Cover story: Worcester’s Sexy & Smart Bartenders
April 2015 IN THIS ISSUE COVER story
DINING &
Worcester’s Sexy & Smart Bartenders 6
12 Life Abstract:
A Movie Starting a movement
13 PulseBOOKS:
Inside the O’Briens looks at Huntington’s Disease
14 The stories of Lori Diamond &
Fred Abatelli
18 Club, Pub & Bar Listings
read pulse Online @
28 Dining Review:
entertainment
ENTERTAINING
ThePulseMag.com
Padavano’s Place
GameON: Lego’s Batman
30 PulseBREW: Have a drink with
our bartenders
Sports & Fitness
24 Making Worcester a more
livable city
Beauty & Style: Spring eyebrow trends Spring makeup trends follow us on social media:
32 See Spot run: Worcester
Animal Rescue League starts run club for dogs
22 PulseShots Lifestyle
PulseTECH: The spies in your phone Lifestyle: Spring clean your life
30 Hot & Now
OnCD: Guster / Leon Legacy / Kelly Clarkson
Follow us on Twitter @WorcesterPulse Follow us on Instagram @PulseMag_Worc Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thepulsemagazine
COLLEGE 34 Worcester colleges go green
for Earth Day
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Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Vanessa Herbold, Art Director Justin Perry, Photographer Chris Reddy, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Kevin Swenson, Account Executives
Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Stacia Kindler, Rachel Shuster, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Chris Reddy, Tricia Wise, Maxine Giza Writers
APRIL 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5
C O V E R ST O R Y
Worcester’s bartenders are more than just good-looking. They’re pretty smart, amazing people who go to school, support charities, are involved in the arts and have great senses of humor. So, get to know your local bartenders a little better … and next time you’re out, tip them well.
Brittany Wong Age: 20 Hometown: Worcester Education: I’m currently a senior at Worcester State University; my major is marketing. I’m in the midst of applying to grad school for my MBA.
What makes you more than just goodlooking? My ambition.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? As a successful business lady.
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Special thanks to The Urban Kitchen + Bar (156 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester) and Justin Mayotte Photography
What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod? Trap music.
What hidden skill do you have? I make a mean Chicken Parmesan.
What’s your favorite charity? Ivy Child.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? Racked up an $80 bill, talked to me for an hour, left me no tip and left his phone number on the credit card slip.
What is your superpower? Being able to balance time for my friends, work and school.
What’s your passion? Traveling. I’ve been to many places like Hawaii, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Martin, Grand Turks, Bermuda, Japan, etc. I plan to see other places in the future.
Brittany is behind the bar at Perfect Game (64 Water St., Worcester). Her hours change each week.
Ian McGinnes Age: 25 Hometown: Holden Education:
Bachelor’s degree in media studies from Franklin Pierce University.
What makes you more than just good-looking?
I am truly humbled that I’m thought of as “goodlooking.” Honestly, when I got the e-mail, I thought it was someone messing with me. I guess being personable and friendly is what makes me more than just good-looking. You can be an attractive person, but if you’re an a-hole, that’s what people are going to see.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Possibly still in Worcester. I know I hope to be at Armsby for a while, but you just never know exactly what the next day brings.
What book is on your bedside table?
Two right now. I’m re-reading Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk, and I’m about halfway through A Storm of Swords, the third Game of Thrones book.
What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod?
Elliott Smith, Cymbals Eat Guitars and The War on Drugs if I want to relax; La Dispute and At the DriveIn if I want to wake up.
What skill are you most proud of?
I guess the skill I’m most proud of is drawing. I love to use India ink or Faber-Castell pens. A hidden skill I obtained from Armsby is the ability to be completely spatially unaware behind the bar.
What’s your favorite charity?
The Kyle Warren Broken Glass Foundation. For every glass Kyle breaks behind the bar, I donate a dollar. In 2014 alone, we put almost 20 kids through college.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? We work in an industry where the majority of people who come into your establishment don’t have a background in the restaurant business and generally don’t understand how it works, so you have to take a lot of things people do and say with a grain of salt and remember they’re your guests. That being said, it’s annoying when people who don’t know what we do ask for their usual macro lager and don’t trust that I can find them something they’ll like to drink.
What is your superpower? The ability to tell whether or not someone can wear a fedora. It’s usually a no.
Ian is behind the bar at Armsby Abbey (144 Main St., Worcester) from noon-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. APRIL 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7
Hillary Blood Age: 25 Hometown: Spencer Education: I am currently finishing up my master’s degree this year in the field of occupational therapy. I completed my B.S. at Worcester State University and my MOT at Bay Path University.
What makes you more than just good-looking? I believe the qualities that make me more than just good-looking are my values and personality. I am generally enthusiastic, optimistic and deeply value a good education.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I hope to be married to the love of my life and working as an occupational therapist, helping change the lives of others! Living the dream. :)
What book is on your bedside table? The book is called Dyspraxia and its Management. Super nerdy, I know.
What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod? I am in love with all country music; therefore, it is most likely any Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan or Pandora station that plays all the new country tunes. I change up my music choices all the time. I really love it all.
What hidden skill do you have? Many people would not know that I like to be outdoorsy and go hiking regularly in the summer and fall months.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? One customer screamed at me after cutting her off, then proceeded to threaten no tip on the next beer. Makes sense, right? Or the customers that message me on Facebook, then come back in and call me out for not responding. Awkward.
What’s your passion? I am passionate about helping others. It is the reason I have spent so much time in school to do what I am passionate about. I have completed endless internships and volunteer time in order to have the knowledge I do now, and I do not regret a single second of it!
Hillary is behind the bar at Michael’s Cigar Bar (1 Exchange St., Worcester) from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 8 THEPULSEMAG.COM | APRIL 2015
Paddy Rafferty Age: 25 Hometown: Westminster Education:
I am currently in my final year at Suffolk University Law School.
What makes you more than just good-looking?
I’ve asked my friends how to answer this question, and they said it is a weird question. So my answer is this is a weird question.
What’s your favorite charity?
The Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research.
What do you drink? Downeast Cider! You must try it!
what would you do even if you weren’t paid to do it? Probably be a statistician/analyst for a professional baseball organization.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Owning a business and a partner in a law practice.
I handed a customer a drink. He took his lime out and threw it at me in disgust. He was politely escorted out.
What book is on your bedside table?
What is your superpower?
Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy.
What hidden skill do you have?
I’ve recently again picked up woodworking projects and building furniture in my spare time.
The ability to walk away when a customer flags me down for his order, then turns 180 to ask his friends what they want to drink.
Paddy is behind the bar at The Compass Tavern (90 Harding St., Worcester) from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. APRIL 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9
Keith Allain Age: 30 Hometown: Worcester Education: Went to Q.C.C. ~ business management but want to switch to sports management!
What makes you more than just goodlooking? I’m great with people; love to brighten someone’s day. I’m full of positivity. Love to sing and dance and get my bar having fun.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I plan to be owning a gym and investing my money.
What book is on your bedside table? Anything sports.
What skill are you most proud of? I’m most proud to be a father to a healthy, beautiful boy. He is 9 years old and keeps me young! I enjoy a lot of things but mostly enjoy bettering myself on a daily basis, may it be at the gym, in life financially or my mind.
What’s your favorite charity? My favorite charity has to do with cancer. It hits home. My family has struggled beating this sickness.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? The most annoying thing I have experienced at work was when a customer threw his glass on the floor, breaking it, trying to impress a female.
What’s your passion? My passions are the gym, sports, being a father, modeling and going on vacations.
Anything else you’d like to say? I would just like for the world to be a better place. Enough of the corruption! Help one another out. Believe in yourself. Anything is possible! Push to better yourself on a daily basis! Most importantly, remain positive ~ you get outta life what you put into it!
Keith is behind the bar at Loft 266 (266 Park Ave., Worcester) 4:30 p.m.-close Fridays and SAturdays. 10 THEPULSEMAG.COM | APRIL 2015
Age: 22 Hometown: Grafton Education:
I attend Anna Maria College, and I major in marketing.
What makes you more than just good-looking? Ask my boyfriend ...
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ten years is a long way from now, but my future plans are to move near my family. We all ventured out in the world to do our own thing, and I cannot wait for all of us to be back together again.
What hidden skill do you have? I love playing the piano!
What’s your favorite charity?
My favorite charity is The Jimmy Fund because I have had close friends and family members taken from me by cancer.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done?
I hate to say this, but one time, a customer came in and acted cocky and as if he was living the life and then tried to pay a dollar draft with dimes. Needless to say, I told him to keep his dimes and paid for his beer.
What do you do on your days off?
Shayla Carlo
On my days off, I like to catch up on some of my favorite TV shows on Netflix and be forced to listen to DUDEnGUY’s latest tracks.
What do you drink?
Recently I’ve been on a tequila kick!
What’s your passion?
I would love to be traveling the world.
Shayla is behind the bar at Mahoney’s Pub (413 Park Ave., Worcester) from 8 p.m.2 a.m. Tuesdays. Age: 26 Hometown: Haverhill Education:
I have a bachelor’s of science in biology with a minor in chemistry.
Do you have a day job?
I work at a medical facility in Newburyport a few days a week.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be conducting medical research with a concentration in genetic disorders … or working Keno at the Banner Bar & Grille. It’s kind of a toss-up at this point.
What book is on your bedside table? Yes Please by Amy Pohler.
What’s your favorite charity?
The Jimmy Fund and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Fund.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done?
Adrienne Lemieux
When customers ask me what my real job is. As I said before, I don’t plan on bartending for the rest of my life, but I know plenty of people who do, and it is a perfectly acceptable way to make a living.
What is your superpower?
Dancing like Kermit the Frog introducing someone.
Anything else you’d like to say?
This award should’ve gone to Beyoncé.
What’s your passion? Eating and traveling.
Adrienne is behind the bar at Banner Bar and Grille (112 Green St., Worcester) on Tuesday-Friday nights and Saturday days. APRIL 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11
E NT E R TAINM E NT
Life Abstract: A movie starting a movement By Rachel Shuster Filmmaker Dawna Sirard’s latest project is one that she holds dear to her heart and hopes will make a difference in the world. Life Abstract, from KaDa Films, tells the powerful story of a withdrawn, young lesbian who finds art therapy as a means of recovery from painful memories of child abuse. Sirard, a Connecticut native and the film’s writer and director, has worked on the script for five years. “I was working in L.A. as a prop designer for movies and TV and got interested in film,” she said. “I moved home and attended Smith College to study film. I started working on a short film, and once I graduated, I worked on it more exclusively, and it snowballed and expanded to what it is today.” The film’s story is very personal to Sirard. “I grew up in Thompson, Conn. It’s a small area, but one with one of the highest rates of child abuse in the state,” she said. “The story is sort of autobiographical.” Sirard and her team want people to know that there is hope. “Just because you may start from a dark place, there is always a way out of that. We thought art therapy was a wonderful visual way to suggest that recovery can lead to amazing changes in your life if you’re willing to do it,” Sirard said. The film is also getting great support from the LGBT community. “It just so happens that the lead characters are lesbians and there is a love story involved,” Sirard said. “They are really supportive, but not just because of that, but because of the story itself and the message of recovery.” While the film industry can be tough, Sirard believed in her film and worked to get individuals and organizations interested. “When you first start out [in the film industry], it’s hard to break into everything, but I kept persisting. The script is so strong that eventually people started listening. It’s fantastic to see people coming on board and seeing other people passionate about the story.” Through persistence, a strong message and incredible support, Sirard is on her way to getting the film out there. “We started brainstorming ways to raise money. We wanted to be creative and build up this community for the film,” she said. To raise funds for the film’s production, Sirard and her team will host the Voices for Hope Benefit Concert at Mechanics Hall in
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Worcester on April 18. The event will host an impressive musical lineup on two stages. The band Uh Huh Her will headline with main stage performers Antigone Rising, Sick of Sarah, Bitch, Kristen Merlin and Melissa Ferrick and Catie Curtis, with Suzanne Westenhoefer as the emcee. Second stage performers include Lauren Bateman, The Last Year, Bethel Steele, Run Jenny, Kim Jennings and Wendy Sobel and Kathy Phipps. There are additional events scheduled around the concert, including a preconcert party on Friday, April 17, a VIP party prior to the concert and a wrap party after the concert. Sirard and her team have also teamed up with organizations Darkness to Light and the American Art Therapy Association to plan a series of outreach events that will happen alongside the screening of the film once it’s finished. “Once the film is complete and screens at different festivals, reps from both organizations will attend and do roundtable community outreach events to get people talking about what they saw in the film, ways to recognize child abuse, resources for child abuse, etc.” Sirard said. The film will begin production in July. Due to the national and widespread attention the film is getting, Sirard said A-list actors are in the running for the lead roles, but she hopes to pull as much local talent as possible for the supporting actors and crew. While this project started as a short film and has evolved into an anticipated feature film, Sirard’s goal has always remained the same. “We’re hoping not to make a film, but a movement,” she said. “We want to change things in this country about child abuse and get people talking. We hope this film will be a catalyst for that.”
For more information about the concert, visit www.vfh.rocks. Tickets for the event are on sale on Ticketmaster. For more information about Life Abstract, visit lifeabstract.org, Facebook and Twitter.
p u l se B O O K S: I ns i d e t h e O ’B r i e n s l o o k s at Huntington’s Disease By Kimberly Dunbar Fresh off an award season filled with wins for the Hollywood film adaptation of her book Still Alice, New York Times best-selling author Lisa Genova is releasing her next book. Inside the O’Briens (Gallery Books), slated for release early this month, is sure to be her next big hit.
Inside the O’Briens is available April 7 in bookstores and at online retailers.
Genova’s story focuses on Boston cop Joe O’Brien, a 44-year-old Boston “townie” who lives with his wife and their four children in Charlestown. An devout Catholic, Irish family, the O’Briens live a quiet, content life until Joe is diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, a lethal neurodegenerative disease with no treatment and no cure. Huntington’s, a relatively unfamiliar disease to those who don’t have it, affects about 37,000 people in the United States ~ the capacity of Fenway Park.
Just as she did for Alzheimer’s in Still Alice, Genova shines a light on the devastation of an incurable disease. In Inside the O’Briens, she chronicles the heartbreaking consequences and repercussions of Huntington’s and how it can tear at the seams of families and change the futures of all involved. Not only does Joe have to deal with losing his badge and his job when his disease forces him into an early retirement, but he also must cope with losing his identity. He’s always been a Boston cop, serving his city for 25 years, a career that has suddenly been taken away from him. Making matters worse for Joe is the fact that he may have passed down this destructive gene to his four children, all of whom have a 50-50 chance of having inherited it. He also struggles with deep guilt over how his condition will affect his wife, Rosie. She will have to care for him as he loses his abilities to move and speak, leaving her knee-deep in medical bills when he dies in 10 years, right about the time he was supposed to be retiring, collecting a full pension and enjoying life with her. As times get tougher and his symptoms worsen, Joe has to learn how to live with his disease and his symptoms in order to set an example for his children when it comes to facing a life with Huntington’s. Meanwhile, the O’Brien children struggle with whether to get the blood test to determine if they have inherited their father’s fate. Joe and Rosie’s youngest, Katie, has the hardest time deciding if she can live a life of uncertainty, questioning every involuntary movement she makes (a symptom of Huntington’s called chorea) and if she can deal with the guilt if she tests negative and her siblings test positive. Inside the O’Briens is a story of resilience, hope and love. The family must hold on to its faith ~ and each other ~ in order to get through Huntington’s together. Genova has written a tearjerker, painting an emotionally honest picture of the reality of fatal diseases: There can never be a happy ending because there is no cure. But there can be a happy life in the here and now, before the characters meet their ultimate fates. APRIL 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 13
The stories of
Lori
Diamond & Fred Abatelli By Jennifer Russo With their pure and spacious instrumental and an outpouring of tender vocals, Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli have made their presence known on Worcester’s music scene. Storytellers at heart, they combine a beautiful classical piano and a warm-toned guitar to make music that seeps into the soul and permeates the senses. Worcester natives may recall that Diamond and Abatelli won the title of Best CD in 2012 and Diamond took home the honor of Best Female Vocalist at both the 2011 and 2012 Worcester Music Awards. I asked Diamond how it felt to hear her name called, and she described the experience as “extraordinary. …We really had no idea if we were even close to being contenders. It was a magical evening that we won’t forget!” Diamond and Abatelli have also performed at the famed Wachusett Valley Music Festival and will be a part of the music series again this year, performing in Sterling with Brooks Williams on April 11. On April 18, they will perform at the Viva Bene Italian Ristorante on Commercial Street, so if you are up for dinner and a show, make it a date night. Lifted, their new album offering, has been nominated for another WMA and is a sweet, meditative and alluring record that may just earn them one. With elements of pop, folk and blues, the album is beautifully presented. Some songs make you want to tap your foot with their catchy beats, and others are almost like soothing and soulful lullabies. “This particular CD is extremely special to us,” Diamond said. “It is the result
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of a year of powerful challenges, blessings, healing and ultimate gratitude. It took us over a year to create, as we were experimenting, growing and enjoying the creative process. Plus, we still had to work out logistics like child care and work, in addition to studio time and performances. It’s a massive effort but truly a labor of tremendous love. The title, Lifted, was chosen because it is a message of love and appreciation.” Abatelli, who would love to share a stage with Eric Clapton and loves watching anything on the Velocity Channel, and Diamond, who would jump at the chance to sing alongside Sarah McLachlan and loves Project Runway, are an “opposites attract” kind of musical duo. Though they are inspired by radically different things, they combine their different influences and similar, hard-working dispositions for their own unique brand of music. To learn more and pick “There is no better inspiration than up a copy of Lifted, visit loridiamond.net. A portion one’s life experience,” Diamond said. of proceeds from CD sales will go directly to NEADS. “Oftentimes, I think our best songs org. This organization have come when we’ve floundered our provides highly trained way through powerful challenges and assistance dogs to offer have come out on the other side with relief, physical autonomy a completely fresh perspective. It’s a and freedom to individuals fulfilling writing process when you can with unique challenges. construct walls of darkness and then knock them down with light and hope.”
Club & Pub Listings
Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs & other select venues
The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. 508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com Wednesdays: Trivia Night Thursdays: Live Acoustic Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. 508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Tuesdays, Wednesdays: Cheap Eats Wednesdays: Ladies Night April 3: Sunlea April 4: Cowboy Matt & The Hopewell Trio April 7: Indie Art Show Brush Lush & Mike Dunlea April 10: Roadhouse Strangers April 11: Stan Matthews & Root Land Band April 12: Secret Sage April 16: King Django April 17: DSJR April 18: We & Mrs Jones ! April 19: The Love Lights April 23: The Daybreakers April 24: Shay & the Shufflebacks April 25: Damnation April 26 Mark Mercier (Max Creek), Bruce Mandaro (The Knot) & Ed Savageu April 30: Young Pop Cherries Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 blacksheeptavernsterline.com April 30: Live Band Karaoke with Fingercuff Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. 508-797-4827 blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 hometown.aol.com/blueplatelounge April 3: Blue Sky Miners April 4: Good Question April 10: Lazy Dogs April 11: Matt Brown Band April 17: Northbound Train April 18: R-Generation April 24: Freak Out Friday April 25: Nic-O-Tines Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 April 3: Girls on Girls April 4: Michael Spaulding April 10: Kelly Wheeler & Tribe April 11: Brett Casavant April 16: TC Polk April 17: Ken Macy
April 18: Gale County April 23: Scott Babineau April 24: JCDC April 25: Brian Chaffee April 30: Dustin Bridaeu Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 myspace.com/breakawaybilliardsclinton April 4: The Great Escape (Journey tribute) Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-752-3862 brew-city.com Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com April 3: Dueling Pianos April 4: Danny Klein’s Full House April 10: Darren Bessette April 11: Pure Prairie League April 16: Bob Marley Comedy April 17: Albert Cummings April 18: The Allman, Neville, Pitchell Band (Sawtelle Room) April 18: Town Meeting (Ballroom) April 19 :Joan Osborne April 24: The James Hunter Six April 25: Charlie Farren (Ballroom) April 25: Mark Marquis (Sawtelle Room) April 26: The Smithereens April 29: Charlie Musselwhite Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. 508-926-8353 facebook.com/CanalRestaurantandBar Wednesdays: Toast Masters Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) April 3: Ken Macy April 4: Jim Perry April 10: Alan Goodrich April 11: Tom Revane April 17: Heather Marie Ralston April 18: “Hot Dish” Tina and Dave April 24: Dave Miller & Brian Kendal April 30: Joe & Heather Center Bar & Grill 102 Green St., Worc. 508-438-0597 thecenterbar.com Chooch’s Food & Spirits 31 E. Brookfield Road, N. Brookfield 508-867-2494 sitewizzer.com/choochs Fridays: Karaoke Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 chopsticksleominster.com April 24, 25: Windfall Classic Rock Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-767-9728
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worcesterscene.com/admin/location_ images/ciceros.jpg April 25, 26: Gov’t Surplus
508-792-3700 aohworcester.com Saturdays: A Murphs Comedy Joint
Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Sundays, Thursdays: Karaoke Tuesdays: Open mic April 3: Playin’ Dirty April 4: Never Enuff April 10: Oh Hey Bear April 11: Go Gadget Go April 17: The Plagiarists April 18: Tyrus April 24: Pants on Fire April 25: Whitney Doucet
Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-757-1450 flyingrhinocafe.com
Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. 508-798-8385 facebook.com/ClubKasBar The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 April 9: Pete Higgins April 16: Whitney Doucet & Kyle Amalotti April 23: Corey Bazillion April 30: Brett Casavant Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. 508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Thursdays: Live acoustic Fridays: DJ Matty Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. 508-757-6977 danceranchandsaloon.com Dunny’s Tavern 291 E. Main St., E. Brookfield April 25: Dan Kirouac Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. 508-799-0629 facebook.com/ElectricHaze Sundays: Funky Jazz Jam Sundays Mondays: Open Mic/Open Decks Tuesdays: Hip Hop Tuesdays April 3: Max Creek April 4: Fennario (Grateful Dead tribute) April 8: Electro Swing Fusion with Mizz Kitsune April 10: Zach Deputy April 11: Unity April 16: Rocky and the Pressers April 17: Airspray April 18: Monophonics April 24: Flowcase II ~ a night of Flow and Visual Arts April 25 Grade “A” Fancy and Valvatross May 1: The Garcia Project with Acoustically Speaking Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc.
Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-753-2995 funkyandjosemurphys.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Live acoustic Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Mondays: Blue Mondays ~ Live Blues Thursdays: Audio Wasabi hosted by Brian Chaffee Fridays: Live music The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com April 4: The City Boys April 18: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-853-1350 greendalespub.com Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy April 3: Let it Bleed April 4: Clam Diggers April 10: Hothouse April 11: No Alibi April 17: Boom Box April 18: Silverbacks April 24: Auntie Trainwreck The Grey Hound Pub 139 Water St., Worc. 508-754-6100 anculiath.com Thursdays: Team Trivia New England Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halliganssportsbarandmore.com April 17, 18: Dave Coulier Live Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. April 25: Saturdays Night Divas Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc. 508-793-0900 jilliansworcester.com April 3: Hit the Bus April 4: New Bay Colony April 10: Decades by Dezyne April 11: Metro April 15: Worcester Music Awards April 17: Never in Vegas April 18: Dazed (Led Zeppelin Tribute) April 24: Tequila Bonfire April 25: UFC 186
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Continued from Page 18 JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 jbag.biz April 3: Usual Suspects April 4: Way Up South April 10: Dirty Deeds April 11: Groove Street Band April 24: How Bizarre April 25: Still Burning April 26: Annual Cancer Benefit at JJs May 1: The Issues May 2: 9Teen Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. 508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. 508-796-5177 loft266.com London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc. 508-799-7655 londonbilliards.com Lucky Dog Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. 508-363-1888 luckydogmusic.com Mondays: DeeJayDee Smilesz and the bar-hump with a lump Alfredo April 3: The Lights Out, The Luxury, Airport, Eddie Japan April 4: Rocket Queen (female-fronted G-n-R tribute) with Hot Roxx (female-led ‘80s covers) and Lucky #9 April 12: Vinyl Siding, Going Disco, Keep On Truckin’ Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. 508-277-1073 facebook.com/mahoneyspub.ma Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. 508-754-0033 martyspub.com Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. 508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com April 2: Dave B & The Hotshots April 3: Jim Devlin Trio April 4: Tequila Bonfire April 10, 11: Heartland Radio & Pink Talking Phish April 16: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 17: Andy Cummings & Swingabilly Lounge April 18: Russo Brothers April 23: Jim Devlin April 24: Mystic River April 25: Doctor Robert April 30: Jodee Frawlee The Mill 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com April 3: How Bizarre April 4: Kelly & Friends April 10: Bill McCarthy April 11: Jay Graham April 17: Scott Babineau April 18: Brian Chaffee April 24: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 25: Chad Clements Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc.
508-753-4030 myspace.com/NicksWorcester Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. 508-340-0318 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. 508-797-9696 thepalladium.net Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Karaoke April 4: Dazed Till Dawn April 18: The Quarry Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. 508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc. 508-792-4263 perfectgameworcester.com Mondays: Ladies Night Tuesdays: Industry Night Thursdays: College Night with DJ Bad Luck; Karate & The Garage Fridays: Blue Light Bandits & DJ One-Three Saturdays: DJ Reckless Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. 508-856-9255 facebook.com/pages/The-PressBox/181242711941126 Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. 508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com Sundays: Sunday Night Cinemageddon Mondays: Dirty Gerund Poetry Show Tuesdays: C.U. Next Tuesdays with DJ Poke Smot and special guests The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. 508-304-8133 facebook.com/people/RavenWorcester/100001022046717 Rivalry’s Sports Bar 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-243-1100 rivalrysworcester.com April 3: Time Machine April 4: Blues House Between April 10: Bare Hill April 11: Tom Revane April 17: Mike Lynch Trio April 18: Take Two April 24: Drunken Uncles April 25: Chet Williamson Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. 508-755-5542 clubuniverseworcester.com Fridays: Country Night with WXLO’s Mark Veau Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com April 3: Madison Avenue April 4: Brian Chaffee April 8: Cellar Stacks with Brian Chaffee
April 9: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 10: Scott Babineau April 11: Soulstice April 12: Zac Slik Brunch April 16: Jay Graham April 17: Zack Slik April 18: Cailte Kelly April 22: Cellar Stacks April 23: Brian Chaffee April 24: L & M Rythym Kings April 25: A Fine Connection April 26: Brunch with Jon Short Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. 508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 sakura-tokyo.com April 3, 4, 5: BitterSuite Scorz 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. facebook.com/pages/Scorz-SportsBar/216216528569258 South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com April 3: Scott Babineau April 4: Laquerhead April 10: TC Polk April 10: Ton of Blues April 17: Kevin Shields April 18: Neon Alley April 24: Just Cuz April 25: Goldrush Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 speakersnightclub.net Thursdays: Acoustic Fridays: Karaoke & Dance Party Saturdays: Live bands Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 508-754-3516 3gs-sportsbar.com Fridays: The Ramm Jamm Union Music 142 Southbridge St., Worc. 508-753-3702 unionmusic.com April 11: Open Mic, Grateful Dead for the Acoustic Guitar April 30: Union Music Ukulele Club Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. facebook.com/TheUnionTavernWorcester Sundays, Tuesdays: Karaoke Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-752-9439 facebook.com/vincentsbar Tuesdays: Jon Bonner and Boogie Chillin’ April 6: Hip Swayers Deluxe William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner 978-632-7794 williamsrestaurantandtavern.com May 1: Dan Kirouac
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PULSESHOTS
By Justin Perry
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE LOFT 266 + PARK GRILL
MICKEY SHEA’S LUNENBURG
CLUB RUMORS WORCESTER
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WORMTOWN BREWERY WORCESTER
MCNALLY’S GRILLE & PUB WESTMINSTER
EL BASHA WORCESTER
BEATNIK’S WORCESTER
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L IF E STY L E
Making
Worcester
a more
livable
city
By Tricia Wise
The city of seven hills has much to offer, and with the right tools, all of its inhabitants can have the ultimate Worcester experience. At least, that’s the plan. Located between Boston and Providence, Worcester is the second largest city in Massachusetts. But even with its large population and nine colleges, Worcester has yet to reach its full potential. Recently, many local companies and organizations, whether professional or student-run, have devised ways to make the city a more prosperous area. Many of these companies are still in the early stages of development but have already made great progress and received positive feedback from the citizens of Worcester. In the Woo, there are various events, restaurants, shops and opportunities. However, many looking to improve the city say there is a lack of knowledge and accessibility to and from these places. A seminal part of this issue stems from the absence of information. Organizations that are cropping up not only want to create more events and happenings in Worcester but also publicize these events better. Secret City Interactive is a newly designed organization that sets out to integrate social media with the happenings in Worcester to connect the historic and cultural neighborhoods with their diverse and vibrant communities. Mauro DePasquale, of Secret City, said, “Worcester is thriving with culture, yet it often gets a reputation as being a dead city. Secret City Interactive aims to impact this issue by connecting people with their city in a way that is entertaining, engaging and positive.” Secret City’s goals include increasing accessibility for pedestrians and helping citizens learn more about the city. DePasquale said, “Worcester has its fair share of hidden gems, forgotten history and stories to share. Secret City Interactive is a way for folks to share and discover interesting information and cultural happenings.” Similar to the goals of Secret City Interactive, WooConnect is an up-and-coming mobile app for Worcester students, designed by Clark University students, Alex Turgeon and Abhijit Singh. This app, which plans to launch in the fall, is designed to connect students throughout the consortium. Their mobile app idea won the 2014 Eureka Contest at Clark.
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Turgeon said he noticed the “reoccurring theme that Worcester is doing a lot right but marketing in the wrong ways,” which is where he thinks WooConnect will come into play. In the summer of 2013, Singh said, he and Turgeon “both worked at Clark for ITS and talked to a lot of people.” Singh noticed the lack of “cohesive collaboration” between companies in Worcester and wanted to find a way to give students the “tools to go out and explore.” Turgeon and Singh began brainstorming ideas for the app. Since it is a student-run company, Turgeon said WooConnect is “a learning as you go” process. Turgeon said he believes this app will help Worcester be “up and coming from a kind of industrial swamp” and become “something that will resonate in the city.” Josh Croke and Kyla Pacheco are trying to support efforts to make Worcester a more livable city. They founded Action! Worcester, an organization that combines the ideas of Worcester locals and students with plans of action. Pacheco, a career advisor at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, said “Worcester is not where we want it to be, and there’s a lot of room for improvement.” Pacheco believes that working “from the grassroots” is the best method for “cultural change.” Croke, a recent Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduate, said Action! Worcester plans to increase the “interconnectivity between students and young professionals in Worcester communities,” as well as “connect students in the consortium,” which ultimately helps the city come “together as a community.” There is “an entrepreneurial buzz going on in the city,” and “connecting the companies together to facilitate great events is a primary way to increase livability,” Croke said. Pacheco added that Action! Worcester has “a bunch of goals and a bunch of stuff coming up…it’s a matter of getting the message out.” These three companies, as well as various others across the city, foresee positive changes and advances for Worcester within the next five to 10 years. DePasquale said, “The amenities seem to be multiplying. …There are a lot of shared work communities and very positive movements. …There is a strong culture of very creative and proactive folks in For more information, visit facebook.com/ Worcester, and there secretcityworcester, woo-connect.com or are a lot of really great actionworcester.org. projects under way.”
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I
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APRIL 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 27
D ININ G & E NT E R TAININ G
Padavano’s:
Italian& its finest
Padavano’s Place
358 Shrewsbur y St., Worcester (774) 823-3022 padavanosplace.com By Bernie Whitmore Rather than ignoring what’s common knowledge to the most casual followers of Worcester’s dining scene, let’s start with the obvious: Padavano’s Place is the sister restaurant of Rosalina’s Kitchen, that funky little dining spot over on Grafton Hill. With delicious homecooked Italian fare, Rosalina’s has been a favorite for informal gatherings, a place about which, back in 2012, I penned, “If you don’t meet friends at Rosalina’s, you’ll usually make a few.” So I didn’t exactly wander into Padavano’s with my mind a tabula rasa. If anything, my expectations were higher than they might otherwise have been, absent the Rosalina’s experience. These might be sister restaurants; indeed, nestled within their DNA are obvious similarities in cuisine and hospitality. But in atmosphere and physical appearance, they couldn’t be more different. Padavano’s is located in a new structure on Worcester’s Restaurant Row. High ceilings, fresh decor and a lounge with a full bar and live entertainment are Padavano’s stylish answer to Rosalina’s funky three-decker chic. Let’s put away the superficiality and drill down to what’s really important ~ the Padavano dining experience. My friend and I were greeted by Padavano’s host with an invitation to choose whatever table we wanted. Fair enough; we easily found one with adequate lighting in a quiet corner. Our waitress soon arrived with menus, a recital of specials and asked if we would like to order drinks. I needed to make some dining decisions first. Padavano’s menu is quite diverse, Italian at its core but with several surprises. I have friends who’d be eager to try such an item as Spicy Brown Sugar Sausage Bites with Cinnamon Cream Sauce. And, as with green eggs and ham, I might see that if I just tried them, I would so like them. But not tonight! Instead, we decided to start with Yolanda’s Fried Calamari. We opted out of the fried pepper upgrade and loved them, with a quick twist of fresh lemon and an occasional dunk into Padavano’s tasty marinara. So fresh they almost tasted sweet, these rings and tentacle snarls were fried a light golden brown in the cleanest of oil baths. No heavy deep-fried flavor. Just simple, honest seafood flavor in a crispy coating. From there, we continued with Caesar salad. A big bowl of sliced romaine, each leaf was evenly coated with creamy dressing rich with Parmesan, garlic and a touch of lemon flavors. A harmonious blend, with no one flavor overpowering the others. In addition to the tumble of crunchy croutons, this Caesar was tossed with a generous scattering of parmesan cheese shavings, an elegant touch.
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When I go to Rosalina’s Kitchen, I remain true to a duo of entrees ~ raviolis and linguine with clam sauce. I consider these choices solid as bedrock. But I wanted to stray a bit at Padavano’s, so I braced myself and ordered the Veal & Sausage Mafia, “a delightful combination of sautéed veal and sausage bites.” Several things appealed to me, especially the mushrooms simmered in a roasted red pepper sauce. But Mafia? I just don’t think my Italian friends would approve. And sausage bites? “Bites,” in my belief system, is code for something from the freezer case served to undiscerning teenagers. But this, after all, was Padavano’s Place. Everything’s homemade. And, sure enough, the dish was a winner. Big slices of meaty mushrooms were tossed with half-medallions of veal and short lengths of tender sausage. The roasted red pepper sauce was zesty and clung to every crevasse of the radiatori pasta. My glass of the house’s ruby-red Cabernet Sauvignon was a sure-fire match. Yet there was something, umm, interesting about that sausage. It was very tasty and true, but its texture was soft. I asked the manager about it. Her explanation was supremely simple. After consulting the kitchen, she confirmed that it was made fresh that evening. As I looked closer, some of the thin lengths of casings had slipped off ~ it was really that delicate! My friend, meanwhile, was preoccupied with his bowl of Linguini & Clam Sauce. Whereas I prefer red sauce, he ordered it with the white wine sauce. Padavano’s has kept the winning formula! This is a bowl of pasta tossed with a boatload of beautifully clean clams, with tiny shells as I’d only seen in Italy before we started going to Rosalina’s. Each clam contains a perfect little specimen of meat, totally free of grit. The brothy sauce was tinged buttery gold with a flavor richer than expected. The kitchen knows how delicious and irresistible it is. The dish is served with thick slices of grilled Italian bread. Rosalina’s Kitchen or Padavano’s Place? Two sisters, each with a distinctive personality. Both with forthright hospitality and a keen dedication to quality. Don’t ask me to choose a favorite!
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PulseBREW: have a drink with our bartenders By Kerry Cyganiewicz So you might be thinking about visiting some of the establishments that employ Pulse’s smart and sexy bartenders. The question is: What are you going to drink when you get there? Because it’s much easier to talk to the bartender if you are actually ordering a drink. … I’m looking at you, cheap hipster guy with too much mustache wax.
Armsby Abbey.
I don’t think it’s a big secret that Armsby Abbey is one of my favorite places. The tap list here is world-class. You can drive a few hours to Vermont and visit Hill Farmstead or sit, relax and order it here. I have enjoyed many IPAs lately by planning my weekends around visits here. If you would prefer a mixed drink to a beer, you are still in the right place. The cocktail menu is hard to beat. The Abbey Manhattan is a favorite of mine as a change of pace. If you are not sure what to order, ask your bartender. The bartenders are great about asking you about your preferences and matching them to their artisanal ingredients.
The Banner. The Banner makes ordering at the bar easy. The beer taps are right in front of you, and the liquor bottles are along the back wall for easy visibility. There is a board on the back wall listing drink specials. I went with a mixed drink while I was here, but feel free to explore. There are plenty of options, and they’re all very visible.
Compass Tavern.
There is a wide variety to choose from here, including a non-alcoholic root beer on tap, so anyone can find something to enjoy. The liquor selection tells me that just about any mixed drink you would like is available. It shouldn’t be a surprise that my main focus will be the tap list. It is on a chalkboard and lists what is currently available. I found Sam Adams, DogFishHead and Guinness, as well as local offerings from Jack’s Abbey and Wachusett. I resisted the temptation to relive my college years with a Pabst Blue Ribbon and settled on a Wachusett Blueberry mixed with Guinness for a Black and Blue.
Loft 266.
There is plenty of room around the bar, as well as a view of a television wherever you sit. Sam James from The Voice was there performing ~ and sounding as good as ever ~ the night I went, and Berkshire Brewing Company Steel Rail Pale Ale was on tap. The tap list has many of the usual offerings like Harpoon IPA, Sam Adams Rebel IPA, Guinness and the mass-market beers. I chose the Steel Rail, but a Jameson Irish Whiskey and ginger ale fit the bill, as well.
Mahoney’s. As you walk in, have a look at the neon board to the right. It lists the current drink specials. Give one of those a try.
Michael’s Cigar Bar.
Right when you walk in, it hits you. …You can smoke in here! I saw people with hookahs and cigars everywhere, yet with Michael’s fancy air filtration system, you would hardly know. Although they have a respectable selection of craft beer on tap, I tend to gravitate to the whisky and scotch selection. This is a place to relax with friends. A nice cigar and a glass of scotch old enough to vote is what I had.
Perfect Game.
Is it a restaurant? A sports bar? A nightclub? Depending on the day and time you go, it is all of the above. There is a large tap list ~ more than 20 different beers. I had a Wachusett Milk Stout, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I also noticed the usual mass-market beers and a few offerings from Sam Adams, Harpoon and Wachusett. Whatever you want to do on a night out, it can be found here, even the Gronk Challenge. Eat a 1½-pound burger with 8 ounces of bacon and seven slices of kielbasa and be only the eighth person to finish it. If you have a slightly smaller appetite, grab an order of wings while you are here. APRIL 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 30
Hot& Now
By Paul Giorgio
Wonderful Wormtown. The new and expanded Wormtown Brewery opened its doors at its Shrewsbury Street location in the middle of March. With the move, the brewery will triple its capacity and has added a tap room, where you can sample the best beer in the world. So go on down and Be Hoppy. My favorite was the Irish Red Ale. The brewery is also available for functions. Best wishes to Tom Oliveri and David Fields and their co-workers in creating great beer and a new Worcester destination. DCU in the restaurant business. The DCU Center will open a small restaurant at the corner of Foster and Commercial streets. The approximately 2,000-square-foot eatery will be open by the fall. The goal is to create some foot traffic in downtown. Wonder years. We hear that Worcester’s Wonder Bar will open in April. The neon sign and the restaurant have been restored. The old drop ceiling has been removed and the original tin ceiling repaired. The major change is that the kitchen has moved up from the basement, and the larger bar is now located where some booths were. Kudos to the Prizio family for restoring this iconic piece of Worcester’s history. You are seeing Violet. The downtown is getting a makeover with several new restaurants opening up in the near future. The north end of Main Street will soon be home to Violet Rice, a Thai and vegetarian restaurant which will be located next to Ritual, right near The Palladium. And across Main Street. The Whiskey Bar will open in late spring/early summer in the space that once housed a yogurt shop near Mechanics Hall. The Whiskey Bar, specializing in ~ you guessed it ~ whisky from around the world, will be owned by Roger Bachour and his wife, Joanna. He formerly owned The Boiler Room in the Canal District. In more downtown news. Midnight’s Tavern is the name of a new club opening on Commercial Street in the space that has housed numerous clubs over the past 10 years, the most recent being Bar FX. Midnight’s Tavern will be more of a pub and feature live music. It will be owned by the Ringuette family from Danvers, and it is the family’s first venture. Too many chickens without their wings. Wingman is the name of the new wing stand at 275 Park Ave. in Worcester. It opened in the old hot dog stand at the corner of Chandler Street and is owned by the family that owns Zorba’s in Webster Square. Establishing relations with Cuba. Café Reyes, a Cuban restaurant, opened its doors at 421 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester the first week of March, giving “Restaurant Row” a new cuisine to try. It is open initially only for lunch and is also a job-training program.
SP O R TS & FITN E SS
See Spot run:
Worcester Animal Rescue League starts run club for dogs By Kimberly Dunbar
Fairy
Imagine being cooped up in a small space, unable to leave or do much other than walk in circles, waiting and hoping for a little reprieve. That’s how most of us probably felt this winter, but that’s how shelter dogs feel every day.
For more details, visit facebook.com/ WorcesterAnimalRescueLeague.
Realizing how important daily exercise is for both humans and animals, Marie Gryszowka and Bonnie Lattimore are helping shelter dogs at the Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL) get out and get moving with their new volunteer program ~ a doggie run club they’ve dubbed Tailblazers. “When Bonnie told me she was interested in running dogs, being a runner myself, I couldn’t have been happier,” said Gryszowka, 30, WARL’s volunteer coordinator. “I never would have thought of this myself.” When Lattimore, 32, moved to Worcester last summer, one of the first things she did was look for the nearest animal shelter. “We move around a lot because my husband is a lacrosse coach, but everywhere I go, I always try to volunteer.”
Parker
Lattimore, whose husband works at College of the Holy Cross, first ran shelter dogs when she lived in Michigan and brought the idea with her when the family moved to Philadelphia. Now an official WARL volunteer, Lattimore has helped Gryszowka create a program that matches a volunteer runner with a shelter dog; the ultimate goal is to get every dog out for a daily 3- to 3.5-mile run. Although the program is strictly for runners (there is a walk-and-scoop program for walkers), you don’t need to be fast. “You don’t have to have run a marathon or have elite pacing,” Gryszowka said. “You can run a 16-minute mile, and you’re still giving the dogs the same exercise as someone running a 7:20 pace.” Tailblazers is one of WARL’s many volunteer programs, and just like the others, everyone gets trained during an orientation, as well as one-on-one, and all volunteers must give a six-month commitment to come at least twice a month. All runners 18 and older are welcome. Lattimore said volunteers range from undergraduate students to lawyers. “Being able to take the higher energy dogs and get them some exercise is great,” Gryszowka said. “They’re able to burn off the extra energy they have when out for a run. When they get back, they’re quieter and rested for the doctors when they come in. They’re also burning off their food faster, which helps them gain weight.”
Diamond
For example, Parker, who Gryszowka calls a “phenomenal dog,” gets extremely stressed out when cooped up in his kennel. “After a good run, he can nap and play with his toys,” she said. “It’s great to see what a run can do for these dogs.”
Gryszowka said there has been a “fantastic response from the community,” and the two orientations WARL held this winter were well-attended. “We set it up to start it slow this winter,” she said. “Our population of dogs grows with the warmer weather.” This spring, the WARL will expand the running routes to around Indian Lake and Nick’s Woods, as well as host more orientation sessions for those interested in joining Tailblazers. APRIL 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 32
N OR TH
NOR TH COUNTY • DINING • ENTER TAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING
C OU N TY • DINING • ENTER TAINMENT • NI GHTL IFE • SHOPPI NG
NOR TH COUNTY • DINING • ENTER TAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING
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Worcester colleges
For more information, check your college’s website for Earth Day activities.
go green for Earth Day By Maxine Giza On April 22, 1970, thousands of colleges and communities across America took part in Earth Day for the first time. Fast forward to 2015, and people around the world still use the day to focus on environmental concerns. One doesn’t have to go on a global expedition, however, to find people participating in the environmental movement. In Worcester, many college students will roll up their sleeves and engage in activities aimed at improving the welfare of our planet. Whether you are already a hardcore environmentalist or are just vaguely aware of how your actions can affect the planet, there is likely to be an event up your alley. Here is a brief overview of what some local colleges and universities will be doing in honor of Earth Day. The Sustainability Club at Assumption College will highlight the 45th anniversary of Earth Day by urging students to give a second thought to what they might be throwing away and how they are disposing of it (think batteries, paint, household chemicals, etc.). The club’s members want to remind people that trash is not merely goods tossed by the wayside but also includes uneaten food. Tons of garbage create a tremendous environmental problem, as well. To encourage better awareness of food waste and its disposal, the organization will sponsor a “Weigh Your Waste” event in the school’s dining hall. The word has been out for some time about the possible danger of global warming. Becker College will focus on the warming trend this Earth Day, and the Campus Activities Board will sponsor an event aimed at improving education on climate change. At least two schools in Worcester have decided there is such a tremendous amount to be done to promote awareness of global issues that one single day of
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activities is not enough. Both the College of the Holy Cross and Clark University will use an entire week to raise awareness surrounding sustainability. The College of the Holy Cross’ Purple Goes Green Week will focus on several environmental aspects, particularly recycling and reducing the school’s footprint. To do so, there will be an array of activities for students. Tours of the boiler room will be conducted, so students can see just how much power is required to run the campus. There will also be a demonstration designed to bring to light just how many items are needlessly discarded daily. Additionally, students will be able to purchase reusable cups as part of the college’s Crusader Cup campaign. Students interested in hearing the latest perspectives on the environment will have the opportunity to attend a panel discussion: Where Are We Regarding Sustainability? Similarly, during Clark University’s Earth Week, 20 student groups will display their commitment to creating a sustainable future. For example, Climate Change Teach-In Day is a united front of faculty and staff leading workshops, and there will be panels and speakers focusing on climate change. Also, students will have the opportunity to really dig in and show their athletic prowess by taking part in the Campus Conservation Nationals and Zero Waste Challenge. There will be bike tours throughout the city, guided walks of the Hadwen Arboretum, and a bus trip to a composting facility and solar farm. Some students may want to just kick back and relax as they learn through watching movies during the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in collaboration with the Greater Worcester Land Trust, including Cowspiracy (in collaboration with Activists United) and Growing Cities (in collaboration with Net Impact). There will plenty going on in Worcester on Earth Day; get out and check it out!
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