PULSE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020

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WANTS YOU! Pulse Magazine is looking for nominees for our January 2021:

We are looking for the next generation of leaders. Do you know anyone in Central Massachusetts who is a successful entrepreneur, a community leader, a talented artist, or a mover and a shaker?

@worcesterpulse

/thepulsemagazine

IF SO, CONTACT:

Josh Lyford • jlyford@pagioinc.com Requirements: Nominees must be under the age of 40 Nominees must be from the Central Massachusetts area

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PULSE MAGAZINE: OCTOBER 2020 COVER STORY Will Chilton: From Worcester to Washington

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DINING REVIEW

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Dining Review: Suzette’s Crepes

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New Around the Woo 9

Bubblebee

LIFESTYLE Home Halloween Party

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Out and About

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420 in 508

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Style Savvy

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SPORTS + FITNESS

Pulse Brew: 10 Hot & Now 11

ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & CULTURE

Ways to Stay Fit ` at Home

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Finding Balance

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Artists on a Mission 12 at Sprinkler Factory WPL HorrorFest

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NowStreaming

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Entertainment Listings

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Pulse Shots

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Paul Giorgio, Publisher pgiorgio@pagioinc.com Kevin La, Art Director kla@pagioinc.com Josh Lyford, Editior jlyford@pagioinc.com David Simone, Vice President, Sales dsimone@pagioinc.com

READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM

Bernie Whitemore, Ryan Cashmen, Molly Prior, Josh Lyford, Jason Savio, Paul Giorgio, Kimberly Ruscitti, Giuliano D’Orazio, April Goddard, and Jennifer Russo, Writers

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 2020 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

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WILL C HILTON:

FROM WORCESTER TO THE WHITE HOUSE WRITTEN BY: JOSH LYFORD

From the nuance of mass extinction events in remote parts of India, to voting encouragement discussions between former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, there are few dull days in the life of Worcester native Will Chilton. The producer and director of photography may have spent his formative years in the halls of Bancroft High School, but these days his videos are streamed in millions of homes.

Whether it’s the economic impact of free parking, or the high stakes world of politics and celebrity, Chilton’s viewfinder is never without a well-framed image of the modern world.

The 32-year-old Chilton and the company he founded, CMG, most recently published “Super Volcanoes Killed the Dinosaurs,” an exploration on what exactly killed the dinosaurs, featuring interviews with experts Gerta Keller and Jahnavi Punekar, filmed in India. Last month, he was assisting on a remote conversation between Senator and Biden-running mate Kamala Harris. He has worked extensively with the Obama family and helped out on video conversation between Obama and Biden. That conversation took aim at the current administration’s handling of the pandemic. While the space between subjects couldn’t be wider, it’s all part of the gig for the cinematographer.

“They scratch different itches,” explained Chilton. “I like working on anything where I feel like I can be useful. I like doing cinematography, but that only uses part of my brain. Solving problems related to lighting, making things look good, that can be challenging and that’s fun. It’s interesting working so close to these personalities. That’s great.”

One of the most significant projects he has been a part of, according to Chilton, was working with the Obama family on Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” book tour. While the footage isn’t readily available online, it was screened for thousands at each tour stop.

“She went on her big arena tour promoting her book at the end of 2018, early 2019,” he said. “We shot all these interviews with her family, her daughters. All of that became programming for the tour itself before she took the stage. There was a half an hour of video content that thousands of people watched in an arena on a giant screen. That to

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me stands out as one of the more fun projects.”

While moments like these stand out, Chilton doesn’t spend every day bumping elbows with former first ladies and their families. Regardless of who is being framed in a particular shot, he enjoys the path he carved out for himself.

“I enjoy it a lot,” said Chilton. “I think, at the end of the day, I feel lucky that I don’t have an office job. All of these projects are a little different. You go somewhere different, meet different people. They could be a former president, or an actor, or a random expert in fossils. There are a lot of different experiences. That’s my favorite part. I also like the process of actually creating this stuff. Post production, graphics, animation, cameras, lights, that’s all fun for me.”

Chilton’s path is an unconventional one. While it is easy to see his success, the road he took to get there is much less clear. Chilton grew up around Central Massachusetts, living in Worcester, Boylston and Shrewsbury while attending Bancroft. His foray into video work itself was unorthodox.

“Between highschool and college I took a gap year,” he recalled. “Eventually I had a couple random jobs, but the first thing I did was take a three month backpacking trip around Europe.”

Chilton was 18 at the time and Facebook wasn’t quite the behemoth it is today, though it proved a useful tool.

“Facebook had just started allowing you to post things like travel albums,” he said. “At this point, that doesn’t seem special at all, but they had just kicked off this feature. I was travelling in Europe, basically alone, and my parents were really concerned. I had this little camera and every day I’d walk around and take all these photos and upload them to Facebook and send them to my parents. People started telling me they liked the photos. If it happened today, there is such an abundance of photos, I don’t think I would have gotten the feedback, but I thought maybe this is something I want to get

Pete Buttigieg

Gayle King

Janelle Monae

Donald Shoup Tom Hank Megan Rapinoe more serious about.”

Obama Foundation others.

Chilton returned from his European trip and headed off to continue his education, studying economics at Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN. While economics may seem like a strange fit for a budding videographer, it was actually a chance occurrence in the admissions office that truly set him on his path.

“I feel proud of it,” said Chilton. “Not since I was a teenager have I had a normal job.

If you zoom out and look backwards, everything is OK, but when you’re looking forward to the calendar it’s like, will I ever work again? At this point, I don’t worry about it too much. There’s always more work. I don’t feel like I’ve arrived at a point where I can be complacent and the work will just keep coming.”

“At the end of my senior year, someone had seen that I had a travel blog and asked if I wanted to work at the admissions office doing video,” he said. “I had never done video.

That was my first time trying video production at all. It was pretty much my first summer after college I spent working at the college admissions office. I basically learned the basics of video production.”

Initially Chilton thought that his lack of formal education in cinematography might affect his chances of furthering his career, but even his lack of education became its own sort of momentum.

“I’m pretty good at learning on my feet,” said Chilton. “In the world of media production, having traditional credentials — like if you went to film school — that’s really not very valuable if your portfolio isn’t good. Just because you went to NYU doesn’t mean someone necessarily wants to work with you. That’s a really good school, but it comes down to your portfolio.”

That lesson was not immediately clear to Chilton, however, and his desire to develop an edge in the industry was strong.

“I felt I was at a huge disadvantage,” he recalled. “I thought I wasn’t going to be able to compete with people that went to film school. I thought my edge was to wherever possible deliver the highest possible production value. I’ve gotten to work with some really talented people and pick their brains.”

Chilton went on to produce videos for the National Academy of Sciences, Vox, The

While the satisfaction of producing high quality content that will be viewed and shared by thousands, or potentially millions is a reward in itself, there is an additional perk to Chilton’s chosen path: seeing traditionally tightlaced public figures while the cameras are off.

“The world of politics is full of people worrying about optics and how they appear in media,” he said. “Some of these personalities are very adept at censoring themselves once the cameras are rolling. When you’re actually with them when the cameras aren’t rolling, you get to hear them maybe swear or something and it’s kind of fun. A famous politician talking like they don’t on TV is momentarily thrilling.”

While Chilton’s path took him from Worcester to Washington and to his current home in New York City, he hasn’t left the Heart of the Commonwealth behind.

“Now that I’m an adult and I don’t live there, I feel an unreasonable amount of pride over Polar seltzer,” he said. “Everybody is drinking La Croix and I’ve gotten way more into Polar in recent years. Our favorite restaurant was Tortilla Sam’s, but that’s not there anymore. It definitely feels like Worcester is on the up-and-up. The way they’ve redeveloped downtown. There’s a lot of great restaurants. I was just there about a month ago and we went to several breweries that were great.”

You can find out more on Chilton’s work online at Willchilton.com. For more information on his production company, CMG, check out Chilton.media.

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DINING DINING REVIEW REVIEW

SUZETTE CRÊPERIE & CAFÉ 126 Water Street, Worcester (508) 282-5212

BERNIE WHITMORE Pandemic safety precautions: The opening of Suzette Crêperie was delayed by the pandemic, so outdoor seating (six tables, properly spaced apart along the sidewalk) and reduced indoor seating have been key to conducting business.

Additionally, the flow of foot traffic indoors is directed from the street entrance through the dining room to an exit out a rear side door. This reduces face-to-face encounters.

Fully expecting to sit outdoors, it was early Saturday evening and my friend noticed an isolated table inside and suggested we should claim it. First, though, we lingered at the counter to study the menu posted on large blackboards, placed our order and paid.

Then we headed to the still-open table; meals would be delivered.

The menu is expansive, consisting mostly of savory crêpes and a half-dozen dessert options. In addition to coffee and tea selections, soft drinks, water and juices are stored in refrigerated cases. I snagged a bottle of Nantucket Nectar orange.

This was my first experience sitting inside a restaurant in six months and it gave me the opportunity to more closely observe the end-results of a transformation that converted the venerable Weintraub’s Deli into a sleek study in cool gray, white and natural brick.

Overhead, the old tin ceiling has been cleaned up and refurbished.

The new décor is clean and uncluttered; quite the antithesis of the ancient deli where the walls themselves seemed to have pastrami steeped into them. Out of respect for those memories, the new owners have left a few traces of Weintraub’s; see how many you can find.

Another neat thing about indoor seating is the opportunity to watch your crêpe being prepared: the chef poured a ladle of batter onto the center of a hot circular surface, then used a special rake-like implement to meticulously spread it into a large thin disc that cooked till dappled golden brown. Then it’s folded over the fillings of your choice.

My selection, “The Viking,” was gluten-free and filled with smoked salmon, spinach, a schmear of avocado, sour cream and horseradish cream. It was an instant delight; the flavors of each ingredient blended harmoniously and the crêpe itself was delicate in texture, subtle in flavor.

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When I’d first heard of a crêperie coming to Water Street I was apprehensive that another international cuisine element – in this case the classic French crêpe – would be Americanized through some industrial process and rendered without soul.

No fear! Suzette’s crêpes asserted themselves in containing their warm layers of fillings while yielding tenderly to the fork. Jean Luc, owner and chef, explained that it is his grandmother’s secret recipe and process that results in such a tender tasty crêpe. He went on to describe the chemistry of gluten molecules bonding.

Visions of endless protein chains dissipated as I went back to finish my Viking.

My friend’s crêpe selection, ‘My Grandma’s Favorite,’ was filled with bits of chicken and mushrooms in a béchamel sauce richly flavored with thyme. I snagged a portion and decided that this might actually define French Comfort Food.

In a move to assure food safety, Suzette Crêperie serves their meals on one-use Chinet plates with individually wrapped cutlery sets. Thus presented, our crêpes appeared a bit dwarfed and undramatic sitting all alone on those large paper plates. In reality, though, we found them to be very appetite-satisfying meals.

Dessert crêpes ranged from the classic ‘Suzette’ to the ‘Fat Elvis,’ which pairs up peanut butter, bananas, bacon and honey. My friend went with the ‘Nutella Banana’ – simple by comparison – and he had it topped with a swirl of chocolate sauce. Banana slices seemed to melt into the warm Nutella spread that oozed from layers of crêpe.

For my initial visit to Suzette, I felt it mandatory to finish with their ‘Crêpe Suzette.’

Their Suzette treatment slathered another of their fresh crêpes with warm orange marmalade and almond paste.

This wasn’t the classical tableside treatment I experienced decades ago on my first trip to France where the chef, puffed up with professional pride, dramatically juiced oranges, blended and reduced a syrup and then flambéed a silver platter of crêpes to the applause of the entire dining room.

Paper plates tend to rule all that out and Worcester’s fire code may not approve the pyrotechnics. Strip away all the flourishes and showmanship and what’s left, the classic

BUBBLEBEE CAFÉ ELLIOT MERCIER

With the pandemic taking center stage in everyone’s minds, it’s hard to acknowledge any event that would normally be surrounded in hype, such as a grand opening. Many establishments either had to downplay their opening or delay entirely due to the regulations put in place. Today I’m here to tell you about one of many budding cafés still standing in these continuously crazy times.

Residing off the edges of Worcester’s most infamous square and laying upon the most actively developing business street in the city is a vibrant restaurant known as BubbleBee Café.This quirky and unique establishment lies at 160 Green St. The menu consists of yourstandard teas with fruity accentuations, but they reside alongside more eccentric choices such as ones filled with boba: flavored jelly and pearls of explosive juiciness. Say you want your drink thick, but without anything unexpected coming through the straw, there are plenty of smoothie choices for you, varying from healthy fruit to more indulgent options.

While all of that is good, most customers who frequent the BubbleBee Café will tell you abouttheir specialty waffle cones. Ice cream? No! Waffle as in the breakfast food!

Wrapped in a cone shape to hold in a mad myriad of fruits, treats and more! Fruits include kiwi, apple, strawberry and such while the treats include oreos, fruity pebbles, candy and more.

Want something a bit more contemporary and simple? Well the mozzarella sticks, clam strips and cheese fries should satisfy. This variety of food presented with a consistent upkeep in quality is what keeps customers coming back for more. While not as popular as other establishments, those who have heard of it have sung nothing but high praise, their enthusiasm being shared and spotlighted through the Bee’s Instagram page (@Bubblebeecafe508), displaying their creations with a sense of pride.

While the sun is still up and beating down on our necks, there’s no better time than now to visit the BubbleBee Café on Green Street. Operating from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offering curbside pickup, this local café has plenty to offer the curious. At the time of this writing, new items are being added to the menu such as dozens of new tea flavors ranging from sparkling lemonade to Oreo milk tea.

If you find yourself in the area or on foot at the Worcester Public Market, try to swing on by and try it out before the quarantine is lifted and every restaurant in the downtown area is flooded again with folks eager to be trying something outside of the few places they were previously allowed to visit. You might have to fight through the oneways and narrow streets of the Kelley Square area, but if you’ve lived in Worcester long enough, you can make it through to try at least one fluffy waffle cone.

PULSEBREW RYAN CASHMAN As I am wont to do when I am fishing for ideas for this column, I turn to my much loved - and much written about local brewery: Purgatory Beer Co. Recently, both nationally and locally, breweries and bars have begun serving food to patrons in order to open. Restrictions in many states - including MA - have mandated establishments serving food - restaurants, food trucks, etc. - be open for business, while those serving strictly alcohol - bars and breweries - must remain closed, at least indoors. This has forced drinking establishments into a tight corner.

While food has always been a major component of the drinking experience, it’s never been the reason we venture out to bars or breweries. We venture for the drink, the real star. But this begs the question: what is keeping many independent breweries from becoming full-blown restaurants? I can think of two primary reasons.

First: cost.We all know that cost can pile up in the blink of an eye when you are running a restaurant, much in the same way costs can pile up when you’re running a brewery. The main difference is a difference in product and owner preference.

Brewers get into the beer making game because they love beer, just as chefs and restaurateurs get into the restaurant game because they love food. Most brewery profits go right back into the beer making, especially seeing how breweries often begin as, or remain, passionate side projects.

Second: regulation and licensing. Hear me out on this. I know one of the most difficult licenses to get in MA is a license to serve alcohol. So we’ll toss that one out of the way right now. Restaurants, on the other hand, have to face strict hygiene standards in both food preparation and overall cleanliness. Said standards have become much stricter due to the pandemic. Many restaurants are now unable to keep up with the restrictions to their businesses and we are seeing a remarkable amount close nationwide.

So where does this leave our brewers? They cannot fully open without serving food and the restrictions around serving food may put them in a worse place than if they were to continue without. The solution, frankly, is unknown.

Purgatory, though, seems to have found one that works for them. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday’s Anzio’s Pizza - a travelling woodfire oven pizzeria - will be parked outside of Purgatory Beer Co. from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. As per state law, in order for beer to be consumed onsite it must accompany a meal. Cleverly, Purgatory and Anzio’s have come to an arrangement by which they are both able to stay in business during a time when so many are unable to do so.

I imagine this may become the way of eating in the twenty-first century, especially after COVID-19. Two independent businesses, serving excellent products to customers, working jointly for the sake of each other. What better way is there to form a community?

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

SHREWSBURY STREET GOES MIDDLE EASTERN. A new restaurant recently opened at 156 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester.

Rony Zogyby is the new owner of Beirut Bite. They serve Lebanese food. This is the third Middle Eastern eatery on the street.

OUTDOOR DINING EXTENDED. It looks like Worcester will keep its temporary outdoor dining regulations in place to help out a still-struggling area restaurant industry.

Look for places to install outdoor heaters as the weather turns cooler.

OTHER OPENINGS. LaReyna Express recently opened in the Seven Hills Plaza at 90 Madison St., Worcester.

ACTION JACKSON. New Tradition LLC, recently opened at 7 Jackson St., just off of Main Street. The eatery is next door to Eastern Border. We don’t know if they are attracting the skateboard crowd.

TIME TO MAKE THE DONUTS. Two artisanal doughnut shops have opened in the middle of September in Worcester. Doughnut Homies opened in the Public Market in Worcester’s Canal District. Lines have been out the door.

Also recently opened is Glazy Susan, which has operated as a popup for at least a year. Glazy Susan is in the DCU Center in the space formerly operated by Figs & Pigs.

CHASHU OPENS. The much-anticipated opening of Chashu on Worcester’s Franklin Street happened in mid-September. The ramen noodle eatery was supposed to open in the spring, but was held up. This place is straight out of NYC. PAL JOEY. Joey's Bar & Grill, 344 Chandler St., recently reopened after their Corvid vacation. This well-established West Side eatery was missed for the past several months. They will be serving dinner only for the time being, according to owner Erika Rovezzi.

CAN’T BEAT A DEAD HORSE. Worcester’s deadhorse hill restaurant recently reopened for inside dining. We expect more restaurants to do this as the temperature drops.

AS DOES CHUCK’S. Chuck’s Steakhouse in Auburn has taken down its tent and has also moved dining indoors.

IL FORNO MOVES. Fitchburg mainstay Il Forno recently moved to Lunenburg.

The Italian eatery has taken over the space once occupied by Sean Patricks’.

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ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & CULTURE

ARTISTS ON A MISSION AT SPRINKLER FACTORY JASON SAVIO Artists are banding together for what will be a unique and first-time ever exhibition of its kind at the Sprinkler Factory.

Located at 38 Harlow St., The Sprinkler Factory is a multifaceted arts space that opened its doors in 2011. It is the former site of the Rockwood Sprinkler Company, a Worcester company that manufactured sprinklers.

Nowadays it plays host to art exhibits with three expansive galleries, plays, musicals and more. It is also home to art studios and businesses. The Sprinkler Factory’s gallery has remained quiet, however, since March because of COVID-19. All that is about to change on Oct. 17 when the gallery opens back up with an exhibition titled SOLOS: ARTISTS ON A MISSION. “For the first time ever it’s just one large exhibition space,” said Sprinkler Factory’s managing director Luis Fraire. Instead of having three separate galleries like usual, 26 artists will be featured simultaneously in one massive converted space of 7,500 square-feet.

“The theme for the entire exhibit is solos, artists on a mission, but within that each artist has their own solo exhibition,” Fraire said. “It’s kind of a play on the concept. It’s really a group show made up of a bunch of solo shows.”

The exhibition will be made up of mostly local artists each showing nine different pieces of their work, varying from digital collage to traditional painting. Each artist will be creating their own title, theme, and putting their own label on the wall.

“There’s going to be quite a volume of art on view,” said Fraire.

Some of the art on view will be coming from Michelle May, of Worcester, whose display of abstract acrylic paintings entitled “Meditations” will be featured in SOLOS. May says that there is no particular theme for her pieces in “Meditations,” but they “are related by colors found in nature.” She cites “the breathless colors of the island of Tortola,” an Island in the British Virgin Islands, as an inspiration.

“I have found myself seeking bright and harmonious colors to conjure memories, uplift my spirit and to share,” she wrote in an email.

May is no stranger to the Sprinkler Factory. She has appeared in several group shows there and puts together Cirque du Noir, a masquerade ball that raises money for art-related non-profits in the community.

“The Sprinkler Factory is an unrivaled community of artists, supporting local art and now theater and music,” she wrote. “I have never walked into a gallery and felt like I do there. Everyone is welcome. Birgit and Luis run a fantastic operation that has lifted the creative community to new heights.”

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Typically, artists propose their own shows and are allowed a full hands-on approach to setting up and organizing their work at the Sprinkler Factory, where “they’re more responsible for the whole exhibit from A to Z, organizing the exhibit, setting the times,” said Fraire.

But for SOLOS, Fraire and his wife Birgit Straehle will be the captains of the ship to get the Sprinkler Factory’s sail back on course after the long delay, and to make sure that the proper COVID guidelines are followed.

“For this show coming up the Sprinkler Factory played the role of the organizer for the exhibit, we invited the artists to participate in the show,” Fraire said. “We’ll be responsible for doing all of the artist promotion and lighting and arranging and hanging on the walls. But yes, in years past and in the future as well, artists do have a more hands-on approach.”

Making sure that the setup is safe is an obvious concern and a top priority for Fraire, so changes needed to be made to allow for SOLOS to happen.

“One big change is that usually our door is just open and the public can visit during gallery hours, but in this case there is going to be pre-registration,” he says. Those interested in seeing the exhibit can register on Eventbrite. Visitation will be divided up into two-hour time slots with a maximum of 25 guests allowed for each. There is no cost and it is free to register. Donations are welcomed at the door.

The gallery and performance space at the Sprinkler Factory are run by AGSF INC, a nonprofit 501(c)3 arts organization, according to the Sprinkler Factory’s website.

“The basic mission is to serve the arts community of Worcester,” says Fraire.

SOLOS will end its run on November 14. More similarly typed organized exhibits are expected in the future with Fraire being more involved getting artists together and managing the shows himself.

“We’ll be announcing some more calls for artists in the upcoming year,” he says. “That’s one thing we’ll be doing more of in the future, is having Sprinkler Factory organize exhibits as opposed to hosting proposals by individual artists. We’ll be taking charge, organizing our own exhibits. Everyone should keep a lookout for our calls to artists.”

The next show at the Sprinkler Factory gallery isn’t likely to happen until March of 2021, Fraire said.

He’s hesitant to give any idea of what it will be, but does give a hint. “(It’s) a continuation of the theme of this show,” he says. “I guess I’ll let it slip and say the idea for next year’s show is called ‘Trios.’ Everyone can just figure out what that means.”

SOLOS: ARTISTS ON A MISSION will be open on Thursdays and Saturdays from October 17 through November 14, 2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Donations are accepted and masks must be worn.

Pre-register and reserve a time slot online at sprinklerfactory.com/events/solos/

VIRTUAL HORROR FEST AT WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY MOLLY PRIOR Halloween is typically celebrated in large groups of people. Parents and children go trick-or-treating, while adults have theme parties, dress up and have fun. There are parades, pumpkin carving and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, everything changed, including the way we celebrate holidays.

Halloween will be very different this year. People will try to find creative ways to have fun and celebrate while staying safe. The Worcester Public Library is trying to help provide virtual Halloween fun during this challenging time with the virtual Horror Fest 2020, which will include discussions about some well-known horror films for those who prefer the scarier side of the holiday.

Horror Fest 2020 will take place every Wednesday in October via Zoom. Every week has its own theme such as zombies, vampires and witches. Some of the films include the classic “Night of the Living Dead” and the more recent “Hereditary.” The event will feature conversation about the films and other media such as books and how they have contributed to the conventions of the modern day horror genre.

Tara Jankowki and Devon Evans, two public service librarians, are the ones who came up with the idea for Horror Fest 2020 and are also the ones organizing it. Inspiration for the event came from conversations about horror movies the pair had with each other and their friends and how to bring people together during Covid-19.

“When I came up with the idea for this event, I thought of how Devon and I always discuss the latest horror movies we’ve seen or books we’ve read or fun facts we’ve come across,” said Jankowski. “With the Covid-19 pandemic, people may not be able to have parties or movie nights, so this gives them the opportunity to do something fun for Halloween. It’s a way for us horror fans to celebrate our favorite time of year, which helps us hold on to a bit of normalcy in these uncertain times.”

“I think this event will attract people interested in all facets of the horror genre, whether they’re movie buffs, avid readers or interested in where these legends come from,” Jankowsi explained.

“We’re able to reach a larger audience with virtual programs, including those from other states and countries. I think we’ll attract a diverse group of people, which makes for great conversation.”

Both librarians agree that virtual events like this one have helped the library prosper and has succeeded in community outreach in a different way than before. They also feel that it brings people together in a time where that is difficult for most.

“Technology always plays an important role in libraries, but even more so now with the virus,” Evans explained. “Through platforms like Zoom we're able to provide virtual programming to patrons at a time when they might otherwise feel isolated, and give those patrons a chance to connect with each other through shared interests.”

As for future virtual events for the library, the pair said that they have gotten positive feedback and expect them to continue.

“From the simplicity of being able to attend a program without having to park, to the appreciation of parents who can connect to us without the need of a babysitter, we've gotten lots of great feedback on our virtual programs,” Evans said. “Although this is our first virtual Horror Fest, Tara and I are confident there are horror fans out there just waiting to discuss their favorite scary movies and books.”

For more information on Horror Fest 2020, you can go to the official website with their adult classes and programs section, or you can register on Facebook under their Facebook events page.

Jankowski thinks that not only will the event attract horror film fans, but it will also appeal to a wide variety of audiences, due to the fact that it is virtual and accessible from anywhere. t h epu ls emag.com

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DINE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE! OR PICK UP TAKEOUT! SOCIAL DISTANCING CAREFULLY OBSERVED

NOW STREAMING: TREY ANASTASIO’S LONELY TRIP JASON SAVIO

Leave it to Trey Anastasio to record an entire album by himself while staying indoors during the coronavirus pandemic .

Lonely Trip, the newest solo release from the Phish guitarist, is truly a study of loneliness and isolation, having been recorded in Anastasio’s home studio while he was in lockdown at his New York City apartment during the height of the pandemic.

Anastasio had just returned home from a weekend songwriting session with collaborators Tom Marshall and Scott Herman when he found himself unable to leave his apartment because of the city-wide shutdown, he said in a post on his website about the making of Lonely Trip.

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Anastasio used that time at home to put those songs to use and create what is basically a home recording that encapsulates how it feels to be trapped and surrounded by an uncertain future.

Armed with just an 8-track recorder and a whole lot of creativity, he delivers his most intriguing album in recent memory, playing all the instruments himself with the help of drum tracks he previously recorded with Phish drummer Jon Fishman.

The album’s opener, “Shaking Someone’s Outstretched Hand,” is an odd and off-kilter number that offers up some late-night weirdness akin to David Bowie’s “Scar Monsters (and Super Creeps),” but mellower.

Songs like “I Never Left Home,” the rock-riff medicine of “I Never Needed You Like This Before,” and “When the Words Go Away” all have a sense of claustrophobia and uncertainty. In the latter, Anastasio sings: “Locked in a capsule for time without end/ Watching the world through a pane or a lens/There's nothing to fear when there's nobody near/But silence can kill and there's lots of it here.”

Anastasio is at his best when he’s at his most experimental. The 10 minute-plus “Lotus” is a perfect example of these two different sides of the coin included in the same song as he starts it off as poppy before switching it up into an underwater jam. A harder, industrial-type groove kicks in ahead of numerous different interludes that ultimately circle back to the chorus.

Anastasio proves himself to be no slouch on Lonely Trip when it comes to home recording and producing. Although he put Lonely Trip to tape on his own, it is a multilayered collection of songs that bristles with life, especially “The Silver Light” with its underlying scat vocals.

Many of the songs on Lonely Trip live in a space somewhere between dream and reality, much like the surreal world we’re living in today. Anastasio struggles coming to terms with this new reality, but he hasn’t completely lost hope. He does include glimmers of salvation, most notably closing the album with the whimsical song “Lonely Trip” when he sings: “While we’re on this lonely trip/Keep a watch for other ships/And if by chance our vessels pass/Perhaps we’ll finally meet at last.”

Lonely Trip is not only a testament to Anastasio’s undying need to create and express himself, it also speaks volumes as to how much someone can accomplish on their own with passion and the aid of a little technology. Sure, anyone can have the tools, but the difference is knowing how to use them, and Anastasio does, proving himself to be a oneman band. It’s an impressive feat from an accomplished musician who’s always finding new ways to grow.

14 O CTOBE R 20 20

For more, visit Trey.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

LISTINGS Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Rd., Sterling Every Friday: Bill McCarthy Beer Garden 64 Franklin St., Worcester 774.530.9000 Beergardenma.com Oct. 1: Mike Melendez Oct. 2: Jediah Oct. 3: Jay Graham Oct. 4: Eric Marcs Oct. 5: Matt Soper Oct. 6: James Keyes Oct. 7: Dan Decristofaro Oct. 8: Bob Moon Oct. 9: Ken Macy Oct. 10: Alex Tuohey Oct. 11: Scaplen Day Oct. 12: Gracie Day Oct. 13: Mike Melendez Oct. 14: Amanda Cote Oct. 15: Fil Pacino Oct. 16: Dan Decristofaro Oct. 17: Bob Moon Oct. 18: James Keyes Oct. 19: Gracie Day Oct. 20: Amanda Cote Oct. 21: Ken Macy Oct. 22: Dan DeCristofaro Oct. 23: Jediah

Oct. 24: Eric Marcs Oct. 25: Matt Soper Oct. 26: Fil Pacino Oct. 27: Scaplen Day Oct. 28: Mike Melendez Oct. 29: Amanda Cote Oct. 30: Jay Graham

One Eyed Jack’s 433 Park Ave., Worcester Oct. 3: Corey McLane

Chuck’s Steakhouse 10 Prospect St., Auburn Oct. 3: Comedy Night

Peppercorn’s Grille and Tavern 455 Park Ave., Worcester Oct. 3: Decades of Music with Dock 10 playing hits from ‘70s-’00s

Firefly’s BBQ 350 E. Main St., Marlborough (508) 357-8883 Fireflysbbq.com Stay tuned for live music back onstage when regulations allow Greater Good Imperial Brewing 55 Millbrook St., Worcester 508-926-8736 Greendale's Pub 404 W Boylston Street. N, Worcester 508-853-1350 Happy Jack's 785 N Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 Meze Estiatorio 166 Shrewsbury St., Worcester 508-869-4200

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Park Grill & Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worcester Oct. 10: Tony Soul acoustic

Ralph’s Rock Diner 148 Grove St., Worcester Oct. 3: Jonee Earthquake Band, Crux Decussata and more Oct. 9: Gold Star Blvd., Zigmont, Hippie Commune Pipe Dream Reunion Tap & Table 198 Worcester St., Nnorth Grafton 774-293-5501 Rock Bar 81 Water St. Oct. 2: Elvis: One Night With You Vincent’s Worcester 49 Suffolk St., Worcester Oct. 6: Boogie Chillin’ Patio Series

Wachusett Brew Yard 175 State Road E, Westminster Oct. 2: Oktoberfest weekend in Westminster Oct. 2: Acoustic Friday with Amanda Cote, Scott Babineau Oct. 3: Acoustic Saturday with A Good Time, Darren Bessette Oct. 4: Acoustic Sunday with Jacqueline Burns Oct. 9: Acoustic Friday with Joe Macey Oct. 16: Acoustic Friday with Fredd Ellsworth, Lizzy Marquis Oct. 18: Kamryn Richard Oct. 23: Acoustic Friday with Dylan Girouard Oct. 25: Brian Chaffee Oct. 30: Acoustic Friday with The Maniac Loves You Woohaha Comedy Club 50 Franklin St., Worcester Oct. 2: Sam Morril Oct. 8: Jared Freid Oct. 10: Stavros Halkias Oct. 11: Ryan Long Oct. 17: Ryan Tomlinson Worcester Public Market 150 Green St., Worcester Oct. 3: The Sweaters Oct. 10: Jazzed Up Trio

16 OCTOB E R 20 20

LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

HaLloween at Home JENNIFER RUSSO It has probably been the SCARIEST year most of us can remember and we all know it’s going to be a little different when it comes to celebrating Halloween. Don’t FREAK out! Oh alright…I’ll KILL the DREADful puns and share some ideas on how you can have a SPOOKtacular time from home this time around. From scary movies to delectable treats, creative decorating ideas to tasty potions, there is plenty of opportunity to make this holiday one of the most SPIRITed yet.

Halloween Deco The stores are open and so is Amazon…and there are many ghoulishly great things to buy to spruce up your house. Orange and purple lights, ghosts, gravestones, spiderwebs, skeletons, bats, animated witches, inflatable pumpkins, a holiday tree decorated with spooky ornaments…why not go ALL OUT this year since you are home! There is no such thing as too tacky this year. Get weird.

Thrilling Movies Why not do a movie marathon on Halloween or extend it to one movie per night the entire month of October?

Go all out with popcorn and Sour Patch Kids, wear your favorite cozy jammies and prepare to scream and jump.

You’ll find these being aired live the whole month as well as on streaming services. From the classics we all know and love to some newer attempts at making us hide under the covers, here are some of the top-rated choices: Hocus Pocus, Halloween (1 &2), The Shining, Get Out, Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, Child’s Play, Pet Semetery, The Blair Witch Project, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Omen, The Craft, The Witches of Eastwick, Dracula, Death Becomes Her, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Others, Us, The Exorcist, El Orfanato, Psycho, The Conjuring, The Cabin in the Woods, The Ring, Insidious, Audition, IT, and for some G-rated nostalgia, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

Sweet Treats Cinnamon Sugar Halloween “Cookies” – This could not be easier. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350. Get some flour tortillas (whatever flavor you like, but I think wheat works best). Buy a few Halloween shaped cookie cutters and cut the shapes out of the tortillas. Dip the cut outs in melted butter and press one side into cinnamon sugar. Lay these out on the sheet topping side up and bake for 10 mins. Done.

Virtual Events There are a few virtual events listed on Facebook that might inspire some goosebumps or help you tap into the mystical. There’s Hocus Pocus and Horror Movie online trivia happening this month (10/7 and 10/21 at 8:30 PM respectively). Perhaps an online class with Christopher Penczak, High Priest and Temple of Witchcraft founder is up your alley (Oct. 30 from 7-9 p.m.), or create your own event and challenge your friends to a pumpkin carving contest and have a Zoom meeting to show them off.

No-Bake PB Cup Cheesecake Give a spring form cake pan a quick once over with cooking spray then press in Oreo crumbs mixed with enough melted butter to give them some texture on the bottom and halfway up the sides. Chill for a bit. In a bowl, beat together 3 tablespoons of sugar with 1 ½ packages of Philly cream cheese, adding a cup of heavy cream and a ½ teaspoon of vanilla. Beat until thick and fluffy (2-3 mins). Get the crust out and cover the bottom with PB cups (whole or broken). Spread the cream cheese filling over these and top with crushed Reese’s Pieces and candy corn if you’d like. Chill for a few hours.

PS – you know all the candy will be 50 percent off as soon as Nov. 1 comes, so you can always make this post-holiday…or just eat all the cheap candy. We won’t judge.

Witch’s Brews Well, I mean you’re home and don’t require a designated driver, so indulge a little! Here are a few drink ideas to get you started.

Wicked Elphie - Shake up some OJ, Midori melon liqueur and Sprite and pour into a colored sugar-rimmed martini class.

Headless Horseman – Shake vanilla vodka, gin, a tablespoon of pumpkin puree, a dash of maple syrup, and orange juice. Serve in a wine glass and garnish with a graham cracker over top.

Black Magic – Shake up Jägermeister, spiced rum, lime juice, agave syrup and cranberry juice.

Devil Made Me Do It – Shake up tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and ginger beer. Pour into shot glasses and drip in a couple drops of tabasco…if you dare. Garnish with a thin lime slice.

Love Potion – Muddle some blackberries in a shaker and add tequila, peach juice, lemon juice and agave syrup with a dash of grenadine. Shake and serve up with a whole blackberry garnish.

Dress Up Who says you need a party to dress up? Some of the most trending costumes for guys this year are Dr. Fauci, The Mandalorian, Alexander Hamilton and Tiger King.

Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Carol Baskin and Janet from The Good Place are all up there in popularity for women’s costumes. Instead of getting something from a store though, we challenge you to get creative – but we don’t recommend ninja costumes since you’ll just blend in with normal people.

However you choose to celebrate Halloween, please do so safely. t h epu ls emag.com

17

THE QUEER VOTE: 2020 THE STATE OF LGBTQ+ ISSUES IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION AND WHY IT MATTERS. GIULIANO D’ORAZIO Currently, I’m writing this article you’re about to read; it’s mid-September, 2020. The weather can’t make up its mind: the mornings are suddenly frigid, but the afternoon sun faintly burns with the glow of summer. My mind, however, as it pertains to this November’s election, is most certainly made up. I am voting for a more progressive, more diverse, executive cabinet. I am voting for an informed, compassionate and sensible response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I am voting to fire Betsy DeVos and to hire someone qualified to lead this country in a time of educational upheaval. I am voting for a platform which recognizes that All Black Lives Matter.

I am voting to let kids out of cages and reunite families. I am voting to protect a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her healthcare. I am voting to respect Science. I am voting for a cabinet that recognizes LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. I am voting for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for president/vice president.

As queer folx, our very existence is political (it’s important our allies know this, too). The societal acceptance some of us enjoy today is a direct result of decades of radical political activism, spearheaded by trans women of color — work which, out of unfortunate necessity, continues to this day. In my January ‘Out and About’ piece, I highlighted some advancements in equality the LGBTQ+ community has seen in recent years. One can point to the legalization of marriage equality, which happened in the United States in 2015, alongside over 18 nations worldwide over the course of the past decade. Sadly, as with most progress, these things tend to take two steps forward and one, sometimes giant orange, step back.

The current White House administration has, according to the Human Rights Commision, “pulled the U.S. away from its position as a leader on advancing human rights for LGBTQ people around the globe.” The evidence is rather staggering. I’ll just name a few: 1. Ban on Transgender Troops: As of 2019, the Trump-Pence policy which bars any transgender person from enlisting to serve in the US military continues to be upheld and will continue for another four years, should the president win reelection.

2. Eliminating Pride guidance for embassies: In 2019, the State Department halted its tradition of sending memos to U.S. embassies encouraging them to participate in their local LGBTQ Pride festivities. In fact, top State Department officials denied requests made by some embassies to fly a Pride flag. (Human Rights Commision) 3. Removal of LGBTQ+ Issues from White House Webpage: Just hours after being sworn in as president, any and all mention of LGBTQ+ issues were removed from the White House official website. (Human Rights Commision) 4. Rollback of Housing Rights for Transgender People: The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced its rollback of a rule that protected transgender people from discrimination by homeless shelters and other housing services receiving federal funds. (National Center for Transgender Equality) 5. Workplace Discrimination: The Department of Labor announced a proposed rule that would allow federal contractors to “exempt themselves from equal employment opportunity requirements”. This is the type of legislation which allows businesses to refuse employment to LGBTQ+ individuals on the basis of “religious freedom”. (National Center for Transgender Equality) Despite his purported support of the LGBTQ+ community in his 2016 run, Donald Trump has been quietly rolling back rights and silencing our voices as he loudly distracts. It is imperative that now, more than ever, we get out and vote to protect not only our rights, but the rights of all marginalized communities. If you need help registering to vote or want to check your registration status, go to: www.vote.gov Follow on instagram @musicbygiuliano

18 O CTOBE R 20 20

420 508 IN THE

A SLOW BURN ELLIOT MERCIER Technology is one of those concepts that doesn’t necessarily advance at a constant pace, or even linearly: innovations and ideas only coming due to special circumstances, skipping the prototype and going straight to a product to buy. The pandemic — that will still be present in some manner by the time this article comes out — brought forth a slew of ideas attempting to mitigate the amount of contact necessary to get basic activities, such as grocery shopping, done. Some are a bit wacky, like pool noodle hats in German cafés establishing a six foot minimum distance between customers. Some are helpful and innovative, like supermarket Lidl offering an app that lets customers know when their stores are least populated.

The most well-known innovation however, especially here in the states, is curbside pickup, a practice in which a store or vendor has the product picked out and simply places it in a customer’s vehicle when they arrive.

This is present in almost every non-essential business nowadays, and has even spread to the world of cannabis transactions.

Recreational pot shops have been open since May but the guidelines and regulations surrounding them have still been strict, with a fair amount not allowed to house more than one thousand customers a day.

If familiar with standard marijuana purchasing procedure, one could easily imagine that maintaining strict social distancing practices and a completely sanitary work environment can be a micromanaging nightmare. Up to this point, all transactions regarding cannabis consumption were done with cold hard cash. This method and the red tape wouldn’t be able to support the demand that would obviously rise as consistent employment and weekend rituals fell. Long periods of isolation, no bars to go to and paranoia getting to some more than others, there would be no better time to have a pleasant smoke.

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Recently, the GFA Federal Credit Union announced a partnership with an app known as Hypur, a way to provide contactless purchases of marijuana. The company believes that reluctance and the fear of being prosecuted on a federal level for indulging in legitimately legal substances is what’s preventing many recreational pot shops from flourishing even more. Being compared to PayPal and other virtual wallet systems, Hypur is a step in the right direction towards the easily accessible, but the next step after that is still in the hands of the dusty suits in Congress.

With a new shop hopefully opening up in Shrewsbury this month called Holistic Industries Inc. and many more waiting to open their doors later this year, it’s safe to say that even if projections will likely be dismal like last year’s, there will still be a high demand for anything to take your mind off of the world right now. In the meantime, maybe learn a skill while you figure out Hypur and other apps that will inevitably come.

What did you learn? I learned to sing, to the displeasure of many.

Enjoy food from 19 different countries!

Menu online at Franklinstreetfare.com Open 7 days a week , 11am -8pm 72 Franklin St Worcester MA 01608 774-530-9191 t h epu ls emag.com

19

STYLE Savvy STYLE SAVVY APRIL GODDARD

387 Park Ave. Worcester, MA

(774) 420 7171

Hello readers, and welcome to the festive and fabulous month of October! It seems like only yesterday that March was beginning and so much has happened since. Adjusting to the “new normal” has been challenging at times, but positivity and working together has allowed for us to make great strides in rising to meet the challenge and adjusting to life as we now know it.

One of the most notable changes that I have seen personally is the transition from office culture to work from home culture. This huge shift has changed how many of us prepare for our traditional nine-to-fives, from how we manage a work-life balance, to our lunch breaks, to how we dress. I find the latter of great significance. Gone are the days when you put on your coat and work-casual slacks and head to the office.

Now this begs the question: do I really need to continue to invest in formal work attire? The answer is now, and for the foreseeable future: no, not really. A silver lining in all of this is that you now get to dress with comfort in mind and can get everything done without the inevitable morning and evening traffic jams. But how to dress when there is still a chance of “face-to-face” meetings online?

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The most important thing to remember is that you do not necessarily have to sacrifice comfort for style. My go-to is a nice sweater with leggings and cozy slippers. By keeping your bottom half comfortable for long days of sitting, working and simultaneously chasing after your kids, you can do it all-without leaving home.

The key is to keep the rest of your look relaxed, yet presentable.

I love a traditional oversized cowl neck sweater, because it is long enough that you can wear leggings, while the cowl neck is dressed up enough to keep with a professional appearance. Pair with a bit of makeup (if you like) and a low bun, or hair brushed and down to tie the look together. The point here is to be presentable for a surprise meeting with your boss while still being able to comfortably do everything else that you need to for the day.

What are your favorite work from home outfits? Although work from home life certainly takes some adjusting to, as with anything, once you get into the routine of it, it becomes second nature.

20 OCTOB E R 20 20

SPORTS SPORTS & & FITNESS FITNESS

AFFORDABLE WAYS TO STAY FIT AT HOME KIM RUSCITTI

In a study conducted by TD Ameritrade in July 2020, 59 percent of Americans surveyed said they weren’t planning to renew their gym memberships after the pandemic.

Whether due to financial and job losses, a dislike of wearing a mask while working out at the gym, or months of quarantining at home turning us into hermits, more and more people are turning to home workouts.

If you have a corner of your house with a pile of dumbbells, resistance bands, yoga mats, exercise balls, or your mom’s old ThighMaster – now’s the perfect opportunity to dust off your gear and get moving at home. No gear at home? No problem. There are plenty of ways to stay fit whether you’re on a tight budget or have a little extra to spend toward your workout goals. The below possibilities invite flexibility and creativity, and can be done whether at home or on the road.

No matter your budget or the workout you choose, the most important thing is to get up and move, and have some fun while you’re at it.

Couch to 5K training program (free): Most anyone can become a runner by following the Couch to 5K program. Over nine weeks, individuals with little to no running experience work their way up from zero running to running a 5K (3.1 miles) in 30 minutes without stopping. Motivate yourself by signing up for one of the many virtual 5Ks being offered these days—most even come with a t-shirt and medal (costs vary by race).

Smartphone Apps (most are free): Track your outdoor workouts through free smartphone apps like Map My Run, Runkeeper, Nike Running Club, and many others.

These apps have the ability to track your pace, mileage, and time during your runs, walks, or bike rides; each workout is also saved so you can track your improvement.

Yoga with Adriene (free): If you’re looking to improve your flexibility, check out Yoga with Adriene. Adriene uses her YouTube channel as well as her website to share free weekly yoga workouts. She has an abundance of information and a large collection of different practices tailored to skill level, workout length, and subject matter (i.e. back pain, injuries, stress).

YMCA 360 (free at the time of publication): In response to the global pandemic, the YMCA created an on-demand video platform as a way for its members to experience their favorite classes while the gyms were closed. Aimed at serving the Y community but not exclusive to members, YMCA 360 offers group exercise classes, youth sports classes, and wellbeing classes online, making it easy to stay fit and healthy at home or on the go. Free access is available to everyone, though the organization said this may be subject to change in the future.

Google (free): Not into any of the above options? Google “body weight exercises” and you’ll hit the jackpot of free resistance workout exercises on how to use your own body for a stellar workout.

FitDeck (starting at $15): If you’re someone who values variety over routine, switch up your workouts with FitDeck, a pack of illustrated exercise playing cards for guided workouts. First seen on Season 5 of Shark Tank, there are now a number of FitDeck alternatives out there. Each card illustrates the exercise in three levels of difficulty (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) in order to accommodate individuals of all abilities.

FitDeck makes a number of different decks depending on one’s interest, including body weight, yoga, stretch and more.

Exercise Dice ($25): Getting a full body workout is now as easy as rolling the dice.

Amazon sells a number of “exercise dice,” which are large foam, multi-sided dice with workouts for strength, stretch, HIIT (high intensity interval training, i.e. jumping jacks and mountain climbers) workouts. Roll the dice and get a complete workout at home or on the go.

Beachbody On Demand ($99/year): Remember when P90X was all the rage?

Those workouts are part of the Beachbody family. For an annual fee, you’ll have access to dozens of workout programs for all fitness levels and interests—from high intensity training to low impact workouts. The company even offers a free 14-day trial so you can explore the options and whether it’s a good fit for your home workout goals at no cost.

Nike Training Club ($15/month): For a monthly charge, the Nike Training Club (NTC) app offers personalized training and an extensive library of workouts ranging from yoga and mobility to cardio and strength. According to NTC, all workouts are led

by Nike master trainers, and sessions range from 50-60 minutes. t h epu ls emag.com

21

BACK TO HEALTH

JENNIFER RUSSO

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, 24 HOURS A DAY! 155 SHREWSBURY STREET • WORCESTER, MA • 508-791-4535

In times such as these, it is often difficult to find the silver lining on the clouds, especially when it comes to focusing on our own health. For months now, we have had to change the way we do pretty much everything. We must wear masks in public places, we must stay away from crowds of people, many of our favorite places to visit are closed, and people have been experiencing more anxiety and depression than ever before. In some cases, this has resulted in adopting bad eating habits, drinking a little more than we would have before, not being able to go to the gym, and a general feeling of laziness. With Fall in full swing, it’s time to bounce back.

Let’s start with our mental health - begin with choosing one thing to be grateful for every single day. It could be a person you have in your life, the fact you have a roof over your head, or even just a thankfulness for coffee. Anything that makes you feel secure or happy. Just one a day – write it down on a small piece of paper and toss it in a bowl. Watch that pile grow and realize that there are still good things to be had.

Next, we can take a look at the health of our relationships. Have we crawled into the cave during this crisis and become antisocial?

Use some of the extra time you may have been granted to reach out to someone else to say hello and check in and let them know you’re thinking of them. As much as it may have been good to take a break from the amount of interaction we were used to, being human we need our relationships with other people. Nurture those.

Now, our physical health. Think about how you can take advantage of the fitness and health opportunities that this more virtual world brings. For me, that was realizing the place where I go to fitness classes wasn’t reopening anytime soon and becoming an instructor so I could teach both myself and others virtually instead. For others, it might be learning how to cook something themselves that they can’t get at their favorite restaurant or getting out of the initial quarantine food binge to focus on a more healthy eating lifestyle. For some it might be reconnecting with nature and getting outside to hike, walk or bike more. The weather and the views are great out there…poke your head out and look around!

Whatever your way to focus on your health, now is an excellent time to do it. Namaste and be well.

22 OCTOB E R 20 20

TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS, SUPPORTERS, DONORS, AND FOLLOWERS ALL OF US AT POW! WOW! WORCESTER WISH THAT WE COULD HAVE SPENT THE SUMMER THE WAY WE NORMALLY DO. WE MISS SEEING YOU EXPLORE THE MURALS AND INTERACT WITH THE ARTISTS.

YEAR 5 IS COMING. UNTIL THEN WE’LL KEEP WORKING ON SMALLER PROJECTS. WE LOVE YOU, WORCESTER. STAY SAFE, HEALTHY, AND CREATIVE!

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