The Pulse Magazine by Pulse Magazine

September 2017 In this issue COVER story 6 worcester reborn

35 out+about: Rainbow crosswalks! The latest Worcester Pride tradition

entertainment

FOOD+DRINK

back to school

36 dining review: Chef Nori brings fresh, bold flavors at Sushi Miyazawa

15 pulsebooks: History you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find in schoolbooks

37 hot & now

16 september is a great month

38 new around the woo: Acoustic Java

14 shuffle down shrewsbury street and

for foodies 17 gameon: The Deer God is a familiar adventure 18 the central scene 20 nowstreaming: Kaleo / Lana Del Rey / Edge of Free 24 Club, Pub + grub Listings

39 Pulsebrew: River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg

Art+culture 42 Start on the street brings more

than art

sports+fitness 44 Worcester railers:

28 PulseShots

full steam ahead

lifestyle 32 4 tips for finding a career mentor 33 the secrets every student in central

read pulse Online ThePulseMag.com

45 findingbalance: Practicing optimism

beauty+style

ma needs to know!

46 Your dorm outfitted

34 the luxe list: 3 lifestyle problem-solvers

47 steal the style: Pipe Dreams

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

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

Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Audra Brackett, Merilee Kern, Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Sloane Perron, Jamie Burke, Rachel Shuster Writers

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What are the signs of a city renewed? Do you look for revitalization programs? Do you look to the arts? The economy? The students and colleges? The people within the city? Worcester has been reinventing itself, so we’ve asked some of Worcester’s most active community members to weigh in on what is so special about New England’s second-largest city.

Photograph by Meaghan Hardy-Lavoie | All other photographs provided by Demet Senturk

Worcester is a

city of renaissance “I walk slowly but I never walk backward.” Abraham Lincoln This quote might best describe the decades-long, methodical, seemingly disconnected, sometimes frustrating, but always gradual and steady economic development plan in the city of Worcester. Today, through thoughtful planning, public and private investment in our city’s infrastructure, leaders willing to take risks and the collaboration of political, civic and community leaders, Worcester is experiencing a reissuance not seen in generations. Worcester is a much different place today than it was when I was first elected state representative in the early 1990s. In the early ’90s, our infrastructure was crumbling, residents and businesses were leaving the city, our downtown was suffering the effects of a failed urban shopping mall, highways and abandoned buildings divided our city, the airport was all but defunct, and the lifeblood of Worcester ‑ our neighborhoods ‑ was in peril. Today, where urban blight once defined a city, Worcester is now being recognized for its renaissance and promise; where abandoned buildings once stood, we now have state-ofthe-art hospitals, schools, laboratories and technology centers; in a downtown devastated by poor urban planning, we now have a new city map that connects communities rather than dividing us; in neighborhoods that were once tired and rundown, we now see the creation of new, market-rate housing, infrastructure improvements, utility upgrades, sidewalk and street repairs and major investments in our neighborhood parks. Twenty years ago, we were ridiculed as a city without a vision; now Worcester stands as an example of thoughtful, responsible and sustainable urban growth. In the 1990s, Worcester was at the proverbial crossroads and hoping for that one silver bullet to “make Worcester great” was not the answer. We tried that, and it didn’t work. Worcester needed to develop a vision that included development across the entire city, not just in our downtown. We needed a plan that focused on improving the city’s aging infrastructure, adopting new and creative ways to attract businesses while supporting existing businesses in Worcester and making a commitment to stabilize and improve our city neighborhoods. The first priority was stemming the erosion of our city core and the degradation of our neighborhoods while developing an urban revitalization plan that supported a grand

vision for a 21st-century Worcester. This required city leaders to put aside political rhetoric and commit to the hard work of urban economic redevelopment. Worcester was lucky to have city councilors like Jordan Levy, Ray Mariano, David Forsberg and Paul Clancy, who were not afraid to say YES. By supporting the creation of the Biotech Park, expansion of the UMass Medical School, the controversial Med-city project, funding for Union Station, the connection of the Mass Pike to Worcester through the Route 146 Interchange Project and a commitment to support the Worcester Regional Airport, they set the table for future economic development in our city. I now serve as chairman of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA), where I work hand-in-glove with City Manager Ed Augustus and Mayor Joe Petty on a development plan that seeks to build upon recent foundational projects in an effort to bring a transformative vision of a 21st-century Worcester to fruition. Today, Worcester is experiencing a period of historic and unprecedented growth. In just the past few years, the level of public and private investment in Worcester has topped $1 billion dollars, and with the exception of Boston, there isn’t another city in the northeast experiencing the level of economic growth Worcester enjoys today. Even with all our successes, there is still much more that needs to be accomplished. Earlier this year, City Manager Ed Augustus and Mayor Joe Petty presented the city council with a request to support the creation of a citywide master plan that focuses on connecting our neighborhoods to downtown redevelopment. A thoughtful and targeted, yet aggressive and forward-thinking, citywide master plan is needed. The manager and mayor have committed to making this a priority. Their proposal to begin the process for a master plan comes on the heels of the WRA creating the city’s first Urban Revitalization Plan (URP) in nearly 25 years. The URP was approved by the WRA and endorsed by the city council earlier this year. This $100 million plan specifically targets 22 properties within the urban core for redevelopment, and it is intended to complement the manager and mayor’s citywide master plan. With visionary leaders supporting new business and industry, welcoming millennials as well as baby boomers, and willingness to invest in our neighborhoods by linking them to our downtown urban core, Worcester’s renaissance will continue. I am heartened that our city planners and leaders are living the words of Lincoln by always walking forward. Vincent Pedone is a former state representative and chairman of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority. For more information, visit worcesterma.gov.

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Since January, there has been a great deal of talk on the national level that has made many people in our city rightfully nervous and uneasy. The white noise coming out of the White House has distracted, derided and sought to divide our nation and city on a very basic level. It is important for all of our city’s residents to know that even if Washington tries to divide us, as Mayor, I will try to unite us. The people of Worcester will stand together.

our backbone but the cornerstone of our economy and our city.

I often say that Worcester is a welcoming city. Historically, we are the city where immigrants from across the globe came, built their lives and left their thumbprint on Worcester. You can see this on the names of our streets, the names on our buildings and our history as a whole. Since the early 1900s, our city has welcomed refugees. When the Armenian genocide divided a nation, we welcomed those refugees. Today, Worcester can boast that it is home to the oldest Armenian Church in the Americas.

When President Trump tried to institute a travel ban on Muslim countries, we stood with the Muslim community of Worcester in opposition.

We welcomed the diaspora of Europeans from both World Wars.

From the bodegas of Main South to the new African restaurant in Greendale, Worcester’s immigrants have left a lasting mark on our economy. We are richer because of them.

When a crazed gunman murdered our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, we mourned with our LGBTQ+ community in Worcester. What does being a welcoming and diverse city mean?

We continue this tradition of welcoming refugees to our city because it is not only the morally correct thing to do, but because we know that these strangers become our neighbors and their children will become classmates of our children and the next graduates of our schools.

For me, it means that our city creates the space for everyone to succeed. Being a welcoming city means creating opportunities for all of our residents to thrive and partake in all our city has to offer. Regardless of disability, sexual orientation, race, color or religion and age, we must see the value in all of our neighbors and bet on and enjoy their success.

A 2015 UMass Dartmouth report on immigration in Worcester estimated that approximately 37 percent of Worcester’s incorporated business owners are foreign-born individuals. We cannot afford to turn our backs on our diversity. Our diversity is not just

Mayor Joseph M. Petty has served as Worcester’s 59th mayor since 2012. Previously, he earned a law degree from New England School of Law and served as a Councilor-at-Large on the Worcester City Council for 14 years.

S eptember 2017

Is Worcester a “college town”? We hear that term a lot in Worcester because of the many colleges and universities bringing in more than 38,000 students each year. We can call Worcester whatever we want. It’s what our students, our residents, our stakeholders and the outside world truly feel about Worcester that defines it. WalletHub, a company whose analysts created a college ranking mechanism using 26 indicators that include city/town location and social environment, quote that “experts have argued that an institution’s geographical location is just as important as a strong curriculum and supportive school environment to a student’s academic success and personal development,” (WalletHub 2017). In Worcester, we have taken great steps to integrate our student population into the city. Organizations like the Worcester Student Government and Working for Worcester convene groups of students across our campuses and bring them into the city for volunteer activities, events and more. Action! Worcester piloted a college student ambassador program last year that brought students together from participating campuses to develop a strategy to elevate lifestyle development for our students in the city, as well as generate a College Profile Guide for community members to more easily engage with our student audience. As student activity increases in the city, they will also become exposed to more opportunities to get involved and to get hired. Institution-based innovation has been a catalyst for advances in science, technology and culture for a long time and is a key asset that can be leveraged for economic growth in the city. As we’ve seen, this growth attracts new businesses that get people to go out, move in and spend money ‑ and many of those people are students. Worcester’s innovation ecosystem has grown significantly in the past few years with organizations like MBI, Technocopia, Worcester Think Tank, Worcester CleanTech Incubator, Creative Hub Worcester, the Worcester Idea Lab and others that are encouraging

individuals to pursue their own business start-up ideas in everything from technology innovation to new transit initiatives (shout-out to WooRides). Companies like Petricore, a gaming company startup by students from Becker College, have been incubated by the Chamber’s Startup Worcester program, exciting students about Worcester as a place where their ideas can come alive. These activities provide opportunities for students to get involved during their tenure and plant the seed for Worcester as an option after college. They can look for a job, they can live affordably and they can pursue their passions. A continued pursuit of innovation will amplify our retention rates as students graduate, as well as elevate Worcester’s position in the innovation economy. As our institutions continue to connect and student social circles begin to overlap more and more, we are going to see a rise in student activity in our downtown at places like Brew on the Grid, Bull Mansion, deadhorse hill and other spaces across the city that are great spots to meet. We could see a significant rise in student and recent grad hires at local businesses, as well as an increase in new startups evolving here in Worcester. While a college town is a great experience for those four-plus years, an active young professional community that has a vibrant social scene and offers career opportunities and mobility is more attractive to students long-term. Worcester has the opportunity to be both. Joshua Croke is the cofounder and executive director of Action! Worcester, a nonprofit driving positive growth in Worcester by approaching economic development through community engagement, design thinking education and entrepreneurial empowerment. Check out A!W’s collaborative workspace, Worcester Idea Lab. Follow @ActionWoo and @WorcIdeaLab.

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Photograph provided by Discover Central Massachusetts

To experience culture in all its forms in Worcester, one must first become familiar

hard to understand cultural enigma. However, after close examination, you will find that

with the general layout, the hills, the main corridors, islands and villages. Across our

the cultural scene overlaps and intersects in the most interesting ways â&#x20AC;&#x2018; a new-meets-

38.6-square-mile expanse, culture is happening, waiting for you to discover it.

old, South meets North, East meets West spontaneous order. This is interesting in the sense that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the result of any kind of master plan but rather of mutual interests and

As you begin, you will find that your desired area of interest is not served up in some

voluntary action shaping the city over long periods of time. Go out there and discover

easily accessible, one-size-fits-all package. This is most likely the prime reason the

why Worcester quietly is a cultural model for other cities, not because of its form, but

cultural scene has so many distinctive qualities with so many beautifully individualized

because of its freedom from it.

voices. One gets the sense that all of this grew organically out of need and is shaped by many hearts and hands. This growth is much like the history of the city itself: different

To find out more information about arts and culture in Worcester, visit worcestermass.

groups motivated by their own interests, aspirations and influences from nearly every

org/calendar-of-events to get a round up of citywide cultural events and programs.

corner of the globe. Luis Fraire is the gallery manager at The Sprinkler Factory, a nonprofit arts organization The overwhelming paths of intersecting traditions can make Worcester a somewhat

S eptember 2017

dedicated to serving the Worcester Arts Community. Visit the sprinklerfactory.com.

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e n t e rtai nment

Shuffle down Shrewsbury Street and back to school

field, and it’s nearly impossible to leave any restaurant on

for college students and their parents, as well as the

This event is a way of appreciating the diversity that is brought to Worcester through its college community and allows local restaurants and students to interact in a fun atmosphere.

they are away from home. The Shrewsbury Street

The Shrewsbury Street College Shuffle is sponsored

purchased at your college’s student activities office.

Street Merchants’ Association, and it has something

the event for $15 dollars. All members of the college

groups will entertain shufflers on the street; vendors

worn in order to participate.

Victoriahope MCAULIFFE The beginning of the school year is a stressful time professors and staff who cater to their needs while College Shuffle is a fun and relaxing way to ease into

a new school year, without allowing the onslaught of

assignments to drown you in waves of stress and anxiety. If you are an anxious and overwhelmed student looking to have fun on a budget, or a professor with seemingly

less time each semester, this event will help you relax, unwind and have fun.

The Shrewsbury Street College Shuffle caters to the college community and allows students and their

friends and families to experience the local restaurants

that surround their loved ones. Faculty and staff of

by Pagio, Inc. (publishers of Pulse) and the Shrewsbury

Buttons will also be available for purchase the day of

that will appeal to every taste. College performance

community are welcome to attend, but buttons must be

and sponsors will set up booths along the street; and

there will be free goodies, games and raffles for all to

Along with being priced affordably, free transportation

and stroll up and down Shrewsbury Street, trying

from the event. Make sure to check with the student

enjoy. Students and staff from area colleges can shuffle the samples that “Restaurant Row” has to offer, while

enjoying the company of fellow collegiate community members.

Shrewsbury Street hosts perhaps the largest number of

and experience the amazing tastes of Shrewsbury Street

city limits. The chefs that work within the restaurants

without having to reference their bank accounts.

S eptember 2017

The cost of attending The Shrewsbury Street College shuffle is $10 in advance for buttons, which can be

local colleges are given the opportunity to go out into the community where they work, interact with students

Restaurant Row and be displeased with the food.

restaurants in one condensed locale within Worcester

and diners on Shrewsbury Street are phenomenal in their

will be available from most college campuses to and

activities office on your campus for shuttle schedules; there will also be free on-street parking available.

The College Shuffle will be from noon-3 p.m. Sept. 16. For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page or visit thecollegeshuffle.info.

pulsebooks: History you won’t find in schoolbooks

Kimberly DUNBAR They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but you should also never judge one by its title. When I first picked up Joanna Scott’s latest book, Careers for Women (Little, Brown and Company), I thought it would be a book about, well, careers and women. What I got was so much more: a story steeped in historical fiction enveloped by the power of friendship, love, determination, greed and murder. The book begins in the late 1950s, in which we meet Maggie Gleason, a staffer working for Lee K. Jaffe, the real, yet often forgotten, trailblazer and mastermind behind New York City’s World Trade Center who served as the director of public relations for the Port Authority from 1944-1965. Mrs. J, as she is fondly called by her staffers, serves as a mother figure to these women, who aspire to emulate her successful career as a female executive, and is even more to Pauline Moreau, a streetwalker with a young daughter who Mrs. J takes under her wing. The story spans several decades, following the pursuits of Maggie and Pauline – who become friends after Mrs. J asks Maggie to look out for Pauline – as they build lives and careers in an arena ruled by men. Meanwhile, an aluminum conglomerate in upstate New York is destroying the environment and land; though the business name may be fictional, the issue was very real. Scott expertly weaves together these two worlds, both of historical significance, producing a story that warns of the dangers of corporate greed and how a ball of lies can unravel, hurting, and even killing, those in its way. In 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt published her first book, It’s Up to the Women, which was recently re-released by Nation Books. Roosevelt released this book at the height of the Great Depression as a guide for women of all ages on what they could do to keep the economy going in the trying and changing times that had befallen the United States. Roosevelt addresses a wide range of topics, such as marriage, finances, raising children, keeping a home and the importance of family values. At the time, the home was the woman’s domain, but the second half of her guidebook – in which Roosevelt discusses women in the workplace, in public/ civic life and even the possibility of a female president someday – is what is truly revolutionary about her advice. According to Jill Lepore, who penned the 2017 release’s introduction, Roosevelt never wanted her husband to run for president; rather than surrender her independence, she decided to reinvent the role of the First Lady and became a champion for women’s and civil rights, including writing this book, which was published two months before her husband’s inauguration. It is fascinating to comb through Roosevelt’s thoughts more than eight decades later and realize that much of what she had hoped for, in regards to the mobilization of women in the workplace and in public life, is still relevant today.

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September is a great month for foodies Victoriahope MCAULIFFE

If you are a foodie living in Central Massachusetts, two festivals this month will help you kick off fall with a burst of flavor. The Chili and Chowder Festival and The Clustertruck Festival are coming to Worcester in September. The Chili and Chowder Festival is organized by Pulse, in collaboration with the City of Worcester. Local restaurants will compete for the title of Best Chili or Chowder, and attendees will reap the benefits. Admission to the Chili and Chowder Festival bestows the responsibility of voting for Worcester’s Best Chili or Chowder after sampling each of the offerings.

Clustertruck Festival

Previously held in August, the event has been moved to late September. According to Pagio events coordinator and marketing manager, Mitchell Perry, “We moved the Chili & Chowder Fest from the summer to fall with the idea that hot soups are more enjoyable in colder weather. While the event has always been well-received, we hope to draw a larger crowd this September and to provide an environment where people can more comfortably enjoy some of the amazing food the competitors turn out each year.” There is nothing that screams autumn in New England like a cup of steaming hot chili or chowder on a cool afternoon, and this festival will allow the residents of Central Massachusetts the opportunity to sample their fill. If you want to diversify, the Clustertruck Festival at The EcoTarium is sure to tickle your tastebuds. The brainchild of Amy Waxler, the Clustertruck Festival originated in Lancaster after she began searching for a way to get back into the workforce after medical complications. Sponsored by Pulse, the event will not only feature food but also music. “We are offering live music, because we know that people living in Worcester really value live artists. We will feature Dr. Robert, as well as other artists at our festival,” Waxler said. The Clustertruck Festival is a unique food truck experience, bringing together local food trucks, breweries and musicians to create a fun and relaxed vibe. “We have food trucks that are sometimes 40 feet long, sometimes small carts, and they come from all across New England. In all of my festivals, I ask if they are locally sourcing their food, so we can say we are a locally sourced festival. You keep jobs local when you eat local,” Waxler said. The ability to keep this festival a locally sourced festival is paramount and aligns with the mission of other Worcester restaurants that have adopted the farm-to-table philosophy. Both of these festivals offer something unique for everyone; whether you love the warmth of soups or your palette longs for a range of enticing flavors, Worcester is where you want to be in September.

Worcester Chili & Chowder Festival

S eptember 2017

Fortunately, these events are a week apart, so you don’t have to choose just one. Enjoy the array of food trucks available at the Clustertruck Festival, then indulge in all the chili or chowder your New Englander heart desires. If you visit the Clustertruck Festival, Waxler suggests, “Don’t overlook Aaron’s Taco Cartel and their chicken and pork tacos. The food is so good!”

The Clustertruck Festival is from 5-10 p.m. Sept. 23 at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Admission is $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Visit clustertruckworcester.com for tickets. The Chili and Chowder Festival is from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 30 at Vintage Grill, 346 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. Admission is $15. For more information, visit worcchilichowderfest.com.

gameon: The Deer God is a familiar adventure

Jason Savio You experience a strange sensation when playing The Deer God, one that makes you feel at home and puts you slightly on edge. Its visual presentation is charming and familiar, but underneath all that is a narrative that challenges the thinking player. Developed by Blowfish Studios and Crescent Moon Games, The Deer God is indie gaming at its finest. No run-of-the-mill bombastic action sequences or draggedout scenes here, and that’s a good thing. Instead, the creators take a more subtle and impactful approach. At the beginning of the story, you start out as a hunter in the woods looking for your next big kill. Things go wrong, however, and you end up dead. Suddenly, you find yourself looking back at a giant, alien-like deer head with glowing green eyes – the Deer God. He tells you that you’re going to be reborn as a fawn to see what it’s like to be hunted. Once reincarnated as a baby deer, you must outrun hunters and other predators in the outdoors; the hunter indeed becomes the hunted. This makes for a game that has plenty of social commentary and is possibly the first of its kind to focus specifically on the morals of hunting and its devastating implications. What makes the theme of The Deer God easier to digest is its visual presentation ‑ it looks and plays just like an old Nintendo side-scroller. The graphics may seem archaic to some, but they harken back to a comfortable world of 8-bit surroundings. Running around as a fawn, you double jump and maneuver your way around enemies and obstacles, just as if you were Mario; in this case, going from a forest to a swamp to a desert and more. You’ll be tasked with solving puzzles that unlock powers from Deer God statues, giving you a better chance of surviving the hunters and animal predators like pesky porcupines that are surprisingly quick. Figuring out just how to organize your new abilities is not clear enough, though, creating a confusing situation that ultimately leaves the player not bothering with them at all. And while the side-scrolling is welcome, the view is oftentimes so far away from your character that there are actual trees blocking your view. But if you find yourself struggling and repeatedly dying in the same spot, you’ll notice the area change when you’re rebirthed, removing obstacles to make it easier to navigate. There is a definite strangeness to The Deer God that might make some uneasy while acting as a selling point for others. Besides the topics that are addressed, like death and reincarnation, the atmosphere of the game can be borderline creepy. Much of this has to do with the Stranger Things-like synth music that comes up from time to time and the bizarre environments, such as the desert, where walking skeletons lurk. It certainly isn’t like a horror survival game, but there is, without a doubt, some spooky vibes here. So just exactly what is your ultimate goal in The Deer God? To brave the outdoors as punishment for your sins as a hunter, apparently. But it’s never made quite clear at the beginning what the end goal is or where you’re headed. For more, visit crescentmoongames.com/wordpress/the-deer-god.

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things to do in September WORCESTER PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL Worcester Pride recognizes, promotes, educates and unifies the Central Massachusetts LGBTQ community, allies and supporters. The annual Pride Parade will begin at Institute Park at 11 a.m. and continue down Main Street to the Worcester Common, where the Pride Festival will commence. The festival will offer music by local DJs, drag shows, belly dancing and tables and booths from local community organizations. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 9; Worcester Common, 455 Main St., Worcester; free; worcesterpride.org.

19th ANNUAL PET ROCK FESTIVAL The 19th annual Pet Rock Fest will, for the first time, take place at Wyman-Gordon in North Grafton ‑ it’s biggest venue yet! The event features all of the popular attractions, but also will include additions to usual offerings: from food and vendors to events and nonprofit participation. And, of course, Pet Rock Fest continues to put the spotlight on the animal welfare organizations of New England that work hard to promote kindness to animals. Noon-5 p.m. Sept. 10; Wyman Gordon, 244 Worcester St., North Grafton; $12 for adults, $5 for children; petrockfest.org or facebook.com/petrockfest.

qFlix Film Festival qFLIX Worcester: New England’s LGBTQ Film Festival presents a series of films that seek to educate and entertain during a weekend festival. The festival includes an opening reception, films throughout the weekend, an awards ceremony and an after party. Sept 14-17; Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; $10 per film or $89 for all-access badge, seating is first-come, first served; thehanovertheatre.org.

MASS FERMENTATIONAL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL More than 50 breweries are expected to pour at the Mass Fermentational, which will raise funds to create educational and marketing programs for local breweries and support the organization’s government affairs work. Attendees are guaranteed 2-ounce samples of craft beer throughout the afternoon, yum! 1-5 p.m. Sept.16; Worcester Common, 455 Main St., Worcester; $45 for general admission, $10 for designated driver; MassFermentational.EventBrite.com.

INAUGURAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Dragon boat racing is great for businesses looking for team-building exercises and families, friends and community groups looking for a good time. This first-time event on Lake Quinsigamond will include dragon boat races for amateurs and club teams, performances, food, music, activities for kids and much more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The United Way of Central Mass. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept.23; DCR Regatta Point & Lake Quinsigamond, 10 N. Lake Ave., Worcester; free, but pre-registration required for teams; worcesterdragonboats.com.

Chopped! Worcester Using food from the Jeremiah’s Inn Nutrition Center/Food Pantry, four Worcester chefs will create an appetizer and entree to be judged by three celebrity judges. All proceeds will benefit Jeremiah’s Inn Nutrition Center/Food Pantry. Enjoy the show, food, a cash bar and many auction items. 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25; The White Room, Crompton Collective, 138 Green St., Worcester; $27; jeremiahsinn.com/whats-happening/events.

Party in the Street Gardner’s Moon Hill Brewing Co. at the Gardner Ale House and the city of Gardner present the 12th annual Oktoberfest Party In The Street. The party begins at 11 a.m., with the ceremonial Tapping of the Keg in front of the Gardner Ale House. Gardner closes Parker Street for the day and a New Orleans street party atmosphere ensues, featuring craft beer, authentic German fare, the world’s largest Chicken Dance, the Gardner Chair Luge and a free concert from 3:30-10 p.m. 11 a.m. Sept. 30, Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner; free; gardnerale.com.

GLOBAL HARVEST FESTIVAL This festive weekend features international crafts and games, live music, delicious food and, of course, all the farm animals. Get your face painted, press apple cider, dig for potatoes, roll beeswax candles, take a swing at a piñata and much more. Hop on a hay ride to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct.1; Heifer Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland; $10 for adults, $5 for children; heifer.org.

S eptember 2017

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Kaleo / A/B Jennifer RUSSO I can’t recall when I came across Kaleo’s music last year, but I do recall how I felt when I heard it. This bluesy rock band, originally from Iceland, packs a punch with music you can feel down to your bones and in every nook and cranny of your being. The music simply seeps in, embracing your very soul. “Way Down We Go” is the most notable song, and one that they also did live from the depths of a volcano. The acoustics on that version are phenomenal and unlike anything I have ever heard. “Broken Bones” speaks about an encounter with the devil himself and “Hot Blood” is a fiery song with poignant lyrics like “You wanna prove you’re the better man/You wanna reach for the things that nobody can/Oh, all you need is to break away…” that speak to many. My personal favorite is actually the one song on their album that is in their native tongue, “Vor í Vaglaskógi.” I am not sure what the translation is, but the sense I get is that it is about a love for what is around you. This ballad enters with a stunningly beautiful guitar intro, which carries through the whole song, setting the stage for the heartfelt and soulful vocals of vocalist ,JJ Julius Son. His range is a wonder throughout the song list, too, where he can be anything from low, growling and gritty with a tense vibrato to a clean and pure falsetto in the higher register.

Lana Del Rey / Lust for Life

Edge of Free / Edge of Free

Mike WOOD

Jason SAVIO

Its title might throw you if you know anything about Lana Del Rey or her previous four albums. She is known to be melancholic and ethereal, but Lust for Life sounds wistful, hopeful and, dare we say, at points, happy? Well, Del Rey fans need not worry, the singer-songwriter is still truthful and telling and as poetic as in the past, but there is a subtle exuberance in the proceedings, which might explain the artist’s huge, toothy grin on the album artwork.

When Scott Sneddon sings, “As autumn leaves fall/So does my soul/As autumn leaves take hold/It’s time to let go,” in the song titled (you guessed it) “Autumn,” you can’t help but feel a tinge of melancholy. And that’s the way with Edge of Free’s self-titled debut album. But the brooding and ominous 8-track effort doesn’t quite take advantage of Sneddon’s lyrics as much as it could.

The tortured poet of the past is still present, but Del Rey is also embracing pop music on this album much more than ever before (you’ll even find cameos by The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky and Stevie Nicks), even as she delves into the divisive state of our country. Remember when Katy Perry told us she was going to get political but abandoned that ship without ever looking back? Del Rey has stepped up to the proverbial plate and hit it out of the park.

If you have not yet heard of Kaleo, which released their debut album A/B last year, I recommend acquainting yourself with them immediately. The musicianship is creative and authentic, and I can say without hesitation that they are one of the most talented bands out there today. They happen to be playing at the House of Blues in Boston on Oct. 16.

Leaving baseball analogies behind, the music is as moody as fans might expect, but it’s also tonally positive throughout its 16 songs, and with a running time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes, that’s a relief. Make no mistake, this is still Lana Del Rey, but the poppier version we meet here is a most welcome deviation from business as usual.

For more information, visit officialkaleo.com.

For more information, visit lanadelrey.com.

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Produced by Toby Wright (Korn, Metallica, Alice in Chains), Edge of Free doesn’t shy away from acoustic grunge rock and instead embraces it with unabashed determination. The similarities to Alice in Chains – from Sneddon’s singing to John Hussey’s guitar – are at times uncanny and almost a little too coincidental. There is a nice balance in numbers like “Blood Eagle” and “Soul of Grace,” showcasing the group delivering crisp acoustic verses before exploding into heavier rock choruses. The only problem is that the band seems to get too comfortable with this formula, allowing the listener to eventually zone out and miss the vulnerable lyrics of Sneddon. When his words do come through, such as in “In My Time (Falling)” – “I’m the one you know/Fallen and alone” – you appreciate them more than the rest. There is certainly an audience that will enjoy this first effort by Edge of Free, even if at times it may struggle with keeping your attention. These guys leave a good last impression with two pulsing tracks to finish the record, which hints at more of the same to come. For more information, visit edgeoffree.com.

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Club+Pub+GRUB Listings

Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs & other select venues 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster

Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton

American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg

Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. brew-city.com

Art’s Diner 541 W. Boylston St., Worc. B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 140pub.com The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. thebannerbar.com Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester barberscrossingrestaurant.com Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy Saturdays: Live music Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. beatniksbeyou.com Beemer’s Pub & Grill 310 Main St., Fitchburg beemerspub.com Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden Thursdays: Open Mic Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Live Music Sept. 8: Sean Fullerton Sept. 14: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Sept. 15: Brother Maynard Sept. 21: Ken Macy Sept. 22: Gale County Sept. 23: Kevin Shields Sept. 29: Dan Kirouac Sept. 30: Scott Babineau Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough boltonstreettavern.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg

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Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley bullrunrestaurant.com Sept. 15: Roberto Morbioli Sept. 16: Phoebe Legere (Ballroom) Sept. 16: Scott Sharrard & the Brickyard Band Sept. 20: Jon Cleary Sept. 21: Ana Popovic Sept. 22: Barry Geaudreau’s Engine Room Sept. 29: The Seth Walker Band Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. Wednesdays: Toast Masters Fridays: Plant Nite Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) Sept. 8: Lisa Marie & Johnny Juxo Sept. 9: Bob Moon Sept. 15: Round Midnight Sept. 22: Dan Kirouac Sept. 23: Alias Sept. 29: Ron Jones Sept. 30: Amanda Cote Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster chopsticksleominster.com Sept. 29, 30: Flock of Assholes Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster classicspub.net Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster Tuesdays: Trivia with Magic Mike Thursdays: DJ Trivia Sept. 9: Go Gadget Go 10 year anniversary party Sept. 17: Karen’s Closet 5K Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. thecompasstavern.com Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Sept. 8: Hit the Bus

Sept. 15: Mike Melendez Sept. 22: Tyler Reily Sept. 29: Ken Macy Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. The Cove Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. thecovemusichall.com Sept. 3: Subterra: Labor Day Sunday Sept. 7: Subterra: Blackley (UK), Random Concept, Cre8Dnb Sept. 8: Thy Will Be Done Sept. 9: Let it Bleed (Rolling Stones tribute) Sept. 15: Muya, Fatal Defiance Sept. 16: Niki Luparelli & The Gold Diggers Sept. 22: Sick Season (Alice in Chains tribute_ Sept. 23: Kobra Kai, Medicated Savage, IDAK Sept. 29: Studio Two (Beatles tribute) Sept. 30: Aquanett

The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Wednesdays: Trivia Sept. 8: Hitchcock Blondes Sept. 9: Amanda Cote Sept. 14: Dan Cormier Sept. 15: Kevin Shields Sept. 16: Dustin Brideau Sept. 21: Joe Macey Sept. 22: Jim Weeks Sept. 23: Dean Dimarzio Sept. 29: Chris Reddy Sept. 30: Dan Kirouac GD Lounge Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worc. facebook.com/GDloungeandtapas Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. greendalespub.com Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy; Local Musicians Showcase

Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. danceranchandsaloon.com

Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn halliganssportsbarandmore.com

Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford daysendtavern.com

Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster Sept. 8: Topher Brew Sept. 9: Captain Sols Orchestra Sept. 15: Dave Harrington Sept. 16: Alan Goodrich Sept. 22: Amanda Cote Sept. 23: Brian Chaffee Sept. 29: John Girouard Sept. 30: Sean Fullerton

Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens devensgrill.com Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. aohworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden flipflopsma.com Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. flyingrhinocafe.com Frank’s 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. funkymurphys.com Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner gardnerale.com Mondays: Blue Mondays Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live music

Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster indianranch.com Sept. 9: Charlie Daniels Band Industry Bar Room 109 Water St., Worc. industrybarroom.com Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg ixtapacantina2.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough jbag.biz Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Josh Briggs Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg Continued on Page 27

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Continued from Page 24

Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. loft266.com Wednesdays: Music Bingo Fridays, Saturdays: DJ Joe T Sept. 15: Drunken Uncles Sept. 16: Ken Macy Sept. 22: Nik Chisholm Sept. 23: Dave Ashman Sept. 29: Jay Graham Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. mblounge.com Wednesdays: Karaoke with Mikey Mics Thursdays: Latin Night Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Sept. 9-10: Worcester Pride After Party Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. michaelscigar.com Sept. 8: Hit the Bus Sept. 9: BitterSuite Sept. 14: Royal Furs Sept. 15: Fellowship of the King Sept. 16: Testify Sept. 21: Jim Devlin Sept. 22: Tequila Bonfire Sept. 23: Abraxas Sept. 28: The Royal Furs Sept. 29: HooDoo Revelator Sept. 30: Russo Brothers Jazz Quintet Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston themill185.com Sept. 7: Night Train Sept. 8: Joe Macey Sept. 9: Ken Macy Sept. 14: Josh Briggs Sept. 15: Chad Clements Sept. 16: Jay Graham Sept. 21: Amanda Cote Sept. 22: ChrIs Reddy Sept. 23: Belit Sept. 28: Scott Babineau Sept. 29: Katie O›Brien Duo Sept. 30: Josh Briggs Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge millstreetbrews.com The Monument Tap 13 Central St., Leominster monumenttap.com Sept. 8: Eric Lindberg Sept. 9: Dave Malouin Sept. 15: Chris Reddy Sept. 16: Chris Terp Sept. 21: Half Way to St Pats with Chris Reddy Sept. 22: Karaoke with Rich Sept. 23: Ron Williams

Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc. The Muse 536 Main St., Worc. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. Mondays: Comedy Open Mic The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. Oak Barrel Tavern 229 Grove Ave., Worc. oakbarreltavernworcester.com Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. padavanosplace.com Thursdays: Idol Karaoke Contest with Matty J Sept. 8: Drunken Uncles Sept. 9: Karen Grenier Sept. 10: Padavano’s Place 3 Year Anniversary Parking Lot Bash with Take Two! Sept. 15: Testify with Jon Finn Sept. 17: Joe Cariglia Sept. 23: Annie Brobst Duo Sept. 24: Giuliano D’Orazio Sept. 29: Auntie Trainwreck Sept. 30: BlueSwitch Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. thepalladium.net Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Sundays: Open Mic Fridays, Saturdays: Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape Sept. 8: Dan Kirouac Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg partnerspub.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Karaoke Sept. 9: One50One Sept. 16: Sean Daley Sept. 30: Back in Time Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. patsiedugans.com Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc.

Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc. quinnsirishpub.com Sept. 3: Kevin Shields Sept. 6: Brett Brumby Sept. 8: Kevin Shields Sept. 9: Adam Makes Noise Sept. 10: Cara Brindisi Sept. 13: Lizzy Marquis Sept. 14: Rick Hamel Sept. 15: Josh Briggs Sept. 17: Mike Melendez Sept. 20: Brett Brumby Sept. 21: Brian Twohey Sept. 22: Tim Pacific Sept. 23: Lizzy Marquis Sept. 27: Josh Briggs Sept. 28: Chris Reddy Sept. 29: Jesse Garcia Sept. 30: Kevin Shields Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. ralphsrockdiner.com Sept. 14: BrassStreet The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. Wednesdays: Open Mic Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville Rocky’s 139 Water St., Worc. Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. clubuniverseworcester.com Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster ryeandthyme.com Sept. 8: Scott Babineau Sept. 9: Juke Sept. 14: Mike Melendez Sept. 15: Ken Macy Band Sept. 16: Doctor Robert Sept. 21: Jay Graham Sept. 22: Trakdown Sept. 23: Acoustic Shoes Sept. 28: Zack Slik Sept. 29: Sean Fullerton Sept. 30: Brian Chaffee Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. sakura-tokyo.com Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg seanpatricksrestaurant.com South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner southsidemargaritafactory.com Sept. 8: Sean Daley Sept. 9: Go Gadget Go Sept. 15: Danny Leblanc Sept. 16: Laquerhead Acoustic Sept. 22: Dave Harrington Sept. 23: Crushers Sept. 29: Amanda Cote Sept. 30: Goldrush Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough speakersnightclub.net Fridays: Live bands

Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton sprucestreettavern.com Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton grotonstagecoachinn.com Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham thetavernoncentral.com Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 3gs-sportsbar.com Union Music 142 Southbridge St., Worc. unionmusic.com Sept. 28: Ukulele Club with Rich Leufstedt Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre upperdecksportsbarandgrille.com Valentino’s Press & Pour 154 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. Tuesdays: Boogie Chillin’ Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc. Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. whiskeyonwater.com Sundays, Wednesdays: Karaoke with DJ Soup Thursdays: DJ Cuzn Kev Fridays: DJ Tec Threat Sept. 9: Eric Paquette Duo, DJ Rivas Sept. 15: Worcester›s Best Bartender Competition, Sam James Sept. 16: The Flat Five, DJ Screwloose Sept. 22: The Royal Furs Sept. 23: Mike Melendez, DJ Blackout Sept. 29: Steve Lamoreaux Sept. 30: Lower Level, DJ Rivas Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 85 Main St., Oxford StopByTheWhistle.com White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green St., Worc. Sept. 3: The Flock’s Labor Day Eve Bash William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner williamsrestaurantandtavern.com Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Ye Olde Tavern 7 E. Main St., W. Brookfield westbrookfieldtavern.com

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By Justin perry

whiskey on water – worcester

the pint – worcester

break-away billiards – clinton

S eptember 2017

the mill 185 – west boylston

compass tavern – worcester

the draught house bar & grill – west boylston

Michael’s cigar bar – worcester

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S eptember 2017

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l i fe s t yl e

4 tips for finding a career mentor You’re in college, and soon you’ll be looking for a job or an internship. It’s not unusual for careers to get off to wobbly starts as new graduates, hampered by their lack of experience and contacts, find it difficult to achieve a firm footing. That’s one reason they should make it a goal to find mentors who could help guide them through the rough patches. “One of the biggest benefits of having a mentor is that person’s success can act as a catalyst for your belief in yourself,” said Lauren Davenport, CEO and founder of The Symphony Agency, a marketing and technology firm. “It’s also a way to expand your network because a mentor can introduce you to people who could help you with your career and who you otherwise might not meet.” While mentors can be a great asset for career advancement, don’t expect the mentor to materialize out of nowhere and then do all the heavy lifting, Davenport said. Much of the onus is on the mentee to seek the relationship, cultivate it and make the most of it.

#1 Don’t be afraid to reach out A simple LinkedIn search can help you find people who are currently in your dream job. Somehow, they managed to get the very thing you want. How did they pull that off? Send them a short message and tell them your aspirations. Ask if they can spare 30 minutes for you to visit their office and “pick their brains” about how they achieved success.

#2 Do your homework After you went to all the trouble to set up that meeting, you don’t want to show up unprepared. Learn all you can about this potential mentor with a Google search. Write

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down any questions you want to ask. For the meeting, dress like you already have a job with the person’s company and be 10 minutes early, Davenport said.

#3 Join a networking organization If reaching out to an individual isn’t in your comfort zone, seek a networking organization that focuses on career growth. Sign up for a MeetUp group taught by someone you admire. “Take notes as the person speaks,” Davenport said. “After the event, you’re also going to need to muster up the courage to introduce yourself. To find a good mentor, in most cases, you really are going to need to take the first step.”

#4 Pay attention to the mentor’s advice You may not follow through on every suggestion, but you do need to listen to what they have to say. After all, the wisdom and experience they can provide is the whole point of having a mentor. Davenport recalled early in her career joining a networking group and trying to pitch her company to the members without success. She mentioned to her mentor her inability to generate any business. “She told me if I wanted to be taken seriously as a businesswoman, I needed to change my wardrobe,” Davenport said. “I put away the summer dresses I typically wore and bought some tailored jackets and other clothes that helped present a business-professional look.” Soon after, business picked up. “I still actively seek women who are in my industry and at similar career levels,” Davenport said. “Sometimes they even work for competitors. We don’t share any company secrets, but we often are experiencing similar struggles, so we swap stories and give each other advice on how to overcome those challenges.” Lauren Davenport is chief executive officer at The Symphony Agency. She founded the company after discovering that businesses were struggling to understand how to implement marketing and technology to reach their full potential in the digital age. She is a contributor for the New York Daily News and has been featured on PBS, ABC Action News, iHeartRadio, AMEX OPEN and more. For more information, visit symphonyagency.com.

The secrets every student in central ma needs to know! Victoriahope MCAULIFFE What can you do if higher education has brought you to Worcester? The city is bustling with cultural events and incredible people at every corner.

We caught up with current and former students who told us their favorite things

about Worcester, whether it be the best place to get cheap beer or one of the many things they love about living in the city. If you have just arrived on campus, their advice will have you feeling right at home.

“Oh boy... I wish I knew about The Vernon earlier on because they have $1 beers, and I didn’t find out until my late college years.” – Mia Koutoulas, Worcester State University, class of 2017

“To embrace the diversity!! People kept stressing ‘campus safety’ instead of educating us on the immigrant populations in Main South and how they contribute to the community.” – Keelia Granger Harney, Clark University, class of 2016

“Get involved early on your campus and in the community. As corny as it seems, it’s how you’re going to meet some of your dearest friends. Also, Worcester is a small city and making connections outside of your colleges early could mean the difference between finding a job quickly after graduation and searching for a year or more. And food. Worcester has so many amazing cultures, and food is one way to begin to experience them. Eat all of the food, and if anyone tries to tell you differently, eat them, too.” – Amanda Mehaffey, Worcester State University, class of 2016

“Living here is cheaper than you think. Instead of contributing to the traffic/parking problems, consider moving into the city and immerse yourself. You’d be surprised as to what you find!” – Mike Gallotta, Worcester State University, class of 2014

“I really wish I took advantage of the city sooner. There are so many great restaurants and cool things to do for cheap!” – Matt Cobuccio, Worcester State University, class of 2015

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the luxe list:

3 lifestyle problem-solvers Merilee KERN Everyone has a few little problems. There’s nothing better than finding ways to ease and enhance our daily lives, so here are some ways to ease some common problems and stay healthy.

The International Hyperhidrosis Society Excessive sweating is a serious medical condition (hyperhidrosis) affecting both kids and adults. Research shows that nearly 5 percent of the population - approximately 367 million people ‑ are struggling with extreme or uncontrollable sweating - be it on their hands, feet, face, torso or lower extremities. From stress and embarrassment to depression and isolation, hyperhidrosis takes its toll, but there’s help! The International Hyperhidrosis Society provides support, resources and expert perspective to those struggling with this condition. It’s is the only global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected, while also supporting health care providers and researchers. On the website, you’ll find information on comprehensive treatment options, U.S. insurance codes, clinical trials, a physician finder, a useful award-winning blog and much more. There’s also amazing product discounts on useful sweat-management products. SweatHelp.org.

Heart Smart for Women Speaking of feeling well, next is the Heart Smart for Women, Six Steps in Six Weeks to Heart-Healthy Living book. You’re never too young or too old to get on the road to heart health, so female cardiologists Jennifer Mieres and Stacey Rosen provide a comprehensive, easy-to-follow roadmap helping women take responsibility for their heart health and become their own health advocates. It’s written to help educate women of all cultures and backgrounds about risk factors that females have, how to determine one’s individual risk – along with a personalized risk assessment – and how to start making small changes in the five identified areas to promote a longer, healthy life. Heart disease is preventable and treatable – this book will teach you how to keep this organ healthy. Amazon.com.

HealthyWage Weight-Loss Wagering For those looking to shed a few pounds, recent studies have shown money is an effective motivator to “increase both the magnitude and duration of weight loss.” So many individuals and employee groups have turned to HealthyWage – the leading provider of money-driven diet challenges. Known for pioneering innovative weight-loss contests and programs, HealthyWage provides cash incentives along with social and expert-based support, tools, resources and goal-setting and tracking technologies to foster participant success. More than 200,000 participants have collectively lost more than 10 million pounds and earned more than $5 million in cash prizes for their pound-shedding success. Healthywage.com. As the executive editor and producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority – a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change-makers, and movers and shakers. For more information, visit TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter @LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at TheLuxeList and on Instagram at LuxeListReviews.

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OUT+ABOUT: Rainbow crosswalks! The latest Worcester Pride tradition

John TROBAUGH In 2014, Northampton made the local news by getting the city to paint the main thoroughfare downtown. There was quite a bit of buzz about bringing it to Worcester, but there was not enough will at that time to support it on the committee when I was president of Worcester Pride. Fast-forward to 2017, and the painted crosswalks now have traction and people are not just offering their dollars but also their help. Since the cost of permanent paint is quite significant, Michael Johnson, Pride treasurer, suggested we use chalk spray so that we can try it before we buy it, as it were. Peter Bacchiocchi, Pride president, said that this year everything aligned! He spoke with Che Anderson, who has event coordination among his many duties as a project manager for the city. Che thought it was a great idea! Since it is not permanent, this would be seen as the same as sidewalk chalk. If we wanted to get a permanent paint, then there would likely need special approval by the city council. Keep your ears open; if the temporary “paint” is a success, then we will need your support! Since the idea for a crosswalk was posted on social media, it has become a mini phenomenon! More than 130,000 people have seen the original post; there have been many, many shares; and more than 30 people have signed up to help! Even on my little ol’ page, a dozen people shared the post, it got more than 30 comments and more than 300 people reacted to the rainbow crosswalk posts! You can still help; on Sept. 6 at 9 a.m., the team will gather to paint the crosswalks! Email worcesterpride@gmail.com to volunteer. There is never a good thing without controversy. You may know that the rainbow flag for Pride was designed in the ’70s and has been modestly adapted over time. What has also happened is the proliferation of other flags for specific segments of the community. I would argue that the rainbow flag still represents the LGBTQ community but also has come to symbolize diversity. As a symbol of diversity, the Pride team felt the need to be more overt about its support of two intersecting identities. One is the trans community, given that trans people are still openly attacked, from the president to our own community. The trans flag will be one of the crosswalks. The other is the intersectionality of people of color and all of the LGBTQ community. Historically, and even to this day, people of color are often targeted in their communities, as well as in the LGBTQ community. The Pride team felt the need to acknowledge this by the inclusion of brown and black in the rainbow. There is a problem getting brown chalk however, and the team is working it out. Full disclosure: I personally have argued that additional colors are the right thing to do. There are arguments that we should maintain the settled color scheme and historic meaning of the colors, but I believe we must evolve to acknowledge our current situation. If you would like to read more about the colors and the evolution, I have summarized it as part of my work with the UMass Diversity and Inclusion Office LGBTQ program; visit umassmed.edu/dio/lgbtq. If you have an idea for an article, please email me at John@JohnArt.com.

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dining review:

Chef Nori brings fresh, bold flavors at Sushi Miyazawa

Bernie WHITMORE

flavors were refreshing.

At the beginning of the summer, I overheard some talk of a new sushi restaurant on Chandler Street. Sushi always grabs my attention, and Miyazawa sounded different ‑ less drama, more cuisine-centric and focused on the craft of sushi. Many restaurants become dependent on alcohol sales to such an extent that the kitchen can be relegated to a supporting character. Sushi Miyazawa is BYOB and stands entirely upon its reputation for freshness and quality.

My Spicy Miso Soup was unlike any I’ve had before; seafood-infused broth was buttressed by the flavor of small in-shell clams partially emerging from the bottom of the bowl. Each spoonful was a delight of harmonious flavors. Perfectly formed cubes of tofu were remarkably soft and so tender, they seemed to melt in my mouth. I’m still incredulous – there’s simply no comparing this to any other tofu I’ve had anywhere.

We put it on our “must try” list and have paid it a couple visits. Simply stated, Chef Nori (Norihiko Tsukuda) has considerably raised the bar for sushi quality and presents what is truly an exciting experience in flavors and presentation.

My natural instinct would be to approach the cuisine analytically, but his seductive layering of flavors and textures leads me to toss out the overthinking, to appreciate what’s placed before me and simply enjoy. With that said, I’ll get right to our meal. My friend started with the Sunomono Salad, a small dish of delicate crab meat nestled between deep-green seaweed, flecked with sesame seeds and shaved cucumber, marinated in sweet and sour vinaigrette. Draped over the top of this was a fresh jumbo shrimp. The colors ‑ salmon-pink, deep-sea and pale greens ‑ were attractive, and the

Hopefully, when you visit Sushi Miyazawa the list of specials will feature gyoza. If so, order them. In English, one might call them Japanese potstickers. A mixture of finely minced pork and chicken is wrapped in thinly rolled-out dough, artfully crimped and pan-fried till the bottoms are deep brown and crisp. The top of the gyoza, however, were steamed pale and delicate. They were so delicious the order of six vanished in minutes; each grasped in our chopsticks and dipped in a bowl of tasty sauce. From there, we moved to my favorite: Sashimi. Chef Nori slices perfectly fresh fish (four species) into traditional portions arranged on a leaf-lined slate with a generous dab of wasabi and nests of shredded radish. With sashimi, there is no margin for error. At Sushi Miyazawa, it is perfect, an homage befitting these magnificent sea creatures. Purity, simplicity and glistening freshness. When it comes to sushi dining, I often think that

sashimi is the apex of the experience and that maki rolls are, well, a sub-genre for those seeking refuge from the total fish experience. This is clearly not the case at Sushi Miyazawa; Chef Nori’s “special” maki are exciting in their combination of flavors, textures and sheer beauty. This creativity was on full display with his Worcester Maki. Eight or nine slices alternated salmon and albacore tuna wrapped around crunchy, spicy tuna and rolled in snow-white rice. A topping of wasabi tobiko ‑ tiny fish eggs dyed jewel-like green – provides additional exclamation marks of crunch and zesty flavor. There are a few masterful sushi chefs in the area. But when I dine upon Chef Nori’s creations, I feel as if it were the first time I was experiencing the cuisine. Presentation is simple elegance; the attitude is free of drama and one of friendly self-assurance. Each of the maki specials we’ve ordered has been an exciting experience of flavor layering in combinations totally new to me. In a way, I regret raving about Sushi Miyazawa. It’s a small place, clean but not fancy, with less than 20 seats, a scale that assures a personal experience with the affable staff of two or three. A feeling of discovery and delight in such wonderful cuisine binds the handful of customers into a group of co-conspirators. So far, there’s been a minimal queue for seating. But when Worcester discovers Sushi Miyazawa, I’m going to wish I’d kept it a secret.

Sushi Miyazawa • 372 Chandler St., Worcester • (774) 420-2900 • sushimiyazawa.com 36

S eptember 2017

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

Paul GIORGIO Go East. It looks like the owners of Worcester’s Café Espresso on Chandler Street will be taking over Northborough’s Guiseppe’s Grille. The new restaurant will be called Casta Diva and will feature upscale Northern Italian cuisine and local ingredients. Through the looking glass. The Queen’s Cups bakery has officially opened its new Canal District location. The Queen owner, Renee King, has been baking up at storm at the new store at 56 Water St. in Worcester. The new bakery, in the former Bucky’s building in the Canal District, is 3,200 square feet ‑ much larger than the 750-square-foot Millbury store. King has said the Worcester location will be open later at night so customers can grab coffee or dessert after having dinner in the area. Thoreau would approve. A brewery and taproom will open in downtown Marlborough later this year with the help of financing from the city’s economic development agency. The brewery, Walden Woods Brewing, will be owned by Chris Brown and Alida Orzechowski, brewers with a combined 20 years of experience in the field. The name Walden Woods is inspired by Henry David Thoreau and his time at Walden Pond. Thai this place. The Thai-inspired rolled ice cream trend has officially made its way to Worcester with the opening of Tastetea Rolls, an ice cream and bubble tea shop. Tastetea Rolls is the first of its kind in Worcester, serving up rolled ice cream creations like Cookie Monster and Mono Loco and a variety of bubble tea flavors on Park Avenue. Timber. A former lumber store on Route 9 in East Brookfield has been sold for a new brewery to be called Timber Yard Brewing Company. The site, at 545-555 E. Main St., is a former Howe Lumber store just west of the Spencer town line. Howe, a longtime store in town, is now about a mile and a half down Route 9 at 225 E. Main St. Timber Yard Brewing Company is slated to open next year More micro brews. Purgatory Beer Co. is planning to open a 2,400-square-foot brewery and taproom in the Linwood Mill in Northbridge sometime next month, said co-founder Brian Distefano. Eat at Joe’s. The long-abandoned drive-in restaurant on Route 9 in Leicester, next to the Leicester Drive-In, has reopened. The 1960s retro drive-in opened the first week of August. The restaurant serves home-cooked meals in a casual atmosphere. There is some outdoor seating under the overhang. There isn’t too many 1960-era drive-in restaurants left. Whistle Stop tour. Oxford’s Whistle Stop Restaurant will soon have new owners. Eli Moussa and his son, Tim, recently purchased the Oxford eatery from Tina Betley, who has owned the place for 19 years. We wish everyone good luck. The only excitement isn’t in Korea. The owners of Worcester’s deadhorse hill plan to open a new restaurant later this fall at the former home of Sweet Kitchen & Bar on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street. The concept of co-owners Jared Forman, Sean Woods and Albert LaValley is inspired by Korean culture and cuisine. The restaurant will be called Simjang.

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new around the woo:

Acoustic Java Rachel SHUSTER September means back to school and back to great food and drink options in Worcester! What else does it mean? Late nights cramming for exams and much-needed fuel to keep you going. Luckily, Acoustic Java has you covered. Located at 932A Main St., Worcester, Acoustic Java is a small-batch coffee roaster and café focused on offering locally grown organic food and specialty coffees and teas. The variety at Acoustic Java is plentiful, with coffees and teas coming from all over the world, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Peru, Colombia and Egypt. David Fullerton, owner, manager and coffee roaster, has been operating and roasting coffee at Acoustic Java for the past 10 years, since the summer of 2007. His background has paved the way for where he is today with Acoustic Java. “I was an English teacher, barista and coffee roaster. I have been in the hospitality industry for 20-plua years, working in specialty coffee for 10-plus years,” Fullerton said. Fullerton describes Acoustic Java’s atmosphere as “vibrant and welcoming.” “Every day, we roast and serve some of the best high-scoring and sustainable coffees in the world from 20-plus different countries,” he said. “We also source and package our own line of organic teas known as Julia’s Organics (named after my now 6-year-old daughter). Additionally, we serve delicious and healthy local and organic sandwiches and wraps.” In June of 2017, Fullerton and his Acoustic Java team expanded their presence in the coffee business and opened the new Brussels Street Roastery & Tasting Room at 6 Brussels St., Worcester. Here, you can enjoy a variety of caffeinated beverages, in addition to lighter fare, including artisan toast and smoothies. Want Acoustic Java but don’t want to leave the house? Shop Acoustic’s coffees and teas online! It can be shipped directly to you. In addition to coffee, you can also purchase some fun gear and accessories, including gift cards, Acoustic Java T-shirts and French presses! You can also join Acoustic Java’s coffee club! By becoming a member, you can enjoy some of the best coffees in the world and subscribe to receive various types of coffee when you want them. Beyond delicious coffee, Acoustic Java also offers special events. “We have live music on Fridays (from noon-3 p.m.), public readings by local authors and art exhibitions with art for sale on the walls,” Fullerton said. “You can buy a pound of coffee, get a free cup; we have seasonal drinks and seasonal coffee roasters, such as the Summer Samba and Winter Solstice Blends.” Do you share the same passion for coffee as the Acoustic Java team? You can join them! “We’re hiring for the coming year,” Fullerton said. Apply online on the Acoustic Java website by going to “About Us” and clicking “Join Our Team.” Acoustic Java is open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The Brussels Street Roastery & Tasting Room is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday. For more information on Acoustic Java, find it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, visit acousticjava.com or call 508-756-9446 (café and coffee shop) or 774-420-2476 (roastery and tasting room). Also, learn more about the Acoustic Java team and its passion for coffee by watching this video: vimeo.com/225506465/456014bd6a.

S eptember 2017

pulsebrew: River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg

Kerry CYGANIEWICZ

At 166 Boulder Drive in Fitchburg, you will find a welcome surprise. As I witnessed at the recent Nashua River Beer Festival held in downtown Fitchburg, the community has welcomed Scott and Jackie Cullen’s new venture – River Styx Brewing – with open arms.

Everyone involved in the economic redevelopment of Fitchburg, right up to Mayor Stephen DiNatale, was involved in wooing the Cullens to this location. I spoke with the mayor briefly at the Nashoba River Festival, and he beamed with pride at the reception the new business received. Indeed, the River Styx booth, which was handing out samples, had the longest lines by far.

River Styx beers are named based on Greek mythology. If Jackie creates the recipe, it is named after a goddess; if it is Scott’s idea, it is named after a god. IPAs have names such as Apollo’s Arrow and Zeus King of Gods, and stouts include Rhea Darkness and O:ranos. There is even an experimental series called Proteus. The IPAs were fine; the saison definitely caught my attention. However, I was blown away by the stouts and porters. The complexity and drinkability this young brewery has been able to get from these beers in such a short amount of time is nothing short of amazing. I would not be surprised at all if the darker offerings from this brewery become in high demand and short supply in the very near future. Get them while you can!

I was pleasantly surprised to see non-alcoholic offerings, as well. Cold brew coffee on nitro, ph-balanced water and even Polar seltzer are available. Local food vendors are in the mix, as well as rotating food trucks. There are activities here for customers to do while drinking their beer, such as board games and music. The space is large, so you will never feel cramped. Presently River Styx is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Visit riverstyxbrewing.com for up-to-date offerings.

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

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

a rts +cult ure

stART on the Street brings more than art Victoriahope MCAULIFFE In 2002, stART on The Street was a small start-up looking to change the cultural landscape in Worcester. Its goal was to create a community platform for local artists that was also financially accessible. Fast-forward 15 years, and stART is now the cultural event of the year, acting as a staple for the Worcester community. The small idea that started in Main South has blossomed into a festival with enough power to shut down Park Avenue from Pleasant to Highland streets. When asked if the organizers were planning anything special or new to celebrate stART’s 15th anniversary, stART coordinator Tina Zlody said, “We aren’t doing anything big or trying to reinvent the wheel, but we did do a T-shirt contest. Submissions just closed, and we start judging in order to decide which design will go on this year’s shirts. Whoever wins will get $200.” Zlody is one of the founding members of the organization and is proud of the service stART provides to budding

S eptember 2017

StART will take place Sept. 17 on Park Ave. in Worcester. The festival will run from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, visit startonthestreet.org.

artists, as well as the artistic and cultural experience it brings to the Worcester community. Zlody has felt support from the community since the inception of stART in its earliest days. “There hasn’t been a moment that I have felt that the city hasn’t supported the work of our artists,”she said.

tight grip on what makes it unique in the world of art and culture. The group’s dedication to its initial goal of creating an accessible space for all artists to showcase and sell artwork has not changed. Zlody emphasized how important this is to her as a member of the community and to stART as an organization.

StART features 250 artists and 30 performance acts, as well as major bands. Three musical stages are active throughout the day, giving visitors the opportunity to decide which performers they want to hear. Street performers are also a key piece of keeping the festival fun and novel, bringing a foreign art form home to Worcester. The stART team searches for the best street performers using its “entire toolbox,” Zlody said.

“To be an artist at the festival, we keep our entry prices for booths low, so we’re accessible to everyone. Our mission is that StART is accessible to everyone.”

This festival has grown to such a magnitude that it’s attracting artists from across the country, Zlody said. “We’ve had artists fly in from California and Baltimore; they come from all over.” Despite its success, stART has been able to keep a

The focus of stART is solely on handmade art, and booths are inspected to make sure everything being sold has been created by the artists themselves. Vintage items are not allowed; everything must be handmade and meet the criteria set by the stART planning committee. This incredible event attracts 55,000 people a year, and you certainly don’t want to miss its 15th birthday. Come visit the artists and check out the food offerings as you stroll through and treasure hunt for your new favorite piece of art to bring home.

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s p o rts+ f i t ness

Worcester Railers: Full steam ahead Kyle SULLIVAN It has been just over 18 months since the official announcement that Worcester would be the home of a new East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) expansion team. The February 2016 announcement came close to a year after it was reported that the Worcester Sharks were leaving Worcester for San Jose, Calif. Fast-forward to September, and we are getting closer to October’s opening night for the Worcester Railers Hockey Club. “It’s been a really busy year,” said Head Coach Jamie Russell, a sentiment echoed by club President Mike Myers, who spent nine years with the Worcester Sharks. With the season fast approaching, Russell, Myers and the rest of the Railers staff are pushing full steam ahead to make sure everything goes according to plan. A major part of this plan is hand-selecting which players to sign and bring into the organization. “We have the ability to put together a culture of winning at this level because we have control over our roster,” said Myers. “This is something not all teams in the ECHL have control over.” Because the ECHL is primarily a development league, many teams are given their players from their AHL and NHL affiliates. One of the many perks of working with the New York Islanders and Bridgeport Sound Tigers, as well as being a new team, is that The Railers will have full control over the roster. “Working with the Islanders and Bridgeport Sound has been great,” Myers said. “They were all in from day one. A lot of teams wanted to talk about it but weren’t as prepared. That really stuck out to us and made it a very easy decision.” This, combined with the proximity to both Brooklyn - home of the Islanders - and Bridgeport Sound, has made for a close and effective relationship between the Railers and their affiliates. After meeting with officials from both affiliate programs over the winter, Russell has spent much of the summer on the road, scouting, evaluating and signing players to ECHL contracts. One commonality between the Railers and other teams within the league is that the roster will be made up of players at many different points in their

S eptember 2017

hockey careers. theguys Worcester Railersright out of college. Others are veterans from the AHL or “SomeJoin of the are rookies, Hockey Club for opening night, Europe,” Russell said. Though just weeks away from opening night, The Railers are still 14, at The Center, piecingOct. together theDCU roster. Russell hopes that Worcester is a place where players will 50 Foster St., Worcester, as want they to laytake down roots and that fans will watch them develop into future stars. on the Manchester Monarchs. For tickets and From the front office visit and coaching staff all the way down to the players, The Railers information, railershc.com.

organization is optimistic that Worcester will be an attractive place to play. With construction nearly completed on the new Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, as well as the development of the new Railers Tavern, the top-notch facilities are a major draw. Though not a part of the original plan, the new ice center plays a significant role in The Railers’ vision going forward. “City officials brought this to the table very early on, and we just ran with it,” said Myers. While the rink will serve as a state-of-the-art practice facility for the team (games will be DCU Center), many within the program feel it represents much more. Myers is quick to point out, “We are not just a team, we are Worcester’s hockey club.” Myers said part of this model involves having stake and ownership in Worcester, both downtown and in the Canal District, which twill bring The Railers closer to the community. Many of the club’s plans were crafted, in part, to help with community development and revitalization. The Railers’ flagship program, Skate to Success, is testament to that commitment. With an official rollout for the program coming this fall, the club hopes to using skating and hockey as a fun form of exercise that will get kids in Worcester’s public schools out of their comfort zone and give them the opportunity to try something new. “The school system has been really helpful. We are very excited about this,” said Myers. Though the puck has yet to drop, The Railers organization has high hopes for its inaugural season. “Our goal is to win a Kelly Cup,” Russell said. “We want to win in Worcester, and we want to develop players, and I think those two things can go hand-in-hand.” Myers was quick to point out, “Worcester deserves a winner. We want to win here.”

finding balance: Practicing optimism Jennifer RUSSO It is astounding to me how easy it is to fall into a state of negativity. It’s like a hole that you can’t seem to climb out of sometimes. There is a reason for this. If you allow yourself to have a negative point of view, you will be blinded to all of the good and beautiful things that have the power to distract you from it. And negativity breeds more negativity, which is why it may seem that “when it rains, it pours,” and frankly, life seems to just suck. The evidence is a flood of complaints and rants on my Facebook feed every day; how about yours? We can turn it around with something as simple as positive thinking. I know, it seems TOO simple, right? Numerous Harvard studies have found that people who are more optimistic have less health issues than those who embrace negative thinking. Of course, nothing can be perfect all the time. However, Winston Churchill once said that “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” So optimism isn’t necessarily about just accepting problems and saying “whatever will be, will be” – a common misconception. In short, those who are more positive are more equipped to find ways to cope with existing problems and less likely to allow future problems to be detrimental to their goals and overall happiness. They use positive thinking as a tool to take action and overcome. Years ago, I went on a trip to Jamaica. It was a vacation on a resort property, but as I am very interested in the culture of the places I visit, we went off the beaten path a bit. I saw half-built houses and people who clearly had less than many in the United States. But I also saw more genuine smiles on the faces of people who were grateful to have their family and friends around them and enough to live on. It occurred to me then that optimism is a perspective. Happiness is a perspective. So, how can you become more of an optimist? First, treat yourself with respect. Stop telling yourself you can’t. Speak positively to and about yourself. Of course you can … other people could, so why can’t you? You are absolutely capable. Second, understand that you, and only you, are responsible for your happiness. Other people cannot make you unhappy. They can hurt you; they can betray and attempt to break you. They cannot, however, make you feel anything you don’t want to feel. You are the only one in control of that. Lastly, realize that the expectations you set for yourself should be realistic but high. Don’t limit yourself only to what is comfortable. Take the risk of following your passions. The most successful people have all done this. They believed they could, and they did. The pure light in me honors and respects the pure light in each of you. Namaste.

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b e a u t y+ st yle

your dorm outfitted Victoriahope MCAULIFFE Going back to school for another year of college is exciting, exhausting and expensive. When you move in to your dorm room, you want to be organized and feel like you’ve created your own space. We’ve searched out fun products that will keep your assignments organized and your room tranquil. Sit back and relax; with this list, you can conquer college and the world!

Wake-up on time

The OnLyee Dimmable Alarm Clock Radio & Bluetooth Speaker will ease you into your day, while also allowing you to get a quality night’s sleep. Blue light has been shown to affect the human body’s ability to fall asleep, so the dimmer on this alarm clock enables the blue light to be darkened, creating an ideal sleeping environment. amazon.com.

Stay caffeinated on the go

The new Kuissential Versa Travel French Press separates your coffee from the grounds, so you can enjoy the same great taste without the bitterness of overbrewed joe. The double-wall stainless steel container keeps your coffee hot for hours and comes with a locking cap to prevent unwanted spills. This product will satisfy the coffee connoisseur with a picky palette and save time making coffee before class. Your professor will thank you! kuissential.com.

Hold on to your books

College comes with books, more books than you could have ever imagined. To manage the number of printed pages you need to carry around, your backpack should be

S eptember 2017

sturdy and capable of handling anything. The Firefighter Turnout Bag is crafted from repurposed coats and pants of firefighters, making it sturdy and water-resistant. These bags are perfectly equipped to survive whatever college life throws at them and are well worth the investment. ffob.com.

Use a calendar, even if there’s an app for that

When you’re taking six classes a semester, keeping track of each assignment and research project is its own assignment! Colorful Images has made staying organized easier by creating fun desk calendars. Featuring large boxes to write due dates, social events and dates of special lectures you’d like to attend, you will never forget an important deadline again! colorfulimages.com.

Have fun writing

Although most students enjoy taking notes on their laptops these days, professors still urge them to take notes with old-fashioned pen and paper. The colorful pens made by Write Dudes makes that more enjoyable; they come in a variety of colors and are retractable, so you won’t find your pen has dried out just when you needed it most. amazon.com.

Get cozy after a long day

College is stressful, there is no doubt about it. Once your rigorous day of classes, work and extracurricular activities ends, you want to be able to snuggle up in your bed and relax. The Me SOOO Comfy is the perfect companion for you. The blanket is plush and soft and is created to fit even the longest dorm room beds. Available in multiple colors to suit all style preferences, this blanket is one you’ll want to snuggle up with all year long. dormco.com.

stealthestyle: Pipe Dreams Jamie BURKE Home décor is my favorite fashion trend. Having an organized and nice-looking place to live never goes out of style. I put off a lot of cleaning and organizing because of the cost of updating, though. New trends come with a hefty cost, and sometimes it just is unachievable on a small budget. I have a great hack for the awesome galvanized pipe systems seen in every magazine, cool store and website. It took me an hour at Home Depot to figure out, but it was totally worth it! Joanna Gaines is jealous of my creation. You need a half a day, some muscle and about $40.

Supplies: Tape Measure Level Large-head wood screws Galvanized pipe ends, 1½ inch (This varies depending on how you are attaching to floor and wall.) Galvanized pipe elbows, 1½ inch PVC female cap and screw Cut-to-size wood dowels, 1½ inch Rustoleum Oil Bronze

Steps: 1. I needed only a half closet because I was using the system for storage cornered against two walls. I measured how tall I wanted it to be, how long it needed to be and how far out I wanted it to come. My measurements were 8 feet tall, 8 feet long and 2 feet wide. I snapped a couple pictures and headed to Home Depot with my own tape measure and notes. 2. I originally wanted to use to the real pipes, but after calculating and actually feeling how heavy the pipes were, I opted for wood. The real deal would have cost me about $400 in total. I wanted to make sure it was steady and could hold at least 100 pounds of weight, so I opted for the wood. You can always use PVC if you are not looking for a weight-bearing system. Head to the trim section and measure out and cut the wood dowels right at the store. Then, head to the piping section. 3. Get your galvanized floor brackets first. Then, make sure the elbows fit into the screws. Next go to the PVC pipe section and grab the female sleeves to secure to the ends of the wood. Make sure to open the bags and make sure they all fit. Next, grab wood screws with big enough heads to secure the floor brackets. 4. Spray paint all the plastic and wood. You will need at least three coats. Wait at least a half hour in between coats. 5. Once everything is dry, put together the dowels, sleeve endings and elbows. You will need someone to help you level the system and hold it in place. Then, screw the brackets to the wall first and floors last. I threw some curtains on my creations, so I could use it as a storage unit to hide crap. But let me tell you, this makes such a huge impact in any room! It looks industrial, but it is light and really easy to put up and take down. It’s a great idea for creating a room divider or a cool storage space in your dorm!

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S eptember 2017