Pulse- July 2019

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PSFF

SUNSET IN THE CITY

4 M ay 20 19

Visit the Restaurants on Franklin Street

Catering & Event Space Available! www.gridhg.com

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2019 Y L U NE: J I Z A M AG E S L PU COVER STORY Beauty and Brains

FOOD + DRINK 8

ENTERTAINMENT Sad Summer Festival

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New Around the Woo:

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Recess Take 2

GameOn: 15 Shine Gaming Tournament Plugs into Woo Town

Beauty 8 & Brains

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The Central Scene

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Pulse Shots

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Club Listings

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Luxe List:

3 Summer Style Standouts

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420 in the 508:

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FindingBalance:

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All Time High Conversations Finding Freedom

Hot&Now 31 PulseBrew:

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ARTS + CULTURE Botany and Body Art:

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Tower Hill’s Botanical Tattoo Weekend

How To Shop Small

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And Stylish This Summer

Out and About:

Comprehensive Sex Ed is Needed

Center Tree Bar & Grill

STYLE + BEAUTY

LIFESTYLE

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Purgatory Beer Company

NowStreaming:

Carly Rae Jepsen / Joy Williams / The Cranberries

Dining Review:

StyleSavvy:

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Summer Style for Every Occasion

Paul Giorgio, Publisher pgiorgio@pagioinc.com Sloane Perron, Editor sperron@pagioinc.com Carl Marzolini, Art Director cmarzolini@pagioinc.com Justin Peacock, Events & Marketing cmarzolini@pagioinc.com David Simone, Vice President, Sales dsimone@pagioinc.com Chris Reddy, Sales chrisreddy515@gmail.com

READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TWITTER @WORCESTERPULSE • INSTAGRAM @WORCESTERPULSE • FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2019 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

Molly Prior, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Mike Wood, Maria Connors, Merilee Kern, John Trobaugh, Elliot Mercier, Bernie Whitmore, Paul Giorgio, April Goodard, Ryan Cashman, Rachel Shuster, Writers Cover photo credit: Matt Wright

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COVER STORY • BEAUTY & BRAINS

SUMMER IS HERE!

ALONG WITH ALL THE SUN AND FUN COMES BATHING SUIT FASHION. For this year’s Swimsuit Issue, Pulse Magazine wanted to pay homage to the past syle of the 50s while also showing how times have changed. These models demonstrate the best of beauty and brains.

Beauty & Brains Photography: Matt Wright • Swimsuits provided by Auburn Macy’s and are available for purchase at macys. com. • Makeup done by Tiffany Federico - Brighteyes Beauty Bar - Tiffany@brighteyesbeautybar.com or 727637-8824. • Hair styled by Brittany Danna, owner of Sage & Grace an Organic Salon. Assisted by Nikki Weidner. www.sageandgracesalon.com or 508-752-1727. • Dinky’s Blue Belle Dinner provided by Bruce Trotto • Special thanks to the Old Car Club Inc. of Shrewsbury: Bob Claflin - 1949 Chevy Convertible, John Peterson - 1947 Ford Four Door Sedan, Don Wiles - 1957 Ford Thunderbird

8 M ay 20 19

Q&A

by: sloane m. perron t h epu ls emag.com

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Q: HOW DO YOU DEFINE BEAUTY? DO YOU THINK YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL/HANDSOME? A: To me, beauty is finding peace with your imperfections and being confident. I am beautiful and I love myself. I have learned to live with and embrace my imperfections.

This has empowered me and given me the confidence needed, to take on challenges and chase my dreams.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN WORCESTER? A: Figure out what you want in life, in your career, or whatever it is and just go after it. You have to be actively working towards your goals at all times. Just saying that you want something is not enough.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? A: I genuinely love to nurse people back to health. My favorite part is watching my patients progress towards health throughout their hospital stay and knowing that I had a positive impact on their life.

DIA VALENTINE 27 • REGISTERED NURSE

Dia Valentine modeling California Waves Juniors’ Flounce Bikini Bandeau Top, $19.99; California Waves Juniors’ Shirred Hipster Bikini Bottoms, $19.99; and INC International Concepts Beach Tote, $39.50. macys.com.

JOY RACHELLE MURRIETA 32 - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAIN IDEA, WORCESTER

Joy Rachelle Murrieta modeling Ralph Lauren Beach Club High Neck Tummy Controlled One Piece, $108 and Nine West Black Hat Packable Super Floppy with Flower, $50. macys.com.

Q: HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? WOULD YOU CALL YOURSELF SUCCESSFUL? A: I actually think about this question a lot. I’ve always held a very high standard for myself and can often put a lot of pressure on myself to “be successful,” as an entrepreneur; however, I also have come to realize that, perhaps like beauty and art, success can also be very subjective. I think that being successful doesn’t have to look one definitive way, because everyone has different goals; it doesn’t matter if meeting your goals looks different than someone else meeting their own goals. Perhaps there are certain indicators that I subconsciously use and that society uses to define someone as “being successful,” but I find it best to try to focus on if I am successful in meeting my own personal and professional goals. Sometimes I am successful in accomplishing these goals sometimes I am successful in progressing toward my goals, and sometimes I am not successful in either. I do my best to accomplish my own goals, and am always setting new goals for myself; I think success is not so much a standard as it is a process.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT MEN OR WOMEN CANNOT BE ATTRACTIVE AND SMART AT THE SAME TIME? A: Perhaps that belief stems from one’s own insecurities. t h epu ls emag.com

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Q: HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? WOULD YOU CALL YOURSELF SUCCESSFUL? A: From my experience, success is completing the important life goals that you have set for yourself. I think there is much more success for me to earn, but up to this point I have been pretty successful for achieving some of my main goals to date, like getting a scholarship to play soccer in college, and graduating Assumption College with a major in International Business and a minor in Spanish.

Q: HOW DO YOU DEFINE BEAUTY? A: For me, beauty is any characteristic in something that makes it attractive and this doesn’t have to be just how you look because beauty is deeper than that.

Q: HOW DOES YOUR WORK IMPACT THE COMMUNITY AROUND YOU? A: Well with me focusing in construction insurance at the job I’m starting there’s a good possibility I will have influence on some of the projects that might affect the daily lives of many people living in Worcester, like highways, roads or new buildings. From living in Worcester for four years I know how difficult it can be to drive on some of the roads and highways so we want to make sure construction companies are properly insured to do the best job they can to repair these roads and highways. Same goes for buildings as I am starting to see first-hand Worcester’s transition to a more relevant and advanced city in Massachusetts.

RAHSAAN K. AKBAR, JR.

Rahsaan K. Akbar, Jr. modeling Club Room Men’s Quick-Dry Performance Solid Swim Trunks, $39.50 and Club Room Men’s Sailboat Quick-Dry 7” Swim Trunks, $45. macys.com.

21 • CONSTRUCTION ANALYST FOR LOCKTON COMPANY & RECENT ASSUMPTION GRADUATE

RYAN BRODIN 20 • BUSBOY/STUDENT

Ryan Brodin modeling INC International Concepts Deep Black Swim Trunks, $49.50 and “Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Hudson Surfer Graphic Swim Trunks $69.50. macys.com.

Q: HOW DOES YOUR WORK IMPACT THE COMMUNITY AROUND YOU? A: I would say that at my work we have a good atmosphere and we are able to create that sense of community in the diner, letting people know that Worcester is full of good people and things to do.

Q: HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? WOULD YOU CALL YOURSELF SUCCESSFUL? A: Success to me is not solely based on finances, it is based on the quality of life you maintain and how well you pursue your dreams. With that being said I do feel like I’m on a good path to success. However, being so young I know that my idea of success will change as the years go by.

Q: HOW DO YOU DEFINE BEAUTY? DO YOU THINK YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL/ HANDSOME? A: If I had to define beauty I would say that it is anything that you feel attracted to or if it creates an emotional response but I believe that everyone’s perception of beauty is different and it can vary greatly. I also think self-confidence is a key in today’s world so whether I am or not, I like to think I am a handsome person.

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Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? A: The thing I love most about my “civilian” job as a patient care coordinator, would be interacting with the patients and giving them a warm, pleasant experience in their not so ideal situations- as they are in pain and coming in for physical therapy, which is not always easy. I very much enjoy getting to know them and I learn a lot day in and day out, and spread kindness like wildfire.

As a member of the military, what I love most is the feeling of self-sacrifice. Of course no one desires giving up their weekend plans for the once a month drill commitment or to be sent out to extreme measures if it were to happen, but knowing that I have enlisted to help protect the country and do my part if need be is an empowering feeling.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN WORCESTER? A: Advice I would give to other young professionals would be to find what it is that speaks to you, and work hard at it. Every being is truly capable of doing anything they zone their sights in on. “If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way…if not, you’ll find an excuse.”- Jim Rohn

VICTORIA SCHLEGEL 27 • PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR & U.S. AIR FORCE RESERVES

Zydric-Elijah Guarin modeling Tommy Hillfinger Swim Trunks, $69.50. macys.com.

Victoria Schlegel modeling “California Waves Juniors’ Solid Smocked Bikini Top, $19.99; California Waves Solid Ruffle Side Cheeky Bottoms, $19.99 and INC Inertnational Concepts Kite Scarf, $18.50. macys.com.

ZYDRIC-ELIJAH GUARIN 21 • LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? A: As a landscape designer, I love the people in the job. The positivity that each crew member possesses. I love how I learn life lessons in this job from the people in it. My job makes me a better person in different ways. Lessons that I didn’t imagine I would learn as a landscape designer. The advice I get from the people in my job has also made me a better person and worker.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT MEN OR WOMEN CANNOT BE ATTRACTIVE AND SMART AT THE SAME TIME? A: I would say that it is more than possible for a man or woman to be smart and beautiful at the same time. Beauty and intelligence are seen differently by everyone. Believing that it isn’t possible is a mistake, because it is very possible.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN WORCESTER? A: A piece of advice I would give to other young professionals in Worcester is to never stop chasing their dreams. That their biggest motivator should be the people who don’t want them to succeed. Prove people wrong and set your dreams high. If people don’t laugh at your dreams and goals, then it isn’t big enough. There will be up and downs on their journey to success. But as long as they don’t give up and they keep going, their future is filled with endless possibilities. t h epu ls emag.com

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ENTERTAINMENT “SAD SUMMER FESTIVAL” HEATS UP THE MUSIC SCENE IN WORCESTER MOLLY PRIOR

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he music scene in Worcester is thriving this summer. From big name arena concerts at the DCU Center to smaller theater shows, to festivals there is sure to be something for everyone. At the historical Worcester Palladium, there are many events happening for all audiences. One of them is the “Sad Summer Festival”, a collection of artists from a wide range of genres, from EDM to alternative.

The festival will take place on Sunday, July 14th. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and the concert will begin at 2 p.m.

This is the second year that the festival has come to Worcester. Some of the artists that are set to appear are: The Maine, State Champs, 4 Years Strong and more. The festival is a traveling one, touring 17 other cities this summer including Atlanta, Philadelphia and New York City. The ticket prices are an average $35-$40.

Although the primary target audience are college age students and young adults, the event organizers hope that all ages will be encouraged to attend, as there will be different types of music. Tickets went on sale in March and preparation has been ongoing since. Chris

Beesaw is the main organizer of the event while Kim Carter is in charge of marketing and communications for the concert.

“Due to the event taking place outside at the Palladium Outdoors, we have more options as to what we can do with the concert,” said Carter, when talking about what can be expected at the event. “There will be food trucks and vendors, as well as bars.”

As for the musical acts that will be present for the event, Carter said attendee’s can expect a wide variety. There will be bands that are more well known, and some that are up and coming. “The Maine is the headliner, and they have a pretty big following. They participated in the ‘Warped Tour’ so it’s really exciting to have them come. Then we also have local bands to the Worcester area such as 4 Years Strong. This gives them a great opportunity to develop their audience and build on the fanbase they already have.”

The party doesn’t end after the show is over though.

After the concert, the “Sad Summer Nites” after-party will take place inside the Palladium, on the downstairs level. The after-party will feature DJ’s that were guests during the concert. It will give a more dance oriented and EDM spin on the event, as well as a chance for the DJ musicians to have their own time to shine. Tickets for the after party are $10, and doors will open at 10 p.m.

The event may be called “Sad Summer Festival”, but it will be sure to put a smile on your face and heat up your summer. From good food, to good music and good friends, it will be an overall great time. You won’t want to miss this summer music highlight.

FOR TICKETS, GO TO THEPALLADIUM.NET OR CALL (508) 797-9696.

With the festival scene becoming increasingly popular, it seemed like the ideal move to have one right here in Worcester. Carter talked about how she thinks music festivals bring a new type of enthusiasm and unity to the music scene not just in Worcester, but everywhere.

“With festivals, you have artists that you would probably never see together come on stage,” she explained.

“It encourages musical diversity. People may come for one band, but be completely surprised when they enjoy another one. Therefore they discover new music.”

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FOOD + DR I N K

NEW AROUND THE WOO

RECESS TAKE 2 RACHEL SHUSTER

S

tarted by business partners Chris Clark and Chris Goodney and located at 216 West Boylston Street in West Boylston, Recess Take 2 gives adults a second chance at playing their favorite schoolyard games.

The spot opened earlier this year and is already seeing major excitement from the community. “It’s really going well,” Clark said. “We loved this idea from the start. There are some things that we are doing that we didn’t expect, and some things that we planned for that we are changing. We are still in the learning phase but are completely humbled by the response so far.”

Both Clark and Goodney have been in different industries before Recess Take 2, but their love of fun and creativity brought the idea to life after years of talking about doing something together. “Chris [Goodney] has been in the bar industry his whole life, been a DJ and is a comedian,” Clark said. “I was in the gymnastics world before this in a family business.”

TD 10 PIN KICKBALL WIFFLEBALL DODGEBALL CORNHOLE AND MORE!

,,

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Basically, no matter what your party is looking for, Recess Take 2 has you covered!

14 M a y 20 19

One night in April of last year, Clark and Goodney went out and couldn’t agree on which bar or where to go. “We eventually decided but started talking about how we should build a place that we would want to go to, where we would have fun and that’s what sparked the concept.”

The name itself “Recess Take 2” was born out of an idea from the 90s and a shared love of arguably the best subject in school as a kid. “When Chris and I started talking about the concept, he said it was like an idea he had a while back to do indoor soccer and gear it towards the school theme,” Clark said. “When he said that we both knew right away. Recess is your most favorite subject in school and this concept gives adults a second chance at it.”

The 20,000 sq. ft warehouse is essentially an adult playground with different sections. The open space offers many life-size versions of your favorite childhood games and activities like Connect Four, Corn Hole, Darts, Scrabble, Jenga, Checkers, Chess, Battleship and more.

“The field section is a 5,000 sq. ft. Fenway replica where we do wiffleball, kickball and dodgeball,” Clark added.

“We are planning to start up leagues for all three.”

There’s also TD 10 Pin Lanes!

How could we forget the human Foosball?! “You’re the one moving around and moving the balls! That’s been a huge hit,” Clark said.

The space holds anywhere from two to 200 people, and happily accommodates large parties and groups.

“People can rent the open field area for corporate events, birthday parties, etc. and it is good for all ages: both kids and adults. We do recommend 12+,” he said.

Fundraising and working with the community has become a huge focal point for Recess Take 2. “We have a really great system for hosting fundraisers,” Clark said. “We want to utilize and work with the community to raise money for great causes. We’ve already held some great fundraisers at our space for sports teams and fire departments.”

Basically, no matter what your party is looking for, Recess Take 2 has you covered! “We can custom tailor the event to what you want including the time and structure,” Clark said. “The corporate events have really taken off. It’s a great team building opportunity where people can play all the games with a competitive nature to it!”

In the spirit of customization, Recess Take 2 can hold day or night events, and “close” is a flexible term!

However, standard hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 5 p.m. till close while Saturday and Sunday are open 12 p.m. till close.

The space also has a full, custom made bar serving 16 taps of all craft style beer. “We have some of the best local breweries on tap like Stone Cow and Castle Island and over 50 other selections of cans as well as a wine and liquor selection,” Clark added.

While Recess Take 2 doesn’t serve food, they do have a great partnership with Mill Restaurant that will provide food options as requested. “Anyone can bring their own food, but if you call ahead or plan a private party, we work with Mill Restaurant on a designed menu that provides food,” Clark said.

As for pricing, membership to Recess Take 2 is $20 per month, which includes discounts on rentals, unlimited free access to open field play, discounts on leagues, early registration opportunities for special events.

Non-members pay $15 for open play. TD 10 Pin Lanes is $50 per hour at a 2 hour minimum for members (up to 10 people) and $60 per hour at a 2 hour minimum (up to 10 people) for non-members. Field rental is $200 per hour for 30 people max for members and $250 per hour for 30 people max for non-members.

For more information, visit www.recesstake2.com. See you there!

" SHINE GAMING TOURNAMENT PLUGS INTO WOO TOWN" JASON SAVIO Gamers, get ready. Coming to Worcester this August is an eSports event that is sure to be fun and thrilling for participants and observers alike. Shine, a gaming tournament focusing on three Super Smash Bros. Nintendo games, will be hosted at the DCU Center on the weekend of August 23-25.

After previously plugging in and turning on at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston in previous years, Shine is now set to make its debut in Worcester. “Worcester has really shown its growth over the past few years and it’s always good to contribute to other parts of the area that we’re from,” said Colin Fyffe, co-founder of Shine and Chief Operating Officer of Big Blue, a game company originally based out of Boston and organizer of the competition.

ESports are multiplayer games usually played by professional gamers while an audience watches, either in person or online via Youtube or Twitch. There will often times be teams and leagues for specific games. The NBA, for example, held a draft to pick top-gamers for teams in its league based on the NBA 2K franchise. Yes, these gamers were drafted just like real athletes. Bet you didn’t know the Celtics have their own gaming team called Celtics Crossover.

But it’s not just based off of traditional sports games - eSports also include titles like Call of Duty and Fortnight. The concept has created a million-dollar industry with participants winning big cash prizes. In Shine’s case, you won’t need to be a professional gamer to enjoy the tournament. Anyone can sign up.

“IT’S A FESTIVAL WHERE YOU CAN SEE SOME REALLY HIGH-END VIDEO GAME PLAY AND ALSO HAVE SOME FUN YOURSELF,” Fyffe said.

Last year, Shine featured a Dragon Ball Z fighting game and Street Fighter. This year it is keeping with the fighting theme and bringing back three classics from Nintendo’s Gamecube, N64 and Switch consoles: Super Smash Bros., Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. An additional game, Brawlhalla, will also be featured.

“It’s a grass roots tournament for Super Smash Bros. that grew as a love for the game and the scene,” said Fyffe about the creation of Shine and the organizer’s affinity for the Smash Bros. series.

That love is shared by many. Fyffe expects 800 to1,200 entrants into the double elimination brackets. For $10 (not counting the $60-$80 you pay to get into the event), players can sign up for as many of the competitions as they want to perform in individually. The cash prize pool for each game will be given out at the end to that title’s respective winner. The weekend will build up to the championship round on Sunday.

“The live experience is like nothing else,” said Fyffe. “The crowd gets so into it and starts jumping out of their chairs.”

If that sounds too intense for you, fear not. Fyffe says that there will be Indie developers on hand showing off their games for people to try out, artist and merchandise booths and plenty of consoles set up around for you to just casually play if you’d like. There are also less serious tournaments where you can win Shine merchandise.

“It’s a very inclusive community and everyone is having a good time playing their favorite games,” said Fyffe. “There’s nothing quite like the experience of an eSports event, especially one grounded in a grass roots build-up. We do it because we love it.”

For more info, visit: https://smash.gg/tournament/shine-2019 t h epu ls emag.com

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NOW STREAMING

CARLY RAE JEPSEN/DEDICATED

JOY WILLIAMS/FRONT PORCH

MIKE WOOD

JENNIFER RUSSO

A tween popper no more, the “Call Me Maybe” singer emerges as a sexier, more adult version of her pop persona that debuted in 2011. With Dedicated, we hear an artist ready to embrace an image of her own creation, a singer-songwriter with a little more depth—just a little—than so much sugary pop generally allows. Carly Rae Jepsen is freer on Dedicated, unencumbered by expectations and unrestricted in displaying full womanhood with lyrics that are unmistakably a young woman who is no longer looking to appease parents or a tween fanbase (that has probably already moved on, anyway).

You may know Joy Williams as the beautiful female voice that made up one half of The Civil Wars, which sadly broke up several years ago. Thankfully, she continued on with her solo career and recently released Front Porch, an album that displays her insane range and folky, down-home sound. It is an unapologetic nod to living a full life, experiencing the hard moments, and learning from them to become a stronger person.

For the most part, Jepsen succeeds valiantly on Dedicated. Some listeners may take issue with one of the album’s shortcomings: its sameness. On some tracks Jepsen sounds like, well, anyone else in the pop universe. And while this can ensure radio, Spotify or Pandora playtime, it’s a disservice to an effervescent vocalist who has always been more than just another interchangeable, pop-friendly princess. We were privy to Dedicated’s first single, “Party For One”, way back in the fall of 2018, and while it launched a fervor for its party-time poppiness as well as its frankness in celebrating being single. It’s songs like “Julien” and “Too Much” that really shine on this album because they’re both catchy and a bit deeper than its debut single. But, if we’re keeping it real, depth is not what Jepsen has ever been about it. And we’re ok with that. We just want to dance, and with Dedicated, we get to do just that.

For more information, visit carlyraemusic.com.

My easy favorite on the whole album is the title song, “Front Porch”, which sounds like a love song. However, I took it to be a metaphor for getting back to your baseline, finding the home of what you know and who you are and what is meaningful to you when all is said and done. The heart-wrenching “When Does a Heart Move On” would make anyone who has gone through a really difficult breakup, or even a major loss of anyone they have loved, weep.

Another one on the top of my list is “When Creation Was Young”, which enters in like something you’d hear in a western-themed movie and carries the sound through the whole song. It brings you to a place where tumbleweeds are rolling by, someone is strumming on a guitar, horses are roaming – you get my drift.

If you like folk, country, acoustic or all three this album will have a little something for you. Joy’s voice is a sweet iced tea after a hot and humid day. Refreshing and just what you need to break from the craziness and feel a sense of home.

Visit her official website at: joywilliams.com.

GHOSTS OF THE FOREST/GHOSTS OF THE FOREST JASON SAVIO Trey Anastasio is hurting. The Phish guitarist’s latest collaboration sees him teaming up with familiar musicians, including Phish drummer Jon Fishman and bassist Tony Markellis, to form new group Ghosts of the Forest for a deeply personal collection of songs.

Ghosts of the Forest is a study in grief, loss and how one man deals with it. Anastasio has said that the recent death of a longtime friend sparked the creation and direction of much of the material here, and it’s clear when listening that he is trying to come to grips with losing his beloved friend while also coming to terms with his own mortality.

Try not to shed a tear in the moving “In Long Lines” when he recalls lighting a cigarette for his dying friend before singing, “Now it’s time to join the others, the lost, the loved ones, they’re moving around us and waiting in long lines.”

Ghosts of the Forest is also a master class in playing freely.

Anastasio is no stranger to improvisation, but on this record his guitar’s wailing feels punctuated with extra gusto and fearlessness. He shows why he’s one of the best guitarists today on “Ruby Waves” and the bluesy rock of “About to Run,” the ladder featuring a quick moment of particular jam perfection between he and Fishman.

It can be difficult to hear the normally cheerful Anastasio in such a sad state, but it is honorable for an artist to be so honest with his audience. If there’s a silver lining in any of this grief, it’s that it makes the listener more aware that not a second should be wasted in telling our loved ones how we feel. Like Anastasio asks in “Friend,” “Why do we have to wait until it’s gone to know what love is?”

For more, visit: http://trey.com/ghosts-of-the-forest/

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THE

CENTRAL

SCENE

Events happening in Central Mass.

Shrewsbury Street Walk and Rock For three consecutive Thursdays this July, fill your evening with a variety of live music and great food courtesy of local bands and your favorite Shrewsbury Street restaurants!

July 11, 18, 25; Shrewsbury Street, Worcester; free; shrewsburystreetwalkandrock.com.

Pulse Street Food Festival The First Annual Pulse Street Food Truck Festival is coming to Worcester!

Come enjoy a food truck feast with live performances and beer. Participating are some of the most popular food trucks in New England and a variety of craft vendors. Join us at Greater Good Imperal Brewing Company on Saturday, July 20th for an event second to none, you won’t want to miss this! A ticket gets you entry to the food truck festival, a VIP ticket gains you additional perks including a beer ticket, a private VIP area and exclusive VIP bathroom access.

5-9 p.m.; July 20; Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook St.; $5 - $25; https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/pulse-st-food-truck-festival-tickets-62670130046.

Impulse Zine & Friends Impulse Zine is an informal publication that highlights a small piece of Worcester’s large underground art community. This zine launch is also an all inclusive safe space for people of color and lgbt people as well. The event will feature local vendors, a live podcast with Q+A session, followed by a DJ set to close out the night.

5-9 p.m.; July 26; 20 Franklin St.; free to the public; discovercentralma.org/sp/impulsezine---friends.

Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Salute To Disney The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra presents an admission-free Salute to Disney Childrens’ and Family concert at Worcester’s Institute Park, part of the 2019 Bank of America Summer Concert Series. The concert will feature a wide-ranging program of Disney classics. Vocal soloists are Taylor Lawton and Elisabeth Gondek. Myron Romanul will conduct. The rain date is July 14.

7 p.m.; July 7; Institute Park, 100 Salisbury St.; free to the public; https://www.discovercentralma.org/sp/massachusetts-symphony-orchestra-salute-to-disney-summer-family-and-childrens--concert-in-institute-park/.

PULSESTFOODTRUCKFEST.COM

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PULSE SHOTS PHOTOS BY JUSTIN PERRY

GAZBAR – LEOMINSTER

MB LOUNGE – WORCESTER

WHITE EAGLE – WORCESTER

ROCK BAR – WORCESTER

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"Feel the beat of the city."

NUOVO – WORCESTER

THE PINT (TASTE OF SHREWSBURY STREET)

PICCOLO'S (TASTE OF SHREWSBURY STREET)

FLYING RHINO (TASTE OF SHREWSBURY STREET)

WORMTOWN BREWERY (TASTE OF SHREWSBURY STREET)

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ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Billy’s Pub

Electric Haze

Black Sheep Tavern

Firefly's / Dante's

81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484

435 Bar & Grill

435 Lancaster St., Leominster American Graffiti

113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010 Art’s Diner

541 W. Boylston St., Worc.

774-530-6120 B-Man’s 140 Tavern

348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 140pub.com July 21: Riff Raff The Banner Bar & Grille

Blueprint New American Bar & Grill

9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 July 11: Ken Macy July 12: Scott Babineau July 18: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell July 25: Dan Cormier July 26: Brian Chaffee Boardroom

139 Water St., Worc.

508-757-6259 boardroomwoo.com Boulder Cafe

880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008

112 Green St., Worc.

508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com

Breakaway Billiards

Barbers Crossing (North)

Bull Mansion

104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105

26 Millbury St, Worc.

508-799-0629 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com Forty’s

1030 Central St., Leominster 978-534-7026 Funky Murphy's Bar & Grill

305 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-753-2995 funkymurphys.com Gardner Ale House

74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Monday: Blue Mondays – Live Blues Thursday: Big Music Nights & Audio Wasabi Friday: Live Music Saturday: Live Music The GazBar Sports Grill

175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Friday: Bill McCarthy

55 Pearl St., Worc.

508-755-6070 bullmansion.com

Beatnik's

215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com

1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com July 11: Amanda Cote July 12: Macey & Gerrits July 13: Mark Femino July 18: The Maniac Love You July 19: Rick Hamel July 25: Joe Macey July 26: Randy McGravey July 27: The Lost Artifacts

Cedar Box Lounge

Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co.

433 Park Ave., Worc.

508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Wednesday: Wednesday Night Mayhem Thursday: Center Stage Karaoke Thursday: Throw back Thursdays July 6: That One Eyed Kid July 10: M.A.T.B. July 12: INFERNO ÆTURNUM TOUR featuring Harvest Manipulation and Path and special guests July 19: The Excrementals July 20: Tokyo Tramps July 26: Secret Rythym Project July 27: The Winter Project, with The Chelsea Curve and The Steamies Beer Garden Pavilion

64 Franklin St., Worc.

774-530-9000 beergardenma.com Jul 5: DJ Maz Jul 6: DJ Sisko Jul 11: DJ Money Beatz Jul 13: Summer Bash Featuring – Worcester Jazz Collective The Meadows Brothers, Shepards, Phil Cambra & The Space Cadets Noble Dust, Bandicoot & Undeclared Jul 14: Lord Hobo Brewery Presents Jul 18: DJ Jon Strader Jul 19: NEMS Jul 20: Maxi Flex Jul 21: Lord Hobo Presents Jul 25: DJ Jon Strader Jul 26: Lil Boii Kantu Jul 28: Reggae Bash with Rival Roots & Equalites Jul 31: Jaws – Original Movie Screening sponsored by Narragansett 20 M a y 20 19

Bull Run Restaurant

15 Hamilton St., Worc.

508-373-2314 Chuck’s Steak House and Margarita Grill

10 Prospect St., Auburn 508-832-2553 chucks.com Classic's Pub

285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Columbia Tavern

28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 Compass Tavern

90 Harding St., Worc.

508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Friday: DJs Friday: Live Acoustic Saturday: DJs Days End Tavern

287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 July 12: DJ Runaway July 19: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell July 26: Jeff Anderson The District

109 Water St., Worc.

508-756-2100 districtworcester.com

55 Millbrook St., Worcester ggimperials.com July 5: Kerr Griffin July 6: Stomp and Holler Trio July 7: Evie Joy July 11: Still Water String Band July 12: Mike Ladd July 13: Paul Courchaine July 14: Jesse Ljunggren July 18: Victoria Kelly July 19: Sk Mashshall and Co. July 20: Hit The Bus July 21: Worcester Jazz Collective July 25: James Keyes July 26: Jay Graham July 27: Colt and the Coyotes July 28: The Carlos Odria Trio Greendale's Pub

404 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-853-1350 greendalespub.com July 12: Dock Ten July 13: Dock 10 July 13: Fellowship of The King July 14: Tony Soul hosts the Greendales Sunday Jam with Mike Kalenderian July 19: Riff Raff July 20: Government Surplus July 21: Greendales Sunday Jam featuring Clay Brown July 26: The Verge July 28: Greendales Sunday Jam featuring Mike Lynch

Halligan's Sports Bar and More

889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halliganssportsbarandmore.com Happy Jack’s

785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 July 5: Sean Fullerton July 6: Alan Goodrich July 12: Rick Hamel July 13: Double Barrel July 19: Steve Tolley July 20: Dave Malouin July 26: Jim Weeks July 27: Amanda Cote Hotel Vernon

1 Millbury St., Worc.

Indian Ranch

200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 indianranch.com July 13: Bruce In the Usa July 14: The Mavericks July 21: George Thorogood & The Destroyers July 27: Get The Led Out July 28: Scotty McCreery Legends

Airport Rd., Fitchburg 978-342-6500 www.facebook.com/centericebar Leitrim's Pub

265 Park Ave., Worc.

508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com The Local Tavern

680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 Friday: Live Music Saturday: Live Music Loft 266 Bar & Lounge

266 Park Ave., Worc.

508-796-5177 loft266.com Tuesday: Karaoke Tuesdays Wednesday: Music Bingo Wednesdays Thursday: DJ X Kaliber Friday: DJ Joe T Saturday: DJ Joe T Marty's Pub

225 Canterbury St., Worc.

508-754-0033 martyspub.com MB Lounge

40 Grafton St., Worc.

508-799-4521 mblounge.com Wednesday: Karaoke with Mikey Mic's Medusa Brewing Company

111 Main St., Hudson 978-310-1933 medusabrewing.com Meze Estiatorio

116 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-556-4242 mezeestiatorio.com July 9: The Ethan Bates Orchestra July 11: Blue Light Bandits

July 16: Dan DeCristofaro Solo July 18: The Phase July 23: Dan DeCristofaro Solo July 25: Dezi Garcia July 30: Dan DeCristofaro Solo

Padavano’s Place

The Raven

Michael’s Cigar Bar

The Palladium

261 Main St., Worc.

508-797-9696 thepalladium.net July 6: Have Heart July 6: Static-X & Devildriver July 14: Sad Summer Festival July 14: Sad Summer Nites July 18: Miss May I & The Word Alive July 28: The Menzingers - Summer 2019 July 30: Stick To Your Guns

River Styx Brewing

1 Exchange Place, Worc.

508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com July 5: David Bazan July 6: Abraxas July 10: Mike Melendez July 11: Dezi Garcia July 12: The Ed Sullivans July 13: Stubby Philips & The Flatheads July 17: Dan DeCristofaro July 20: The Real Cool Cats July 24: Dezi Garcia July 25: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell July 26: Jodee & The Unfaithful July 27: Zeke Martin Jazz Band July 31: Dan DeCristofaro The Mill 185

185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com July 5: Katie O'Brien Duo July 6: James Keyes July 11: Night Train July 12: Giulianno D'Orazio July 13: Joe Macey July 18: Chad Clements July 19: Jay Graham July 20: Sarah Carcia July 25: Tim Leavitt July 26: Amanda Cote July 27: Bill McCarthy Mill City Pub

358 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

774-823-3022 padavanosplace.com

Park Grill and Spirits

257 Park Ave., Worc.

Partner's Pub

970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sunday: Karaoke Wednesday: Karaoke Friday: Karaoke July 13: Sean Daley & The Hooligans July 20: Modern Relics July 27: Brother Kerry & The Hoptones Patsie Dugan's

49 Millbury St., Worc.

508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com The Pint

58 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-414-1314

19 Airport Rd., Fitchburg 978-342-2134 July 13: Darren Bessette July 20: Lost Artifacts July 27: Overdrive

Point Breeze On the Lake

Mill Street BBQ Company

536 Lincoln St., Worc.

508-856-9255 Saturday: Karaoke Saturdays July 19: Kryngle Daly

242 Mill Street Worcester, MA 508-762-9990 July 3: David Bazin July 6: Boogie Chillin July 10: Ashley Jordan July 12: Tony Soul July 13: Windfall Band July 17: Chris Houston July 27: Recycld Dysfunkshn July 31: Sara French The Monument Tap

13 Central St., Leominster 978-798-4653 monumenttap.com July 10: Wicked Pissah show's open mic comedy Chaos The Muse

536 Main St., Worc.

508-756-6873 Nick's Bar and Restaurant

124 Millbury St., Worc.

508-753-4030 Olde Post Office Pub

1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106

114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Press Box

Purgatory Beer Company

670 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville 508-596-2194 Quinn’s Irish Pub

715 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-459-2025 quinnsirishpub.com July 5: Old Town July 10: Sarah Carcia July 11: Sam James July 12: Graham Brown July 13: Whitney Doucette July 17: Lizzy Marquis July 18: Sam James July 19: FM Live July 20: Kevin Shields July 25: Chad Clements July 26: Ashley Jordan July 27: Jae Mannion July 31: Mike Melendez Ralph's Chadwick Square Diner

148 Grove St., Worc.

508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com

258 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-304-8133 Wednesday: Open Mic 166 Boulder Dr., Fitchburg http:www.riverstyxbrewing.com Thursday: Thursday Night Trivia July 5: The Hunters Bow July 6: Paul Rodriguez Band July 12: Katie Dobbins July 13: Amanda McCarthy July 19: Mama Ain't Dead July 20: Dwayne Haggins July 26: Ryan Hood July 27: Jason Graham Rock Bar

81 Water St., Worcester 774-243-7000 Wednesday: Karaoke July 5: Dezi Garcia July 5: Rock Show Radio July 6: Grace Drive July 7: Jesse Garcia July 12: The Rails July 13: Diver 9 July 14: Sean Ryan July 19: Sunset Strippers July 20: Dazed - Led Zep Tribute July 26: Dezi Garcia July 26: Rock Show Radio July 27: Double Shot July 28: Kevin Shields Rye & Thyme

14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com July 5: Stephanie Rogers & Joe Mazzarella July 6: Sean Daley July 7: Nico Rivers July 11: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell July 12: The Maniac Loves You July 14: Rivers Between July 18: Ken Macy July 19: The Royal Furs July 20: The Undertoe July 21: Sean Fullerton July 25: Paul Courchaine July 26: Trakdown July 27: Randy McGravey Trio July 28: Zack Slik Singapore Restaurant

170 Whalon St., Fitchburg 978-345-0132 www.facebook.com/ singaporerestaurantMA South Side Grille & Margarita Factory

242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com July 5: Kevin Shields July 6: Sufferin Bastards July 12: Kyle & Matt Black July 13: Go Gadget Go July 19: DJ Hayley July 20: Darren Bessette July 26: DJ Hayley July 27: Ken Macy Spruce Street Tavern

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

The Sunset Tiki Bar

79 Powers Rd., Westford 978-692-5700 sunset-tiki.com Wednesday: Chris Reddy Acoustic Narragansett Promo The Tavern on Central

3 Central St., Ashburnham 978-827-1272 thetavernoncentral.com July 5: Midnight Sharp July 12: Lizzy Marquis July 13: Ryan Hood July 20: Dan Cormier July 26: Scott Babineau Tryst Lounge

320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-400-7906 www.thetrystlounge.com Friday: DJs Saturday: DJs Victory Bar & Cigar

56 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com Vincent's Bar

49 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-752-9439 Tuesday: Boogie Chillin' Tuesdays Wachusett Brew Yard

175 State Rd. E, Westminster 978-874-9965 http:www.wachusettbrewingcompany. com Whiskey Hookah Lounge

316 Main St., Worc.

Whiskey on Water

97 Water St., Worc.

774-578-8829 Sunday: Video Karaoke with DJ Soup Wednesday: Video Karaoke with DJ Soup Thursday: DJ Cuz'n Kev Friday: DJ TecThreat Saturday: Rotating DJs July 5: Mockingbirds July 6: Travelling Wanna B's July 12: Hit the Bus July 13: MB Padfield July 19: Eric Paquette July 20: Gun Powder & Lead July 26: Swipe Right Duo July 27: Vibrant White Eagle Polish Club

112 Green St., Worc.

774-245-1991 Thursday: DJs Friday: DJs Saturday: DJ's July 20: We and The Dawg t h epu ls emag.com

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22 M a y 20 19

LUXE LIST: 3 SUMMER STYLE STANDOUTS MERILEE KERN In today’s fashion scene, many seek to score styles that are Instagram-worthy. With those social media moments in mind, here are three snap-worthy fashion finds sure to earn attention and elicit those coveted likes.

SEBASTIEN BARTHELEMY S&B APPAREL

GRAYSON MONÁE HANDMADE FLATS & FASHION ACCESSORIES Grayson Monáe flats are walking works of art that are handmade to perfection by skilled artisans with 100% genuine leather, exquisite hand embroidery, impeccable craftsmanship, premium fabric, fine silk thread and padded soles.

These characteristics, along with the attention to detail paid to each shoe, make them one-of-a-kind classics. Everything from the embroidery to the stitching, to the pearl and bead placement, to the unique designs are crafted by talented artisans. These flats are not only stylish, unique, comfy and cute, they’re also affordable with options starting at $45. They’re also highly versatile and can be worn with absolutely anything, including jeans, tights, skirts, shorts, or even formal dresses. Designed with women of all ages in mind, these are statement shoes certain to draw attention of the best kind. Indeed, not only do they look good on women, but teenage daughters will love them, too. In addition to the fabulous flats, Grayson Monáe also sells handmade clutches to match and beautifully-embroidered handmade scarves.

GraysonMonae.com.

Sebastian Barthelemy’s S&B, a fashion company located in Seine-et-Marne, France, offers a wide selection of t-shirts and hoodies featuring colorful pop culture designs based on various heartshaped emojis. Mom can wear these shirts to express what she’s feeling with universal love and humor. Designs for women, men and children include famous personalities, country flags and other fun and heartfelt ways to communicate through clothing. S&B believes that the symbol of the heart is extremely communicative and profoundly universal, and serves as the inspiration for their design ideas. Something else to love is the fact that all of the garments are made from 100 percent sustainable, organic cotton. www.SandB-English.

DOONEY & BOURKE ‘CALDWELL’ DESIGN HANDBAGS The Caldwell Collection from Dooney & Bourke exemplifies understated elegance. These chic, structured bags created from python-embossed leather are refined but with a touch of glam courtesy of the gold-plated hardware embellishment. The collection of products has also been treated to repel some moisture, so those spring showers are nary a worry. One option I especially adore from the line is the Caldwell Flynn Handbag, which features rich textures of that python-embossed leather that elevates this fashion-forward bag. Soft pleats and a gold logo round out the look on the exterior, while inside there’s a light twill lining — a bright pop of red juxtaposing my choice of the deep espresso brown option. Aside from its aesthetics, what I adore about this handbag is that it’s extremely roomy, with the main compartment holding an abundant amount while also keeping you organized courtesy of deep-set pockets galore. Dooney.com.

Another piece that I especially like for when I only need to carry essentials is the Caldwell Zip Clutch. The exotic texture of python is once again artfully imprinted in leather, making this eye-catching clutch an instant outfit changer. Its classic, timeless shape makes this clutch a perfect companion. It can also be used as a coordinating wallet with the Flynn Handbag. For an effortless polish, day or night, Caldwell bags are a great choice for the season and beyond.

As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist. As prolific consumer trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. The best-of-the-best across all product, service and travel categories—as well as noteworthy marketplace change makers, movers and shakers—are spotlighted in her exclusive cross-media platform that reaches multimillions each month through several syndication channels: print and online publications as well as broadcast TV and terrestrial radio. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/ LuxeListReviews / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor / Facebook www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList / LinkedIN swww.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.

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OUT & ABOUT

COMPREHENSIVE SEX ED IS NEEDED

JOHN TROBAUGH I support comprehensive sex education, because this includes healthy relationships, including LGTBQ+ as well as consent and more. I know that this most recent attempt to modernize the curriculum was stymied by a few. I think there were flaws in the process (more community engagement is always a good choice), but we should keep in mind (according to data presented by Dr. Matilde Castiel), 92% randomly selected voters believe feel sexual education should be taught in Worcester High Schools and 87% believe sexual education should be comprehensive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and the Worcester Board of Health presentations, when comprehensive sexual education is taught, there is a 12% decrease in sexual activity, a 14% decrease in the number of sexual partners, a 25% decrease in unprotected sexual activity, a 13% increase in the use of protection and a 31% decrease in the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI). It is clear that our community needs comprehensive sexual education, not just to prevent pregnancies, but to increase the health of our community.

It is important to note the percentages of different sexual orientations and gender identites in the Worcester Public Schools. In 8% of Worcester Public School grades 7-12, children openly identify as Transgender. 11% of the same age group identified as Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual, then 3% identify as something other than those options and an additional 6% were not sure how they would publicly identify themselves. This is important since LGBTQ+ relationships are not currently a part of the standardized curriculum in Worcester Public Schools.

The following are some important notes about the groundwork laid to get comprehensive sexual education in the Worcester Public Schools. Worcester: Impacting Sexual Health (WISH) Task Force (2015-2018) was a community task force with the goal to improve educational, economic and social outcomes for Worcester youth by making a positive impact on adolescent sexual health and creating an environment that supports healthy relationships. I was a community member on the taskforce and we had hoped to build momentum to get comprehensive sexual education passed for our schools (among many other goals). The taskforce was supported in part by a grant and Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM). Planned Parenthood in the South helped my best friend when she was pregnant but not in a relationship. I was recently elected to the board of directors of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM).

Join me in asking the school committee and our mayor to enact a comprehensive sexual eduation policy that takes into account Worcester’s great diversity, while protecting our youth.

24 M a y 20 19

420 IN THE 508: ALL TIME HIGH CONVERSATIONS

ELLIOT MERCIER Just like how you can say there’s an app for about everything, you can almost as easily say that there’s a con or event for everything as well. We live in an age where being a nerd is incredibly easy and fun with the amount of groups and organizations around to perpetuate it. This brings me to the topic at hand today, marijuana conventions are coming into full swing this summer within Western Mass. Ever since the push for recreational marijuana use last year, the amount of events and efforts generated by the movement has been astronomical. Conventions, business depots and more are numbering in the dozens at the time of this writing, and the quantity is only going to increase if these events are successful and viable.

Considering the recent introduction and influx of the weed convention (I’m just not going to say “con” in this context because the subject matter just makes it sound like I’m suggesting fraudulent activity), there isn’t a lot of information available on who got the big idea first or how much money was gained from the first attempt. Sources do suggest that the first convention to really gain traction and attention was an event in Cleveland, Ohio back in late January, which brought in almost two thousand participants. The level of success can be attributed to the stellar staff and companies giving comprehensive descriptions of medical and recreational marijuana, as well as the low entry fee: ranging from eight to ten dollars on average.

The purpose of these conventions and meetups can vary but they’re simple in comparison to some of the more elaborate events that hold Boston and Union Station hostage during the summer. Either the event will be fueled by the social aspect that will be fulfilled by all the enthusiastic participants and help pay the bills through merchandising and music shows, or it will be held up by an elaborate booth system and seminar that encourages and guides growing, budding businesses.

If you’re curious and aching to go to one of these celebrations of greenery, there will be plenty of options this year. There will be the Boston CannaCon on July 27th and 28th, the Springfield version will be taking place in late August. There is also the Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition taking place in Boston at the end of October for those looking in jumpstarting personal interest in the industry.

There’s a convention or special event for almost every conceivable interest nowadays, some obvious and given, like gun shows and ComicCon, and some a bit more obscure and head-tilting to the general public, like the one where everyone dresses as Abraham Lincoln or pretends to be a mermaid and swim at the YMCA. Then you have these green parades and botanist’s receptions that I predict won’t have a hard time becoming normalized as the years pass on and success stays consistent. Last year was the opening of the floodgates for the entire industry, this year and onward is the time of ambition and experimentation.

9 HARRISON ST. WORCESTER, MA 01604 OPEN DAILY, INCLUDING SUNDAY 774.243.1760

MA.GOODCHEM.ORG

Please Consume Responsibly. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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FINDING FINDING FREEDOM

JENNIFER RUSSO In this great country, we go into July ready to celebrate. The understanding that many years before us there were courageous men and women who were determined to live in a free country, not under the rule of another. These patriots fought for the freedom to practice the religion we wanted, to have the chance to live a life of new opportunity, to create our own government and to carve a new path.

When I think about the practice of yoga and meditation, I am grateful for the freedom it also gives. It is a moment to let go of stress, busy thoughts, and detoxify from the external world and look within. It is the opportunity to simply trust the universe and live mindfully, freeing us up to notice the current moment instead of past pains or future worries. Mostly, it is freedom to loosen our hold on the need to control everything in our life and to accept ourselves for who we are.

Independence comes from this knowledge of who we are and being okay with that. We strive for perfection so much in our lives that we tend to forget that there is no actual need for it. We are already perfect without trying to achieve and be more. We are enough, just as we are, right now. The freedom behind understanding this truth is immeasurable.

There is also a freedom in realizing that we have enough. We always want more – the next new thing – the trendy outfit, the newest phone, the sleek car…but we don’t need these things. Are they nice to have? Sure. But they are not necessary to our happiness and wellbeing. If we have what we need in the non-material sense, it is enough. Much of the time these items just distract us from living fully. Being content and not relying on getting things, but rather finding what the true source of our joy is will bring a different level of freedom.

The pure light in me honors and respects the pure light in you. You are enough. You are free. Namaste.

POSE OF THE MONTH: LOCUST POSE Lay on your stomach with your arms by your sides, palms facing down to the ground and feet pointed toward the back of the room. Lift your chest off the ground and hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Lift your chest and arms (keeping them straight) and hold for 5 seconds. Rest. Now lift your chest, arms, and legs to a hover and hold for 10 seconds. Don’t forget to breathe throughout. This exercise strengthens your back and core and tones your arms, hamstrings and glutes.

-example of the locust pose.

26 M a y 20 19

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FOOD + DR I N K

DINING REVIEW

BERNIE WHITMORE

E

very few months, we take a timeout from Worcester dining and venture into the surrounding towns. Almost invariably I’m surprised at what we find; scenes where the locals are enjoying establishments which would rank among the hottest restaurants of Worcester.

Now, Rutland has revealed their best-kept dining secret: Center Tree Bar and Grill. Located in the town’s center in a commercial building set perpendicular to Route 122A, it’s easy to spot just as you’re passing by it.

Once inside, we found a spacious room with rows of booths, high-top tables and a large bar. Always a good sign, on this mid-weeknight it was close to filled. Shannon, our server, needed a couple encounters with us before warming up to my companion and I, but once we became at ease with each other I came to appreciate her understated humor and helpful recommendations.

Center Tree’s appetizer list contains some standard items and a few unusual combinations. Consider their Totchos, a merging of the perpetually-popular “tater tots with cheese sauce, chicken and other toppings”. I considered ordering Lobster Arancini, but in the end we decided on Fried Calamari and Shrimp. Served on a leaf-shaped white dish, my first impression was that the portion seemed less than generous. But this was a dish that kept on giving.

Tightly packed medium-sized shrimp fried golden brown clung to calamari rings and tangles of tentacles, all drizzled with a creamy lemon aioli. As we began to stab pieces of seafood I realized how densely packed it all was. Then, we hit the contrasting flavor agents. Garlic confit: tender cloves of garlic whose flavor had been tamed to creamy and mild.

Cherry tomatoes: flecked with aromatic herbs, their natural sugars concentrated by a charring from an encounter with the hot grill.

It was with some trepidation that I arrived at my entrée decision, Korean Short Rib Tacos. After all, how interesting could a taco be? I’d soon find out.

The Center Tree serves three soft corn tortillas packed with strips of tender beef, crunchy red cabbage slaw and pickled red onion laced with razor-thin slices of hot pepper that set the dish ablaze with tasty sparks of flavor. Buttressing all of this is their red chili paste (gochujang) aioli that melded with the other ingredients and soaked the tacos with flavor.

Shannon had asked if I wanted my tacos with fries, onion rings or both. Of course, I chose both. They arrived as a huge

28 M a y 20 19

Center Tree Bar & Grill 249 Main Street, Rutland

Phone: (774) 234-0234 www.centertreebarandgrill.com

mound of deep-golden goodness taking an entire side of the dish. Both were crispy-thin and creamy on the inside. But the rings were more like onion strings, one of our all-time favorites.

How interesting are tacos? When you blend the deep, honest, beefy richness of short ribs with sharp flavor and textural contrasts, the answer is,

“WHO CARES? THAT ONE WAS AWESOME AND I STILL HAVE TWO OF THEM ON MY DISH!” My glass of Road 2 Ruin Double IPA had plenty of hoppy bitter assertiveness to make it the Craft Draft Match to the tacos. R2R is brewed by Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford, Connecticut.

So far the chef had proven his knack for innovating some of the basics of informal dining. With my companion’s entrée, Scallop Risotto, things got seriously interesting.

Once placed on the table, our first reaction was to take pictures. Set in a pool of sauce, a center row of deeply seared sea scallops was lined by parallel rows of charred cherry tomatoes all set over a bed of creamy smashed green spring peas blended with (we’d soon discover) orzo. Sprinkled about were chunks of crunchy pan-fried pancetta. Green, white and red; it looked like the Italian flag.

Technically, by using orzo instead of rice, I believe this dish would be more aptly titled Scallop Risoni, but that’s quibbling. Let’s get to the flavor.

My companion reported the scallops as perfectly braised, tender and fresh. The tomato or two I snagged literally popped with rich juices. The bright-green spring pea - orzo combination provided mild flavor and a creamy textural counterpoint. But that sauce! Its smooth flavor suggested several aromatic herbs, but we just couldn’t decide which.

And then the chef stopped by with the answer: tarragon. Of course! One of my favorite herbs and, alas, one that’s rarely encountered.

Our dining experience at the Center Tree was memorable and within days I’d recommended them to friends who are always on the lookout for new dining options. However, the real news could be another entrée on their menu, Chicken & Waffles. Word is, this is the same version I’ve been talking about for a couple years transported to Rutland.

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30 M a y 20 19

HOT & NOW What’s hot and happening now in the restaurant scene

PAUL GIORGIO

PULSE STREET FOOD FESTIVAL. The first annual Pulse Street Food Festival featuring 15 food tucks, live music and lots of other activities will take place July 20 from 5-9 p.m. at the Greater Good Brewery on Worcester’s Millbrook Street.

There will be plenty of free parking. For tickets visit http://pulsestfoodtruckfest.com.

TOSS UP. The judges have decided! The winner of the best food at June’s Taste of Shrewsbury Street is the Vintage Grille. There was a tie for 2nd place between Meze and Simjang. Miranda Bread won an award for the best dessert on the street and The Flying Rhino Café was chosen as the best Party on the Street. The semi-annual event will return Columbus Day weekend, with a Sunday afternoon version. About 3,000 people braved the weather to enjoy food and music on Worcester’s restaurant row.

TAKE THE BAIT. It looks like a new seafood restaurant will soon be opening in Worcester’s Lincoln Plaza. There is a sign on the former Plaza Azteca touting the opening of Hook & Line with a picture of seafood. No news on an opening date.

JUST IN TIME FOR BASTILLE DAY. Rumor has it that a French

restaurant will be opening on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street. It will open in the space that formerly housed Meze until they recently moved down the street.

WON’T YOU COME HOME BILL BRADY? Rumor has it that Bill Brady

the former owner of Princeton’s Sonoma before they moved to the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester has left the restaurant.

WORLD CHAMPION. Geoffrey Esper of Oxford surprisingly defeated World Eating Champion Joey Chestnut for the Donnettes eating championship recently in Austin,Texas. Esper ate 257 Donettes in six minutes. This event took place on national donut day WE ARE WONDERING. We hear that the iconic Wonder Bar Restaurant which has been around for almost 100 years, will soon expand and do outdoor dining. This would cut down the wait time at the Shrewsbury Street eatery long known for its thin crust pizza SOME OPEN, SOME CLOSE. A new restaurant will soon open in the space that once housed the old Keepers Pub on Route 12. Table 12 will be owned by the same folks who own the widely popular Black & White Grille in Spencer.

CLOSER TO HOME FINDS, TWO NEW WORCESTER RESTAURANTS OPENING THE LAST WEEK OF JUNE.

Scruffy Murphy’s the younger version of Funky Murphy on Shrewsbury Street, opened in Worcester’s Tatnuck Square. While Russo’s Italian restaurant opened the same week in the Canal District. And one closed. We hear that the Azorean Bistro in Quinsigamond Village closed its doors recently. This was a family spot that served Portuguese food from the Azores.

IN THE DISTRICT. Vibrations Nightclub will be the name of the place opening on Water Street where the District was formerly located. The new owner is Mike O’Bara who also recently purchased the 3 G’s on Worcester’s Millbury Street.

IT’S RUFF OUT THERE. Beatnik’s on Worcester’s Park Avenue has come up with a great idea -Yappy Hour. You can bring your pet, sit outside and enjoy doggie themed Cocktails. They are also raising money for the Worcester Animal Rescue League. Check it out for dates and times.

IT’S NOT MUNICH BUT. Worcester’s first new entertainment venue in

downtown opened the last week of June. The Pavilion at the Beer Garden holds about 300 people in a state-of-the-art music pavilion across the street from the Worcester Common. According to manager Leigh Urbano, they will host a variety of music at the venue.

AUGUST 8, 9, 10, 11, 2019 AT OUR LADY OF LORETO CHURCH 37 MASSASOIT RD, WORCESTER, MA

ITALIAN FOOD SELECTIONS, WITH SOME CLASSICS FOR THE KIDS, SERVED ALL WEEKEND. PERFORMANCES BY WINDFALL, BOOMBOX, JOHNNY VINCENT, DRIVE SOUTH, AMBROSIANI & JOE CARIGLIA. CHECK-IN FOR UPDATES & SCHEDULES AT MOUNTCARMELFESTIVAL.ORG

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PULSE BREW PURGATORY BEER COMPANY

RYAN CASHMAN Purgatory Beer Company of Whitinsville has not been in the game long. This fall will mark its second year of strong business and top notch beer making. I profiled Purgatory last August as they rounded out their first year of business.

I checked back in a few weeks ago to sample some of the new beverages Kevin and Brian have been brewing up. Here’s a round up of what they’ve got for you this summer:

LITTLE MISS LOCO: A variation of their Miss Swiss Porter. If it were possible to create a “summer” porter, Purgatory has done it. Little Miss Loco is extremely light for a dark beer.

The ABV is low - only around 5% - and it is not harshly malty or overindulgent in its coffee flavors as many porters have a tendency to be. This is, perhaps, because they’ve brewed the Loco using cold brew coffee from Loco Coffee Co., hence the name. Cold brew, when it’s distilled with water, lends a smoother, crisper taste than traditional hot brews and works very well for this beer. The Little Miss Loco is a porter that won’t leave you feeling heavy in the summer heat.

573 IPA:

A very hoppy beer. The 573 is less subtle than some of Purgatory’s other IPA concoctions. The hops attack you immediately, muting the other flavors so much it could be mistaken for a double or even a triple IPA. The 573 is more of a West Coast IPA. It’s quite clear and doesn’t smack of any citrus. Once the hops settle down, you’re left with a tangy aftertaste which paired brilliantly with the spicy tamales I’d purchased from the food truck outside. It is not my favorite brew of theirs, but it’s certainly better than others you’ll find in the area.

ABBOT ROAD CREAM ALE: A lemony revelation. This beer is like a bitter, alcoholic lemon square. When poured it looks like a frothy glass of milk, but upon first sip you realize it’s anything but. The creaminess combines with the lemon in a way that makes the beer very easy to drink. It’s like a shandy in that sense. You could be several glasses in before you realize how much you’ve had. There’s not much more to be said about this beer. It’s just good!

SHAKE YOUR HONEY MAKER: A better honey beer. A few months back, I reviewed Start Line’s Honey Ritual Pale Ale and expressed my lack of enthusiasm for it. The Honey Maker is the superior brew. It is light on honey, but not in the way of Start Line’s being almost non-existent. No, the honey flavors here are not masked, but encouraged by the other floral notes that accompany each crisp sip. The beer leaves a tingling sensation where each pop releases a new honey note. From the tasting, I wager the honey used was derived from orange blossoms, because there is a mild citrus aftertaste on the finish. A brisk refreshment for a hot afternoon.

Purgatory has also started canning. When I was last there they had cans of the Low Down DIPA and Two Car Garage DIPA chilling in the fridge on the far wall. They should be canning up some more over the summer. Still, there’s always a growler fill. Cheers!

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JULY 18, 2019

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ART & CULTURE

BOTANY AND BODY ART: TOWER HILL’S BOTANICAL TATTOO WEEKEND MARIA CONNORS

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f you played a word association game with the phrase ‘botanical garden’, one idea that would certainly fall close to the end of your list is ‘tattoo convention’. The connotations attached to each phrase may seem paradoxical, and the concepts hardly sound compatible. And yet, Tower Hill Botanical Garden is defying stereotypes and radicalizing the use of botanical gardens to display a myriad of flower-inspired tattoos in their second Botanical Tattoo Weekend.

The second iteration of the event is scheduled for the weekend of July 20th, with programming running Saturday through Sunday. The event will showcase an expanded variety of the artists and activities offered at the first Botanical Tattoo Weekend in 2017.

Kirsten Swartz, Events Manager of Tower Hill Botanical Garden, spoke about the event. Tattoo artists are given an inventory of all of the flowers currently in bloom at Tower Hill to inspire their work. Swartz said that one of her favorites parts of the event is seeing people take pictures of their new tattoos alongside the flower it was based on. Live tattoo demonstrations showing artists connecting with botanical illustrations attract many people to the event, but there are also ways to participate that are a little less permanent. The event boasts a beer garden, live music, food and walking tours of the garden throughout the day. Face painting and henna will be available, as well as arts and crafts activities, like flower printmaking, for a younger generation of tattoo lovers and blossoming botany experts.

Swartz is excited to announce that the weekend is going to be “bigger and better” than the first, with three art workshops hosted every day instead of just one. The art exhibit, that showcases both local and international talent, will be on display from mid-July to mid-September. When asked about the general response to the event, Swartz said of the first Botanical Tattoo Weekend, “It was surprising to a lot of people internally, which is why we were kind of conservative the first time around.” The success of the first event firmly established it as a weekend worth repeating; Swartz is excited about the future of the event and the new faces it will bring to the garden. She said the last event attracted “a lot of younger people and a lot of students” and that many memberships, including student memberships, were sold that day. She said that this is “a good sign the event resonates with people”, which has helped inspire its growth.

Several tattoo artists who are participating in the tattoo weekend spoke about their expectations for the event. Zafera Kambouris of North Moon Tattoo Studio is passionate about botanical tattooing, and was drawn to the event when it was first held in 2017.

She described being honored that Tower Hill invited her to be one of their featured artists,“I always said that if I could tattoo flowers every day, I’ve made it.” Since most tattoo conventions are held in cities, she was especially excited about having a direct connection to the outdoors and nature during this event.

Irene Peterson of Zaza Ink described the event as more of an “artistic demonstration of tattooing”, and is looking forward to potential clientele being able to identify different artists and styles that resonate with them.

AN “ARTISTIC DEMONSTRATION OF TATTOOING” -Irene Peterson, Zaza Ink

Meanwhile, Cassandra Warren of Siren and Sea Tattoo Studio said that her “favorite things to tattoo are plants and animals”. She hopes that the diverse crowd will help people see tattoos “as actual pieces of art”, rather than just skulls and gore. Warren hopes this weekend will be an educational experience for everyone, herself included, and she wants to inspire people to ask questions about her work and that of her fellow tattoo artists.

Swartz explained that Tower Hill Botanical Garden has a reputation of being “a garden on a hill”, and not necessarily connecting with their community. She stated that, “we’ve done a lot in the past five years to get past that reputation”, and hopes that events like the Botanical Tattoo Weekend will make Tower Hill more attractive and accessible to different groups. Tower Hill has hosted events in the past that, while being well attended, had not exhibited growth in membership numbers. According to Swartz the Botantical Tattoo Weekend, “really spoke to people.” Tower Hill is not only invested in introducing people to their garden, but giving them a reason to come back. Swartz is confident in Tower Hill’s ability to continue appealing to different communities in this way. She said, “if what we’re doing isn’t relevant to people, then there’s no reason to do it.”

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HOW TO SHOP SMALL AND STYLISH THIS SUMMER MOLLY PRIOR

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ummer is here, and for New England, most of us know that we can finally say goodbye to the cold bitter weather, and hello to temperatures above 90 degrees, beach days, and backyard barbeques! For many of us, that translates to breaking out the sundresses, shorts, and bathing suits. Breaking out the summer weather clothes doesn’t always have to mean breaking your budget, though!

Between thrift stores, boutiques, and getting creative with your clothes, there are so many ways to save money and be stylish this summer.

The average person spends about two percent a year of their budget on clothing.

Although it may not seem like a lot, this can add up overtime. Thrift shopping has become increasingly popular over the years. At retail thrift stores such as Savers and The Goodwill, one can find bargains on high-end brands. According to the Savers website, customers can shop leading brands such as Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley and Nike for as low as $10.

Shopping local is also a great way to find more style for less. Boutique clothing is often locally or family owned, and costs less to produce and buy as a consumer.

This can also help stop the trend known as “fast fashion.” Fast fashion is the type of clothing that is normally found in retail brands that is purposely designed to wear out easily and be out of style quickly.

By shopping locally, the waste of materials in fast fashion can be reduced. This will help the environment on many levels. There are a few “shop small” days or “small business Saturdays” throughout the year that have increased awareness to small shopping and boutique shopping, but it can overall be a cheaper alternative. Organic clothing and materials are also on the rise as well, contributing to the overall trend. A few notable boutiques around the Worcester county area are French Twist Boutique, Seed to Seam and Birch Alley. The other great thing about boutique shopping? You can’t find those clothes anywhere else, so you’ll be completely unique!

Another increasingly popular trend with saving money and clothes shopping is through social media apps such as Poshmark and Stitch Fix. With these apps, users can sell their new or gently used clothes for a lower price. Some people even make their own clothing or accessories and put them up for sale. With the rise of social media, people have also been able to open up their own clothing businesses on Instagram, and advertise their clothing and designs there. This is yet another way to shop more on the local side, as it can be a cheaper alternative and supports local designers and buyers.

With so many different options and new ways to shop small, there are plenty of ways to make this summer the most chic one yet. No matter what you decide to do this summer, there are so many alternative ways to save on style!

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STYLESAVVY:

SUMMER FRIENDLY ACCESSORIES APRIL GOODARD It’s the middle of the summer, and it is HOT. Not just warm, nice, or sunshiney, but HOT. This is the kind of weather that makes you want to throw on shorts and a blah t-shirt and call it a day. Surely, it’s far too hot to make any kind of effort at styling an outfit, isn’t it? Wrong. I know that the mere thought of throwing on some kind of accessory can be somewhat aggravating in the blistering summer heat, but the turned-up temperatures don’t have to mean retiring your sense of style for the season. Read on to find suggestions for reasonable, and most importantly summer-friendly accessories that won’t weigh you down.

THE SATCHEL. The murse. Whatever you want to call it. This unisex piece is a lightweight option to a traditional wallet or tote bag that will help you lighten up by allowing you to be hands-free. Because nothing is more annoying than feeling like you are carrying your life around in your already overstuffed bag in 90 degree heat. No thanks. Instead, reach for a lightweight satchel to carry your essentials. Another alternative to the satchel is to reach for a fanny pack that has a long enough strap to be worn cross body. This will make for an even lighter-weight option.

GOLD JEWELRY. This is something that I personally reach for year-round. Gold really makes a statement due to its rich, warm tones. Yellow gold compliments a variety of skin tones, and looks fantastic with a tan. Reaching for lighter-weight pieces (a dainty necklace, a small ring, some cute stud earrings) will allow you to add some interest to your attire without feeling overdone or getting too hot.

CUTE SANDALS. You have to wear shoes everywhere you go anyway, so you might as well make them cute and lightweight as well. Go for a flat or wedged pair of gladiator sandals in a bold or neutral solid color to make that tank and jean shorts outfit look like it was a well-planned look. Alternatively, animal print is back and more on trend than ever, so if you to take a walk on the wild side (no pun intended), adding a printed pair of shoes to otherwise plain attire can really dress up the entire look.

NAIL COLOR. A pop of nail color can be an accessory in and of itself. Take advantage of the time of year by experimenting with bright, flashy colours (particularly if you find yourself frequently dressing in neutral tones). Nails can be a really fun way to accessorize without actually having to put on anything additional. Expert tip: Don’t go go for super long nails and a very aggressively bright color.

Instead, pick one, If you are going for super long nails, pick a softer, more neutral-toned colour, and if you are fine with shorter nails, bright is the way to go! This way nothing looks overdone or too much! t h epu ls emag.com

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Now Open!

Friday ~ Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM

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AMERICANHERITAGEMUSEUM.ORG

800.568.8924

An extraordinary museum featuring some of the most rare tanks and military vehicles in North America.

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