The Pulse Magazine

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DECEMBER 2018 IN THIS ISSUE: COVER STORY

FOOD+DRINK

8 Central Mass gets crafty

30 Dining Review: Buck’s brings its A game to burgers

ENTERTAINMENT 12 Kick off 2019 in The Woo 13 GameOn: The Gardens Between is not your average game 14 Hops and Harmony is all heart

31 Hot&Now 32 Easy holiday cookie recipes 33 PulseBrew: River Styx – quirky, creative and full of flavor

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ARTS+CULTURE

15 PulseBooks: Open the gift of reading this holiday season 16 NowStreaming: Architects / Gin Blossoms / Jess Glynne

34 IG Worcester: From Instagram to impacting the city 36 RAW helps refugees bring tradition to Worcester SPORTS+FITNESS

17 The Central Scene

38 Becker opens the field to Esports

20 Club Listings

39 FindingBalance: Catching Dreams

24 Pulse Shots

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STYLE+BEAUTY

LIFESTYLE

40 How to treat a pimple

26 2018 Holiday Gift Guide 27 Out+About: Navigating health care as a LGBTQ patient - a medical student’s perspective 28 The Luxe List: 6 sure-fire holiday gift ideas

41 StyleSavvy: Style your go-to holiday look 42 New Around the Woo: LA Bella Aesthetics 43 Steal the Style: Not your grandma’s appliques

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READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM • FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TWITTER @WORCESTERPULSE • INSTAGRAM @PULSEMAG_WORC • FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE 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 pgiorgio@pagioinc.com Donna Roberson, Editor droberson@pagioinc.com Vanessa Herbold, Art Director vherbold@pagioinc.com Berkeley Wlodarczak, Marketing & Event Manager berkeley@pagioinc.com David Simone, Vice President, Sales dsimone@pagioinc.com

Chris Reddy, Account Executive creddy@pagioinc.com Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Audra Brackett, Merilee Kern, John Trobaugh, Sloane Perron, Jamie Burke, Rachel Shuster, Writers

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COVER S TO RY

Photos and story by Brian Wheeler

Crafting is alive and well in Central Massachusetts, with its talented residents working in a variety of mediums from clay to wood to glass – and just about everything else! As the holidays approach, think about skipping the online shopping and going truly local with a gift handmade in Central Massachusetts.

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December 2018

HOLLY KENNY

OF ELSIE KAYE GLASSWORKS • ELSIEKAYE.COM Holly Kenny’s vision was a makerspace for artists to come to work and teach in the heart of Westborough.

“I knew I wanted to keep my business downtown,” she said. “I would not forgo the opportunity to help the arts flourish here.”

Two years ago, she signed the lease for her brick-and-mortar space, Elsie Kay Glassworks.

Don’t let the name fool you. While she focuses her own artistic efforts in glass flame work, her business provides a space for all sort of artistry, including pottery and woodworking.

Kenny has secured her role as an essential component to the revitalization of arts in downtown Westborough.

She has been involved with the Westborough Cultural Council and has communicated with the Economic Development Committee, as well as the Downtown Improvement Group.

PAM FARREN

OF WORCESTER CENTER FOR CRAFTS • WORCESTER.EDU/WCC Some questioned Pam Farren’s decision to move from her idyllic home of Newburyport to the second largest city in Massachusetts. Farren, a self-taught metal artisan, formerly held 250 wholesale accounts, and business was booming. Now, she holds only 10 wholesale accounts as the manager of the metal department at Worcester Center for Crafts – and she has no regrets.

“The Worcester art scene is so varied, open and welcoming,” Farren said.

As manager of the metal department, she schedules events, orders materials and teaches classes. While she still finds a creative outlet in Turkish metalsmithing (think hammer and chisel), she has found a new passion in teaching. Farren explains that teaching has helped her grow as an artist.

“When you need something done, ask a busy mom,” Kenny said.

“I get back more than I give in teaching,” she said. “I learn from the questions and mistakes of my students.”

Beyond Westborough, Elsie Kay carries the handmade work of 45 New England artists.

The space draws creative types from all over with its workshops and classes.

But she also enjoys sharing her passion for artistry, recognizing how easy it is to fall in love with the work and the tools.

Kenny grew up in a creative environment, her mother working with acrylics and oils and her father with charcoal. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago, when she took a glass-blowing class in Worcester, that she began creating glass beads. Like many artists of her kind, it began as a hobby, while she maintained a career in genetic research. Five years ago, Kenny began selling wholesale products, and glassblowing became a full-time endeavor.

“I like to make an impact in someone’s life – to challenge someone with a new craft is to spur personal growth,” Farren said. “We find artisans and those interested in the arts through word of mouth, social media and outreach at events.”

“I love what I do; if I could do this (glassblowing) every day, I would,” she said.

‘Sometimes I have my husband asking, “When are you coming home?”’

Holiday gift idea: Kenny suggests candle holders, a hot item this season.

Pam notes the challenge has been to attract a younger audience. For that reason, the mission of Worcester Center for Crafts is to provide affordable courses – ones in which the struggling Worcester college student may be able to take part.

Holiday gift idea: Farren suggests a group craft experience, or private lesson, to open the door to a new hobby — a lifelong gift.

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CARMEN MICHEL

OF CARMICLAY • FACEBOOK.COM/CARMICLAY Many would agree the Amazon-driven revolution of retail has put small businesses at a disadvantage. Carmen Michel, a small batch ceramicist in Worcester, would challenge this conception. On the contrary, Michel believes the increasingly impersonal retail environment has advanced Carmiclay, her business of handmade crafts.

“People want something made from a person,” Michel said.

In her case, that something is minimalist clay pottery. Michel seeks to create useful, everyday products such as plates, bowls, cups and mugs. She also creates pipes and onehitters to satisfy the growing consumer base of marijuana smokers in Massachusetts post legalization.

Michel always had a knack for artistic creation. She began in fashion design and sewing.

Then, she began working with clay and never stopped.

as a “small batch” ceramicist. ‘“Small batch” means I don’t have to make a million things of the same; I get a lot of play room, do it for myself or sell it myself. I can mix it up,”’ she said. In other words, every piece is slightly different.

Three years ago, Michel moved from Switzerland to reside in Worcester. It was then that she began promoting her work through social media sites such as Instagram. She has also found a market in Central Massachusetts among those seeking handmade goods.

“The shop small, shop local movement has boomed in the Worcester area (especially),” Michel said. “I find Worcester creative, growing and up and coming. I have seen a change in the short time I have been here.”

Michel began her business from scratch, an endeavor she describes as a “community effort.” She purchased a kiln, slab roller and wheel on Craigslist to get rolling. Then, she collected secondhand furniture and set up shop in a warehouse on Brussels Street in Worcester.

“I like to create. That’s why I choose clay,” Michel said.

“I see myself staying here for a while. With 1,000 square feet of open space, I am building a business – something out of the realm of possibility of any artist trying to build a name in Boston.”

Although she keeps her products simple in color and craft, she breaks from uniformity

Holiday gift idea: Michel suggests a handmade ceramic mug – anyone can appreciate it!

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December 2018

ZANDRA CLOUTIER

OF BEES KNEES STITCHERY • FACEBOOK.COM/ BEES-KNEES-STITCHERY-364813197049388 Zandra Cloutier sits in what used to be her son’s bedroom, in the basement of her Sturbridge home, with her sewing machine by her side. Her boxer/pitbull, Daisya, curls cozily up at her feet. Surrounding her are a mannequin and stacked tubs of sewing materials. What began as a hobby and evolved into creative gifts for family has culminated in her own business: Bees Knees Stitchery.

“My mother and her mother were sewers – so I picked it up from them,” she said. “My grandmother used to hand-sew Barbie doll clothes.”

Cloutier might not sew Barbie doll clothes – but she does sew everything else, from quilts to backpacks. To keep inventory up, she produces everything with her sewing machine.

“I tried hand-sewing a quilt once – it was a nine-month project. I don’t have the patience,” Cloutier said.

Her business, three years in the making, is still in its beginning stages. Cloutier began posting products to Etsy, which only garnered sporadic sales.

“I kept adding product, and it was only costing me money,” she said. “I am still figuring out the business side of things.”

Cloutier does maintain a Facebook page, to which she posts, keeping her customer base informed on when and where she will be presenting her products. She has attended craft fairs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

“It keeps me busy and gets me out of the house,” Cloutier said. When she is not assisting her husband at his machine shop, she is building up her own business – Bees Knees.

LIAM O’ BRIEN & ADAM SANBORN

OF WACHUSETT WOODWORKS • ETSY.COM/ SHOP/WACHUSETTWOODWORKS In 2014, Liam O’Brien and Adam Sanborn graduated from Wachusett Regional High School. The two knew they would remain friends, but did not perceive that they would be business partners. When the two hang out now in the basement of O’Brien’s home, a highpowered laser accompanies the end-of-day beer.

O’Brien and Sanborn began creating custom, laser engraved woodwork as a side project.

Gifts were produced mostly for friends and family. The two worked out of Technicopia, a makerspace in Worcester. There, they had access to all the tools they needed. However, the resources were limited and membership was costly.

It wasn’t until they purchased their own laser that they began to market themselves as a business. What began as woodwork, based in O’Brien’s carpentry background, soon expanded to laser engraved anything – including metal and slate.

“If you dream it, we make it,” Sanborn said, displaying a variety of products from coasters to coat hangers.

Breweries have taken notice of Wachusett’s coasters, in particular, as the guys have been asked to fill orders for popular names such as Jack’s Abbey in Framingham and Treehouse in Charlton.

“Most of our marketing is word of mouth,” O’Brien said.

As a result, the consumer base remains relatively local. On Dec.14, the duo will attend their first craft fair in Sterling, and looking to next year, the two expect to attend the Big E. With a shared passion in building new things and designing custom projects, the two hope to expand and ultimately move from O’Brien’s basement to their own brick-and-mortar shop.

She may not expect a storefront in the future, but admits she’ll always be doing some sort of sewing, regardless of the business, and will always remain willing to share her work.

“The next step is a CNC machine for custom cutting and another laser,” O’Brien said.

Holiday gift idea: Cloutier suggests a microwave-safe pot holder, stitched with your recipient’s favorite team logo.

Holiday gift idea: O’Brien and Sanborn suggest a personalized holiday ornament, a unique addition to any tree

I guess you never really can have enough lasers.

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ENT E RTA IN M E N T

KICK OFF 2019 IN THE WOO

have 10 NYE under our belt and have tried all the specialty dinner routes in the past and (have) come to the conclusion that our regular customers just want to have a nice night out on their own terms, and that works for us just fine.”

Last year, the British Beer Company featured not only a three-course meal, it also boasted a masquerade ball after. As for this year, the establishment closed in November.

New Year Hope Okay, so you’re probably thinking about just staying in now, since it seems as though there will be no reason to go out. But have hope! Just like Baby New Year, every new calendar brings new opportunity.

Bull Mansion, located on Pearl Street, will host a New Year’s Eve bash for the third year, complete with a cheese and chocolate fondue bar.

For a ticket in the $75 price range, you’re welcome to live music and food and drink at Bull Mansion, starting at 7:30 p.m. and ending around 2 a.m.

“We’re going to have two different music acts,” said event coordinator, Hannah Terlizzi. “To start the night off, we’re going to have fun party music to open, and then DJ Shaboo will be playing for the rest of the night.”

The ticket also includes appetizers and a glass of champagne for a midnight toast.

“It’s a little different every year,” Terlizzi said. “We try to change it up a little bit, but it’s definitely the same kind of party atmosphere.”

For more partying, deadhorse hill on Main Street will host a special tasting menu with a beverage pairing on New Year’s Eve and a brunch on New Year’s Day, according to general manager, Julia Auger.

The tasting menu will feature chef-chosen dishes “on a special menu just for that night,” said Auger, but were not chosen yet as of this writing.

Jason Savio The holidays are upon us, and that means the biggest party night of the year is right around the corner. It may not be as easy to find somewhere to celebrate this year due to some cancellations, but Worcester will still undoubtedly be hopping. Will you be in on the action?

Here’s a rundown of places to go and things to do in the Worcester area on New Year’s Eve.

No New Year?

Not to start things off on the wrong foot, but it’s important to know that there will be no official First Night celebration in Worcester, according to Lili Zannotti, programs and events coordinator at the city’s Chamber of Commerce.

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December 2018

If you’re looking for something for the whole family, then you’ll want to visit the EcoTarium. The science and nature museum will have its Noon Year’s Eve, with its own ball drop early in the day for children who can’t stay up and watch it on television.

“There is nothing,” Zannotti said. “Definitely no First Night.”

While that may sound grim, as of press time, Zannotti left the door open for the possibility of some other type New Year’s Eve event happening in town.

Other spots that you may be thinking of checking are also opting out of special New Year’s events.

Armsby Abbey, which hosted a special three-course New Year’s Eve meal last year, has decided to not do the same this year.

“We won’t be doing anything outside of the norm on this evening ... meaning NYE dinner specials and taking dinner reservations,” Armsby Abbey general manager and owner Sherri M. Sadowski wrote in an email. “We

“We’re going to do a countdown very similar to what happens at midnight, but at noon, so that the kids can get involved,” said Rachel Stoff, manager of marketing and communications for the EcoTarium. “It is outside, so we make sure people are dressed to be outside.”

Noon Year’s Eve will start at 10 a.m. and last until about 4 p.m. and will also have a photo booth and kid-friendly beverages for a toast.

“Possibly some science experiments with fireworks and maybe a movie, as well, in our planetarium,” added Stoff.

All the festivities will be free with admission to the EcoTarium.

For more information on these events, visit bullmansion. com, deadhorsehill.com and ecotarium.org.

GAMEON:

The Gardens Between is not your average game Jason Savio Sometimes you come across a video game that defies expectations. These are the games that take the medium and use it in a unique and imaginative way to tell a story, not just be an exercise in button-mashing. They strive to do more, and by doing so, they show the potential of the craft.

The Gardens Between is one of those rare treats.

Playing as two children, Arina and Frendt, you embark on a wonderland journey across a surreal landscape that, at first, may not make any sense. The friends begin the story by playing in a treehouse before a sudden impact sends them and their surroundings flying into disarray. They awake on a small island with scattered boxes strewn around and a moving van suspended in mid-air.

As you travel from island to island, there are brief flashbacks of the two characters that give an insight into their relationship. The flashbacks feature them at home, showing where the different items in the dreamworld originated. Many of the islands and the objects on them represent specific parts of their friendship; one features oversized TVs and video game controllers that are bigger than the characters, while another has all the makings of a makeshift tent you would construct in your living room as a child. You begin to piece together the bond between Arina or Frendt without the use of any dialogue – everything here is visual storytelling.

You control both Arina and Frendt, and as such, they work together as a team to make it across each island by opening up doorways and portals from one to the other. A pulsing orb of light that is held in what looks like a lantern acts as the key, and for it to work, Arina and Frendt must manipulate time by rewinding it and fast forwarding it to sync everything together. The Gardens Between is a complicated puzzle, but it also strives to explore themes of time and how the passage of it can affect friendships. The characters’ ability to control time – and the lack thereof – is a great way of illustrating how it can change things without us noticing, sometimes for the better and sometimes not.

The cherry on top of this gaming experience is a soundtrack with touching piano melodies that add an extra layer of depth to the narrative and the characters.

The Gardens Between is not your average game – it’s better. It is a surprisingly emotional and thoughtful story that makes you wish others could be just as good.

For more information, visit thevoxelagents.com/gardensbetween.

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HOPS AND HARMONY IS ALL HEART Kaycee Roy Hops and Harmony is here, and all are welcome! As event host and Drive A Capella member, Dan Allison, said, “We’re not looking for the best singers because, believe it or not, singing is 360 percent heart.”

Drive A Capella, formed in 2016, consists of Dan Allison, Josh Beswick, Jordan Kugler and Ray Johnson.

I was lucky enough to attend Hops and Harmony, and can say I didn’t know what to expect, but now, I can’t wait to go to the next one. I started the night in the back of the room, keeping to myself, but an hour later (with some liquid courage), I was up in the front with everyone else, singing and dancing my heart out.

Allison talked about the event in a brief Q&A. Question: Do you work in the music industry full time?

Answer: I do not currently. My full-time position is as a lab manager and engineering assistant for an engineering consulting company, but a siågnificant portion of my time is spent performing, directing and coaching ensembles.

My degree is in music (I went to UConn), and I spent three years singing full-time with another a cappella quartet on cruise ships (Celebrity Cruise Lines).

Q: Do the other members of Drive focus on music fulltime?

A: All of us have “day jobs” but are also involved heavily in music. Josh is a service adviser at a car dealership (he and I sang together on cruise ships). Jordan is a delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza and a chorus director, and Ray works part-time for a car dealership while also working as a private vocal instructor, ensemble coach and chorus director.

Q: How/when did this event start?

A: Kathy Gagne approached me in the spring of 2017 with the idea, and over the following summer, she, Joshua Croke and I developed the idea (with help from thendirector Bob Kennedy and staff member Joan Stewart).

The first Hops & Harmony event was held in October 2017, and the song was “Thriller.” Our first year, we held the event once every two months, but we found people were hoping it would be a regular, monthly event they could just put in their calendars. So starting this year (our first event was in September), we are holding an event every month.

Q: What was the goal of this event when it began? Has that goal changed?

A: The overarching goal has always been to create an event that helps foster a sense of community in Worcester, as well as showcases the fun side of a great venue like Mechanics Hall. It is very rare to find events where you,

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as an audience member, get to actually be involved in the show and more than just a passive listener.

Q: Is there typically a big turnout?

A: Our turnout is steadily increasing, and we’ve found that once people come, they’re always very excited about coming back. It’s not a common concept, so people are hesitant at first because they don’t know what to expect, but by the end of the night, we get a lot of “This was awesome! I can’t believe I didn’t know about this!”

Q: Do you notice a lot of college students coming in?

A: The event itself is a no commitment, no prep required night out where you and your friends can let loose singing those “This is our jam!” songs. The demographic has changed for each event, and what’s surprising is that we’re seeing a range of people from their 20s and early 30s all the way to their 60s LOVING singing the same song together.

Q: Why make the event free for college students?

A: There is a HUGE population of college students in Worcester, and we hear/see over and over again how there stops being opportunities to sing once schedules get busy in college and especially right after college. This event is a perfect outlet for those who don’t have as much time in their lives for a singing commitment, but still very much want to have that awesome experience. We also feel it’s important to connect young people with the amazing venues and opportunities thriving and growing right here in Worcester.

Q: What can someone expect to experience when they come to Hops and Harmony?

A: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., so you can come and relax/chat with your friends and get drinks and snacks. We’re always there to get to know people beforehand. We start with a fun warm-up at 7 p.m. (usually a classic like “Oh What A Night”), and Drive provides the back-up harmonies while everyone sings the melody. Words for any song we sing are put up on a screen, so everyone can read them.

After the warm-up song, we start learning the song of the night (with the help of a piano accompanist). There is a high, middle and low part to each song (you choose which is most comfortable for you), and one member of Drive teaches and always sings along with each part. The feel of the night is four friends who are hanging out sharing what they love with anyone who wants to have fun, but the four friends happen to be trained musicians with years of professional experience as performers and educators.

There are fun things we do throughout the night, like give out “Golden Microphones” to people for things like “singing with 100 percent heart” or “not rolling your eyes too much in response to our horrible dance moves.” Once the parts are learned, we do a few practice run-throughs leading up to our “performance.” At the end of the night (8 p.m.), we’ve hopefully all had some laughs and had a

great time getting to know an awesome song even better.

Most times, Drive ends up singing a song or two, as well, mainly on request, and it’s happened where we’ve sung with people who stick around after as well.

Q: What kind of genres?

A: Pop, rock, classic rock, jazz standard, swing – it really is about singing songs in any genres that make you go “I love this one!” when it comes on. I modify all the arrangements for three parts, so the sky is the limit in terms of what we can do each month. The songs we’ve done so far are “Thriller” (Michael Jackson), “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey), “Call Me Maybe” (Carly Rae Jepson), “I Get Around” (Beach Boys), “Sweet Caroline” (Neil Diamond), “Sing, Sing, Sing!” (a classic swing song), “Get Ready” (The Temptations) and “We Are the Champions” (Queen).

Q: Why should people attend?

A: The entertainment value is great. – professional coaching to sing songs you love with friends while getting to drink and make memories at one of the premiere concert halls in the world.

Q: Do you offer other drinks if someone doesn’t like beer? Any food?

A: Beer, wine and mixed drinks are all available, and there are snacks, as well. Hops & Harmony worked as a catchy title, but it’s not just for beer-drinkers!

Q: Do you plan on keeping the event running through the new year?

A: We have monthly dates planned through June 2019.

While not every song is selected yet for 2019, we have a few in mind. The criteria we use for picking the songs are: 1) is it one of those songs that make people go ‘I love this song!’ when it comes on in the car or at a bar and 2) does it have some awesome natural harmonies? February 2019 will be CeeLo Green’s “Forget You,” with the clean words, in honor of Valentine’s Day. Q: Can anyone participate in this event?

A: Yes, yes and yes! This is like a Paint Nite, but for choir.

If you have ever sung, whether it was in elementary school music class or in your car or on professional stages and you want to have fun singing in a no pressure environment with good friends and new friends, then this event is perfect for you.

Hops and Harmony takes place once a month at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 or get four tickets for $20. The event is free for college students. Visitmechanicshall. org/hops-harmony to purchase tickets and learn the song for the month.

PULSEBOOKS: Open the gift of reading this holiday season Kim Ruscitti If you’re a channel-surfer who gets excited when there are Friends reruns on TBS (or if you’ve re-watched the series on Netflix as soon as it was added), then Kelsey Miller’s recent release, I’ll Be There For You: The One About Friends (Hanover Square Press) is for you. Miller provides readers with an inside look at how six virtually unknown actors catapulted to stardom and became not just co-stars, but family (yes, they were really friends!) on a television show that changed the face of comedy in the 1990s and early 2000s. The show was created based on “that time in our lives when your friends are your family,” and not only struck a chord, but affected American culture in a number of ways. Miller explores the behind-thescenes elements of the show, like how the cast handled their newfound celebrity, managed multiple contract negotiations as a united front, continued the show after the devastating tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, and recognized when it was time to say goodbye after 10 seasons. This book is a fun trip down memory lane apart from the sections that get political (highlighting the show’s missteps when it came to social issues and trying to relate it to the #metoo movement). Despite the fact that it has been 20 years since the first episode aired, Friends remains a timeless fan favorite. Now excuse me while I go chill with my Friends.

Another book that addresses the culture of its time is Temptation Rag (Belle Epoque Publishing), which takes place during the turn-of-the-century ragtime era in New York City. Mae Convery, an upper-class teenager coming of age, dreams of being a poet and marrying her muse, her piano instructor Mike Bernard. However, when Mae’s father discovers their love affair, it is quickly put to an end. Mae returns to her unhappy upper-crust lifestyle, while Mike sets out to make a name for himself in the music industry, leaving all thoughts of Mae behind. The story follows the two throughout the years, as Mae enters a loveless marriage, becomes a mother and eventually a successful poet (inspired by the great Paul Laurence Dunbar), while Mike becomes the “Ragtime King of the World.” Though their paths cross a few times, Mae and Mike both struggle with forgiveness and acceptance, adding an emotional layer to an already full novel.

Temptation Rag is a piece of historical fiction; the author, Elizabeth Hutchinson Bernard, wrote it about the real-life Mike Bernard, who was her husband’s grandfather and a prominent part of the ragtime era. While telling the story of her grandfather-in-law, Bernard is able to weave in real historical and cultural issues, including injustices suffered by African-American musicians – who were said to have been the originators of ragtime music – and gender inequalities (Mae becomes a supporter of the women’s suffrage movement later in life). If you aren’t familiar with the ragtime era, Temptation Rag will serve as a quick primer on the social, economic and cultural issues of early 20th-century America.

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ARCHITECTS / Holy Hell

GIN BLOSSOMS / Mixed Reality

JESS GLYNNE / Always In Between

Jennifer Russo

Jason Savio

Mike Wood

Oh, the wait is over, thank whatever god you believe in. If you like things heavy, but with a good dose of clean vocal, the new Architects album is for you. Holy Hell, released Nov. 9, balances technically perfect instrumental with blaring melodic screams and softer vocals, which pour the emotions right out of the speaker into your waiting ears. It’s sensory overload in the very best way.

You just can’t keep a good band down.

How British singer-songwriter Jess Glynne is not yet a superstar stateside is anybody’s guess, but Always In Between could be the album that changes all that for the popstar from across the pond. You might recall her name (or her voice) from Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be,” Route 94’s dance anthem “My Love” or the ubiquitous 2015 pop hit “Hold My Hand.” (More recently, Glynne paired up with Macklemore for the infectious “Someday.”) Now, however, it’s Jess Glynne’s day, and the artist is ready for a spotlight all her own. And, here’s the thing: She deserves it.

Their first release since the passing of their guitarist Tom Searle, the album is wrought with raw, questioning lyrics, but it is certainly not a black hole of depression and angst. The album shares the pain of horrible experiences, but also a hope and a desire to live your most full life. It opens with “Death is Not Defeat,” which sets the course for the rest of the record. The second track, “Hereafter,” has one of the most compelling lines on the album – “Now the oceans have drained out, can I come up for air cause I’ve been learning to live without and I’m fighting with broken bones.” The song is about fighting to live and finding your way despite hardship.

I love every song on this album. Each one has a unique and powerful message to share, but the one I resonate most with is “Doomsday.” This one showcases the pain that the band has experienced, and anyone who has lost a loved one can immediately relate to the mix of feelings you deal with making it through the day.

The last track, “A Wasted Hymn,” demands an answer to the question, “Can you live a life worth dying for?” The band is scheduled to tour our area this spring, so stay tuned in for more info.

For more information, visit architectsofficial.com.

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Gin Blossoms’ new album, Mixed Reality, is defiant proof of that. At 15 songs long, the Arizona group’s sixth studio effort is a reminder of just how talented a band they are, no matter what year it is.

Chances are you’re familiar with Gin Blossoms’ hits “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You” from the ’90s. The Blossoms’ patented, catchy, jangle-pop sound juxtaposed to sometimes somber and introspective lyrics is still here on full display on Mixed Reality, and just like their older material, it sounds just as fresh today as it did back then.

“Break” has the Blossoms’ classic DNA of shiny pop hooks with a twinge of bittersweet backpedaling, as does the radio-hit-in-waiting “Angels Fly.” The former would have been at home on one of their first couple albums, while the latter has a bit more of a modern gleam to it.

Singer Robin Wilson has never really gotten his due credit, and he continues to provide a believable and authentic vocal delivery on Mixed Reality. The best song of the collection is “Wonder,” with Wilson singing, “How could we know years ago that time would go so fast/ Our plans are more like fairy tales never meant to last,” over an aching melody, before calling out for someone no longer with him. The perfectly placed notes in the guitar solo drop like tears.

The soulful voice that emanates from Glynne belies the fiery redhead’s slight frame, but what probably makes the artist so ripe for a massive following is just how normal and regular she appears in a pop landscape overrun by over-the-top personalities – where image often overshadows talent. Glynne’s lyrics focus on everyday life, too, and this makes her accessible, her songs quietly and comfortably resonating with audiences, even if she’s influenced by powerhouse crooners like Adele and Amy Winehouse.

At 15 songs long, Mixed Reality could benefit from a trimming. Nevertheless, it is still a strong showing by a band that is aging gracefully.

Glynne is most in her element on those poppy love songs we mention. Take “All I Am,” the album’s second single. It’s already a hit, and it’s a “you-love-me, I-loveyou,” feel-good pop ditty meant to summon shoes to the dancefloor. It recalls her debut album’s aforementioned hit, “Hold My Hand,” and it’s where her strengths lie.

Since this is just her second full-length album, we can expect Glynne to continue to grow as an artist, but we’re hoping she maintains the bouncy pop pep and step that speaks to those who just want to keep on dancing.

For more information, visit ginblossoms.net.

For more information, visit jessglynne.co.uk.

Events happening around Central Massachusetts in December: ICE SKATING ON THE OVAL Worcester Common’s 12,000-square-foot ice rink, opened in 2012, is back again

this December. Bring the whole family out to skate the night away on the rink that’s 4,000 square feet larger than the rink at Rockefeller Center. Rent your skates there and enjoy music, concessions, holiday lights and more. worcesterma.gov/worcester-common-oval/ice-skating.

2018 BOSTON POPS HOLIDAY CONCERT The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Conductor Keith Lockhart come to the Hanover Theatre this month to sing holiday classics like “Sleigh Ride,” as well

as some new arrangements of holiday favorites. Sing along with Santa Claus and

the Metropolitan Chorale, one of Metro Boston’s premier choral ensembles, to all your favorites.

8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7; Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; tickets start at $59; thehanovertheatre.org.

WINTER WONDERLAND Experience Southwick’s Zoo in a whole new way! The zoo will be decorated for

the holidays, and guests will enjoy a train ride through the zoo ending at Santa’s house, where children can meet Santa Claus. You may even see a few of the

animals that have the option to go outdoors during the winter such as the yaks, lions and tigers. A small portion of the zoo will also be open for guests to walk through.

4-8 p.m. Fridays and noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Southwick’s Zoo, 2 Southwick St., Mendon; $25 for adults. $20 for seniors and children 3-12; southwickszoo.com.

MENORAH LIGHTING The Torah Center invites all to join the Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at Worcester City Hall and Common Oval on Dec. 4. Don’t miss the annual “Chanukkah On ICE Celebration” on Dec. 8 at the Worcester Common Oval.

For more details, including times, visit facebook.com/pg/centralmasstorahcenter.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS The Mobile Adoption Unit from Second Chance Animal Shelter is coming to Klem’s! Be sure to stop by and say hi to some of the sweet dogs and cats looking for a new home. Here’s your chance to find your new best friend.

2-4 p.m. Dec. 21; Klem’s, 117 W. Main St., Spencer; kelmsonline.com or secondchanceanimals.org.

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CLUB LISTINGS 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster Dec. 7: Dan Cormier Dec. 8: Ethan & Ashley Caoutte Dec. 14: Andy Fichtel Dec. 15: Mike Melendez Dec. 21: James Keyes Dec. 22: Kevin Shields Dec. 28: Brian Chaffee

New Year’s Eve: Lizzy Marquis B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 140pub.com Dec. 9: Riff Raff The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc.

508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com Thursdays: Rick Hamel Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Dec. 14: Three Little Birds Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc.

508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Thursdays: Center Stage Karaoke Dec. 4: Ukulele Night Dec. 8: Goldstar Blvd Dec. 11: Olivia Francis Dec. 12: Wednesday Night Mayhem Dec. 14: Renegade Cartel Dec. 15: The Rails Dec. 21: To the Moon Dec. 26: Wednesday Night Mayhem Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 Dec. 6: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 7: Scott Babineau Dec. 8: Brett Casavant

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Dec. 13: Whitney Doucette Dec. 14: Evan Foisy Dec. 15: Brian Chaffee Dec. 20: Scott Babineau Dec. 21: Mike Melendez Dec. 22: Dan Kirouac with Dorette Younkin Dec. 27: Fred Ellsworth Dec. 28: Whitney Doucette Dec. 29: Tim & Lou Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com Dec. 6: Bob Marley (Comedy) Dec. 7: Bill Kirchen’s Honky Tonk Christmas Dec. 8: Brooks Williams (Ballroom) Dec. 8: Tom Rush Dec. 9: The Gibson Brothers› Mockingbird Band Dec. 12: Edwin McCain Dec. 14: Albert Castiglia Dec. 15: John Davidson Dec. 16: Five O’Clock Shadow Dec. 21: Savoy Brown Dec. 22: Gilbert Gottfried Dec. 22: The Kennedys (Ballroom) Dec. 29: Town Meeting

New Year’s Eve: Roomful of Blues Chuck’s Steak House and Margarita Grill 10 Prospect St., Auburn 508-832-2553 chucks.com Dec. 7: TB Light Dec. 14: Cosby Sweaters Dec. 21: Jim Perry Dec. 28: Drunken Uncles Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc.

508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Dec. 21: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc.

508-799-0629 Mondays: Open Woo (open mic) Tuesdays: Tone Deaf Tuesday Karaoke Thursdays: Happy Hour Hookah Specials Fridays: Airspray Weekly Queer Dance Party Dec. 6: Barbie Trap House Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 flipflopsma.com Dec. 29: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122

gardnerale.com Sundays: Jazz Brunch Buffet Mondays: Blue Mondays Thursdays: Big Music Nights & Audio Wasabi Dec. 6: Ben Cote Band Dec. 7: The Green Sisters Dec. 8: Tsunami of Sound Dec. 14: Lisa Marie & Johnny Juxo Dec. 15: Tokyo Tramps Dec. 21: Deja Vu Trio Dec. 22: Safehill Dec. 28: Scott Babineau Dec. 29: The Few Abide

Dec. 15: Jae Mannion Dec. 22: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 28: Dave Malouin Dec. 29: Steve Tolley

The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Dec. 6: Whitney Doucette Dec. 7: Chris Terp Dec. 8: Mike Melendez Dec. 13: Dan Cormier Dec. 14: Chris Reddy Dec. 15: Two Timers Dec. 20: The Maniac Loves You Dec. 21: Ricky Booth Dec. 22: Lizzy Marquis Dec. 27: Red Bridge Duo Dec. 28: Joe Macey Dec. 29: Double Barrel

Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc.

508-796-5177 loft266.com Tuesdays: Karaoke Wednesdays: Music Bingo Thursdays: DJ XKaliber Fridays, Saturdays: DJ Joe T Dec. 14: Drunken Uncles Dec. 15: Dave O›Brien Dec. 27: Sam James Dec. 28: Jay Graham

Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. 55 Millbrook St., Worcester ggimperials.com.

Dec. 1: Jared Fiske Dec. 6: Jesse’s Christmas Jams Dec. 7: Ken Graff Dec. 8: DJ Sprino Dec. 13: Zack Slik Dec. 14: Johnny Wheeler Dec. 15: Jay Graham Dec. 20: Jesse’s Jammy Christmas Dec. 21: Jared Fiske Dec. 22: Ken Graff Dec. 28: Mike Ladd Dec. 29: Jay Graham Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-853-1350 greendalespub.com Sundays: Sunday Blues Wednesdays: Wacky Wednesdays Jam Dec. 7: Ed & Da Ve Dec. 8: Auntie Trainwreck Dec. 9: Sunday Jam hosted by Mike G featuring Phil D. Diiorio Dec. 14: Boombox Dec. 15: Petty Larceny Dec. 21: Clam Digger Dec. 22: No Alibi Dec. 23: Silverbacks Dec. 28: Accelerators Dec. 29: TBA Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 Dec. 7: Mike Livingston Dec. 8: Lizzy Marquis Dec. 14: Dave Harrington

Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-6500 Dec. 7: James Keyes Dec. 12: Whitney Doucette Dec. 19: Brian Chaffee Dec. 21: Ken Macy Dec. 28: Matt Soper

MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc.

508-799-4521 mblounge.com Sundays: Seasonal Martini Sundays Mondays: Industry Night with Keith Tuesdays: Throw Back Tuesdays with Andy R. Wednesdays: Karaoke with Mikey Mics Thursdays: Music Video Thursdays with Superman Shawn Fridays, Saturdays: Guest and House DJs Medusa Brewing Company 111 Main St., Hudson 978-310-1933 medusabrewing.com Dec. 7: Mike Melendez Dec. 8: Mike MacDonald Dec. 13: Open Mic Night Dec. 14: Guiliano D’Orazio Dec. 15: Adam Makes Noise Dec. 22: Holiday Bash - All Day Live Music Dec. 27: Open Mic Night Dec. 28: Mike Gorgone

New Year’s Eve: Carlos Odria

Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc.

508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com Dec. 6: Mike Melendez Dec. 7: AGS Dec. 8: Stubby Phillips & The Flatheads Dec. 9: Blue Light Bandits Dec. 13: Jim Devlin Dec. 14: McKinnley’s Mood Dec. 15: Doctor Robert Dec. 16: Jodee Frawlee Dec. 20: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Continued on Page 23

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Dec. 21: Fellowship of The King Dec. 22: Hit the Bus Dec. 27: Brett Brumby Dec. 28: Zeke Martin Jazz Band Dec. 29: Brumbletones Dec. 30: Royal Furs The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com Dec. 6: Night Train Dec. 7: Annie Brobst Trio Dec. 8: Josh Briggs Dec. 13: Ken Macy Dec. 14: Jay Graham Dec. 15: Joe Macey Dec. 21: Scott Babineau Dec. 22: Sam James Dec. 27: Johnny Taylor Dec. 28: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 29: Belit Mill City Pub 19 Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-2134 Dec. 7: Sean Daley Dec. 15: Whiplash Dec. 21: Kevin Shields Dec. 22: Riff-Raff plays The Mill City Pub Dec. 28: Lizzy Marquis The Monument Tap 13 Central St., Leominster 978-798-4653 monumenttap.com Dec. 5: Jerry Caruso Dec. 7: Left-Right Dec. 8: Dave Malouin Dec. 13: 15th Annual Cooltalk Party Christmas Toy Drive Dec. 16: Customer Christmas Party Dec. 21: Dave Malouin Dec. 22: Mistletoe & Monty Dec. 27: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 29: Left-Right Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 Dec. 6: Brett Brumby Dec. 7: Russell Watts & Atlantic Ave Dec. 8: Rockhouse Dec. 13: Joe Macey Dec. 14: Three of a Kind Dec. 15: Tony Soul Project Dec. 21: The Dots Dec. 22: Brogue Dec. 28: Hit the Bus Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

774-823-3022 padavanosplace.com Tuesdays, through Dec. 11: $1,000 Singer/Songwriter Contest Thursdays: Karaoke with DJ Bobby J Dec. 5: Cara Brindisi Christmas Show

Dec. 7: The Tony Soul Project Dec. 8: The Grants Dec. 14: Little Sugar & the Big Spoonful Dec. 15: Dock 10 Dec. 18: $1,000 Singer-Songwriter Contest FINALE Dec. 19: Johnny Vincent Christmas Show Dec. 21: Stomp N› Holler Country Christmas Show Dec. 22: Confounded Bridge (Led Zeppelin tribute) Dec. 28: Take Two Dec. 29: Auntie Trainwreck The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc.

508-797-9696 thepalladium.net Dec. 8: Underoath: Erase Me Tour Dec. 9: Like Moths To Flames: The Dark Divine Tour Dec. 12: The Devil Wears Prada – WRAABB Anniversary Tour Dec. 15: Zacarias Ferreira Dec. 29: Four Year Strong – 11th annual Holiday Show Dec. 30: Winter White Tour, featuring Ganja White Night

New Year’s Eve: The Ball Drop, featuring Turkuaz

Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc.

Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays: Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape

New Year’s Eve: Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape 2019 Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Karaoke Dec. 8: Sean Daley Dec. 15: Jokers Wild Dec. 22: Dazed Till Dawn Dec. 29: Kevin Shields Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-459-2025 quinnsirishpub.com Dec. 5: Brett Brumby Dec. 6: Sam James Dec. 7: Ken Macy Dec. 8: Lyssa Coulter Dec. 9: Lizzy Marquis Dec. 12: Chris Reddy Dec. 13: John Brazile Dec. 13: John Brazile Dec. 14: Kevin Shields Dec. 15: Terry Brennan Dec. 16: Terry Brennan Dec. 19: Mike Melendez Dec. 20: Sam James Dec. 21: Chad Clements Dec. 22: Lizzy Marquis Dec. 23: John Brazile

Dec. 28: Lyssa Coulter Dec. 30: Sarah Carcia The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-304-8133 Wednesdays: Open Mic Thursdays: ComMutiny River Styx Brewing 166 Boulder Drive, Fitchburg riverstyxbrewing.com Dec. 7: Ryan Hood Dec. 8: Gracie Day Dec. 14: Records on the River - Vinyl Night Dec. 15: Kerri McCarthy Dec. 21: Sean Daley Dec. 22: Merry Styx-Mas Party with Records on the River Dec. 27: Paul Cataldo Dec. 29: Kerri McCarthy Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Dec. 6: Rick Hamel Dec. 7: Carlos Odria Group Dec. 8: Trebek Dec. 13: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 14: The Royal Furs Dec. 15: Monica McNamara & Friends Dec. 16: «Dr Sean, PhB” Fullerton Dec. 20: Jay Graham Dec. 21: Dan Cormier & AJ Sausville Dec. 23: Scott Babineau Dec. 27: Zack Slik Dec. 28: The Maniac Loves You Dec. 29: Joe Sabourin

New Year’s Eve: NYE Party with De La High

Singapore Restaurant 170 Whalon St., Fitchburg 978-345-0132 facebook.com/singaporerestaurantMA

New Year’s Eve: Doctor Robert

South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com Dec. 7: Lost Artifacts Dec. 8: Bamboo Grass Dec. 14: The Brother Stereo Dec. 15: Laquerhead Dec. 21: «Dr Sean, PhB” Fullerton Dec. 22: Neon Alley Dec. 29: Ken Macy

New Year’s Eve: Our Buddy Carl Specialty Sandwich Co 624 Main St., Holden 508-829-4848 specialtysandwich.com Dec. 7: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham 978-827-1272 thetavernoncentral.com Dec. 7: Fred Ellsworth Dec. 8: Middlemen Dec. 14: Tim & Lou Dec. 21: Midnight Sharp Dec. 22: Rita Tolman Dec. 28: Kevin Shields Dec. 29: Hot Mess Tryst Lounge 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-400-7906 thetrystlounge.com Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Weekend DJs Dec. 5: Open Mic Night Dec. 8: DJ Juice Dec. 14: Juhn the All Star Dec. 15: Joe Bermudez Union Music 142 Southbridge St., Worc.

508-753-3702 unionmusic.com Dec. 8: Open Mic with TJ Peavey 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, Wednesdays: Karaoke with DJ Soup Thursdays: DJ Cuzn Kev Fridays: DJ Tec Threat Dec. 7: Sam James Dec. 7: DJ Rivas Dec. 8: PK & The Mighty 7 Dec. 14: Traveling Wanna B’s Dec. 15: Hit the Bus Dec. 15: DJ KG Dec. 21: Eric Narwahl Dec. 22: Eric Paquette Duo Dec. 22: DJ Screwloose Dec. 28: Alex 2E Duo Dec. 28: DJ Xcaliber Dec. 29: Gunpowder & Lead Dec. 29: DJ Ragoza White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green St., Worc.

774-245-1991 Thursdays: Musical Bingo William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner 978-632-7794 williamsrestaurantandtavern.com Dec. 14: Dan Kirouac

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COMPASS TAVERN – WORCESTER

BEATNIKS – WORCESTER

WHISKEY ON WATER – WORCESTER

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December 2018

EL BASHA (PARK AVE.) – WORCESTER

MB LOUNGE – WORCESTER

THE PINT – WORCESTER

GAZBAR SPORTS BAR – LEOMINSTER

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LI F ESTY LE

2018 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Tis the season to look for holiday gifts! No matter who is on your list, we’ve got ideas to get your shopping done quick!

For Women

For Men

For Couples

For Kids

For Coworkers

These gifts are perfect for any woman in your life who needs to destress during the chaotic holidays.

Gifts for the men in your life who always say they don’t need anything this holiday season

Here are gifts perfect for those couple friends you don’t want to forget.

Gifts to get for the people you work with, or you work for, that aren’t gift cards.

Straight Rye Whisky by Whistle Pig. If the men in your life enjoy sipping on whisky more than wine and you don’t know which one to get, look no farther. WhistlePig award-winning Rye Whisky has been aged for 10 years by Maker’s Mark former master distiller, Dave Pickerell. Prices start at $80; thewhiskyexchange.com.

The C10 Turntable by Crosley Radio.

Any music-lover knows that nothing compares to listening to your favorite albums on vinyl. The C10 Turntable uses a low-vibration synchronous motor and shock-absorbent feet for reduced vibration and superb sound quality. The modern, sleek design will make it a great fit for any home.

Starting at $270, amazon.com.

Sometimes shopping for the children in your family can be challenging. There are hundreds of games and toys to choose from as the holiday season begins. This list will help you find affordable gifts that the children in your family will love while they explore their creativity.

Honey Belle Bath Bombs. Honey Belle Bath Bombs could be just what the women in your life need after the hectic holidays are over. Give the gift of relaxation with bath bombs that leave you feeling fresh, confident, peaceful and beautiful. Individual bath bombs start at $3 or purchase a four-pack for $22; honeybelleshop.com.

Flower Pot Tea Company. The Flower Pot Tea Company has made tea drinking a beautiful and delicious experience. The company makes green tea infused with the essence of fruit flavors wrapped in delicate dried flowers. When boiling water is added to the tea, the flowers bloom before your eyes in a clear teapot.

The company sells clear teapots, various flavors of blooming teas and pastries, all starting at less than $100.

Prices vary, flowerpottea.com.

Ethique Face Sampler. The Ethique Face Sampler is a great way to let the woman in your life chose the product that works best for her skin type. The Ethique brand believes in the power of natural ingredients to create cosmetics, so products are effective, gentle and safe for the environment and your skin. The sampler includes the Bliss Bar, The Perfector, Saving Face Serum, Gingersnap and In Your Face. Pricing starts at $18.50; ethiquebeauty.com.

One Tough Bitch. After her second diagnosis of cancer, founder Shelly Fisher decided to give women a physical reminder that they are stronger than they realize. The worry and loneliness that sometimes comes following a cancer diagnosis does not need to control your life because everyone has the strength they need to continue their fight inside them already. One Tough Bitch sells clothing, jewelry and accessories ranging from $20 to more than $100 to remind women of their inner power. Pricing varies; onetoughbitch.com.

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Pico Model C (PicoBrew). Craft breweries are popping up all over Massachusetts these days, and the Pico Model C lets you take the brewery home. This countertop appliance lets the beer-lover in your life create their very own brew pubquality craft beer. It’s easy to use, and in just two hours, you’ve got five liters of freshly brewed beer.

All you need to do is add yeast and allow time for fermentation. $349; picobrew.com.

The Dollar Shave Club. The Dollar Shave Club offers an affordable monthly subscription to receive shaving products, but that’s not all the club carries. Their products include shaving, hair care, skin care and even oral care. Choose from numerous products that will help make the men in your life feel more confident and clean. Perhaps the best part about this club is that everything on the website is affordable and high-quality. Prices vary; dollarshaveclub.com.

Man Crates. Man Crates are an incredible gift for the men in your life. Choose from many crates filled with unique gifts just for men, ranging from a hot sauce-making crate to a travel survival pack and many, many more. There is a Man Crate for practically every interest or hobby, and you can choose from a range of pricing options. Prices vary; mancrates.com.

Travelers by Danielle Dalgin. If you know someone expecting a baby or someone who already has children, you know that going out means taking a lot more than just your wallet and keys. There are diapers, feeding bottles, toys, wipes and the list goes on. Life is stressful enough; these bags will help to make traveling around a little easier with bags for every situation, from “Feed Me” to “Entertain Me.” Pricing varies, starting at $55 for four bags; easybabytravelers.com.

Lorena Canals Wall Decor. Lorena Canals Wall Decor will make an excellent gift for any couple in your life starting off in their new home or apartment or anyone looking for something to add to the home.

There are numerous, individually handmade designs to choose from with geometric, Aztec and Moroccan inspirations. $65-$69; lorenacanals.us.

Java Sok. The Java Sok is the perfect gift for someone who carries iced coffee or tea everyday. The Java Sok stops the condensation from the cup dripping all over the desk, the car and clothes when you pick it up. It keeps drinks cold, stops them from rattling around in the cupholder while you drive and keeps your hands warm so you can enjoy your iced coffee, even when there’s snow on the ground. Prices start at $9.99; javasok.com.

Rescue Runts. Rescue Runts are the perfect gift to help kids rescue their own puppy. These soft, plush puppies come in need of some extra love and a good bath. Their matted fur, fake fleas and even tears in their eyes will steal your heart. Rescue Runts need grooming every day, like real puppies, and eventually become messy again so kids can rescue them all over. Rescue Runts are recommended for children age 3 and up. $19.99; walmart.com.

Hair Chalk by NuMe. Hair Chalk by NuMe is a fun and affordable gift for children of all ages. Many children like the idea of experimenting with their hair color. Hair Chalk allows you to give the children in your life the hair they want with none of the risk or expense of hair dye. NuMe provides a range of colors and packages. Prices start as low as $4.99; numeusa.com.

Infinifun My First Yoga Mat. The Infinifun My First Yoga Mat helps kids develop concentration skills, awareness of the body, balance and fine motor skills through basic yoga poses. The interactive mat will guide kids through seven yoga poses and fun games that will become more and more challenging as your child begins to master the basics. $49.99; amazon.com.

Catan. Catan is one of the bestselling games of the year. Players build roads, settlements and eventually cities, but surviving and thriving in your new settlement is the hard part. See which one of your friends will thrive in this exciting strategy game. This is a great game for children 10 and older. Prices start at $44; amazon.com.

Tiny Arcade. Tiny Arcade is exactly what it sounds like. Choose from the games Pac-Man, Mrs. Pac-Man Galaxian or Space Invaders and relive the video game glory days, only smaller. Just put in the batteries, and the tiny high-resolution screen will transport your coworker back to the days when getting the high score was all that mattered. Prices start at $19.99; thinkgeek.com.

Jelly Belly Classic Cocktails.

Drinking at the office is only permitted during the annual holiday party, but why not have the flavors of favorite cocktails year round? Jelly Belly has a box of Classic Cocktail jelly beans with none of the alcohol. Each box has five flavors, including a peach bellini and a pina colada. Prices start at $8; amazon.com.

Chilly Mama Baking Soda Fridge And Freezer Odor Absorber & Freshener Holder. The Chilly Mama Fridge and Freezer Odor Absorber is perfect for the office fridge. This little mama will keep the scent of everyone’s forgotten leftovers under control. All you have to do is fill with baking soda, and Chilly Mama was eliminate odors and keep food fresh for months.

Prices start at $13.99, amazon.com.

Supply Station Desk Accessory Holder by KitoDesign. The Supply Desk Accessory is a gift for your office mate with a good sense of humor. This fun, little art deco desk accessory includes a pen holder, a tape dispenser, a memo/card holder and a paperclip holder. A great gag gift, as it is nicknamed the “butt station,” a little figure sits on a toilet that serves as your paperclip holder, while holding out the tape dispenser. Prices start at $13.95, amazon.com.

OUT+ABOUT: Navigating health care as a LGBTQ patient – a medical student’s perspective Kirsten Hartwick, MS4 Patients often experience unforeseen barriers when walking into a hospital – expensive parking, lackluster food, delays in care and scheduling conflicts. The suggested solutions are numerous, but often for a patient, the impact is unseen at best or minimal at worst.

These unforeseen concerns as a patient can be even more challenging if a patient identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ). Imagine a patient named Loretta Jones. Loretta lives in Union Hill, has two daughters, works in human resources and is a transgender woman. Loretta was biologically born a male, but she identifies as female and transitioned when she was in her mid40s and is currently taking daily hormones. Just like so many patients before her, Loretta walks into the hospital hoping to receive medical care, but she is unable to see over the barriers hospital systems too often place in front of their patients.

Walking into her new primary care provider’s office, someone at the front desk welcomes her to the office and asks for her insurance information. The name on Loretta’s insurance card does not match the name on her driver’s license, and Loretta is asked how that could possibly be. She finally makes it into see her provider, who stumbles through Loretta’s medical and surgical history, unclear as to how to discuss her history in a productive and respectful manner. This is unlikely to be the last instance in Loretta’s encounter with the medical system in which she is made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

We can and need to do better for patients like Loretta. A study done in 2006 found that close to half of LGBTQ patients from Worcester seek their medical care outside of Worcester. LGBTQ patients in Worcester need a voice and a medium to enact change within their health care system.

Through my experiences at UMass, I founded a LGBTQ Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at UMass Memorial HealthCare, the largest health care system in Worcester County. Currently, there are a number of Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) at UMass, which are improving patient care through patient-driven discussions in a variety of different areas, including pediatrics, oncology and psychiatry. A LGBTQ-specific PFAC would address the concerns and needs of LGBTQ patients within the UMass medical community.

Many individuals describe incidences of discrimination, either at their primary care doctor’s office or when they seek emergent services at a hospital emergency department. Others describe not wanting to have to educate their providers about their health needs. Furthermore, certain services, including hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming services, are not readily available to adult patients in the Worcester community.

Efforts are being made to rectify these deficits, but patients need to be part of the process. By understanding patient needs and including patients as part of strategic discussions, targeted initiatives and invested resources will best address the needs of the LGBTQ population in Worcester County.

Efficacious clinical care starts with an understanding of population health and ends with a tailored, empathetic approach that is specific to each patient.

If you are interested in learning more or joining the PFAC, please email us at LGBT.PFAC@umassmed.edu.

If you have questions, comments or story ideas, email john@johnart.com.

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THE LUXE LIST

6 SURE-FIRE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Merilee Kern

The holidays are prime time for gadgeteers and gifters alike, and this season is ushering in an assortment of awesome innovations. Here are a number of tried and true devices that make stellar gifts for others or are a great way to treat yourself for a shopping season well done.

Viotek GN34Cx PC Computer & Gaming Monitor

An all-in-one solution, this ultra-wide, 34-inch PC computer monitor combines top gaming specs with the reliability of a professional business monitor. Experience extreme clarity with a curvature that conforms to the natural curve of the human eye.

Keep up with the action, thanks to a 100-hertz refresh rate. And the Viotek GN34CX Freesync feature eliminates ghosting and tearing while gaming. Viotek.com.

Crazybaby Air Nano Wireless Earbuds

Crazybaby Air Nano wireless Bluetooth earbuds are available in 10 vibrant colors!

The ultra-compact, portable, capsule-charging box can fit even in small pockets.

They feature stereo audio quality with noise isolation for crystal-clear sound, superfuel technology for quick charging with 8 to 12 hours of playback time, and soft, waterproof wingtips for a snug in-ear fit. Plus, easy controls allow for calls, music playback and voice assistants! Crazybaby.com.

The Dreaming Tree Wines Cork Speaker

Next is this Cork Speaker from DreamingTreeWines.com – a limited-edition wine cork that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, using the bottle to amplify sound. It brings your favorite music to life while simultaneously keeping your wine flavorful! It’s sold alongside a bottle of the award-winning Dreaming Tree Crush Red Blend for just $35, with a portion of sales proceeds donated to environmental nonprofits Living Lands and Waters and The Wilderness Society. DreamingTreeWines.com.

NPBeautiful.com Flat Iron

Next, I have the NPBeautiful.com Flat Iron by celebrity hairstylist David Babaii, known for Kate Hudson’s beachy waves. This sleek, modern iron is curved, allowing for endless styling options like waves, flips, curls and ringlets. Innovative rose gold vibrating plates heat up to 400 degrees, shuffling the hair back and forth to minimize tugging, slipping or pulling. And 10 percent of net proceeds support pediatric cancer and animal welfare causes. NPBeautiful.com.

Kiss My Lash Triangulated Mirror

The Kiss My Lash triangulated mirror is made for putting on false eyelashes flawlessly.

It lets you see your upper lash line from above and below simultaneously. The patented design provides the truest line of sight to get your falsies flush against the lash line on the first try. The mirror can be held in your hand, placed on a flat surface or attached to the hands-free Kiss My Lash Stand. GoodJanes.com.

Sonic Facial Deep Cleansing Brush

Next, for fab skin is the Sonic Facial Deep Cleansing Brush. Its small size fosters a more thorough cleanse and makeup removal around the eyes, nose and other tricky areas. Acoustic vibration technology enhances deep cleansing and helps skin absorb and react better to the beauty products you use. It’s small and light, making it great for travel. This three-in-one kit also features a massager and vibration exfoliator that increases circulation. SuperDuperKiss.com.

As the executive editor and producer of The Luxe List, Merilee Kern is an internationally regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority. She identifies and reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her at TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter @LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at TheLuxeList and on Instagram at LuxeListReviews.

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NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • SHOPPING

NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING

NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • SHOPPING

FOOD + D R IN K

BUCK’S BRINGS ITS A GAME TO BURGERS Bernie Whitmore Most restaurants require a bit of investigation in order to get a sense of their place on the dining spectrum. Not so at Buck’s; it laid out its mission in black and white when it hung out the sign over the front door: “Whiskey & Burger Bar.” A relatively new venture in the Canal District, Buck’s opened last May with a décor of what we Northerners recognize as Texan: livestock portraits and plenty of cowboy and longhorn stuff scattered about. The soundtrack is country, punctuated every now and then with something ska. Strange? Perhaps, but it worked for me.

In short, Buck’s looked like a fun place, and after being seated, I wondered why it took so many months for me to take notice of the restaurant. Lisa, our server, walked my friend and me through the list of mostly local draft beers. I’m not a whiskey drinker, but for those who are, Buck’s list is extensive and includes the entry-level Fireball (yeah, that’s the one whose empty nip bottles plague the city’s sidewalks and roadways) through more adult, higher-quality fare.

We started our meal with an order of Bone-in Wings. From a list of seven sauces and rubs, we chose the Buck-a-lo Sauce. As Lisa explained, it’s a cross between traditional buffalo and their own Buck sauce. Buck’s also offers boneless wings, but in my opinion, absent the bones, you have “tenders” and a whole lot less chicken goodness.

Blistering hot from the fryer, our wings were deep, golden brown and contained plenty of moist chicken meat – especially the occasional drumstick. Dipping them into our cup of Buck-a-lo sauce, we stripped the order down to bare bones before Lisa could return to ask how we liked them. Buck-a-lo sauce proved to be a zesty balance of creamy-cool, a bit of fiery heat and a nice splash of vinegar flavor.

On this first visit, I didn’t think it appropriate to leave without trying at least one of the specialties. So, I ordered the Stuffed Buck, a hamburger “infused” with bacon and bleu cheese, then grilled and topped with arugula leaves and whiskey-caramelized onions. At first bite, the juices of my burger ran so freely they soaked the bun; it was generously packed with bacon chunks and melted cheese.

From a choice of several sides, I ordered Buck’s onion strings – onions that had been thinsliced into curly rings and strands and then breaded and deep-fried. These were some of the best I’ve had, with mild onion flavor and crunch. Way too delicious to desecrate with ketchup.

What was really exciting, though, was the high quality of ground beef in my Stuffed Buck. This thick, lean patty was grilled with a delicious char all around the edges, which enhanced the deep beefy flavor. Delicious! And really tasty when paired up with my glass of draft beer: Prosperous, a deep-amber IPA with bitter grapefruit-citrus tones from the Medusa Brewing Company in Hudson.

On most occasions a lover of red meat, my friend decided to mix things up this evening and ordered the Fish Tacos entrée. The fact that Lisa approved gave him the confidence to order beyond Buck’s core focus, and he was rewarded with a paper-lined tray of three soft tacos packed with chunks of flaky, deep-fried white fish topped with chopped lettuce and tomato. For added flavor, he drizzled them with a cup of Buck sauce. They were served with a heap of hand-cut french fries.

BUCK’S WHISKEY & BURGER BAR 62 GREEN ST., WORCESTER (508) 304-9170 BUCKSWORCESTER.COM 30

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I recently read research that studied hamburgers at the three major fast-food chains.

Results varied a bit, but on average, these mass-produced burgers were found to be composed of 70 percent bun and condiments. This is recklessly out of conformance with official specifications for hamburger design, which specify a good burger should be mostly beef.

So the next time someone insists to you that fast-food burgers are so good and such a great value, take them to Buck’s Whiskey & Burger Bar for a burger that’s real and tasty and packed with beef!

HOT&NOW: What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene Paul Giorgio Foodies rejoice. Wallet Hub recently reported that Worcester ranked as the 123rd Best Restaurant City in America based on affordability and diversity. It was 110 in the country for diversity of cuisine. Bless those immigrant restaurant owners.

Moran Square Diner in Fitchburg closes. The iconic Worcester Lunch Car Co. diner, which has occupied the same spot in the Fitch since 1941, recently closed its doors. It was owned by Chris and Mary Giannetti and is for sale for $99,000.

Bubba Gump would be proud. A new seafood restaurant chain opened a location in Worcester’s Webster Square. J&C Crab opened at 1269 Main St. There are other Massachusetts locations in the works. J&C already has locations in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Corporate ladder-climbers rejoice. The Boardroom has recently opened on Water Street in Worcester’s Canal District. The combination restaurant/bar has an eclectic food menu and specializes in organic and natural food with a Middle Eastern flavor.

Simon says open a restaurant. Simon-Pure Publick House is the name of the new restaurant located in the space that housed the former Bootleggers. Rick Laakkonen recently reopened the Lunenburg restaurant. Bootleggers has been closed for almost a year.

Go in Peace. Frank Peace, who was managing the Worcester restaurants for The Grid in Downtown, recently opened a coffee spot in Marlborough. Brew Coffee Bean’s location at 187 Boston Post Road West in the RK Centre shopping plaza stood out to Peace during his time helping to oversee more than 100 Starbucks locations, and the timing couldn’t have been better for Peace. Starbucks decided to move across the street to the Apex Center, which opened last fall. Brew Coffee Bean opened Oct. 1.

Now, there is a reason to go to Webster Lake in the winter. Samuel Slater’s Restaurant at Indian Ranch opened the last week of October. The newly built establishment contains a full-service restaurant and function space.

Mexicali expands in Spencer. Mexicali, a small Mexican restaurant chain, recently unveiled plans to expand in the Sugden Block at 117 Main St., Spencer.

The chain received approval from the town at the end of October.

Take your Q from this. Dairy Queen will soon open in Worcester on Grafton Street. The 2,800-square-foot fast-food eatery will have 70 seats and is the first in the city.

Mr. Roger’s new neighborhood. Neil Rogers has left the Shrewsbury-based Food Hub for Romaine’s in Northborough. Rogers has headed up numerous kitchens in the area, including Volturno on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street.

Spice it up. McCormick & Mortell’s has closed on Route 12 in West Boylston, and we have been told that a new restaurant will be opening after the first of the year. No word yet on a name or cuisine.

Old Timer is not the same Old Timer. Clinton’s iconic Old Timer restaurant, a gathering place for the town’s Irish community, has reopened with new owners and a new menu. Dishes such as Paella and Chicken Curry in Coconut Milk have replaced its well-known prime rib. The menu looks great and times change. Can’t wait to try it out

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EASY HOLIDAY COOKIE RECIPES Jennifer Russo

Ah the holidays … there are lights twinkling everywhere you go, people are mostly in a cheerful and generous mood, the radio is playing some Carol of the Bells, Rudolph and Frosty start showing their faces, and you’ve started contemplating your gift and wish lists. What could be better? Oh yeah … cookies!!!

Not only are cookies amazing to bring to parties and just to munch on, but they also make excellent gifts when arranged beautifully in a festive tin, glass jar, gift box or basket wrapped in cellophane. Add a bit of ribbon or a bow, and anyone would be thrilled (and pretty impressed).

The recipes below are both easy and delicious and sure to please even the grinchiest of your friends or family. Don’t have access to an oven?

Well, you can always decorate store-bought sugar cookies and add your own little flair.

SUGAR COOKIES The basic sugar cookie has only seven ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 2 sticks of softened (not melted) butter, ¾ cups sugar, 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

That’s it.

Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in one bowl. Whip the butter and sugar in another bowl until fluffy, add the egg and vanilla, then pour the mixture into the dry ingredient bowl.

Mix it all up. Divide into two sections and shape each into an even log shape on wax paper.

Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and put them in the fridge for a couple hours. When ready, preheat the oven to 350, slice the dough into circles, arrange on a pan 2 inches apart and bake until golden edges appear, around 15 minutes. Let them cool and then decorate to your heart’s content.

Note: What’s great about these is that you can add M&M’s, chopped-up candy canes or sprinkles before rolling out if you don’t want to decorate with icing.

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SNOWBALL COOKIES These pretty little cookies are perfect for winter because of their seasonal look. And they are really easy to make! You will need: 1½ cups of pecans, 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 sticks of softened butter, ½ cup sugar, 1½ teaspoons of vanilla and ½ cup confectioners (powdered) sugar.

Preheat your oven to 325. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for 10 minutes to bring out their flavor. Let them cool. Once cooled, put them in a food processor or blender until they are chopped fine. Mix these in with the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until fluffy.

Add vanilla and 1½ teaspoons water. Stir in the dry ingredients and combine.

Roll tablespoonfuls of the dough in your hand to form a ball and place them on a baking sheet, 1-2 inches apart. Bake about 20 minutes and then let cool. Once cooled, roll each cookie in confectioners sugar until completely coated.

FLOURLESS PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES (GF) Did you know you could make peanut butter cookies without flour? Having gluten-free family members, I found this recipe and tried it out for a party, and they were absolutely yummy. You only need 1 egg, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 cup of peanut butter.

Preheat the oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine the egg, sugar and vanilla and beat with a mixer until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter until smooth.

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Once firmed up, roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and space them about 3 inches from one another on the baking sheets. Press the cookies down slightly with a fork in two directions so they get that crisscross pattern.

Bake the cookies until they are a little golden, around 15 minutes. Cool.

SHORTBREAD & JAM BAR COOKIES These are one of my favorite types of cookie. Sweet, chewy and buttery, with that hint of berry flavor … they are a crowd pleaser every time.

You need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 stick of softened butter, ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla and jam (I like raspberry, but you can use strawberry or peach if you prefer).

Preheat oven to 350. Line a square cake pan with foil, letting some extra hang over the pan on the edges. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine butter and sugar and beat together until smooth. Stir in the egg and vanilla, then add the flour mixture.

Smooth half of the mixture into the foil-lined pan. Put the pan in the freezer for 15 mins. Spread the jam in an even layer on top of the dough in the pan. Take small pieces of the remaining dough and scatter on top of the jam layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Once cooled, use the foil to lift out of the pan and cut into bars.

SUPER EASY CHOCOLATE FLOWERS For chocolate lovers, it doesn’t get easier than this. These sort-of-scratch cookies are perfect for any occasion, or just to kill your chocolate craving on a snowy day.

You need a box of chocolate fudge cake mix, ¼ cup softened butter, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of water, Hershey kisses and ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional).

Preheat oven to 350. Cut the butter into the cake mix until it looks like crumbs. Stir in egg and water until mixed. Shape dough into balls, roll in walnuts (optional) and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, then add a Hershey kiss to each cookie pressing down slightly. Continue baking for 2 more minutes. Cool completely.

PULSEBREW: River Styx – quirky, creative and full of flavor Ryan Cashman The sign welcoming you to River Styx Brewing in Fitchburg is an enormous cutout of Death beckoning you to follow him across the eponymous river. From outside, the dark windows display only flickers of what’s beyond, and music thuds, muffled against the pillow of darkness that awaits. It’s an ominous and fascinating first impression, but what truly surprised us is what we found when we crossed the threshold into the underworld.

With symbolism that doesn’t lend itself to the modern idiom of “kid-friendly,” we were slightly shocked to have walked straight into the midst of a young man’s birthday party. Children were running around, laughing and playing a multitude of oversized floor games, all under the watchful eyes of their parents, who themselves were relaxing with some good beer.

While there are still many brewhouses that are not family-friendly, a growing number are opening their doors to families of all ages and sizes. And, taking into consideration this country’s relationship with alcohol, the more kids see of their parents drinking responsibly, the better off they are going to be when they’re old enough to join in. That’s this writer’s opinion, anyway.

But, onto the beer!

Every beer crafted by River Styx is named for a character in Greek mythology, with flavors meant to represent the unique characteristics of each. Stouts are the brewery’s main focus, but I need to point out some others worth mention: Proteus New England IPA, Nectar of Aristaeus Blueberry Donut Milkshake IPA and Typhon Father of All Monsters New England Imperial Double IPA. As for stouts, there is a wide, deeply flavorful selection. The Hades Helm of Darkness is an oatmeal stout infused with chili peppers to give it a hellfire kick.

The Habanero Hades is the spicier twin brother. These two were my favorites. My fiancee, Briana, and Keary – her dad, who joined us on this mythic adventure – preferred the Oranos Russian Imperial stout, heavy with cinnamon and vanilla, and the Rhea Darkness, another Russian Imperial mixed with Portuguese port, oak and chocolate.

Hopping aboard a trend the three of us have been noticing of late, the Coconut Chaos stout did not thrill in terms of flavor. Then again, seeing as we were trying several tasters with an amalgamation of flavors, it’s safe to assume our taste buds needed a rest. We’ll give it another go the next time we are in Fitchburg.

While there were some we preferred over others, we all agreed that there was not a single poorly made beer in the lot. We had ordered the Over the Rainbow Flight, which is all 12 of the beers on tap in taster-sized glasses, for $30. That’s a great deal at any rate, even more so because of the quality of the beer you receive.

River Styx is a quirky and creative brewhouse with a great selection for any preference or taste. Watch out for the house-made Zeus Mustard, though. That’ll set your mouth on fire.

For more information, visit riverstyxbrewing.com.

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ART + C U LTU R E

IG WORCESTER: FROM INSTAGRAM TO IMPACTING THE CITY

Sloane M. Perron When Giselle Rivera-Flores and her husband, Jamie Flores, started taking pictures of the architecture, people and places of Worcester, they were trying to capture the essence of the city. Little did the couple know that through Instagram, they would become part of the renaissance that is happening throughout Worcester.

Giselle Rivera-Flores is originally from New York, and she is proud of her roots. When she came to her husband’s hometown of Worcester, she was disappointed that many residents talked ill of the city and were not proud of where they lived.

“It was so sad that people are negative about their hometown, where I am from New York and I like it here in Worcester,” she said.

The Instagram account was created, so that through photography, followers could see all the positive aspects of Worcester.

“We wanted to get rid of the dark cloud over Worcester,” Rivera-Flores said.

Showcasing the city’s hidden gems, events and workshops naturally developed as IG Worcester became more involved in the urban community. The duo never thought that Instagram would culminate into IG Worcester, but after two years, the organization has developed big ideas and a willingness to help the community.

“At IG Worcester, Massachusetts, the mission for us is

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creating a community. We focus on engaging and fun events,” Rivera-Flores said. By developing more things for Worcester residents to participate in, the goal is to keep them in the city instead of going to Boston for work, life and fun. In addition, IG Worcester wants to show the unlimited potential of Worcester, so people from Boston are encouraged to visit the city, as well.

One of IG Worcester’s first major events was Woochella, and more than 5,000 people attended the indoor music event. According to Rivera-Flores, the city government is focused on big projects and gentrification of the town, but the mom-and-pop shops made Worcester the unique place it is today. As a result, IG Worcester fills this void by showcasing places and businesses that are both part of “new and old Worcester.” For example, the focus on Canal Street would be considered part of “New Worcester,” while places such as the Miss Worcester Diner are notable parts of “Old Worcester.”

Digital Influencer Summit, where participants can discuss technology and branding. Meanwhile, another Woochella will take place in July. A “Make and Taste,” where attendees can make a meal at the Hangover Pub; an Idea to Launch, where people can attend a workshop on creating their own small businesses; and a Black Tie Dinner, to pay for Thanksgiving dinners for the poor, are just a sampling of the many events to come from IG Worcester next year.

The goal of the organization is to host one major event each quarter, with educational workshops and interactive events sprinkled throughout the year.

In the future, an IG Worcester membership will give participants event discounts, a discount to IG Worcester’s photography studio, access to exclusive events and discounts at participating Worcester restaurants. The membership will be $30 for students and $50 for a general membership. There is also a free newsletter and free monthly giveaways on Instagram @igworcester.

IG Worcester uses cross-promotion to help develop its events, since everything it hosts is paid for out of its pockets. While many big businesses in Worcester have advertising firms, IG Worcester focuses on the hidden gems. By providing free video, publicity or ad space to a mom-and-pop shop, that company, in turn, helps by providing a service (such as music, lights or whatever the shop’s specialty is) to an event.

When asked what she wanted for the future of IG Worcester, Rivera-Flores said, “What I envision the most for IG Worcester is that we really open the eyes of the residents and those outside the city.”

Each of IG Worcester’s events are centered on the three main focuses of: live, work and build. For 2019, IG Worcester has created fun and engaging events that Rivera-Flores and Flores hope will have a positive impact on the community. In May, IG Worcester will host a

“Worcester is a great place with great a community and people, and we want to showcase that. We are not going anywhere; we are just starting.”

“There are some amazing things happening here, and there are some hidden gems that are still holding strong – and that is saying something,” she added.

For more information, visit igworcesterma.life.

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RAW HELPS REFUGEES BRING TRADITION TO WORCESTER Photos and story by Brian Wheeler It is a gloomy Saturday near the end of October, and shoppers at the Bethel Lutheran Church Harvest Fair take refuge from the outside drizzle, browsing various handmade items. One table draws the attention of the crowd with its array of colorful textiles. Two women stationed next to the table create complex crafts for an engaged audience.

Patrisiya Kayobera, a Rwandan refugee, deconstructs a large, yellow rice sack, using its material to weave a sturdy basket. Tu Meh, a Burmese refugee, fabricates a colorful scarf utilizing a backstrap loom. Both incorporate their homegrown crafting methods to produce ornate products.

These are two of several artisans associated with Refugee Artisans of Worcester, a nonprofit established in 2010.

Ellen Ferrante and Joan Koriko created RAW to aid in the difficult transition of forced migrants into a radically unfamiliar culture and economy.

“When refugees arrive, everything from a simple chair is unfamiliar to them,” Ferrante said.

It is not uncommon that refugees flee their countries with little to no material belongings or understanding of their destination. They arrive in a new country with only their bodies and the skills they have acquired.

RAW empowers refugees through the assisted movement towards self-sustainability by honing and marketing the individuals’ indigenous crafts.

Ferrante and Koriko recognize that the plight of the refugee does not end with the escape from violent conflict.

After spending years, sometimes decades, in camps, refugees entering the United States are given 90 days to “resettle,” a process which includes enrolling children in school, enrolling themselves in ESL classes and finding a job. This is capped with a debt of $3,000 in “processing fees.”

Due to the “relatively low cost of housing,” Worcester has grown into the largest resettlement city in Massachusetts, housing more than 2,000 refugees. Ferrante and Koriko, who shared an interest in fiber crafts and social justice, saw an opportunity to make a difference in the Worcester community. They have incorporated refugees from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, a total of more than 10 countries, into their program.

RAW provides an outlet to display and sell products, which would otherwise be a challenge, as most do not understand a capitalist economy and have little knowledge of the English language. Artisans glean 85 percent of their sales, while 15 percent is budgeted for tools and materials. Crafters are able to work from their homes while their children and grandchildren attend school or seek employment.

While a means of integration for refugees, the program also serves as a means of preservation of their traditional crafts.

“The younger generation often does not have the time to pick up the craft, as their focus is on becoming Americanized,” Ferrante said.

This involves learning a new language and adjusting to a capitalist economy. Elders are given an opportunity to carry on native traditions.

Schools in the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts (HECMA) – including Becker College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Worcester State University – have embraced this program as an education into foreign cultural crafts. WPI recently adopted a weaving program, which works with RAW. “Three students were given the task of replicating a floor weaver, a complicated tool found in the home countries of our refugees,” Ferrante said. “In seven weeks, a group of three students was able to modify four looms. They produced a how-to manual and video.”

Through RAW, Worcester academic institutions have developed a symbiotic relationship of education for students and economic sustainability for refugees. “(HECMA) embodies different schools and different philosophies, which come together in assistance of our project,” Ferrante said.

RAW has had an undeniable, positive effect on the Worcester community, but, most importantly, it affects lives of individuals displaced from their homelands. Beyond economic sustainability, in a community with a large number of refugees, it has combatted the emotional turmoil associated with displacement.

Patrisiya Kayobera, through a translator, attested to the positive mental health aspect of continuing with her craft. Kayobera, orphaned at the age of 10, survived three genocides in her home country of Rwanda.

“When I lay my head on the pillow each night, I relive the horror of the conflict endured in my home country.

When I am working my craft, I am transported (from this nightmare),” she said.

In her Worcester apartment, she feels a combination of familiarity and security. She is home.

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37

SPORTS +FITN E S S

BECKER OPENS THE FIELD TO ESPORTS Dan Jaillet

the college looks for in a potential scholarship recipient.

coaching and lessons with experienced gamers.

“The new generation is looking for a differentiation.”

“This semester, the college supports two varsity teams in League of Legends and, due to a special opportunity, one varsity team in SMITE,” Loew said. “In coming years, we expect to add more games like Overwatch and Hearthstone, among others.”

The incorporation of pro coaching is also a model that Becker has built into its esports curriculum. Particularly this semester, coaching is something that will play a big role in each of Becker’s esports classes.

So says Alan Ritacco, dean of the School of Design and Technology at Becker College.

With its game design program ranked No. 4 in the world and having been ranked in the Princeton Review’s “Top Schools for Video Game Design” nine years in a row, some would argue Becker is ahead of the growing trend of esports.

Even as the trend continues to grow and many things are still unknown, esports has proven to be very lucrative.

According to a February report by CBS This Morning, esports is a $1.5 billion industry. That number is expected to rise to $2.3 billion in 2022. Through all of this, Becker continues to serve as one of the top esports schools in the country. It is easy to see why.

Tim Loew is the executive director of Massachusetts Digital Games Institute, also known as MassDiGI. In addition, he is the general manager of Becker’s varsity esports program. The program launched this past summer and is the first varsity esports program to offer scholarships in Massachusetts. Once the varsity program was established, the college announced a bachelor of science in esports management.

Loew thought the combination of the resources of the college and the vibrant on-campus gaming community was enough to venture into the world of esports.

“Because of its perennially top-ranked game design academic program, Becker has become home to one of the largest on-campus gaming communities around. Building on that success – and the success and growth of Becker’s gaming tournaments and esports clubs – we felt this was the right time to dive into esports,” he said.

Starting in the fall 2018 semester, scholarships of up to $5,000 became available to student athletes. Academics, communication skills and ability are just some of the things

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It appears that Loew could not have formed the club at a more perfect time. An Overwatch video game all-star weekend was held in August in Burbank, Calif. The first day hosted a series of custom skill matches, while the second day was an all-star event. Top players were broken down into two teams, the Atlantic Team and the Pacific Team. They faced each other in the finals in what was the game’s first all-star event.

If anything, this just speaks to the growth of the game.

Prior to the all-star event, the finals were held in July.

As Rittaco noted, that proved to be a major success. This ties into the bigger picture of how the esports industry has grown over the past couple of years. He has seen it firsthand, having served as the dean at Becker since 2015.

“This has been in the initial stages of setting things up,” Rittaco said. “The big difference, in my perspective, is that the audience and fan base have really caught up. Newer, fresher games like Overwatch and League of Legends have stepped onto the scene and taken on a single approach.

Creating a game that is more of a sporting event has really changed the outlook. When Overwatch stepped onto the scene, the game was crafted as ‘I can play this game, but I can also help people watch this game.’ The Overwatch finals were in July and, according to one source, there were more than 860,000 viewers per minute.”

The college hopes to capitalize on this momentum.

Currently, there are 16 students in the varsity esports program and about 80 members on the club team. Five student athletes have earned scholarships at the varsity level for League of Legends, and the Becker varsity esports program has attracted sponsorships from Origin PC, Gamer Sensei and ZAM Network’s Storm Shield One. Gamer Sensei is a Boston-based company that offers pro

“This semester, we have our esports management program taught on Thursday nights. We are driving the esports management courses, which will be co-taught by the industry experts in conjunction with our faculty,” Ritacco said. “We are getting experts to teach these classes, and we are fortunate to have that connection with the club sports, as well.”

In addition to the top-level coaching, Becker has made sure the college is equipped with the proper facilities and equipment for gamers. For one, it has a lab specifically designed for esports, including Origin PC computers equipped with BenQ displays, Das mechanical keyboards, HyperX headsets and Logitech mice. In addition to those amenities, the gamers are given uniforms, allowed special gaming chairs and given access to the wellness center and health services.

“The industry is going through changes in carving out where they are going to exist in terms of esports. Is YouTube gonna take over? What is the longevity for these games?” Ritacco said. “One of the challenges is going to be video game production management and looking to create longevity, so there is not a fatigue and games drop off. Programmatically, you want to keep making things continue to be exciting.”

There seems to be excitement at Becker College as its esports program continues to grow. What started off as just a fun hobby for many has now transformed into something greater. Forming agile minds with a hunger for learning in different ways, esports is an exciting and intriguing pathway for success.

For more information, you can check out Becker’s esports information page at becker.edu and on Twitter @BeckerESports.

FINDINGBALANCE: Catching Dreams

Jennifer Russo

I have always loved dreamcatchers. I remember I had a small one hanging on the wall above my bed as a child, and when I moved out on my own, I had one on the post of my bed, too. I now have one hanging in my office near my desk.

Most people have learned that these items were born from Native American culture and that they are protective symbols from negative influences that surround us, which is true. It was only in more recent history, though (1960s), that the term “dreamcatcher” was coined, and their significance adapted to the thought that these items were meant to catch nightmares.

Their web-like design is said to tangle and trap bad dreams, while the good dreams make it through the web and back out through the feathers hanging at the base.

Nightmares can be bothersome or completely terrifying experiences, causing stress and anxiety. Psychologists and scientists seem to agree that these bad dreams come from a collection of thoughts which reside in our brains, deep-rooted fears and worries that swim up to the surface when we are in REM sleep.

These dreams can be very realistic, and common themes are being chased, falling, being attacked or other traumatic experiences or memories. Those with troubled histories or PTSD are more severely affected. Eating just before bed can also trigger nightmares, because the brain becomes more active because of the metabolism getting a push. Spending time relaxing before bed, not eating at least two hours before bed and listening to calming music can help prevent nightmares.

Whether you believe the lore of dreamcatchers or not, they are certainly beautiful pieces of art to have and hang on the wall, and the simple act of making them can be therapeutic. Plus, you can customize it however you’d like. The one I have looks like a tree in the center, and I have seen some which look like peace signs. There are some great tutorials online for making these, and Pinterest has tons of ideas.

If you do experience nightmares, just having a dreamcatcher might make you feel calmer so that you can sleep more restfully.

Sweet dreams and namaste.

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STYLE + B E A U TY

HOW TO TREAT A PIMPLE If you’ve ever gone to bed with clear skin and woken up with a massive, painful pimple on your face, you’re not alone. According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Although acne comes in many forms, including blackheads and whiteheads, the most severe type of acne is a pimple that develops deep in the skin, causing a red, swollen and painful bump. Fortunately, say dermatologists, there are ways to tackle this type of acne at home to alleviate pain and reduce the pimple’s size, swelling and redness.

“Although there are no overnight or immediate cures for acne, you don’t have to stand by and suffer either,” said board-certified dermatologist Meghan Feely, MD, FAAD, who maintains a private practice in New York and New Jersey and is an attending physician at Mount Sinai’s department of dermatology. “Make sure you use noncomedogenic and oil-free cosmetics, cleansers and sunscreens, and never try to scrub away a pimple, as this can further irritate it and make it worse.”

To treat a deep, painful pimple at home, Dr. Feely recommends the following tips:

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DO wash your skin before treating it. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, and be gentle to your skin while washing.

DO apply ice to reduce pain and swelling. As soon as you notice the blemish, wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and apply it to the area for five to 10 minutes.

Repeat this two more times, with 10-minute breaks between icing.

DO apply a product that contains 2 percent benzoyl peroxide to the pimple. Available at your local drugstore, this treatment will help kill the bacteria that causes acne. Make sure you apply a very thin layer, as using too much can irritate your skin. While using this product, keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics. Avoid letting the medication come into contact with your clothing and consider using white sheets and towels while using it.

DO apply a warm compress once a whitehead begins to form. To make a warm compress, soak a clean washcloth in hot water; make sure the water isn’t too hot to avoid burning your skin. Then, apply the warm compress to the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this three to four times daily until the pimple releases pus and heals.

DON’T pop, squeeze or pick at the blemish. Doing so can make acne more noticeable and increase your

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risk of infection, discoloration and scarring.

DON’T apply toothpaste to the area. Toothpaste contains several ingredients that can clog your pores and irritate your skin, such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, alcohol and methanol.

DON’T apply homemade treatments found online.

There is plenty of advice online promoting “natural” remedies for acne; however, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin. Even if a natural ingredient is good for your skin, it could be combined with another ingredient that could be harmful.

DO visit a board-certified dermatologist to help treat the pimple and prevent future breakouts. If you need an urgent fix, a dermatologist can provide a cortisone injection, which can help the pimple go away in a few hours to days instead of days to weeks.

Your dermatologist can also recommend treatments to help prevent future breakouts, such as a retinoid or antibiotics.

“Today, virtually every case of acne can be successfully treated, even severe acne,” Feely said. “However, not everyone’s acne can be treated the same way. If you have a lot of acne, or if your acne isn’t responding to over-thecounter acne medications after four to six weeks, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.”

These tips are demonstrated in How to Treat a Deep, Painful Pimple, a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s Video of the Month series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel each month.

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December 2018

STYLESAVVY: Style your go-to holiday look

April Goddard December is here, which means that the holiday season is about to be in full swing. Which also means that there will be an overabundance of parties, social gatherings and other holiday festivities to attend. If you are someone who finds themselves staring into the closet with “nothing to wear” or dumbfounded at how many different choices of cocktail attire your local department store has to offer, then fear not – your holiday fashion guide is here to see you through every event, from chill nights in to more formal outings. Here are the top trends, tips and tricks to keep your fashion game strong all season long.

DRESS UP DENIM This is my personal go-to because it is comfortable, affordable (I know you all have a pair of jeans in your closet somewhere) and super easy to do. For an informal evening gathering at a friend’s or your own home, try styling a dark pair of skinny jeans with a fitted turtleneck (black turtlenecks are my favorite, but you can get away with pretty much any warm- or dark-toned hue in the winter months). Add a pair of statement earrings or more subdued studs and a statement handbag, and you are wearing what is effectively the most simple outfit in the world whilst looking outrageously put together.

ACCESSORIZE Although it’s important not to go too overboard with the accessories, they can also be a great way to add a little sparkle to your attire. The thing to be wearing this season? Unique earrings or overly blinged rings. (It should be noted, though, that it is important to make just one of these two the centerpiece of your outfit. Choosing both is called overkill.) Consider investing in a unique pair of vintage (designer or not, your choice) earrings or stackable, mix-and-match-able cocktail rings.

FUR (BUT PLEASE, NOT REAL FUR. BE KIND TO OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS.) Faux fur is an excellent way to put the finishing touch on a more formal look. My favorite piece to wear to parties is a faux fur vest, which can be worn over almost anything due to its neutral color. The go-to look for this season? Try pairing a black fur vest over a simple, long-sleeved black dress. Add black pumps, and you have a simple, elegant outfit for cocktail hour.

What is your go-to look for holiday gatherings? Consider trying one of the above as a way to update your favorite holiday attire simply – and without having to go out and buy a new wardrobe!

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NEW AROUND THE WOO

LA BELLA AESTHETICS

Rachel Shuster Looking for serious skin care? LA Bella Aesthetics offers minimally invasive, nonsurgical, anti-aging treatment options that are tailored to client needs by owner and founder, Alexis Pena.

Pena, a registered nurse for almost eight years, has created individualized plans for each of her clients, along with a combination of medical technology and FDAapproved products to reach the ultimate goal of enhancing each client’s natural beauty and making he or she feel confident.

How did Pena get the name, LA Bella Aesthetics? “I have two daughters, and I named it after them – Lucia Ana and Isabella,” she said.

LA Bella Aesthetics was a natural career move for Pena. “I always worked in a hospital setting and still work at Saint Vincent’s in the Emergency Department,” she said. “After my first baby, I felt burnt out from the environment, from the Emergency Department, and needed a positive change, but wasn’t sure what that was.”

Emergency Department, for Pena, the goal is still the same. “I love being an Emergency Department nurse, and still am, but this is a different type of nursing. I was used to working with ill people, but now I’m working with well people, but it’s all about helping people and making them feel good. It’s nice to help them achieve that,” she said.

Pena rents an office space inside of BlushTan Worcester at 122 Green St. “Jenna, the owner, moved all the equipment around, and I have my medical equipment in her space and work out of there. The goal is to get bigger and offer different things,” she said.

As for what Pena offers today, her services include Botox, Xeomin, medical grade chemical peels, lip and dermal fillers, Kybella treatment for fat under the chin, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy and intensive lash lifts and tints.

Pricing depends, mostly because each client has specific needs and Pena tailors each plan for each client. “On average, treatments are anywhere from $200 to $650. It can get expensive, and it’s not covered by insurance,” she said.

In September of 2016, Pena enrolled in private classes focusing on injectables and became certified, which is how the road to LA Bella Aesthetics got started. “I figured I was paying for private classes, it was time to open my own business,” she said.

Beyond her normal services, Pena, alongside BlushTan owner Jenna, do offer special events together, including throwing parties and discounted services.

While the type of work with LA Bella is different than the type of work in the

To learn more about LA Bella Aesthetics, visit labellaaesthetics.net.

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December 2018

STEALTHESTYLE: Not your grandma’s appliques Jamie Burke A touch of shimmer can bring old clothes back to life! We all have outdated or out-of-style clothes that could use a revamp. I am not a huge fan of bold appliques and rhinestones, but done correctly, you can pull off this very couture look! Start with going through your closet and identifying some items you haven’t worn in a while that are basic. Try not to go for bold prints and patterns. Go through your broken jewelry, button jar and, if need be, the jewel or applique section at your local craft store. Anyone can bring these clothes back to life in as little as 30 minutes, with very few supplies.

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Simple clothes or even an accessory like a plain hat

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Alene’s Fabric Fusion

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Needle and thread

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Appliques

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Broken jewelry

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Beads

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Buttons

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Chalk or marker

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Small craft brush

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Take your item and wash and dry it. Lay the item flat on a clean, dry surface, with either cardboard or a box in between layers. You do not want glue bleeding through the fabric.

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Next, lay out a design with all your collected bling. You really can use anything! This looks great on collars, cuffs, hats, gloves, etc. Lay out a basic pattern or a design of your own. If you need to sew anything on, you will want to sew first. You can mark with chalk or even a marker prior to sewing so that everything is symmetrical.

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Sew items on first, then make sure everything is aligned perfectly the way you want. Then, take your Alene’s Fabric fusion glue and either put it on directly or use a small craft paintbrush to apply the glue liberally to the fabric and the back of items you are adding. You must let everything completely dry before wearing. If you do not own Alene’s Fabric Fusion, this is a must-buy for any fashionista. You can find it at any sewing or craft store in the glue section.

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Once dry, you can wear your refreshed clothing however and whenever you want! Be very careful washing! Try to spot clean instead of just throwing stuff into the washing machine. The glue works great, but it is not made for everyday wash and wear. Apply glue again if anything becomes loose or falls off!

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