The Pulse Magazine by Pulse Magazine

OCTOBER 2017 In this issue COVER story 6 Legend, lore & haunted cemeteries

entertainment

24 new around the woo: Green Zone Hydroponics

FOOD+DRINK 26 dining review: Kummerspeck brings fresh meat to the table

10 The palladium gets a facelift 11 pulsebooks: Feast on some new books (and pumpkin) this fall

27 hot & now

12 ecotariumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great pumpkin nights take

sports+fitness

halloween to new heights

28 Tailgating tips to start th

13 gameon: Outer space fun with Graceful Explosion Machine

football season right 29 findingbalance: Falling is a good thing

14 the central scene 15 nowstreaming: Kesha / Owl Company 16 Club, Pub + grub Listings 20 PulseShots

lifestyle 22 Not everyone you meet at

college is a friend

23 out+about: National Coming Out Day: Beyond activism to authentic living

arts+Culture

30 Rabbit heart poetry film festival

celebrates merging arts

beauty+style

read pulse Online ThePulseMag.com

32 be fierce & fabulous for halloween

33 steal the style: Dreadends

34 simplify your nighttime beauty

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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c o v e r st ory

story by Victoriahope MCAULIFFE / photography by Demet SENTURK

Massachusetts is ripe with history, and its cemeteries are no exception. There are stories of apparitions, inexplicable occurrences and violent murders. Central Massachusetts boasts a handful of cemeteries with tainted pasts. Whether they are haunted remains a mystery. What we do know is the stories are fascinating and need to be told.

October 2017

Spider Gates Satanic rituals, violent death and paranormal activity, oh my! Spider Gates Cemetery, officially named Friends Cemetery when it was erected by the Quaker community in 1740, has a rich and mysterious history. In Central Massachusetts, the probability of hearing legends surrounding the historic cemetery growing up is as likely as learning nursery rhymes. Given the vast history of Spider Gates and the swirling suspicious events that have happened there, we decided to discover what’s really lurking among the trees and tombstones at Spider Gates cemetery. Are there apparitions haunting Spider Gates? Is the history of spilt blood the reason grass refuses to grow in its center? You be the judge. The main gates, resembling the design of a spider’s web, are called the eighth gate to hell. According to legend, on the grounds of the cemetery, satanic rituals and sacrifices were performed in the worship house that once stood where four cinder blocks now remain, marking the foundation of the alter. While the sun shines on this patch of land, the death and bloodshed has left the ground barren and unable to support new life. Spider Gates is frequented by locals, and many come to see if the lore surrounding the haunted cemetery is true or simply a New England folk tale. When you approach Spider Gates from the rear entrance, you must trek a long dirt road to reach the cemetery ‑ the seclusion of this space is daunting enough. Many who visit the cemetery report it is a quiet and meditative space and that the grounds for its haunted history are unfounded. Cherie Velez, a Leicester native, describes her visits to the cemetery, “I’ve been on multiple occasions and, sorry to report, no strange activity. I have brought my kids; more than half the cemetery is my dad’s family. This is still a working cemetery, so everyone

should respect the grounds and people buried there.” Unfortunately, due to vandalism at the cemetery, it is now closed after dusk and monitored closely by the police. Renee Veroneau recounts visiting the cemetery with her mother before she died, “I have been twice with my mom; it is a nice and quiet graveyard. That’s it.” While many people have used Spider Gates as a quiet refuge, others have experienced eerie and inexplicable phenomenon within its borders. William DeMalia, a former Worcester Public School teacher, remembers visiting Spider Gates as a teenager. “Senior year in high school, I went with friends, hopped several fences to get there, and another group of city kids were fighting and a gun came out. We all split ‑ immediately! As I got to the gate, running away from the gun, it felt like something lifted me over the 8- to 10-foot fence … only way to describe it. I didn’t climb it; I didn’t pull myself over it. I ran, jumped and was pulled over that fence as if gravity didn’t apply in that moment! So freaky! I’ll never forget that weightless feeling! I had a friendly ghost looking out for me that night!” While Spider Gates is the most notorious of Central Massachusetts’ haunted cemeteries, creating a stir among locals who can’t agree on whether the cemetery is simply a serene burial ground or haunted graveyard, there are other cemeteries that have mysterious pasts which are equally intriguing.

Hope Cemetery Our journey through the haunted cemeteries of Central Massachusetts continues at Hope Cemetery in Worcester. As the sixth cemetery of Worcester, all the graves from the previous cemeteries were moved into its borders once it was established. Hope

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October 2017

Cemetery has more than 20,000 internments, and the oldest is dated before 1750. A statue of Jesus holding an angel towers in the cemetery, and visitors have reported seeing the ghosts of children kneeling before the statue. The children often vanish as soon as they are noticed, but their laughter can still be heard once they are gone. When you walk into a cemetery, you often regard it as a quiet and peaceful haven of eternal rest for souls who have passed on. When I was a little girl, my Papa would go for daily walks in Hope Cemetery. I often accompanied him regardless of the season. I walked the paved roads of the cemetery feeling a sense of peace; however, there was always a heaviness in the air when we passed the children’s graves. I can’t say I heard laughter when I walked by the statue of Jesus, but I certainly believe the souls of deceased children wander the grounds searching for peace.

Old Centre Cemetery Old Centre Cemetery, located near Royalston within Worcester County, is a relatively small cemetery, with borders marked by a small stone wall. The cemetery has 1,000 graves dating back to the 1700s, yet the most notable resident of the cemetery is the ghost of a beautiful blonde woman who roams the cemetery. Along with the female apparition, visitors report a dark figure moving quickly throughout the graveyard, cold spots and sensing the touch of unseen hands.

New Boston Cemetery New Boston Cemetery, located near Winchendon, has a past drenched in natural disaster. Once a small community, the cemetery is now all that is left after the construction of the Birch Hill Dam Project was deemed necessary to prevent further local flooding. The

cemetery lies within the serene landscape of Otter State Forest and is home to a rather shy ghost. When visiting this cemetery, you can only see this ghost if you stand with your back against a particular tree within the cemetery. Once you have your back up against the tree, you will have a frontal view of a dead man hanging from a tree.

Dean Hill Cemetery The final cemetery, located at the top of Ashburham Hill, near Fitchburg, is said to be haunted for a variety of reasons. Dean Hill Cemetery is also referred to as “The Rev” because so many soldiers from the Revolutionary War are buried there. The earliest grave that is legible to visitors dates back to 1791, adding to the awe and ethereal mystique of the small and rustic cemetery. Some community members believe the graveyard is haunted by the souls of brave soldiers wandering through Purgatory. Despite the honorable task of being the final resting place for America’s greatest heroes, Dean Hill Cemetery has a history of mysterious disappearances. Legend among Fitchburg natives is that four teenagers went to the cemetery but became so frightened they left. Upon reaching their car, it wouldn’t start, and they fled on foot. Two teenagers were left behind, and despite police searches, their bodies were never found. With the thought of Halloween approaching, and the veil between the worlds of the dead and living growing thinner, stories of such ghostly encounters seem more believable. We have taken a journey across Central Massachusetts and visited some of the most notorious cemeteries within our borders. Are they haunted, or are they shrouded in layers of urban myths? If you decide to visit any cemeteries this Halloween, please be respectful and follow cemetery rules.

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e n t e rtai nment

after

The Palladium gets a facelift Chris REDDY A few weeks back, I had a chance to walk through the newly renovated Palladium concert hall in downtown Worcester with General Manager Chris Besaw and Tony Scavone, and I was pleasantly shocked at the renovation work that had been achieved. Seats replaced, original craftsmanship from the 1920s refurbished, new paint and carpets; you name it, it has been done! Having another refurbished music venue in the city is a big plus for attracting performers and audiences alike, and seeing the venue in a new light was exciting and nostalgic all at once. I started remembering all of the concerts I had seen throughout the years and realized how important it is to keep this concert hall vital for Central Mass. concert audiences. Here is a little history on the storied concert hall. The Palladium was designed by architect Arlan W. Johnson and opened as the Plymouth Theater in 1928. It was renamed the E.M. Loew’s Center for the Performing Arts on April 14, 1980. MassConcerts has owned the business since 2000 and purchased the property in 2012 from Jack Fisher and John Sousa. This year, Cliff Rucker has invested inå the business, becoming partners with MassConcerts owner John Peters; together, they decided to renovate the venue.

before

I asked Besaw and the management about the renovation and where things are going from here. Question: Tell me about renovations and what has been done. Answer: The Palladium has had a complete interior restoration/renovation. Here is a list of the work that has been done: New paint throughout, new bathrooms, new bars, carpets, both stages have been refinished, sound and lighting upgrades, new merchandise sales area, all new balcony seating, new VIP areas and furniture. Brand new A/C and heating upgrades; the dressing rooms have also been completely refinished. Exterior renovations include a new digital marquee and restoration of the original marquee structure, a new roof and masonry repair. Plans for a Phase 2 will include new windows and restoration of original brickwork. Q: Why the renovations? Why now? A: The Palladium had been long overdue for the upgrades. The partnership with Cliff Rucker allowed the renovations to take place now. Cliff has invested heavily in Worcester’s future, and the synergy he is creating between the Railers hockey team, The Railers Tavern and The Palladium will help revitalize Worcester’s downtown district. Q: What is planned for the space, and will there be changes in the types of music and performers who play there or the types of events that happen there? A: We plan on expanding the genre of music we are cåurrently booking. We will still book the metal and harder edge music we are known for, but also bring in other genres like country, jam bands, EDM, R&B, hip hop, classic rock, as well as boxing and comedy shows. Q: What does the future look like for The Palladium? A: We look forward to a long future of bringing great music and entertainment to Worcester and to being at the forefront of the downtown revitalization. October will bring a host of great shows and events, including the 11th annual Rock & Shock – the only event of its kind in the Northeast. The convention features musicians, horror movie actors, film directors and make-up artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to take pictures with featured guests and purchase photographed items. The event is 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 14, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 15 at The Palladium, 271 Main St., and DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. For pricing and more information, visit rockandshock.com. Also in October, Ministry will come to The Palladium on Friday, Oct. 13, and Insane Clown Posse, Gwar and a rare visit from Yngwie Malmsteen are just a few of the other acts filling out the month.

October 2017

pulsebooks: Feast on some new books (and pumpkin) this fall

Kimberly DUNBAR It’s October, which means pumpkin season is in full swing. If you’re a lover of all things pumpkin but your knowledge is limited to pie and lattes, pick up DeeDee Stovel’s The Pumpkin Cookbook (Storey Publishing, second edition). Pumpkin, a sturdy crop that’s been harvested in North America for more than 9,000 years, is not just a cooking staple, but a superfood packed with rich vitamins and nutrients. You can boil it, mash it, grill it, puree it, steam it, grate it and use it as a serving vessel. Stovel instructs readers on the best ways to prepare pumpkin (there are varietals other than those we use for jack-o’-lanterns) that can be enjoyed year round. Her 139 recipes include the use of raw (Pumpkin Gratin!) and canned puree pumpkin (Holiday Pumpkin Dip!) from the store.

While your traditional pumpkin pie is baking, pick up one of these new books: When I first read the description of Francesca Hornak’s debut novel, Seven Days of Us (Berkley), I immediately thought of Jonathan Topper’s great book, This Is Where I Leave You, a story about a fractured family forced to spend a week together under less-than-pleasant circumstances. Emma and Andrew Birch haven’t spent Christmas with their two daughters for several years. This year, their eldest, Olivia, has just returned from treating an epidemic overseas and is under a strict, weeklong quarantine, forcing the family to spend the entire Christmas holiday at their antiquated countryside estate. Olivia must readjust to her new norm, including her newly engaged younger sister, Phoebe, and her first-world problems. During the seven days, family secrets are revealed and members of the uncommunicative Birch family are forced to face their personal issues and support each other during a time that will forever change their family. Hannah Kent’s new novel, The Good People (Little, Brown and Company), is a work of historical fiction about magic, ancient medicine and the power of rumors in a small village in early 19th-century Ireland. After Nora Leahy loses her husband and daughter, she is saddled with caring for her grandson, Michael, a 4-year-old who cannot walk or talk. Nora hides Michael away in hopes that villagers won’t talk about or ridicule her or the boy. However, after the valley suffers a string of bad luck, neighbors begin to blame it on the boy, whom they are convinced is an evil spirit. Longing to stop the rumors, the bad luck, and most importantly, to have a piece of her daughter back, Nora and her maid, Mary, seek out the help of Nance, the elderly local who uses magic and herbs to cure evil. Nance, whose work is frowned upon by the church and many of the villagers, is determined to earn back their trust by saving the child. Kent’s well-written novel has been has been short-listed for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.

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EcoTarium’s Great Pumpkin Nights take Halloween to new heights Victoriahope MCAULIFFE

families with young kids.”

In former years, the EcoTarium has hosted a Pumpkin Festival, boasting carved pumpkins, trick-or-treating for children and the opportunity to explore the museum after hours.

This event is a family event, and the EcoTarium wanted to find a way to make its mission accessible to the immediate community that it serves.

This year, however, the EcoTarium will be hosting Great Pumpkin Nights. And the focus, according to Kerry Castorano, the EcoTarium’s director of institutional advancement, is on the wow factor. Though the Great Pumpkin Festival of years past focused mainly on carved pumpkins, this year the EcoTarium has added a new medium. “The difference between the Pumpkin Festival and this event is that we will have structures of carved animals, dinosaurs and Red Sox structures. This is really about spectacle, and they are larger than life, and we think people are really excited about it. Some of these structures measure 40 feet tall, so it will bring a sense of novelty to the event.” And there will be more chances to see the spectacle this year. “We are offering more days for the public to come. If the weather is bad, there are other opportunities for others to come, make it more accessible and make it less weather-dependent. So, now there’s options; we think we will get different groups on different dates. We think Friday and Saturdays will be the most popular for

October 2017

“We were looking for something that the community could enjoy above and beyond our museum experience. We wanted to have a big event where people from all over the community could come and enjoy, where they could experience the science and nature that is so true to our mission, and the Pumpkin Nights was a perfect fit. We also offer sleepover nights at the museum for small groups and families, and we love to offer opportunities to experience the museum at night.” This event has involved monumental planning between the EcoTarium, local organizations and sponsors. As a nonprofit, the capacity to plan and execute a largescale event without community support would be near impossible, Castorano said. “As a non-profit we have limited funds to put towards large events, and there is a lot we don’t know about planning these types of events, so we got people to help us who do know. We have quite a few sponsors involved; we will have volunteers from Escape Games and people helping to design the landscape of the events.” Escape Games Worcester played a pivotal role in connecting the EcoTarium with skilled and reliable

pumpkin carvers, whose art will be displayed throughout the grounds. “We didn’t have to go through an application process with artists because Escape Games had previously worked with these individuals and knew how to contact and collaborate with them.” Despite considerable support from local sponsors, the EcoTarium also relies heavily on community volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly. “We have community members who volunteer as individuals, and some people just absolutely love Halloween and want to come in and help,” Castorano said. “WPI will send a group of students to help put the structures together to make sure all the parts are there and everything is working correctly.” Admission to the Great Pumpkin Nights will be less than the cost of general museum admission, Castorano said. “We wanted to keep the pricing the same as previous years to make it accessible within the community, while still being able to cover production costs.” To volunteer at the EcoTarium, contact the volunteer coordinator at (508) 929-2708. The Great Pumpkin Nights will run Oct. 19-22 and 26-29 at The EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Admission is $12 for members and $16 for non-members. For more information, visit ecotarium.org.

gameon: Outer space fun with Graceful Explosion Machine

Jason SAVIO

If you miss the games of yesteryear, with their simplicity and easily enjoyable fun, you’re not the only one. More and more titles being released are trying to harken back to the “godfathers” of that bygone era (think Mario and Zelda). The latest to dabble in nostalgia is Graceful Explosion Machine. With a fitting juxtaposition for a title, this space-shooter hits all its targets. Right from the start, you know Graceful Explosion Machine isn’t going to be a game that takes itself too seriously. Humorous cartoon illustrations on what look like flashcards are used to tell the story of a battle in space, leading up to where you begin playing. Once you start, you’re in control of a small spaceship in a sidescrolling presentation similar to classic sci-fi arcade games. Enemies in other ships and alien-type baddies eventually come at you from both sides, as you are allowed to go back and forth instead of being forced right, like other side-scrolling games. The colors are bright and the ships look more like fish floating around in a tank. But it’s all cool because Graceful Explosion Machine is actually fun. Of course, there are small annoyances ‑ dying and having to start over from the beginning after being hit only three times and being given three lives to start with can really test your patience ‑ but nothing that will make you chuck the controller. And while it may seem like a child’s game at times, there is in fact an element of strategy that goes into Graceful Explosion Machine. Various weapons, like the Sword (a 360-degree magna force that surrounds you) or Sniper Beam (name says it all), help you get out of tight binds. Be careful how much you use them, though; there is a power meter that will deplete to nothing if you use your arsenal too much, rendering you defenseless, so you need to pick your spots. You can go haywire if you want and blow everything up at once, but if you want to advance to the next planet on the map, it’s not a smart idea. And just like the power meter, there is an enemy meter that lets you know how many more targets you have to take care of before you can move on. Graceful Explosion Machine is a joy. It isn’t for everybody, and that’s just fine. It offers an alternative for anyone tired of the over-dramatic and gloomy shooter games that litter the shelves. Bright, cheerful and full of exuberant energy, Graceful Explosion Machine is worth a shot. For more information, visit vertexpop.com/gem.

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Things to do in october: ACE FALL FUNDRAISER The mission of African Community Education is to assist African refugee and immigrant youth and families in achieving educational and social stability through outreach in Worcester. Its fundraiser will feature authentic African cuisine and live African drumming performances throughout the evening. The evening will also include speeches from former and current students and a silent auction featuring African art, pottery and jewelry. 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 12; University of Massachusetts Medical School, Blais Pavillion in the Lazare Building; 55 N. Lake Ave., Worcester; $30-$50; acechildren.org or facebook.com/aceworcester.

BULL MANSION’S HAUNTED SPEAKEASY VIP NIGHT Bull Mansion travels back in time to unveil the charisma and seduction of the Prohibition Era. Have you wondered where the term “the roaring twenties” originated? At the Haunted Speakeasy, you’ll dance along to classics from the 1920s and modern hits, while enjoying era-themed cocktails. Come raise your spirits and mingle with the resident spirits of Bull Mansion. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Oct. 20; Bull Mansion New American Bistro, 55 Pearl St., Worcester; $70; facebook.com/bullmansion.

STURBRIDGE HARVEST FESTIVAL The Harvest Festival is a tradition for local families and features activities for children and those who are kids at heart. The event includes countless local crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm-fresh harvests. The Publick House’s Scarecrow Contest is a perennial favorite. Enter your scarecrow for a chance to win incredible cash prizes! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 14 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15; Sturbridge Town Common, Sturbridge; Free; facebook.com/cmschamber.

CANALLOWEEN The historic Canal District is gearing up for its annual celebration of all things creepy, crawly and scary. Canalloween has made the district the prime location to celebrate Halloween in Worcester. Canal District bars will offer costume contests, prizes, live music and much more. Oct. 28; Canal District, Worcester; Free, canalloween.com.

WOOTENANNY Celebrating the great comedy that is happening all around Worcester, WOOtenanny will host a week of comedy shows at locations throughout Worcester. From open mic and stand-up to variety, sketch and improv, you’ll be able to laugh your way through the week. Even better, proceeds from the Wednesday and Friday night shows will go to charity! Oct. 16-21; various locations in Worcester; prices vary; facebook.com/wootenanny.

October 2017

Kesha / Rainbow Mike WOOD Sans the dollar sign that made her the ubiquitous party girl of punk pop from 2010-2013, Kesha (once Ke$ha) has come out of a turbulent year with a new album that speaks to her truth ‑ not an image conjured up for her by those who controlled her artistry back in the dollar-sign days. It’s her third album, but in so many ways it feels like her first because Dr. Luke is no longer pulling the punches or the strings, and Kesha is entirely in charge of her own persona ‑ and her own musical destiny. There’s plenty of pop on Rainbow, so don’t worry. But you’ll also get a taste of the folk singer (“Bastards”), as well as hints of country (there’s even a Dolly Parton cameo on “Old Flames”!). This is a woman who isn’t afraid to experiment to find what her second act should be. And, while it might throw some listeners off, I think it’s exciting there are so many divergent musical genres melded together on one solid, 14-song, 48-minute album. “Boots” is pure pop; “Woman” is a rocking empowerment anthem; and if you’re the type who needs to sing along to a catchy chorus, “Learn to Let Go” is your jam. The musical surprises are many, but most of all, you will be impressed by the fact that Kesha has emerged/returned as much more than just the dancefloor party riot Dr. Luke conjured up for the masses. She’s an authentic talent who shows off her range on Rainbow with an honest conviction that is most welcome. For more information, visit keshaofficial.com.

Owl Company / Horizon Jason SAVIO You know exactly what you’re in store for from the get-go on Owl Company’s Horizon as police sirens blare over a loud static intro. It’s pandemonium without any warning, and Owl Company wants us to know they have their foot firmly on the pedal. What follows is a smooth ride that hits overdrive, knocking into few speed bumps along the way. The debut album from this hard-rocking quartet, Horizon is a solid effort. They seem to know their way around crafting an album pretty well already and hit many of the right notes. “Celebrate and Kneel” is a fast-paced barn-burner, while “Ain’t Time for This” is its more groove-oriented cousin. Singer Enrico Minelli screams and hollers, but he’s best on the radio-ready “Riddles,” with a strong and soulful blues delivery. Horizon isn’t without its filler, and that’s too bad, but somewhat expected. You hope for a debut album to be wall-to-wall of nothing but solid songs, but that’s rarely the case. The filler here isn’t terrible or cheap, but it kills the album’s pace. “Bullet Proof Innocence,” for instance, gets forgotten and lost in the muck. Heavy, angry and with a bluesy core, Owl Company’s Horizon is a reminder that there are still young bands out there waving the rock flag, and that’s a good thing. For more information, visit Owl Company’s Facebook page.

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Club+Pub+GRUB Listings

Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs & other select venues 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010 Art’s Diner 541 W. Boylston St., Worc. 774-530-6120 B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 140pub.com

Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Oct. 12: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough 508-485-4416 boltonstreettavern.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008

The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. 508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com

Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 Oct. 20: The Great Escape ( Journey tribute)

Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 barberscrossingrestaurant.com

Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-752-3862 brew-city.com

Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy

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

Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. 508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Tuesdays: Toxic Trivia Oct. 4: Wednesday Night Mayhem Oct. 5: Jazz night with Roberto & Kathryn Oct. 6: Troy Ramey, Butterchild & Johnny Gates Oct. 7: NYC Comedy Invades Worcester Oct. 12: Classic Rocker Chris Vee Oct. 13: Hot Letter Oct. 14: Funk Me Not Oct. 16: Wednesday Night Mayhem Oct. 19: Decades & Genre Oct. 20: Live Music Oct. 21: Road Owls Oct. 26: Chris Vee Oct. 27: Strange Changes Oct. 28: Stacys Mom Beemer’s Pub & Grill 310 Main St., Fitchburg 978-348-2100 beemerspub.com Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. 508-797-4827 blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 Thursdays: Open Mic

October 2017

Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-5734 destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. 508-926-8353 Wednesdays: Toast Masters, Bike Night Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) Fridays: Paint Nite Oct. 3: Jewelry making & wine with Lisa Marie Oct. 6: Lisa Marie & Johnny Juxo Oct. 13: Round Midnight Oct. 14: Dan Kirouac Oct. 20: Bob Moon Oct. 21: The Hoovers Oct. 27: Jim Perry Oct. 28: The Bill McGoldrick Acoustic Duo Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 chopsticksleominster.com Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-767-9728 Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. 508-798-8385 Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke Oct. 13: Auntie Trainwreck

The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. 508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Oct. 6: Jay Graham Oct. 13: FM Live Oct. 20: Three-Year Anniversary Party with Kevin Shields Oct. 27: Mike Melendez Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. 508-752-0482 The Cove Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. 508-363-1888 thecovemusichall.com Thursdays: Thirsty Thursdays Oct. 6: Slip-Not Tribute Oct. 7: Through the Doors (Doors tribute( Oct. 11: Comedy Night at the Cove with Paul Nardizzi and more Oct. 13: Trick or Treat Radio Masquerade Extravaganza, with The Deadites Oct. 14: Rock & Shock Horror & Punk After Party Oct. 20: Invisible Sun (The Police tribute) Oct. 21: The Elderly Women (Pearl Jam tribute) Oct. 27: The Flock›s Halloween Extravaganza! Oct. 28: Jimmy D›s Birthday Bash with Deep 6, Tester & Angels of Avalon Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. 508-757-6977 danceranchandsaloon.com Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 daysendtavern.com Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens 978-862-0060 devensgrill.com Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. 508-799-0629 Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. 508-792-3700 aohworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 flipflopsma.com Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-757-1450

flyingrhinocafe.com Frank’s 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-420-2253 Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-753-2995 funkymurphys.com Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Mondays: Blue Mondays Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live music The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Wednesdays: Trivia Wednesdays Oct. 6: Kevin Shields Oct. 7: Dustin Brideau Oct. 8: Hitchcock Blondes Oct. 12: Joe Macey Oct. 14: Amanda Cote Oct. 19: Dave Malouin Oct. 20: Jim Weeks Oct. 21: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Oct. 26: Dan Cormier Oct. 27: Heather Ralston Oct. 28: DJ Matt Majikas Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-853-1350 greendalespub.com Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy; Local Musicians Showcase Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halliganssportsbarandmore.com Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 indianranch.com Industry Bar Room 109 Water St., Worc. 508-756-2100 industrybarroom.com Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg 978-582-9701 ixtapacantina2.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough Continued on Page 19

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October 2017

Continued from Page 16 508-842-8420 jbag.biz Thursdays: DJs Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Josh Briggs Oct. 6: Hot Letter Oct. 7: Boston Naturals Oct. 13: Tequila Bonfire Oct. 14: 9-Teen Oct. 20: Groove Street Oct. 27: The Flock Oct. 28: Whiskey Church Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. 508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. 508-796-5177 loft266.com Thursdays: Sam James, DJ X Kaliber Fridays: DJ Joe T Oct. 6: Melissa Gates Oct. 7: Nik Chisholm Oct. 13: Drunken Uncles Oct. 14: Dave Ashman Oct. 20: Nik Chisholm Oct. 21: Two Timers Oct. 27: Jay Graham Oct. 28: Halloween Costume Party Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. 508-277-1073 Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. 508-754-0033 martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. 508-799-4521 mblounge.com Wednesdays: Karaoke with Mikey Mics Thursdays: Latin Night with Shawn and Henry Fridays, Saturdays: Guest and house DJs Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. 508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com Oct. 7: Doctor Robert Oct. 19: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825 The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com Oct. 5: Night Train Oct. 6: Annie Brobst Trio Oct. 7: James Keyes Oct. 13: Jay Graham Oct. 14: Jodee & Brian Oct. 19: Brother Rex Oct. 20: Guiliano D’Orazio Oct. 27: Ken Macy Oct. 28: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900 millstreetbrews.com The Monument Tap 13 Central St., Leominster 978-798-4653 monumenttap.com Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Live music

Oct 6: Ken Macy Oct 7: Dave Malouin Oct 14: Chris Terp Oct 26: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc. The Muse 536 Main St., Worc. 508-756-6873 Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. 508-753-4030 Mondays: Comedy open mic Saturdays: Sip & Stitch Oct. 3: Dam Chick Singer Oct. 4: Nick›s 10th Anniversary Oct. 5: Troy Gonyea Oct. 6: Jennifer Antkowiak & Tom Lamark Oct. 7: Brooks Milgate Oct. 8: Superbowl LI Party Oct. 9: Trivia Night Oct. 10: Octoberfest with Hilda and Ludwig Oct. 11: Brutal Measures Oct. 12: Carlos Odria Trio Oct. 13: Cara Brindisi & The Russo Brothers Oct. 14: Savoir Faire Oct. 15: Listen! A new weekly poetry event hosted by Dave Macpherson Oct. 16: WOOtenanny presents Comedy in the Cabaret Oct. 17: Dam Chick Singer Oct. 18: Worcester Jazz Collective Oct. 19: Troy Gonyea and Friends Oct. 20: Thee Sonomatics Oct. 26: The Duende Project Live Oct. 27: Giulliano D’Orazio Oct. 28: Scaraoke with DJ Monster Matt R The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. 508-340-0318 Oak Barrel Tavern 229 Grove Ave., Worc. 508-755-8047 oakbarreltavernworcester.com Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 Oct. 28: Flashback Band Marlboro Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-823-3022 padavanosplace.com The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. 508-797-9696 thepalladium.net Oct. 5: Fozzy Oct. 6: The Devil Wears Prada Oct. 7: PNB Rock Oct. 13: Rock & Shock 2017 with Ministry & Death Grips Oct. 14: Rock & Shock 2017 with Motionless in White & Superjoint Oct. 15: Rock & Shock 2017 with Twiztid Oct. 20: Prevail Oct. 24: Insane Clown Posse Oct. 25: Vngwie Malmsteen Oct. 26: The Disco Biscuits with Lespecial Oct. 27: The Disco Biscuits with Jaw Gems Oct. 28: Gwar Oct. 29: Wicked Halloween with Datsik Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Fridays, Saturdays: Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape Sundays: Open Mic Oct. 13: Dan Kirouac

Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Karaoke Oct. 7: Jah Spirit Oct. 21: Zen at 11 Oct. 28: Lost Artifacts Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. 508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. 508-756-7555 The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-414-1314 Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. 508-856-9255 Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-459-2025 quinnsirishpub.com Oct. 4: Brett Brumby Oct. 5: John Brazile Oct. 6: Cara Brindisi Oct. 8: John Brazile Oct. 11: Little Black Dress Oct. 12: Brian Twohey Oct. 13: Kevin Shields Oct. 14: Terry Brennan Oct. 18: Rick Hamel Oct. 19: John Brazile Oct. 20: Josh Briggs Oct. 21: Graham Brown Oct. 22: Tim Pacific Oct. 25: Chris Reddy Oct. 26: Brian Twohey Oct. 28: Kevin Shields Oct. 29: Sam James Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. 508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com Oct. 21: WOOtenanny presents The Sort of Late Show with Shaun Connolly The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. 508-304-8133 Wednesdays: Open Mic Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville 978-939-7373, 978-939-8321 Rocky’s 139 Water St., Worc. Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. 508-755-5542 clubuniverseworcester.com Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Oct. 5: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Oct. 6: Scott Babineau Oct. 7: Keith Mclinden Project Oct. 12: Amanda Cote Oct. 13: L & M Rythym Kings Oct. 14: Sean Daley & The Hooligans

Oct. 19: Jay Graham Oct. 20: Dan Cormier & Ethan Caouette Oct. 21: Fun with Hands Oct. 26: Mike Melendez Oct. 27: Doctor Robert Oct. 28: Caves on Mars Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. 508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 sakura-tokyo.com Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 888-824-3924, 978-345-2000 seanpatricksrestaurant.com South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com Oct. 6: Dave Andrews Oct. 7: Hoodoo Revelator Oct. 13: Chris Reddy Oct. 14: Whiskey Johnson Oct. 20: Topher Brew Oct. 21: Mark Marquis Band Oct. 27: Matt Piaseczny Oct. 28: Go Gadget Go Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 speakersnightclub.net Fridays: Live bands Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 508-754-3516 3gs-sportsbar.com Union Music 142 Southbridge St., Worc. 508-753-3702 unionmusic.com Oct. 26: Ukulele Club with Rich Leufstedt Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre 978-355-2224 upperdecksportsbarandgrille.com Valentino’s Press & Pour 154 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-530-6130 Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-752-9439 Tuesdays: Boogie Chillin’ Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. 774-578-8829 whiskeyonwater.com Sundays: DJ Soup Thursdays: DJ Cuzn Kev Fridays: DJ Tec Threat Saturdays: DJs Oct. 6: Mike Melendez Oct. 13: Ashlie Dawn Duo Oct. 14: Eric Pacquette Duo Oct. 20: Jeff Rosen Oct. 21: Tequila Bonfire Oct. 27: On the Rocks Oct. 28: Halloween Party with Polar Planet

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By Justin perry

whiskey lounge – worcester

flying rhino cafe & watering hole – worcester

the cove music hall – worcester

October 2017

quinn’s irish pub – worcester

the gazbar sports grill – leominster

brew city grill & brew house – worcester

happy jack’s – leominster

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Not everyone you meet at college is a friend

l i fe s t yl e

October 2017

Steve KARDIAN The period between September and Thanksgiving recess is known as the Red Zone. It’s when freshmen and sophomore females are at the most vulnerable time in their lives for sexual assault. You know enough to be aware that sexual assault happens on campus. You might have heard about a friend of a friend who had a bad experience. At night, you never walk alone and always in welllit areas. Maybe you are not the partying kind. You prefer hanging around in your dorm with a small group. You have even discussed looking out for each other at parties. You are prepared. You are aware. It could never happen to you. Then you get a text from a male friend, the one who sits next to you in your history class, inviting you to a last-minute get-together. He’s the guy who saves you a seat up front at each lecture. You don’t know him very well, but he seems nice enough and your friends are coming, too. However, this person is basically a stranger to you. Yes, you know him, but only in a public context. In college, it’s not likely that you will be attacked by a random stranger who jumps out of the bushes or who hides behind cars in the parking lot. Statistically, you need to be worried about the people you know. The person that is most likely to sexually assault or rape you will be someone familiar. You may go to classes with him; you may see him at parties; you may be connected through social media. It may even be someone you consider a friend. The Department of Justice reports that 90 percent of college women who have been sexually assaulted or raped knew their attackers.

As awareness of sexual assault on college campuses grows, research has focused on the types of men involved in these crimes. It is worth noting that sexual assault at schools is not primarily carried out by repeat offenders. Hundreds of conversations with college-age men and women over the last 10 years and a recent study have shown that college-age men can be roughly divided into three categories.

The Good Guys: This makes up most men, and they are the ones who do the right thing, whether by intervening or exercising good judgment.

The Bad Guys:

A limited selection of men that will offend and re-offend, including serial rapists.

The On-the-Fence Guys:

These are the opportunists. They will take advantage of a woman if she is in a compromised state, such as drunk, drugged or passed out. This is supported by research indicating that one-third of college men admitted that they would rape a woman if they knew that nobody would ever find out and that there would be no consequences. A man in this group might also be acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs and will feel guilty afterwards. Be kind, be friendly, but be cautious with new friendships and relationships. For more information, visit defenduniversity.com. Steve Kardian has spent more than 30 years as a career law enforcement officer. He is a certified New York State/FBI defensive tactics instructor and an expert on the criminal mind. Kardian is the author of The New Superpower for Women and founder of Defend University, where he trains thousands of people each year on safety and self-defense, as well as strategies and tactics uniquely tailored to women’s safety.

OUT+ABOUT: National Coming Out Day: Beyond activism to authentic living

John TROBAUGH Every year, there is one day designated as National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11).

Although National Coming Out Day was begun as a personal call to activism, it has become a call to live true to yourself. The two are not mutually exclusive. People tend to think of National Coming Out Day as the day to get out your

poster board and megaphone to announce to the world that you are trans or

bi, and everyone should applaud. It is really about being authentic. Remember, everyone comes out at different times and in different ways.

Many choose this day to resolve to live the rest of their lives without shame. For me, that is what National Coming Out Day is about. It is as much about introspection as external proclamation. If you feel the gender marker you were handed at birth doesn’t fit you, you know it. If you feel equally attracted to men

and women, you know it. The question is when and how will you begin to let

others into your circle. We should be able to talk about our gender or talk about our relationships or who we would want to date in the same way a cisgender* white

male does. The fact is, you have a right to your true identity, just like everyone else, but it is not without risk.

Top five things you can do on National Coming Out Day (NCOD): 1. Find your online community and resources. Human Rights Campaign (hrc.

org/resources/national-coming-out-day) has resources and examples of how to come out for many on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. LGBTQ Social (facebook.

com/groups/lgbtqsocial/) is one of the largest online groups, but do a search

and find the one that fits you. Be aware, however, of the difference between an online social group and an online dating site.

2. Write it in your diary. Coming out to your self is the first step to living a life that is true. The idea is to start small and not be overwhelmed.

3. Tell one person that you trust deeply. Don’t feel pressured to come out to anyone, even if they ask. It is your decision and no one else’s.

4. Find a campus alliance or local group. Worcester PFLAG (worcesterpflag. org) is a great resource, as is Worcester Pride (worcesterpride.org).

5. Wear a symbol of Pride. Even straight allies can do this one! Come out as

an ally. Purple is a common color to wear as a symbol of solidarity. You can also get a Pride T-shirt or a simple Pride button. Check with your local or campus Pride group to see what it’s doing!

National Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 by Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary on the anniversary of the National March on Washington as a personal

method of activism. You can read more on Wikipedia about the history and how the day has evolved.

Ideas and suggestions for future columns can be sent to John@JohnArt.com. *Cisgender means your gender identity matches what you were categorized as at birth.

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new around the woo:

Green Zone Hydroponics Rachel SHUSTER Located at 60 Madison St. in Worcester, Green Zone Hydroponics is a one-stop shop for all of your growing and gardening needs. Manager Ken Helinski further describes the 7,000-square-foot shop as one of the biggest in Central Massachusetts. “We offer services for year-round indoor and outdoor growing. From soil-based containers or hydroponics to nutrients and lighting, we have everything you would need,” he said. The store opened in late July, and since then, it’s been a hit. Helinski knows a thing or two about this industry, growing up on a tree farm in upstate New York. “I’ve been growing indoors for the past 30 years, and in 2012, my wife and I opened First Leaves Family Farm in Whitinsville, which specializes in microgreen farming,” he said. He has also managed a few hydroponics stores in New England in the past. According to Helinski, hydroponics is the “trend of the future. A lot of facilities are opening indoor facilities. Land is becoming depleted, and indoor growing is easier to control,” he said Helinski pointed out that places like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are already doing this, growing safer food to eat and maintain health. “We are very knowledgeable about the products and items we sell, but also about growing and gardening in general,” Helinski said. “We walk people through the process of what they’re looking to do, whether it’s a growing room setup or harvest.” Beyond providing expert instruction for customers on setup and management of the products, Helinski and his team aim to educate their customers so that they can grow and garden correctly to ensure what they are growing is beneficial for their well-being. “Once you understand how plants grow, your body will do the same and understand it, too,” he said. Another large part of Green Zone’s business is its focus on cannabis. “There is a cannabis aspect to the market, and we cater to those who have medical problems and need cannabis to maintain their health,” Helinski said. “[With this,] people won’t need to go to the black market to get what they need. It is safe for them to use medically, and the prices are a fraction of what you would find at a dispensary, and it’s a better product.” Green Zone also plans on providing classes for customers to get an even more handson approach to growing and gardening. “We will have classes that focus on how to take cuttings from plants and root them, cloning of plants and nutrients classes,” Helinski said. In the future, Helinski hopes to get into schools and teach students about growing, gardening and health as it pertains to what they put in their bodies. Helinski said he’s excited to have Green Zone open and becoming part of the community. “It is a store for the urban market and for those people who want to garden in their backyards. [It feels] nice to be able to provide this for the community and give them what they need and serve as a health store for them on a new level.” For more information on Green Zone Hydroponics, visit green-zone-hydroponics-supplies. business.site.

October 2017

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

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

f ood+ dri nk

dining review:

brings fresh meat to the table

Bernie WHITMORE All too often, I lament the industrialization of the food supply and reserve my harshest criticism for places that purchase truckloads of extruded, quick-frozen “nuggets.” Freezer-to-fryer cuisine ‑ sure, it’s a practice that can speed up preparation time, reduce prices and maximize both profits and sodium intake. But what have we lost? Flavor? Creativity? Our souls? The farm-to-table movement is a counterweight to all that. It’s an ethos that seeks to drive out the processing layers of the food industry and connect us closer to those who produce the food: farmers, ranchers, brewers and vintners. Unless you prefer your chicken sprayed out of nozzle into the approximate shape of something amusing, the emerging generation of chefs stand ready to reacquaint us to something wonderful ‑ big flavor. Kummerspeck is the latest in this emerging field. And whist I approach these endeavors with a healthy dash of cynicism, one step through the front door convinced me that Kummerspeck is the real thing. This is a place that earns its chops by, literally, cutting and trimming chops and steaks and sausages right in front of you. With meticulous sanitary safeguards in place, Kummerspeck’s affable butcher hoisted the dressed carcass of a goat as effortlessly as a turkey breast. “Oh, that’s just 50 pounds,” she cheerfully estimated and went on to explain what farm it came from, the cuts she’d prepare and how there’d be minimal waste. Kummerspeck’s menu contains a nod or two toward vegetarians, but it’s very clear that meat is king. I adjusted my food orientation appropriately. The menu’s other notable feature is its lack of sprawl; there’s a page of appetizers and entrees, another of craft beers and lavish mixed drinks, and a couple pages of sophisticated wine offerings. We wanted to try everything! But that’s a trap I don’t

October 2017

Kummerspeck

recommend; Kummerspeck’s offerings are generous in size and extraordinary in richness and flavor. This became immediately evident when the two appetizers we ordered were presented. One would have been enough, but this was a journey of discovery and considerable ground needed to be covered. Zampone, an Italian peasant invention, stuffs a deboned pig trotter (forefoot) with tasty bits of lamb merguez sausage and spices. The chef presented two thick slices over a bed of crispy cracklings and arugula. Historically, zampone was devised as a way of using every last bit of the pig; Kummerspeck stays true to that tradition but in a way that employs a beguiling mix of spices and yields the richest trotter I’ve ever sampled. Well, actually, it was my first. The next appetizer, Hush Puppies, a bowl of six medium-sized deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter mixed with small chunks of sausage, came served over chowchow dressed in buttermilk ranch dressing. More than enough for two, this was cuisine inspired by Southern cuisine. The puppies were lightly fried with ragged edges for extra crispiness and perfectly cooked through. In contrast, chowchow was a welcome relief of raw vegetables: hashed red and green sweet peppers, fresh corn kernels, chopped cauliflower – all soaked in that zesty ranch dressing. Our waiter, Jaime, was enthusiastically knowledgeable of all the cuisine and had assisted me with my entrée selection of a Kassler Chop, a smoked bone-in pork chop (sourced from Kettlebrook Farm). The firm meat was abundantly tasty and treated with a Southern Comfort demi-glace. My chop came with sides that were really exciting. A heap of tender collard greens speckled with bits of bacon merged with smoky-sweet Boston baked beans, whose rich sauce pooled over the entire dish. Plopped over all of this were pillow-soft roasted cipollini onions. Each ingredient represented a tradition: German, Southern,

New England and Italian. All this richness was perfectly complemented by a glass of Greater Good Brewery’s Pulp, whose hoppy bitter citrus notes had a clean, spicy finish. It seemed fitting that at a meat emporium my friend would take the plunge and order Kummerspeck’s Ribeye Steak, served with garlicky mashed potatoes and tomato gruyere gratin. They served it sliced to expose its rich marbling. Lost in my own dish, I hadn’t noticed how quiet the table had gotten. Conversation had given way to the exploration of flavor and texture. The reason for this became immediately obvious when I sampled a slice of the ribeye. Yeah, it might be trite to say that it cut like butter, but it also seemed to melt in your mouth like butter and yielded smooth and mild, perhaps even grassy, flavors. He gushed, “I don’t think I’ve ever had a richer piece of beef!” The kitchen also produces imaginative desserts each day, and Jaime listed them for us. However, we’d both been quite gobsmacked by the onslaught of huge flavors. In the future, we’ll share one appetizer. But for now ‑ enough! Web sources define Kummerspeck (German): Excess weight gained from emotional overeating; literally, “grief bacon.” As delightful as that sounds, Kummerspeck the restaurant is quite the opposite. Such intense flavors and imaginative cuisine are a happy celebration of quality and the dining experience. Revel in them!

Kummerspeck Restaurant and Delicatessen 118 Water St., Worcester (774) 243-7071 kummerspeckfoods.com

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

Paul GIORGIO

It’s had a lot of owners. The space on Coes Pond in Worcester that has housed

a multitude of restaurants in the past decade has a new owner. Legacy ,a new restaurant on Mill Street, will soon open in the space that once housed the Coes

Café and Joey’s. It will be owned by the Sobel family. The dad was the long time manger of the Crown Plaza in Worcester. This may be the only waterside restaurant in the city.

Pizza Pizza. We hear that Shrewsbury Pizza in the center of that town will soon

branch out to Shrewsbury Street in Worcester with a second location. It will open

in the space that once housed Café Manzi and - for a long time - Scano’s Bakery.

More Pizza. Volturno, the Shrewsbury Street Neapolitan Pizzeria, has opened a second location in Framingham. We wish Greg Califano, his family and staff buono fortuna.

The earth is expanding. The Living Earth Market Center is planning to expand

its all-natural food store into the former location of Bootleggers Prohibition Pub. Bootleggers closed at the beginning of the summer for renovations. That

renovation turned into a concept change. According to the owners, the Maykel

family, the space will be converted into a Grab and Go section for the Living Earth store and will feature baked goods, breakfast sandwiches and a coffee station. Living Earth is one of Worcester’s most unique food stores, featuring fresh and organic ingredients of all varieties.

Sturbridge is more than the village. Sturbridge Harvest Fest will be held Oct. 14

and 15 on the town common and at the Public House. It will feature food, food trucks, a scarecrow contest, 80 crafters and bands.

Spread those wings. Wicked Wing Co., located on Worcester’s West Boylston

Street, is expanding into Ware. The plans call for the opening a full-service restaurant and bar by mid-December at 136 Pleasant St., the site of the former

Snow’s Restaurant. Wicked Wing Co.’s owners are two brothers, Andrew and

Nicholas Norton, who grew up in town. The men opened Wicked Wing Co. in Worcester two years ago. The restaurant’s wings finished third in MassLive’s statewide Best of Mass competition this year.

Kenmore serves lunch. After a multi-year hiatus, Worcester’s Kenmore Diner is

bring back lunch. The quintessential Worcester diner, noted for its late nights, will now be serving lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. The menu will feature

Fish & Chips on Fridays, a house Greek plate and Black Angus burgers, among a myriad of offerings.

Noodles no more. Noodles & Company, a chain restaurant, has closed up shop in

Shrewsbury’s White City Shopping Center. It served a variety of noodle dishes

from around the world. The franchise was owned by the same company that operates Panera Bread.

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s p o rts+ f i t ness

Tailgating tips to start the football season right Jason SAVIO The beginning of the football season also means a return to tailgating. While some of

us may have continued the tradition throughout the summer concert season, football tailgating is a whole other game.

When you think of tailgating, the first thing you think of is food. That’s the best part, isn’t it (along with a few beverages)? Grilling is a hallmark when it comes to gearing up in the parking lot and hanging with your friends before the game. That’s why you

have to start prepping the night before. Instead of getting stuck preparing food while everyone else is partying, prep as much as you can on the eve of the game. Meats should already be marinated and hamburger patties shaped out before you even roll your mobile party onto the scene. That way, all you have to do is throw them on the grill and enjoy.

Once you have your food situation straightened out, make sure you have yourself covered in case of an emergency (because priorities, right?). Specifically speaking, bring either a

jump pack or cables with you in case you drain your car battery. This obviously doesn’t apply to those with monster rigs backed by generators, but we’re going out on a limb

here and guessing that the majority of readers don’t roll like that. It happens all the time; you’re sitting there, munching away and drinking to your heart’s content with AC/DC

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blasting through your car radio, and later, when you go to start the car to head home, you hear that dreaded “click” when you turn the key. Don’t become that guy going around

asking for a “jump.” As an added reminder, don’t forget to charge your jump pack before going to the game.

If you really want to be the cool kid on the tailgating block, try jazzing up your spot

with Bliss Lights. Those speckled neon lights you saw adorning all the houses during the holiday season last year are back, and they’re not just for the holidays. Emanating from an easy-to-use remote controlled projector, the multi-faceted colors and designs of Bliss Lights can transform a humdrum parking lot into a colorful party. Different colors are

available, so look for the one that matches your team colors. Random? Maybe. But this is tailgating, and you can’t pull any punches.

Finally, when you plan out your tailgating party, make sure to check the rules and

regulations for the venue, as they can oftentimes vary. It should also go without saying that you need to leave early if you really want to get the most tailgating in. Sometimes tailgating can be the best part of the day, especially if your team doesn’t come away with the win, so arrive early and have fun.

Oh, and one final thing: Don’t forget to pack the cornhole game set!

findingbalance: Falling is a good thing

Jennifer RUSSO

As we are now in the midst of the fall season, I am reminded that even the leaves on the trees die and fall away, making their way to the ground in all their beautiful oranges, reds and yellows, so the trees can take a much needed rest.

Leaves are beautiful when they are in their lush green stage. They provide shelter for the animals, oxygen for us to breathe and sometimes fruit for us to eat. They provide shade from the hot sun, nutrients for the earth and a way for water to get to the strong roots that bear and grow the tree. Leaves are also heavy. When it is time and they are no longer needed, they don’t argue with Mother Nature; they detach and let go. They simply welcome the fall.

We can learn from this school of thought. Oftentimes, we carry around things that we don’t need any more. Past pains, old grudges, stress, impossible expectations, fear of change – all of these things are heavy. They prevent us from rest when we need to rest most. They make it impossible for us to grow when the proverbial spring comes again and new opportunities present themselves, because we don’t have the bandwidth. We need to let go. We need to allow those things to fall away and be grateful.

Will letting go of these things that are no good for us hurt? Maybe. But consider this: If the leaves on the trees stayed on for the winter, the snow and ice would weigh them down so much that the branches would likely break. Nature is wise – it knows when to let go. And we need to listen to ourselves and let go of what we don’t need, too, lest we bend and break. That would hurt more than letting those old things go.

Choose to stand taller; choose to allow growth. Trees can live for hundreds of years … maybe we should heed their lessons.

The pure light in me honors and respects the pure light in each of you. Namaste.

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a rts +cult ure

Rabbit Heart Poetry Film Festival celebrates merging arts Jason SAVIO What happens when the worlds of poetry and film collide? You’ll have to check out the Rabbit Heart Poetry Film Festival at Nick’s Bar on Oct. 21 to find out. The annual event, now in its fourth year, will showcase the talents of artists from around the world as they offer their visual interpretations of different poems. Founded by Sou MacMillan, creator of Doublebunny Press in Worcester, the Rabbit Heart Poetry Film Festival is a homegrown WooTown effort. Described by MacMillan as “poetryfilms” - all one word - the poems are the launching point for the visuals. Instead of having someone on screen simply reciting the literature, the filmmakers are tasked with communicating it another way - in a four-minutes-or-less presentation, whether that be through the soundtrack, subtitles or perhaps something more esoteric. It’s a very open concept, but it can’t just be any poem that is included; it must be an original, and the author must somehow be directly involved with the creation of the video. If the poet and the filmmaker are two different people, then the work must be submitted as a team, with an emphasis on the author helping with the “filmy business,” according to the festival’s website. “Personally, I really love when different genres and media intersect and overlap,” said MacMillan. “There’s something I can’t quite put my finger on that involves the places where those media overlap, and there’s a magic that happens there.” This year, more than 400 entries from six different continents were submitted to try and capture that magic, with a Best Overall Picture $200 cash prize up for grabs. Prizes of $100 are offered for every other category in the event, including Best Animation, Best Music in a Video, Best Valentine and more. Among the categories that are part of the Rabbit Heart Poetry Film Festival, MacMillan makes special note of the Shoots! Youth Prize category, which is open to filmmakers 17 and younger and is being sponsored by the Worcester County Poetry Association. “It’s kind of a big deal for us,” said MacMillan of Shoots! “The crux of the biscuit with Rabbit Heart is that art in general should not be limited to a budget or stifled by a budget; it should be accessible. And with the Shoots! Youth Prize, what I wanted to do was kind of get out there and egg along young filmmakers and say, ‘Hey, lead the way. You can do this.’” One of those who has submitted work to this year’s contest and has done so for the past two years is Los Angeles poet and artist Rachel Kann, whose 2015 video “Drunk” won Best Sound/Music and 2016 project “Mermaid Esther” earned the Curator’s Choice

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Award. When asked about the festival, Kann had only good things to say. “My experience was - and continues to be - extremely positive,” said Kann. “My biggest takeaway is that Sou MacMillan is exquisite and that amazing poetry films are being made all over the world.” Awards this year will be given out Saturday evening. In addition to the awards ceremony on Saturday, during which the top films will be shown and the winner chosen by judges who are poets and artists themselves, there is also a matinee viewing party showing the work of all the contestants. Helping to make this festival a reality is the Worcester Art Council (WAC). A program run by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the WAC awards grants each year from a pool of money given by the state. The WAC typically receives 100 applications each year as part of the open application process. A third-time recipient, Rabbit Heart Poetry Film Festival received $1,200 from this year’s pool of $106,000, according to Kelly Momberger, chairperson for the WAC. Being unique and having the ability to reach a lot of people is a deciding factor when choosing recipients, according to Momberger. “One of the big things we look at is public benefit - how many people are going to get a benefit from this and what kind of benefit it is,” said Momberger. “One of the reasons that we really liked Rabbit Heart Poetry Film Festival was because it combines poetry and film and was a really interesting concept and not something we had seen before.” Citing the festival’s international appeal, Momberger added, “It also raises the profile of Worcester, which we also like.” MacMillan, for her own part, is looking forward to this year’s festival just as much as everyone else. There is an unexpected quality to the combination of poetry and film, she explained, one that works in favor of the artists. “With poetryfilms, what happens is we’re given this permission to escape the literal, and it gives us so much space, it makes the interpretation broader and more colorful,” she said. “It sits the viewer right in the middle of it. I get so excited about that space.” The showcase matinee will be at 2:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at Nick’s Bar, 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Tickets are $10 for the matinee and $20 for the awards show. For more information, visit Facebook or rabbitheartpoetry.com.

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b e a u t y+ st yl e

Be fierce + fabulous for Halloween Victoriahope MCAULIFFE Do you long to look as powerful as Wonder Woman or as frightening as a werewolf? We have sought out the perfect products to create a fabulous Halloween look, from the perfect makeup to the best costume shop, this is your Halloween go-to reference guide. Let your imagination run wild with magic and whimsy as you create your perfect alter ego.

Who will you be? Before you can begin adding the fun extras to your Halloween look, you must first decide on your inspiration. Do you long to embody a woodland sprite, or have you always wanted to dress as a flapper from the roaring twenties? Perhaps Captain America or the Hulk feel more appropriate to your personality. Whatever you choose, Savers has you covered. Featuring new and used Halloween costumes, there is an array of creative and exciting costumes for every budget. savers.com.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize Whether it be a gorgeous crown for your princess costume, red ruby slippers to dress as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz or the perfect set of fangs, accessories are a necessary part of any costume’s success. You can be sure to find everything you need to complement your costume at the Halloween Outlet, with its extensive selection of hats, shoes, corsets, masks and much more. halloweenoutlet.com.

Paint on your face Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could go into work every day with our skin the beautiful emerald green of Elphaba or a hue of blue straight out of Avatar? We can on Halloween. Mehron Cosmetics has created a line of professional-grade cosmetic and body paints, glitters and cream sticks that will transform your skin into a colorful, shimmering or downright disgusting canvas. mehroncosmetics.com.

Perfect your pout While Halloween is great for kids, adults love tricks and treats, too. You want to make sure that your perfectly painted pout stays intact all night, just in case your Prince Charming or Count Dracula comes calling. With a wide range of colors and serious staying power, ColourPop Cosmetics has you covered with its Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick. This formula goes on as a liquid, dries matte and will not budge through the evening’s most delicious treats or devious tricks. colourpop.com.

V-amplify your hair Everyone dreams of dying their hair some crazy color, and many people have the guts to “taste the rainbow” and try it all. However, exciting colors like teal, green and purple make most people nervous. So, what can a guy or ghoul do? Splat has created a line of temporary hair chalk, which has a creamy consistency that easily glides onto hair and creates gorgeous pigmentation until it is washed away. No commitment, no bathtub stains, no worries! walmart.com.

October 2017

stealthestyle: Dreadends

Jamie BURKE So dreadful that I have not written about this trend before! Dreads are timeless

and make a reappearance every decade or so. They are a huge commitment and require a lot of upkeep in the beginning. I have seen some beautiful dreads lately

and was wondering how they look so vibrant and intricate without damaging the

hair. Well the trick is, they are not hair. The dreads are wool! And instead of fusing

them with wax, they are just braided in temporarily. You can put them in one day and take them out the next. I love this option. I checked out Pinterest, and dreads

are selling for $60-$120 a batch. You can make these yourself for $20-$40. This

will take a bit of time, depending how many you want to do, but you will not dread the end results!

Supplies Wool roving, any color

Spray bottle with warm water and dish soap or beeswax Sushi mat roller Scissors String

Steps 1. Get your bag of wool roving and measure out the length you want. Cut at the desired length. Now, pull apart the roving to make strips. If you want small dreads, use less. Bigger dreads, use more. You can mix colors of roving or even

dye the roving. If you decide to dye, you want to do it a day before and make sure the roving is dry before starting.

2. Once you have cut strips, you want to lay them on a flat surface that can get wet. In small sections, spray the strips of wool with warm water and dish soap

or wax, then roll them between the sushi mat. Move along down the strip. You should start from the end.

3. Once you have the desired thickness, you can create patterns and designs. You can braid them together. You can braid embroidery string in them. Add

beads, feathers or trinkets. We all learned at some point in our youth how to make basic friendship bracelets, so use these old techniques.

4. Once you have all the dreads you want to use, braid them into your hair with

small elastics. This is the easiest way. I part the hair in three small sections

for a braid. I take the middle piece and lift and place the dreads underneath, so the hair covers the dread. Then, secure it with small elastic. Now, braid as you normally would. At the end of the hair, you can wrap with string or use another small elastic.

This is all very simple, but a bit tedious. The dreads last in your hair a couple weeks, and you can wash your hair normally and air dry. Get a friend to help, and this can be done in no time. Start off on the bottom portions of your hair and add in more as you go.

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Dew Puff

Simplify your

nighttime beauty

An evening beauty routine is a must. But it’s so tempting to skip it when you’re already exhausted and ready to climb into bed. These products will get you into your nice, warm bed fast!

SoCal Curls The SoCal Curls Hair Curling Tie is simple to use! You just heat the tie for 30 seconds in the microwave, tie over your hair, wrap and wear. You can achieve curls in as little as 30 minutes or sleep in it to make your mornings a breeze! The best part? No damage to your hair! From beachy waves to springing spirals, you can get lots of looks with the SoCal Curls Hair Curling Tie. socalcurls.com.

October 2017

The Dew Puff konjac sponge both washes and exfoliates your skin. It removes dull, flaky skin and brings new skin cells to the surface, restoring your skin’s natural PH balance. Simply get it wet and use the Dew Puff on your face or body as you would a washcloth. Once wet, the Dew Puff becomes soft and gentle. dewpuff.com.

Aminocare Once your face is clean, it’s time to hydrate. The Aminocare Ageless Night Cream is formulated to treat dehydrated, rough and sun-damaged skin. It smooths the appearance of fine lines and skin imperfections and helps to restore proper moisture balance. It is light enough to use on problematic skin to purify pores while balancing oil. aminocare.com.

Mouth Watchers That old, fraying toothbrush you’re using could be setting you back on your quest for a healthy smile. Protect those pearly whites with the Mouth Watchers Antimicrobial Toothbrush. The revolutionary dual-action flossing bristles are micro-thin at the tip to properly reach and brush away food and plaque in areas normally missed. Unique antimicrobial bristles are embedded with silver technology to eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria buildup for up to six hours after brushing. mouthwatchers.com.

1 Voice Sleep Headphones Eye Mask Time for bed! Block out the light with this eye mask, which is made from memory foam and finished with a soft velvet. Then, lull yourself to la la land with 1 Voice’s built-in headphones, which tune out unwanted outside noise so you can snooze away. 1voicenyc.com.

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October 2017

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