The Pulse Magazine by Pulse Magazine

february 2016 in this issue COVER story

24 Club, Pub & grub Listings

6 worcester Native has eye on 2016

28 PulseShots

Olympics

health & fitness 10 hydroponic greenhouse is creating

healthy options

lifestyle 32 Clark university is sharing

11 Up your fitness game with techie finds 12 reach the peak of fitness

food & drink

14 new orleans meets worcester with

carnavale de canal 15 Pulsebooks: Books that change lives 16 tribes brings the deaf experience

to worcester 17 gameon: Mad Max roars into the world of gaming 18 THE central scene 19 netflix junkie: Romance & Anti-Romance

Worcester’s worlds 33 OUT+ABOUT: Plenty to do in February

entertainment

34 Dining review: Somethin’ Catchy brings the beachside shanty to Worcester 35 Pulsebrew: Try something new

read pulse Online @

36 hot & now

ThePulseMag.com

art & culture

38 see the romantic side of worcester

BEAUTY & sTYLE

20 nowstreaming: Coldplay / Star Wars / Drayter

42 save on your skin care

21 new in the woo: Keith’s Music House

43 steal the style: Spray paint

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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, Kerry Cyganiewicz, 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, Christina Rossetti, Maxine Giza, Merilee Kern, Rachel Shuster, Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Jamie Burke, Emily Gowdey-Backus Writers

FEBRUARY 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5

Man on the run: Worcester native has eye on 2016 Olympics

6 THEPULSEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

By Kimberly Dunbar Tim Ritchie wants nothing more than to just put on his hoodie and head out for his morning run in silence. It’s what he’s done for years – until his attention-grabbing win at the Rock n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon on Oct. 31 thrust him into the running spotlight. The Worcester native finished the race in 1:01:22, a full two minutes ahead of the second-place finisher. “It just kind of happened,” said Ritchie, 28, of his new personal best time. “I didn’t go in with a time in mind; I just wanted to win. There were a lot of good runners in that race, so I knew if I won, I’d have a good time.” Ritchie’s time wasn’t just good – it was the second best half marathon time in the U.S. in 2015 and put him in the same company as Meb Keflezighi and Ryan Hall, two of the country’s great marathoners who’ll line up with Ritchie at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials this month in Los Angeles for a chance to represent Team USA in the marathon event in Rio. Though “happy to have the opportunity to chase those guys,” Ritchie is humble, yet realistic. “It’s just a half,” he said. “I’ve got to be able to do that twice.” Since that race, Ritchie, who now lives in Brighton, has become the talk of the town. While many people think he came out of nowhere, the truth is that Ritchie’s success has been a long, unfolding process. “When I look at where I was as a freshman in high school, I never would have thought I’d come this far,” he said. “I’ve surprised myself every step of the way. It’s been fun seeing how far I can take it.” Ritchie started running at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester to keep up with his two older brothers, who were on the cross-country team. “I needed something to be better at than them,” said Ritchie, who hoped it would help him step out of their shadows. “I trained and worked pretty hard to beat those two. I guess they were my first motivation.” It was at Doherty where Ritchie built his foundation, where he came to both love and appreciate running. “My cross-country coach taught me about ethics, and it has always stuck with me,” he said. “He taught us that we had to have pride and work hard. That applies to me now as a pro runner as it did as a dorky kid back in high school. My track coach taught me to be grateful. He made me realize that I have a great gift for this sport and I had to work hard and make the most of it. Worcester was the breeding ground for who I am now.” Ritchie racked up honors, including fourth in the state for crosscountry in high school, which earned him a spot on the Boston College cross-country and track teams. Ritchie steadily improved, compiling one of the most storied careers in BC history. Ritchie, who captained the cross-country teams his junior and senior years, won the New England championship in 2008, one year removed from finishing as the runner-up. In his final season, Ritchie placed second at the ACC Championship and was named the ACC Performer of the Week on two occasions. All while earning three degrees – a BS in biology and a BA in theology in 2009 and an MA in theology in 2010. “When I was graduating, my coach said I should keep running,” said Ritchie, referring to BC’s cross-country and track head coach Matt Kerr, who is now Ritchie’s professional coach, a status he reached after signing a contract with Saucony in 2014. “He was very curious about how good he could be, as was I,” said Kerr, who’s been with Ritchie since his junior year at BC. “We came to a mutual agreement to see where it could go. He is very goal-oriented. I gave him a two-year deadline to reach some mythical goals, and he’s hit those targets every time along the way. … Every year he seems to improve in one way, shape or form. He finds a way to get ahead. It’s a steady improvement that he builds upon from one year to the next.” The ultimate goal has always been to make it to, and win, the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Feb. 13. After struggling through the final miles of the 2013 Boston Marathon – his first 26.2-mile race – Ritchie learned from what he did wrong in Boston and applied it to the Twin Cities Marathon in October 2013. His 2:14:50 finish qualified him for the 2016 Trials. “I have been thinking about the Trials every day since qualifying,” he said. When he runs the marathon in L.A., it’ll be just his third ever. “The lead-up to the trials is about staying healthy,” said Kerr. “He can be injury prone. Last year was a tough year for him, with back-to-back injuries. He’s still fragile in terms of mileage and needs to manage his recovery. It’s a delicate balance, but he knows his own body more than anyone else now.” Ritchie believes his injuries – stress fractures in his femur and sacrum – were the result of low bone density, something he suffered by not eating enough calories to sustain his tough workouts. He has FEBRUARY 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7

since increased his calorie intake to 3,500 and follows a diet rich in protein to help rebuild his muscles and bones after workouts. After fixing the problem, Ritchie rushed back and immediately injured himself again. “When I got hurt the first time, I was so mad that I cross-trained three hours a day,” he said. “With the second injury, I was more patient. I worked on things that I had been lazy about that made me imbalanced and weak. I focused on my diet, strengthened my core and built up my muscles that were weak. It turned out to be a good thing in the end because I’m an all-around better athlete. I had to push reset.” Ritchie runs six days a week (Sunday is a day of rest for both his mind and body), usually in the mornings before heading to his job as an assistant coach at BC, where he helps recruit and mentor young runners. At night, he engages in supplemental stretching and strengthening exercises to stay healthy. “The way he trains is so different than his competitors,” said Kerr. Ritchie averages 70 miles per week compared to the 120 most marathoners log. “But I think that gives him an edge. He’s a different kind of athlete, that’s for sure.” Kerr added that while a lot of miles can really beat Ritchie up, he has the ability to produce on very high-mileage days. “I’ve never seen a more natural athlete; he’s a very gifted distance runner,” said Kerr, comparing Ritchie’s graceful running to that of a gazelle. “He can stack up his long run next to anyone in the country. It’s his bread and butter.” Ritchie is hoping that his “good, consistent hard work and patient training” will give him an edge in L.A. “I have been successful because of steady, consistent work, day in and day out,” he said. Ritchie admits he is “putting all of my eggs in this one basket,” and if all doesn’t go as planned in L.A., he and Kerr will re-evaluate. But one thing is certain: Running will always be a part of his life. “One day, my biology will catch up to me and I’ll slow down,” Ritchie said. “But I’m going to keep my foot on the gas pedal for as long as I can. I hope I will always be able to run, but I know running like this and competing is short-lived, so I’m going to make the most of it while I can.” It all goes back to the lessons Ritchie learned in high school: pride and gratitude. Trying to find the balance between the two is something Ritchie works on daily during his runs. “When you’re running competitively, it’s easy to get caught up in the expectations and goals,” he said. “I have to remind myself that that’s all semi-superficial. The only thing that matters is getting up and out there every day.” As for what comes next for Ritchie, that’s still up in the air. “I love being around the sport and being a mentor for the student athletes, but I do have other passions,” he said. “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. I don’t want to grow up, that’s why I’m still doing this!” he laughed. “In my mind, I’m still a kid running the trails behind Doherty. Maybe one day I’ll be forced to grow up, but right now, I’m enjoying just living in the moment.” 8 THEPULSEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9

h e a lt h & f i t n e s s

Hydroponic greenhouse is creating healthy options

If you’re interested in getting involved in the greenhouse, stop by Stone Soup or visit stonesoup.org. By Emily Gowdey-Backus In late November, construction was completed on Worcester’s first hydroponic greenhouse behind King Street’s Stone Soup Community Center.

“We see democracy not as just belonging to the ballot box; democracy can also be done in our workplaces. Where we work, we can have a say, we can have a vote and opportunities to share responsibilities,” he added.

In the months since the ribbon-cutting ceremony, volunteers, local culinary and gardening experts, and school groups have gathered to make the greenhouse an economically successful and educational addition to the local community.

Those partners included in the ownership of Worcester’s first hydroponic greenhouse are: Worcester Roots, Stone Soup Community Center, Green Revitalize, Technocopia, YouthBuild Worcester/Training Resources America, Digger’s Landscaping Cooperative and WPI’s IQP team.

Matt Feinstein, co-director of Worcester Roots, an organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for economic, social and environmental justice, has been involved since the start.

“Our main goal is to help build a new economy with social justice at its core,” said Feinstein.

So far, the greenhouse has been considered a trial project to test the effectiveness and economic viability of such a cooperative in this region. “We know that just this greenhouse alone will not make a huge impact in the hunger issue, but we see it as the pilot for a much larger project,” said Feinstein. However, after only three months in operation, Feinstein and a select group of WPI students are already looking for new sites for additional hydroponic greenhouses featuring various aquaponic systems. The desire for an urban gardening space began three years ago, explained Feinstein. “A group of residents from Plumley Village who had started a community garden and then a playground were interested in opening a greenhouse. It didn’t work out, but the idea remained.” Projects similar to this are often stalled when it comes to financing. Worcester’s first community hydroponic greenhouse, however, was funded from organizations and city residents from across the spectrum. In addition to a crowd-funding campaign, UMass Memorial Community Benefits, New England Grassroots Environment Fund, The Stoddard Charitable Trust, The Fletcher Foundation and GS Fuller Foundation were all involved in funding the new venture. After an additional year of planning and assistance from Worcester Roots, the wish of the Plumley Village residents for an urban greenhouse was realized. “So far, [the greenhouse] has been received well. Not just with people showing up to the ribbon-cutting, but also in community work rates. We had a series of work sessions, and lots of people came out,” said Feinstein. As the concept, funding and implementation of the greenhouse was a community affair, so, too, is the ownership. As a mission-based cooperative business, the greenhouse is owned by the workers. This distinction is very important Feinstein said.

10 THEPULSEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

Worcester Roots chose to invest in the greenhouse project because as an employee-owned, sustainable business, in the long-term, it will teach people a skill, allowing them to invest in themselves and their future. The organization believes that by building personal equity, it is possible to move forward out of poverty. The greenhouse turns a profit from the produce it yields, which the growers sell to various restaurants throughout the city, as well as at farmers markets. Howard Lucas, of Worcester’s food bank, Greenvitalize, has a few ideas as to how to market the greenhouse to attract buyers. From farm-to-table to food carts to selling to established local restaurants, Lucas believes Worcester can lead the nation in urban gardening. “There are a lot of opportunities that have tremendous potential in terms of production, access and improving food justice for all. In terms of Worcester being pioneers, we can really set the stage throughout the nation in terms of local food production,” he said. Lucas believes this process should start with entrepreneurs. For example, Drop It Like It’s Hot Sauce, produced by YouthGROW, a group of enthusiastic young gardeners out of Worcester, could benefit from a commercial garden and kitchen. “We have local artisans looking to put their food – craft food – on the map,” and this greenhouse is the first step in that direction, he said. In addition to creating jobs and investing in the wealth of the city, Lucas is proud of the health education campaign around the greenhouse. School groups and community programs visit the greenhouse when teaching the importance of eating a healthy diet, introducing young children to fruits and vegetables and helping those interested learn more about urban gardening. From these visits, Lucas and the co-owners will take feedback and adapt the greenhouse to suit the community’s growing needs.

up your fitness game with techie finds

By Merliee Kern

The sports and fitness industries are teeming with cool product innovations intended to make activity more fun, competitive and effective. Here’s a techadvanced assortment of sporty solutions that will help ensure you’ve got game.

Fly6

Tech21 Evo Mesh Sport iPhone Case

The Fly6 from Cycliq is a combination bike tail light and a rear-facing HD safety camera. It replaces an existing bike tail light, flashing to ensure oncoming traffic sees you. It also records in real time whatever happens behind you as you ride, capturing what transpires in the event of an incident. Features include crisp, wide-angle HD video and audio recording, nanotechnology to withstand wet/adverse conditions and a six-hour battery life. $169, cycliq.com.

The Evo Mesh Sport phone case line is reportedly the first on the market to feature colors identical to the Apple Watch sport bands, providing fashion-conscious consumers with the ability to match their case to their watch. Plus, these cases provide maximum impact protection without affecting phone performance. Designed to fit into an active lifestyle, the flexible cases wrap around the corners and back of the device, providing a secure fit and feel. $39.95, apple.com.

RunPhones Headphones

Unequal Halo

RunPhones headphones are comfortable and secure headband headphones that are perfect for running and exercising. The product’s innovative, over-the-ear design features ultraslim headphones embedded inside of a sporty, moisture-wicking, machine-washable headband. Unlike earbuds, these don’t completely block out exterior sounds, making them safer for running outside. RunPhones are available in a classic corded version and a wireless BlueToothenabled version. $39.95, runphones.com.

The Unequal Halo is a protective headband

MISSION AthleteCare

RecoFit Compression Gear

for soccer players with on-board TriDur and

Accelleron technology. TriDur is a patented, elastomeric-coated Kevlar fabric used by the

military and law enforcement, with virtually

unmatched ability to absorb and disperse high-

impact energy. The Halo contours to any players’ head and looks just like a headband, while offering

serious

unequal.com.

protection. $29.99-$39.99,

MISSION AthleteCare’s line of EnduraCool products feature a proprietary performance fabric that instantly cools to approximately 30 degrees below the average body temperature. The product achieves this in under a minute when soaked with water or sweat, wrung out and then snapped in the air to activate the cooling properties. The fiber simultaneously wicks moisture away from the body, so the fabric feels cool against the skin, not wet. Prices vary, missionathleecare.com.

RecoFit Armcoolers provide the cooling benefits of Icefil technical fabric. Xylitol is embedded in the fabric and lowers the skin’s surface temperature by five degrees when activated by the evaporative process of wicking perspiration away from the skin. Air flowing over the sleeves creates the same cooling sensation. RecoFit’s calf compression sleeves also help you perform better and recover faster by improving circulation, reducing damaging muscle vibration, preventing swelling, delaying fatigue and speeding up postexercise recovery. $34.95, recofit.com.

Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym and Bands Kit

PowerWrapz LED Safety Lights

Use your own body weight to build and strengthen your muscles. With the Perfect Multi-Gym, you can do pull-ups, chin-ups, sit-ups, push-ups and dips. No installation is needed, as the unique design protects your door frame, so you can use it virtually anywhere. The package includes access to downloadable Navy SEAL-designed circuit workouts. $19.95, perfectonline.com.

Board Blazers Underglow Skateboard Lights Instantly customize and trick out your ride with Board Blazers’ LED Underglow skateboard, longboard and scooter lights! Small and sleek, these lights cast bright, vivid ground effects sure to get you noticed. Super lightweight and concealed until you manually turn them on, Board Blazers enhance the look of the board without detracting from performance. $24.99, boardblazers.com.

Another great way to illuminate your way to safety is with PowerWrapz – LED safety lights that can be strapped onto a bike frame, helmet, handlebar, bike seat, tent, backpack, stroller or buggy, an umbrella or hiking or ski poles; the list is endless. PowerWrapz are perfect for anyone who jogs, bikes or walks at night – or just about any situation where you are out in the open at night and want to be plainly visible to passing drivers. $24.95, 4id.com.

Nerf FireVision Ignite Sport Line Nerf ’s hot line of FireVision Ignite products will give you full control of your playing environment, even at night! The Nerfoop, Football and Flying Disc, developed by Hasbro, give users the ability to play sports competitively in the dark. With the FireVision Ignite line, you can watch as you drain a last-second 3-pointer, throw a perfect touchdown pass, or send your disc sailing through the sky, all in the cover of darkness. Starting at $14.99, hasbrotoyshop.com.

FEBRUARY 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11

Reach the Peak of fitness By Jennifer Russo There’s a new gym in Worcester, and it’s taking the fitness industry by storm, whooshing in and clearing the way for those of us who are tired of the traditional workouts and are looking for something exciting and challenging with measurable results. Instead of walking into a facility and playing the “what machine should I use and how much weight should I lift?” game, Peak has programs that are designed specifically for your body and fitness needs, as well as any health limitations you may have. With a knowledgeable staff and an on-site physical therapy clinic, Peak is ready to get you into your best shape. Michael Covino, president of Niche Hospitality Group, whose name you may recognize as the entrepreneur behind some of Worcester’s more popular restaurants (Bocado and Mezcal ring a bell?), actually worked as a physical therapist for years before turning his attention to the booming local restaurant business. “I have a passion for fitness and have always wanted to have a conditioning facility that was not only a gym that offered functional training for adults, but also a facility that would be great for preventing injury and enhancing performance for anyone from the high school athlete to weekend warrior looking to keep that competitive edge,” Covino said. And as with everything else he touches, Peak Fitness has been a successful venture in this respect, catering not only to adults, but also offering training and conditioning programs for all ages, including mobility and strength training for kids using their own body weight. Another stand-out and completely unique feature at Peak is the availability of four batting cages in the 10,000-squarefoot facility. Covino wanted to fuse his passion for baseball with the design. Peak offers 10-week baseball and softball camps for those who love the sport, and it also has a juice bar for a refreshing and healthy break. It also offers more than 40 different boot camps each week for every level and interest. “The boot camps are awesome because regardless of your level,” Covino said, “You are going to get a good, safe workout that gets your heart rate pumping but also targets muscular strength and endurance. They are great totalbody workouts with a motivating coach that will hold you accountable to give it all you have.” Each of the boot camps, group strength programs and movement-based classes are designed by licensed physical therapists and strength coaches. All workouts can be modified for anyone with physical challenges or recovering from injuries, making the workouts perfect for absolutely everyone. “There is a strong emphasis on injury prevention and proper technique to maximize performance on the field, as well as a strong culture that focuses on attitude and respect to build better students and people,” Covino said. I asked him to define the difference between simply getting fit and athletic conditioning. “Fit is a very personal definition,” Covino said. “For me, fit is being able to do all of the things that I want to do without fear of injury, and that ties in with athletic conditioning because I still like to run around and participate in organized sports or run a race. Fit can be whatever you want it to be: having more energy, getting stronger, losing weight … whereas athletic conditioning is preparing an individual to participate in something that requires athleticism so that they can perform at their highest level without getting hurt. I think that life can be an athletic event, so I think you will see that our fitness and conditioning often merge together to help many individuals get to where they want to be.” Personal one-on-one training is available at Peak with Elite- and Master-level trainers for 30- or 60-minute sessions, and there is an introductory offer available on Peak’s website. Imagine what you will feel and look like after twenty-four 60-minute sessions; you’ll be ready to rock the summer clothes in no time.

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Peak Fitness is located at 712 Plantation St., Worcester. For more information, visit peakfitnessworkouts.com.

FEBRUARY 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 13

e n t e rta i n m e n t

New Orleans meets

Worcester with Carnaval de Canal The board members got a little creative when coming up with special features to make the night more than just restaurantand shop-hopping. One of the fun ways people can get better acquainted with all the district has to offer is by participating in the Picture Scavenger Hunt. The quest sends participants throughout various venues to take pictures of specific objects. Another highlight of the event is the contest for the best Mardi Gras King and Queen costume. Winning the coveted title will take more By Maxine Giza It may be the dead of winter, but plans to drum up excitement in the city are under way with the fifth annual Carnaval de Canal on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 9) – just before Ash Wednesday. Large, jubilant crowds are expected to take over Worcester’s Canal District, where delicious food and unique shopping experiences will blend with lively entertainment, including street performers. The idea for the Mardi Gras event was born when Canal District board members were trying to come up with a fun way to showcase all the area has to offer. “We wanted residents in Worcester and beyond to come down to the district and go to places they may have heard of and seen, but never visited,” said Amanda Riik, co-

than the standard bead flair, as secret judges decide who best embodies what the night is all about. “Last year, the people who won had no idea they were surrounded by hidden judges,” said Riik. Getting people out on a Tuesday does more than bode well for people’s spirits on an otherwise cold night; it brings businesses together, too. Many establishments in the district already hold their own Mardi Gras specials, so the more formal organization helps promote all of them. “It’s [Carnaval de Canal] district-wide, so it’s an opportunity for all the businesses to work in a cooperative way and do things they couldn’t do separately,” said Mullen Sawyer, president of Canal District of Worcester.

vice president of Canal District of Worcester. “What is really cool about this event

The fun begins at 6 p.m., but unlike in the

is that it’s not just one set location, you can go to any venue participating.”

past, this year’s Carnaval de Canal won’t have a welcome introduction or special

The Canal District – which encompasses Harding, Green, Water and Millbury

kick-off speech. Instead, visitors are

streets – will take on a New Orleans vibe for the night. College students, too, are

encouraged to take the shuttle to the

encouraged to hit up the numerous bars and restaurants. It’s easy for those living in

festivities. Better yet, Riik encourages

close proximity to forget about what is right in their own backyard. “There are a lot

people to put on their boots, walk around

of new places that didn’t exist even at last year’s event,” remarked Riik.

and truly take in all the night has to offer.

14 THEPULSEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

For more information on Carnaval de Canal, visit the Facebook event page.

p u

B O O K S:

books that change lives By Kimberly Dunbar If you’re one of those people starting out the new year with the latest diet craze, put down the celery sticks and pick up Kelsey Miller’s memoir instead. Miller, a senior features writer for Refinery29, has battled weight issues since childhood and chronicles decades of yo-yo dieting in her debut book, Big Girl: How I Gave Up Dieting and Got a Life (Grand Central Publishing). At 29, Miller decided to give up dieting and change her negative relationship with food for good; to do so, she embraced Intuitive Eating, a process in which she learned how to eat based on her body’s instincts and exercise sustainably, without focusing on calories burned. Over the course of 10 months, and with the help of an eating coach and personal trainer, Miller faced her troubled past and was able to start living her life in the present, rather than waiting for her next diet to reset her life. Miller’s journey into Intuitive Eating was filled with ups and downs, and there’s no “after” picture, because, as she writes, “Changing your life means you’re never done changing it.” Intuitive Eating as a mindset, not a diet, was something Miller struggled with – and one of the biggest lessons in her story. Miller also created the award-winning Anti-Diet Project, an ongoing series about Intuitive Eating, sustainable fitness and body positivity. The Project and more of Miller’s humorous and honest writing can be found at refinery29.com. All books have the ability to change a reader’s life – something most bookworms already know. Katarina Bivald’s debut novel, The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend (Sourcebooks Landmark), is a testament to the power of books and a heartwarming tale of hope, love and friendship. Sara Lindqvist has lived a quiet, uneventful life vicariously through books until she decides to embark on her first big adventure – leaving her homeland of Sweden to visit her pen pal (and fellow book-lover) Amy Harris in Broken Wheel, Iowa. However, when Sara arrives in the small, rundown town, she is greeted by Amy’s funeral guests. Members of the town quickly step in to take care of their “tourist” and make her feel welcome. To repay them for their kindness and hospitality, Sara decides to open a bookstore to share the joys of reading. Like Amy before her, Sara quickly becomes a force that brings the citizens of Broken Wheel together, her optimism awakening a town that has seemingly lost all hope. Before her death, Amy writes in a letter to Sara, “I’ve always thought that books have some kind of healing power and that they can, if nothing else, provide a distraction.” Bivald eloquently uses her novel to tell the story of how books not only save those who live in Broken Wheel – and the town itself – but also Sara, who finally finds a place to belong.

FEBRUARY 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 15

Performance Schedule: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11

Tribes brings the deaf experience to Worcester By Christina Rossetti More likely than not, at one point you have felt like you simply did not belong. You might even be able to identify with feelings of ostracism or family dysfunction, themes amplified in Tribes, the most recent production by the Worcester County Light Opera Company (WCLOC). Opening in February, Tribes follows the members of a dysfunctional and argumentative family as they attempt to overcome their own egotistical nearsightedness. The dynamic of the characters is further complicated by the forced assimilation of their deaf son, Billy, into an otherwise hearing household, and the characters’ bouts of desperation as they struggle with their own difficulties. When Billy meets Sylvia, a young woman who is going deaf, she initiates his interest in the deaf community, and his complicated relationship with the family is further strained. The lead role of Billy is played by Adam Fleming, who is deaf in real life. Fleming, who maintains about 80 percent of his hearing while wearing a cochlear implant, said he removes his implant on stage to make his performance more authentic.

8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14

WCLOC Grandview Playhouse 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester. General admission tickets are $20, and reduced pricing is available for seniors and students ($17). For more information, visit wcloc.org.

When casting the production, co-producer Sally Holden said, “In this case, it was absolutely integral to honor the deaf community.” Director Eric Butler agreed. “I would not have directed Tribes without a deaf actor in the role. It was a must for me and WCLOC. It is such a rich role for a deaf actor and one I know so many identify with personally; I couldn’t imagine casting it in any other way. And we are very lucky to have an actor like Adam, who is willing to take on this challenging part.” The cast, formed primarily of local actors, said this production involved many “layers.” As well as developing their on-stage personas and navigating the complex series of relationships between characters, the actors learned American Sign Language to enhance the authenticity of the show. While receiving aid from an ASL consultant, members of the cast found a disconnect between the characters’ body language and their emotions and facial expressions, as appropriate body language for the scene did not always correlate with the signed phrases. Later, as they began to rehearse together, Sean Gardell (Daniel) noted that many of the actors, including himself, had to be consciously aware that they must turn to Fleming (Billy) and maintain eye contact, so that he, too, could be fully aware of what was transpiring during a scene.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

During rehearsals for Tribes, the actors said they found themselves reevaluating the habits of their craft, stepping out of their comfort zones and relearning interactions they had previously taken for granted. Hanson said she hopes the audience will take away a similar lesson. “I consider anything to be a form of really strong art when you continue to think about it after it has occurred.” Production of Tribes has coincided with the celebration of WCLOC Theater Company’s 80th anniversary. As Worcester’s oldest active theater company, the club has attempted to maintain its relevance and, during this season, has had narrowed its focus on finding a “hook” play that will attract Worcesterites. Butler hopes to include a performance specifically for members of the deaf community, complete with interpreters for each of the cast members. All performances will include ASL translation projections on the walls, so that audience members may can follow along during scenes primarily involving sign. “I hope our hearing audiences leave with an appreciation for deaf culture, the deaf experience and the power of ASL. I hope our deaf audiences leave proud of the way we tell their story. And I hope both leave moved by what I believe is a very moving coming-of-age family drama,” Butler said.

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mad max roars into the world of gaming By Jason Savio Mad Max: Fury Road turned out to be one of the biggest movies of 2015. That’s saying a lot, considering all that was out there. Of course, being a popular movie also means tie-ins, like video games. But these releases are as much cashins as they are tie-ins. While the prospect of a Mad Max video game is tantalizing, one can’t help but step into this world cautiously – and not just because of the half-naked loonies cruising around in post-apocalyptic hot rods. With the odds not in its favor, Mad Max the video game manages to evoke the spirit of the films on which it is based. From the intense opening sequence, it becomes clear right away that Mad Max carries the movies’ spirit. The concept is basically the same, too, with Max trying to survive the chaotic world that surrounds him while simultaneously trying to make sense of it. Although the story isn’t much of a change, the open-world environment helps expand Max’s experience – and the gamer’s – exponentially. The map itself is quite large, and you’ll meet many new characters. The big, bad Scabrous Scotus echoes enemies from the Mad Max films, while the likes of Chumbucket offer help when needed. And as much as Max might hate to say it, he needs that help because the world created in this game is just as dangerous as you’d expect, face to face and bumper to bumper. Mad Max successfully incorporates “Ground Combat” and “Car Combat”; the latter is, of course, an essential part to the DNA of any Mad Max story. Cruising around the dunes of the wastelands is fun, and the exciting car battles are reminiscent of Twisted Metal. You can also build, modify and add weapons to your vehicle. Everything from the basics, like the exhaust and tires, to more Mad Max-centric details like side burners, which allow you to shoot fire from the sides of your car, are available. The gameplay of “Ground Combat” is also nicely done, but that’s because it’s almost identical to the Batman Arkham. But how does Mad Max fit into the gaming version of the subgenre it helped define? In recent years, the post-apocalyptic world subgenre has been one of the most popular, with titles like Fallout and The Last of Us gaining praise and raising the stakes of what can be accomplished in such worlds. Unfortunately, Mad Max doesn’t add a new take to this gaming niche. Ironically enough, Mad Max looks more like the grandfather, rather than the godfather, in this group of games, showing up late and going through the motions. If it weren’t for its title and familiarity, Mad Max the game could easily be mistaken for a generic post-apocalyptic open-world game. But the blame can’t be completely placed on the shoulders of the Mad Max creative team. They’re simply following the story beats of the films; story beats that have been borrowed time and time again by other media to the point that the general audience has forgotten where it started – with the first Mad Max film. Mad Max isn’t a cheap cash-in to go along with Fury Road. It’s a cash-in, sure, but it doesn’t have the hollow feeling many other movie tie-in games usually do. It’s entertaining and bombastic, just like the films, and for any Mad Max fan, you couldn’t ask for more.

For more information, visit madmaxgame.com.

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Experience the best of Worcester’s talented collegiate artists at the annual CollegeArt Show held by ArtsWorcester! The exhibition will showcase the unique works of local college students in a contemporary setting that is sure to inspire all of those who attend. Free; Wednesdays-Saturdays, Feb. 5-26; ArtsWorcester, 660 Main St., Worcester; artsworcester.org.

Joseph’s Dream Come check out a new work from local resident Alexander Diaz, of Charlton. Joseph’s Dream is a biblical story with a twist. Think: the story of a lowly carpenter named Joseph, whose unusual encounter with a vision of his future is told with 3D mapping, projection technology, dance, a haunting soundtrack and a set that replicates the largest trade market of the historical old city of Jerusalem. Whether, you love the stories of the Bible or just want to be visually amazed, this is a play for everyone. $26.40-$45; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 and 18; The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; thehanovertheatre.org.

Ice Hockey Don’t miss out on your chance to grab tickets and check out some collegiate hockey. Show your support for local collegiate teams as they compete to advance and make Worcester proud. Even better, tickets can often be had for less than $10! Check out game schedules at Assumption College, Worcester State College, Becker College and The College of the Holy Cross.

Monster Jam For two nights, crowd favorite monster trucks and a custom-designed track are returning to Worcester! With a little something for everyone, this is massive entertainment. $17-$62; Feb.12-14; DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester; dcucenter.com.

Worcester Restaurant Week

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Now is your chance to explore Worcester restaurants for a bargain price. Enjoy a three-course, prix-fixe meal at participating restaurants from Feb. 22-March 5 for only $23.16. Some restaurants will even create special entrees for the event, so try something new! Feb. 22-March 5 at restaurants in and around Worcester; worcesterrestaurantweek. com or facebook.com/worcesterrestaurantweek.

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College Show at the Aurora

romance & anti-romance By Jennifer Russo

WHAT TO WATCH: romance: love actually the notebook bridget jones’s diary leap year ghost i hate valentine’s day shakespeare in love the out-of-towners the fault in our stars

anti-romance: blue valentine basic instinct chasing amy i’m brent morin detectorists helix

With all the mushy-gushiness going on around February, stores in a sea of red and pink and high-pressure Kay Jewelry commercials that seem to suggest you will never be kissed again if you don’t provide diamonds, you can imagine that the focus will be on romantic movies and shows with a passionate twist this month. For those who would rather steer clear of the kisses and giggles, there are some movies that embrace the single and uncommitted life, as well. Whether you are autonomous or devoted to another, Netflix has many options to choose from. Let’s start with the romance. Love Actually, The Notebook and Bridget Jones’s Diary are still the reigning favorites among women everywhere when it comes to chick-flickage. Personally, I think there are better suggestions, but I feel the need to include them anyway. Leap Year is a great romantic comedy that is perfect for this time of year. Amy Adams plays a woman who plans to propose to her boyfriend, and some things happen that may change her determined path. Very cute. Ghost is still one of my favorites a quarter-century later. The acting is just beautiful, and I’m a sucker for the idea of loving someone even after you depart. I Hate Valentine’s Day, despite its title, puts together the same couple from My Big Fat Greek Wedding (another great flick) for this story about a woman who has a policy not to go on more than five dates with any man. Shakespeare in Love takes Romeo & Juliet to a different level and is, in my opinion, one of the most romantic movies of all time. For something that will make you laugh, look no further than The Out-of-Towners, with Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn on a hellish trip to New York, and for something that will make you cry, get your tissues and watch The Fault in our Stars. Now … for those of you who enjoy the single life or think Valentine’s Day is just a day to remember why love sucks, check out Blue Valentine with Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, a story about a marriage going down the tubes. It’s not easy to watch, to be honest, but it’s a very good movie. Basic Instinct is always a good go-to for a danger-ridden and unhealthy kind of obsession, and Chasing Amy is a really funny take on love gone awry. Or go completely off the relationship path and just watch something hilarious like I’m Brent Morin, a stand-up comedy special. Or grab some discounted boxes of chocolate post-holiday and get caught up in a series show that pulls you in tighter than a significant other ever could. Try Detectorists for an off-beat, but really funny, British comedy or the newly available first and second seasons of Helix, a sci-fi thriller about a deadly virus.

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streaming: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Coldplay / Head Full of Dreams Soundtrack Drayter / Nine By Mike Wood Rumored to be Chris Martin and the band’s last album together, Head Full of Dreams is pretty much what you’d expect from a group whose soft rock “pop”ularity has more to do with their ease of appeal than any boundaries they’re pushing. That said, the titular opening song is pretty killer, with its synthetic dance pulse, punchy drums and hypnotizing guitar riffs. This very dance-friendly lead single certainly strays afar from the band’s last album (the somber and sobering Ghost Stories), and while the band may be playing house (music) for new fans, the party doesn’t last. Even when invitees and collaborators include the Queen Bey herself, Oasis’ Noel Gallagher and Martin’s ex Gwyneth Paltrow, much of it seems a little forced. (“Like us, kids, tweens and teens, we have Beyoncé on ‘Hymn For The Weekend!’”) There are Coldplay’s requisite ballads, but nothing new or revelatory unless you count the irony of having Paltrow sing backup vocals on “Everglow,” a song about her and Martin’s “conscious uncoupling.” Other than the opening single, the only other legit highlight on the album is “Adventure of a Lifetime,” Martin’s musings on his mid-life state of mind after 20 years with the band. The album is perfectly pleasant, but not much more than that. With their planned gig at Super Bowl 50’s Halftime Show (Feb. 7), they may just snag that new legion of fans this album seems to be targeting. And I’m betting Coldplay sticks to playing the two standouts mentioned here to get the crowd going. For more information, visit coldplay.com.

By Jennifer Russo When it comes to movie compositions, the Star Wars theme is by far one of the most iconic and recognizable. John Williams created a piece that lives in the memories of my generation and spurs new memories in younger fans, as well. With all the buzz about the newest film released in December, it is no wonder that the soundtrack is flying off shelves. Though I am a huge fan of John Williams, I was concerned that the music he was writing for the movie would sound much like that of the other movies in the series. This concern proved unwarranted. Other than the main title theme, which obviously cannot change much, lest Star Wars nerds everywhere riot, the music is unique. There are moments of quiet winds and chimes, and there are glorious builds that make the scenes on the big screen grab the hearts of viewers. The soundtrack has amazing texture to it. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you could envision what may be happening based on the music alone … the signature of any great artist. Each of the album’s 23 compositions brings a new boldness to Williams’ catalogue of greatness. “Finn’s Confession” is one of the most beautiful songs, even though it lasts only two minutes. It’s a subtle, cleansing breath after the fast-paced and action-packed “The Rathtars” just before it. “Kylo Ren Arrives at the Battle” is just plain awesome, grabbing you and putting you right into the fight scene, light sabers blazing. My favorite on the album, though, is “Farewell and The Trip,” which really takes everything I love about Williams and combines it into one song. Soft moments and ambitious moments, this song just has it all. The album ends with an eight-minute “The Jedi Steps and Finale,” leaving me with the anticipation of the next movie, just so I can hear what William’s comes up with for it. The soundtrack to Star Wars: The Force Awakens can be found nearly anywhere. To hear a preview, check out the Amazon listing. Fun fact: The film made more than $300 million in five days, outselling every other film in box office history.

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By Jason Savio Finally the rock world has a female singer for the 21st century who pulls no punches. Nine, the new album by Dallas-based Drayter, is an exciting and promising listen that has the potential to change the playing field of what female lead vocalists are expected to embody in a pop/ rock band. Singer Liv Miner is at the forefront of Nine and has a strong showing filled with an attitude and spirit that carries over into the band’s overall performance. Despite the opening number, “Run,” which hints at a more poporiented set to follow, Drayter veers off into a hard-rock tone as the album progresses, creating a nice juxtaposition to the sometimes-smooth vocals of Miner. While Miner’s singing may sound unconventional over heavy power chords, it’s this difference that’s most appealing. There are undoubtedly many pop hooks to be had on songs like “Criminal” and “So What,” and Miner can fill that role nicely, but it’s when she matches the brashness of her stellar band with the inflections in her delivery that you really begin to take notice. “Still Here” is an example that captures this perfectly, as Miner sings, “You tried to break our world in two/But we’re still here” over a charging chorus. It is all at once refreshing and welcome to hear a female vocalist take the reins of a rock band. Not only does Nine have a good amount of songs you can listen to repeatedly, it has songs that offer a much-needed perspective in the genre. For more information, visit facebook.com/Drayter.

Keith’s Music House By Rachel Shuster Keith’s Music House is a place where aspiring musiclovers and artists of various ages can learn from professional musicians and hone their craft. Keith Lewis, owner of Keith’s Music House, opened the music haven in the fall, fulfilling a longtime dream. Over the past year, Lewis searched for the perfect location for the music house and found it at 750 Main St., Boylston. “I have worked for other music places before, performed professionally and traveled a lot doing so,” Lewis said. “I have kids and wanted more of a home base. It was just the right time in my life to open the music house.” The term “music house” is certainly fitting for all the business has to offer those looking to gain music experience. “This is a place that provides music lessons to kids and adults,” Lewis said. “We offer guitar, drums, voice, piano and bass lessons.” Currently, lessons are offered Monday-Thursday, primarily from 2:30-8p.m. Children can begin lessons at 6 or 7 years old, per Lewis’ suggestion. As for skill level, Lewis said, “We teach any skill level and make sure to cater to everyone.” Keith’s Music House provides lessons in several formats – groups of two, groups of three or more, and then one-on-one lessons are considered based on group lessons. For a group of two individuals, the cost of lessons is $100 a month per person. For a group of three individuals or more, the cost of lessons is $80 a month per person. For one-on-one lessons, the cost is $120 a month, or $30 per half-hour lesson. As for Lewis’ staff, not only are they professional, seasoned, full-time musicians, they also just so happen to be his close friends. “For years I have been performing with these teachers, and when I told them I was doing this [music house], they were 100 percent on board,” Lewis said. “They are great friends and phenomenal teachers and musicians. I am very lucky.” Some of the staff credits include performances on the The Voice and America’s Got Talent. “Our teachers are full-time musicians. They share their real-life experiences with students and give them all the skills and information they can to provide the highest quality of teaching,” Lewis said. As for what’s in store for the future of Keith’s Music House, Lewis said he plans on expanding lessons to Fridays and just added rock jam sessions on Thursday nights. “Anyone of any skill level can come and join. These jam sessions will be a great opportunity for individuals to get to play with and learn from the teachers and other students,” Lewis said.

For more information on Keith’s Music House, visit keithsmusichouse.com, find it on Facebook, call (508) 869-0500 or email info@keithsmusichouse.com. FEBRUARY 2016 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 21

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Club, Pub + GRUB Listings

Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs & other selec t 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 The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. 508-755-0879 Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. 508-926-8877 Tuesdays: Chillin’ Tuesday Wednesdays: Wild Wednesday Feb. 5: Lets be Leonard Feb. 6: The Automatics Feb. 11: Ukulele Thursday Feb. 12: Jack Rabbit Slim Feb. 13: The Rusty Mikes Feb. 19: Elemental Feb. 20: The Rick Lawson Band Feb. 21: Milk Street Station Feb. 25: The Littlest Giant & Friends Feb. 26: The Jennifer Lee Band Feb. 27: King Moon Racer Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 Feb. 27: Live Band Karaoke with Fingercuff Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. 508-797-4827 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 Feb. 4: Gray Matter Feb. 5: Ken Macy Feb. 6: Brian Chaffee Feb. 11: Cactus Tommy D Feb. 12: A Ton of Blues Feb. 13: Gale County Feb. 18: Dan Cormier Feb. 19: Brett Casavant Feb. 20: Brother Maynard Feb. 25: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from

Hell Feb. 26: Boothill Express Feb. 27: Scott Babineau Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough 508-485-4416 Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008 Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 Feb. 12: Dirty Deeds (ACDC Tribute) Feb. 27: Ben Cote Band Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-752-3862 Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-5734 Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. 508-926-8353 Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 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 Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke with Royal Crown Tuesdays: Open Mic with Key Performance Feb. 6: Soundtrack to Monday Feb. 13: Madison Avenue Feb. 20: H2 & The Groove Feb. 27: The Garage Boys Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. 508-798-8385 The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 Feb. 5: Bruce Jacques Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. 508-304-6044 Wednesdays: Karaoke Saturdays: DJs Feb. 5: Sam James Feb. 20: Chad Clements

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Feb. 26: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. 508-752-0482 Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. 508-757-6977 Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens 978-862-0060 Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. 508-799-0629 Tuesdays through Feb 10: Hip Hop Tuesdays with Ace of Blaze Feb. 4: Chuck/ Eli/Hayley Jane/Danny Mayer/Adrian Feb. 5: Danny Pease and The Regulators Feb. 6: Parlee Bob Marley Birthday Bash Feb. 6: Bob Marley Birthday Bash (21+) Feb. 9: Carnavale de Canal Feb. 10: TDM Presents: R&B Feb. 11: Mizz Kistune Electro Fusion Feb. 12: Cats Under The Stars Feb. 13: Dan Burke and The Royal Treatment Feb. 18: The Mellophants Feb. 19: Airspray Queer Dance Party Feb. 20: New England Junglists UNITED Feb. 25: Formula 5 Feb. 26: ZOD, Tobler and Leon Trout Feb. 27: Themed Dance Party Feb. 29: Strange Creek Battle of The Bands Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. 508-792-3700 Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 Feb. 5: Lois Greco Feb. 6: The Playing Dead Feb. 12: Road Dawgs Feb. 13: Wilbur & The Dukes Feb. 19: The American Who Feb. 20: The Fools Feb. 26: Tollbooth Willie Feb. 27: Confounded Bridge Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 Feb. 4: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-757-1450 Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-753-2995 Gardner Ale House

74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 Mondays: Blue Mondays Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live bands The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster Feb. 6: Scott Babineau Feb. 12: Heather Ralston & Joe Macey Feb. 13: Hitchcock Blondes Feb. 19: Jay Smith Feb. 20: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Feb. 26: Whitney Doucette Feb. 27: Dustin Brideau Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-853-1350 Sundays: Jim’s Sunday Blues Jam Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy Feb. 5: Ed & Dave Feb. 11: Roberto Morboili with Hothouse Feb. 12: Auntie Trainwreck Feb. 13: Ed Sullivans Feb. 19: Clam Diggers Feb. 20: Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse Feb. 27: Silverbacks Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg 978-582-9701 JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc. 508-793-0900 Feb. 5: DJ - Key Performance Feb. 6: UFC 196 - Werdum vs. Velasquez Feb. 12: How Bizarre Feb. 13: Synergy Feb. 19: Tequila Bonfire Feb. 20: Squelch Feb. 26: The Plagiarists Feb. 27: XS JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 Feb. 5: Road Trip Feb. 12: Windfall Feb. 13: Flock of Assholes Feb. 19: Boombox Feb. 20: 4-Real Feb. 26: Stormbringer (Deep Purple Tribute) and Iron Maiden Tribute Band Feb. 27: Tension Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg

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Continued from Page 24 978-342-6500 Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. 508-798-2447 Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. 508-796-5177 Feb. 19: Acoustic Booty London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc. 508-799-7655 Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. 508-277-1073 Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. 508-754-0033 MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. 508-799-4521 McNally’s Grille & Pub 88 Sargent Road, Westminster 978-874-1444 Feb. 5: Dylan Girouard Feb. 12: Tim Rollo Feb. 19: J Bob & Lefty Feb. 26: Brett Casavant Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. 508-459-9035 Sundays: Blue Light Bandits Feb. 3: Hot Smoke Trio Feb. 5: Neon Alley Feb. 6: Hot Letter Feb. 10: Brett Brumby Feb. 11: Jim Devlin Feb. 12: Andy Cummings Feb. 13: Hot Letter Feb. 18: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Feb. 19: Doctor Robert Feb. 20: Hit the Bus Feb. 24: Ricky Duran Feb. 26: Jim Devlin Band Feb. 27: Tequila Bonfire Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825 The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 Feb. 5: Scott Babineau Feb. 6: Katie O’Brien Duo Feb. 11: Mike Melendez Feb. 12: Belit Feb. 13: Chad Clements Feb. 18: Night Train Feb. 19: Sam James Feb. 20: Kelly & Tribe Feb. 25: Frank & Matt Feb. 26: Office Party Band Feb. 27: Brian Chaffee Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900 Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc. 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

Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404

The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. 508-340-0318

Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. 508-856-9255

Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 Feb. 4: Mike Tarara Feb. 5: Gypsy Cowboys Feb. 6: Rockhouse Feb. 11: Brett Brumby Feb. 12: Ray Bryant Band Feb. 13: Toak Feb. 18: Joe Macey Feb. 20: Uncle Spiny Feb. 26: Mondo Soul Feb. 27: The Dots

Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. 508-753-9543 Mondays: Dirty Gerund Poetry Show

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 Thursdays: DJ/Karaoke/Dancing Feb. 5: Take Two Feb. 6: Jim Carnazza & Mike Rush (Walter Horton tribute) Feb. 12: The Josh Briggs Duo Feb. 13: Ricky Duran Feb. 19: How Bizarre Feb. 20: Jim Perry Feb. 26: The Dan Hogan Trio Feb. 27: The Norm Tonelli Trio Feb. 28: Amanda Cote Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. 508-797-9696 Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Fridays, Saturdays: Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape Feb. 5: Ricky Duran Feb. 12: Hit The Bus Feb. 19: The Drunken Uncles Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 Thursdays, Fridays: Karaoke Feb. 6: Ben Cote Band Feb. 13: Mark Marquis Feb. 20: Crossroads Feb. 27: Well Within Distance

The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. 508-304-8133 Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville 978-939-7373, 978-939-8321 Rocky’s 139 Water St., Worc.

Feb. 27: Brasilian Dance Band Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255 Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton 978-448-5614, 877-782-4346 Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham 978-827-1272 Thursdays: Trivia Night Feb. 5: Northern Company Feb. 6: Kevin Shields Feb. 13: JC/CD Feb. 27: Gale Country Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 508-754-3516

Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. 508-755-5542 Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 Feb. 4: Dan Cormier Feb. 5: L & M Rythym Kings Feb. 6: Brian & Captain Feb. 7: Zack Slik Brunch Feb. 11: Sean Fullerton Feb. 12: Dan Cormier & Ethan Caouette Feb. 13: Scott Babineau Feb. 18: Jay Graham Feb. 19: Zack Slik Feb. 20: City Boys Feb. 25: Jon Short Feb. 26: Scott Babineau Feb. 27: Juke Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. 508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 Feb. 12, 13: Doctor Robert

Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre 978-355-2224 Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-756-4747 Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-752-9439 Sundays: Big Jon Short Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc. Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. 774-578-8829

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

Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 85 Main St., Oxford 508-987-3087

South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057

William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner 978-632-7794

Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 Saturdays: Live music Feb. 6: Hot Acoustics Feb. 20: The Allens

Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Ye Olde Tavern 7 E. Main St., W. Brookfield 508-867-9709, 508-867-4139

Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. 508-755-4155 Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc. 508-792-4263 Wednesdays: Bike Night with Sheldon’s Harley Thursdays: DJ Tec Threat Fridays: DJ One 3 Saturdays: DJ Reckless Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. 508-756-7555 Feb. 20: Mauro DePasquale

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a n i ght w it h t he che f c a f e m a n z i’s – w or ce s t e r

By Justin Perry

b l u ep r in t new am erican b ar & gr i ll – leomi n ster

Th e Wond e r B a r – w or ce s t e r

classic’s p ub – le omi n ster

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ry e & thy m e – leomi n ster

t h e f i x b u r g er b ar – Worcest er

el basha – Worcester

th e flyi n g r h i n o c a fe – w or ce s t e r

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l i f e s t y l e

Clark University is sharing Worcester’s worlds By Emily Gowdey-Backus Today, more than any other time in recent history, the movement of people from nation to nation and across oceans has captivated the headlines and dominated popular conversation across the globe. The city of Worcester has become home – sometimes temporarily, sometimes for longer – to people of many backgrounds. The faces of Worcester change rapidly, but the city is all the better for such diversity.

facilitators interview groups of eight to 12 participants at various locations throughout Worcester. Rather than recruiting via impersonal flyers distributed by students or staff, Fabos opted to contact community leaders and asked them to reach out to their networks to find willing participants. Supported by the Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise, the IDCEdesigned study was launched in October, after two facilitator-training meetings to prepare community members as session leaders. The facilitators are a diverse crowd; among the 22 community leaders are immigrants and native-born residents fluent in languages including Arabic, French, English and Vietnamese.

For more information or to host a conversation in your community, contact info@ sharedworlds.us or visit “Worcester is one of those cities that is constantly ‘becoming’ because people move away and people come in,” she said. sharedworlds.us. Sessions are held seven days a From the top down, Worcesterites are embracing the week at various times, international influences flooding the city. and interpreters are provided as “People in Worcester are aware and quite positive about the almost-quarter of the city’s population coming from ‘outside.’ That’s needed. Clark University Associate Professor of International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE) Dr. Anita Fabos is curious about the relationships sparked amongst such a diverse community.

a significant number of people. I believe not only are the mayor and his policy staff looking at it positively, a lot of business owners and community organizations are also in the know about this and are enthusiastic about how Worcester is becoming an international city,” Fabos added.

“It’s been wonderful to allow people to speak about their understanding of relationships in their community and other communities in their own languages,” said Fabos. Place of birth does not separate participants in this study. “You could have foreign-born or native-born people who meet all of the requirements or markers of integration and inclusion, but if they don’t feel like they belong, what could policymakers do to encourage a sense of place, a sense of belonging to Worcester?” asked Fabos.

To better understand the effects of change, Fabos, with the help of other researchers, has designed a study to capture city residents’ opinions of intercultural relationships.

In order to obtain the most diverse data possible, Fabos approached a broad spectrum of Worcester-based businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith institutions and neighborhood groups. Key partners include the Worcester School District, Hope Coalition, the Worcester Community Connections Coalition, the International Center of Worcester, the Worcester Senior Center and African Community Education, said Fabos.

“Shared Worlds” asks participants: What is the relationship between U.S.- and foreignborn residents in the city of Worcester? The goal of the study, explained Fabos, is to uncover previously untapped opportunities for cross-cultural growth.

By contacting participants through existing cultural, ethnic, faith-based – you name it – communities, Fabos hopes to connect newer Worcester residents with communities of interest to them.

“The best thing we can do with change is understand the basics and try to help people understand what is going on. … We want to provide the background understanding to policymakers, community organizations and schools, so they can help create conditions of belonging for everybody,” she said.

“I always think that the best way to design programs that are responsive to social needs is to understand what those social needs are in the first place. Some of the studies that have been done in Worcester already give you a really good understanding of the changing forces and demographics in the school system. That is really important information that is helpful to programming, but that kind of measurable data is good, but it is hard to understand whether or not people feel like they belong,” said Fabos.

At the heart of the study is an ease of participation. Topics brought up during the sessions can become uncomfortable; therefore, Fabos put a premium on privacy. No names are ever recorded. “We come in and offer full confidentiality. We’re only there to hear their experiences and listen to their opinions and ideas about Worcester’s changing face,” said Fabos. In the sessions, Clark University students act as research assistants while community

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The administrators of the project are hoping to hold 100 “Shared Worlds” sessions by the end of the year. More than 30 sessions have already been hosted by community facilitators. Once their research is complete, Fabos, her fellow researchers and Clark University students involved in the study will produce a report of the study’s findings, including suggestions for Worcester city and community leaders.

plenty to do in february By John Trobaugh It is February already! Worcester is getting into full swing in spite of the weather! The monthly

networking meeting on the second Wednesday of every month will continue at Bocado, although the event at Sweet Kitchen & Bar was awesome in December. To find out more, email the organizers at worcestergayprofessionals@gmail.com.

Worcester’s dance party scene is going strong with AirSpray. We featured this group in January. Hosted at Electric Haze, the dance parties easily get more than 200 people on the third Friday night of every month.

Worcester’s youth also have a couple of nights a week to meet, with programming designed specifically for them. SafeHomes is a peer-led, weekly drop-in night for youth between the ages of 14 and 22. It is nice because queer youth are genuinely embraced. There is a wide diversity of

youth on the LGBTQ+ spectrum alongside their straight allies. At the drop-in center on Mann Street in Worcester, organizers provide a meal at no cost to the youth and a combination of structured and unstructured social time. For more information, contact safehomes@thebridgecm. org. Full disclosure: I am on advisory board of Safe Homes; my son and I volunteer there, and we sponsor them financially. It is safe to say we are invested in SafeHomes’ success.

Another option for LGBTQ+ youth aged 12-22 is SWAGLY. Supporters of Worcester Area

Youth’s focus is the prevention of HIV, drug/alcohol abuse and domestic violence. It was founded

in 1984 as a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and to provide an atmosphere where they can flourish into confident leaders. SWAGLY meets every Wednesday night at AIDS Project Worcester. In

addition to the meal and social time, there is a youth leadership program. For more information, contact swagly@aidsprojectworcester.org.

As the immediate past president of Worcester Pride, I have some exciting news about the full year

of events, culminating in Worcester Pride Week from Sept. 7-10. Beginning in January, there is

a new meeting format and location. The Pride Committee Business Meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at 35 Harvard St., Worcester (third floor). Team Pride Meeting

will be at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at Wycked Java, 108 Water St., Worcester. There will be six teams – Community Outreach, LGBTQ+ Community Events, Social Justice

Issues, Pride Week Events, Fund Raising and Youth – and Wycked Java will provide us with room for multiple teams to work productively. Please come and contribute!

From 5-8 p.m. Feb. 13 is our annual Italian Family Dinner at First Unitarian Church. This family-friendly dinner is always a well-attended and fun event.

From 7-10 p.m. Feb 27 is our annual, not-to-be-missed Farewell to February, which brings

together the best Worcester County has to offer while we bid farewell to winter and officially launch the 2016 Pride Year. It will be held again at the Trobaugh-Allison home. See worcesterpride.org for more details on these events. I’m really looking forward to an exciting month. Let me know about your events a month in advance at john.trobaugh@gmail.com, and I will do my best to put them here!

For more information, visit worcesterpride.org

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f o o d & d r i n k

Somethin’ Catchy brings the beachside shanty to Worcester By Bernie Whitmore The concept of a seafood shanty is laden with nostalgic memories. Some of my happiest childhood experiences were the family camping trips on Cape Cod each summer. When my father came home from work Friday afternoon, my sister and I piled into the back seat of the station wagon and we headed east from our home in Connecticut. I don’t remember much about those road trips until we reached Buzzards Bay. Then, on the other side of the canal, we’d finally stop at a roadside seafood shack for dinner. Fifty-cent quarts of fried clams signaled the start of our vacation. No air conditioning, just greasy food and sand everywhere – that was paradise. As the week progressed, we hit the beach and, after long hikes through dunes, I’d chance on some of the outer Cape’s abandoned shanties. Their sense of desolation and eternal summer became, in my mind, the true Cape Cod experience. The people at Somethin’ Catchy seem wise to that beachside ethos; they even provide a sandy mini-beach in a corner of the dining room, with a child-height porthole providing a view of live fish. Plenty of well-worn beach knickknacks provide the decor. But the kitchen side of the room is not like the flytrap, grease-coated affairs I remember. Gleaming stainless steel and impeccably clean appliances are the standard at Somethin’ Catchy. Judging by the scant three picnic tables (plus a card table for the youngsters), I’d reckon that Somethin’ Catchy aspires more toward take-out than eat-in. We arrived before the rush, so there was plenty of time to explore the room and snag one of the available tables. In front of the window was a smaller table kitted out for personalizing their featured dessert – fried dough. In addition to the standard toppings of powdered sugar and cinnamon, there were squeeze bottles of various flavored syrups. This might be a shanty, but Somethin’ Catchy is the Taj Mahal of fried dough. With all these fond childhood memories summoned back, how could I order anything but clams? There are a few choices: platters or rolls, whole belly or strips. I went with the clam roll, whole belly of course, because bellies are the

clam roll

heart of the clam experience. For those less enamored of clams, there are lobster rolls, fish and chips and a comprehensive menu that even features weenies for the kids. Now that we’d committed to clams, we went full throttle and started with an order of clam fritters. Made fresh, they were satisfyingly packed with clammy bits and deep in clam flavor. Sizzling hot out of the fryer and a deep, golden brown, they were served in a paper box, just like those from my childhood memories. A cup of clam chowder proved even better. Somethin’ Catchy’s was creamy, flavorful and studded with chopped clams and soft potato chunks – award-winning, I daresay! So far, so good. And now for the clam roll. As the cook delivered our meals, he noted with pride, “The tartar sauce is already in the bun!” His pleasure was my distress, and I could feel my heart sinking as I tried to hide my disappointment. For me, tartar sauce and ketchup are anathema. I just don’t understand why so many people need to smother delicious seafood with a mayonnaisey concoction. Same with ketchup on fries… not on mine! If this had been a well-established venue or, heaven forbid, a franchise restaurant, I would have requested a replacement meal. But I decided to accept it and remember to be more specific when ordering in the future. To be fair, the clams were large, sweet and crispycrunchy, with soft, tasty bellies, and crammed to overflowing in a buttery toasted hotdog bun. Classic! My friend ordered the whole-clam dinner. Both our meals were served stacked on piles of fresh-cut french fries. The meals came in paper-lined baskets on plastic trays, shanty style. One selects from the Coke family of beverages out of a glass-doored cooler. The shanty concept is brilliant, and I hope we can take our dinners outside when the warm weather returns. Too bad we can’t go back to mid-1960’s prices!

clam fritters

clam dinner

somethin’ catchy seafood shanty | 358 shrewsbury st., worcester | 508-767-3474 | somethincatchyworcester.com 34 THEPULSEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

PulseBREW: try something new By Kerry Cyganiewicz A number of new beers have come to the area since my last column. Whether you like IPAs, dark stouts and porters or fruited sours, there is sure to be something for you. I’ve even noted where I found the beer. Please keep in mind that some beers might be out of stock due to seasonability and demand. Cheers!

King Julius/Tree House Brewing, 8.2% ABV

This was purchased at the only place you can presently buy this brand – at the brewery at 160 East Hill Road in Monson. I did something I hardly ever do; I waited in line for about an hour for this beer. It was so worth it. This is similar to the flagship beer, Julius. It differs in that it is Julius-er. I have waxed poetically about Julius’s light citrus explosion with hints of tropical fruit. King Julius tastes just like you took an orange straight from the bag and took a bite out of it without peeling it. I picked up a serious orange influence from the hops, along with some mango and other tropical fruits, with a slight hint of pine. I want to use the term “best ever,” but I hesitate, knowing Tree House will outdo itself soon. This beer has only been brewed twice, but hopefully, The King will be a regular in the company’s world-class lineup.

Death By Coconut/Oskar Blues, 6.5% ABV

This offering from Oskar Blues was enjoyed at the Dive Bar, 34 Green St., Worcester. It is an English porter brewed with both dark chocolate and dark caramel malt, and somewhere in there is either coconut or coconut flavor. It poured from a can into a glass a pitch black. No light shined through. The aroma was exclusively coconut. I expected it to have a thick mouthfeel, but it was much thinner and drinkable than I expected. It wasn’t as sweet as I expected, which is not a bad thing at all. Death By Coconut is as advertised: a well-balanced porter with nuances of chocolate and coconut. This is a limited-release winter beer, so get it while you can.

Cranberry Sour/Jack’s Abby Brewing, 7.2% ABV

I picked up a bottle directly from the brewery at 100 Clinton St., Framingham. This is one of the most complex beers I have enjoyed in some time. It poured into the glass a deep red from the cranberry juice used. The head ballooned to a couple inches, rapidly settling into a white ring around the glass. The aroma was simply mesmerizing. Tart lemon, cranberry, wine-like astringency and a hint of funk came through as I noticed the vibrant carbonation. It looks and smells alive! The taste was juicy cranberry, alternating between sweet and sour. The sour aspect was not objectionable at all but more like a freshly squeezed lemon. As it warmed, more of the Granny Smith apple-like sourness came out. The finish was dry with hardly an aftertaste. Before I knew it, the bottle was gone. I’ll be back to grab another.

Victory at Sea Coconut/ Ballast Point Brewing, 10% ABV

I ordered this beer at Armsby Abbey, 144 N. Main St., Worcester, instead of dessert. I have written about regular Ballast Point Victory at Sea. It is a well-made imperial porter utilizing coffee and vanilla beans. The brewery took this base beer and added coconut. The aroma was that of sweet chocolatecovered coconut. It tasted as it smelled, with toffee and coffee thrown in for good measure. The mouthfeel was full, yet silky smooth. The aftertaste was exactly like the smell: lingering chocolate-covered coconut. This is a truly decadent experience not to be missed!

Mint Chip Dramans Porter/Berkshire Brewing, 6.3% ABV

I ordered this beer at Brew City, 104 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, from the cask selection. A cask beer is served through a hand pump from a metal cask in the basement. Cask beer is typically lower in carbonation and warmer. This way of serving beer is better suited to certain styles in my opinion. A porter is one of them. I am a fan of Berkshire’s Coffeehouse Porter, but I wasn’t sure what to expect here. In the end, I am glad I tried this. The aroma was that of coffee, chocolate and peppermint. It smelled like someone stuffed a candy cane into a great porter. It tasted like a porter should, with some coffee roastiness, a little caramel and some chocolate, but it had a muted mint finish. It was just enough to make you say, “Was that mint?” As it warmed, the mint became more pronounced but never objectionable. This was a great winter beer that I look forward to having again.

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By Paul Giorgio

Downtown loses eatery.

Viva Bene, a fixture in downtown Worcester for 23 years, closed its doors Jan. 1. For those who bought gift cards, email vivabene.ristorante@gmail. com for a refund. What we don’t understand is since the owners knew they lost their lease, why did they continue to sell gift cards if they were closing?

The fix is in.

With the Fix Burger Bar moving from Shrewsbury Street to Grove Street and into the site that was occupied by the Northworks, what is going to happen at the Shrewsbury Street location? We hear that The Niche Group will be creating a new concept restaurant and will leave the cuisine up to the chef. This may change from month to month, which will keep guests coming back to try new foods.

Heading up to Boston. The annual Boston Wine Expo kicks off Feb.13-14 at the

World Trade Center. This annual event is one of the largest wine expos in the country and attracts oenophiles from throughout New England. There are literally hundreds of exhibitors giving out samples of wine from all over the world. Most major wine-producing countries are represented. In addition to wine tastings, there are chef demonstrations and a variety of exciting seminars. The cost of the event is $90 and tickets may be purchased at wine-expos.com.

Pizza, pizza. Antonio’s, the Amherst landmark pizzeria, will be open soon on Worcester’s

Chandler Street, right next to the Walgreen’s and across from Foley Stadium. It should be open by late spring. It has consistently been voted best pizza in the Pioneer Valley.

55 Pearl St. Our sources tell us that Vickie Mairiano, owner of both Spiritual Haze and

Electric Haze, will open a restaurant at 55 Pearl St. in Worcester. The former GAR Hall has been home to previous restaurants, including TiNoVo and 55 Pearl. We hear that it will be a farm-totable concept using local products. No opening date is set yet.

British Beer Company. BBC on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street is in full construction mode, with a March opening planned.

Another Chinese restaurant.

A new Chinese restaurant will be opening on Route 56 in Oxford at the site of the former Route 56 Roadside Bar & Grill. The Roadside closed two years ago, and the space has been empty. We hear that the bartender from Jasmine in Auburn will be the owner. The address is 24 Leicester St., North Oxford.

Small market. The new café and specialty market, Viriditas, at 6 Waldo St., Worcester,

opened Dec. 16, selling a range of food products in support of the local food community. Father and son, Robert and Tim Moynagh, co-own the business. Robert Moynagh also owns Moynagh’s Tavern, which is in the same building, with an entrance on 25 Exchange St. By the way, if you are interested in the definition, Viriditas (Latin, literally “greenness,” formerly translated as “viridity”) means vitality, fecundity, lushness, verdure or growth.

Nemroff moves.

Chef Bill Nemroff, who has manned the range at a number of area restaurants, including Ceres Bistro in Worcester, recently left Old Sturbridge Village for the head chef position at The International in Bolton. Maybe cooking over wood at OSV was just too much for him.

If you can’t go to Holden, go to Sturbridge.

Wilson Wang will be opening a second Baba Sushi in Sturbridge later this month. He first tried to open in Holden, but the town elders shot him down. Well, the people of Sturbridge are the winners here. Chef Wilson does great sushi.

End Times. The iconic Old Timer in Clinton shut its doors the last day of January. However, the pub portion will still serve alcohol and light fare through Super Bowl Sunday. The Clinton landmark had been in the McNally family for 3 generations and almost 90 years, first opening in 1929, as the Depression began. In a sense, it personified Clinton’s Irish heritage. In a business where the average restaurant is open for only a year, it is a testament to hard work and devotion. We wish the McNallys well.

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a r t & c u lt u r e

See the romantic side of Worcester By Jennifer Russo Looking for something out of the ordinary to this Valentine’s month? Worcester has become a true or learn something new, and there are plenty of romantic masterpieces, the city has really got you covered. Why not create a scavenger hunt at the Worcester Art Museum, which Can you find the sculpture of a fertility goddess or the Indian ruler Shiva are seeing who can outdrink each other or a couple having it out in a hairshining armor of a knight long gone.

do with your sweetie (or even while flying solo) cultural center for those of you who would like to see options. From art and architecture to music and culinary houses beautiful works of art from around the world from every era? with his consort Parvati? How about a piece of art where a couple of gods pulling argument? Perhaps you can find a cross-dressing dancer or view the

If you prefer more contemporary pieces, check out the Davis Art Gallery on Portland Street. Beautiful abstracts, photography, digital art and more from new and veteran artists await your appreciation. Worcester Windows is a community gallery program that also features the art of up-and-coming artists. The Krikorian Gallery at Worcester Center for Crafts on Sagamore Road features beautiful handmade sculpture, pottery and more. Check out ArtsWorcester for more information on exhibits in the area, including the organization’s 12th annual College Show, which opens Feb. 5. If you are interested in architectural marvels, head over to Elm Park and get someone to take a picture of you smooching on the Iron Bridge, which is one of the most photographed spots in Central Massachusetts. Since there will be no flowers at Elm Park this time of year, follow it up with a trip to the Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Another great stop is the Salisbury Mansion, an original 18th-century home built in 1772, which offers tours. Also, check out the Bancroft Tower in Salisbury Park, built in 1900, which is another great photo opportunity. Why not surprise your significant other with a date where you create a beautiful piece of artwork together? New Street Glass Studio offers glass-blowing classes, and Paint Nite Worcester will show you how to make a wall-worthy masterpiece of your very own. For music and performance art, the possibilities are truly endless in this cultural hub. To truly appreciate amazing architecture and a show, look no further than Worcester’s historic Mechanic’s Hall. The building is stunning, built in 1857, and has acoustics comparable to Symphony Hall. See the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra or take part in The Merry Ploughboys Irish Pub Night this month. The Hanover Theatre is also offering some great shows this month, including Jim Brickman on Feb. 11 and Broadway musical 42nd Street. If you are less into classical music and more into the energy of metal and rock, the Worcester Palladium is offering several options, including I See Stars and Born of Osiris. If country is more your thing, Garth Brooks and his songbird of a wife, Trisha Yearwood, are gracing the DCU Center with their presence in late February. After a long walk around the city checking out these sites, a stop at Mocine Salon is just the thing. An hour-long deep tissue couple’s massage is $150 in a private suite and will take all the weekday work stress away. For a dinner date, I recommend Bocado wholeheartedly. One of my personal favorites, Bocado has a dimly lit and Spanish vibe and offers dinners for two. The paella is amazing, and the tapas-style dinner is perfect for sharing. If you have visions of the Lady & The Tramp spaghetti scene and want to go the Italian route, Nuovo is a fantastic choice. With authentic Italian cuisine, reasonable pricing and service that goes above and beyond, this little gem is at the top of the list. If you and your date are into sushi and Asian food, Baba Sushi is wonderful. The ginger chicken entrée is delicious, and the Godzilla roll is unlike anything you have ever tried before. And really, sushi is an art all in itself, so admire its craftsmanship before you chow down. And what is a romantic date without an amazing treat for your sweet tooth? Sweet on Shrewsbury Street has cupcakes and other confections that will redefine dessert. Homemade S’mores, fluffernutter donuts and every kind of cupcake imaginable are just waiting to be devoured. Whatever your idea of romance may be, you really don’t need to travel very far. There are plenty of places that will bring the dating game to a whole new level, and you may learn something new in the process.

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style&beauty

Save on your Skin care

Dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology want to set one thing straight: You don’t need expensive skin care products to have glowing, healthy skin. In fact, they say, wearing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy skin. “Every good skin care routine should follow three simple steps: cleanse, treat and prevent,” said Amy J. Derick, M.D., FAAD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Northwestern University. “Sunscreen prevents wrinkles, sun spots and even skin cancer, making it the most effective skin care product you can buy.” Beyond sunscreen, Derick said, it’s important to identify your skin type before starting any skin care routine:

• • • • •

Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use. Normal skin is clear and not sensitive. Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough. Oily skin is shiny and greasy. Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others.

“Expensive skin care products are not necessarily better,” said Derick. “Instead, it’s more important to buy skin care products that are formulated for your skin type. If your skin tends to be oily, select a product made for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, look for the words ‘fragrance-free’ on labels.” For additional ways to save, Derick recommended the following tips:

To select the most effective products, pay attention to product ingredients. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, cleansers that contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help clear some people’s skin. If you’re concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, look for products containing retinol.

Consider using dual-function products.

Try a moisturizer with sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum and has an SPF of 30 or higher.

Cleanse your skin. Always cleanse before applying skin care products and before going to bed. Cleansing removes dirt, oil and debris and helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Get the most from your moisturizer. Apply it to damp skin as soon as

you get out of the shower to lock in moisture. For your face, look for moisturizers that say “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic,” as these won’t clog your pores.

Limit the number of skin care products that you use. Using too many products on your skin, especially more than one anti-aging product, tends to irritate the skin and make signs of aging more noticeable.

Apply sunscreen before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every few

hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Consider using petroleum jelly. This inexpensive product can have several

uses, including moisturizing dry skin and nails and treating minor injuries. However, avoid using petroleum jelly on the face, as this may cause acne in some people. “With so many products on the market today, the skin care aisle can be an overwhelming – and expensive – place,” said Derick. “If you have questions about how to take care of your skin, or if you aren’t sure what type of skin you have, ask a board-certified dermatologist.”

These tips are demonstrated in “Skin Care on a Budget,” a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy’s YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers videos demonstrating tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the Academy’s website and YouTube channel each month. For more information on the American Academy of Dermatology, headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., visit aad.org.

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spray paints By Jamie Burke Spray paint is the best thing on the planet. You can make any style your own with just a can.

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I genuinely think you can spray paint anything – people, places and things. Anything and everything can get it. This is maybe not true, but I choose to live in a world full of unicorn crack. Spray paint is my happy place. A fresh coat of paint excites me, except if it drips; then, my whole world is over and I want to go back to bed. I have spray paint everywhere in my house – in my garage, in my closet, in my cabinet, in with paint, out on the lawn, on the stairs, in the basement. Maybe it’s a weird security blanket or a deterrent from zombies. Who knows? All I know is that I am beyond obsessed with this magical elixir of canned air paint.

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The thing with spray paint is it goes really quick, but you should follow some really easy steps. These steps can change depending on what your spray painting.

Supplies: Primer Spray Paint Spray Paint Everything

Steps: Brush that stuff off. Remove all the dust from your everything, wash it and wipe it down.

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I use Windex on everything. You can totally be a hippie and use that weird expensive stuff

on it, but I feel like if the product doesn’t sting you when it seeps into your skin if you have a

cut, then it’s not for me. Pat your project dry with paper towels and let it air dry a few minutes. Make sure to get all the remnants of stickers or gunk that might be left.

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Now, prime your project. This really is the most important step to me. I live in chaos, with a house full of small humans that seek and destroy all things that I love. They will tear your stuff up, and you won’t

know what hit you. Prime in back-and-forth or up-and-down movements, staying about 10 to 12 inches away from your project. Cover every little inch. It can be a light coat. I like Rustoleum. I have

tried lots of brands; some I like, but they are expensive. Some have fancy-looking bottle shapes with

weird nozzles, but I find they clog, and I get pissed and throw them out. Jerks. The really cheap brands are cheap for a reason; they will run and not work well. When priming, make sure you cover every surface – underneath, behind. You may have to flip or turn over stuff, so wait 20 minutes between spraying and flipping. Make sure your project is dry, not tacky, when you do this.

For spray paint, I use the same rule of thumb: 10 to 12 inches away. I spray my stuff outside in the

nicer months. Weather plays into how things set. Don’t try this when it’s too hot or too cold. I now wear a mask and, usually, disposable rubber gloves. I wear the mask because I will get paint in my nose, and it’s not fun to blow your nose and have blue snot for any reason. I usually put something

down first, like a flat cardboard box or a shower liner that I reuse over and over again. Spray and wait an hour to apply the second coat. If you need three, then repeat that step. It is really that easy. You have to be patient, but it’s worth it.

Make sure to give me a tag shoutout near the train tracks. Peace, Love and Spray Paint.

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