Jan. 19: Emo Night: Brooklyn; The Amity Affliction & Senses Fail Jan. 20: Lil Durk Jan. 25: Birds Of A Feather featuring Pink Talking Fish Jan. 26: Shaggy 2 Dope Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc.

Monday, Friday, Saturday: Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sunday, Wednesday, Friday: Karaoke Jan. 5: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 12: Brother Kerry & The Hoptones Jan. 19: Rock It Jan. 26: Sean Daley

Quinn’s Irish Pub

715 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-459-2025

quinnsirishpub.com Jan. 3: Sam James

Jan. 4: Kevin Shields

Jan. 5: Whitney Doucette

Jan. 9: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

Jan. 10: John Brazile

Jan. 11: Lyssa Coulter

Jan. 12: Terry Brennan Jan. 16: AGT Live

Jan. 17: Sam James

Jan. 18: Annie Brobst

Jan. 19: Whitney Doucette Jan. 23: Terry Brennan Jan. 24: John Brazile Jan. 25: FM Live

Jan. 26: Lyssa Coulter Jan. 30: Brett Brumby Jan. 31: Sam James The Raven

258 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-304-8133

Wednesday: Open Mic

River Styx Brewing 166 Boulder Drive, Fitchburg Jan. 4: Green Heron Jan. 11: Brother Stereo Jan. 19: Derek Fimbel Jan. 26: Gracie Day Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Jan. 3: Ethan & Ashley Caouette Jan. 4: Midnight Sharp Jan. 5: Hot Mess Jan. 6: Sean Fullerton Jan. 10: Lizzy Marquis Jan. 11: McKinley›s Mood Jan. 12: Doctor Robert Jan. 13: Zack Slik Jan. 17: Mike Melendez Jan. 18: Mark Marquis Band Jan. 19: Second Hand Smoke Jan. 20: The Promise is Hope Jan. 24: Ken Macy Jan. 25: Ron Robuccio Jan. 26: The Quarry Jan. 27: Jon Short Jan. 31: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

Singapore Restaurant 170 Whalon St., Fitchburg 978-345-0132 facebook.com/singaporerestaurantMA Jan. 26: Riff-Raff The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham 978-827-1272 thetavernoncentral.com Jan. 5: Middlemen Jan. 12: Tim & Lou Jan. 18: Midnight Sharp Jan. 19: JCDC Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc.

774-578-8829 whiskeyonwater.com Thursday: DJ Cuzn Kev Jan. 4: On the Rocks Jan. 5: The Royal Furs Jan. 5: DJ Juice Jan. 11: Tequila Bonfire Jan. 12: Feel Good Drift Jan. 12: DJ Screwloose Jan. 18: Alex Cohen Jan. 19: Jeff Rosen Band Jan. 25: C›s Express Duo Jan. 26: The Flat Five

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BY JUSTIN PERRY

BLACK & WHITE GRILLE – SPENCER

QUINN'S IRISH PUB – WORCESTER

20

Januar y 2019

CHUCK'S STEAK HOUSE – AUBURN

LOCK 50 – WORCESTER

FUNKY MURPHY'S – WORCESTER

MICHAEL'S CIGAR BAR – WORCESTER

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21

LI F ESTY LE

6 TIPS FOR WOMEN ENTERING THE WORKFORCE Karla Friede As the CEO and co-founder of a leading financial technology company, I have some advice for young women graduates looking for or settling into their first jobs. The world needs balance and diversity in its leaders. Here are tips I’ve gleaned from both my career and from watching other women in the workforce in the hopes of helping you build your career.

1. BUILD YOUR BRAND

For the first 10 years of your career, think of yourself as a product that you are developing and marketing. Think about building your brand and creating a strong product.

Early in your career, your personal brand is going to be about the brands you have on your resume.

Seek experience in companies that have well-recognized brands, because some of their luster will rub off on you. If you can go to work for a bigger brand and take a lesser role, do it. If you can’t, make sure that you move around to get different experiences inside the company.

Your knowledge base is also part of your brand, so think of yourself as being in knowledge-acquisition mode for at least the first 10 years, making your product – yourself – more valuable. When I worked for Mentor Graphics, a large tech company, I started in the Corporate Finance Group doing financial analysis. When I could, I moved to pricing analysis, and eventually had responsibility for pricing and packaging of the company products. Pricing was part of corporate marketing, so this allowed me to join the marketing team and then make a move into division marketing. I transitioned into as many different roles as I could, which gave me the opportunity to learn and to figure out what I wanted to do.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE COURSE

Coming out of college, young people put so much pressure on themselves to find a perfect job, but it’s not an irreversible decision. You don’t have to find the perfect job out of the gate because you’ll have multiple shots at it. If you

find yourself in a job and it’s not what you thought it was, or if you don’t like working in the field you majored in, do something else.

of your success depends on your ability to work with others and find ways to put them at ease.

When I graduated, I started my career at KPMG. I worked at fitting in for about year before I realized accounting wasn’t for me. Accounting has changed a lot since then, but at the time, it was mainly score-keeping – measuring and reporting what had already happened in a business. This position helped me understand I wanted to be involved in making decisions that drove a business, so I decided to make a change. I applied to MBA programs. A year later, I was on my way to Harvard Business School. Your career is going to be a very long road. If you find you’re going the wrong direction, it’s easier to make a change early than it is to change later.

While there are still not anywhere near enough women in leadership roles, there are more than there used to be. Many women are willing to help others around them learn and avoid the mistakes they’ve made, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Everyone I know who has been asked to be a mentor has welcomed the opportunity.

Januar y 2019

Who should you ask? Perhaps you have a family member who is accomplished in her career. Maybe you had an internship in college and connected with someone or a professor you admired. Maybe your parents know someone who’d be willing to step up.

3. SEEK FEEDBACK

6. FIND A CULTURAL FIT

Be prepared to take some knocks, but keep it in perspective.

Give yourself a break, because you’re still learning. Also, realize being able to give feedback constructively is a skill few have mastered, so what you get may not always be delivered in the most diplomatic way. But if you have the courage to consistently seek feedback, and more importantly learn from it, it will dramatically increase the trajectory of your career.

If you see this happening, think about moving on. Most cultures are deeply ingrained and not going to change in the short term. You don’t have to silently struggle and keep working there – life is just too short to put up with bias.

I’ve watched young women propel their careers forward very quickly by consistently and proactively asking for feedback. This is something I wish I’d done more. For every significant task you’re assigned and every project you’re on, ask the people you worked with for feedback on what you could have done better.

4. MEET NEW PEOPLE

Make it a point to meet somebody new every week. Ask people out to coffee or lunch. This isn’t something that comes naturally to many of us, but there’s no better way to build your interpersonal skills and expand your network.

You’ll be surprised by how much more confident and outgoing you’ll become just by doing this. Improving your networking skills now will pay off in the future since much

Karla Friede is the CEO of Nvoicepay, a leading financial technology company. For more information, visit nvoicepay.com.

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5. FIND WOMEN MENTORS

It’s clear that while women have made great strides in business since I started out, gender bias in the workplace is far from dead. It’s rare today for a company’s culture to be overtly hostile to women, but a more subtly biased culture can emerge over time, in random comments or viewpoints, or ways people are treated differently.

Find a company where you’re comfortable. There are plenty of good ones out there. Meet with the HR person at your current company on the way out. Be very clear about why you are leaving, and let them know what you experienced.

If enough women communicate their experience and leave because of the culture, it may get the company’s attention to change. Later in your career, when you have the opportunity to change or build a culture, build one that welcomes everyone, regardless of how they look.

I hope these tips help you succeed, and better yet, far exceed your goals. The world is waking up to what women leaders bring to a company, and I believe there will be more opportunities for women in the future. Believe in yourself and persevere. I’m rooting for you.

420 IN THE 508: Shops are popping up

Elliot Mercier EDITOR’S NOTE: 420 in the 508 is a new column that will look at Massachusetts’ growing marijuana industry.

If you’ve lived in a city long enough, you’re probably used to seeing places close down suddenly before seeing new businesses seemingly pop out of the ether. I

won’t go into detail about what companies are pulling out of Worcester, but I will tell you about the new shops that are moving in and showing off their green

thumbs. That’s right, many new marijuana facilities and dispensaries are expected to be operational in the near future. Recently, the Cannabis Control Commission

(CCC) confirmed at least three more dispensaries have been approved in the Worcester County area.

At the time of writing, there are at least 30 dispensaries slated to open up in Massachusetts. A majority of these businesses are in process of setting up shop

and waiting for the green light from the CCC. No need to travel far or wait long if

you desire some marijuana, though, because there are a few options available now.

In Worcester, Good Chemistry is open on Harrison Street. The first medical

marijuana dispensary in Massachusetts, Good Chemistry started out in Colorado and Nevada before opening up in Worcester. Not too far away from there, we have Curaleaf in Oxford, a medical dispensary on 425 Main St. At 1724 Main

St., Leicester, Cultivate sells medical and recreational pot. (This particular establishment received a decent amount of media buzz when the excitement at

having such a place convinced eager buyers to wait out in the cold and rain for the doors to be unlocked at 10 a.m.) Up north, we have Temescal in Hudson, Mass Wellspring in Acton, and Central Compassionate Care in Ayer.

The point is, you have a lot of options for purchasing marijuana in Massachusetts now, with even more coming soon. A small thing to keep in mind is that these

businesses have a similar schedule, opening up between 9 and 11, closing around

7 p.m., so late-night purchases don’t seem to be encouraged for the time being.

Unfortunately for those who are seeking to purchase recreational marijuana, there doesn’t seem to be nearly as many options when it comes to stores.

At the time of writing, there are only two shops in all of Massachusetts that deal in recreational weed: Cultivate in Leicester and NETA in Northampton. In the near future, however, two more recreational shops will open: INSA in Easthampton and Alternative Therapies Group in Salem.

Chances are high that many of the shops that deal exclusively in medical marijuana now will obtain a recreational seller’s license soon to expand their market, but with

paperwork, guidelines and all of that fun stuff, it’ll take time. From data gathered

so far, recreational shops will be open much later than the medical establishments, so that late-night purchase I mentioned earlier is possible. Just remember to visit an ATM and withdraw a couple of Franklins.

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THE LUXE LIST

5 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS INNOVATIONS Merilee Kern

With the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) poised to take Las Vegas by storm yet again this January, tech gadgets and gear are top-of-mind this time of year. For those keen on learning about some of today’s top tech innovations without the need for airfare, here are five of my top picks that are revolutionizing their respective industries.

ETERNO RED LED LIGHT DEVICE

ANOVA PRECISION COOKER NANO

SHARKBANZ SHARK ATTACK DETERRENT

Home-based beauty is a burgeoning category, and here’s a fantastic invention in kind: The Eterno Device – a four-week facelift you can use at home instead of those creams and masks that just don’t work. This new, timesaving device is clinically proven to use NASA’s red and infrared LED light therapy, the most innovative, age-defying technology on the planet. Its patented glass head is powerful and gentle, and the device effectively reduces wrinkles, softens fine lines, increases collagen and elastin production, lifts and tightens skin, and improves the complexion through its technology. Eterno is a must-have for anyone who wants a fresh glow achieved in the comfort of their own home. EternoSkinCare.com.

The Anova Precision Cooker Nano is an appliance innovation allowing you to cook delicious, restaurantquality meals in the comfort of your own home. Paired with the Anova app, which features the world’s largest collection of sous vide recipes, this device makes it easy to cook, control and keep track of your recipe from your mobile phone. Simply choose a recipe, press start, and the Nano does the rest. Used by professional chefs for decades, sous vide is a simple and approachable technique that eliminates overcooked, dried-out food and ensures edge-to-edge perfection every time. Whether it’s steak, chicken, fish, vegetables or even crème brûlée, with the Anova Precision Cooker Nano anyone can cook like a pro! AnovaCulinary.com.

This product is a real lifesaver, literally! It’s Sharkbanz, a convenient shark deterrent for the beach-goer, swimmer and surfer. Created by surfers and divers and tested by marine biologists on predatory shark species, Sharkbanz use patented magnetic technology to interfere with sharks’ sensitive electroreceptors.

Sharkbanz doesn’t harm sharks or other sea creatures, uses no batteries, requires no charging and is designed to endure rigorous water sports. And, $1 of every Midnight-Bimini Sharkbanz design sold benefits the warrior surf foundation – a surf therapy organization for veterans. Sharkbanz.com.

FUNCL EARBUDS Funcl is a hardware startup devoted to making true wireless headphones accessible to everyone with price points starting at $19. The company recently launched two models: the Funcl W1 and Funcl A1. The Funcl W1 features touch buttons on the headphones, which let you control the music and easily answer or reject calls. The product also boasts integrated, sophisticated audio engineering to support AAC and provides good sound quality and bass performance for both calls and music. Qualcomm chip powered, Funcl’s other model, the AI, provides Hi-Fi sound quality and extremely low latency. Also power-friendly, a single charge provides six hours of battery life and, with three extra charges from the case, total battery life is a full 24 hours. Ranked with a waterproof level of IPX5, Funcl A1 is well-suited for use during workouts and exercising. A free Funcl A1 app also makes the AI voice assistant feature easier and more intuitive to access. Funcl.com.

VOCOPRO POP-UP OKE Here’s a great gadget for singers and fun-seekers who would enjoy an all-in-one wireless karaoke mic with a built-in mixer/speaker, complete with its own light show. From audio leader VocoPro, the Pop-UpOke microphone can connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and use YouTube or any number of different karaoke apps to access and enjoy hours of entertainment. Singers can also use the on-board MP3 SD/TF player to perform with recorded MP3 tracks. The multi-color LED lights can be turned on or off and, when on, will automatically “dance” to the beat of the music to add a visual excitement to any karaoke session. VocoPro.com.

As the executive editor and producer of The Luxe List, Merilee Kern is an internationally regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority. She identifies and reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her at TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter @LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at TheLuxeList and on Instagram at LuxeListReviews.

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Januar y 2019

RESOLVING YOUR

RESOLUTION ISSUE

Elliot Mercier January is known for a few things: It’s the month that comes after December and before February; it’s the earliest warning sign that this winter isn’t going to be any better than the last one; and it’s the start of a new year and new beginnings. This last part is so endemic to January, it’s the reason why New Year’s resolutions are so popular. It’s also the same reason that local gyms get 1,000 new members in the first week of the month before facing a steep decline the second week and then petering out to die completely before February.

According to Google, only 8 percent of individuals actually carry through with their resolutions. This is basically a search engine giving you the “I’m not mad, just disappointed” look. From what I’ve personally observed, there is actually a very good reason why no one seems reach these goals, even if the person involved is genuinely passionate about changing things.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: For my New Year’s resolution, I’m going to the gym every week, or I’m going to start eating healthier, or I’m going to start reading more, or I’m going to start saving money. You notice one thing that’s similar in all of these statements? They’re very vague. Even having a goal of just losing a few pounds is too open to interpretation. How are you going about this? What diet are you going on besides the “less junk food in my life” one? When you’re aspiring to work out, what are you gunning for? Are you going to tone your thighs? Increase your bicep size? What’s your plan? Whether you want to believe it or not, you need a detailed game plan.

Another issue is that these kinds of goals require lifestyle changes, an alteration in your schedule that will make the days post-resolution different, creating a new norm. You can’t go to the gym for one month, smile at the few extra millimeters in your bicep and call it quits for another month. That instant gratification could easily be replaced with depression as your results fade away and you’re back to the status quo you swore to despise weeks ago.

So what’s about resolutions at the end of the day? Well, you could just be happy with what you have and who you are. If you really want to pursue one, just keep in mind that it’s a process, and don’t feel bad just because you missed one trip to the gym or you indulged in that deliciously unhealthy chocolate cake. Life is complicated – there’s nothing wrong with having a day off every now and then.

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FOOD + D R IN K

DINING REVIEW

ATLANTIC POKÉ 193 BOSTON TURNPIKE RD. SHREWSBURY (508) 377-4441 ATLANTICPOKE.COM

ATLANTIC POKE OFFERS A FRESH TAKE ON SPEED Bernie Whitmore

a rainbow of their colorful ingredients and exquisitely assembled bowls.

Speed is something I take very seriously; in many ways, I’m always trying to become faster. One area where it loses its appeal, though, is when dining out. That’s when fast often means cheap, low quality and unhealthy. However, there are times when it would be nice to get a quick meal that you can trust is healthy. Nice if “fast” did not mean deep-fried industrial byproducts. Nice if the servers convincingly respected their “product” as food they might put on their own table.

There is a procedure to ordering and, on the evening my friend and I arrived, the server easily pegged us as newbies and energetically explained all our options. As their employee recruitment materials advise: This is not a dumping-ricein-a-bowl type of place. You will need to be upbeat and engaging with our customers. You will act as a great tour guide/line server on a Poké food adventure. We are all about having a great customer experience at Atlantic Poké!

By design, Atlantic Poké would seem to fulfill those wishes with a fairly simple concept: bowls of rice or greens topped with the customer’s choice of fresh vegetables, protein and sauces – all on display in refrigerator-tables behind a glass panel. Though it’s much more, to me, on this first visit, it meant lightning-fast sushi.

Another customer could just as easily spec out a fresh garden salad.

Our server was true to this in every way and assisted me in building an appealing and delicious dinner: sushi rice topped with edamame, springy black seaweed, crunchy corn, and masago, a vibrant-orange fish roe. From the protein table, I ordered scoops of raw tuna and salmon. Plus, a nice big helping of my favorite – seaweed salad, which was intensely green – and a dab of wasabi.

Prodded for some background, the server explained that poké is rooted in Hawaiian cuisine and, actually, means to dice or cut. Hence, the bowls of cubed raw fish – glistening salmon and bright red tuna.

What separates this from a traditional salad bar is fundamental: You, the customer, choose the ingredients while a server provides helpful guidance and builds the actual meal. And, while many salad bars “jumped the shark” with all sorts of saturated fat options, Atlantic Poké ingredients are a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and textures that shout, “Look at me! I’m fresh!”

Another thing that separates it from 99 percent of the universe of fast-food joints is the shockingly pristine décor. The walls of Atlantic Poké are light blue and perfectly clean; the tables and chairs follow that color scheme and have the feel of a freshly furnished high-end cafeteria. Adjacent to the door, a video screen runs a constant loop featuring

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For the final touch, I chose the ginger sauce, soy-based, slightly sweet, simple and spicy. A scattering of black sesame seeds provided the final bits of color and flavor.

A cooler of chilled beverages featured several flavors of Honest T; I selected a bottle of Moroccan Mint Green Tea. After choosing a table and retrieving paper napkins, we cracked our chopsticks apart and dug into our poké bowls. I was happy that I had selected ingredients with more restraint than I used to employ back in the golden age of the salad bar. This meant that instead of a plate laden with disparate ingredients that was unappetizing before I could even sit down to it, at Atlantic Poké, I enjoyed a healthy bowl of crunchy-fresh vegetables, tasty raw fish and springy seaweed.

Another unappealing feature of the typical fast-food experience – that rush to finish your meal and get back to the car and on the road – was blessedly absent at Atlantic Poké. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner and departed feeling nourished, not regretful.

HOT&NOW:

What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene Paul Giorgio Dive into this. Mamma Roux, the French-inspired food truck will be rebranded this winter. It will be called The Silly Goose. Chef Jonathan Demoga will serve

his French-inspired food from his food truck, parked outside the Dive Bar on the Canal District’s Green Street. The Silly Goose will be there Friday and Saturday nights until 1 a.m.

Citizen seeks new digs. Niche Hospitality’s Citizen Wine Bar, which is currently

on Worcester’s Commercial Street, will close and seek a new location, according to Mike Covino, of Niche Hospitality Group. Sources say Niche will look outside of downtown Worcester, along the Grove Street corridor.

Speaking of Grove Street. It appears that several new restaurants will open in the Trolley

Yard Plaza. This was formerly home to the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.

Slated to open are a Chipotle, a Starbucks and a Hot Table – a panini restaurant.

Who blew out the lantern? The Red Lantern Chinese restaurant on Worcester’s

Shrewsbury Street closed its doors the second week of December. Food Works, another Chinese restaurant, is rumored to be opening in the space.

Shrewsbury Street musical chairs. So, we have a giant game of musical chairs on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street. Recently, both The British Beer Co. and Red

Lantern have changed owners and concepts. As previously reported, BBC will become a Mexicali Mexican restaurant. It’s abutting neighbor, Red Lantern, will

become a Food Works if rumors are to be believed. Just up the street, Meze, a

Greek tapas restaurant, will be moving a few doors down and reopening in the home of the former Fix Burger Bar and Chameleon. This leaves the Meze space open for a new restaurant.

Park Ave. gets new Asian restaurant. Kisoro will soon open at 482 Park Ave. in

Worcester. It will serve both Japanese and Chinese food. Look for a late January opening.

Rock star. The Rock Bar will open soon at 81 Water St. in Worcester’s Canal District. This was the former home of The Blackstone Tap. The Rock Bar will be

owned by George Yantsides and his wife, Nicole. In case you haven’t guessed it, the theme is rock music. They will have a bar menu featuring sliders and other bar

food. You may know George from the Kenmore Diner, which his dad and mom have owned for almost three decades.

Hoping for Redemption. Redemption Rock Brewery, at 333 Shrewsbury St. in

Worcester, will open shortly, according to owner Dani Babineau. The brewery received its approvals from the city in December.

What’s its legacy? The Legacy on Worcester’s Mill Street announced it was closing

recently. Howard Sobel, the owner, said he was tired of work and ready to retire. It’s

a shame because this was a great eatery and leaves a void on Worcester’s West Side.

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NEW AROUND THE WOO

THE BOARDROOM

Rachel Shuster Located at 139 Water St. in Worcester’s Canal District, The Boardroom is a new restaurant and bar spot with a chic and cool atmosphere, serving up unique food and beverages.

Opened in October, The Boardroom is headed up by owner Roger Bachour, a hospitality industry pro who is all about bringing people together, which is reflected in the name “Boardroom” – the idea of people meeting together.

“Nothing will be successful unless you have a good staff,” Bachour said. “Good, reliable people that will support you – you need that help. The staff I have is excellent. We treat each other like we all own the place, not just me. This is how you become successful in life. You can’t do it all by yourself.”

Although, Bachour has done quite a bit on his own in the past. “I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 25 years,” he said. “I’m good at it, and it’s really all that I know how to do.”

Previously, Bachour opened The Boiler Room in The Canal District and Whiskey Lounge on Main Street. When the opportunity came to open The Boardroom, Bachour took it.

“The opportunity was there to open on Water Street, and

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it was great. The Woo Sox coming to Worcester was the icing on the cake!”

Bachour set out to make The Boardroom special and unique. “The space is very elegant, but warm and inviting,” Bachour said. “I renovated everything and stepped it up.

People want to see something new, something chic, not the same thing they see other places.”

The theme and inspiration for The Boardroom is based on what patrons want. “If you’re just going to open a bar – that place won’t last long – those places come and go. We want something that will last a long time,” Bachour said.

“Rather than just selling liquor, we want to provide more.

People like to sit down, watch a game, have a drink and have some food.”

The menu at The Boardroom includes the freshest products with organic, local ingredients as much as possible. The concept around the menu is smaller plates focused on American-Mediterranean old family recipes combined with new takes on pub classics.

Some menu items to note include appetizers such as Buffalo Rolls, nachos, homemade hummus, wings and tenders, ranging from $9-$10; soups and salads like Wagyu Chili and The Boardroom Salad, ranging from $8$10; sandwiches like the Falafel Sliders, The Boardroom Burger, Shawarma Tacos, Woo Sox Steak and Cheese, and Gyro Pocket, ranging from $9-$16; and various flatbreads

THE BOARDROOM 139 WATER ST., WORCESTER (508) 757-6259 BOARDROOMWOO.COM – all named after characters in the TV show The Office – all $12.

The bar menu is an ever-changing list of cocktails that features house-made syrups and fresh fruits. Some signature cocktails worth noting are the CoCo Key Lime Martini and Beast Mule.

The Boardroom also boasts a large bar with multiple TVs where you can enjoy some tasty drinks while watching your favorite sports game.

On the weekends, The Boardroom has local DJs come in to help you let loose and bust a move. And brunch is in the The Boardroom’s future plans.

For more information, visit boardroomwoo.com or call 508-757-6259.

PULSEBREW: Java shows up in Worcester beers

Ryan Cashman With the weather being as cold as it can be during a typical New England winter, it’s no surprise that the drinks this time of year are either warm in temperature

or in flavor. If you’re thinking “warmth” cannot be a flavor, I invite you to think of something we’ve all seen: iced coffee drinkers in the dead of winter. Coffee, by its

nature, is associated with heat. Most of us drink it hot in the morning; therefore, we conceive it as a warm flavor. Whether it’s iced or not makes no difference.

Bearing that in mind, two of Worcester greatest breweries have teamed up with Acoustic Java, the city’s premier coffee roaster, to create two unique and different seasonal beers.

Let’s start on Millbrook Street with Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. A relative newcomer to the Central Mass. brewing scene, Greater Good has made

a statement by being the only company in the area strictly creating and serving Imperials. The new offshoot brand – Soul Purpose – focuses more on IPAs and experimental flavoring.

Currently available only on tap, Soul Purpose’s Heart of MA(ssachusetts) is a milk stout infused with a specialty coffee from Acoustic Java. The roast is a bourbon barrel-aged Sumatra, which, until recently, was sitting in the roasting room of Acoustic’s Brussels Street location.

This beer has a strong coffee overtone, with sweet undertones of milk, vanilla and

bourbon. It’s easy on the palate and perfect for those beer drinkers who prefer the familiar flavors of stouts to the harsh bite of an IPA. No word as of yet on whether this beer will be part of the full-time lineup or just a seasonal option.

We’re on to Shrewsbury Street and Wormtown Brewing Co., with its surprisingly

understated seasonal ale, Blizzard of ’78. An understated beer is not a bad thing, especially with ales. The ’78’s main flavor comes, yet again, from Acoustic Java’s

coffee. The roast used is not specified, but it makes the beer very smooth, light and a tad frothy. The subtle character of this beer plays to its advantage because you

enjoy drinking it instead of analyzing it. It’s also cleverly ironic that it’s named after possibly the harshest snowstorm in Massachusetts history.

As I said in my inaugural column, beer drinking is not always analytical. Most of the time it is about sitting down, whether on your porch for a summer’s eve

or in front of a fire as snow falls outside your steamed windows, and relaxing.

Each of these beers represent one of these types of drinking. With the Heart of

MA, you’re thinking, examining and extracting different flavors with each sip.

Blizzard of ’78 is just plain good, with no added pretense about being anything but a smooth, seasonal brew.

For the coffee, I can only say that you will be hard pressed to find any better than what’s being roasted over at Acoustic.

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SPORTS + FITN E S S

FINDING BALANCE: Chasing away winter blues

Jennifer Russo

When we are in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget that winter is a time of relative stillness. In fact, solstice means “sun standing still.”

The grass and flowers under the frozen dirt are resting. The leaves inside the trees are resting. Some animals hibernate or migrate, and if you have ever awakened in the early morning after a fresh snowfall, there is an innate peace that surrounds it.

For some, including myself, the “winter blues” can start to creep in due to the shorter days, decreased sun exposure and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but this is also a great time for us to focus and center. When life around you seems to become dull, it affords us a great opportunity to pay attention to things we may overlook when our minds are in full throttle. It’s a time to watch and listen and appreciate beauty in the people and things around you. It is also a time to look inward to what you hope to manifest in the coming year. It is a time of creativity: draw, paint, write, sing, cook and craft with the intention of simply enjoying the journey without focusing on the result.

As much as I dislike the cold, a bundled up walk on a snowy trail can be a blissful experience, especially when you catch a cardinal or blue jay flying by, contrasting against the white background. Take time to appreciate the green pines undeterred by the weather. Listen to the snow crunch under your feet and the fountain-like sound of icicles dripping onto the ground. Take a deep breath of crisp and clean air and marvel at the fog which appears when you breathe out.

In addition to getting into a better mindset at this time of year, there are simple things you can do that will help you feel better as we make our way through the winter. Take vitamin D supplements, enjoy the healthy winter vegetables that the season provides, volunteer or help someone, buy something at a small local business, get enough sleep, compliment someone and make a genuine effort to smile more.

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

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STYLE + B E A U TY

HEAL DRY WINTER SKIN Dry winter skin can make you itchy and irritable. Fortunately, there’s a host of rich creams, washes and shower gels that will help you protect your skin all winter!

ANDALOU NATURALS PURPLE CARROT + C LUMINOUS NIGHT CREAM The Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream is the overnight solution to your dry skin problems. This is an all-natural, overnight face cream that will help to tone, firm and support skin health. This cream is packed with natural ingredients, including Vitamin C, Sunflower Seed Oil and Aloe Vera to help your skin get the moisture it needs with no harsh chemicals. $24.95; andalou.com.

SEA BUCKTHORN BY WELEDA If you’re constantly battling with chapped, dry hands, this light cream will give the relief you need. Sea buckthorn oil is an ingredient commonly used to repair and renew dry skin.

Weleda has taken this oil and mixed in a light sunflower seed oil to make sure the cream easily absorbs into your skin. With the scents of grapefruit, mandarin and sandalwood essential oils, your hands will feel better and you’ll want to use it over and over again. $12.50; weleda.com.

EVERY MAN JACK BODY WASH No one is immune to dry skin in the winter, even men. Every Man Jack has a wide selection of hydrating body washes just for men. The Every Man Jack Cedarwood Body Wash will give you a deep clean to remove dirt and grime without drying out your skin. This product boasts numerous natural ingredients and is not tested on animals. $10; everymanjack.com.

BRAZILIAN 4 PLAY MOISTURIZING SHOWER CREAM-GEL The Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-gel gives you the cleansing hydration you need with the intoxicating scent you want. Made with natural ingredients, this shower cream-gel is gentle but effective. It will leave your skin super soft, silky and “ready 4 play.” $25; soldejanerio.com or amazon.com.

LAVENDER BLOSSOM GOAT MILK BODY LOTION The Lavender Blossom Goat Milk Body Lotion is an excellent choice for a daily moisturizer that won’t leave behind a greasy residue. Goat milk may not seem like your first choice for moisturizer, but it is packed with vitamins and minerals that will help to rebuild and retain skin moisture. $10.99; dionisgmskincare.com.

ORGANIC ROSEWATER FACE WASH If you’re suffering with dry, sensitive skin, it can be difficult to find a product that it gentle and effective. The Organic Rosewater Face Wash from nyl is just what you need.

Rosewater and glycerin have been used in facial cleansers for centuries, and this wash has added castile soap to lock in moisture with organic vegetable oils. $29; nylskincare.com.

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STYLESAVVY: Style changes for a new year

Happy 2019, Pulse readers! I can’t believe that I am saying this, but the new year is finally here! The new year brings loads of opportunity for new experiences and excursions. And although it is a total cliche, taking the start of the new year as a cue to try something new is strongly encouraged.

As we are on the topic of the new and up-and-coming, I would like to point out that one of the top things that people gravitate towards changing to get the proverbial ball rolling in the new year is their appearance (hair, clothes, makeup, new workout regime, etc.). While I am sure that all of our readers are fine and fabulous just the way they are, if you are starting to get the winter blues and need to add some variety to your life, playing around with fashion and style is always a great way to do it. So here are the best (and easiest) ways to switch up your style to ring in the new year.

GET A HAIRCUT Or even a color change. If you are someone who loves switching up your hair every once and a while anyway, this will probably be your go-to. “What’s the move?” you might ask. Well, short hair is more on-trend than ever and is reflected in the popular pixie cut. “How about hair color?” Ombre is out, and more solid tones are stealing the current spotlight. So if you have been contemplating making the cut or trying a new color, now is the time.

CHANGE UP YOUR COSMETICS ROUTINE What I mean by this: Try something new. If you have been using the same old products by the same old brands for the past year, now is the time to switch it up.

Never heard of that product/brand? Give it a go! You can’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Tired of piling on the makeup? Wear a little less. Don’t wear any but would like to? Start with the basics, like mascara. There is no need to make your face into a five-layer cake at the start of every day.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET I cannot stress this enough. My rule of thumb is that for every piece of clothing that I add to my closet, I donate one or two old things that I don’t use/want/need anymore. Weeding out the old to make room for the new will not only help to keep you organized, but it will also allow you to truly see what you do and do not have in your wardrobe, so that you can adjust as needed.

Happy New Year!

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HOW TO CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, dirty makeup brushes can wreak havoc on the skin. In addition to collecting product residue, dirt and oil, makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria. This could compromise your complexion – in the form of acne breakouts and rashes – as well as your health, they say.

“Dirty makeup brushes can irritate your skin and cause an infection, such as fungal infections, E. coli or a staph infection – the latter of which can be very serious,” said board-certified dermatologist Annie Chiu, MD, FAAD, who maintains a private practice in Redondo Beach, Calif. “To protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria that lingers in your makeup brushes, it’s a good idea to wash your brushes every seven to 10 days.”

TO CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES, DR. CHIU RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING TIPS: •

Rinse the tips of your brushes under lukewarm, running water to remove residual makeup. Only rinse the tip, as submerging the whole brush head will eventually dissolve the glue that connects the brush head to the handle.

• • • • • •

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of either gentle shampoo or clarifying shampoo. Using plain soap and water can dry out the bristles.

Swirl each brush tip in the bowl. For a good lather, you can also massage each brush tip in the palm of your hand.

Rinse the brush tips under running water.

Continue shampooing and rinsing each brush until the water runs clear from the brush.

Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean, dry paper towel.

Lay your brushes flat to dry on a towel with the tips hanging off the edge of the counter. Do not dry your brushes upright in a container, as this will cause the water to run down the brushes, loosening the glue that connects the brush head with the handle.

“At a time when skin infections are on the rise, never share your makeup brushes with anyone else and wash them often,” said Dr. Chiu. “If you suspect that your makeup is causing acne breakouts or other skin irritation, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.”

For more information, visit aad.org.

These tips are demonstrated in How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes, a video posted to the American Acadmey of Dermatology’s website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s Video of the Month series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel each month.

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