PHYFINDOURAPPYLACE LEA R N M OR E AT F LY W OR C E ST E R .CO M 3 MAJOR AIRLINES, 5 DAILY FLIGHTS,100+ CONNECTIONS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. • Close to Campus (3 miles from downtown Worcester!) • Convenient and affordable parking • Hassle-free check-in and security checkpoint • Free Wi-Fi From Times Square to the Florida beaches and beyond, Worcester Regional Airport connects you to places that make you
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READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TWITTER @WORCESTERPULSE • INSTAGRAM @WORCESTERPULSE • FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 134 Gold St., Worcester, MA 01608. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2021 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 COVER STORY WELCOME TO 7 THECOMECLASSWORCESTEROF2026:ONIN,WORCESTER IS FINE ARTSENTERTAINMENT•CULTURE THE VILLAGE: 10 IT TAKES ArtsCOMMUNITYA&Culture 11 NowListingsStreaming 12 Entertainmant 14 PulseShotsListings 16 EAT • COCKTAILSBREWS Dining Review: 18 THE WOODDISTRICTFIRED KITCHEN EAT BEAT 19 PULSE BREW 20 COCKTAIL 21 CORNER PULSE MAGAZINE: SEPTEMEBER 2022 STYLE • FASHION BEAUTY PRIDE WORCESTER 24 IS BACK BOLDER THAN EVER Style Savvy 25 Out and About 26 420 in the 508 28 CITY LIVING ARCHITECTURE• • DESIGN CAMPUS 29 ARCHITECTURE SPORT FITNESSAND COLLEGE SPORTS 32 IN THE WOO: FALL Shaun‘22Knows 33 Sports? NEW IN THE WOO MOCHI DOH 36 LUSH RX 38 AESTHETICS thepulsemag.com 5 Bernie Whitemore, Jennifer Russo, Travis Duda, Jason Savio, Shaun Connolly, John Keough, Giuliano D’Orazio, Shannon Jutras April Goddard, Irena Kaçi, Vincent Pacifico, Eric James Yanko Franco, and Jenny Pacillo.Writers 18 10 7 24
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Outdoor Concert at the Palladuim
6 SEPTEMBER 2022
THE WORCESTER IS FINE
WELCOME TO CLASSWORCESTEROF2026:IrenaKaçiCOMEONIN,
While Holy Cross may be a bit off the beaten path, students look ing for some off-campus dining will have very easy access to all that downtown has to offer, including Fuel Coffee House, a perfect place for some early morning java and homework. The downtown restaurant scene is bursting with options from Bocado Tapas to Glazy Susan’s doughnut decadence.
But the brief food (and woefully incomplete) restaurant tour is only the Worcesterbeginning.hasbeen firing on all cylinders when it comes to hob bies and interests outside of the college campus. Perhaps the best place to start is the most on-the-nose place a.k.a. That’s Entertain ment.
Worcester is not your traditional college town, but only because it is so much more than that. And at the start of each new college season, the city’s very center of gravity shifts with the influx of young up and comers, ready to launch their future. The sprawling third-largest city in New England is also home to eight different colleges and universities. There is so much to explore outside of the campus grounds, and with a city this large it’s hard to know where to start. It took me years to discover some of my most fa vorite things.
WPI students have their pick of the litter thanks to their proxim ity to Highland Street. Well established standbys such as The Sole Proprietor for some fancy fare or The Boynton for a low-key pizza outing. The Bean Counter coffee shop is a wonderful commu nity gathering space as well as a dream come true for all vegans, proudly serving some of the tastiest vegan desserts around.
If you are attending Assumption this fall, you may have to drive for your restaurant hot spots, but fear not because Worcester is also a driving city. Fortunately, you are a short jaunt from Tat nuck Square as well as Highland St. both neighborhoods that have simply been bursting with delicious options. If you’re looking for quality Mexican food, head over to Pepe’s Taqueria in Tatnuck Square. I never skip the horchata. Or if ribs and BBQ is more for your taste, West Side BBQ on Pleasant St. is just about the warm est and spiciest option around.
Worcester State is blessedly close to local family joints such as Antonio’s Pizza and the little darling of the Tatnuck neighbor hood also known as Root and Press. The bookshop/coffee shop is owned by a veritable dream team couple whose tireless efforts to better their community offer up book signings right alongside the morning coffee.
When I first set foot on Clark University’s campus, I was a bit of a foodie. Enter Worcester’s booming restaurant scene. Clark Univer sity students can head over to places like Peppercorn’s for standard American fare, Da-Lat or Mint for some solid Vietnamese options. Acoustic Java, the local coffee shop boasts maybe the best coffee in town (there is debate of course, but this one is truly a contender).
thepulsemag.com 7
That’s Entertainment
ties, including Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons. “There is actually a steampunk DnD game that happens here on Thursdays,” Gatej tells me, “that one is pretty cool but this session is full. Howev er we seek out new players every 12 weeks so by the time students have settled into their new lives, there will be an opportu nity to join in on the fun.” The whole year has many opportunities for community engagement. “We are also finally going to celebrate our belated 40th anniversary,” says Gatej, “We have a really cool event lined up for that as well. We’ll be bringing in Simon Bisley and Glenn Fabry. These are real MVPs in the comic book world. Fabry is famous for his series Preacher and Bisley is involved in too many things to count.” It is easy to say from my con versation with Gatej that when it comes to the comic book and board game inclined, That’s Entertainment is no misnomer.
and progress heals all wounds, and the Brickbox Theater is teaching me to love again. Brickbox was launched in collab oration with the Hanover Theater for the Performing Arts and the Worcester Cul tural Coalition. It is a two part space, the Pop Up, which is a versatile gallery style space that can be booked by just about anyone willing to host a free event for the community. And the Brickbox Theater, which is its more sophisticated older sib ling. Where the Pop Up gives accessibility to artists, playwrights and poets looking for a space to make their own, Brickbox services the more professional artists who are willing and able to invest in the next level of production. The Pop Up is in high demand and books out weeks ahead of time so anyone looking to use the space would be wise to apply well in advance of their desired time frame. Once the elegant gallery space is secured however, it has the potential to transform into a vision du
the beginning. There are countless weekly gaming opportuni
Thejour.Brickbox has even more flexibility
After losing my beloved Bijou Cinema, the hidden gem of my heyday, I never thought I’d learn to love again. Yet, time
The comic book shop is a heavyweight of entertainment and opportunity for community building. I spoke with Sorana Gatej, the marketing and events manager for the comic book store. Gatej is also the board game buyer/coordinator. Looking toward September and the school year, That’s Entertainment has plenty to offer. “The thing we’re most excited about this coming month is Batman Day on the 17th,” says Gatej, “It is an annual event that celebrates DC publishing. We started the event about 5 or 6 years ago and it has only grown in popularity over the years. We welcome cosplayers and will run a costume contest. But even those who don’t win get a $5 store credit just for coming through in full costume. This year we are expecting the great Mike Lilly and Bob Ullman. They will be in the store offering up free mini head sketches as well as spe cially designed That’s E print for the first 100 Batmanparticipants.”Dayisonly
I’m also really excited about a new spot that sells jerk chicken called R&R Jerk. I’m planning to hit both those things in September.” One glance at the Pride Week calendar (prideworcester.org/events) of events and indeed it is an embarrassment of riches.
briefly housing Frank O’Hara. In fact the WCPA relies on the rich poetic history to organize some of their programming, in cluding the Stanley Kunitz Medal, and the Frank O’Hara Prize. But perhaps the most relevant annual event for incoming stu dents is the Bishop/Knight annual college poetry contest. “Anyone looking for simply events for enjoying poetry this September will have access to two of our most popu lar annual events, The Gregory Stockmal Reading on the 22nd, and the Frank O’Ha ra Prize Winners’ Reading on the 25th.” says Gill. “We also regularly host free open mics throughout the city, giving any new poets an opportunity to share their work.”
I spoke with Worcester State alum Julianna Dick about what she’s looking forward to this fall. “We are entering pride week at the beginning of September. September 2nd through the 11th, and I’m really looking forward to attending many of the events.
I connected with Bob Gill, a board mem ber for the WCPA (The Worcester County Poetry Association) and learned that they are sponsoring numerous poetry themed events throughout the year. Worcester has always been an arts and culture megalith, launching great poets such as Stanley Kunitz, and Elizabeth Bishop, and even
Between Polar Park’s ball games, music shows at the Palladium, and Ralph’s Diner’s outdoor karaoke, the options feel endless. There is no question that it has been a hard and chaotic two years. The class of 2026 may well be the first group that stands a chance at experiencing college the way that most of us have in years past. And Worces ter is ready. In Livy Scanlon’s words to the incoming class, “Leave your campus every once in a while, you won’t regret it. It’s cool, it’s safe and it’ll be worth your while.” BrickBox Theatre
The
offering lighting equipment, staffing and a true blue stage. I had the pleasure of catching up with Brickbox’s managing director Livy Scanlon. Scanlon says, “We are very busy and very booked so there is always something going on at the Brick box. We are serving primarily creative folks toward the beginning or middle of their journey. We host a whole variety of performances including music, dance, and podcasting sessions.” For anyone looking to be more intimately involved with the space, Scanlon says, “It seems more and more everyday that people feel like this space is their home. We actually have regulars that we serve. And we are always looking for people to become volunteer ushers in the space. It’s an easy gig and a surefire way to become well acquainted with the space and stay in touch with the artistic community.” For more information on the goings on, you can visit the Brickbox virtually at jmac.
Thisworcester.org.September will also bring back the long anticipated stART on the street festi val, central Massachusetts’ largest music, performance and art festival. Located on Park Avenue, one of the main thorough fares in the city, connecting Clark Univer
sity and WPI, the festival boasts over 300 crafters and artists. This year the event will take place on September 18th and it is a welcoming space for anyone looking to stroll through the city’s hustle and bustle experiencing many of the food trucks and local vendors that the city has to offer.
stArt on the Street
thepulsemag.com 9
Village, and all it contains, rep resents something that Worcester is not trying anywhere else: a chance for Worcester to keep the soul that makes it Worcester. As much as national poli tics divide people, Worcester has always been a place where different people come together. As I stand near the mat tress store on Main South, I can hear 5 or 6 different languages, and 10 to 15 differ ent dialects. The melting pot was always an interesting idea, but doesn’t reflect reality. Why melt together and lose all that makes us vibrant? Why not instead retain each one and sing to each other how we wish we knew each other when we were young?
No community exists without lead ership. The Village has leaders as well, a dynamic, vibrant mother and daugh ter combo of Parlee Jones and Sha-Asia Medina, the director of The Village. As I spoke with them in the midst of What’s Up Worcester’s Back to School event, they hummed with vision. Parlee, when I asked her about leadership, said, “I know when to step backward if it is not my place, and I know when to step for ward to take my place. The Village is a place for doing that, and we look for things to reflect our five pillars racial justice, learning, creativity, communi ty, and healing.” This did not sound re hearsed, it sounded like she meant it. As I was introduced to her daughter, I could understand why. I asked Sha-Asia what she thought about The Village and its
In the end, Parlee gets the last word, when I asked her about what is happen ing at The Village she said, “The best is yet to come.”
JOHN EDWARD KEOUGH
importance in the neighborhood, “It’s beautiful, we love to see it come togeth er and see the neighborhood change. If even for a small time, events like this and others that we do can bring people out of antisocial behavior, we are achieving something. We are grateful and thank
Sha-Asia spoke at the event, she took a moment to ask the communi ty members to take three deep breaths. It was a pause on a wild day, full of up beat energy. Up and coming music su perstar Abbie Cotto, who had his own back to school event the day before at my church, Iglesia Casa de Oracion, says he “loves the Village, and after a long week, I feel lifted up.” The energy being created at The Village is drawing people, including myself, to not only be present but experience the presence of the com munity.
new, something that was always there. Often, if you go to church, you will hear a preacher say, “This building is not the church, you, the people are!” Or in Spanish, “¡Este edificio no es la iglesia, ustedes, la gente son!” The same can be, and is applied to a neighborhood. You can rebuild, you can reestablish and you can revive. All of those things hap pen when you invest in the people who remain.The
In the end, it is always about a commu nity, and communities are made of peo ple. Jerry Filmore, the CEO of What’s Up Worcester calls The Village, “A second home. It’s peaceful, it’s family.” Manny Alvarado, COO of What’s Up Worcester says, “The Village is a portal to another world, from the pitfalls and perils of the King Street and Main South neighbor hood to a safe, friendly and spiritually sound
Maria Ravelli, of Worcester Communi ty Fridges, which has built a legacy in a short time of being there for anyone, regardless of background, says, “The Village is magical, the very definition of community. We love being a part of the fabric.”Asthe neighborhood resurrects itself, the Village, dressed in a noble green, stands tall as something different and
Recentlyenvironment.”theVillage hosted Mayor Joe Petty and his rival in the upcoming Democratic primary Robyn Kennedy (former COO at the YWCA). These in terviews were interesting, because they represent a shift in the view of the Main South neighborhood in general, and the Village on King Street in particular. It wasn’t that long ago that King Street
I am heading towards the lovely green building, and I feel like I am being wel comed into something someone started and left the door open for. I remember another preacher once saying, “You are either pushing people away or bringing them in for a hug.” There is no other way. You can’t half-hug someone, and you can’t half push them away. I em brace the Village and the community embraces us.
The hum of the guitar in the amp, the tick of the drums and the pulse of the crowd as they anticipate a chance to sing along with those songs that they love.
THE VILLAGE: IT TAKES A COMMUNITY
As the after effects of Covid are slowly seeping out of the community, there is no doubt that the Worcester boom is at tempting to relight its fuse. The WooSox and their strangely timed fireworks are going off in the background as I rush to finish this in time. The buildings around the ballpark are growing and changing every day, and there seems no end to the amount of people who are running through the peanut of the redesigned Keely Square. That is redevelopment. That is gentrification. Some businesses are still holding on, the Check Depot remains in place despite the constant drumbeat of the construction around it. How very Worcester, as they say.
would be considered an unsafe place to walk, but I watched the Mayor park his car in front of the Village and walk the steps without police or an escort. Robyn Kennedy, challenging the Mayor for who gets to run as the Democrat for State Senate, also came on her own.
The Village, at 4 King Street, is a lovely building that has a live heartbeat. Inside is this group of people who have belief not just in the idea of cultural advance ment or identity, but that revival is pos sible. I have a close relationship with two of the newer people in the population there: Manny Alvarado and Jerry Film ore who together have ignited What’s Up Worcester, a new urban media com pany that aims to reach the people who are never thought about. What’s Up wouldn’t be where it is without the Vil lage. The building is truly alive. Another group, Stone Soup, which is made up of a tremendous group of organizations that cover a broad spectrum of services all aimed at community revival.
Yet as you walk around the corner to the Village from Maria’s kitchen, the tone there is different. I detect a few more smiles, and a few more laughs when groups descend for block parties, community engagement events and live music. The varied cultural groups are interacting with each other, and the air has the tone of excitement you get when you are at a concert and the main attrac tion is coming up.
ful.”When
10 SEPTEMBER 2022
ENTERTAINMENT • ARTS • CULTURE
Tuesdays - Yoga in the Garden
11 - Therapeutic Horticulture: Fall Harvest Flowers
Hanover Theatre (877) 571-7469
55 Salisbury St., Worcester Freehttps://www.worcesterart.org/FirstSundays
323 Main St, Worcester https://worcesterchambermusic.org/ September 16 - Annual Tom Keil Memorial Concert
321 Main St., Worcester https://www.mechanicshall.org/ September 13 - YWCA of Central Massachu setts: Tribute to Women September 14 - Worcester Business Journal 40 under Forty Awards September 16 - Music Worcester presents The Knights & Aaron Diehl September 17 - India Society of Worcester Fundraising Gala
September 7, 13 & 14 - QTS Vogue Workshop
September 9 - Endangered: An Eco-Friendly Art SeptemberShow
Preservation Worcster (508) 754-8760
568 Main St., Hudson https://www.americanheritagemuseum.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge https://www.osv.org/ September 3 - Muster Day September 10 - Evening at the Village feat. Ben & Elizabeth Anderson September 16 - Gerald Dickens One-Man Show: The Signalman & a Child’s Journey September 17 - Garden Thyme: Harvesting Honey
Brick Box Theater (508) 413-5622
11 French St., https://www.towerhillbg.org/Boylston
September 10 - Perennial Flowers in Pen and SeptemberInk
September 17 & 18 - New England Dahlia Society Show & Sale
10 Tuckerman St., Worcester http://www.tuckermanhall.org/
The Village Worcester thevillageworcester@gmail.com 4 King St., Worcester
Fitchburg Art Museum (978) 345-4207
185 Elm St., Freehttps://fitchburgartmuseum.org/FitchburgFirstThursdays
September 29 - Foraging for Wild Edibles Walk
Worcester Center for Crafts (508) 753-8103
25 - House Fashion Week Model
Worcester Historical Museum (508) 753-8278
2 Southbridge St., Septemberhttps://thehanovertheatre.org/Worcester1-OneNightofQueen
American Heritage Museum (978) 562-9182
Worcester Art Museum (508) 799-4406
September 8 - Introduction to Sogetsu Ike bana
31 Ray St., https://samuelslaterexperience.org/Webster
44 Portland St., Worcseter https://artsworcester.org/ September 16 - Public Reception for Material Needs 2021 and Project Spaces
Arts Worcester (508) 755-5142
September 24 - Folk Music and the Celebra tion of Cider
September 1& 16 - Too Darn Hot: 150+ Years of Burlesque History
Wednesdays - Afternoon Stretch and Restore Thursdays - Yoga in the Garden
Tuckerman Hall (508) 754-1234
September 24 & 25 - Buxton Begonia and Gesneriad Society Show & Sale
30 Elm St., Worcester https://www.worcesterhistory.org/
Mechanics Hall (508) 752-5608
September 28 - Piff the Magic Dragon & Puddles Pity Party
960 Main St., Fitchburg http://theboulderartgallery.com/ Gallery open Thursday, Friday, Saturday
September 23 - Forest Bathing
25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester https://www.worcestercraftcenter.org/
Tower Hill Botanical Garden (508) 869-6111
Boulder Art Gallery (978) 354-7000
Worcester Chamber Music Society (508) 926-8624
September 6 - QTS Vogue Workshop
Per formed by Gary Mullen and the Works September 10 - Jerry Seinfeld
Septemberorg/ 17 - World War I Aviation Week end
September 18 - Worcester Chamber Music Society presents ‘Into the Source’ September 27 - Celebration of Excellence September 30 - Devereux School Annual Gala
Septemberhtml 10 - studioXpresents: deity September 18 - Aquarius Video presents: Tow the Line
JMAC Popup (508) 561-0173
ARTS & CULTURE LISTINGS thepulsemag.com 11
10 Cedar St., Worcester https://www.preservationworcester.org/
September 15 - Brandywine Cottage with David Culp
Casting
September 23 - An Evening with Chita Rivera and Seth Rudetsky
Samuel Slater Experience (508) 461-2955
20B Franklin St., https://www.jmacworcester.org/brickbox.Worcester
20B Franklin St., www.jmacworcester.orgWorcester
Old Sturbridge Village (800) 733-1830
12 SEPTEMBER 2022
What the world needs is Gwar, perhaps now more than ever before, to make us take a look in the mirror and see how messed up we really are. Luckily for us, the monstrosities from outer space are back with “The New Dark Ages,” their 15th full length album and one that reaffirms we are still unworthy humans that can’t get out of our own way.
Matching Krieger’s punk approach to her vocal delivery are guitarists Donny Defala and Alex Oslakovic, drummer Troy Welling and the aforementioned Breda on bass. Distorted guitars and swinging drum beats on “Hello, Again” have an attitude and swagger all their own that become the perfect compliment to Krieger’s energy. “Bye Bye,” the EP’s closer and the best example of this chemistry, is an unapologetic breakup song that has Krieger cutting ties with a snarl. As she yells “bye bye” over and over again to her “lover” and “muse” the drums and guitars charge her up with an extra boost of energy, making her already believable performance cut even deeper. If “Hello, Again” is any indication, we’ll be hearing a lot more from JVK. “Hello, Again” is available now on all major streaming platforms
JVKSTREAMING.-HELLO,AGAIN
JASON SAVIO
For a swift kick in the butt, look no further than Boston-based JVK’s debut EP “Hello, Again.” This female led hard rock group makes its presence felt right off the bat with the surf punk-rock jam title track, and from there it’s four more songs of revelation. What makes “Hello, Again,” and JVK so intriguing is the edge the music has. This isn’t bubble gum pop; this is an angry, in-your-face challenge. More than once, singer Jo Krieger makes it clear she is not anyone’s object and will live by her own rules. “My Own Man,” with its cool and menacing James Bond-inspired bass line provided by Alix Breda, captures Krieger deciding not to rely on stereotypes of dependency and take charge herself. In “Freak” she calls some one’s bluff when she sings questioningly, “You want to swim in the blood of mine/You want to breathe in the air of mine.”
GWAR - THE NEW DARK AGES
As with most of Gwar’s work, there is a backstory that weaves between the songs and connects them together. With “The New Dark Ages” the group explores the Duoverse, where ”they battle the living monuments of a lost cause and armies of undead soldiers who Rise Again to fight a New Civil War,” according to the band’s official description. It’s easy to gloss over this, but when you read into the lyrics of many of the songs, it’s clear that this “Duoverse” is really a reflection of our own planet and a scathing critique of our own faults. “Rise Again” is about the resur gence of white supremacy groups told through the return of undead southern civil war leaders, with the lyrics, “Feed the hate/That tore apart the states/The Star and Bars above them once again.” Later in the same song, the lyrics “Earth gets scorched, tiki torch/Reignites the horror” brings the atrocity full circle to the present day. Gwar then takes our addiction to technology and instant gratification to task in “Venom of the Platypus” when lead singer Blöthar the Ber serker quips, “You’re my genie/ My monkey’s paw/Every wish and base desire/You grant them all/I love the gifts you give me/Fraudulent facts/If I don’t like the truth/I can always send it back.”
Of course, if all of this is too heavy for you, there is still that one-of-a-kind Gwar charm to rock out to throughout the entire album. You’ll never hear another song about child abduction that is as catchy as “Ratcatcher”; “Completely Fucked” is hilarious in its earnestness backed by Gwar’s signature metal mayhem as Blöthar, despite being a self-proclaimed “god,” has failing health that includes an aching back, dry eyes, and a concerning red color in his urine; “Mother Fucking Liar” sounds like a jacked-up cousin of the Gwar classic “Sick of You,” and “Bored to Death” is a thrashing punker with gory visuals.
Are we really in for a “new dark age” where “lies have become contagious” as Blöthar says in the title track? It sure seems that way, but maybe if we pay close attention to Gwar, we can learn something to prevent it. For more, visit: gwar.net
NOW
EXPLORE THE CANAL DISTRICT tthepulsemag.com 13VISIT BEFORE OR AFTER the woosox GAMEs
September 4 & 25 - Jacob
38 Franklin St., Worcester 1st & 3rd Thursday - Mauro De pasquale’s Jazzed Up Trio 2nd & 4th Thursday - Van Dam Duo
September 10 - Canal Diggers Road Race
September 18 - Unplugged: Ft Mike Shorey and Friends September 21 & 28The Space Jam
September 10 - Annie Brobst
90508-304-6411Commercial St., Worcester
September 16 & 30 - David Rak
Greendale’s Pub 404508-853-1350WBoylston St. North, Worcester
Halligan’s 889508-832-6739Southbridge St., Auburn Thursdays - Bike Night
September 3 - Kamryn
September 15 - James Cooke
ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS 14 SEPTEMBER 2022
MB Lounge 40508-799-4521GraftonSt., Worcester
September 23 - The Edd with Peak, Jake McKelvie & the Coun tertops
SeptemberTheme17 - Beats After Barbe cue Party
SeptemberHype
September 3 - Aaron Lewis and the SeptemberStateliners10- The Pike Rok Septemberfest 11 - Nash Icon Local
Indian Ranch 200508-943-3871GoreRd., SeptemberIndianranch.comWebster2-Extreme
Thursday - Weekend Pregame
Firefly’s BBQ 350508-357-8883E.MainSt., Marlborough Dante’s at Firefly BBQ: Indoors September 10 - Canal Diggers Road Race
September 1, 18 & 29 - Jared Reinhert
September 3 - Joe Mack
Off the Rails
September 10 - Mark Manzella
14 - Bottom Bracket/ Honey Creek with Square Loop, Olde Pine, Zigmont
September 24 - Halfway to St Patrick’s Day Party
September 17 - Greg Schuler September 18 - Jennifer Trues dale
Wednesdays - DJ Trivia
Flying Rhino 508-757-1450 278 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
Black and White Grille 206508-885-5018NorthSpencer Rd., Spencer Blackandwhitegrille.com
SeptemberSundaysFridaysTrivia-Karaoke-Comedy10-DJ
September 17 - New England SeptemberDensity 24 - Keith Pettit
Fidder’s Green Pub 19508-792-3700TempleSt., Worcester
Electric Haze
26 Millbury St., Worcester
Wednesdays - Wacky Blues
SeptemberJam 10 - Nasty Habits
September 9 - WARP 909 Cele bration with Sunshine, Jonathan Santarelli, Irwin
September 24 - Halfway to St Patrick’s Day Party
September 16 - Riff Raff
September 18 - Frohsinn Club Dance
September 10 - Ricky Fleet September 11 - Peter Lavenson
September 16 - Carl Schiller
Countryfest
Friday & Saturday - Dance
Gardner Ale House 978- 669-0122 74 Parker St., Gardner
MCL Club 181508-797-0141LakeAve.,
September 11 - Patriots Season
13 - HIII State Area Tour with Public, Nomad N3, Phil SeptemberPhlaymz
Michael’s Cigar Bar 1508-459-9035ExchangeSt, Worcester Movie Mondays
September 17 - Petty Larceny September 23 - Auntie Train Septemberwreck 24 - No Alibi September 30 - Deloreans
SundayParty - Game Night
September 10 - Pride Block Party
SeptemberAnniversary7 - The Space Jam
September 11 - Afrobeat Jambo ree with DJ Gnyce & DJ Melvy
Chashu Ramen + Izakaya 508-304-7183
September 11 - Evan Foisy Band
Restaurant Stage
Classic’s Pub 285978-227-5258CentralSt., Leominster
Wednesday - Karaoke
Black Sheep Tavern 261978-422-0255Leominster Rd, Meetmeatthesheep.comSterling
SeptemberWaySeptemberThursdaysWorcestermcl.orgWorcester-Karaoke3&4-UpBand10-VooDoo
Mint Kitchen + Bar 508-459-1532 79 Maywood St., Worcester
September 10 - Jared Fiske
Music Venue
The Backyard at Firefly’s BBQ: Outdoors
Greater Good Imperial Brewing 55508-926-8736MillbrookSt., Worcester
Wednesdays - The Space Jam with Brandon Sunshine Esteves September 4 - E Haze 9 Year
S3NS3S
Vixen
Opener September 27 - Get Away Band September 24 - The Exp Band
September 2 - Sean Fullerton
Chuck’s Steakhouse 10508-832-2553ProspectStreet, Auburn September 8, 17 & 22Jason SeptemberBeaulieu9-Drunkin Uncles
September 4 - Zach Ernst
September 24 - Glow Party
September 17 - Matt York
September 22 - Nate Ramos
September 24 - Scott Magill
Husky’s Pub 413508-425-9614ParkAve., Worcester Mondays - Movie Night Wednesdays - Open Mic Thursdays - Trivia with Wise Guys
Blueprint New American Bar & Grille 10978-668-5580VillageSq., Westminster Cafe Neo 97774-253-6139MillburySt., Worcester Nightly Karaoke
68 Airport Rd, Fitchburg
Elm Draught House 35508-865-2850ElmSt.,Millbury
September 15 - Jean Batista September 16 - Tequila Bonfire September 23 - Marshall Morris September 24 - Joe Macy September 29 - Mark Manzella
BirchTree Bread Company 138744-243-6944GreenSt., Birchtreebreadcompany.comWorcester
Legends Bar and Grille 978- 342-6500
SeptemberHunsinger 9 - AK Cody
If you’d like to be included in fu ture listings, please email JPacil lo@pagioinc.com.
Draught House Bar & Grill 42508-835-4722WestBoylston St., West Boyl ston
September 18 - Frohsinn Club Dance
September 2 - The Moscas
September 9 - Tim Leavitt
Sundays - Night Jam
Fridays - Karaoke Night
September 16 - Sexy Drag Bingo: Shrek
The GazBar 978- 534-6600 1045 Central St, Leominster
September 22 - Jared Moore
Rascal’s 70508-459-0862JamesSt.,Worcester Rascalsworcester.com
September 15 - Chris Barber September 16 - Cashwood September 17 - Whitney Dou
Park Grille 257508-756-7995ParkAvenue, Worcester
Southside Grille 978-632-1057
Ralph’s Diner 148508-753-9543GroveSt., Worcester
Partner’s Pub 978-345-5051 970 South St., Fitchburg
September 23 & 24 - Oktoberfest September 24 - Go Gadget Go/ Synergy September 25 - Brian Caffee
Steel and Wire Cocktail Lounge 124508-373-AMillbury St., Worcester
The Bull Run 215978-425-4311GreatRoad, Shirley
September 2 & 23 - Daniel Gay September 3 - Ryan Hood September 4, 18 & 25 - Eddy Troxler & Friends: Jazz Sundays September 10 - VW/Audi Car Meet SeptemberUp 17 - Garold Amadon
Whiskey on Water 97774-578-8829WaterSt., Worcester
Music BINGO every Wednesday starting Bi-Monthly8/10Tap Takeover featuring local breweries
Monday - The Dirty Gerund Poetry Open Mic Wednesday - Karaoke with Dj Matt R!
Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern 455508-752-7711ParkAve., Worcester
Mondayston - Musical Bingo Wednesdays - Trivia with Nate Briggs
September 10 - Eric Ducoff Band September 11 - Bob Moon September 16 - Ed Barnett with Side SeptemberHustle 17 - Tootie Pa and his Big Fine SeptemberThing18- Mugwumps September 23 - Miss Fairchild September 25 - Chris Houston September 30 - Garden City
September 1 - Tim and Jim Duo
September 17 - In Good Nature September 18 - B-Lovee September 23 - Miss May I September 24 - Punk in Drublic September 25 - 311 September 30 - Silverstein & Amity Affliction
September 29 - Drive South September 30 - Madi Ryan
September 16 - Tequila Bonfire September 17 - Ward Hayden and the SeptemberOutliars23-Trigger South
September 10 - Speedwage: The REO SeptemberExperience18-Joanna the Psy chic SeptemberMedium23 - Steven Adler of Guns N’ SeptemberRoses24 - Last in Line
September 11 - James Keyes
Stakes Pub 1281508-755-2955Pleasant St., Worcester
Worcester Beer Garden (774) 530-9000 64 Franklin St, Worcester
One Eyed Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill 433508-459-0089ParkAve., Worcester
September 2 - Frank Foot September 3 - Maddi Ryan/ Whiskey Johnson September 4 - Sean Fullerton
September 5 - Labor Day Clam SeptemberBake 8 - Martin and Kelly September 9 - Below Deck September 10 - Redlight
Thirsty Robot 265 Summer St., Fitchburg Thursdays - Trivia Night Rob Boss
Septembercette 18 - Tandem Acoustic
River Styx 978-696-5176 166 Boulder Dr., Fitchburg
Fridays - Finicky Fork
September 24 - Punk N Drublic
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Live Music Thursday - Sunday Volo Cornhole League registration open
The Muse 536508-796-5900MainSt., Worcester
September 23 - Ben Cote Band
Reunion Tap & Table 198774-293-5501Worcester St., North Graf
The Mill at 185 185774-261-8585WBoylston St., West Boyl Liveston entertainment Thursday through Saturday
Vincent’s Worcester 508-752-9439 49 Suffolk St., Worcester
Wachusett Brew Yard 175978-874-9965StateRd.E, Westminster
September 1 - Tom Cotter: America’s Favorite Comedian September 9 & 10 - Nick Locapo Magic Show September 10 & 11 - Luna Liz: Private Astrology Reading September 11 - Enter the Haggis September 15 - Alejandro Esco
Thursdays - World Tavern Pok er/Trivia
Septembervedo 16 - Richie Kotzen
White Eagle 116-120508-753-9612Green St., Worcester ThursdayWhiteeagleworcester.com&Friday-DjNights
Patsie Duggans 508 755-4155 49 Millbury St, Worcester Nightly Entertainment
Woo Bar & Grill 774-243-6130 358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
September 4 - The Ultimate Aldean
Purgatory Beer Co. 508-596-2194 670 Linwood Ave. Building C, Whitinsville
242 West Broadway, Gardner Tuesdays - Slingo Thursdays - Trivia with Kevin
September 22 - The Jerry Doug las SeptemberBand 23 - The Vanessa Col lier Band/The Jon Butcher Axis September 24 - Paul Rishell & Annie SeptemberRaines29 - Kevin Nealon September 30 - Paul Thorn Band
The Palladium 261508-797-9696MainSt., Worcester
September 1 - Chris Webby September 3 - Cultivators Cup September 6 - Thursday September 8 - Heilung September 9 - Queer AF Art & Fashion Show/ Gimme Gimme SeptemberDisco 10 - Best Night Ever September 14 - Stick to Your SeptemberGuns 16 - Meshuggah
Tryst Lounge 978-400-7906 320 Main St, Fitchburg
TuesdaysWednesdaysTrivia-Brooks Milgate and ThursdaysFriends- Karaoke with DJ Matt SeptemberR 2 - Lights Out Blues SeptemberBand 3 - Giuliano and the Band Plays Loud September 4 - Drag Show with Brandy Shimmer and Victoria Queen
16 SEPTEMBER 2022
thepulsemag.com 17 citytheofbeatthefeel
DINING REVIEW: THE WOODDISTRICTFIRED KITCHEN
The Compass Tavern, our go-to place for fish ’n chips is now just a memory. After a quick time-out for remodeling, the District Wood Fired Kitchen has replaced it with a menu that continues Com pass’s tradition of pub dining. The interior hasn’t changed much with its large central bar, rows of booths and an adjoining function area.
spark of flavor a piquant mignonette adds to rich oysters; the District’s chef had prepared a very tasty and unique sauce.
My friend’s entrée, Cuban Sandwich, combined wood oven roasted pork with smoked ham and Swiss cheese on Portuguese bread. Pickle slices and bright yellow mustard added sharp flavor contrasts. He’s traveled extensively and is wellversed in many cuisines, so I took particular note when he opined, “This Cuban is as good as the best from any joint in Little Havana!”
The Cuban came served over a pile of hand cut French fries, deep golden brown with robust fresh-potato flavor. They’re so delicious they have their own page in the menu; order them with cheese, truffle oil, or loaded with cheddar, bacon and scallions. Forget tenders, get a Hand Cut Fry Basket!
Where its sibling, Off The Rails, is Country mu sic themed, the District’s soundtrack is early Sev enties rock. If you hail from that era – as I do –you’ll hear stuff you last encountered decades ago and might need Shazam to identify. For example: queue up the Little River Band’s Lonesome Loser or Sweet’s Ballroom Blitz.
For my first meal at the District I’d ordered their Fried Chicken Sandwich. Everything about it looked right, but the flavor of the chicken breast meat didn’t pop, and it was a bit rare in its cen ter. In contrast, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken at OTR’s is awesome.
Initially I thought ‘Wood Fired Kitchen’ signaled bar-b-que. In the District’s case it has more to do with preparation of certain menu items, such as their wood fired pizzettes and wood grilled steak and sirloin.
90LOCATEDHARDING STREET, WORCESTER 508 459-9772
18 SEPTEMBER 2022
This was our second visit to the District, and we started with their Buck-a-Shuck oyster special. Our order of eight was served on crushed ice with hot sauce and an apple pear mignonette. I prefer my shellfish straight-up, but many people love the
I’ve enjoyed both of my meals at the District Wood Fired Kitchen. Admittedly though, they were not very exciting. When we return, I’ll order an IPA from their huge list of drafts, follow the lead of my friend, and say to the waiter, “I want what he’s having!”
This contrast is instructive because their soundtracks map neatly to their cuisines. Where Off The Rails’ menu leans heavily upon Country and Southern cooking flavor palettes, the Dis trict’s menu wanders the American landscape seeking comfort foods that fit the pub style. The District’s menu even features a list of Tender Plat ters – variations of chicken tenders; one of those Seventies-era dining innovations time can’t for get.
Although their source wasn’t clear to me, these oysters were immaculately fresh with pristine brine; their meat was sweet and pure. They’d been shucked by a master who, unlike me, left behind no scrapings of shells.
Buck a Shuck: oyster lovers, take note!
EAT • BREWS • COCKTAILS
BERNIE WHITMORE
This time I ordered the District’s Chorizo Mac & Cheese. Served in an oval cast iron skillet, cavat appi pasta and slices of chorizo sausage were coat ed with cheddar sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and fresh pico de gallo. Typically, chorizo lends delightful smoky depth to a dish. Perhaps this would have been the case had the meal had been given more time in a hot oven – enough to get the cheese bubbling and flavors integrated.
IT’S ROASTING OUT THERE: Roasted American Eats is now open in Fitch burg. It bills itself as “American comfort food in a casual atmosphere.” The menu features the regular items you find in any local eatery-some pasta, sandwiches and meals like meatloaf. Try it out.
FEEL THE BEAT: Foodbeat Mediterranean Grill with several locations around the area has opened at 667 West Boylston St in Worcester. The eatery serves Mid dle eastern and food found in countries around the Mediterranean ocean.
SO LONG SUNEY’S: Suney’s Pub on Worcester’s Chandler Street, famous for their fish and chips, has closed its doors after 52 years in business. The pub has been owned by the Kachidorian family and may be the latest victim of Covid. We wish them well in retirement.
ON THE GRID: The Grid Hospitality Group, which runs the Beer garden on Franklin Street has a new executive chef, Patrick Clancy, who is revamping the menu. They are laying claim to the best burger in the city. Try it out, because there are a few good burger places.
IT’S THE BOMB: Mike Devish, the vision behind Ziggy Bombs food truck, will be opening a brick and mortar location on Worcester’s Franklin Street across from the common. If you haven’t tried his steak bomb you don’t know what you are missing. In addition to his famous steak sandwich, he will also open a merchandise store next door.
KEEP ON WORKING: It appears that the work is continuing on the old Mac’s Diner on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street. As we reported the people who own the Twisted Fork will be opening soon, maybe even in time for the Taste of Shrewsbury Street on October 9
SHREWSBURY STREET RUMOR: It is rumored that the Zona Family has sold their Shrewsbury Street restaurant, La Scala. It will be reopening as an Italian Steakhouse. Now if it is only like the steak they serve in Florence, Italy, people will flock there. We haven’t heard when the sale will be finalized.
what’s happening in the restaurant scene PAUL GIORGIO
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THE NEXT TASTE: The Taste of Shrewsbury Street will be happening again on Indigenous Peoples Day weekend. The party will be held Sunday, October 9 at 2 PM, but watch for details on the Taste’s Facebook and web pages. For the $30 cost of a button, you get to sample food from participating restaurants along the boulevard. There will also be free music. It’s the same day as the Italian heritage parade, so do both.
IN MORE FITCHBURG NEWS: El Toro Steakhouse will be opening soon in the old Dario’s location on River Street in Fitchburg. It will be a Brazilian steak house. No word on whether they will be doing table side service with large skewers of meat.
IT’S JUST WICKED: Worcester’ Wicked Wings at 321 West Boylston Street has new owners and will be expanding their hours. No word yet on if they will be expanding their menu offerings as man can’t live by wings alone.
Years later, my passion for drinking craft beer led me to start making beer at home, a hobby that spiraled so deep it became my job almost by accident. Homebrewing captivated me in stantly, and I maintain it is one of the coolest, most rewarding hobbies imaginable. You should try it. Seriously. The community, the creative control, the alchemy of yeast transforming humbly-made sugar water into beer… I am still struck by the magic of it sometimes. Not to mention how handy this skill could be during the zombie apocalypse.
SHANNON JUTRAS
Dear Drinkers, and non drinkers, and all of you wonderful people, Today we depart from my usual list of drink recommendations to explore some life recommen dations, with a side of beer. I’m not totally sure about the liability logistics for beer columnists, so I begin with a gentle disclaimer: All advice about brewing is aimed at the 21+ crowd.
In case you need more convincing, I brought in reinforcement. Meet my colleague in beer, Er ika Anderson. She’s Assistant Brewer at Backbeat Brewing Co, a Customer Assistant at Beer & Wine Hobby, Co-Host on the Brew Roots Podcast, and the Marketing Manager for Boston Pink Boots Society. She’s also a 2013 Worcester State grad, and her journey through many different courses of study and jobs echoes the journey of many professionals I know both in and outside the craft beer world.
She also encourages staying open-minded, and considering options without outside judg ment. “There are many jobs out there that are career worthy. If you told me 15 years ago I’d be an assistant at a hobby store I’d laugh and say I had failed, but I’ve learned now that that’s so wrong. I love what I do and I’ve advocated for myself to be in a valued position at the store. Just because it’s not the stereotypical job or career doesn’t mean it’s not legit. I’m happier where I’m at now than ever before and that’s important… being happy and enjoying what you do is amazing.”
I distinctly remember the snowy day during winter break 2006 spent debating the “best beer ever” with friends - clearly a Sam Adams or a Harpoon IPA. One friend chimed in with dismay, “You guys know there’s a whole wide world of beer beyond that, right? Right?” He soon led us down the craft beer rabbit hole, an abyss through which I am still falling and learning.
If I can’t convince you to start making beer in your garage with a single column, I hope I can convince you that the purpose of learning doesn’t have to be a direct path to a predetermined career. Being curious and open to experiencing new things has the potential to shape your life as much as any formal curriculum.
Erika’s own education adventures took her from Nursing to Early Childhood Education, En glish, and Media, until she landed on a BS in Communications. I was struck by how well Erika captured the importance of a growth mindset that extends beyond a specific major or degree program.
PULSEBREWRURALBREWERIES
“College was a really difficult time for me. I struggled finding an identity, making friends, and was constantly stressed because I thought I had to have EVERYTHING all figured out by the time I was done… It took me many years after graduating until I figured it out. And that’s okay! Sometimes life is a journey and it takes time to discover who you are and where you’re meant to be.”
20 SEPTEMBER 2022
The rest of the advice today is offered to all (from one to 92), especially new and returning college students. In a nutshell: You don’t have to figure out the rest of your life today. You’re never too old, too cool, or too settled to learn something new. You may remember from columns of yore that I’m a brewer, and as it so happens, the path that led me to this career started during my own college days. I relished my time at UMASS-Am herst, and even though brewing might sound like a sharp detour from a fine arts degree, I could write a lengthy treatise on how my education in dance and English continues to enrich my personal and professional life. (Turns out those degrees weren’t so unemployable after all!) College was also where I first learned about craft beer, an extra-curricular education that turned out to be quite fortuitous indeed.
Erika credits the variety of paths she explored in college with helping her find satisfaction in her current work. Her advice for you? “TRY EVERYTHING! Do you enjoy drawing? Take a fine arts class. Like computers? Try an IT Coding course. After graduating I took a handful of com munity college courses just to continue to explore my options. You’ll discover what you hate, what you enjoy just as a hobby, and what maybe you could see yourself pursuing as a career.”
Don’t tell your parents I told you this (and consult with a financial advisor before you take on any crazy loans) but this is the truth as I see it: It probably doesn’t matter what you study in undergrad. Life is too crazy to be laid out like train tracks when you’re barely old enough to buy a drink. It’s more important that you study something that fascinates you. Don’t be afraid to try your hands at something new. Make some weird choices. If you don’t like the options, make your own. Stay curious. Stay thirsty.
Steel and Wire is carrying on the tradition of Nicks, where regulars and newbies mingle and become fast friends. The Sunday Bloody Mary bar is low key, welcoming and fun. Customers are eager to catch up and chime in while Sullivan and I are talking at the far end of the bar. “I love it,” Sullivan warmly says, “And we’re family. You know, we all literally love every single person. We all love each other.”
“People always bring in stuff, it becomes a potluck,” she adds, “Some times Lexi (her fellow bartender) makes sauteed stuffed mushrooms. To day we brought in apple cider doughnuts. It’s like we’re all hungover. So let’s all just get together and eat and drink and feel better. You know? So that’s what we do, and it’s wicked fun.”
JENNY PACILLO
Anyone who walks into Steel and Wire on a Sunday afternoon can see that Sullivan has clearly mastered the art of the Bloody Mary bar. Her pristine line up of various olives, local seasonal veggies, shrimp, home made pickles and more are lined up at the beginning of the bar, ready for guests to garnish their drinks with. “You know, people like it,” Sullivan smiles, “People feel like they’re part of the team, because they’re doing something, like they’re making their own drink, but not really.”
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COCKTAIL CORNER STEEL AND WIRE: MOLLY SULLIVAN
“So the bar that I used to work at before I came to Vinco was out Sterling, One Forty Pub Rendezvous, the biker bar,” Blood Mary extraordinaire Molly Sullivan begins, “the old lady, who was about 110, Ruthie, was the bartender there. She would do a Bloody Mary bar every Thanksgiving morning. It was the busiest day of the year, we would open for a couple hours then kick everybody out to spend the day with their families. So she’s who I learned the Bloody Mary Bar thing from. I took over when she retired and it was Molly’s Bloody Mary Bar Thursdays.”
Sullivan offers her own spicy and mild mixes, along with clamato and a “Bunny Mary”, her original creation. “The Bunny Mary is carrot juice, hot sauce, honey, and caper brine. It’s salty, it’s a little sweet. With the carrot juice, it’s a little bit more healthy for you. And it’s just different. You can’t find that anywhere else,” she explains. Sullivan loves the cre ativity behind Bloody Marys, along with the ability to customize it for each guest. “Every single drink is a completely different beverage, de pending on what the person wants,” she says.
Molly Sullivan’s Bloody Mary Bar isevery Sunday from 12 - 5 at Steel and Wire on124 Millbury Street in Worcester
22 SEPTEMBER 2022
WWIEXPOSITIONAVIATIONDebutoftheNieuport28 fighter restoration September 17th & 18th LivingWWIHistoryDisplaysCampsAircraft MUSEUM OPEN WED. - SUN. 10 AM TO 5 PM 568 MAIN STREET, HUDSON, MA www.AmericanHeritageMuseum.org thepulsemag.com 23
DAVID CONNER
In June, 1975, the Worcester Telegram reported that “a film Saturday night and a parade Sunday will highlight the first ‘Gay Pride Week’ in Worces ter.” The Metropolitan Community Church and the Worcester Homophile Organization (formerly known as the Worcester Gay Union) organized the parade, extending invitations to gay groups across New England, local so cial service agencies, supporters from Boston, Providence, and Connecticut, and “anyone who is sympathetic to oppressed minorities.” Approximately one hundred people marched from City Hall down Main Street to Universi ty Park, across from Clark University, bearing signs proclaiming Gay Pride, Gay Love, and Gay Power.
PRIDE 2022 TAKES PLACE FROM SEPT. 1-11 FOR DETAILS, WWW.PRIDEWORCESTER.ORGVISIT 24 SEPTEMBER 2022
Over forty years after one hundred gays and lesbians marched for Gay Pride in Worcester, the celebration has become a successful and well-established feature of Worcester life. Worcester’s 2018 Pride Festival hosted over 25,000 attendees. This year, thanks to the generous support of local businesses, non-profits, artists/makers, and the Worcester BID, Pride Worcester is set to welcome visitors from across New England to downtown Worcester for one last Pride stop before the fall season begins.
PRIDE IS BACK AND BOLDER THAN EVER
Queer the Scene, LLC (QTS) was founded by local community organizers Alford Green, Ministry Director of Worcester’s LGBT Asylum Task Force; David Conner, Project Manager of LGBTQ+ Worcester FOR THE RECORD; Lamar Brown-Noguera, Community Relations Manager of AIDS Project Worcester; and Marvin Nuñez, freelance visual artist and designer at Ree bok. QTS has been in operation since 2019 and has been able to build night life, entertainment, and creative spaces that defiantly celebrate the queer
their one-month residency Club Kiki at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) located in downtown Worcester at 20 Franklin Street. The residency begins on Sunday, August 21 with their Caribbean Carnival Week – just in time for the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival. It will feature a free Soca dance workshop instructed by Jennifer Gaskin on Tues day, August 23 from 6-7 pm, followed by a Caribbean Carnival Night with music by DJ Live on Saturday, August 27 from 9 pm-1 am. The residency con tinues with Latin Week featuring two free Latin dance workshops instructed by Salsa Worcester’s Wilberto Soto on Tuesday, August 30 and Wednesday, August 31 from 6-8 pm. The week ends with Latin Night with music by DJ Rey G on Friday, September 2 from 9 pm-1 am.
Thanks to local researchers Joseph Cullon (Worcester Polytechnic Insti tute), Dr. Robert Tobin (Clark University), and Dr. Stephanie Yuhl (College of the Holy Cross), the Greater Worcester area has begun to scratch the surface of what it has meant to live as an LGBTQ+ person in the heart of the Commonwealth with their publication, “LGBTQ+ Worcester FOR THE RE CORD.” It is a 116-page catalog that chronicles Worcester’s LGBTQ+ com munity’s history and how we have claimed space, demanded equality, lived out loud, and taken care of one another in a city that has historically battled us and itself grappling between its liberal face and conservative heart. This ongoing multi-year research initiative entails a critical community effort spearheaded by the Worcester Historical Museum.
Joincommunity.QTSfor
STYLE • FASHION • BEAUTY
Almost 50 Years Later it is time to Queer the Scene
WORCESTER
QTS will be closing out their residency with a free four-part Vogue Worces ter dance workshop series instructed by HBO Max’s Legendary season one contestant, London Fleur De Lis on September 6, 7, 13, and 14 from 6-8 pm. Their final event is the Renaissance Kiki Ball on Saturday, September 17 from 9 pm-1 am. The ball will feature music by DJ Delish, commentation by Belinda 007, and Renaissance-themed categories with cash prizes and tro phies up for grabs. This will be Worcester’s first kiki ball and is expected to
Nearly 50 years later, are queer people safer in today’s America? What about here in Worcester? Transgender people are in need of extra protection and love these days. Right-wing extremist groups continue to target them, weaponizing their identities and holding them as political hostages. They spinelessly negotiate policy decisions to further shut off access to specific healthcare needs, recreation, and the overall dignity that they deserve as human beings. It is more important than ever to work in community to cre ate environments where all LGBTQ+ community members and allies can freely express their queerness comfortably and unapologetically. This is where Queer the Scene steps in.
Pride Worcester in the 1970’S: BEGINNINGS
Credit: Worcester Historical Museum’s LGBTQ+ Worcester FOR THE RE CORD Catalog
BACK TO SCHOOL
As much as I hate to say it dear readers (because summer is my ab solute favorite time of year) fall is fast-approaching, and with that comes back to school season. Children, college students, and teach ers are starting to think about getting their school year supplies and wardrobes in order. After all, the cooler weather comes with more layers, different shoes, and accessories to account for the tem perature drop. Let’s back up a moment though, after all it is only August. Let’s first focus on sustainable, reusable and reliable acces sories that you can use that go with your outfits and will take you into the new school year feeling polished and ready for anything.
TRENDY LEASH FOR FURRY FRIENDS: If you are a parent who is walking their kids to the bus stop or to school with your furry companion, why not take the opportunity to get your pup’s accessories in tip-top shape too? I love the idea of having fun with the colors of collars, leashes, and harness for your pet, and it is a stylish and unique way of recognizing them from afar if they escaped from you while trying to befriend the neighborhood squirrels. You can even look for pet accessories that match the nearest holiday or season, I’m thinking of an apple theme for the beginning of fall and spooky patterns for Halloween!
FUN LUNCHBOX: Lunchboxes may become less flamboyant and bright as we get older, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be any less stylish. In fact, keep the bright colors if that’s your thing. I tend to love neutrals because that is what my closet is full of, so I try to pick a hue that will go nicely with most of the things I could potentially be wearing. If you are headed back to having lunch outside of your home, thinking about details like your lunchbox are just another fun way to accessorize.
One of the best parts about fall is getting a fresh start, so why not refresh your wardrobe with environmentally friendly accessories!
BACKPACKS: These are another great way to add something to your outfit. There are many retailers who offer cute, comfortable, and stylish backpacks for the school year. If you want to go super fashion forward and want a bag that you can use for many years to come, you could look to designer or pro backpacking equipment depending on what your style is and what you want the functionality to be. If you just need something to get you through the year, there are other retailers who sell backpacks with cost-effectiveness and kiddos in mind. It really depends on what you are looking for, but if you are keen on being a super-accessorizer, defi nitely don’t sleep on the ever necessary backpack.
APRIL GODDARD
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CUTE REUSABLE MUG: Whether you opt for a hot beverage mug or a cold beverage tumbler, collect a few to match your mood and outfit that you are wear ing that day. Some people may argue that this method is too “matchy matchy”, but I disagree. In my mind, there is nothing that looks more fun with an outfit I care fully put together than a pop of color via my travel mug. It’s especially lively when it makes absolutely no sense with anything else I’m wearing. So, I’ve taken to looking at my reusable mugs as an extension of accessorizing. Plus, it’s good for our planet.
STYLE Savvy
Email: giulianodoraz@gmail.com Instagram: @musicbygiuliano
Supporting the efforts of Love Your Labels is a great way to show queer youth that they matter, they are seen, and that they are valued and needed in this world. A ticket to Queer AF not only supports this cause, it also happens to get you in the door to a brilliant art, fashion and music event - and one hell of an after party! This year, drag performer and activist Peppermint (of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame) will be co-hosting the event alongside Love Your Labels’ pres ident and cofounder Joshua Croke. This is truly a star-studded event, featuring fashion designers and Project Runway All Stars Asha Ama and Sam Donovan, singer Ryleigh Modig (featured on NBC’s The Voice), and drag performanc es from some of Worcester’s favorite queens including Lady Sabrina, Harley Queen, and Robyn Millyonz.
Billing itself as the Queer “Met Gala” of Massachusetts, Queer AF (stands for art and fashion ) is the main fundraising event for local nonprofit Love Your Labels. LYL’s mission is to support LGBTQ+ youth through art, fashion, and design by working with families and communities to create inclusive and loving spaces everywhere. Full disclosure - I am a board member of the organization; because of that, I have witnessed first-hand the powerful impact programs like Threads (youth fashion, design, and identity workshop)and Drag Story Time (in partnership with Redemption Rock Brewing Co.) have had on the lives of queer youth and families in our community. One of the statistics Love Your Labels often references is“Just One” – that is, LGBTQ+ youth who report hav ing at least one accepting adult are 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt (Trevor Project). By cultivating spaces built on community support, LYL shines so much love and support on young people who need it most.
For tickets to Queer AF on September 9 at the Palladium, visit www.queeraf. org. Queer AF is one of many exciting Pride events taking place in Worcester between September 1st and 11th. For a full list of events, visit www.prideworces ter.org. I hope to see you there on September 9 – you might even catch me on stage!
QUEER AF, WORCESTER’S PREMIERE NIGHTLIFE ART AND FASHION EVENT RETURNS SEPTEMBER 9 TO PALLADIUM
OUT & ABOUT
GiulianoBio D’Orazio (he/him) is a Worcester native, musician, music educator, member of the queer community, and a board member of Love Your Labels.
GIULIANO D’ORAZIO
26 SEPTEMBER 2022
Queer AF has continued to grow since it’s first iteration in 2018 at Electric Haze. The following year, the show was hosted at Bull Mansion. The pandemic put a halt on events like this over the past couple of years, but in 2022, Queer AF is back and bigger than ever. On Friday, September 9 at the Worcester Palladium, the show will be held in the“downstairs” main space of the venue, with sever al seating options to accommodate a variety of experiences and price points. Standing ‘general admission’, runway-side seats, reserved cocktail tables, and comfortable booths will all have bar access, with the higher end tickets pro viding table service. The show promises to be jam-packed with entertainment, from music, drag, performance art, and of course, fashion! The initial concept behind Queer AF was to create a fashion event that highlights diverse identi ties. Models will break the traditional standards of beauty that dominate the fashion industry, and designers are chosen based on their commitments to in clusion and sustainability.
After the show, audience members will head upstairs to the Palladium’s more intimate event space for Float: A Pop-up Queer Disco. The name Float is a tip of the hat to The Floating Dancefloor, a venue-hopping dance party started by Worcester’s lesbian community in the 1970s. The original Floating Dancefloor was initiated as a party space for lesbian women who often felt alienated in a queer nightlife scene dominated by gay men. Float brings that intention to to day’s generation(s), by welcoming folx of all identities, sexualities and gender expressions to come together to celebrate community, themselves, and eacho ther with kickass music and dancing in an event that’s sure to be overflowing with queer joy.
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I hope the summer was good to you all and that you have plenty of herb in the jar to properly celebrate fall in New England.
TRAVIS DUDA
The days are getting shorter, the inflatable unicorn has been packed, and it’s time for Worcester to welcome back the college students. I envy what you’re feeling and hope you’re enjoying your time in our City. There was a time when I felt that kind of excitement of going back to school, but now I only complain about the increase in traffic.
Fans of my column know that smoking flower is my preferred method. My fellow traditional smokers can find plenty of cool areas to enjoy a toke and a walk, or secure a good smoke spot with a unique view of a mural. But we are at a serious disadvantage of trying to imbibe inside. I was able to work magic for years with a box fan pointed out a window and a spoof, which is a water bottle with holes poked in the bottom and 2 packs of dryer sheets shoved inside. This emitted a cloud of noxious freshness the first few times it was used, and would need to be replaced every couple weeks. Nowadays people can go down to a local place like Jay’s Smoke Shop on Maywood St and buy a Smoke Buddy, which is essentially the same thing without the powder cloud and aftertaste. I don’t miss using that rig, and would happily burn one out in the cold than look down the barrel of an ever darkening dryer sheet graveyard again.
But what if you’re like me and want to steer clear of the edibles but still live neath the law? Obvious choice would be a vaporizer. These really should be consumed outside, but I get it. Winter is coming. They can be used pretty inconspicuously inside, however be mindful of your surroundings. I once set off a smoke detector that was lying on the bureau of a rental house I was staying at. Of course it was linked directly to the fire department so I had to have an awkward conversation with the homeowner about how I’m an idiot. Moral of the story, don’t be like me.
I want to take a moment to offer a special welcome to the first year students. If you’re reading this, there’s a chance you’ve broken out of the college bub ble and have experienced some of the local culture our beautiful City has to offer. Congratulations. Please tell your friends.
As a recovering college graduate with a column about cannabis, I have the unique opportunity to offer some suggestions about consuming the devil’s lettuce as discreetly as possible. Obviously this advice is only for people of legal age, and who make lawful purchases through a local dispensary. Back in my college days, we didn’t have legal weed, and we especially didn’t have access to most of the edibles that are available. We had to either make them ourselves or convince the friend with baking abilities to whip up a batch. These were always so unreliable that you were either going to have a party night or sink into your friend’s couch and watch them play Grand Theft Auto poorly. Now there are so many options for reliable consumables that you truly have your pick of poison, all of which offer an odor and smoke free experience.
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Be well, be smart, and happy trails. -Travis (@hunchbacktravis)
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sities. The school’s first building, Boyton Hall, was named after John Boyton who founded the school in 1865. Designed by architect Stephen Earle, the building features a main clocktower, is built of a beautiful stone construction and is designed in the Gothic Collegiate style. The building currently houses WPI’s administrative of fices and has iivy growing up the walls, adding to the curb appeal of the picturesque campus. A typical characteristic that can be seen in a Gothic style are pointed arched windows which can be seen across this building’s facade. A true masterpiece that can be seen as you drive up the main road just to the side of Earle Bridge.
CITY LIVING • ARCHITECTURE • DESIGN
Holy Cross is one of the oldest schools in the country dating back to 1843 when it was established. Situated on the edge of a hill side known as Mount Saint James, this entire campus is built on a steep topography giving it a stunning presentation as you enter the front gates. A picturesque campus if there ever was one. You can see brick buildings positioned into the hill side as you meander your way up large staircases from residence halls to classrooms. One of the most notable buildings on the campus, Fenwick Hall, is the school’s admissions building and concert hall. Orig inally built in 1843, expanded in 1867 by prominent architect, Elbridge Boyden, and enlarged again in 1875 by architect Patrick W. Ford. The building features Second Empire and Collegiate Gothic architecture styles throughout. This brick masterpiece features symmetrical towers, mansard slate roofs and a Colonial Revival porch. It’s a perfect reflection of what a classic university building is thought to look like and it’s a spot that students often take graduation photos in front of.
VINCENT PACIFICO
ARCHITECTURECAMPUS
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Kimball Hall in College of the Holy Cross
Campuses come in all styles and sizes and Worcester has many different examples to offer. When you envision a college campus, you often think of the picturesque scene of large brick buildings, covered in ivy, and a quadrangle in the center with students on their way to and from classes or relaxing on the lawn with friends. Quite a few of Worcester’s campuses do look like this or at least have aspects of the traditional classic look, but the city is also home to a few contemporary campuses as well. Greek Revival, Second Empire, Colonial Revival and Gothic and just a few of the styles you can find in and around Worcester university buildings. As the number of students in crease and the demand for new residence halls, classrooms and facilities are needed, new buildings are being built to offer a modern academic experience.
clark University Campus
Worcester Polytechnic Institute was one of the country’s first engineering Univer
As we roll into the month of September, the summer slowly comes to an end and the feeling of going back to school is in the air. For most, it’s the excitement of recon necting with friends, getting back out of the house and doing something new. For some like myself, it was accompanied by the dread of opening up the books again. Each year of school is like a new adventure filled with different opportunities, with new friends, classrooms and buildings. Worcester is home to eight unique college and university campuses, each having their own unique features and architectural styles. Most of the local campuses were built over time and they feature a mix of ar chitectural styles from different eras. It’s not uncommon to see a gothic style academ ic building sitting next to a contemporary looking residence hall.
As we explore traditional college campuses, a much more urban example is Mas sachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, located right in the heart of Downtown Worcester. The campus is spread throughout a cluster of buildings, but one of their main buildings is the Thomas Henry Borysek Living and Learning Center located on Foster Street. This building is quite different from the traditional stone and brick buildings as it features an all in one campus “hub” for many students. The academic classrooms and administrative offices are located on the lower levels and the residence halls are located on the upper levels making for an extremely con venient location for students to spend their time in. The building features an early modernism architectural style, was originally constructed in 1900 and went under a major renovation in 2000 to create the campus facility.
College of Holy Cross Campus
Whether you’re on your way back to school, starting college as a freshman or just simply taking a stroll through a local campus, stop and look at some of the buildings and see if you can pick out the styles. Worcester universities have numerous different architectural styles and each and every one of them offer a unique look and feel to them. Many older buildings you’ll see around campuses are not of one single style, but oftentimes layers of different styles of additions and renovations over the years. It can be tough but quite fun to try and identify them so it’s important to brush up on your architectural history when you’re on your way to class this semester.
When discussing college and university life, we can’t forget to mention fraternity and sorority houses. Worcester is home to quite a few Greek life chapters throughout the city. These chapters have taken over houses around the city, some of which are notable works of architecture. The Phi Kappa Theta House which is a WPI fraternity house is a good example of Victorian architecture in a residential neighborhood. Many local Greek life houses have similar styles, sizes and details These houses were once single family homes of the wealthy, and are now home to dozens of students.
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Come enjoy live music and activities while some of our city’s top restaurants battle for the title of Worcester’s best chili or chowder! presents: 2022 COMING BACK THIS FALL! thepulsemag.com 31
Women’s and Men’s soccer kicks off for the season with opening games on Thursday, September 1st. Men’s and women’s first games of the season for cross country are on Friday, September 2nd. Football is Worcester State vs WPI on Friday, September 2nd at 7pm. Some returning athletes to look out for are: Ke’Vaugn Davis (Football), Seniors Karalyn Jones and Emily Saucier (Field Hockey), and Angela Colonis (Volleyball).
SPORTS & INCOLLEGEFITNESSSPORTSTHEWOO:FALL ‘22 APRIL
tember 1st. Women’s Volleyball has a two game start date of September 1st, one of which will be played against Worcester State University. Breakout Athletes to watch this fall are as follows: In women’s soccer, Jamie Joseph, and Imani Salazar. Men’s soccer’s rising stars include Connor Fitzgerald, Ethan Furphy. Field hockey will see Abbe Cravinho and Sydney Lamothe. Women’s volleyball includes breakout athletes Victoria Pastor and Claudia Rivera. Women’s and Men’s cross country include Lily Carey, Ruby Krasnow, Ryan Ewanyk, and Cameron Keenan.
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The women’s soccer team spent some time training abroad in Italy in prepa ration for the season ahead. Meanwhile, the men’s soccer team will go head to head with fellow Woo students in Clark U vs Worcester U on Wednesday, October 5th. Women’s field hockey has their first game of the season Sep
Women’s golf will see their first match of the season Saturday and Sunday September 10th and 11th. Men’s golf will see their opening on Monday and Tuesday September 12th and 13th. Football will have its first game at home in Worcester on Saturday, September 3rd. Men’s soccer will have its first game of the month of September on Friday, September 2nd. Women’s Field Hockey will begin its fall 2022 season on Friday, September 2nd. ESports will see its first match later this season on Sunday, November 10th.
Anna Maria College
Worcester State University
For the first time this fall 2022, Anna Maria College will be launching a Men’s and Women’s Varsity ESports program. As gaming has become pop ular across college-aged students, a formal ESports team will give interest ed students the opportunity to participate in a team-based setting. Football kicks off its first game of the season on Saturday, September 10th. Women’s volleyball will see its first game on Saturday, September 3rd.Women’s and Men’s soccer both start with games on Thursday, September 1st.
Assumption University
Nichols College Football kicks off for the season with a game on friday, September 2nd. Women’s field hockey plays their first game on Thursday, September 1st, and plays Anna Maria college on Wednesday, September 7th. Men’s golf has a match Friday, September 16th. Men’s and Women’s soccer will play on Thursday, September 1st. Men’s and women’s cross country both have a meet later this season on Saturday, October 8th. Women’s volleyball will have its first match on Thursday, September 1st. Women’s volleyball will also play Fitchburg State on Saturday, September 10th. GODDARD
Fitchburg State University Football kicks off Friday September 2nd. Fitchburg plays fellow Woo Uni versity Worcester State Saturday, September 17th at noon. Men’s and Wom en’s soccer both play their first game of the fall on Thursday, September 1st. Men’s and women’s cross country both have their first meet on Saturday, September 3rd. Women’s volleyball plays their first game of September on Thursday the 1st. Men’s ice hockey plays their first game later this season, on Saturday, October 22nd.
Summer is officially winding down and college students in the Woo have headed back to their respective Universities. The fall season of college sports has students, staff, and alumni alike ooking forward to an exciting season ahead. Looking to keep up with what’s new in the Woo for sports this fall ‘22? From soccer, to basketball, and football to golf, this is your one stop briefing for college sports in Worcester this season!
Men’s Golf starts with its first match of the fall Saturday and Sunday Septem ber 4th and 5th. Women’s Golf starts Monday September 22nd into Tues day September 23rd with an invitational match. Holy Cross football kicks off with its first game of the season on Friday, September 2nd. Women’s and Men’s soccer see their first games of the season August 18th and 25, respec tively. Both Men’s and Women’s cross country have their first meet of the fall on Saturday, September 11th.
Clark University
Holy Cross College
Living in New England, especially in the last two decades or so, people have come to expect that the teams they love will automatically be a dynasty. The Red Sox, after their drought, are a contender each year. The Celtics have the second most cham pionships in NBA history. The Patriots, well we don’t even have to go there do we?
THE PIRATES
Pirates Quarterback Taz Wilson was actually signed 2 days before week 13 and had to learn the offense quickly. Even for a fast paced game like arena football that would be pretty overwhelming for anyone. Ignaszewski says that Wilson took it in stride, “it was fantastic to see Taz adapt so quickly and really understand the whole offense by the second game.”
Ultimately the Pirates were upset in the first round of the playoffs, by the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, the Quad City Steamwheelers. They lost 39-38 in overtime thanks to a missed extra point attempt by the Pirates kicker Josh Gable (who led the league in FG percentage this season). The team is already looking to next season and bounce back from their tough postseason loss.
Ignaszewski says that part of the reason this team was able to right the ship this whole year, were the mid-season signings finding quarterbacks last minute, like Wil son and also the steady leadership and adaptability of head coach Rayshaun Kizer and his coaching staff.
Fans can still expect the fast gameplay, high scoring and fan interaction Worcester has come to love. “You’ll see our players going right up to fans, signing autographs after a stoppage, playing rock, paper, scissors with them and ultimately giving them a stellar show,” says Ignaszewski. Here’s to looking forward to that, as the Massachu setts Pirates defend their ship.
KNOWS SPORTS?
Shaun2
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The Pirates, despite their hardship, also had some other stellar performances throughout the season. Thomas Owens a Wide Receiver who in college played at Florida International University and was an invitee to the Seattle Seahawks training camp before ultimately signing with the Pirates in 2019. Owens led the league in receiving yards with 899, was second in receptions (67) and touchdowns (21) and even finished third in yards per game with 58.5. He was selected to the All-IFL’s 1st team as well as defensive back Aarion Maxey-Penton, an alumna of the University of Missouri. Maxey-Penton led the league in interceptions with two of those being returned for touchdowns. According to the Pirates, these two players “helped propel them to the playoffs.”
The defending champs, The Pirates, despite all that didn’t even have that disap pointing of a season. They still finished 11-5, made the playoffs for their fourth sea son in a row and lost by one point in the opening round of the playoffs. That alone, would suffice. But consider this, the team had 22 injuries (including 3 players who only played the first game of the year and had season ending injuries), 3 different quarterbacks, and 3 of their five losses were determined in the finals minutes of their respective games. “It’s honestly amazing what Jawad (Yatim) did this year,” says Jake Ignaszewski, Director of Communications at the Pirates. And for a team that carries 30 players, suits up 25 each game and has 22 specific injuries, yeah it is pretty amazing.
SHAUN CONNOLLY
For the All-IFL’s 2nd team, defensive lineman Da’Sean Downey and offensive line man Roubbens Joseph were named. Downey, a 6’4”, 240 lb UMass Amherst alumni, recorded 30 tackles this year (13 solo and 17 assisted), had 5 QB sacks, and even recovered a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Joseph graduated from the University of Buffalo and is also 6’4” but weighs in at 320 lb. Joseph was a part of an offense that was ranked fourth in the league, only allowed 15 sacks all season and that averaged almost 42 points a game.
After the Massachusetts Pirates, an arena football team that plays in Worcester at the DCU Center each Spring and Summer in the Independent Football League, won a championship last year, I’m sure this fine city and their fans expected this to be a regular thing. Especially when you consider the roster, coaching staff, management and utility staff that work out on the field and behind the scenes. However, you can build a well oiled machine and even that can still break down.
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JENNIFER RUSSO
The shape of these donuts is perfect for pulling apart and taking your time to enjoy, or, if you are so inclined to share – it makes it easier to do that too. What’s awesome is that you don’t need to travel across the ocean to dry these delectable bites. Mochi Doh is located right here in Worcester’s Kelley Square!
Who doesn’t love a good donut? In recent years, donuts have taken on a new cult following, with Instagram and other social platforms becoming a confetti of pho tos from around the world featuring…you guessed it, donuts – with every topping imaginable. But among the sweet treats plastering our pages, is a style of donut that stands out as something unique and a bit different – the Japanese-style mochi donut. But what is it and where can you get one around here? Mochi donuts typically use rice or tapioca flour which lends to a consistency that’s quite different from your average donut. This is then shaped into small donut-hole like balls and then joined together in a wreath pattern (also known as Pon de Ring) before they are fried. The result is a very light, chewy texture that will keep you coming back for more.
We admit, the West coast has been in the “know” longer than us when it comes to mochi donuts. In fact, owners Toan Lam and Annemarie Dang were inspired by trying the unique breakfast confection on a trip to Seattle, and loved them so much that they really wanted to share their discovery with Worcester. Though we certainly wish we knew about these earlier, we are excited to now be a part of the cool crowd. After a couple years of planning and preparing, Lam and Dang had their grand opening in late July and welcomed the first 15 customers to cross their doors with a free donut. The monumental day for their business also included music and lion dance performers, and there was a line of eager customers ready to try something new.
Mochi Doh also offers several flavors of mochi ice cream, small ice cream scoops wrapped in sweet and chewy mochi dough, and delicious drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee with vanilla or ube (sweet purple yam) foam, and various iced and milk teas. Mochi Doh is located at 209 Harding Street – you can’t miss the bright red door and giant donut mural painted on the storefront. They are currently open Thursday through Monday from 11 AM to 4 PM. More information can be found on their Ins tagram at @mochidoh_worcester
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The shop offers many different rotating flavors. Favorites include matcha green tea, cookies n’ cream, churro and their latest creation, the Bischoff cookie donut. There’s even a mochi donut topped with Fruity Pebbles cereal. We are anxious to see what else they come up with.
NEW IN THE WOO: MOCHI DOH
LUSH Rx offers other services too, like FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to improve elasticity and volume, neuromodulators which relax and soften skin, as well as body shaping technologies such as EM Slim, which can reduce fat by 30% and grow muscle by 25% and Radiofrequency Cavitation with can decrease the appear ance of cellulite and tighten skin. They also offer laser hair removal for those with unwanted hair and hair follicle stimulation for those with thinning hair.
A unique service they provide is called Microneedling, which is a medical grade, state of the art procedure available only through health professionals. Also called Fractional Collagen Induction Therapy, treatment begins with a numbing agent, then multiple tiny needles then puncture the skin, increasing the production of col lagen which keeps skin firm and smooth. Benefits include improved skin texture, smoothed appearance of scarring, acne and blackhead reduction, less apparent fine lines and wrinkles and other prevention of signs of aging.
“Starting around age 30, two vital components of your skin, collagen and elastin, begin to diminish,“ Alyssa and Kia share. Microneedling induces the skin’s healing response. When the microneedling device breaks into the dermis, it triggers growth factors, which allow your skin to repair itself. Your body stimulates the natural pro duction of collagen.”
Clients can expect a warm, inviting, non-intimidating environment when they walk into LUSH RX. Each client receives a personalized consultation prior to any treat ment, where they can discuss their aesthetic journey. They are always happy to an swer any questions and provide examples of their work and provide a personalized menu of treatment offerings. Absolutely no pressure, just a welcoming space to ex plore options.
NEW IN THE WOO: LUSH RX AESTHETICS
LUSH Rx Aesthetics, which recently opened in nearby Leominster, provides solu tions that are tailored to each person’s individual wellness and definition of beauty. “Beauty for us is an expression of confidence, wellness, and vitality. Our goal is to have clients looking and feeling refreshed and happy in their own skin,” say owners Alyssa Sundstrom and Kia McCarthy. Alyssa and Kia consider their meeting a type of “office romance” and truly admired each other’s work ethic. They had a shared love of Disney trip planning and a passion for skin care, aesthetics and dermatology that blossomed into a professional partner ship with LUSH Rx.
They say, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and though that might be true to some extent, when it comes to our own feelings about ourselves and our own beauty, what we think is the real priority. How we look should never be defined by what any one else thinks is beautiful, but what WE consider beautiful. We should love what we see in the mirror and all self-care efforts to get to that point should be entirely based on whatever that definition is for us.
“Our line of work lends itself to cultivating an expertise in dealing with skin care,” they say. “From newborn skin concerns to teenage acne, it is something we deal with on a regular basis. One of the things that we both enjoy is working with adolescents that are struggling with acne and how much it can affect other areas of their life – school, self-esteem, etc. It is so rewarding to work with them and find solutions that make them feel better. You can just see their confidence growing as their skin improves!”
Lush Rx is located at 646 Central St in Leominster and more information can be found on their website at lushrx-aes.com – On October 29th, they will be hosting a special “Trick or Treatments” event to ring in the Fall. With special offerings, dis counted packages, and some fun surprises, it is not to be missed!
JENNIFER
Both Nurse Practitioners, Kia worked in primary care for 20 years and Alyssa has 17 years of nursing experience in pediatrics and cardiology. Both developed a true passion for aesthetic nursing and wellness, leading to this venture.
“LUSH Rx is a modern, innovative space where medical aesthetics are prioritized,” say Kia and Alyssa. At LUSH we specialize in anti-aging by providing the highest quality aesthetic and wellness solutions. We use safe and effective treatments curat ed to your individual needs. Our 20+ years of medical expertise enable us to work together with our clients and craft individual treatment plans. Rather than aug menting and altering your appearance, we strive to restore volume loss and create a natural, refined and refreshed result.”
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WELCOME BACK COLLEGE STUDENTS!
PLEASE CONSUME RESPONSIBLY. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. For use only by adults 21 years or older. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited infor mation on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordi nation, and judgment. The impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA. License No.
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