Worcester Magazine January 5 - 11, 2017

JANUARY 5 - 11, 2017

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Kirk A. Davis President Kathleen Real-Benoit Publisher x331 Walter Bird Jr. Editor x322 Joshua Lyford x325, Tom Quinn x324 Reporters Tom Matthews x326 Reporter and Social Media Coordinator Sarah Connell, Brendan Egan, Brian Goslow, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Jessica Picard, Corlyn Vooorhees, Contributing Writers Lillian Cohen, Cassidy Wang, Editorial Interns Don Cloutier Director of Creative Services x141 Kimberly Vasseur Creative Director/Assistant Director of Creative Services x142 Matthew Fatcheric, Becky Gill, Stephanie Mallard, David Rand Creative Services Department Helen Linnehan Ad Director x333 Diane Galipeau x335, Rick McGrail x334, Ryan Prashad x336, Media Consultants Kathryn Connolly Media Coordinator x332 Michelle Purdie Classified Sales Specialist x433 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.

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&2015 2016

N

o, money does not actually make the world go ‘round. It does, however, pay the bills and help you provide for your family. As a high school student looking to go to college, while dollar signs should not be the driving factor, if a good-paying job is on your radar, some majors will lead you to the green quicker than others. This week, Lillian Cohen gives you her Top 10 highest-paying jobs by college major. For good measure, she also includes 10 jobs that may not make you rich in money, but could fill your heart. If you or your child are getting ready to decide where to go to school – and are thinking about majors – read this issue first.

Winter Education Series

- Walter Bird Jr., editor

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{ citydesk }

January 5 - 11, 2017 n Volume 42, Number 19

Advocates hoping to spice up handball scene in Worcester

Tom Quinn

W

orcester, despite the best efforts of some dedicated individuals, is not known as a sporty city. But the region is home to a chapter in the growing handball movement, as the New England Handball Association strives to preserve and improve the few remaining handball courts in the city, while gingerly pushing local officials toward more construction.

And while advocates are taking baby steps for now, the hope is that the sport — played by both prison inmates and lawyers in posh country clubs — blossoms into the next big thing in New England athletics.

American handball — basically racquetball without the rackets, not the Olympic version that more closely resembles soccer — is popular for a number of reasons, according to Nancy and William Ortiz, a husband and wife duo who run NEHA and reside in Cherry Valley. For one, it is cheap, requiring only a ball and a wall – or three or four walls, depending on the variant. It’s a good workout, exercising both sides of the body somewhat equally, unlike such sports as basketball or tennis. The only problem? It’s tough to find space to play in central Massachusetts.

“We’ve been advocating for preserving the existing handball courts in Worcester,” Nancy Ortiz said. “... A lot of the courts are being removed all over New England.”

Currently, the City of Worcester has handball courts available to the public in Crompton Park, Green Hill Park and in South Worcester on Camp Street, although Ortiz said the courts at that last location are not regulation-size – a common theme, as when many courts were built they were built poorly or with odd defects.

“It’s like having a basketball hoop and having it sideways … or you make a tennis court with a fence one inch behind the line,” William Ortiz said of some of the problems with current outdoor handball courts.

This winter has been especially hard for handball fans, as indoor locations such as the YMCA have removed their handball courts, causing local players to travel hours just to find space to play. Outdoor spaces aren’t easy to find locally either, and courts at Castle Park were demolished by the city last year amid complaints of illicit activity and vandalism.

“When you have the walls, it goes with the territory, there’s going to be a lot of graffiti,” William Ortiz said. “But the way to combat that is by having people [playing] on the court … We try to get people to play, and they take ownership of the court, and they stop writing on it.”

There is good news, though, as the courts at Crompton Park are new and have replaced the lost courts at Castle Park, and William and Nancy Ortiz complimented master plan designs that lead to more courts down the road. But they are also pushing for more, specifically

WOO-TOWN INDE X A weekly quality of life check-in of Worcester

It could use some tweaks – maybe even some major ones – but First Night Worcester remains a good, family-oriented way to spend New Year’s Eve. +2

4

The clear standout performance from First Night Worcester was the fire dance at Institute Park. +3

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 5, 2017

Fun as it was, one couldn’t help but worry what would have happened to Sasha the fire dancer had something gone wrong, as there were no visible on-duty firefighters. -2

Maybe it was the holidays, but work crews dug up a big chunk of pavement on Melville Street to fix a water leak – and left if filled in only with some dirt, surrounded by orange cones for several days. -2

COURTESY OF NANCY ORTIZ

Players in a 1Wall handball tournament at the Camp Street handball courts. more fencing at Green Hill Park to keep balls in and skateboarders out, while offering continued help with maintenance and painting.

They are also trying to educate people about handball, which includes myth-busting for a sport that traditionally runs under the radar.

The T&G served up two pretty conflicting views of Worcester’s future, with a story pointing out Worcester’s new look, while Jay Givan served up a kiss to AtLarge Councilor Mike Gaffney and insulted everyone else for not traveling enough – while pointing out how much he loves California. -1

“We want to avoid this stereotype of handball as a prison sport,” Nancy Ortiz said.

Handball is popular in lockups across the country for some of the same reasons it is popular on the outside – it is one of the cheapest sports to play, requiring only a small continued on page 6

+6

Total for this week: Congratulations to Jose Martinez and Ashlie Hernandez on the birth of their son, Ayden, the first baby born in 2017 at UMass Memorial Medical Center. +3

Here’s to efforts to update the city website – and a show of support for School Committee member Brian O’Connell’s push for the school district to do the same. +2

The weather may have warmed up a bit, but small ponds like the one at Elm Park remained frozen, allowing for some friendly hockey games. +1

City maintenance partnerships a hit with Little Leagues Tom Quinn

I

t can be difficult to remember, in the middle of winter, that hope is on the horizon in the form of baseball season starting up again.

But it can also be difficult to remember that youth baseball leagues across the city will be paying most of the way themselves – not just in the form of equipment costs, but for field maintenance and upkeep.

The Parks Division partners with 14 different organizations for field maintenance and management, a city spokesperson said.

Baseball and softball dominate that list, with eight Little League and four Babe Ruth groups chipping in to help at fields across the city. Worcester State University does work at Rockwood Field, while the Worcester Vikings Pop Warner team is also on the list.

But baseball is the most common sport on the list, which could be due in part to the exhaustive nature of maintenance work needed during the season to keep the fields in top-flight shape.

“The city is not responsible for inside-thefence maintenance, the way I understand it,” Jack Barry Little League President Dante Simone said. “It’s up to each league to cut the grass inside the fence.”

The total amount of work done varies, according to the city, based on such factors as the number of volunteers the league supplies. Simone, though, said the league’s efforts weren’t just confined to cleaning and busywork. In fact, he said, Jack Barry has invested around $25,000 in equipment.

Likewise, Joe Schwartz Little League President Ron Miller said his league’s volunteers can spend around 40 hours per

{ citydesk } TOM QUINN

Harrington Field, the home field for Jack Barry Little League

week during the season maintaining their field.

“We pretty much do all of our day to day maintenance for the field,” Miller said. “We all

put in a lot of time, money and effort to make Joe Schwartz one of the best-looking fields in the city.”

The catch is, of course, none of the

groups contributing time or money to the betterment of the fields own the property, as it is all public city land. But turning down continued on page 7

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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HANDBALL continued from page 4

rubber ball that can cost as little as $2. It doesn’t require many people to start a game, and especially in a prison yard, blank walls are commonplace. William Ortiz said the sport can be a great re-entry mechanism for former prisoners, and that he has seen connections made at handball games that can benefit people for the rest of their lives.

“You have a person who did 10 to 15 years [in prison] playing with a doctor or a lawyer,” he said. “It really builds bridges … We bring them into our group. We try to connect them with people who are hiring.”

Despite that wrinkle, Nancy said NEHA – formerly the Worcester Handball Association – is really trying to reach youth. She is planning handball clinics for local high schools in the coming months, with the goal being to educate a younger generation about the sport and raise its stature in the coming years.

But even that doesn’t tell the full story of handball’s ideal demographic, described as “eight to 80 years old” by the couple. William in particular said, while he is also a fan of other sports, handball puts him on the most level playing field with younger players: while it requires a great deal of hand-eye coordination and reaction speed, it’s not as physical as more popular sports.

“It’s hard for me to play basketball the way I used to at 45 [years old],” he said.

COURTESY OF NANCY ORTIZ

{ citydesk }

Nancy and William Ortiz playing handball in a 1Wall handball tournament at the Camp Street handball courts.

Handball does share a common theme with other sports that have been stymied by a lack of suitable space in Worcester, notably soccer and rugby. Like those other sports, which have advocates pushing for more rectangular field space, handball is much more popular in other

countries. That doesn’t mean it can’t work here, though, William and Nancy Ortiz say.

“We have players from Ireland, from Canada coming here to play in Boston,” William Ortiz said. “They used to come to Worcester, but they took the courts out.”

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Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@ worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

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{ citydesk } FIELDS continued from page 5

free upkeep would be madness in a city that routinely complains of tight budgets, and sports leagues can get in contact with the city to work out an agreement to help with field maintenance. For some, such as the soccer or rugby groups that have been lobbying for more rectangular fields, that idea is fairly new, and could be a plan for the future. But for baseball, the partnership has been going on for long enough that it feels routine.

“The same group of people have been here for 10 plus years,” Simone said. “We like to take care of it the way we like, we can do it to our specifications.”

That’s not to say the city isn’t doing its part for field maintenance, as master plans

expense for the kids to play baseball.”

It’s not all sunshine and roses in the relationship between Jack Barry and the city, though. Taking any form of ownership over a field comes with risks, and in Jack Barry’s case, Simone said a toilet drain issue at the park that required plumbing work was paid for by the Little League – a fact Simone only found out about after the Parks Department reimbursed his league for some maintenance costs and came up nearly $1,000 short.

Simone said the league should not be held responsible for toilets at the field, and has been fighting to get the money back for other purposes before the start of next season.

“It’s really a shame that the Parks Department [and the] city would steal $1,000

We do bear a big expense for the kids to play baseball.

— Jack Barry Little League President Dante Simone float through the bureaucratic ether regularly, making more playing space available. And the city does work with sports leagues on reimbursement for some costs, leaving the implementation to the leagues while still paying for the equipment and supplies.

“When we do need something from the city, they’ve done a good job of coming through for us,” Miller said. “But we don’t require a lot of help from the city. We do a pretty good job self-funding.”

League organizers are cognizant that hosting hundreds of kids across dozens of leagues for a good chunk of the spring and summer does require some sort of contribution from the people putting added feet on the grass.

“From a needle to a spaceship needs to get done,” Simone said. “We do bear a big

Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@ worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

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A CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Worcester Magazine will publish Sprint Arts Preview 2017 on March 23. To make sure you’re not on the outside looking in, be sure to let us know now what you have going on this spring. This very special annual issue will feature museum exhibits, arts galleries, book signings, local film screenings and concerts in and around Central Mass. We will include listings and stories highlighting what is going on in the arts community.

The listings will run through June 21. If you have an event within the Central Mass arts community, let us know by emailing the editor at wbird@worcestermag.com. You may also Direct Message us on Worcester Magazine’s Facebook Page.

Your submission should include all relevant information (think Who, What, When and Where). A person of contact should also be included, and if you have high- and low-res, high-quality images, feel free to include. Small images will not be accepted.

Please send in all submissions by Jan. 31, or notify the editor if special accommodation is required.

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from kids to snake a drain,” Simone said.

Not every league is the same, of course. But in general, the attitude seemed to be that for a cash-strapped city and a sports scene reliant on quality playing fields, partnering up is a win-win.

“We don’t own the land, it’s the city’s park, and I think it’s a good arrangement for us,” Miller said. “It’s a ton of work, but the benefits for me outweigh the work.”

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JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ worcesteria }

Tom Quinn

POKE AND PRODIGAL:

It’s like they say in the Bible – you either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain (Matthew 21:18-22). The saga around Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been intriguing for a couple reasons. First was the conflict, between a Catholic Diocese of Worcester that wanted to tear the ailing structure down and a grassroots Mount Carmel Preservation Society that wanted to save it. Second was the cooperation, as MPS managed to gain the attention and time of elected City Councilors and the city Historical Commission, convincing a great number of people that saving the historic Italian-American church was a community benefit, not just a pet project for one faction of one religious group. Well, MPS decided to mend its great schism and shut down both of those story lines this week. This reporter and two Telegram journalists were told – very politely – that a Monday MPS meeting held to spread the good news about a sit-down with Bishop Robert McManus at the end of last week was not actually an open meeting, citing a request by the Bishop to keep negotiations out of the media spotlight. “Thank you for understanding,” MPS President Mauro DePasquale said on the way out. You bet I understand – the media is real useful when you’re rallying voters to put pressure on politicians, but not so important now that the Diocese has agreed to maybe work with MPS on getting money to pay for repairs, facing a now-postponed Historic District application that would hamstring parish leadership.

DePasquale said the MPS board is working on a statement to be released, “when we feel it appropriate with respect to our discussions to date with the Bishop and the Monsignor and the consensus of our Society.” Translation – we’ll go back to using the media if negotiations with the Diocese break down. But look, this column has always been about disproportionate responses to minor injustices (2 Kings 2:23-24). We try to be fair and objective in other sections, and if MPS ever sees the light and decides to involve the public’s eyes and ears in their crusade again, we’ll gladly come along for the ride.

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HUNCHBACK TO BACK: “Doesn’t

he know there is another historic Catholic church in the downtown area being propped up by a oneyear demolition delay rule imposed by the Historic Commission after community outrage?” grumbles the well-informed reader, aghast at all the attention being paid to Our Lady of the Highway. Well, today is your lucky day, as Preservation Worcester recently started a petition asking CitySquare Shadow Corporation to “Re-imagine Notre Dame! Don’t Tear It Down!” The well-informed reader will no doubt remember that the people behind CitySquare – that’s the mass of steel beams by Washington Square – applied to demolish the structure on April Fools Day 2016, which means the wrecking ball will hit in about three months. And rest assured – the wrecking ball will hit.

Remember, this is the same group that was accused of not taking any steps to find a re-use for the building and of intentionally not maintaining the structure in what preservationists called “demolition by neglect,” and what the Historical Commission chairperson called a “cloak and dagger” plan after they declined to provide supporting documentation for their statements.

You don’t bet against people who can spit in the city’s face and still get nothing but praise from local electeds, a few exceptions notwithstanding. Speaking of, Preservation Worcester’s petition is also addressed to Mayor Joe Petty and the City Council. I know it’s not a house of God anymore, so politicians can cross the threshold, but do you really think the same people who have been talking up CitySquare for the last few years are going to be your saviors here? It’s been closed since 2010, so all the voters have found other churches or hobbies. The online petition had 769 signatures as of press time.

SUPERMASS: This is Worcesteria: Catholic edition. The Christmas Eve Mass at the Worcester County House of Correction, an annual event, was canceled this year after jail officials wouldn’t let Bishop Robert McManus bring wine into the building, according to a Telegram report. According to a deputy sheriff, banning the wine – used in tandem with bread in Catholic services – was a misunderstanding, and a new policy will treat it the same as weed. That is to say, an ounce at most and you’re good. Most people in jail have drug or alcohol issues, the logic goes, and wine is contraband no matter how blessed it is. But now that an arrangement has been reached, both sides said they are looking forward to continuing the tradition in the future.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 5, 2017

{ worcesteria } ARMORY ROBBER ON RUN: As of press time, James Morales is still continuing his quest to prove the incompetence of every law enforcement-adjacent industry, as Massachusetts State Police added him to their Most Wanted list after a Rhode Island prison escape – an escape that went unreported to authorities until nearly five hours later. The former Army reservist is notable in Worcester for stealing 16 guns from the Army Reserve armory on North Lake Avenue, cutting a hole in the top of the gun vault and making off with goods. At last check, five handguns were still missing, and a few months ago Telegram reporter Brad Petrishen overheard a U.S. Attorney saying one of the firearms showed up in an armed robbery in Boston. Authorities pinned the armory theft on Morales after tracking data from an electronic monitoring bracelet he was wearing as part of his arraignment on charges of raping a child placed him at the scene.

Morales is dangerous, in case you haven’t gathered that. The U.S. Marshals tip line is 1-800336-0102.

WELCOME TO YOUR LIFE: Congratulations to Zachary Pearson, a Barre resident who turned Christmas scratch tickets into a good chunk of change. The Massachusetts State Lottery, which announces winners in their ongoing statesponsored gambling addiction drive, claims Pearson won “$1,000 a week for life.” Pearson is 19 years old, so at first blush it seems like he’d get more use out of that prize than most winners. Nope – if it’s too good to be true, it probably is, especially if the government is involved somehow. Turns out there is a “minimum 20-year guarantee” for the winnings.

So if Pearson drops dead before age 40 this is a grand a week for life. Otherwise, it’s about $1 million before taxes – still a good chunk of change, just not quite the lifetime guarantee promised.

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VALUABLE SNOW: The city’s first winter storm parking ban of the year last month resulted

in a pretty good haul for the city. Officers gave out 565 tickets, which is more than $28,000 in fines if everyone pays. Worcester police also requested around 370 tow jobs, according to a list supplied by a city spokesperson. As a frame of reference, during the city’s famous incident last winter where they started ticketing and towing with negative one hours of notice, 739 tickets were given out and 347 cars were towed. We’ll see what the numbers are like for the rest of the winter – intuition would say the first storm of the season would always catch the most people off-guard, but the citizens of Worcester have surprised us before.

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FREE ADVERTISEMENT: MassLive had perhaps the quickest self-contained news cycle

of the season with a recent two-part series on the Worcester Free Store. “The Worcester Free Store might close if it can’t pay the rent,” read a headline from Dec. 29. Five days later, on Jan. 3 - “The Worcester Free Store, which offers goods for free, will remain open.” Glad we got that settled. The Free Store, for those who blinked and missed the story, is a Cambridge Street nonprofit that gives away up to 10 items at a time to people who need them, making money by fixing up and selling some of the choicer donations. After an online crowdfunding campaign and a benefit concert, the Free Store raised around $900, according to MassLive – enough to keep it afloat, for now. Somewhere in the mix they also secured a vehicle for picking up donations, which could help future revenue.

LOOSE(MORE)LY SPEAKING: Well, that didn’t take long. We knew the Worcester

Regional Chamber of Commerce couldn’t be pleased with the outcome of the city’s recent tax classification hearing. Business tax rates dropped, but not nearly as much as the Chamber had hoped – and had been advocating for. Well, the fallout now features a rather entertaining Twitter feud between At-Large Councilor Mike Gaffney, who appears to have convinced himself he is responsible for everything good that happens in Worcester (If Mount Carmel is saved, it won’t be long before Gaffney claims credit), and the Chamber’s Stu Loosemore. The latter poked fun at the former’s “crocodile tears” in a post on Twitter. Gaffney called the Chamber “hacks” and took responsibility for cutting $3.5 million from the budget – which isn’t true at all, of course. At-Large Councilor Konnie Lukes proposed cutting $3 million from the North High School Stabilization fund, a motion that garnered support from six of her colleagues, including Gaffney. However, Gaffney’s only proposed cut was to Other Post-Employment Benefits – you know, that rather costly thing he has previously criticized the city for not properly funding. Lukes’ plan got him off the hook, so he quickly withdrew his proposal. The other “cut” he is referring to was his last-minute suggestion that the city increase revenue projections, which would allow the city to keep the tax rate down. Twitter wars are so fun!

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Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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commentary | opinions slants& rants { }

Editorial

Worcester is moving ahead

I

t was raised by a contributing writer in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette recently: Will Worcester ever truly move forward?

The answer, of course, is it has been moving forward for a while. But the critics, cynics and naysayers willfully ignore any progress, particularly if it is accomplished with political interests other than their own. Real, sustainable progress takes years, not days, weeks or months. As such, it is much easier to lament what is not and wax poetic over what was instead of appreciating what is and what can be.

So what “is” Worcester?

It is home to an ever-growing and vibrant arts community, having just hosted the east coast’s first POW! WOW! festival.

It is home to several highly-ranked and well thought-of colleges and universities, which themselves serve as melting pots for young men and women from around the globe.

It is a place where 60 or so public parks beckon to residents young and old.

It is a safe city. That bears repeating: it is a safe city. It is not a Utopia where crime and violence does not happen. It is the second largest city in New England populated by a diverse people, which unsurprisingly includes a criminal element. There are spikes of violence that cause concern – as they should. But contrary to what you have been fed by those with politically-motivated interests, Worcester is a safe place to live.

It is a good place for entrepreneurs, as witnessed by the start-ups and other ventures that have come online in recent years.

It is a hub of innovation and ideas, with a history of contribution to science, technology and more.

It is where businesses such as Table Talk Pies and Polar Beverages have set up shop for years, refusing to leave even when it might be more profitable to do so (Table Talk did move a division outside the city, but is in the process of expanding in Worcester).

It is where thousands of immigrants have settled – people like Worcester Magazine Hometown Hero Paw Wah — making it their home, starting businesses and trying to make a better life.

It is where sports refuses to die, with another hockey team, Worcester Railers, ready to hit the ice and a baseball team, Worcester Bravehearts, having already captured two championships in three years of existence.

There is always room for improvement. Worcester could be cleaner, and in our next issue we’ll mention one of the efforts we’d like to see in that regard. It could be easier to navigate – as a motorist, a pedestrian, a cyclist, etc. It could always be safer. Until there are no murders in the city, one can make that claim. Its schools can – and should – continue to improve.

Being clear: it is not only acceptable to criticize and question, it is necessary. But there must be some balance. If all one does is criticize and blame, it loses its weight. There should be praise and acknowledgment sprinkled in among the complaints and criticisms.

It is, likewise, perfectly OK to sing Worcester’s praises. Again, there must be balance. One cannot be blind to the need for improvement and problem areas.

One also should be rooted in reality. Will Worcester ever truly move forward? It already has, although when may depend on your frame of reference. One could argue the forward movement started when the Worcester Galleria came down. Worcester is moving forward and much can and should be done to turn the little steps into giant ones, the bad into good and the good into great.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• JANUARY 5, 2017

Harvey

Semper Fi, boys

Janice Harvey

W

hen I learned that Sam Serafin and Jonathan Mitchell were heading to Parris Island for boot camp during the first days of the New Year, I knew I had to see my boys one more time before they became Marines. Thousands of kids have come in and out of my life as an educator, and many have left an indelible mark on my heart, but Sam and Jon tugged on my Mom strings like no others.

It seemed only right that we meet at George’s Coney Island for our last lunch together. What’s more Worcester than the Island? As they entered the landmark eatery, I was struck by the sight of kids who became adults when I wasn’t looking. When did it happen that the two pipsqueaks who entered my classroom as freshmen became guys who are capable of defending our country? Five years ago, I couldn’t get either one to stop talking without utilizing my patented Harvey glare, complete with raised eyebrow, and now they’ll have to take orders without giving any lip.

Sam and Jon have been best friends since attending third grade at Lake View Elementary School, and two more different boys I can’t imagine. Sam is a born skeptic, sizing up every situation and sniffing for insincerity like a bloodhound on a fugitive’s trail. As freshmen, Sam was a kid-sized old soul, while Jonathan was wide-eyed and guileless. Where Sam questioned everything and everyone, lighthearted Jonathan took most of us at our word. Not all, but most.

It makes sense then, that Sam’s long-term plans include work along those lines. Jonathan hopes to become an airplane mechanic, and both see joining the Marines as a stepping stone to obtaining their goals. They’ve known all along that the military was in their future.

“It’s always been what I wanted to do, that I would someday choose a path of service to the country, somehow … Somehow, I would do my part to contribute,” said Sam. “I really do believe the words of my favorite president, John F. Kennedy. I believe in ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’”

Always ready with a joke, Jonathan smiles a sweet smile and says:” I just want to be a bad ass,” adding sheepishly: “Not really.”

Both young men worked their way through high school. Jonathan assisted in the maintenance of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic church, while Sam stocked shelves at the Grafton Street Stop & Shop before wrapping fish at AP Fish Company.

Both worked the Mt. Carmel Italian Festival annually. Neither one can understand how former high school friends can sit around doing nothing, expecting hand-outs.

“Who doesn’t work?” Sam asked, shaking his head.

Faye Serafin is having a tough time letting her youngest boy fly solo. In many ways, she’s saying goodbye to not one, but two sons, since Jonathan has been a fixture in her kitchen since age 8.

Knowing she won’t see them again until April is tough on the single mom. In these turbulent times, sending your kids into the military can lead to

sleepless nights.

“It seems like I was handing them freeze pops only yesterday,” Faye said.

She’s been fighting back tears unsuccessfully for weeks.

“I drove them everywhere,” she said, “even to the Dollar Store for toys, in my pajamas. And I’d always look in the rear view mirror and say to them: “You two better remember this someday,” and when we went to dinner last week, Jonathan said: “Faye, you did everything for us. And we remember.”

For Sam and Jonathan, being apart from one another will be an adjustment.

“We know that guys can go into the military together and then not see each other for four years,” Sam says. “The hard part will come when we can’t encourage each other with a pat on the back, like always.”

Still, there’s little doubt that time and distance will separate these two. Some friendships fall by the wayside; even the tightest childhood bonds can dissolve over the years and miles. I suspect Sam and Jonathan will someday watch each other’s children grow, long after their uniforms gather dust the attic.

1,001 words

By Victoria Whelan

trash

commentary | opinions

That’s What They Said “Awesome, she’s got guts.”

- Browneyes Iris Tenosiam, commenting on Worcester Magazine’s Facebook page about a video post of the fire dance show at Institute Park during First Night Worcester.

“The message that I tried to shoot out to the kids was that if I come from the same streets you come from, and I didn’t have a parent, or no parents, then a lot of these kids can pretty much see themselves from what I’ve been through.

And they see that I’ve been able to overcome that, so why can’t they?”

- Former professional fighter Jose Antonio Rivera of Worcester, on speaking to youngsters about being able to accomplish anything.

“Math is difficult for these hacks! I cut $3.5 million out of the budget, benefiting business and residents while the Chamber did nothing.”

- At-Large City Councilor Mike Gaffney, in a Tweet slamming the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. His colleague, Konnie Lukes, FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING proposed a $3-million cut from the North High School Stabilization Fund after Gaffney had proposed cutting funding for Other PostEmployment Benefits, which he had previously criticized the city for not properly funding. He withdrew his proposal and supported Lukes’. Gaffney later proposed increasing revenue projections that resulted in having to raise about $500,000 less in property taxes.

Are students wearing belts on buses?

To The Editor: Worcester school buses are equipped with seat belts, but who makes sure that the kids are wearing them? I was a city school bus driver once in this town, and I can tell you there are no monitors on our basic school buses to make sure that the kids buckle up. Even if there were, what kid is going to listen to an adult with very little ability to enforce the regulations?

Six children died in a school bus accident in Tennessee this past November. Johnthony Walker, the bus driver, was a 24-year-old black man with braided dreadlocks hanging off his head. He just plain looked like a bad guy, especially in this post-Trump victory-era of ours. Some people said he was just driving too fast; others say he was heard asking the kids if they wanted to die that day. I’d say based on the witnesses’ statements that his goose is pretty much cooked.

But how many kids on his bus were wearing their seat belts that day? And this begs the question, “If they were, how many of them would still be alive?” Perhaps all of them would be.

However, this won’t change anything, because tomorrow morning all of our city buses are going to roll, and the kids on them still won’t be wearing their seat belts. Those ounces of prevention, people are always talking about, cost way too much for us to worry about, until it’s too late.

DO UG L A S M EDIN A Worcester

The reason why this happens is because of our current 14-gallon, open-topped recycling bins. Recycling is supposed to help cut down on waste, but instead the bins that we use help litter find its way onto our streets, yards and into our sewer drains. Our current bins are also too small for the needs of many households. On recycling day I see many homes that have two or more bins on the curbside; my house is one of them. The homes that only have one bin usually pack the bins to the top with recyclables.

However, there are solutions to this problem. One option would be to adopt the 96-gallon wheeled barrels that are used in places like Somerville, Fitchburg and Holden.

Another alternative would be to adopt the clear plastic recycling bags that were used in a pilot program a few years back. The program was well-received, but there were mixed responses about whether or not people were willing to pay for the recycling bags.

At the Dec. 6 meeting, District 3 Councilor George Russell made it clear that he would not support this change if it meant that residents would have to pay for the bags, like they already have to with trash bags.

Councilor Kate Toomey and Mayor Joe Petty expressed their support for the bags. Councilor Toomey said the cost of implementing this program would be worth the City of Worcester picking up the tab if it meant we would have a clean city.

I am inclined to agree with Councilor Toomey’s stance on the issue. I, personally, would be willing to pay for the bags, but I understand that others may not be able to.

If we ever want to have a cleaner city, we need to explore these recycling alternatives, because what we have now is not working.

Worcester and its residents do not deserve to live in a dirty city, especially when a fair amount of that litter comes from the very tools that are supposed to help us keep our city clean.

Recycling alternatives in Baker’s trip to Worcester the trough E VA N COR R IG A N Worcester

To the editor:

Recycling is supposed to be a well-meaning effort to reduce and reuse. Good intentions do not always produce good results, and this is especially true with regards to our recycling program.

The issue has come before the City Council in the past. It was brought before the Council

by District 5’s Gary Rosen on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Councilor Rosen told a story on the floor about how he returned home on a windy recycling day to find all of his neighbors’ recyclables that had blown into his yard.

This is a situation that sounds all too familiar for anybody who lives in Worcester.

To the Editor: WoMag’s Dec. 15 editorial on the Baker administration pushing for business ties with Israel was a Festivus miracle (“WPI, Gov. Baker build Israel ties,” Dec. 15). Over 500 words long, with “Occupation” not among them.

“Palestinian” snuck in only to note there are people who for some murky reason support Palestinian rights – that we consider Baker’s junket a conflict of interest because it was paid for by a group with a legislative agenda to further the Likud government of Israel’s illegal settlements policies.

{slants&rants} Letter

tor

Edi e h t o st

That’s small potatoes. Anyone with an ethical compass knows you don’t take money from lobbyists for foreign travel, as have Baker and two delegations of state legislators in 2016. The bigger issue seems to elude WoMag: “Let me be absolutely clear,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said recently of the Israeli Occupation that’s now lasted 50 years, “settlements are illegal under international law. The occupation, stifling and oppressive, must end.”

So who does business with a regime roundly criticized the world over for its Occupation policies? For starters, people who don’t care about human rights if there’s a buck to be made. Baker’s action dismisses a situation that, in Gaza, that makes life in our country’s most rancid slum look like paradise due to economic blockades.

In the West Bank, beyond bulldozing down homes and farms for air-conditioned settler condos and siphoning off the water of nonJewish inhabitants, there are those pesky human rights infringements in day-to-day life too numerous to list.

Under these conditions, any red-blooded American kid would throw stones at occupying troops.

As you stated, “the organizations funding Baker’s trip also support a bill that would divest the state’s pension fund from companies that boycott Israel” for its halfcentury Occupation. But they want more: Laws to curtail Americans’ rights even to speak out. They have gotten legislation elsewhere that bans state contracts of any kind with those who support an economic boycott of Israeli interests, similar to the boycotts that helped bring down racist apartheid in South Africa. On the federal level, these groups lobby to penalize even someone who points out that Israeli policy is, well, different.

Such speech is packaged as “antiSemitism,” using a racial shield to defend a particularly odious set of policies that even most American Jews are uncomfortable with.

To conclude that Baker’s trip “could plant the seeds for benefits here” is to ignore more than basic governmental ethical breaches on paid travel. It’s to take a blind eye to Baker’s tacit support of a clearly unjust and unsustainable Occupation while on a carefully guided trip to a feeding trough.

There are lots of better and more gainful ways to peddle our assets. Please let your legislator know this one should be abandoned.

BO B DATZ Worcester

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

11

{ education }

College Major$ That Really Pay Off

Lillian Cohen

It’s that time of year again for high school seniors: College Application Season. You can almost smell the anxiety in

recent college grads are better off in terms of opportunities and salary, CareerBuilder reports.

Luckily, more students are becoming aware of scholarship opportunities the federal government, state government and random benefactors hand out annually. College is

different opportunities. The internship one pursues in college could result in a permanent job down the line, which in turn could impact the student’s professional career, creating a huge economic distinction.

Therefore, finding the major works best for each student is crucial to their economic and educational development.

Doctors and lawyers are no longer the highest paid in the country, the tech-engineers and mathematical thinkers are. Keeping all that in mind, here’s our list of the highest paying majors in the country, as culled from Internet sources. Where possible, we’ve also listed which area colleges and universities offer the specific major.

1. Petroleum Engineering

the air, creating a thick cloud hovering over high school seniors around the country.

becoming more affordable overall, with some students graduating with little to no debt.

That doesn’t mean, however, starting salary out of college isn’t on the radar of most For the most part, an undergraduate graduates. degree is a necessity to land a job in today’s In that vein, what you major in matters. global economy, not only in Massachusetts, Some companies start their recruitment but just about anywhere. Higher education process at colleges as early as sophomore is on the rise, with businesses looking for a year. Internships in just about every field workforce with a higher-calibrated skill set that isn’t otherwise found. Employers want to are available through most colleges and universities, which is especially important see that fancy piece of paper, and as a result considering different institutions have 12 W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J A N U A R Y 5 , 2 0 1 7

Fuel has always been an expensive business, nearly every American depending in the astronomically expensive industry. A petroleum engineer creates and helps to execute the methods used for extracting the figurative gold from beneath the Earth’s surface. They also try to come up with new ways to get even more from older wells.

The national starting salary average is $96,700, and up to $172,000 by midway through their career. In USA Wage, it ranked ninth among the Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs in America. Unfortunately, no undergraduate degree is offered in the state. The only thing close is a chemical engineering degree.

2. Chemical Engineering

Coming out slightly above the No. 3 pick in terms of cash flow, with a starting salary average of $69,800 and midway salary of $119,000, it’s also more practical for those within the Bay State. Those with this degree learn how to plan and test different methods of large-scale manufacturing. One can also aim towards reducing things like rust and

pollution. Maybe that’s why CareerBuilder reports the most popular degree in the country is engineering. The range of opportunities is as huge.

MIT, Northeastern, Tufts, UMass-Amherst, UMass-Lowell, and WPI all offer this as a degree.

3. Actuarial Sciences

Risk is not something people like to take blindly. That’s why actuaries are so popular now. They help to analyze the financial consequences of things based on previous data for everyone from insurance companies to consulting firms. Their national salary average rests at a comfortable $58,700 starting wage, $120,000 by midway through their career. That’s not a bad gig. It’s in the top 60 paying jobs in the state and top 45 in the country.

Boston University and WPI are currently the only two school in Massachusetts offering this degree.

4. Nuclear Engineering

After the Cold War, nuclear power has been used for much more than weapons of mass destruction. Nuclear engineers now help with submarine propulsion systems, medical diagnostic equipment (like MRI machines), as well as nuclear power plants. They also make sure to protect us from the nuclear plants that they create, as well as align their practices with federal regulations. The majority of nuclear engineers say their job gives them a higher meaning, PayScale polled. Employees need a constant upkeep of their education to stay relevant in the ever-changing technologies of their fields, but with a midcareer salary average of $116,00, many would call it worth it. USA Wage even claims it to be the 37th-highest paying job in the country.

Fitchburg State, UMass-Amherst, UMassLowell and MIT all offer this major. WPI offers a certificate program.

5. Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers are extremely important in today’s world. They design and develop new electrical equipment, solve problems, and tests the equipment. They work with all kinds of electronic devices, from the smallest pocket devices to large supercomputers. It’s definitely a good choice for someone who likes that

{ education } kind of thing. One can get this major with either a concentration in communications or computers. Either way, the salaries are about the same, averaged at about $114,500 midcareer.

It’s no wonder over 15 colleges in Massachusetts offer it at their institutions, ranging from UMass-Lowell to MIT. Worcester’s WPI also offers this field of study.

6. Computer Sciences

The limits for someone who majors in computer science seems endless, these days.

They design technologies to make devices work better and invent new ones. It’s a very creative process, for those who like to use the right side of their brain as well. Almost 50 percent of those questioned by PayScale said their job makes them feel like they’re making the world a better place. One can choose majors like this with concentrations in mathematics and engineering. They pay about the same, with an average midway salary of $112,000 between them, but engineers have a bit more of a competitive edge. Four of the Top 25 jobs in Massachusetts, and three nationally, according to USA Wage, lay under this major.

A number of Bay State colleges offer programs relating to computer science, including Worcester State, Assumption, Holy

Cross, Becker, WPI and Clark.

7. Aeronautical Engineering

For every kid that wanted to be a pilot, but realized how much they make, there’s another option. Aeronautical engineers think of ways to improve safety and fuel efficiency during flights, as well as the cost that flight has on the environment. They generally work with aerospace companies, airline operators, research and development agencies, the armed forces, or the government. Sixtyone percent of those asked by PayScale say they feel they make the world a better place at their job. That’s something your inner 6-year-old has to love. The starting salary is averaged at $63,000 while the mid-career point is $113,000. and while no school in Massachusetts offer this, similar majors, such as aerospace engineering, are available at numerous institutions, the pay only dipping to $106,000, landing in the Top 30 highest paying jobs both in the state and nationally, according to USA Wage.

8. Physics & Mathematics

Both of these subjects are the very foundation of every major before them, but for those who purely like the numbers game, it might be a better choice, still holding their own with an average of $109,00 by the

middle of their career. Many colleges break these into separate majors, though sometimes they are grouped together. Those going into this field often find work everywhere from high schools and hospitals to the military and laboratories, The American Institute of Physics reports.

Worcester State, Holy Cross, WPI, Assumption and Clark all have programs under the umbrella of Physics and Mathematics.

9. Industrial & Systems Engineering

Waste, money, energy, machine time, materials and man-hours are important resources when it comes to running a company. That’s where Industrial Engineers or System Engineers come in. They make things more efficient and cost effective. Employers are willing to pay big bucks for that. The average starting salary is about $63,800, while the mid-career wage was averaged at $108,000.

Only WPI offers a major for it in Worcester.

Statewide, Northeastern, MIT, UMass-Amherst and Eastern Nazarene College all offer it as a major.

10. Engineering

Although those who pick a specialized engineering major tend to earn more,

choosing to go to school for the overall concept of engineering still gives you enough bank. And although it probably makes you more versatile, most employers, especially in the scientific community would probably rather a more specific major. Still, they land the 34th spot on USA Wage’s Top 100 highestpaying jobs in the state, with a starting average salary of $62,600 and a $107,000 eventual payday. Sixty-two percent of those with this major said their job makes the world a better place.

Assumption has a partnership program with Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Notre Dame. Other than that, most schools make you pick a more specific major.

OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM

Not everyone, of course, wants to be an engineer and that’s OK. The following majors may not be for those screaming, “Show me the continued on page 14

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{ education } continued from page 13

arts crush beneath their triumph, leading them to the bottom of the list. With an average starting salary of $35,300 and midcareer pay of $51,300, it’s only slightly more money than an elementary school teacher earns, mainly due to the versatility of the age groups they specialize in. Numerous colleges in Massachusetts offer skilled degrees in this subject, only some of them standing as strictly art-based institutions. Worcester does not contain any of them.

money!” If you want to follow your heart, and not necessarily the dollar signs, these jobs may be for you.

1. Special Education

Those with this major need more patience and understanding than the average teacher, dealing with students suffering from emotional, behavioral and developmental disorders, or other special conditions. In fact, 74 percent of those with this major say their job makes the world a better place. Not everyone in their classrooms needs the same amount of help, though. Versatility and the ability to adapt well is imperative to succeed.

The average starting salary is $35,000. By the middle of their career, one can expect to earn around $51,500. That’s not a bad gig.

Eleven colleges in the state offer a degree that specializes in the education of special needs children. None of them are in Worcester, although there are masters’ programs, including at Assumption College.

3. Horticulture

major is for those creative minds that love art and education. Collegeboard suggests those in this field treat their lesson plans as projects 2. Art Teacher Education for themselves, mixing a knowledge of art The long-held notion that “those who can’t, history, artistic methods and materials, as well teach” is not always easily applicable to apply as student energy to get children involved in itself to that of an art teacher. In fact, many of their opportunity to learn. The job of an art them have high credentials of their own. This

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teacher is to lead students of all ages toward their own creative revelations, often acting as a sanctuary to help further their ideas for other subjects. Sixty-two percent of those with this major feel that their job helps to make the world a better place.

Unfortunately, as the sciences prevail, the

Is your child at school or just

Much like botanists, this job is for all the plant-lovers out there. They deal with the complex science and study of plants, yet unlike botanists, also have to consider the aesthetic consequences of each plant. They are involved in the producing and marketing of fruits, vegetables and flowers. With an average starting salary of $37,600 and midcareer figure of about $50,500, 63 percent of those with this major say their job gives them a greater meaning, according to PayScale.

The field for this major is expected to grow by about 20 percent over the next 10 years, Forbes says.

UMass-Amherst is the only four-yearcollege in the state that offers Horticulture as a major, listing it as “Sustainable Horticulture” on their website.

continued on page 16

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www.theTECschools.com

{ education }

Area voke schools open up career paths Brendan Egan

With a big push to get teens from high school into college, there are some options for students to go for that degree that might do a better job of paying the bills than a theater major or liberal arts degree.

Central Mass has myriad technical high schools that give their students a more goal-oriented, career-focused mission so they are prepared and selfsustaining in their post-college life — career-focused paths that do not leave them saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. “[Technical high school] gives them an option. They come out career and college ready,” said Tom Belland, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School’s Vocational coordinator. “There’s a lot of good-

JESSICA PICARD

paying jobs out there.”

According to Belland, there are roughly three existing jobs for every student that graduates from Blackstone Valley Tech. That is, there are plenty of opportunities and tech schools are doing their best to get kids to take them.

Worcester Technical High School’s principal, Kyle Brenner, pointed out that many workers in various industries are not going to be around forever. Companies, particularly in manufacturing, are already looking to plug those upcoming gaps.

Brenner said Worcester Tech works closely with companies in the area, such as Saint Gobain, to get students ready for careers outside of high school.

“Current employees are going to age out. They’re going to retire in the next five years,” Brenner said. “They’re looking at 200 plus retirees they’re going to have to back fill. It’s really robust market right now for any of the machining students coming out of high school with those skills.”

Worcester Tech student Hannah Kayali at work in a welding class.

continued on page 18

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15

{ education }

6. Elementary Education

continued from page 14

4. Culinary Arts

With the same mid-career salary as Horticulture, this one has a starting pay averaged at around $34,700. That can only really be expected, considering the hierarchy of the typical restaurant kitchen. The pay isn’t the chief reason many choose to pursue a culinary career, though: they love what they do. The degree is very hands-on, consisting of a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on work.

There are no culinary schools in Worcester, but a few stand around Massachusetts. In truth, not all chefs even go to culinary school.

5. Biblical Studies & Theology

One in five Americans reads the Christian Bible on a regular basis, according to new surveys by the Religion News Service Reports.

Whether or not you’re one of them, if you’re interested in God and don’t mind getting paid an average of $50,000 mid-career, this major, or one in just Biblical Studies, might be for you. Those who graduate in these studies often go on to teach religion at different educational institutions, organize nonprofits and charities, write for religious magazines, and work for churches and other religious organizations.

It definitely requires a lot of passion, with 70 percent saying their job gives them a higher meaning, according to the stats of Payscale.

For those who like children, but want a bit more of a challenging curriculum, this certainly fits well. And, although it may take a few years to get a job in an established public or private school once out of college, unions and tenure give great job security after a few years.

The Massachusetts salary is about $4,000 more than the national average, resting at $49,000, the National Education Association says. Both Worcester State and Becker offer this degree, while Assumption has one in overall Education.

7. Youth Ministries

No school in Worcester offers this as a degree. In fact, not many schools in Massachusetts do. The fact is that a bachelor’s degree isn’t really necessary to become a youth minister. Often times, it’s an entry-level position.

That being said, the pay starts out around $32,900 and increases to $48,400 a year by mid-career, according to Payscale. Over 70 percent of those with this major say that they feel that they impact the world, which would be its main selling point. Most of those who major in Youth Ministry are highly interested in their faith and educating children to feel the same. It’s not about the money.

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8. Therapeutic Recreation

The Boston area is home to 151 schools of higher education where you can get a degree as a recreational therapist, Career Overview says, though Worcester is not in this number.

The employment rate is for those with this major is expected to decrease by 3 percent over the next eight years in the state, though, compared to the growing national job pool of a growth of 14.5 percent. People who major in this often organize activities that encourage the health and wellness of their patients, at hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions, with those whom sometimes have mental, physical, or emotional complications, according to Collegeboard. They earn about $48,000 by the middle of their careers, on average, both ThinkAdvisor and PayScale found.

9. Human development & Family Studies

It’s an important job, but doesn’t get recognized through salary. Those with this degree can go off to do social work, counseling, teaching, research, health care, or join a nonprofit organization. Similar majors include Social Work and Human Services. The average starting salary is $34,000, and midcareer around $46,400. That’s not too shabby, considering approximately 75 percent claim their job makes them feel good, by making the world a better place.

Assumption is the only school in Worcester that offers anything similar, at least for undergraduates, but numerous schools in the state do.

10. Early Childhood Education

For those who absolutely love the adorable age of pre-schoolers, this may be the position for you. Most of those with the unspeakable passion to teach toddlers their colors and hand out naps for a careers don’t exactly do it for the money. With an average starting salary of $30,700 and mid-career jump of $37,500, there really isn’t much room to grow, especially since many in the field only have an associates degree. Luckily, with 75 percent of those in this field feeling like they make a difference in the world with their job, it could be worth it. It really depends on your economic situation.

The similar major of Early Education & Elementary School Education offers similar jobs for about $4,000 more a year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment for pre-school teachers is expected to go up 7 percent by 2024.

Locally, Worcester State University and Becker offer this major.

{ education } Worcester charter schools going strong despite Decline in enrollment

JESSICA PICARD

Brendan Egan

Charter schools have been something of a hot topic in recent months. Massachusetts residents voted on Question 2 this past November — legislation that would have greatly expanded charter school capabilities and funding in Massachusetts.

- and voters voiced a resounding “no,” but some charter schools are still going strong in the area.

“We’re chartered for 660 students and always filled to capacity,” said Seven Hills Charter School superintendent Krista Piazza.

“Our wait list for the start of the school year is 531, I think. That’s fairly consistent. We always have more applicants than space available.”

Reports from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education show Seven Hills maintaining between 660-700 students enrolled over the last 10 years.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter School saw a jump in enrollment from 2006 to 2007, from around 1,100 to 1,400 students, and has remained at that level since then. Its higher numbers are attributable to the fact that the school enrolls students through grade 12.

Brian Allen, chief Financial and operations officer for Worcester Public Schools, however, said charter school enrollment is down despite Worcester’s charter school trends in recent years.

“In FY13, charter school enrollment hit a high of 2,182 students from Worcester; this year the enrollment is 2,027,” he said. “That’s a 7-percent decline in enrollment over the five-year period.”

School Committee Member Brian O’Connell spoke about Worcester Public Schools enrollment as well, saying it shows signs of healthy community growth and expansion.

His remarks, and those of many other public school officials and proponents statewide, hint at the rift that has grown between traditional public schools and charter schools.

“I don’t see it as a battle of WPS versus independent parochial or charter schools at all,” O’Connell said. “Different schools highlight what they offer best, and thus give parents an optimal choice for their students.”

Piazza, too, does not view it as “us versus them.”

“I think everybody has their own reasons,”

The Seven Hills Charter School is filled to capacity with a “fairly consistent” wait list. she said. “There’s a big emphasis on college and career exploration as part of our mission.

And we also support the integration of arts into the academic experience.”

“We definitely are trying to achieve the same thing as public schools,” she continued.

“We’re really looking forward to collaboration between charter school and district schools.”

O’Connell did say the current system favors charter schools. While charter schools receive funding from the state, he said, they are not accountable to anyone at the city level — operating in their own bubble outside the school system.

Charter schools often boast smaller class sizes, and are more able to give individual students attention. Often, parents might believe the traditional public school system has failed their children in some way. In those cases, charter schools offer an alternative.

“We cater to families who are looking for something different. If they’re not having a good experience where they are, they might be looking for something else,” said Piazza.

O’Connell said Worcester’s public schools do their best to offer great educational curriculum for its students in order to keep

students and parents happy in the public school system.

“I’ve long felt for the best way for us to be competitive is to offer the best education can provide,” he said. “The population will continue to react to a quality educational program.”

Seven Hills does remain at somewhat of a disadvantage to the WPS system as well as to Abby Kelly Foster, as it only enrolls students through eighth grade, after which they need to transfer elsewhere.

“We have not put in any applications to expand at this time,” said Piazza. “We currently only go up to grade eight, but there is a big demand at the parent level to go up through high school.”

The statewide debate over charter schools has involved discussion over the long-term viability of charter schools. In Worcester, the failure of one particular charter school is seen as an example of the lack of accountability among charter schools as a whole.

In fall 2013, the Spirit of Knowledge Charter School closed down because of money troubles, leaving the city with just the two remaining charter schools: Seven Hills and

Abby Kelly. Literally left without a school overnight, students from Spirit of Knowledge were reintegrated into Worcester Public Schools finish their year.

Since the closing, no new charter schools have opened in the city. Existing charter schools, though, do not appear to be losing any steam.

O’Connell, on the other hand, believes Worcester Public Schools are expanding — with a 9-percent increase in enrollments since a noticeable drop in 2008 — and on a steady path of improvement.

“Eight-seven-and-a-half percent of students eligible to attend the Worcester Public Schools do,” said John Monfredo, also of the Worcester School Committee.

“Over time,” O’Connell said, “we have attracted students from outside of the Worcester community, which is a financial benefit to us because they often relocate their families to Worcester.

“Worcester Public Schools enrollment is showing growth, but it’s certainly hard to calculate how that growth will change in the long-term.”

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ education } VOKE SCHOOLS continued from page 15

Between Blackstone Valley Tech and Worcester Tech, 75-80 percent of students went on to a two- or four-year college after high school. An additional 4.8 percent at Blackstone went into certificate programs for a particular trade.

Some 10-15 percent of students go right into the workforce.

To help students out, the schools bring the jobs to them.

“Every year we do both a college fair and a job fair,” said Brenner.

These fairs attract schools and companies like UMass, Saint Gobain, Metso Automation, Tufts’ Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Worcester Credit Union, to name a few.

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PHOTOS/JESSICA PICARD

The rough number of jobs available for every graduate of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, according to coordinator Tom Belland

Above, Mariana Morales and Kyle Dipilato at Worcester Tech.

At left, Christine Nibitanga and Isnino Rage work under the watch of teacher Zach Marion.

“We get contacted probably weekly by new companies and companies looking for help.

We’re really building our alumni association just to handle the demand from employers,” said Belland.

Communication Coordinator Nicole Forman at Blackstone Valley Tech described college and trade apprenticeships as building blocks on the foundation that vocational high schools can put down.

“Many students simultaneously pursue a

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post-secondary education while retaining employment in their vocational industry.

Others pursue post-secondary education in some form to further their vocational training,” said Forman.

“Companies often times will pay for their education. So you can get a college degree basically for free,” Belland continued.

It is a dual education, as workers and students are already working in their field of choice as they go to college.

Forman said students often use college

• JANUARY 5, 2017

degrees not directly related to their vocation in order to further their career.

“For example,” she said, “some will receive business degrees in the hopes of opening their own business focused on their trade.”

And students still gain those broad life skills that will help them no matter which path they take.

“Even if they don’t stick with the technical program they went with in high school, all the other stuff is still applicable - the entrepreneurship, the financial skills, the job

skills like resumes and cover letters. It’s all still applicable,” Brenner said.

Before they graduate, students can count on finding jobs and co-ops in their field that will also earn them either college credits or apprenticeship hours in their chosen field.

“Average co-op wage is around $11 an hour,” Belland said. “They’re getting their trade while they’re working. Highest paid coop would be manufacturing - usually $13-$15 an hour, and it goes down from there.”

All this is even before they’re even done with high school.

“They’re making living wages right out, depending on what field they’re in,” said Brenner.

There are a number of vocations available to students, as well, including the basics that are often associated with tech high schools, but students can also look into veterinary assistance, cosmetology, biotechnology, jobs in environmental science, among others.

Brenner joked that these aren’t the vocational schools that students’ grandfathers went to.

“They really learn what it takes to be career ready,” he said.

art | dining | nightlife | January 5 - 11, 2017

night day &

Lo-Z frees up the love in the galaxy

Joshua Lyford

Lo-Z Records got started way back in 1997. Owner and producer Torbin Harding had just returned from Ireland after graduating from Boston’s Berklee College of Music. When Harding returned to Central Mass and surveyed the landscape, he saw record and publishing companies were nowhere to be found. HardJESSICA PICARD ing has been recording and releasing music from his own projects and others ever since.

Now Harding is releasing his 12th album, one of his own, called “Free up the Love in the Galaxy.”

You can catch Harding and fellow bandmate Dan Lapensee at That’s Entertainment!, 244 Park Ave., Saturday, Jan. 14 noon to 1:30 p.m.

“I graduated from Berklee in ’95,” recalled Harding from behind a coffee cup at Highland Street’s The Bean Counter. “I immediately moved to Ireland, my mom is Irish. I moved to Cork.

My brother was in school over there and I brought a guitar. I got a job over there playing guitar in a band. I toured Ireland for a year, the band was the Soul Masters. When I came back, I was like, ‘I have an education in synthesis and production.’ I knew I didn’t want to work in a studio as an intern. I didn’t want that route, working on other people’s music.

I’m a songwriter.

“I decided to make a record label. I knew I couldn’t compete with a million-dollar recording studio. I can’t afford a Neve console, a $250,000 mixing board, or a $100,000 tape machine. I looked around Worcester and noticed there was one music publisher

in Worcester and zero record companies in Worcester. I said I’d start a record and publishing company and produce my own music, release my own records and publish my own music.”

Harding made good on his word, and has since released music from his own solo projects as well as from acts like Cowboy Matt Hopewell, Aslan King and The Secret.

“I started off with $10,000 I had saved,” Harding said. “I actually brought $1,000 bucks from Ireland. I invested in my own studio. That was ’96 and in ’97. That was my first release, ‘Lamp on the Table,’ a solo record.”

That first release was on cassette and the label’s first CD release would come the following year. In 1999, Harding met Lapensee and the pair started working together on music and would perform. Lapensee, a drummer, became an essential piece of the Lo-Z puzzle, recording on each album since the pair became friends. Lapensee’s interest in music started early.

“My mom and dad played good music around the house when I was a kid,” said

love. My politics are way lefter than Obama. I lived in Ireland, which is a democratic socialist society. I thought, ‘Why just limit the love to planet Earth? Let’s free up the love in the galaxy.’ I didn’t want to say universe, that’s even beyond. There are millions and millions and millions of galaxies.”

“Think beyond Shrewsbury and Worcester and Westboro and Boston and New York and America,” he continued. “Like Chuck D [Public Enemy] says, we’re Earth-izens. We’re not citizens of America, we’re Earth-izens.

This whole thing struck me, the song ‘Free up the Love in the Galaxy’ is like, change all the Army bases over to love. Why fight these endless wars? We could have stations of love everywhere.”

It is obvious that both Harding and Lapensee have a deep love for music, both producing and releasing the music of others, as well as writing and creating their own. Harding likened his appreciation of music to the reward mechanism involved in eating delicious food or having great sex.

“I get that from playing the guitar,” he said. “There’s a reward in my brain.”

“I have one message for people in general,” said Harding. “Never give up. This isn’t just music. This is life, this isn’t just music. Never give up. Tomorrow could be the best day of your life. Never get so down or despair so much you want to throw in the towel. If you give up, you may not have that. I met my wife when I was 35, one of the best things that ever happened to me.

We’ve been together 11 years. That’s just an example. I thought maybe I’d be a bachelor. You never know.

Now she’s pregnant with our second child. Never give up. Hold on to your dreams. They told Elvis to go back to driving trucks, ya know?”

You can find more information on Torbin Harding (right) and Dan Lapensee Lo-Z Records and Torbin Harding’s “Free up the Love in the Galaxy” Like Fire, Lapensee with bands like Another online at Lo-zrecords.com. To catch Harding Society. With “Free up the Love in the Galand Lapensee, head to That’s Entertainment!, axy,” Harding was in the middle of writing 244 Park Ave., Saturday, Jan. 14, noon to pop songs and wondering, “Why should Jerry 1:30 p.m. You can find the album online at [Garcia] be the only one who gets to play Amazon.com, Cdbaby.com, Spotify, YouTube long guitar solos?” and iTunes.

“The concept was, we’re too focused on Reporter Joshua Lyford can be reached Earth,” explained Harding. “We’re all too at 508-749-3166, ext. 325, or by email at caught up here. There are thousands of Earths Jlyford@worcestermagazine.com. Follow Josh just in the Milky Way Galaxy. Originally, I on Twitter @Joshachusetts and on Instagram thought, free up the love on Earth. I like the @Joshualyford.

Lapensee, matter-of-factly from behind long dark hair, seated across from Harding. “I always heard The Beetles, The Doors, Zeppelin and stuff. I was always banging on things, pots and pans. When I was like 14, I asked my mom if she could get me a snare drum for Christmas. I started from there with one drum. When you have one drum, you wish you had the other one. I had an older brother who played guitar. I always had music in my family.”

Both Harding and Lapensee have performed with numerous bands over the years, Harding with acts like Boston reggae stalwarts Hot

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Sonoma

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{ dining}

FOOD HHH1/2 AMBIENCE HHHH SERVICE HHHHH VALUE HHH1/2 206 Worcester Road, Princeton • 978-464-5775 • sonoma-princeton.com

On the edge of excellence Sonoma Sandra Rain

Vogue’s 2017 fashion forecast is predicting a 1990’s resurgence.

If style trends are any indication of those in food, I can say with confidence that Sonoma Restaurant of Princeton is about to come back around.

Sonoma is the closest fine dining establishment that Central Mass has to the tango scene from “Scent of a Woman.”

Frankly, I was surprised nobody handed my date a dinner jacket upon our arrival. We sat at a corner table set with two cubic-platediscs and a cone shaped set of stainless salt and pepper shakers. We waited 15 minutes for a server to greet us, which seemed a logical consequence as we had been 15 minutes late for our reservation. The server

apologized before removing our cubicbasket-plate-holders and fetching us two tiny glasses of Pom Moscato as a gratuitous welcome. Someone darted past our table carrying a sizzling platter reminiscent of the fajita dish at Chili’s Grill and Bar. I deciphered no sense of irony in any of this, which some might find refreshing.

I am always impressed by the ability of Sonoma’s staff to rattle off an exhaustive list of ingredients and preparations as pertain to the nightly specials. Our server offered kind suggestions that stemmed from her extensive knowledge of the menu. We requested a bottle of the 2013 DeLoach ($45) and an order of the Alaskan Crab Lettuce Cups ($15) to share. In the meantime, we nibbled on fresh bread smeared with roasted garlic and olive tapenade.

When she had gone for our wine, my date reached out to touch the wall with his hand.

“Nobody does wallpaper anymore,” he said. I too ran my fingers along the gilded pattern, which reminded me of a Pierre Hotel elevator circa 1992. I suddenly felt confident Sonoma had made the right decision in preserving its Gordon Gekko aesthetic. Just like choker necklaces and Jellies sandals, so too would the 90’s dining scene regenerate itself.

JESSICA PICARD

Our DeLoach proved exceedingly drinkable, hailing from the Russian River Valley. The complex Pinot Noir exhibited earthy aromas tempered by draping notes of dark stone fruit and tart rhubarb. While the lettuce cups were delicious, I couldn’t bring myself to eat them with my hands as I assume was intended of the dish. A place with frequent crumb dusting just doesn’t feel ready for finger food. At any rate, the warm

king crab meat arrived in a blanket of Bibb Lettuce with Julienne vegetables and a creamy Meyer Lemon and Dijon vinaigrette. The dish had been split onto two plates for ease of sharing, a nice touch and a sure sign of remarkable service.

My date ordered the Ossobuco special ($44), a 24-ounce veal shank braised in tomato stock with carrots, onions and celery, and served alongside bone marrow topped with a zesty gremolata. I ordered the Pan Roasted Pheasant ($36) char-grilled and served on a bed of wild rice pilaf topped with caramel apple foie gras butter. Sadly, no amount of luxurious condiments could compensate for the dry preparation of the meat. When my date went to the bathroom, I took to soaking bits of pheasant in the broth of his Ossobuco.

Both entrees were served with a collection of sides that included red quinoa, spaghetti

Worcester’s Best Chef Competition

10TH ANNIVERSARY

YOU VOTE

MECHANICS HALL | 321 MAIN ST., WORCESTER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 | 5-8:30PM

Worcester’s Best Chef Competition is the premier culinary event throughout Central New England and boasts the most exclusive, creative and finest epicurean masterpieces to be found anywhere. This event showcases the highest level of culinary talent in the region, and also assists students of the culinary arts.

Come eat, drink and vote your palate in the People’s Choice competition — taste through specialty cocktail tastings, selections from prestigious wineries & craft beer brewers, experience the thrill of a live Iron Chef competition, and be part of the landmark event to crown Worcester’s Best Chef!

Individual Entrance Times & Ticket Prices Vary Please Go Online To Reserve Your Arrival 2016 Overall Iron Chef Winner Chef William Nemeroff of The International

No Tickets Will be Available At The Door •

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• JANUARY 5, 2017

WorcestersBestChef.com

PHOTO CREDIT JOE SANTA MARIA/KILL THE BALL MEDIA

PRESENTED BY

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BITE SIZED

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{ dining}

squash, French green beans, roasted carrots and garlic mashed potatoes. In addition, both of our plates sported a pink lily-like flower.

This uniformity minimized the sophistication I had been promised by Sonoma’s powerful reputation for at one time being among the best restaurants in the country.

At the end of the evening, we selected the Genoise from the dessert cart ($9.50), an Italian pound cake slathered in lemon curd and raspberry puree alongside fresh whipped cream, strawberries and a sprig of mint. The dessert was just the light bit of sweetness I needed to cap off an unobjectionable meal.

The perceived prestige of Sonoma fell short of my expectations if it was truly seeking to showcase a creative environment built on the legacy of a historically innovative kitchen.

With that, the service was impeccable and the ambiance effectively evoked a pre-recession nostalgia for 1990’s design. Sonoma is the perfect place to bring your rich uncle or your country club pals, but for now, leave your hipster friends at home. Like Balenciaga’s incorporation of stirrup-pants on the Fall 2016 catwalks, a fresh take on 90’s fine dining has plenty of creative potential with an equal danger of simply being passé.

Our total came to $164.78.

CHEF’S BEST

Mass Foodies serves up its sixth Chef’s Best dinner by venturing onto Restaurant Row to Nuovo Restaurant, 92 Shrewsbury

Street, Worcester on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6-9 p.m. As Mass Foodies tells it, owner and chef Alex Gjonca will cook up a dinner representing the best of growing up Albanian. Tickets are $75, and may be bought at eventbrite.com.

Best Chef Competition is in its 10th year. Come out and vote for the best Sunday, Jan. 29, 5-8 p.m., at Mechanics Hall. This year’s event sees the top finalists and Iron Chef champs from the past nine years all competing for top honors. There are two categories at WBC: Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice. That’s where you, the people come in, of course.

Buy tickets in advance at eventbrite.com for $50-$75, including a VIP ticket that gets you into the exclusive VIP room well ahead of

other customers. The event is always jampacked, so gobble up your ducats early.

ON TAP

If one of your resolutions in the New Year is to drink more local beer, Wormtown Brewery’s got you covered. Wormtown is opening its taproom until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Grab a glass — or a flight — and tell ’em Worcester Magazine sent you!

YOU PICK THE WINNER

Chuck’s Steakhouse, 10 Prospect St., Auburn, holds its annual free wine tasting Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. Sample and vote on 10 wines. The winning wines will be added to Chuck’s 2017 wine list. Check it out and tell ’em Worcester Magazine sent you!

BEST OF THE BEST

Always a fun and exciting time, Worcester

Great Food . . .

Great Entertainment . . .

All Close to Home!

Karaoke every Friday Night Jan. 21 - The Nudie Suits Jan. 28 - Tequila Mockingbird Sushi • Gluten Free Entrees Available

Function Rooms • Gift Certificates

Take-Out • Keno 176 Reservoir St. Holden • 508.829.2188 • www.wongdynasty-yankeegrill.com

“It’s the Liquor Talking” Radio Show & Podcast!

Broadcasting LIVE from Julio's Liquors

Saturday 11am - 1pm!

Listen on WCRN AM830 or stop by Julio’s and join the fun!

No Radio, No problem!

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ comedy }

‘The Sort of Late Show’ sort of (definitely) celebrates five years PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Joshua Lyford

Just about five years ago, Worcester comedian Shaun Connolly was working at Beatnik’s on Park Avenue. His friend and fellow comedian, Ryan Staples, stepped away from the open mic night he had been handling. Connolly had an idea for the now open slot and “The Sort of Late Show” hit the ground running.

With some venue and calendar shifts through the years, “The Sort of Late Show” will move from Wednesdays to Saturdays at Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St., starting January 21.

“It was a pipe dream,” Connolly said of that kickoff evening five years earlier. “I used to work at Beatnik’s, and Ryan Staples’ open mic stopped. He just didn’t have the time anymore. There was a slot and I said, ‘Can I try this thing?’ It took off like a rocket. People come up all the time and say, ‘I’ve been meaning to come to your show.’

There are always new faces.”

Connolly spoke to Worcester Magazine on his cell phone recently while walking through Boston’s financial district on his lunch break. He was making his way toward a food truck while answering questions about his long-standing evening event.

“There’s a really great Mexican food truck by my work,” he said. “It’s like a unicorn. It’s not always out. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get something from there real quick. It’s cash only, they just have a Tupperware bin to make change. It’s amazing.”

Looking back through the show’s history, Connolly has plenty of memories, but the outcome wasn’t always an obvious success story.

“I thought was going to fall flat on my ass to be honest,” said Connolly between chomps on a campechano burrito. “I thought the first one would be good because I had stories written about it and my safety net of friends and family would come. Slowly, they’d all get sick of doing me a favor, but it took off. I’ve only

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have the best crowd toward the end. Sometimes people would scoot out. It’s a Wednesday show. With Saturdays, I pick a band and they curate a show for the rest of the night.

This one is curated by James Keyes, our one man band.”

Even with the shift, Connolly said the secret ingredient of “The Sort of Late Show” will remain intact.

“Worcester is the secret ingredient,” he said.

“Worcester’s existence is, for better or worse, rallying around an idea. Whether that’s right or wrong, maybe this show is the wrong idea of what Worcester is, but people still rally around it and support it. People come. They come because they maybe want to sup-

Photos from previous episodes of “The Sort of Late Show.”

had two repeat guests the entire time. I’m not against it, but it’s nice to have more new faces coming out. I think I’ve only had two repeat bands as well. Not one repeat comic. Over 50 comics have come on to the show.”

Moving to Saturday night may prove to be a boon for the show, as the previous Wednesday evening slot at Ralph’s could be a difficult sell to working attendees.

“It’s hard to ask people to come out on a Wednesday night,” said Connolly. “People came out, don’t get me wrong, we had some packed crowds. But, otherwise there was no rhyme or reason to it [the crowd draw]. Jim

• JANUARY 5, 2017

McGovern had a giant crowd, but we’d have really great shows, you think you’d get a big crowd but it would be, unfortunately, really light. It doesn’t matter how many people show up, but it’s nice to share it with more people.”

Along with the shift in scheduling, “The Sort of Late Show” will also have a change in format. From 8-10 p.m., the show will go on as normal, but from 10 p.m. to close, musical guests will perform. Attendees can attend one or both parts of the evening.

“It’s not just the show anymore,” explained Connolly. “We always had a musical guest to finish it out. Sometimes people would stay and hangout, but other times, you wouldn’t

port the band on the show, or the guest, or whatever. That’s why people like Worcester, there are things people can do together. It is a very community-based place.”

Head to Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St., Saturday, Jan. 21 to catch the Saturday evening kickoff with comedian Casey Crawford, Jon and Tommy Vo from Worcester’s Nine Dot gallery and musical guest, The Wittershins.

Reporter Joshua Lyford can be reached at 508-749-3166, ext. 325, or by email at Jlyford@worcestermagazine.com. Follow Josh on Twitter @Joshachusetts and on Instagram @Joshualyford.

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The world according to Troy Jim Keogh

Many years ago a friend lent me a copy of August Wilson’s play “Fences.” I read it; I’m sure it was wonderful, a Pulitzer Prize winner. But heading into the movie adaptation all I could recall was the image of James Earl Jones on the cover with a baseball bat in his hands — a still photo from the 1987-1989 Broadway run.

Now I understand why my memory was so faulty. Wilson’s words require oxygen. They need to be expelled from the lungs of a big man and leave a palm print on your cheek.

In the theater, those words were exhaled

by Jones. In the film version, Denzel Washington does the honors, and my cheek is still stinging.

The movie reunites the cast of the 2010 Broadway revival, which starred Washington and Viola Davis as Troy and Rose Maxson, a garbage collector and his wife who have fashioned a relatively happy life in mid-1950s Pittsburgh. On Fridays after punching the time clock, Roy drinks a ritual pint of gin with his buddy Bono (Stephen Henderson) and talks, and talks.

Troy is a natural pontificator and weaver of tall tales, a practitioner of “truthiness” well before it became a branded thing. He is also perpetually aggrieved, boasting that his baseball exploits as a Negro League all-star would have surpassed those of any white player if he’d been given the opportunity to compete in the Major Leagues. Only Rose can take him down a peg, and she does it so gently Troy scarcely seems to notice.

Troy is a working-class Lear, raging at Death (even imagining he once wrestled it into submission when suffering a nearfatal illness) and alienating his sons, Lyons (Russell Hornsby), a musician, and teen-aged Cory (Jovan Adepo), a high school football star being recruited by a college. Troy denies Cory the chance to play college ball because

the amount of practice required would mean Cory abandoning his grocery-bagging job at the A&P. His stance is manipulative and hard-assed, but to Troy, wholly practical — he believes he’s saving his son from the same disappointment he experienced as a black man playing sports in a country that barely tolerates him.

“Fences” is a three-pronged stool built on Wilson’s dialogue and the two performances

by Washington and Davis, which are astonishing. Washington fires on every acting piston to unleash Troy on the world. The pages of the written script must be blackened from all the ink that birthed this prideful and complicated man, and Washington completes the delivery with a rawness I haven’t seen since his performance in “Flight.”

Davis stays with him every step of the way. As Rose, she is dignity personified, a protective mother and doting wife.

But a painful admission by Troy sends her into a spasm of regret and anger in a scene that is as powerful as anything on screen in 2016.

Expect serious Oscar consideration for both actors. I’d place them as frontrunners.

My rare complaint about “Fences,” which Washington directed, rests with its overt theatricality. The experience often is like watching a filmed stage play, rather than an adaptation for the screen; there’s a self-consciousness here, a telegraphing of its greatest emotional hits.

The production also never quite nails a cohesive approach to Troy’s trumpet-toting brother Gabe (Mykelti Williamson), who returned from the war with a brain injury that has removed his filters. I suspect the character worked far better on the stage, but here he lapses into that movie cliché of the idiot-savant whose mental deficiencies somehow make him a channel for higher, even divine, truths.

After two wondrously overheated acts, the film labors to a conclusion. Troy, who is given to baseball metaphors, likely would still label this a grand slam. I’d say a solid triple.

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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music >Thursday 5

Football Event - “FireFan” app, party. Interact live during Live sporting events. “FireFan” the Newest Sports App. Out! Download the free app, join the team: “ Canal Game “ Then: Watch + Predict + Earn ~ Interact live during Live sporting events ~ Compete for points and achieve top ranks ~ Earn loyalty tokens and player rewards. Get in the game! N/A. 4-8 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, Bar/Lounge, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

Acoustic set with Don Prang. An early show to kick off the evening. 6PM - 8PM 6-8 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-9268877.

Jazzed Up Trio featuring Mauro DePasquale. Worcester’s own Jazzed Up Trio featuring vocalist / Pianist Mauro DePasquale presents “The Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven”. The perfect Thursday escape. Every first Thursday of the month. No Cover.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Basil n’ Spice, Thai Cuisine, 299 Shrewsbury S. 774-317-9986.

Open Mic Most Thursdays @ Barbers North. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or currently signed recording artists * Award-winning pro’s or semi-pro’s * Regularly gigging paid-performers * Published songwriters * Recording studio owner/operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6:30-9:30 p.m. Barbers Crossing (North), 175 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8438.

Carlos Odria - Jazz and World Music Guitar. Solo guitar - instrumental music. Original compositions and jazz standards arranged by Peruvian-born guitarist Carlos Odria (Ph.D. Musicology).

Odria has done extensive research on different world music traditions and developed a unique blend of styles including flamenco, jazz, samba, Cuban, and Afro-Peruvian genres. He has been a featured artist at national music festivals and has performed at concert halls and universities across the east coast. For more information, visit: carlosodria.com Free. 7-9 p.m. GAR Hall, Bull Mansion, Bistro, 55 Pearl St. Night Train. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585.

Open Mic. Attention Performers- Amateurs and Experts! Do you sing or play an instrument? Are you looking for a crowd that will appreciate your incredible sense of humor? Maybe you have some secret talent that you’re ready to share with the world (or at least your local coffee house). Drop in for Open Mic! Full Sandwich Menu Desserts Coffee & Espresso BYOB beer & wine only $0. 7-10 p.m. Cake Shop Cafe, 22A West St., Millbury. 508-865-9866 or cakeshopcafe.com Open Mic @ The Blue Plate. Show off your musical talents, collaborate, or just listen to some cool tunes in a laid back atmosphere. Most Thursdays. PA provided. Free. 7-10 p.m. Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main St., Holden. 508-829-4566.

Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell. 8-11:30 p.m.

Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster.

978-668-5580.

John Brazile. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Quinn’s Irish Pub, 715 West Boylston St. 508-459-2025.

Jon Short. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Open Mic hosted by Michael Rivelis. 8-11 p.m. Mr. Dooley’s

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Neon Alley. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place.

508-459-9035.

DJ 21+Canal. Live Dj pushing out all the latest hits for you’re listening and dancing pleasure! N/A. 10:30 p.m.-1:40 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

Safe House Radio Show. This is a live radio broadcast with 2 living DJs hoping to drag you out of your lonely IPods and phone apps to hear the local & national metal, thrash, screamo, punk and alternative you wont hear on mainstream radio. Tune into WCUW 91.3FM in the Worcester and surrounding areas. Or stream live on >Friday 6 wcuw.org (hit the listen live button in the upper left corner of screen) Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell. Flip Flops, 680 Main Join your DJs Summi and Momma Bear for an hour of metal, thrash, St., Holden. screamo, punk & alternative. You’re not alone in your digital world.

Bill McCarthy Every Friday at Barbers Crossing North. Were out here live! Call in to let us know your listening @ (508)753Now catch Bill McCarthy playing his heart out every Friday at Barbers 2284 after 11pm. Hope you tune in to hear local and national metal North (Sterling, MA) @6:30pm Visit: BillMcCarthyMusic.com for info. and more! 91.3fm or wcuw.org It’s your community radio! So enjoy it Free! 6:30-9:30 p.m. Barbers Crossing (North), 175 Leominster Road, already! Sheesh! 11 p.m.-midnight Online on Facebook.

Sterling. 978-422-8438.

Alex Tuohey. 7-10 p.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508It’s a “Comedy of Errors,” as presented by Millbury 304-6044.

High School’s Drama Club Friday-Saturday, Jan. 6-7, 7-9 Amanda Cote. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Frank’s Pub, 291 East Main St., East p.m., at Millbury Memorial High School’s Capparelli Auditorium, Brookfield. 508-867-0055.

12 Martin St., Millbury. The cost is $5 students, $10 general. For Danny Klein’s Full House with Way Up South at the more information, email mblessington@millburyschools.org.

Cove Music Hall. Join us for an evening of tribute to the great, J. Geils Band ! Nominated for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, Danny Klein, original bass player from The J. Geils Band, brings an all star cast of musicians with him to celebrate the music that we all grew up with and love. Danny will be signing autographs, so bring those old J.Geils Band albums and make them collectors items. Way Up South will be ripping the roof off The Cove to start the night off with a musical bang! This show will sell out, so get there early so you don’t get shut out. Doors open at 8pm music starts at 9 $15 at the Door. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on Facebook.

Dave Andrews. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. South Side Grille & Margarita Factory, 242 West Broadway, Gardner. 978-632-1057.

Dave Gordon. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Beemer’s Pub, 310 Main St., Fitchburg. 978-348-2100.

Dezi Garcia Performs at Loft, Friday at 8. 8-11:59 p.m.

Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

Eric Paquette Duo. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. Jim Weeks. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster.

Joe Macey. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585.

Josh Briggs. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Quinn’s Irish Pub, 715 West Boylston St. 508-459-2025.

Live Bands. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Blacksheep Tavern, 261 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-0255.

Mike Livingston. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Happy Jack’s, 785 North Main St., Leominster. 978-466-3433.

Scott Babineau. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900. >Saturday 7 Live Music. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Dan Kirouac. Dan has been part of the regional music scene for Gardner. 978-669-0122. thirty years. When not busy with the tribute band Beatles For Sale, Charlie Johnson. Music of the decades. Request your favorite his solo performances showcase vocals accompanied by a six-string song! $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

Ed & Dave. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. acoustic guitar. From the one-hit wonders to the lost classics, from the 1960s to today, every show is a different experience, drawing 508-853-1350. from almost 500 contemporary and oldie songs. More information at Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. dankirouac.com. Free. 6:30-9:30 a.m. The International Golf Club and 978-345-5051.

Lavender Restaurant Karaoke. Join Magic Mike Entertainment Resort, Fireplace Room, 159 Ballville Road, Bolton. 978-779-6911.

Open Mic. Open to musicians, poets, comedians or anyone with a DJ’s for Karaoke Night every Friday & Saturday Night! Free. 9:30 talent! Hosted by Stephen Wright. 6-9 p.m. Nu Cafe, 335 Chandler St. p.m.-1 a.m. Lavender Restaurant, 519 Boston Post Road, Sudbury.

508-926-8800 or nucafe.com magicmikeentertainment.com DJs. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Banner Pub, The, 112 Green St. 508-755-0879. Lisa Marie & All Shook Up with Johnny Juxo. This Saturday we are going full out New Orleans style with some rockin’ DJs. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304jazz and blues for you. Come down and join us for a great time, 6044.

Olde Irish Country Pub, 303 Shears St., Wrentham.

Sam James Performs at Loft, Thurs at 8. 8-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

Audio Wasabi. 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Karaoke. DJ Nancy, of Star Sound Entertainment. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798-8385.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster.

978-537-7750.

• JANUARY 5, 2017

great food and drinks. N/A. 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, Bar / Lounge, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

The Rich Gaudreau Band. Great Original Rock with an 80’s & 90’s vibe! $5 donation. 7:30-10 p.m. !Cafe con Dios!, Main Room, 22 Faith Ave., Auburn. 508-579-6722.

Bill McCarthy. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585.

Bottlefight and more at the Cove. Bottlefight Returns to the Cove! more TBA $7 at the Door 21+ doors at 8pm $7 at the door. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on Facebook.

Dave Harrington. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Happy Jack’s, 785 North Main St., Leominster. 978-466-3433.

Heather Ralston & Joe Macey. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster.

Live Bands. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Blacksheep Tavern, 261 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-0255.

Sam James. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Quinn’s Irish Pub, 715 West Boylston St. 508-459-2025.

Tequila Bonfire. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. The Two Timers. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Tony Soul Project. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Frank’s Pub, 291 East Main St., East Brookfield. 508-867-0055.

Live Music. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell. 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. 978-345-5051.

Clam Digger. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350.

Goldrush. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. South Side Grille & Margarita Factory, 242 West Broadway, Gardner. 978-632-1057.

Gov’t Surplus. 9 p.m.-midnight U.S Marine Club- Marine Corps League Worcester Detachment, 181 Lake Ave. 508-612-5639.

Hip Swayers Deluxe! Sway in the New Year with us! Free.

9-11:59 p.m. Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439.

Jessa Potts. Powerful lyrics and soulful sounds. Classic and modern tunes as well as original music. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877 or jessapotts.com Jubilee Gardens at Sahara. with Paul Provost on keys, Rick Petrill on drums, and Lui Fraire joining in on percussion for the 2nd set. Join us for a fun night of music. Sahara is a great place to meet friends and make them! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sahara Cafe & Restaurant, 143 Highland St. 508-798-2181.

Lavender Restaurant Karaoke. Join Magic Mike Entertainment DJ’s for Karaoke Night every Friday & Saturday Night! Free. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Lavender Restaurant, 519 Boston Post Road, Sudbury. magicmikeentertainment.com DJs. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Banner Pub, The, 112 Green St. 508-755-0879.

DJs. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-3046044.

Ghost Train. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

DJ 21+Canal. Live Dj pushing out all the latest hits for you’re listening and dancing pleasure! N/A. 10:30 p.m.-1:40 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

>Sunday 8

Brunch with Zack Slik. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Armenian Christmas Concert. The concert celebrates Armenian Christmas which is January 6. Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Konstantin Petrossian, the program features Christmas carols and songs in Armenian and English and Guest Soloist MezzoSoprano Gohar Manjelikian of Cranston RI. Born in Armenia, she began her singing career in 1981 and was accepted as a member of the State Academic Chorus and graduated from the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan. Since arriving in the United States, Gohar has sung in many Armenian and American concerts with an extensive

night day &

repertoire including a wide range of European, Russian, and Armenian operas as well as classical, romantic, and sacred music. “How Great Thou Art,” an arrangement of sacred Armenian songs, is her first CD. The cost includes a luncheon (chicken, rice pilaf, salad, and dessert) before the concert to be served at 12:00 noon. Reservations are required. See flyer. $10 per person, children under 12 free. Noon2:30 p.m. Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church, 315 Church St., Whitinsville. 508-234-3677.

Blue Plate Sunday Jam featuring The Gear. Come on down, bring your guitar, bass, sticks, harp, sax, voice, or whatever instrument you’d like and join in on the jam. Each week a local band from the area will host the event, providing a full band set-up (PA, Drums, amps, microphones). All types of music welcome. This week’s feature band is The Gear, featuring Arizona Doug Urqhuart, David Niles, Scott Marshall, and Mark Cherrington. 3-7 p.m. Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main St., Holden. 508-829-4566.

Dunny’s Open Mic Jam. 4-8 p.m. Dunnys Tavern, 291 East Main St., East Brookfield, MA, East Brookfield.

Worcester Chamber Music Society - A Very Open Rehearsal. A VOR is a fascinating opportunity to watch WCMS at work and see how a piece of music is shaped and polished by the musicians. They are performed in private homes and other venues and include a light dinner following the rehearsal. It is truly an engaging and enlightening experience. Cost $75 pp, proceeds fund Neighborhood Strings and other community programs. A private home Program: Telemann Paris Quartet #4 with guest musician Andrus Madsen, harpsichord Address will be given when reservation is made $75 per person. 5-7:30 p.m. To Be Determined worcesterchambermusic.org Open Mic Sundays @ Plaza Azteca! To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook

Presenting Bay State Savings Bank J. H. Lynch & Sons, Inc. The Protector Group Charitable Foundation, Inc. Saint Francis Community Healthcare, Inc.

Contributing J. J. Bafaro, Inc. TD Bank

Cornerstone Camosse Masonry Supply Consigli Construction Co., Inc. Fallon Health Grantham Group The Grenon Family Foundation

The fourth annual Warm Winter Clothing Drive for the Homeless will be held Saturday, Jan. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Francis Xavier Center, 44 Temple St., Worcester. For more information, email coffee_bean2005@yahoo.com.

Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or currently signed recording artists * Award-winning pro’s or semi-pro’s * Regularly gigging paid-performers * Published songwriters * Recording studio owner/ operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6-9 p.m. Plaza Azteca, 539 Lincoln St. Mikey Lynch hosts the Sunday Jam with feature artist Lisa Marie! Mikey Lynch hosts the jam with a great feature artist each week and open jam session. All are welcome. No cover. 7-11 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350.

Karaoke. DJ Nancy, of Star Sound Entertainment. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798-8385.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg.

978-345-5051.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster.

978-537-7750.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St.

>Monday 9

Music Together at Pakachoag in Sterling - winter

Patron Chacharone Properties Dauphinais Concrete, Inc. The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Inc. Metso Automation USA, Inc. Polar Beverages UniBank - Whitinsville

Partner Clinton Savings Bank E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc. The Granite Group Grimes & Company, Inc. Leominster Credit Union Machado Consulting The Monahan Group & The First Friday Club

{ listings}

session, week 1. Music Together at Pakachoag Music School Open registration begins December 1st. Winter session classes in Sterling begin January 9th. Classes also available in Auburn, Sturbridge, West Boylston, and Worcester. Ages birth-5, and big kids 5-7. For complete information visit us at pakmusic.org, email info@ pakmusic.org, or call 508-791-8159. $175. 10-10:45 a.m. 1835 Old Town Hall, 31 Main St., Sterling. pakmusic.org Blue Mondays - Live Blues. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Karaoke. DJ Nancy, of Star Sound Entertainment. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798-8385.

>Tuesday 10

Music Together at Pakachoag in W Boylston - winter session, week 1. Music Together at Pakachoag Music School Open registration begins December 1st. Winter session classes in West Boylston begin January 10th. Classes also available in Auburn, Sterling, Sturbridge, and Worcester. Ages birth-5, and big kids 5-7. For complete information visit us at pakmusic.org, email info@pakmusic.org, or call 508-791-8159. 175. 9:30-10:15 a.m.

First Congregational Church of West Boylston, 26 Central St., West Boylston. 508-835-4462 or pakmusic.org Tuesday Open Mic Night @ Greendale’s Pub with Bill McCarthy Local Musicians Showcase! To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty

O’Connor, Maloney & Company, P.C. Pagano Media Reliant Medical Group Spencer Savings Bank Spirinet Technology St. Johns High School Sullivan, Garrity & Donnelly Sullivan Insurance Group, Inc. Wickstrom Morse, LLP Thomas J. Woods Insurance Agency, Inc.

Friends Commonwealth Electrical Technologies, Inc. Francis P. Shea Insurance Agency, Inc. Griffin and Company, PC Hassett & Donnelly, PC Industrial Cleaning Products

CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING & art galler y

in g! m r a l F a Fr ug Up to 11Choice x 14 . $39.95 of Up to 18 x 24 . $69.95 Frames Up Select to 16 x 20 . $59.95 Up to 22 x 24 . $79.95 Up to 26 x 32 . $89.95 *Includes Glass, Hinge Mount, and Hanging Hardware with Premium Single Mat

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Up to 11 x 14 ������������$39.95 www.FramedInTatnuck.com Up to 16 x 20 ������������$59.95 Up to 18 x 24 ������������$69.95 Up to 22 x 25 ������������$79.95 Up to 11 xUp 14 . $39.95 18 x������������$99.95 24 . $69.95 to 26Upxto32

Up to 16 x 20 . $59.95 Up to 22 x 24 . $79.95 Up to 26 x 32 . $89.95 *Includes Premium Glass, Hinge Mount, and Hanging Hardware

1099 Pleasant St. | Worcester 508-770-1270

www.FramedInTatnuck.com

Media Sponsors Charter TV3 Worcester Business Journal Worcester Magazine

In-Kind Donors Broadway Restaurant Duva Distributors LAZ Parking Maines Paper & Food Service Table Talk Pies, Inc.

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

25

night day &

{ listings}

different musicians regularly support my open mic night all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or currently signed recording artists * Award-winning pro’s or semi-pro’s * Regularly gigging paid-performers * Published songwriters * Recording studio owner/operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350 or find them on Facebook.

Boogie Chillin’. Bluesy, bluegrassy, acoustic band with a twist.

Jon Bonner - Guitar & Vocals Fernando Perez - Percussion Zack Slik - Mandolin & Vocals Dan Villani - Violin/fiddle Rose Villani - Bass Free! 9 p.m.-midnight Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439 or find them on Facebook.

Karaoke. DJ Nancy, of Star Sound Entertainment. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798-8385.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster.

978-537-7750.

>Wednesday 11

Music Together at Pakachoag - winter session, week 1. Music Together at Pakachoag Music School Open registration begins December 1st. Winter session classes in Auburn on Wednesdays begin January 11th. Classes also available in Sterling, Sturbridge, West Boylston, and Worcester. Ages birth-5, and big kids 5-7. For complete information visit us at pakmusic.org, email info@ pakmusic.org, or call 508-791-8159. 175. 9:30-10:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, 203 Pakachoag St., Auburn. 508-791-8159 or pakmusic.org Open Mic Wednesdays at CJ’s Steak Loft in Northborough. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night!

Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or currently signed recording artists * Award-winning pro’s or semi-pro’s * Regularly gigging paid-performers * Published songwriters * Recording studio owner/operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6-9 p.m.

CJs Steakloft, 369 W. Main St. (route 20), Northborough. 508-3938134 or find them on Facebook.

Trivia Night. 8:30-11 p.m. Banner Pub, The, 112 Green St. 508755-0879.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg.

978-345-5051.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster.

978-537-7750.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. Trivia Night at Loft, Wednesday at 9. 9-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

Wednesday “What’s that tune” Trivia. 9 p.m.-noon The Pint, 58 Shrewsbury St. Wednesday Night Mayhem. Mayhem Entertainment, The Twisted Minds Behind the FBW present a completely ridiculous writing tournament with lots of audience participation. Learn more at thefbw.com Doors open at 5pm, show starts at 9 pm. A bracketed style tournament designed to push burgeoning writers to their limits.

The wrestling-themed, dance party-infused, bracketed improv writing competition you know and love is back! And now you can be the star! $5. 9 p.m.-midnight Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877 or find them on Facebook.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

“Who is Buried in Brigham Street Old Burial Ground?” Find out as the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists Inc. meets for the first time in the New Year Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m.

arts

ADC Performance Center (@ The Artist Development Complex), 18 Mill St., Southbridge. 508-764-6900 or adcmusic.com Anna Maria College, 50 Sunset Lane, Paxton. 508-849-3300 or annamaria.edu ArtsWorcester, “The Pace of Nature” by Allison Coelho Picone, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Aug. 5 - Jan. 25. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Free. 660 Main St. 508-7555142 or artsworcester.org Asa Waters Mansion, Admission: $3 for guided tour $7-10 for tea. 123 Elm St., Millbury. 508-865-0855 or asawaters.org Assumption College: Emmanuel d’Alzon Library, 500 Salisbury St. 508-767-7272 or assumption.edu Booklovers’ Gourmet, Paintings, Prints, Sculpture and more from the collection of J. Richard Whittaker, Through Jan. 31. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 55 East Main St., Webster. 508949-6232 or er3.com Clark University: Cohen-Lasry House, 11 Hawthorne St. clarku.edu Clark University: Schiltkamp Gallery, 92 Downing St. 508793-7349.

Clark University: Traina Center for the Arts, 92 Downing St. clarku.edu Clark University: University Gallery, Hours: noon-5 p.m.

Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon-5 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. 950 Main St. 508-793-7349 or 508-7937113 or clarku.edu

• JANUARY 5, 2017

to noon, at Worcester Public Library in the Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square, Worcester. Want a membership? Individual yearly is just $25, family is $30. For more information, email swedique@hotmail.com.

Clark’s Cafe and Art On Rotation Gallery, Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday - Saturday. Admission: Free for gallery. 310 High St., Clinton. 978-549-5822 or 978-365-7772 or aorgallery.com College of the Holy Cross: Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, 2-5 p.m. Saturday. 1 College St. 508-793-3356 or holycross.edu Danforth Museum of Art, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-5 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 508-620-0050 or danforthmuseum.org EcoTarium, Turtle Travels , Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sept. 17 - May 7. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday.

Admission: $15.00 adults; $10 for children ages 2-18, college students with ID & senior citizens. Children under 2 & EcoTarium members free. Additional charges apply for Tree Canopy Walkway, Explorer Express Train, planetarium programs & other special event.

222 Harrington Way. 508-929-2700 or ecotarium.org Fisher Museum Harvard Forest, 324 N. Main St., Petersham.

978-724-3302 or harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu Fitchburg Art Museum, Hours: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, noon-4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. 978-345-4207 or fitchburgartmuseum.org Fitchburg Historical Society, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m.-midnight Wednesday, closed Thursday - Saturday. 50 Grove St., Fitchburg. 978-345-1157 or fitchburghistory.fsc.edu Fitchburg State University: Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. fitchburgstate.edu Framed in Tatnuck, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 1099 Pleasant

St. 508-770-1270 or framedintatnuck.com Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. 978-4563924 or fruitlands.org Gallery of African Art, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Donations accepted. 62 High St., Clinton. 978-265-4345 or 978-598-5000x12 or galleryofafricanart.org Highland Artist Group, 113 Highland St. highlandartistgroup.com Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Hours: 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 414 Massasoit Road. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org Museum of Russian Icons, Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (59 +), $7; Students, $5; Children 3-17, $5; Children <3, free. 203 Union St., Clinton. 978598-5000 or 978-598-5000 or museumofrussianicons.org Old Sturbridge Village, Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday.

Admission: $14 - $28 charged by age. Children under 3 free. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-733-1830 or 508-347-3362 or osv.org Park Hill Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 387 Park Ave. 774-696-0909.

Post Road Art Center, Hours: closed Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 1 Boston Post Road, Marlborough. 508485-2580 or postroadartcenter.com Preservation Worcester, Hours: closed Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 10 Cedar St. 508-754-8760 or preservationworcester.org Prints and Potter Gallery: American Arts and Crafts Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 142 Highland St. 508-7522170 or printsandpotter.com Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts & Humanities, the Arts Center, Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 2-4 p.m. Saturday. 111 Main St., Southbridge. 508-346-3341 or qvcah.org Rollstone Studios, Hours: 11-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. Admission: free.

633 Main St., Fitchburg. 978-348-2781 or rollstoneartists.com Salisbury Mansion, Hours: closed Sunday - Wednesday, 1-8:30 p.m. Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 40 Highland St. 508-7538278 or worcesterhistory.org SAORI Worcester Freestyle Weaving Studio, 18 Winslow St. 508-757-4646 or 508-757-0116 or saoriworcester.com Sprinkler Factory, 2nd Floor Sculpture Park: Sculptures, Installations & Large Scale 2D, Saturday. Admission: free. 38 Harlow St. sprinklerfactory.com Taproot Bookstore, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 1200 West Boylston St. 508-853-5083 or TaprootBookstore.com Tatnuck Bookseller & Cafe, Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday Saturday. 18 Lyman St., Westborough. 508-366-4959 or tatnuck.com The Foster Gallery, 51 Union St. 508-397-7139 or thefostergallery.com Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, Hours: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

21 Prichard St., Fitchburg. 978-342-2809 or 978-297-4337 or topfunaviation.com Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $12 Adults, $9 Seniors & $7 Youth, free to Members & Children under. 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111 or towerhillbg.org Worcester Art Museum, Facing the World: Modernization and

night day &

Splendor in Meiji Japan, Through April 16; Helmutt on the Move, Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sept. 1 - Aug. 31; Jeppson Idea Lab: Renoir’s The Jewish Wedding, Through March 26; KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley, Through Sept. 9; Picket Fence to Picket Line: Visions of American Citizenship, Through Feb. 5. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Admission: Free for members, $14 adults, $12 seniors, free for youth 17 and under. Free for all first Saturdays of each month, 10am-noon.

55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406 or worcesterart.org Worcester Center for Crafts, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183 or worcestercraftcenter.org Worcester Historical Museum, Hours: closed Sunday Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 30 Elm St. 508-7538278 or worcesterhistory.org Worcester Public Library, Hours: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday - Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. 3 Salem Square. 508-7991655 or worcpublib.org WPI: George C. Gordon Library, 100 Institute Road. wpi.edu

Recommended at 800-401-2221 Prices: $20 Fri/Sat pp except Special Events Drinks and Appetizers available in the show room Full Dinner Available before Show in Restaurant $5off with College ID and Reservations 2 for 1 Active Military or Veterans and Reservations $4 off with Dinner Receipt and Reservations.

Comedy of Errors - Friday, January 6 - Saturday, January 7. Come see Millbury High School’s Drama club present William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors! $5 Student/Senior, $10 General.

7-9 p.m. Millbury Memorial High School, Capparelli Auditorium, 12 Martin St., Millbury. Call 508-865-5841.

Comedy of Errors - Sunday, January 8. Come see Millbury High School’s Drama club present William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors! $5 Student/Senior, $10 General. 2-4 p.m. Millbury Memorial High School, Capparelli Auditorium, 12 Martin St., Millbury. Call 508-865-5841.

classes >Thursday 5

Winter Color. On display January - March, 2017, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. An evolving display of stunning botanical art from our rare books and journals. Included with admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Library, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111, ext. 116.

Intro to Product Photography with Jessica White. In this 2 hour class, learn the basics of product photography. You will Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape at Park Grill & Spirits learn basic staging and 2 different options for lighting your product.

You will need to bring your own camera (camera phones welcomed), - Fridays, Saturdays, Saturday, September 18 - Monday, December and you will be responsible for knowing how to use your camera.

31. Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape at Park Grill & Spirits 257 Park Ave Worcester MA 01609 Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Please feel welcomed to bring samples of your work to practice on!

Limit 10 Students $60 Members / $80 Non Members. 2-4 p.m. The Clubs Showtimes: Friday 9pm-Saturdays 8pm -$20pp Reservations WorcShop, Studio 12 - True Life Photography of MA, 243 Stafford St.

theater/ comedy

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774-293-8165 or eventbrite.com

>Thursday 5 – Thursday 19

Nude Drawing in the Galleries. Visitors are invited to set-up their drawing boards in the galleries for the rare opportunity to draw from live nude models posing among masterworks by such artists as Veronese, El Greco and Rembrandt. Beginners and seasoned artists alike are welcome to join a studio class faculty member as they teach new skills and techniques, all within the inspirational setting of the museum. Make Nude Drawing your perfect Thursday afternoon and become intimately acquainted with the artworks found throughout WAM’s galleries. Nude Drawing takes place in the museum galleries; permissible art materials are limited to: Graphite or colored pencils Erasers Drawing Boards (23 x 26 or smaller).

Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies. Stools will be provided. Free with Museum admission. 2-5 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Renaissance Gallery (Gallery 210), 55 Salisbury St. 508799-4406.

>Friday 6 – February 10

Tiny Tumblers - Acro for Ages 5-7. A combination of gymnastics + basic dance steps, tumbling incorporates acrobatic tricks into dance choreography. Our tumbling classes combine strength training, endurance, body awareness, balance, use of center/core, musicality and fluidity of movement. Tiny Tumblers offers an introduction to our acro/tumbling classes at The Dancer’s Sole. 6 weeks for $50, OR: $10 drop-in per child. 4-4:45 p.m. The Dancer’s Sole, Studio II, 6 Main St., Webster. 509-949-1508.

>Saturday 7

“Who is Buried in Brigham Street Old Burial Ground?”.

New Members Welcome The January meeting will start the new

year off and will be held the first Saturday in the Saxe Room at the Worcester Public Library (Contact: Reference Department at 508799-1655 or mywpl.org), located at 3 Salem Square in Worcester, Massachusetts. The morning will begin with a short business meeting followed by the “Who is Buried in Brigham Street Old Burial Ground?” presentation by Beth Finch McCarthy. As the title suggests, there are unidentified burials in the Brignam Street Old Burial Ground in the small Worcester County town of Northborough. The town’s first settlers had lived and died on what was the original land of the Marlborough Plantation since the early 1700’s, but the town’s first burial place has only 5 grave markers. This program illustrates how Massachusetts Bay Colony towns were settled by providing a primer of colonial history and following one family’s settlement patterns over several generations. Genealogists will also learn how to analyze a colonial burial ground from a historical, genealogical, and archaeological perspective with the goal of identifying unmarked graves. The meeting is open to anyone interested in this presentation.

Attendees are encouraged to bring along a friend(s), as well as your own non-alcoholic beverage, munchies will be provided. Anyone bringing goodies to share will receive an extra door prize ticket.

Membership is encouraged for anyone pursuing the hobby, passion, or profession of Genealogy. Yearly membership is only $25.00 for an individual and $30.00 for a family living in the same household.

Please note that parking isn’t allowed in the “green” areas (further from the door). Note your space number and pay for parking at the outdoor kiosk (credit cards accepted) before entering the library.

Questions? Contact: Nancy Schultzberg, Publicity Chairperson, at 774-573-9529. For more information about the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, visit our website:

$569 COMPLETE 1000 WATT HPS KIT PICTURED

12 PLANTS per household

INCLUDES:

SOIL AND NUTRIENTS

502 BOSTON TURNPIKE RD SHREWSBURY, MA 508.845.4477

7 DAYS A WEEK!

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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night day &

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massachusettssocietyofgenealogists.org -or- msoginc.org Free. 10 a.m.-noon Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square.

508-799-1655.

Forge a Rail Road Spike Knife with Jason Scott. In this one day class, students will learn the basic techniques of making a blade, using a railroad spike. The importance and safety aspects of being able to properly hold onto hot metal will be discussed.

Students will have the opportunity to make one knife of their own, as well as gain the knowledge of modifying and making more in the future 10 am to 4 pm (½ hour lunch break) Minimum of 3 students to run the class, and a maximum of 6. $70 members / $85 non members. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The WorcShop, 243 Stafford St. 774545-0720 or eventbrite.com New Year’s Hike. Fresh air, Wachusett Meadow’s beautiful trails, good company, and some seasonal natural history along the way.

There is no better way to start the New Year! We will either hike or snowshoe, depending on conditions. Snowshoes are available to rent for an additional $2 per hour for members; $4 per hour for nonmembers. Registration is required. Register online or call 978-464-2712 to register by phone. $7 Adult Members, $9 Adult Nonmembers. 1-3 p.m. Mass Audubon: Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 978-464-2712 or massaudubon.org Forge your own Bottle Opener with Willow Zietman.

In this Bring Your Own Blacksmithing class, bring your own bottle and Willow teach you to make a bottle opener. In this three hour class you will be introduced to the basic blacksmithing techniques of hammering, drawing-out, cutting, bending, and twisting. This class will run for 3 hours, and at the end, you’ll have a finished bottle opener. There is a minimum of 3 students needed to run this class, and a maximum of 6 students. $70 members / $80 non members. 5-8 p.m. The WorcShop, 243 Stafford St. 774-545-0720 or eventbrite.com

being able to properly hold onto hot metal will be discussed. Students will have the opportunity to make one knife of their own, as well as gain the knowledge of modifying and making more in the future 10 am to 4 pm (½ hour lunch break) Minimum of 3 students to run the class, and a maximum of 6. $70 members / $85 non members. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The WorcShop, 243 Stafford St. 774-545-0720 or eventbrite.com Forge a Rail Road Spike Knife with Jason Scott in this one-day class Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The WorcShop, 243 Stafford St., Worcester. Cost is $70 for members, $85 non-members. For more information, email theworcshop@ gmail.com or call 774-545-0720.

>Tuesday 10

Worcester Writer’s Circle. Are words your passion? Worcester Writers Group may be of interest to you. Read more meetup.com/ writers-858/ free. Worcester Public Library, Talking Books Room, 3 Salem Square. 508-799-1655, ext. 3.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group.

Grandparents raising Grandchildren- includes other kin. The support group meets with a Social Worker from Childrens Friend, Inc. 6-8 p.m. YWCA of Central Massachusetts, 1 Salem Square. 508-7561545 or eswa.org

>Tuesday 10 – February 14

Dye, Paint, Foil. Make a splash of color and pattern! In this class you will get your hands into the process of creating art with fabric.

Using dye, paint, foil, and more you will create your own fabric pieces that can be used to make wall hangings, bags, and other great creations. $200. 4-6 p.m. Worcester Center for Crafts, Multi Media, 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183, ext. 301 or register. worcestercraftcenter.org Small Hands, Small Sculptures. Working with wire is like drawing lines in the air! Engage your imagination while creating small wire sculptures and learn to use hand tools that will help you gain greater control over your material! Sketching ideas will be introduced as the artistic process is explored leaving you excited to keep creating! $200. 4-6 p.m. Worcester Center for Crafts, Helmutt’s Drop In Studio. Add to your museum visit experience Commons, 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183, ext. 301 or register. by participating in Helmutt’s Drop-In Studio, offered in conjunction worcestercraftcenter.org with the exhibition, “KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Tell Me a Story. Places, plots, and characters are brought to Emberley.” Try your hand at some of the techniques Ed uses to create life in this lively class! Learn fun techniques with ceramics, fibers, his colorful picture books, like thumbprint drawing, printmaking, and paper and more while creating a stage and puppets to fit your making pictures with color block shapes. New art-making activities own story. $200. 4-6 p.m. Worcester Center for Crafts, Metals weekly. Jan 4,5,6 & 8 - Fun Print Winter Bean People & Draw Castles Studio, 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183, ext. 301 or register. and Knights Open hours: Wednesdays-Fridays, 11am-12noon, worcestercraftcenter.org and 1-3pm; Sundays 2-4:45pm. Suitable for all ages; Helmutt’s Drop-In Studio is available on a first-come, first-served basis.(All >Wednesday 11 programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission.

Rainbow Lunch Club. The Rainbow Lunch Club meets the 2nd 2-4:45 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Studio 100, 55 Salisbury St. >Saturday 7 – February 18 & 4th Wednesdays of each month and offers LGBTIQA seniors age Adventures in Minecraft. Adventures in Minecraft is an ongoing 508-799-4406.

60+ a nutritious meal and an opportunity to socialize with friends social gaming group where enthusiasts of all ages can come together Linda Lee Johnson: Characterizations in Oil. The and enjoy various activities including programs, entertainment and Gallery at Briarwood will host an Opening Reception for artist to craft, build and adventure on a dedicated Minecraft server. Each educational series. Advance reservations are required. Please call Linda Lee Johnson’s exhibit, “Characterizations in Oil.” Light meeting will open and close with a group discussion where we or email by the previous Wednesday: (508)756-1545 ext.404 or refreshments will be served in the Gallery. Open to the Public. 2-4 will set project goals and reflect on our progress. Newcomers and wlen@eswa.org All are Welcome: LGBTIQA 60 years old and older; p.m. Gallery at Briarwood, 65 Briarwood Circle. 508-852-9007 or veterans are welcome to join. This group is lead by two instructors younger partners, friends, and allies! $2.50 suggested donation for briarwoodretirement.com who not only love playing Minecraft, but also enjoy sharing how the those age 60+; the fee for younger individuals is $5.50. Noon-2 p.m. game can be used and explored as a tool for creativity, teamwork, Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden St. 508-756and even computer programming! *Minecraft account for Windows/ >Monday 9 1545 or meetup.com Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing. Meets the first Figure in Context #15. 3 hour figure workshop held by Void’s Mac/Linux is required. *Need a computer? You can reserve one of our 6 iMacs by emailing us. Otherwise, participants must bring their Monday of every month. Grasp was created to help provide resources Creations at The WorcShop Featured model: tba Set design: tba This of help, compassion and most of all understanding for families who own laptop. Want to check out the server? Desktop or laptop users is not just your average nude model on a stand, we will be staging have had a loved one die through drug use. We are a community of can enter “technocopia.builders” in the Minecraft multiplayer server an environment for the model to pose in (local artists are welcome to those who have lost a loved one to addiction. And we understand the volunteer to bring to life a different creative setting each session) The address bar to see what we’ve done so far. *New visitors will not isolation, the stigma, the special kind of pain that accompanies this be able to interact with the world until an administrator gives them event will be recurring biweekly on Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm permission to do so. $30/class. 6-8 p.m. Think Tank at Technocopia, loss. We are here. We are walking the same path. Take our hand. And starting May 25th. 6-630 pm gesture 6:30-9 pm long pose All we will walk together. No cost - free. 7-8:30 p.m. Our Lady of the 44 Portland St. 508-757-8265 or worcesterthinktank.com mediums are welcome, please bring your own easels and supplies.

Angels Church, 1222 Main St. graspohelp.org If you intend to use messy media please bring a drop cloth as well. >Saturday 7 – March 11 $15 general admission / $20 g.a. + reference pictures . 6-9 p.m. >Monday 9 – June 14 Music Together at Pakachoag - winter session, week The WorcShop, Classroom Side B, 243 Stafford St. 774-545-0720 or Kinderkids Ballet + Tap Ages 5&6 - The Dancer’s Sole. eventbrite.com 1. Music Together at Pakachoag Music School Open registration A new class is kicking off the new year at The Dancer’s Sole, Webster begins December 1st. Winter session classes begin January 7th.

MA! TDS Kinderkids - Ages 5 and 6, Open to the Public (Co-ed) Ballet >Wednesday 11 – 18 Ages birth-5, and big kids 5-7. For complete information visit us at and Tap Dance Class Mondays 3:30-4:30pm beginning January 9, pakmusic.org, email info@pakmusic.org, or call 508-791-8159.

Print Your Own T-shirts, Tote-bags, or Posters! Intro to 2017 Contact us today to register! Dancers take class one time per 175. 9:30-10:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Pakachoag Music Screen Printing. In this two-session workshop you’ll learn how School of Greater Worcester, 203 Pakachoag St., Auburn. 508-791- week and also participate in the year-end Recital at Bartlett High to design and screenprint your very own design. In the first session School. dancers_sole @ yahoo.com |or| 508.949.1508 This class 8159 or pakmusic.org you’ll learn about the common ways that t-shirts are printed and will fill quickly! Don’t wait to reserve your dancer’s spot! $56/month. learning how to prepare a digital file so that it can be transferred to 3:30-4:30 p.m. The Dancer’s Sole, Studio I, 6 Main St., Webster. >Sunday 8 a screen for printing. In the second session we will prepare a screen 509-949-1508.

Forge a Rail Road Spike Knife with Jason Scott. In this and print our t-shirts. How does it work? We will use InkScape--free one day class, students will learn the basic techniques of making a & open source graphic design software--to prepare a digital design blade, using a railroad spike. The importance and safety aspects of

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that will be cut using Technocopia’s computer-controlled vinyl cutting machine. Then the design will be transferred to a screen and we will apply a coating to the screen so we can print with the screen over and over again. You’ll then use your screen and fabric inks to print your design onto t-shirts or other fabric. Bring your own laptop with InkScape installed or you can use one of our lab computers. You don’t need to have a file prepared before the class, but if you already have an idea for your design bring a digital file with you and our instructor will help you turn it into a screen. $100. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Technocopia, 44 Portland St., 6th floor. 774-420-2244 or eventbrite.com

>Wednesday 11 – February 8

Basic Artisan Metalworking (5 weeks). Learn to handcraft a beautiful, elegant gift just in time For Valentine’s Day! This 5 week course is held on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm Learn how to manipulate stainless steel with a variety of equipment to create your own flower or other sculpture. Students will learn basic artistic design, plasma torch, Oxy/Acetylene operation, basic hot metal forming, TIG welding and various finishing tools. The class takes the student from concept to design then to cutting parts, forming parts, joining parts together, smoothing and finishing, to finally polishing their piece. The student will be able to bring the art piece home with them. All materials are provided. Class Dates: January 11, 2017 January 18, 2017 January 25, 2017 February 1, 2017 February 8, 2017 Class Requirements: Appropriate shop clothing: (natural fiber clothing, long sleeves/ jeans is typical minimum recommended) closed toe shoes (leather steel toe boots recommended). No experience necessary but class can be appropriate for mid level to advanced metalcrafters. A minimum of 2 students is needed to run this class, with a maximum of 6. Class will be cancelled if it does not meet the minimum signup requirement by 1/8/17 Students will have the option of transferring their ticket to another class or receiving a refund. Please provide us with both a contact number & email to ensure you are properly notified of course changes. How to find us!

Turn in at the Blue Hive parking lot (233 Stafford St.) drive to the back of the lot and turn right to go behind the building. There will be a large garage door. The entrance to the WorcShop is the door on the right with the blue awning. $200 WorcShop Members / $250 NonMembers. 7-9 p.m. The WorcShop, 243 Stafford St. 774-545-0720 or eventbrite.com

>Wednesday 11 - August 31

Helmutt’s Drop In Studio. Add to your museum visit experience by participating in Helmutt’s Drop-In Studio, offered in conjunction with the exhibition, “KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley.” Try your hand at some of the techniques Ed uses to create his colorful picture books, like thumbprint drawing, printmaking, and making pictures with color block shapes. New art-making activities weekly. Open hours: Wednesdays-Fridays, 11am-12noon, and 1-3pm; Sundays 2-4:45pm. Suitable for all ages; Helmutt’s Drop-In Studio is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free with Museum admission. 11 a.m.-noon Worcester Art Museum, Studio 100, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Helmutt’s Drop In Studio. Add to your museum visit experience by participating in Helmutt’s Drop-In Studio, offered in conjunction with the exhibition, “KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley.” Try your hand at some of the techniques Ed uses to create his colorful picture books, like thumbprint drawing, printmaking, and making pictures with color block shapes. New art-making activities weekly. Open hours: Wednesdays-Fridays, 11am-12noon, and 1-3pm; Sundays 2-4:45pm. Suitable for all ages; Helmutt’s Drop-In Studio is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free with Museum admission. 1-3 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Studio 100, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

night day &

lectures >Thursday 5

Worcester City Manager, Ed Augustus. Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus will join the Briarwood community to discuss some of the issues facing the City and what is being done to address them. If you have questions about the City, this is your opportunity to be heard. Ed has served on the Worcester School Committee, as Congressman Jim McGovern’s Chief of Staff in Washington, DC, and represented the 2nd Worcester district in the Massachusetts Senate.

Free and Open to the Public. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community: Birches Auditorium, 65 Briarwood Circle. 508-852-9007 or briarwoodretirement.com

>Saturday 7

Massachusetts Society of Genealogists Presents: “Who is Buried in Brigham Street Old Burial Ground?” with Beth Finch McCarthy. Worcester Chapter of Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc. gathers for a business meeting, networking, and presentation. Attendance is open to anyone interested in the presentation. Membership is encouraged for anyone pursuing the hobby, passion, or profession of Genealogy. Free. 10 a.m.-noon Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square.

508-799-1655, ext. 3.

>Sunday 8

Carlos Odria at Homefield Brewing. Solo guitar instrumental music. Original compositions and jazz standards arranged by Peruvian-born guitarist Carlos Odria (Ph.D. Musicology).

Odria has done extensive research on different world music traditions and developed a unique blend of styles including flamenco, jazz, samba, Cuban, and Afro-Peruvian genres. He has been a featured artist at national music festivals and has performed at concert halls and universities across the east coast. For more information, visit: carlosodria.com Free. 2-5 p.m. Homefield Brewing, 3 Arnold Road, Fiskdale. 774-242-6365.

>Wednesday 11

Self Help Spirituality Book Club. A book club for people seeking direction on the road of life. Read, learn, and share with others as books encompassing various traditions and approaches are discussed. All are welcome. Titles: Dec. 14: Help, Thanks, Wow - Anne Lamott:, Jan. 11: The Prophet - Khalil Gibran, Feb. 8: We are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For - Alice Walker. Call to reserve your copy, or pick one up at the Main Library. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the Month free. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Worcester Public Library, Talking Books Room, 3 Salem Square. 508-799-1655, ext. 3.

family >Thursday 5 – Thursday 12

Art Carts: Family Fun - Antioch, the Hunt Mosaic & WAM. Ever wonder how our wonderful collection of mosaics got here? How they were made? Where they came from? Where is Antioch? Learn about all this and try your hand at making a mosaic!

(Programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 1-2 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Renaissance Court, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

>Thursday 5 – Thursday 19

Art Carts: Family Fun - Arms and Armor. Knightly armor is nice and shiny, but how does it feel? How heavy is the armor?

Is it comfortable? How and why did they decorate it? Discover the answers to these questions and more with our hands-on armor activity! (Programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Medieval Gallery, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

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>Friday 6

Art Carts: Family Fun - Eastern and Western Tea. England and Japan are both known for their tea service: England for the beautifully formal tea parties, and Japan for the elaborately choreographed cha-no-yu ceremony. Discover the differences (and similarities!) between these ways of making and serving tea while getting a hands-on look at both tea sets. (programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 1-2 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Asian Gallery, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Art Carts: Family Fun - Loyalist and Patriot. The American Revolution was a period of internal as well as external disruption. It was America’s first civil war. Discover the divisions, and commonalities between Loyalists and Patriots. Read samples of period documents and discuss the issues of the day including the Declaration of Independence! (programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, PDP - Gallery - Picket Fence to Picket Line, 55 Salisbury St. 508799-4406.

>Saturday 7

Tech Teardown! Ever wonder what’s inside of the technology you use every day? In this all-ages workshop, we’ll work together to dismantle common gadgets like personal electronics, keyboards, and high-tech toys to look at the bits and bobs that make our technology work...and share some food while we’re at it! Once we’ve taken it all apart, we’ll use hot glue to make one-of-a-kind junkbots! Or, for a real challenge, try reassembling your gadget to get it working again! Children are welcome, but those under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is requested but not required - drop-ins are welcome! Free. 10 a.m.-noon Shrewsbury Public Library, Meeting Room, 609 Main St., Shrewsbury. 508-842-0081 or eventkeeper.com Family Tour. Explore the museum galleries with your family on a docent-guided discovery tour. Hear fun facts, stories and enjoy sharing observations and time together. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. Tour begins in the Lancaster Welcome Center. Museum admission is free the first Saturday of the month from 10:00am 12:00pm. Free with Museum admission. 10:30-11 a.m. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Families Make Art. Families - Stay after your family tour (starting time 10:30 am), or drop-in for this fun intergenerational time in the galleries. Get inspired by our art and try making something uniquely yours. Materials will be provided. Come recover your childlike sense of free spirited play! Museum admission is free the first Saturday of the month from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Free with Museum admission. 11-11:30 a.m. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Arms and Armor: Company of the Wolfe Argent.

Representing a company of 15th century Burgundian men-at-arms, this group employs period clothing and weaponry to offer a lively glimpse of arms and armor, society, and daily life in the late Middle Ages.(Programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Conference Room, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Zip Tour: Looking at Pottery. Zip tours are fast paced views of one artist or work of art, and last only 20 minutes. Free with Museum admission. Tour begins in the Lancaster Welcome Center. Free with Museum admission. 1-2 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Tour of the Month - Five of “The Ten”. Join on us to learn more about The Ten, American Impressionists based in Boston and New York. See examples in the Worcester Art Museum’s collection of five artists from this group and learn more about the group as a whole. Tour begins in the Lancaster Welcome Center. Free with Museum admission. 2-3 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

i GO

Monday, Thursday, Saturday 6:15pm BINGO! at Seven Hills is #1 for gaming fun if you always have your eyes on the prize: n Chance to win $3,000 every night! n Casino 50/50, Winners Take All n $200 worth of door prizes, $5 Lottery ticket raffles n Doors open at 4:30; game papers on sale at 5:00 n Snack bar, dinner specials…FREE refills on coffee

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JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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night day &

{ listings}

Tequila Bonfire plays Saturday, Jan. 7, 8-10 p.m., at Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St., Worcester. For more information, email digitalkitchen@charter.net.

>Saturday 7 – Saturday 14

Art Carts: Family Fun - Arms and Armor. Knightly armor is nice and shiny, but how does it feel? How heavy is the armor?

Is it comfortable? How and why did they decorate it? Discover the answers to these questions and more with our hands-on armor activity! (programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 2-3 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Medieval Gallery, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

>Sunday 8

Worcester JCC Membership Open House. For one day only, the Worcester JCC will host a Membership Open House showcasing the center’s extensive programs. From special membership offerings and the opportunity to drop-in for free on group exercise classes, the JCC has endless activities for all ages in state-of-the-art facilities. There will be tours, refreshments, free chair massages, and staff introductions. For more information, contact Monica Maher at (508) 756-7109 x236 or mmaher@worcesterjcc. org. Free. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Worcester JCC, 633 Salisbury St. 508756-7109 or goo.gl/4YVYwD Arms and Armor: Onna-Bugeisha: Women of the Samurai. The official title of a Samurai’s wife was, “The One who remains in the Home.” But what did these women really do while the men were away? From warriors to poets, manning catapults to writing laws, no two lives are quite the same. Come and learn the stories of a few outstanding women from the age of Samurai! (programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Conference Room, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Art Carts: Family Fun - Eastern and Western Tea. England and Japan are both known for their tea service: England for the beautifully formal tea parties, and Japan for the elaborately choreographed cha-no-yu ceremony. Discover the differences (and similarities!) between these ways of making and serving tea while getting a hands-on look at both tea sets. (programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 2-3 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Asian Gallery, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

>Sunday 8 – Sunday 22

Sunday Public Tour. Join one of our talented Museum docents for an overview of the Museum collection. Free with Museum admission. Tour begins in the Lancaster Welcome Center. Free with Museum admission. 1-2 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

>Sunday 8 – March 26

Sunday Afternoon Tours. Explore seasonal garden and conservatory highlights on a docent-led tour. Free with Admission.

2-3 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508869-6111, ext. 124.

>Wednesday 11

Art Carts: Family Fun - The Archaeology of Pottery.

Have you ever noticed the cracks in our Greek pottery? How were they put back together? Why do they have blank spaces? Learn all about how our Greek pots were made and restored. Then, try your hand at assembling a pot! (Programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 1-2 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Greek Gallery, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Art Carts: Family Fun - Coat of Arms. During the Middle Ages a coat of arms was used for identification. Back then, many people could not read and heraldry became a method of identification of individuals, institutions and states. We associate heraldry with Knights, for whom the tradition was started, but it a system that became more broadly used. Come learn basic heraldry and design your own arms! (Programming subject to change) Free with Museum

30

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admission. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Medieval Gallery, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Nytro: Industrial, Goth, Dark Techno. Industrial, Goth, Dark Techno Hosted by Karl Krazen fb.me/kkarlkrazenofficial soundcloud. com/karlkrazenofficial 21+ Doors at 9pm, $5 No dress code, but all black or creative attire encouraged. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on Facebook.

from the Worcester Agricultural Society (founded in 1817), the Worcester County Mechanics Association (founded in 1842) and the Worcester County Horticultural Society (founded in 1842) that show the connections between all three. Free with Admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Library, 11 French Drive, Boylston.

508-869-6111, ext. 116.

fundraisers dance >Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 >Thursday 5 – Thursday 26 Subterra: Resident’s Night. Welcome to Subterra at The Cove Music Hall by Kick It Recordings and The Cove Music Hall The infamous Residents nights are something for everyone. We bring an all around ecclectic sound from Breaks, DnB, House and everything in between. This week we have added one of our close friends to the lineup and happy to have Karl Weisskopf out for a dose of the Zee House muziks. Check upcoming events at #SubterraAtTheCove for more info. DJ’s Sneaker & The Dryer Massappeal Toreba Spacedrift Open Decks 8-9 R.O.A.R at the Door. Please be on your best behavior. $5 Ladies Free until 10pm / 21+ w/ Proper ID Open: 8PM-2AM $5 at the door- Ladies free until 10pm. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on Facebook.

>Sunday 8

The Love Dogs Band Swing Dance Party & Group Swing Dance Lesson. Sunday January 8th The Love Dogs Band Swing Dance Party & Easy Group Swing Dance Lesson Leominster - Fitchburg Elks (Dance2Swing) 134 North Main St. Leominster MA 01453 6:45pm ~ Beginner Group Swing Dance Lesson. 7:30pm ~ Live Band Admission Only $14 All Dance2Swing Events are Beginner & Social Friendly For Wicked Easy Directions: Visit our Web-site Below More Information: Below Next Week January 15th BJ Magoon & Driving Sideways $14. 6:45-10:30 p.m. Leominster Elks Lodge 1237, 134 N. Main St., Leominster. 978-840-3375 or dance2swing.com

fairs/ festivals >Thursday 5

Agriculture, Horticulture & Mechanics: Three Anniversaries. On display from January - June, 2017 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 2017 is a significant year for three of Worcester’s organizations. View historic material on display

• JANUARY 5, 2017

4th Annual Warm Winter Clothing Drive for the Homeless. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Center , 44 Temple St.

college sports Men’s Basketball Holy Cross Jan. 5 @ Colgate, 7 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Bucknell, 1:05 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Lafayette, 7 p.m.

Assumption Jan. 7 @ Le Moyne, 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. St. Rose, 7:30 p.m.

Nichols Jan. 5 vs. Curry, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 @ U. New England, 3 p.m.

Jan. 11 @ Eastern Nazarene, 5:30 p.m.

WPI Jan. 7 @ MIT, 3 p.m.

Jan. 11 @ Babson, 7 p.m.

Becker Jan. 5 @ Keene State, 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 @ Elms, 5 p.m.

Worcester State Jan. 7 vs. Salem State, 1 p.m.

Clark University Jan. 7 @ Wheaton, 1 p.m.

Jan. 11 @ Emerson, 6 p.m.

Anna Maria Jan. 7 vs. LaSell, 3 p.m.

Jan. 10 @ Emmanuel (Mass.), 5:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Holy Cross Jan. 5 vs. Colgate, 11:15 a.m.

Jan. 8 @ Bucknell, 2 p.m.

Jan. 11 @ Lafayette, 7 p.m.

Assumption Jan. 7 @ Le Moyne, 12 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. St. Rose, 5:30 p.m.

Nichols Jan. 5 vs. Curry, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 @ U. New England, 1 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Eastern Nazarene, 7:30 p.m.

WPI Jan. 7 vs. Coast Guard, 2 p.m.

Jan. 10 vs. Emerson, 7 p.m.

Becker Jan. 3 @ Mount Ida, 5 p.m.

Jan. 7 vs. Lesley, 1 p.m.

Jan. 10 @ Elms, 7 p.m.

Worcester State Jan. 7 vs. Salem State, 3 p.m.

Jan. 9 vs. Umass-Dartmouth, 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Tufts, 12 p.m.

Clark University Jan. 7 vs. Wheaton, 1 p.m.

Jan. 10 @ Smith, 7 p.m.

Anna Maria Jan. 7 vs. LaSell, 1 p.m.

Jan. 10 vs. Suffolk, 5 p.m.

Men’s Ice Hockey

Holy Cross Jan. 6 vs. Niagara, 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 7 vs. Niagara, 7:05 p.m.

Assumption Jan. 6 vs. Franklin Pierce, 5:35 p.m.

Jan. 10 vs. Fitchburg State, 7:35 p.m.

Nichols Jan. 6 vs. Stonehille, Boston, 8:40 p.m.

Jan. 7 vs. Buffalo State/Becker, Boston, 4:40 p.m./7:40 p.m.

Becker Jan. 6 vs. Buffalo State, Boston, Boston Landing Invitational, 5 p.m.

Jan. 7 vs. TBA, Boston, Boston Landing Invitational Worcester State Jan. 5 vs. Western New England, 7:10 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Umass-Dartmouth, 5 p.m.

Women’s Ice Hockey

Holy Cross Jan. 7 vs. SUNY Canton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Castleton or Endicott, Rutland Herald Invitational, TBA Nichols Jan. 11 @ Johnson & Wales, 6:55 p.m.

Becker Jan. 6 vs. Chatham, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 vs. Chatham, 1 p.m.

Wrestling

WPI Jan. 7 @ Roger Williams Open, 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Western New England, 12 p.m. vs. Castleton vs. Mt. St. Vincent (New York)

Men’s Indoor Track & Field Worcester State Jan. 8 @ Dartmouth Relays Jan. 11 @ URI Heptathlon

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www.centralmassclass.com “The Best of 2016”--yes, there were some things.

JONESIN’

by Matt Jones

Across 1 Hairless on top 5 Had in mind 10 Backstage access 14 Lyft competitor 15 Tree with chocolate-yielding seeds 16 “At Last” singer ___ James 17 Red gemstone 18 Singer whose “Blonde” was Esquire’s #1 album of 2016 20 Late Jeopardy! contestant Cindy with an inspiring six-day streak (despite treatment for Stage 4 cancer and running a fever during taping) 22 Cries of exasperation 23 Clubber Lang portrayer in “Rocky III” 24 Shrewd 25 2016 animated movie with a 98% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes 27 El ___ (Peruvian volcano) 29 Furniture wood 30 Puts on, as clothes 31 One way to find out 32 Founder of analytical psychology 34 “Spy vs. Spy” magazine 36 With 38-Across, 2016 headline that ended a 108-year streak 38 See 36-Across 42 LBJ’s VP 43 Self-defense system with throws 44 “Westworld” airer 45 Beverage brand whose logo is two lizards 48 Dandified dude 49 Copier paper orders 51 Newfound planet similar in mass to Earth (from National Geographic’s “6 Science Discoveries Worth Celebrating in 2016”) 54 “S” on the dinner table 55 “Inside ___ Schumer” 56 “Blueberries for ___” (Robert McCloskey kids’ book) 57 Donald Glover dramedy called “the best show of the year” by the New York Times 60 What Bertrand Piccard flew around the world using clean technology (one of BBC’s “Four good things that happened in 2016”) 63 Mascara ruiner, maybe 64 “A horse is a horse” horse 65 “SNL” producer Michaels 66 Former Montreal ballplayer 67 Cong. gathering 68 Key near the quote marks 69 Goulash, e.g.

Down 1 They may get stuck to hikers’ socks

32

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Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Who said nothing in life is free?

2 Lie adjacent to 3 Movie millionaire sought by a same-last-named “Dude” 4 Deadpan style of humor 5 “Back to the Future” hero Marty 6 “My Name Is ___” (Jason Lee sitcom) 7 Obamacare acronym 8 “___ of the North” (1922 silent documentary) 9 2020 Summer Olympics city 10 Chest muscle, slangily 11 “Resume speed,” to a musician 12 Be the headliner of 13 Seasonal mall figures 19 East, to Ernst 21 Actor Wood of “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency” 25 Follow a jagged path 26 Bookie’s calculations 27 Cheese’s partner 28 “Kinda” suffix 29 Yoko who loved John Lennon 33 “I’m not touching that!”

34 Pretend pie ingredient 35 Opposite the mouth, in biology 37 Party mix cereal 38 Coffee holder 39 “And then ...?”

40 Watson’s creator 41 Head-shaking replies 43 “You had one ___ ...”

45 Hiccups, e.g.

• J A N U A R Y 5 , 2 0 17

46 At least 47 Actor Peter and singer Susan, for two 48 Jokey Jimmy 50 Cheers up 52 Jerusalem’s home: abbr.

53 Syrup flavor 54 Take the wheel 57 A Brontî sister 58 Record, in a way 59 Get your ducks in ___ 61 Freemium game interrupters, perhaps 62 Curator’s canvases

Last week's solution

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Or you may run your ad from the beginning until it sells for $20 (no refund if the item sells within the two weeks)

SUBMIT ITEMS UNDER $2016 FOR FREE! Here’s all you need to do! 3 ways to submit ...

1. Mail completed form to Central Mass Classifieds, P.O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520 2. OR FAX the completed form to 508-829-0670 3. OR Email the info with name/address/phone number to sales@centralmassclass.com

NO PHONE ORDERS ACCEPTED FOR FREE ADS

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY ... We are not liable for misinformation due to ad being illegible: Have you advertised in the Central Mass Classifieds before? Please check one. ___Yes ___No Name ________________________________________________Phone___________________________ Address ___________________________________________ Town _________________Zip _________ Email Address (optional) _________________________________________________________________ Ad Text: (approx 28 characters per line includes letters, spaces, numbers, punctuation) _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE READ SUBMISSION RULES: Maximum 4 lines (approx. 28 characters per line). We reserve the right to edit if ads come in that are too long. NO phone orders accepted. See ways to submit above. Merchandise Ads Only- NO autos, snowmobiles, RV’s, trailers, boats, ATV’s, etc. We have a special rate for these ads ($20 till it sells). NO business Ads accepted for this section. If we suspect the ads are being sent in by a business, we reserve the right to refuse. Limit 1 ad per name/address/ phone number every 2 weeks. Free Ads will run for 2 weeks. If you choose to run your ad until it sells for $20, no refund will be given if it sells within the first two weeks.

Limit 1 item per ad (group of items OK if one price for all and under $2016). Price must be listed in ad. NO Cemetery Plots.

©2017 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) Reference puzzle #813

Sudoku Solution Page 38

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www.centralmassclass.com HEATING & PLUMBING SCOTT BOSTEK PLUMBING & HEATING Small Jobs Is What We Do Residential Repair Specialist Water Heaters-DisposalsFrozen Pipes-Remodels & AdditionsDrain Cleaning-Faucets Ins. MPL 11955 Free Estimates 25 yrs Exp. Reliable 774-696-6078 HOME IMPROVEMENT C&R Remodeling Additions & all home improvements, 25 yrs exp.

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MERCHANDISE

FOSTER PARENTS

Keep On Truckin’ Rubbish Removal & Home Improvement One Call Does It All! Estates, Garages, Basement & Attic Cleanouts Dumpsters Available Yard Cleanups, Free Estimates Guaranteed Lowest Price 774-696-8009 508-769-0468

CEMETERY PLOTS

FOSTER PARENTS WANTED

SIDING Sneade Brothers VINYL SIDING & REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Fully licensed & Insured Richard Sneade 508-839-1164 www.sneadebrothers windowandsiding.com TREE SERVICES Ross A. McGinnes Storm Damage, Tree Work, Stump Removals.

Free estimates.

Call 508-365-9602

LAWN & GARDEN LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE A.R.I. Grounds Maintenance 978-464-2809 ARIGroundsMaintenance @yahoo.com Commercial/Residential Spring & Fall Cleanups Snow Plowing Ice Melting Application Hedge Pruning & Shaping Stump Grinding Full Lawn Care Services

Burnham Maintenance Clean-ups.

Lawn Maintenance.

Shrub Pruning. Bark Mulch, Screened Loam & Compost.

Patios & Walkways.

Fertilization Programs.

Deliveries Available.

Please call 508-829-3809 or 508-400-4263 MULCH & LOAM Sterling Peat LLC Quality Screened Loam & Compost, Screened Loam/ Compost Mix, Mulches, Screened Gravel. Fill, Fieldstone. 978-422-8294

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• J A N U A R Y 5 , 2 0 17

Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, Ma. Lot Number 297-B Space 1 and 2, Garden Of Valor Section. Current value is over $10,000 including 2 concrete burial vaults. $3,000.00 or B/O 508-3750080

Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, MA. 2 Lots in the Garden of Faith. $1500.00 for both. Near the feature. Mary 508-886-4334.

Worc. County Memorial Park Paxton, MA Grave sites. 2 lots, Good Shepherd. Plot 147, graves 3 & 4. $5000.00 each.

B/O Call Kris 508-735-9996 Worc. County Memorial Park, Paxton Garden of Honor, 2 plots, Plot 17, Unit C, Graves 3 & 4. Today’s cost is $8,800 for both. Asking $2950 total for both. Call 978-582-9309 Worcester County Memorial Park - Paxton Unit C, section Heritage II, plots 1 and 2. Today’s price is $6500, asking $3500. 508-344-9626

Worcester County Memorial Park - Paxton Garden of Serenity Two lots for sale.

Present price $3495 for both, will sell for $900 each, totaling $1800. Call 801-294-7514 Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA Garden of Heritage II. 2 Lots w/vaults.

Current value $8300.00 Asking $3950.00 for both or B/O. Call Jim 508-769-8107

Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, MA Garden of the Cross Premier Location, Must sell Value $5250 Asking $4000 OBO 508-799-5678 Worcester Memorial Park Paxton Garden of Honor, 2 plots, unit B, graves 3 & 4. Today’s cost $8500 for both, asking $4000. Call 910-477-9081 Worc. County Memorial Park Paxton. Garden of Faith, 2 plots, Section #347-A 1&2. Today’s cost is $3,900.00 for both. Asking $1,500.00 total for both. Call 508-882-3421 or 909-714-0064

Seeking families throughout Central Massachusetts who are interested in improving a child’s life.

Call to inquire about our upcoming foster parent training. $1,000 SIGNING BONUS Call for Details (Must mention this ad during inquiry)

688 Main Street, Holden, MA Toll Free (877) 446-3305

www.devereuxma.org CEMETERY PLOTS

FOR SALE

Worcester County Memorial Park - Paxton Two lots, section 511, Garden of Valor. Asking $3500 OBO. 508-754-1188

Refrigerator White, GE, 18 cubic feet. Excellent Condition. $250. 508-725-2777.

FOR SALE Amana ART104TFDW 14.3 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer, bought new, excellent condition, $375. 508-640-5888

Brother HL-2170W Wireless Laser Printer, bought new, very good condition, $50 508640-5888 Oak Children’s Bed & Desk Set Wooden chest, oak table, marble top table. Good condition. Price is negotiable. 774276-1047

Golf clubs, bag, cart (used) Asking $250. 508-865-5726* Handicap Equipment Lift/recliner chair, wheelchair, walkers, canes, bath seat, commode, safety bars, etc.

Less than 2 years old. Call 508 853-3085.

Maytag Washer & Dryer 3 months old. Paid $649 each.

Moving, must sell. Asking $1000. 508-886-6968

Heavy Duty Prototype PVC Pipes Hammock Frame w/1 cloth & 1 rope material, all accessories. $75 978-537-9925

C-13 Zeppelin Stamp Flag Cancelled $200. Got Stamp Questions? Call Ron at 413896-3324

Green Heritage Dishes For 12. $40. 508-752-2425 Corn Hole Game College size, 4 bags. $65. 978-798-1475

U.S. C14 Zeppelin Stamp (U) Flag cncl. $175. Stamp questions? Ron 413-896-3324 FURNITURE Corner Hutch Solid pine - 4 doors - 48" x 76". Accommodates 42" television. $250.

Photo available. 508-829-6792 WANTED TO BUY Veteran Will Buy Military Items American, German, Japanese, Italian etc. From Vietnam, Korea, WW2, WW1 and earlier.

Please call 978-928-1238.

Cash for Stamp Collections Will evaluate or buy.

Stamp questions?

Call Ron 413-896-3324

PETS & ANIMALS PET ADOPTIONS French Bulldog Pups,vet checked,10wks,shots,adoption ready for new home,AKC,$690each for email emicainm@aol.com (617) 5644152

www.centralmassclass.com OTHER

AUTOMOTIVE

COMMUNITY

AUTO/MOTORCYCLE

FLYING FIELD WANTED Local RC club is looking for a field to fly quiet, electric-only model planes. Land owners who are willing to share their space with hobbyists should contact 508-641-3787.

2001 Suzuki Intruder 1500cc, showroom condition, lots of chrome, Vehix pipes. $4000.

Call John at 978-466-6043.

REAL ESTATE

Publisher’s Notice All real estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, the Massachusetts Anti Discrimination Act and the Boston & Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinances which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age, children, marital status, sexual orientation, veterans status or source of income or any intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free at 1-800-827-5005.

For the NE area call HUD at 617-994-8300. The toll free number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275 or 617-565-5453

HOUSE FOR RENT

Rutland - House for Rent 3 BR Ranch, all redone, new appliances, washer/dryer. $1500/mo. incl. water & sewer.

508-341-3685 MOBILE HOMES Mobile Homes For Sale in Bigelow Village. Rutland MA

55+ Community. Please call us today to schedule a meeting with the developer. 888-7337089. aprilianhomes.com. info@aprilianhomes.com

2007 Suzuki Boulevard Cruising Motorcycle C90T; 1474cc; 6300 miles, 1 owner, perfect cond. accessories and new battery. Garaged, covered & serviced. $6,000 508-8498635 1999 Road King Under 8,000 miles. Too many extras to list.

Always stored in room temperature. $10,000 obo 978-4645525 or 978-549-3670 cell

2008 Honda Metropolitan Scooter Black and gray. Mint cond.

469 miles. Asking $1650.00.

Includes helmet. 207-289-9362 OR 207-450-1492.

AUTO/VAN 2008 Ford E250 Extended Van 3dr, A-T/AC, Power package. Roof racks. Int. shelving, tow package, 6 rims, 8 tires in good cond. Exc. overall cond.

57K miles. $9,999. 508-8292907

AUTOS 2013 BMW 128i 7K Orig Miles, Grey, 3.0, Automatic, Fully Loaded, Serviced. $16,900. 774-239-0800

AUTOS

ANTIQUE GOODS AND SALVAGE SHOP Open Saturdays 11AM – 5PM or by appointment

774-696-3584

468 Auburn St, Cherry Valley, MA Find us on Facebook and Instagram at

Over 40 Acres! Over 3000 Vehicles!

USED & NEW AUTO PARTS

FREE Nationwide Parts Locator Service Deposits conveniently taken over the phone.

Trust us to do it right!

• Foreign & Domestic • Early & Late Model • Engines • Transmissions • New Radiators • Gas Tanks • Wheels • Tires • Balancers • Exhaust Manifolds • Window Motors

Amherst-Oakham AUTO RECYCLING

2004 Pontiac Bonneville 114,000 miles. Graphite Gray. $595 Motor knocking, likely needs replacement, body and interior good shape. Good project or parts car.

508-873-7449

Toll Free1-800-992-0441 Fax 508-882-5202 Off Rte 122 • 358 Coldbrook Rd., Oakham, MA www.amherstoakhamauto.com

Worcester No.

508-799-9969

BOATS

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-420 Sedan, 4 dr., 8 cyl., 214,000 miles. Silver. $2,995 obo. New tires, brakes & more. Good, quiet engine. Purrs like a kitten. 508-865-5372

18 Ft. Fiberglass Fishing Boat Galvanized roller trailer, 90HP mariner, outboard motor. $1250. Also 14 ft. boat & trailer. $500 508-853-5789. Ask for Stan.

1932 Ford Coupe Little deuce Coupe, with a Corvette mill and four on the floor. 6,000 aprox. mi. Original hot rod, all steel, show car, looks and sounds great. Holden area. $42,000. 407-375-3917

25 HP Suzuki (Like New) with Boat & Trailer Holden area.

Pete 407-375-3917 $2,000

1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Original low mileage beauty.

Recent 350/325 hp engine.

Must see! Trophy winner.

774-437-8717 $6,500 1999 Pontiac Grand Am 6 Cylinder, automatic, needs work or use for parts. 159,903 miles. $675. 978-422-8084 2003 Chevy Corvette Convertable 50th Anniversary Edition 26,000 miles. Automatic, original owner, always garaged, mint cond. $25,000 firm.

774-696-4187 2008 Ford Mustang 8 cyl, 300HP. 21K miles. Never driven during winter. Always garaged. Perfect cond. $21,900 negotiable.

508-865-3528 after 3pm.

2012 Cadillac CTS AWD, 21,800 miles. Crystal red.

Heated black leather seats.

Panoramic roof. Dealer maintained. Under warranty. $24,500.00 978-534-8860

1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6 cylinder gas. Very good cond. Runs exc. $3200.00 195k miles. Located in Sutton, MA 774-287-0777

SELL YOUR CAR Sell your car, in print and online!

2001 Ford Focus MECHANICS SPECIAL NEEDS ENGINE SOHC, Automatic, 4 cyl, 4 door, clean interior, straight body, new front brakes/rotors, clean title. First $300 takes it.

508-869-6841

1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe, Grey and Black.

50,000 miles. Holden area. $16,000. 407-375-3917

91 DAY GUARANTEE

AUTOS

Run Your Ad Until It Sells!

For the low price of only

$20.00 For six lines

For more information, contact a Sales Rep Today Classified Sales Manager at 978-728-4302 or email sales@centralmassclass.com

2014 Chevrolet Spark LT2 20K Mi. Silver 1.2 Auto Remote Start 37 Highway Mpg 32 City A/C C-D Heated Leather Cruise Fully Serviced, Fully Loaded 7,950 774-239-0800

1978 MG MGB 47,000 mi.

Green ext. Very solid car from GA. Good overall condition. $7500. Please call 508-7351845.

CAMPERS/TRAILERS 3 Horse Trailer 2002 Exiss XT/ 300 Gooseneck. Great condition. All alum. S.S. nose. On craigslist pics. $7,995. Paxton.

Call Robert at 508-757-0887*

EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED LOCAL New Opportunities for Health Care Workers:

New Opportunities for Health Care Workers: School Van Drivers & Monitors to Support Children with Special Needs Earn $12 - $13/hr with **Bonuses** and paid training!

Work M - F Day split shifts, 20-25 hrs/week Routes in your area - keep the van at home!

Valid Driver’s License and good driving record required To Apply Call (978) 627-4463 EEO

Our Readers Make Great Employees!

Call Michelle today to place your Help Wanted ad!

508-829-5981 ext.433

Are you hiring?

Our Readers make GREAT employees.

Call or email us for more information.

978-728-4302

sales@centralmassclass.com Real Estate • Jobs • Auto • Services

Central Mass

CL ASSIFIEDS

J A N U A R Y 5 , 2 0 17 • W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

35

www.centralmassclass.com HELP WANTED LOCAL

HELP WANTED LOCAL

Expert Staffing in partnership with Injectronics Is now hiring for 8 hour Shifts-1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Production Associates and Process Techs.

Expert Staffing in partnership with Boutwell, Owens & Co., Inc. Has several openings for 12 hour shifts - Days & Nights Packers, Gluer Operator, Digital Press Operator, Press Helpers, Utility Persons, Sheeter Operators & Die Cut Operators.

Whitney Square, 40 Spruce Street, Suite 206 Leominster, MA 01453 978 798 1610 barbara.sidilau@expert-staffing.com

A Recruiter will be onsite at Boutwell, Owens & Co. Every Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm - located at 251 Authority Dr. Fitchburg, MA 01420

Walk-ins welcome!

No appointment necessary!

Keyla.correa-ayala@expert-staffing.com Can’t make it? Call 978-798-1610

Job Fair AGS

223 Worcester Providence Turnpike (Rt 146) N Sutton, Ma 01590 (508-581-8855)

Date: Thursday, January 19th 2016 Time: 11am to 7pm We have immediate Temp to hire positions available with great benefits once hired.

1st and 2nd & 3rd shifts.

We are looking for skilled individuals for the following positions:

• Team Leaders • Customer Service • Machine & Operators • Shipping & Receiving • Assemblers • Order Pickers • General Laborers • Forklift Operators On the spot interviews. Come see what we are all about!

36

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• J A N U A R Y 5 , 2 0 17

HELP WANTED LOCAL

www.centralmassclass.com

your

CLASSIFIED ADS

travel far

EXPERT STAFFING IS HIRING!!!!

Be SEEN in Print & Online...

We have positions available in: Leominster, Fitchburg, Gardner, Clinton, Sterling, Shirley, Ayer & Devens

Call Sales at

978-728-4302 with any of your questions or to start booking your Classified Ads today!

TEMPORARY~TEMP TO HIRE ~ FULL TIME ~ 8 HOURS 12 HOURS ~ ROTATING SHIFTS ~ DAYS ~ NIGHTS WEEKENDS ~ DIRECT HIRES Packers ~ Forklift Operators ~ Warehouse ~ Order Selectors Air Hammer Operators ~ Press Feeders ~ Die Cut Operators Production Line Operators ~ Gluer Operators ~ Production Associates Machine Operators ~ Customer Service ~ Material Handlers Process Technicians ~ Production Assistants

Real Estate • Jobs • Auto • Services

Central Mass

APPLY AT:

40 Spruce Street, Suite 206 Leominster, MA 01453 Send Resume or email: Leominster-LI@expert-staffing.com phone: 978.798.1610 • fax: 978.537.2052

CL ASSIFIEDS sales@centralmassclass.com • www.centralmassclass.com

WALK-INS WELCOME

2017

HONOR ROLL OF BUSINESSES 21 Years

94 Years

Creative Floors

Sunnyside Ford

Holden, Ma 508-829-7444 www.creativefloorsinc.com Established 1996

Holden, Ma 508-829-4333 www.sunnysideford.com Established 1923

41 Years

121 Years

ARCHway, Inc.

Leicester, MA • 508-892-4707 www.archwayinc.org Established 1975

Miles Funeral Directors

Proudly Serving the Wachusett Area www.milesfuneralhome.com Established 1896 J A N U A R Y 5 , 2 0 17 • W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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www.centralmassclass.com LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES TOWN OF SUTTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Sutton School Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Wally Johnson Board Room of the Sutton Municipal Center regarding the FY2018 School Budget. Any citizen interested is invited to attend this public hearing.

Do you have a real estate or home services business?

Be a part of our next monthly Central Mass Homes and Services, Real Estate and Home Services Feature With some UNREAL pricing!! Ads starting at $99.00 for an 1/8th of a page.

Reach over 90,000 readers in print and online!

Ads appear in all FOUR of our weekly publications!

Public Auction Notice is hereby given pursuant to provisions of M.L.C255 sec. 39A The following vehicle will be sold January 6th, 2017 at a private sale to satisfy our garage lien thereon for towing and storage charges and expenses of sale and notice: 1996 Volvo Dump body VIN# 4V4JBBRF2TN851391 The sale will be held at Early’s on Park Ave., Inc. 536 Park Avenue Worcester, MA 01603

WORCESTER HOUSING AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT FOR QUOTES January 5, 2017 QUOTES shall be received at the Purchasing Office, 69 Tacoma Street., Worcester, MA 01605 RFQs may be picked up at the location above or may be downloaded from our website: www.worcester-housing.com/purchasing, or call (508) 635-3203, TDD (508) 798-4530. Quoters are responsible for ensuring they have received any/all addenda prior to submitting a quote.

Separate awards will be made for each RFQ. WHA reserves the right to reject any or all responses, in whole or in part, deemed to be in their best interest. Award of all contracts is subject to the approval of the WHA Executive Director or Board of Commissioners. The Operating Agency shall indemnify and hold harmless the WHA and its officers or agents from any and all third party claims arising from activities under these Agreements as set forth in MGL c.258, section 2 as amended.

Bid No.

Release Date

Project Title

Opening Date

16-41

1/5/2017

Electrical Services Pre-Quote Conference at 1050 Main Street, Worcester MA (Electrical Room in Basement)

10:00 AM January 19, 2017 10:00 AM January 12, 2017

Jackson Restrepo Chief Procurement Officer Visit our website at: www.worcester-housing.com/purchasing

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (SEAL) LAND COURT DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT 16 SM 011159 ORDER OF NOTICE To: Marie C. Morton and to all persons entitled to the benefit of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. 50 §3901 et seq.: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee for RMAC Trust, Series 2015-5T claiming to have an interest in a Mortgage covering real property in Sutton, numbered 60 Town Farm Road, given by W. Douglas Morton Jr. and Marie C. Morton to Champion Mortgage, a Division of Key Bank, USA, National Association, dated January 21, 2003, and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds in Book 28942, Page 306, and now held by plaintiff by assignment has/have filed with this court a complaint for determination of Defendant’s/Defendants’ Servicemembers status. If you now are, or recently have been, in the active military service of the United States of America, then you may be entitled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. If you object to a foreclosure of the abovementioned property on that basis, then you or your attorney must file a written appearance and answer in this court at Three Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 on or before February 6, 2017 or you will be forever barred from claiming that you are entitled to the benefits of said Act. Witness, JUDITH C. CUTLER, Chief Justice of said Court on December 21, 2016 Attest: Deborah J. Patterson Recorder (16-011536 OM) 01/05/2017 MSC

FIND US ON 38

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• J A N U A R Y 5 , 2 0 17

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Division INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. WO16P-3926EA Estate of: Alice J. McMahon Date of Death: November 5, 2016 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate,

by Petition of Petitioner Paul A. McMahon of Worcester, MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Paul A. McMahon of Worcester, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. 01/05/17 WM

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (SEAL) LAND COURT DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT 2016SM010184 ORDER OF NOTICE To: Rebecca Mongiat and to all persons entitled to the benefit of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. 50 §3901 et seq.: JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association claiming to have an interest in a Mortgage covering real property in MILLBURY, numbered 15 OVERLOOK AVENUE, given by Rebecca Mongiat to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Reliant Mortgage Company, LLC, a Massachusetts Limited Liability Company, dated September 24, 2010, and recorded in the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds in Book 46388, Page 11, and now held by the Plaintiff by assignment has/have filed with this court a complaint for determination of Defendant’s/Defendants’ Servicemembers status. If you now are, or recently have been, in the active military service of the United States of America, then you may be entitled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. If you object to a foreclosure of the above-mentioned property on that basis, then you or your attorney must file a written appearance and answer in this court at Three Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 on or before February 6, 2017 or you will be forever barred from claiming that you are entitled to the benefits of said Act. Witness, JUDITH C. CUTLER, Chief Justice of said Court on December 23, 2016 Attest: Deborah J. Patterson Recorder 201606-0473-PRP 01/05/2017 MSC

MILLBURY PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Millbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 23, 2017, at 7:15 p.m., in the Municipal Office Building, 127 Elm Street, Millbury, MA, on the application of Stephen Choiniere, property located at 8 Broadmeadow Avenue, Millbury, MA for an Accessory Dwelling Special Permit under Article 1, Section 14.11(e) of the Millbury Zoning Bylaws. Applicant proposes to demolish existing garage and construct a new garage that will accommodate a 784 square foot accessory dwelling unit above the new garage. Application is available for review in the Planning Department during normal business hours. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should appear at the time and place specified above.

Real Estate • Jobs • Auto • Services

Central Mass

CL ASSIFIEDS

Two minutes with...

Jose Rivera

TOM MATTHEWS

Jose Rivera is a former three-time World Champion boxer. He fought in two different weight classes: heavyweight and lightweight. Originally from Puerto Rico, Rivera came to Worcester when he was 16 after living in Springfield to pursue a career in boxing. He is now 39, and continues to work as a court officer. He recently started his own promotional company with his son, Rivera Promotions Entertainment, which has 11 fights scheduled for this year.

How did you get involved in boxing? When I

was about 7 years old I saw the Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran fight, where Duran beat Leonard. It was a big upset. At that point, when I saw that championship belt I said, ‘That’s what I want to do.’

Then, when I was 10 years old, my mom passed away, so I kind of gave up on that dream, kind of was going down the wrong road. When I was about 14, 15 I found myself again and I found the boxing gym.

Once I walked in the gym I never walked out. That’s where everything began.

When I was 16 I used to come here on the weekends and visit my sisters and my brother, because when my mom passed away there were five of us, we were all separated. I ended up in Springfield. Some of them ended up here in Worcester, and when I came to visit they told me about the Boys & Girls Club boxing team, and there was an article about them, but what I was fascinated about was the trainer, Carlos Garcia, takes his fighters and they travel. They travel all over New England, regionally, nationally. So, I was really impressed by that. When I was training back home I was just training, I wasn’t really fighting. It kept me out of trouble, kept me out of the streets, but still I wanted more. So, I came on the weekend to meet with Carlos and I talked to him and I said, ‘If you would help me out, I will come every weekend and train,’ and he goes, ‘That’s not possible, but if you lived here I would definitely help you out because I like you. I like your hunger. I like your determination.’ So, when I had just turned 16 years old, about a month later, June of that year, 1989, I moved to Worcester to train with Carlos Garcia.

I lived on my own. I got a roommate.

Both of our mothers had passed away.

Our fathers were not parts of our lives, although his father had a relationship with

him, he sees him. Mine lives in Puerto Rico. And we just kind of worked together.

I worked, I went to school, and I trained at the Boys & Girls Club. I was really focused on my goal and my dream.

How did you start to get recognized as an amateur fighter? As an amateur, Carlos

didn’t give me much. you know. I’m 16 years old, so, you’re on the cusp … at that time you’re too old to fight junior Olympics. So, now you’re fighting Golden Gloves open class or novice. And he felt that my talent and determination were too far for novice, but not enough experience for open. He put me in one fight at a novice division and I won the fight like real good, and he says, ‘Okay, that’s it.

Even if you’re not really, really ready for open class, you need to go in there.’

My first year in the open class I won the Western Mass. Golden gloves. I lost a really close decision in New England’s Golden Gloves. And then the following year I won [all of the] tournaments, Western Mass., New England Golden Gloves, and I competed in the Nationals.

And then I progressed very well locally and I started making a name for myself.

My real hunger and determination was as a professional fighter, not an amateur.

Amateur for me was just the experience I needed to get me to where I wanted to be in the pros … after three years of amateur, when I was 19 years old, I turned pro.

was a world champion boxer. I’m a court officer, I work for the state. I’m involved with a nutritional company, Usana Health Sciences. I help people live healthier lives.

And I’m starting a promotional company with my son, so besides being a dad that keeps me busy.

What’s the promotional company? Rivera

Promotions Entertainment we started because there is a lot of talent here in Worcester. Worcester back in the days, even before me, Mechanics Hall used to have fights every Friday night. This is a boxing city. There were fights at the Auditorium, fights at Mechanics Hall, and there’s a lot of boxers, and it’s been five years since the last pro fight happened here in Worcester. We have a lot of good fighters here and people are traveling to Rhode Island or Connecticut to see them.

How long have you been retired? My last Their support system, they don’t get the fight was July 2011 at Mohegan Sun. My opportunity to see them fight here. I was official retirement was June 2012. Now I’m fortunate in that I was able to have some 39 years old. Time’s not on my side to deal of my fights here in Worcester. I just felt with the politics of boxing, so that’s when like we have too many good fighters in I said, ‘It’s probably best, I’m done.’ the city to not showcase them. Not just in Worcester, in the New England area there So, what have you been doing since? My is a lot of talented boxers. So, my son and normal life that I’ve done even while I I decided that if we do it right, we just

put on a show and give the boxing fans an opportunity to come support the show here locally in Worcester, which to me has always been a boxing city.

You also do public speaking, right? I’ve been doing public speaking since I was 18 years old. My public speaking [stemmed] from my life story growing up. Like I mentioned earlier, losing my mom at 10 years old, being orphaned, living on my own at 16 years old, kind of motivated to become successful, stay out of the streets, and do something with myself. At the end of the day when I made it, I became a three-time world champion in two different weight classes. The message that I tried to shoot out to the kids was that if I come from the same streets you come from, and I didn’t have a parent, or no parents, then a lot of these kids can pretty much see themselves from what I’ve been through. And they see that I’ve been able to overcome that, so why can’t they? At least, that’s the message that I tried to get across to them.

–Tom Matthews

JANUARY 5, 2017 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

39

NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO GET YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE FROM CLARK UNIVERSITY With a wide variety of course offerings designed to fit into your busy life — including online and accelerated classes with weekend and night schedules — and the potential of up to $50,000 in merit scholarships, this is the best time for you to get your master’s. For the first time in our history, degree-holders make up the majority of the American workforce; a master’s degree is a critical part of staying competitive in the workplace.

Classes start January 17 — register today at sps.clarku.edu

508-793-7217 sps.clarku.edu 40

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• JANUARY 5, 2017