Holiday Handbook
2014 2014
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Presenting sponsor Commerce Bank Production sponsor Price Chopper DEC 2
Nov 21-23
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A Christmas Carol Dec 19-28
MYTHBUSTERS: Behind the Myths Tour
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The Fresh Beat Band Greatest Hits Live
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Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra generously sponsored by The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation Inc.
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Diane Kelley presents Holiday Spectacular 2014
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A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan generously sponsored United Bank
19-28 A Christmas Carol
generously sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Bay State Savings Bank JAN 9-11
Million Dollar Quartet
FEB 6
Bill Cosby
13-15 FlashDance - The Musical
generously sponsored by UniBank
PHOTO BY SCOTT ERB
MAR 6-8
I Love Lucy® Live on Stage generously sponsored by Commerce Bank
New shows and promotions are added all the time! Visit
TheHanoverTheatre.org for information about all our events. All dates, programs, and times are subject to change without notice.
TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW (7469) 2 Southbridge Street • Worcester, MA 01608 Swipe your WOO Card for points and prizes! Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.
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Table of Contents
Kirk A. Davis President Kathleen Real Publisher x331
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...................... 5 Cheers! Holiday drinks................................................... 8, 24 Jingle all the Way!............................................................... 10 Craft Fairs and Art Sales.....................................................14 Advertorials................................................................... 15, 20 Gifts from the Heart.............................................................18 Holiday Performances.........................................................22 Secret ingredients................................................................29
Holiday H 20 2014 14
andboo k
On the cover ...
Sleigh ride at Old Sturbridge Village Photo by John Ferrarone Courtesy Of Old Sturbridge Village Design by Kimberly Vasseur Book your
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Brittany Durgin Editor x321 Steven King Photographer x323 Walter Bird Jr. Senior Writer x322 Katie Benoit, Jacleen Charbonneau, Jonnie Coutu, Brian Goslow, Mätthew Griffin, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Laurance Levey, Josh Lyford, Doreen Manning, Taylor Nunez, Cade Overton, Jim Perry, Matt Robert, Jeremy Shulkin, Corlyn Voorhees, Al Vuona Contributing Writers August Corso, Nicole DeFeudis, Betsy Walsh Editorial Interns Don Cloutier Director of Creative Services x141 Kimberly Vasseur Creative Director/Assistant Director of Creative Services x142 Bess Couture, Becky Gill, Stephanie Mallard Creative Services Department Zac Sawtelle Creative Services Intern Helen Linnehan Ad Director x333 Rick McGrail Media Consultant x334 Casandra Moore Media Coordinator x332 Carrie Arsenault Classified Manager x560 Worcester Magazine is an independent news weekly covering Central Massachusetts. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. The Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement. LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES: Please call 978-728-4302, email sales@centralmassclass.com, or mail to Central Mass Classifieds, P.O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520
DISTRIBUTION: Worcester Magazine is available free of charge at more than 400 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each at Worcester Magazine offices. Unauthorized bulk removal of Worcester Magazine from any public location, or any other tampering with Worcester Magazine’s distribution including unauthorized inserts, is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted under the law. SUBSCRIPTIONS: First class mail, $156 for one year. Send orders and subscription correspondence to Holden Landmark Corporation, 22 West St., Suite 31, Millbury, MA 01527. ADVERTISING: To place an order for display advertising or to inquire, please call 508.749.3166. Worcester Magazine (ISSN 0191-4960) is a weekly publication of The Holden Landmark Corporation. All contents copyright 2014 by The Holden Landmark Corporation. All rights reserved. Worcester Magazine is not liable for typographical errors in advertisements.
EDITORIAL: 508.749.3166 SALES: 508.749.3166 E-MAIL: editor@worcestermagazine.com Worcester Magazine, 72 Shrewsbury St. Worcester, MA 01604 worcestermagazine.com
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas August N. Corso
continued on page 6
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
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hestnuts roasting over an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, yuletide carols being sung by a choir and much more will take place as part of Old Sturbridge Village’s 12th annual Christmas by Candlelight. The family-friendly events host a myriad of activities, from showcasing local church and school choirs to tours of the village giving guests the opportunity to discover the origin of Christmas traditions. “The whole event is an immersion. It’s a chance to step back from modern holidays and recapture the meaning of the holiday season,” said Jim O’Brien, coordinator of Special Events, who has been with the village for 34 years. From the moment guests walk onto the property they are surrounded by the authentic buildings and structures, traditional Christmas practices, and even Victorian carolers caroling, caroling through the snow. They are sent back to a time where the holidays were meant as a celebration of good friends, family and good food, which can also be found at the Christmas by Candlelight Buffet. The Christmas by Candlelight event also provides the chance for guests to explore the village and learn about where Christmas traditions find their foundations. “What we try and show is the beginnings of traditions,” said O’Brien. “You have the chance to discover, for instance, why the first Christmas tree came to New England.” Among some of the traditions explained will also be yule logs, mistletoe and, yes, roasting chestnuts. One of the favorite attractions of guests, who are likely drawn in by sleigh bells jingling, ringting-tingling too, is the horse-drawn sleigh rides that pull guests through the snow, around the village pond and over the hills for a true oldfashioned Christmas feel. Sleigh rides are available providing there is a white Christmas. In the case
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PHOTO COURTESY OF OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
Celebrate The Season
Sat. Nov. 22, 7:30pm “We Need A Little Christmas,” Worcester Men of Song Barbershop Harmony Concert
Sun. Dec. 14, 1pm and 5pm The Nutcracker Ballet by Dance Prism, Two Performances
Wed. Nov. 26, Noon, Free Brown Bag Concert featuring the New Black Eagle Jazz Band
Wed. Dec. 17, Noon, Free Worcester Organ Festival Holiday Concert with the Choristers and Adults of All Saints Choir, Graeme McCullough, Director and Brett Maguire, Organist
Wed. Dec. 3, Noon, Free Brown Bag Concert featuring the New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds & Concert Choir Sat. Dec. 6, 8pm Worcester Chorus sings Handel’s Messiah, presented by Music Worcester Wed. Dec. 10, Noon, Free Brown Bag Concert featuring Michelle Willson & The Evil Gal Festival Orchestra
At Mechanics Hall
321 Main St., Worcester
Fri. Dec. 19 Rockin’ The Holidays with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals presented by Symply Fargone ProductionsAn All-Ages Appropriate Celebration of Joy, Compassion, and Family. For Tickets call 508-752-0888 or visit mechanicshall.org
Wed. Dec. 10, 8pm 104.5 fm XLO Acoustic Xmas 2014 starring O.A.R. with Andy Grammer & introducing Gabrielle Ross Sat. Dec. 13, 8pm Holiday Pops Concert with the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, Alton Baggett, Conductor, Featuring Holiday Favorites, Combined College Chorus, Dance Theatre, and More!
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MECHANICS HALL AN ACOUSTICAL MASTERPIECE
continued from page 5
of no snow, wagon rides around the pond will take their place. Christmas by Candlelight will also include Santa Claus and Father Christmas visits, puppet shows, Christmas story readings, demonstrations of gingerbread baking and cider mulling and plenty more. The Village is also holding a gingerbread house contest where first-place winners will receive a $100 prize and every entry is rewarded with two free tickets to Christmas by Candlelight upon delivery. Old Sturbridge Village is celebrating the holiday season this year with Christmas by Candlelight running Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from Dec. 5-21 with the Christmas by Candlelight Buffet held on Friday and Saturday nights. Discounted tickets can be purchased online through Nov. 28. According to O’Brien, “It’s really the chance to cut commercialism out of modern Christmas and spend quality time with friends and family and jump start your holiday spirit.”
Just in time for the holidays! The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley Gift Cards Are Here! Gift card kiosk located between Cinema de Lux and Orange Salon
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Cheers!
STEVEN KING
French 75 3 ounces gin 1 tbsp. powdered sugar 2 tsp. lemon juice ice champagne Pour together gin, powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add ice and shake. Strain in a cocktail glass. Top with champagne. Chip O’Connor (below), voted Best Bartender by readers of Worcester Magazine and a fixture of Nick’s Bar in Worcester, offers recipes for two cocktails to be enjoyed this holiday season. Check out the Cranberry Old Fashioned on page 24.
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PHOTO JOHN FERRARONE/COURTESY OF OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
Jingle all the way!
continued on page 12
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JINGLE ALL THE WAY continued from page 11
Brittany Durgin
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, CELEBRATE SNOW-COVERED TREES AND CRISP AIR WITH A HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH RIDE.
Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge Old Sturbridge Village is transformed during the month of December as it celebrates Christmas by Candlelight, from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. Sleigh rides (weather permitting) will be offered to guests. Later in the season, on Saturday, Feb. 21, more than 20 horse-drawn sleighs will participate in the annual Antique Sleigh Rally. Visitors will be able to take a sleigh ride for themselves during the event and throughout the season. Check the Village’s website for details: Osv.org.
Cornerstone Ranch
29 Dowds Ln., Princeton Cornerstone Ranch, a riding stable with a focus on fun and learning, welcomes the public to take a sleigh ride this winter season. Percheron Draft Horses pull a large sleigh, and two Hafflinger Horses pull a smaller private sleigh,
both complete with sleigh bells, along country roads and meadows. The small sleigh holds two people and is reservable for $125. The large sleigh holds up to 14 people and costs $24 per person, said Sue Connell of Cornerstone Ranch, and noted “we have a brand new large sleigh on its way here for the upcoming season!” When there is not enough snow for the sleighs, horse-drawn wagons are used. Rides are a half-hour in length and include unlimited time at a fire pit with hot chocolate and s’mores available. To schedule a ride, visit the reservations page at cornerstoneranch.org.
Salem Cross Inn
260 W Main St., West Brookfield Salem Cross Inn takes guests back in time, welcoming them into its colonial dining rooms, an antique-decorated Inn and at seasonal events, like the Fireplace Feasts, held on select dates from November through April. The participatory feast events feature horse-drawn rides prior to warming up fireside over mulled cider and mulled wine, and, you guessed it, a feast. When there is snow on the ground, horse-drawn sleigh rides bring guests through the fields of the Salem Cross.
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Martha Salem-Leasca, part of the Salem Cross Inn family business, said the fireside feast events are a whole experience, and “the sleigh ride is just one facet of it.” Setting the mood for the evening, a 15- to 20-minute sleigh ride - “just long enough to get your cheeks rosy,” said Salem-Leasca – takes guests across the fields behind the restaurant. “When the moon is out,” said SalemLeasca, “it’s gorgeous, shining over the hills and valleys.” Salem-Leasca said the experience is truly a special one. “To hear the blades skimming over the snow, is really neat.” Find a list of Fireplace Feast dates and sleigh rides at salemcrossinn.com/ events/dining-events/fireplace-feast/.
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STEVEN KING
Craft Fairs and Art Sales begins on page 16
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SNEAKERAMA is the area’s premier footwear shop helping you put your best foot forward.
Carrying an expanded variety of popular UGG footwear from Australia at outlet prices, these shoes are made from the finest material to provide comfort, luxury and warmth this winter season. Sneakerama also carries Nike, Asics and Brooks … just to name a few! Visit them at Rte. 9 and Lake Ave., Worcester. 508-799-7278 or sneakerama.com
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CRAFT FAIRS AND ART SALES continued from page 14
BUY LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISANS AND CRAFTERS WHOSE WORK WILL BE FOR SALE AT AREA FESTIVALS AND SALES.
Fair Trade Sale
Holiday Gifts 2015
St. Petersburg Symphony Canadian Brass Jamie Barton State of Mexico Symphony Boston Philharmonic Danú 20th Anniversary Tour Worcester Chorus Russian National Ballet Theatre “Giselle” Brentano Quartet Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Jeremy Denk
Stay Tuned for On-line “Black Friday” Sale
Friday, Nov. 21, from 6-8 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 9 Upper River St. (Rt. 148), Brookfield The Committee for Ecology and Social Action hosts its annual sale in the parlor of the Brookfield Unitarian Universalist Church. Items for sale will include crafts and folk art from Guatemala and other developing countries, as well as goods made by craftsmen at the Dismas house. buuc.org.
Castleberry Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
Friday, Nov. 21, from 2-8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester The annual festival returns to the DCU Center, featuring artists and their wares. Admission is $8 for adults, those younger than 12 get in for free, one admission is good for all three days. castleberryfairs.com.
Shepherd Hill’s 2014 Festival of Crafts
MusicWorcester.org
Dinner Packages, Student & Youth Pricing 508.754.3231 16Gift Guide 2014 copy.indd
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Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shepherd Hill Regional High School, 68 Dudley Oxford Rd., Dudley This annual juried craft fair brings together a variety of more than 125 crafters. Admission is $5, parking is free.
Holiday Festival of Crafts
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 28-30 Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester This juried exhibition and sale features artists who work in a variety of mediums. worcestercraftcenter.org.
Fire Works Holiday Open Studio & Sale
Friday, Dec. 5, from 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fire Works Studio, in the Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester. The artists of the Fire Works Studio in Worcester celebrate their 12th annual holiday open studio and sale event, during which each displays their wares with a price tag to the general public in their very own work space. thefireworksinc.net.
Craftershock 2014
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Worcester Roller Derby, 34 Suffolk St., Worcester The Worcester Roller Derby, for the fourth year in a row, hosts the city’s alternative craft fair with more than 80 local artists and crafters. Jewelry, fine art and photography,
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vintage goods, handbags, home décor and more will be for sale. Find the event on facebook.
Living Gift Market
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Heifer International, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland The annual living gift market offers visitors gift ideas that make a difference in others’ lives. Information will be available on how sponsoring an animal, like a goat, a llama or water buffalo can provide food and income for hungry families. There will also be more traditional fair-trade gifts from around the world available for purchase. Hot cocoa and cider, and gingerbread animal cookies will be offered and guests can warm up by a bonfire. A canned goods donation is asked as admission. Heifer.org.
stART at the Station
Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester stART on the Street, Worcester’s largest annual arts and crafts festival, moves inside for the holiday season. Artists and crafters display for sale textiles, pottery, stained glass, fine jewelry, photography, pet wares, holiday cards, ornaments and more. Union Station restaurants will offer a full bar and a light menu during the event. startonthestreet.com/start-station.
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PHOTO SUBMITTED
Gifts from the Heart
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Nicole DeFeudis
W
inding checkout lines, crowded aisles and deterring back-orders may send shoppers searching for alternative gifts this holiday season. Fortunately, the Worcester area is abundant with artistic solutions to satisfy every bargain hunter and save customers from hectic department store encounters.
Businesses and organizations such as Claytime and the Worcester Center for Crafts (WCC) offer nifty do-it-yourself (DIY) substitutions for the average stocking stuffer. Between these two creative establishments, Worcester’s gift-givers are supplied with ample opportunities to form customized presents. No elves required. Claytime, in Shrewsbury, welcomes all those who are imaginative with a brush to design festive holiday gifts. Upon walking through the door – open Monday through
Friday, from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.; and Sunday, from 12- 6 p.m. - guests instantly become crafty clay painters. When it comes to holiday gifts, Claytime has a “wide variety of things” to make, said Christine Simonds, an employee of Claytime. Some options for a sincere present include “picture frames, ornaments, handprint plates and mugs, and all kinds of holiday figurines.” Once selecting a clay piece to decorate, visitors can stroke, splash or sponge color onto the gray surface, making the object entirely their own. “A handmade gift has a lot more heart in it,” Simonds stated. Regarding original gifts, Simonds said artwork involves more consideration than items purchased from the store — and according to Simonds, creations straight from the kiln are sure to warm a loved one’s heart. Meanwhile, the Worcester Center for Crafts is bustling with holiday excitement. Creative members of the Worcester community are encouraged to enlist for a number of seasonal workshops. Among the list of lessons are instructions for hand-blown glass ornaments on Dec. 5, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.; training for making ceramic candle holders on Dec. 9, from 6:30-9 p.m.; and much more. Voicing the significance of handmade gifts, Honee Hess, executive director for the WCC, said, “I think that gift giving is a really personal thing.” Along with the artwork itself,
continued on page 21
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THE SHOP AT TOWER HILL BOTANIC GARDEN Daily 9 a.m – 5 p.m. Wednesday + Thursday Evenings ’til 9 p.m. HOLLY DAYS 2014 November 28 – January 4 11 French Drive, Boylston 508-869-6111 towerhillbg.org JOJO LOVES YOU Handmade bling of Swarovski crystals in every imaginable color, made with love in Boston, Mass! Start your collection or add to it! Don’t wait until the style you love retires!
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find out why patrons have been buying Eaton Farm chocolate and candy treats for decades. And, where else can one claim to be the Home of he Peanut Butter Lust Bar! Stock up now for the holidays. An Eaton Farm gift box is perfect for any occasion. 30 Burbank Road, Sutton 508-865-5235 eatonfarmcandies.com
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HANDMADE GIFTS continued from page 19
Hess believes that “to be able to invest your time in (the) making becomes the gift as well.” If visitors do not have enough time to create their own gifts, though, they are always able to purchase pre-made pieces on location. Hess said the eye-catching “objects by artists of the highest caliber” simply await a wrapping paper topping. Homemade offerings tie fondly into Hess’ past. She recalled upon a tradition in which her family members would choose one person to provide a present to. Each year, Hess hoped to receive a gift from her cousin, who had a knack for transforming slabs of wood into desirable items. To this day, she has preserved one of his wooden masterpieces. “I still treasure that present that he gave me,” she confessed, “that was made out of wood, by him.” Hess hopes that other families will spark their own stories based upon productions from the WCC. Claytime and the Worcester Center for Crafts are on a mission to show Worcester the benefits of DIY gifting. By providing the community with an outlet for merry innovation, they are sprucing up the holiday season with joyful tidings from the soul. Visit Claytime at 124 Boston Tnpk., Shrewsbury or at claytimestudio.com. Worcester Center for Crafts is located at 25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester and online at worcestercraftcenter.org.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSIC WORCESTER
Holiday Performances
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Brittany Durgin
“Elf” The Broadway Musical
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-22 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 and 6:30 p.m. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester The story of a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into PHOTO SUBMITTED
Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. He embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets range in price from $39-$69. thehanovertheatre.org.
We Need A Little Christmas: An Evening of Barbershop Harmony
Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester The Worcester Men of Song, a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, perform their four-part, close harmony a capella-style singing at the annual show, welcoming the Christmas season. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating. mechanicshall.org.
“The Nutcracker”
Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Ballet Arts Worcester and Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra present “The Nutcracker.” Tickets range in price from $24-$36. thehanovertheatre.org.
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continued on page 25
hristmas byCandlelight
4 to 9 p.m. at Old Sturbridge Village
PRESENTED BY:
December 5 - 7, 12 - 14 and 19 - 21
• Live Musical Performances • Carolers and Sing-a-Longs • Gingerbread House Contest • Winter Sleigh Rides* • Visit Santa Claus • Roasting Chestnuts
*weather permitting
An evening of holiday fun for the whole family. To purchase advanced tickets go to www.osv.org Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA
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STEVEN KING
Cheers! Cranberry Old Fashioned Âź orange slice 1 tsp. sugar 3 dashes bitter 2 ounces Makers Mark Whiskey ice 1 tbsp. whole cranberry sauce soda water Muddle orange slice, sugar and bitter. Add whiskey, ice and cranberry sauce and stir. Top with soda water.
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HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE continued from page 23
COURTESY OF MUSIC WORCESTER
New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds and Concert Choir
Wednesday, Dec. 3 at noon Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester As part of the Brown Bag Concerts series, the New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds and Concert Choir, conducted by William Drury, perform a special holiday show. Admission is free. mechanicshall.org.
Boston Pops Holiday Concert
Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with conductor Keith Lockhart perform holiday classics, their own “Sleigh Ride� and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. Tickets range in price from $55-$125. thehanovertheatre.org.
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Holiday Pops
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE continued from page 25
Worcester Chorus performs Handel’s Messiah
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester An annual event, the Messiah holiday concert this year features high school students through the Festival Singers program, including students from South Community High School and Wachusett Regional High School. Tickets are $42 for adults, $15 for students and $5 for youth. musicworcester.org.
Holiday Spectacular 2014
Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1 and 6 p.m. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester A holiday show with singing, dancing snowmen, reindeer and hot chocolate for everyone. Tickets range in price from $26-$32. thehanovertheatre.org.
WXLO’s Acoustic Xmas
Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Worcester’s radio station WXLO presents live performances by O.A.R., Andy Grammer, Gabrielle Ross and others to be announced. Tickets range from $42.50-$65. mechanicshall.org.
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra performs traditional favorites of the season, light classics, dance theatre, chorus and the Best of Broadway. Tickets are $45 for floor table and $37 for balcony seating. Table seating reservations can be made by calling Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra at 508-754-1234. Balcony seating reservations can be made at mechanicshall.org.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 and 5 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Dance Prism, with dancers from throughout the Northeast region and eastern seaboard, performs The Nutcracker ballet. Tickets are $24 for adults, $18 for children and seniors. For pricing on special programs for youth groups and group discounts, call Dance Prism at 978-371-1038. Other reservations can be made at mechanicshall.org.
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan
Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester WGBH presents the annual holiday performance with Brian O’Donovan. Performances include those by some of the best
DANCE
into the Holidays! Give the gift of Dance this Holiday Season with a Gift Certificate to Fred Astaire Dance Studio!
Fred Astaire Dance Studio 319 Shrewsbury St., Worcester fredastaireworcester.com
508-755-8635
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musicians, singers and dancers from around the Celtic world. Tickets range in price from $46-$58. thehanovertheatre.org. COURTESY OF MECHANICS HALL
Worcester Organ Festival Holiday Concert
Wednesday, Dec. 17 at noon Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester A holiday concert of Advent and Christmas carols from the 16th century to the present day. The concert will feature singalong Christmas carols. Admission is free. mechanicshall.org.
Rockin’ The Holidays With Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals is a family-friendly concert event, featuring a mix of music and entertainment. The performance will be backed by the Worcester State University choir. Tickets are $59 and $69. mechanicshall.org.
“A Christmas Carol”
Friday, Dec. 19 and 26 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20 and 27 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 21 and 28 at 1 p.m. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester An adaptation by Troy Siebels of the classic Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets range in price from $28-$52. thehanovertheatre.org.
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STEVEN KING
Secret Ingredients From our home to yours, the staff of the Holden Landmark Corp, parent company of Worcester Magazine, share their own favorite holiday recipes.
Plain Donuts 1 cup sugar 1tbsp. Butter 2 eggs 1 cup milk 4 1/2 cups flour, sifted well 4 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. cinnamon
Beat eggs, sugar and butter. Add milk. Sift dry ingredients and add egg mixture. Mix to a soft dough, roll 1/4-inch thick. Fry at 380 degrees, flipping once until golden brown.
-Recipe by Annie Fox, from the family of Steven King, Holden Landmark Corp photographer
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Nuke It Apple Crisp 3 cups chopped apples 3/4 cup Bisquick 1/2 cup quick cooking oats 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 3 tbsp. softened butter 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Peanut Butter Truffles 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 cup chocolate chips
In bowl, stir together peanut butter, light brown sugar, egg and baking soda until well mixed. Add chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoon on non-greased cookie sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for nine minutes. Let cool completely before removing from cookie sheet. -Phyllis Booth, Holden Landmark reporter
Green Bean Casserole
Put all apples in an 8x8 inch glass pan. In a bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Mix in softened butter with dry ingredients. Pour mix evenly over apples. Microwave uncovered for 10-12 minutes on high. Enjoy with a nice scoop of ice cream. -Bess Couture, Holden Landmark Corp. graphic designer
Gingerbread Cookies
1 cup plus 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. Molasses 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 2 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tbsp. Ginger 1 tbsp. Cinnamon 2 tsp. ground cloves 1 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. all spice 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg
Beat butter and brown sugar in bowl. Add egg and molasses, beat. Stir in remaining ingredients except sugar. Chill dough for at least two hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar and place on cookie sheet. Bake eight-10 minutes. -Kimberly Petalas, Holden Landmark assistant editor
1/3 stick butter 1/2 cup diced onions 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 2 cups sliced, fresh green beans 3 cups chicken broth 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can French fried onion rings (big can or small can, depending on preference) 1 cup grated cheddar cheese A pinch of salt, pepper and garlic powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in skillet and saute onions and mushrooms. Separately, boil green beans in chicken broth for 10 minutes, drain. Add green beans, mushroom soup, 2/3 of the can of onion rings and seasonings to the onion and mushrooms in the skillet. Stir well. Pour mixture into greased baking dish. Add remaining onion rings on top. Bake for 20 minutes. Add cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve warm. -Kimberly Petalas, Holden Landmark assistant editor
Apple Brownies
1 stick butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup flour 1 large Macintosh apple peeled, cored and diced vanilla ice cream or whip cream (optional) Melt butter, add sugar, then all other ingredients. Mix thoroughly, stirring by hand. Spread into 8x8 inch greased metal pan. Sprinkle top with sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. -Phyllis Booth, Holden Landmark reporter
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