Worcester Magazine February 13 - 19, 2020 by Worcester Magazine

FEBRUARY 13 - 19, 2020 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CULTURE • ARTS • DINING • VOICES

FREE

To Live and Love in the

WOO

Already dreaming about summer? We. Are. Too.

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F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning for our annual SUMMER GUIDE, GUIDE, coming June 11. JAM-PACKED WITH SUMMER FUN FOR ALL! Get in on the action early! Call your Multi-Media executive today to book your space and reach more than 200,000 readers.

COMING JUNE 11, 2020

Inserted in: Worcester Magazine, The Landmark, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, Leominster Champion, The Grafton News, The Gardner News, The Item and The Telegram & Gazette

IN THIS ISSUE

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020 • V O L U M E 45 I S S U E 25 Find us on Facebook.com/worcestermag Twitter @worcestermag Instagram: Worcestermag

100 Front St., Fifth Floor, Worcester, MA 01608 worcestermag.com Editorial (508) 767.9535 WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com Sales (508) 767.9530 WMSales@gatehousemedia.com President Paul M. Provost VP Multi-Media Sales Michelle Marquis Ad Director Kathleen Real-Benoit Sales Manager Jeremy Wardwell Executive Editor David Nordman Editor Nancy Campbell Content Editor Victor D. Infante Reporters Richard Duckett, Bill Shaner Contributing Writers Stephanie Campbell, Sarah Connell Sanders, Gari De Ramos, Robert Duguay, Jason Greenough, Janice Harvey, Barbara M. Houle, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Craig S. Semon, Steve Siddle, Matthew Tota Creative Director Kimberly Vasseur Multi Media Sales Executives Deirdre Baldwin, Debbie Bilodeau, Anne Blake, Kate Carr, Laura Cryan, Diane Galipeau, Ted Genkos, Sammi Iacovone, Bob Kusz, Helen Linnehan, Patrick O’Hara, Kathy Puffer, Jody Ryan, Henry Rosenthal, Regina Stillings, Randy Weissman Sales Support Jackie Buck, Yanet Ramirez Senior Operations Manager Gary Barth Operations Manager John Cofske WORCESTER MAGAZINE is a news weekly covering Central Massachusetts. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. The Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement. Legals/Public Notices Please call (978) 728.4302, email cmaclassifieds@gatehousemedia.com, or mail to Central Mass Classifieds, 100 Front St., 5th Floor, Worcester, MA 01608

City Voices...................................................................................4 In Case You Missed It ... .........................................................7 Cover Story .................................................................................8 Artist Spotlight .......................................................................17 Lifestyle......................................................................................18 Listen Up....................................................................................19 The Next Draft..........................................................................19 Dining Review..........................................................................20 Table Hoppin’ ..........................................................................21 Film .............................................................................................22 Film Capsules ..........................................................................23 Calendar ....................................................................................24 Adoption Option ....................................................................28 Games .........................................................................................29 Classifieds .................................................................................30 Last Call .....................................................................................31

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the cover

A Geo. C. Whitney Co. Valentine’s Day picture postcard from the 1920s. Courtesy of the Worcester Historical Museum Design by Kimberly Vasseur

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To Live and Love in the Woo Story on page 8

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Distribution Worcester Magazine is inserted into the Telegram & Gazette on Thursdays and is also available for free at more than 400 locations in the Worcester area. Unauthorized bulk removal of Worcester Magazine from any public location, or any other tampering with Worcester Magazine’s distribution including unauthorized inserts, is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted under the law.

CITY VOICES

HARVEY

Of hand-wringing and the gnashing of teeth

JANICE HARVEY

time laying out his plan to destroy anyone who ever questioned his “innocence.” I never thought I’d live e hoped against hope and dreamed of a better to see the day when a president used words like “bull(expletive)” outcome. Instead we “sleazebag” and “scum,” but that woke in a cold sweat. day has arrived. It’s a sad, and By “we” I mean those among us disgraceful day, certainly. He stood who saw the impeachment trial before a sycophantic audience at of Donald J. Trump as a means to the National Prayer Breakfast and remove an unprincipled, unstable mocked the faith of his perceived man from the most powerful seat in the world. Instead, we witnessed enemies — this from a man who wouldn’t know an old testament a strange and sad sight as the from a new one. Republican party disregarded the Mitt Romney can attest to will of the people by acquitting the man who brazenly bribed a foreign the ugliness we will continue to witness. His lone vote to remove government, withheld military Trump from office was met with aid from an ally and obstructed heaps of praise from grateful justice at every turn. His followcitizens and hateful derision from ers cheered and jeered, even as he gaffed his way through “a manifesto the cult base, and predictably from Trump’s fork-tongued offspring. of mistruths” during what was once called the annual State of The It’s one thing to bear the burden of Trump as president. Why must we Union address, now reduced to a endure vitriol from his privileged tacky campaign rally. prodigy? DJT Jr. is an arrogant brat Perhaps the most disturbing who bellows from the gutter each moment of the SOTU came when time his father goes ballistic on a Melania Trump bestowed upon perceived enemy. I waffle between shock jock Rush Limbaugh the the two men when considering Presidential Medal of Freedom. A who is the most despicable, though collective groan was heard from Dad always comes out the winner. coast to coast by anyone familiar I know how much that means to with and appalled by this bigoted him. Winning, after all, is everyconspiracy theorist. On the eve of thing. his acquittal, Trump sent a mesVilifying Mitt was only the sage to Democrats and particularly beginning. Trump wasted no time, liberal Dems: He will rub salt in accelerating his malevolent camevery wound until his last gasp as president, and that last gasp won’t paign against Purple Heart hero Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman for come until 2024, if we believe his complying when subpoenaed and minions. testifying truthfully. The decorated A malaise that set in for many veteran was escorted from the in November of 2016 continues to envelop Americans who still shake White House in what was meant to their heads over his shady win over be a humiliating display, but served Hillary Clinton. (Thanks to Trump, only to galvanize most of America’s my personal malaise has manifest- disgust. Trump is swinging wildly ed itself physically. I’m grinding my in his blind rage, and in the throes teeth in my sleep, according to my of his madness, revealing even more of the arrested development dentist.) The SOTU address put to rest any idea that Trump, as Maine from which he suffers Ah, but all this hand-wringing Senator Susan Collins so foolishly is for naught if it doesn’t translate stated, has “learned his lesson.” into action in November. Yes, if he All that Trump learned was that is defeated, Trump will certainly he now has carte blanche to exact dispute the outcome. And yes, it revenge, run roughshod over all will be ugly. But the only stone in norms, and spit in the eye of anyone who isn’t a true follower. Susan our satchel is our vote, and we’re aiming it at the only real wall that Collins couldn’t be more wrong Trump has built: the wall that about Trump’s lesson-learnin’. The C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E day after his acquittal, he spent his

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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WOOBITUARY

David Paul Brown, a.k.a. N. Bar-Jonah b. 2/15/1957 d. 4/13/2008 STEVE SIDLE

The boy managed to escape. Upon recognizing his attacker working at a local McDonald’s, ot every person of note Brown was identified to police and from a region is someone arrested for the first time. to be proud of. David Paul Sadly, David’s first brush with Brown’s tale, for instance, is flat-out horrifying, and told with law did little to dissuade his progreat trepidation, for fear of repeat- clivities. Instead, they seemed to accelerate his sadistic inclinations. ing a name better left forgotten. During his late teens he allegedly In the summer of 1964 in Webster, a little girl was lured by a little terrorized nearly every one he came in contact and continued to boy into his basement with the promised glimpse of a Ouija board. prey on little boys. Somehow he managed to evade the law. When the owner of the home But in the fall of 1977, Brown investigated some strange sounds committed the crime that shocked coming from her basement she New England. The scene was discovered her son strangling the White City Cinema in Shrewsbury girl. Brown, the attacker, was only — a place known well to readers 7 years old. This incident would be the first in a disturbing series of of Woobituaries. (How many of us missed opportunities to nip a killer saw movies at White City?) Upon leaving the movie theater, in the bud. two boys were approached by Indeed, much of Brown’s childBrown, who told them he was an hood seems a long, violent list of F.B.I. agent and ordered them into warning signs: when he was 12 years old, Brown was accused of at- his waiting car. Brown drove the boys to a tacking a boy whom he’d promised secluded area behind White City to take sledding. When he was 17, where he handcuffed, raped, he impersonated a police officer and corralled a boy into his parked strangled and flicked cigarettes upon the children. After jumpcar.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ing repeatedly on one of the boys’ chest, Brown left him for dead. The other boy he locked in the trunk of his car. These incidents are not alleged, they were proven in a court of law. Heroically, the child left behind managed to rise from the puddle of blood in which he had been discarded and walk until he found help. With his description, State Police were able to locate Brown’s car and found the second survivor handcuffed in the trunk. This is where the tale of David Paul Brown should have ended. With the monster safe behind bars C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E

CITY VOICES

WO O B I T U A RY

the garage where Bar-Jonah lived, Released in 1991, Brown (who they uncovered a glut of gruesome had legally changed his name to evidence: Blood-stained gloves, Nathaniel Bar-Jonah) moved to articles of children’s clothing, crypDeer Lodge, Montana, where his for the rest of his life. Instead, the military father had been stationed tic notebooks with lists of names, gruesome career of this murderer cannibalistic fantasies written in by the Air Force. He was to be was only halfway through. kept under the watchful eye of his detail and a meat grinder clogged Brown was convicted of atwith human hair. mother. The small town of Deer tempted manslaughter and senFinally, Nathaniel Bar-Jonah was Lodge would never be the same. tenced to 20 years in state prison. locked away for life. Sentenced to In the winter of 1996, 10-yearWhile Brown was in prison he was 150 years in the Montana State old Zachary Ramsey disappeared evaluated by a psychiatrist who BILL SHANER Correctional system, Nathaniel on his way to school. Witnesses recommended that he get transBar-Jonah (née David Paul Brown) placed Bar-Jonah (née Brown) near ferred to the infamous Bridgewater A MARKET IN THE SQUARE: The Worcester Public Market is open for was destined to die in prison. the alleyway where Zachary was business, folks, and within its yellow walls it contains perhaps the best ba- State Hospital for the criminally last seen. When police searched insane. rometer for the project of Woo-ifying Worcester. If the market is a success, so is The Woo. If the market fails, down falls The Woo. I’ve about made my peace with the fact The Woo is not for me, and never will be, so as a H A RV E Y detached spectator who still loves and cares about Worcester, I will be C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 watching this space with great interest. The tough part about economic separates the citizens of a coundevelopment like this, when you are a renter in a legitimate and criminally under-acknowledged housing crisis, is that rooting for its success is try ironically called “The United rooting against your own self-interest. It is in the best interest of everyone States.” If we can’t defeat Trump, Hey, you. Yeah, we’re talking to YOU. You look like you have somewe may well have to consider a struggling to pay rent right now for the so-called Worcester Renaisthing to say. So this is your chance: Worcester Magazine is looking for name change. Meanwhile, I’m on sance, and all the real estate deals and developments which comprise it, contributors to our weekly First Person column! We’re seeking essays Amazon ordering something called to fail. It is not a renaissance for you or by you, and it will only have the from our readers about whatever facet of Worcester life they want to “The ConfiDental. ” The limited time material effect of making it harder and harder for you to continue living share. And not just politics: We want to hear about things in this city deal of $8.47 will get me a 5 pack of here. I’ve never put this thought out there plainly, but it’s underpinned we might not otherwise ever know: Things that make the city uniquely moldable mouth guards for teetha lot of my writing on this city. I wish dearly that there was more of it in yours. Tell us your story, and the story of the people around you. To grinding and clenching — I might the discourse around here. But to challenge the assertion that economic submit for consideration, please send a 750 word essay to WMeditor@ need to order enough to last till development for its own sake is a worthy objective is to challenge somegatehousemedia.com with the words “First Person” in the subject line. November. thing so ingrained at City Hall (and city halls everywhere) that it hardly Let us know what’s on your mind. And I still need a pair of mittens warrants articulating. Well, anyway, back to the news. to stop the hand-wringing.

WORCESTERIA

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4

The Worcester Public Market is the best barometer for Woo-ifying Worcester

Want to Write for First Person?

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CONGRATS TO US: Speaking of Polar Park, I and the former big guy at WoMag, Walter Bird Jr., took home a first place at the New England Newspaper and Press Association annual awards ceremony over the weekend for our joint coverage of the initial WooSox announcement. It won first place for a sports feature in our class. Let that be a testament to the fact I can be a crass idiot in Worcesteria and a measured, fair reporter otherwise. These things are possible. People contain multitudes. Also, congrats to the new big guy, Victor Infante, and columnist Janice Harvey for taking home second place awards. Congrats to me, I suppose, for winning a second place finish on a story that is the best of my career by a mile. Oh well.

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

FAREWELL MY ONE TRUE TOM: WoMag’s new Monday deadline (ha ha, you thought you’d heard the last of that, didn’t you?) leaves me at times criminally behind on things. This is coming late but it’s hard to underscore how important it is, so I must write on it even though by now you’ve likely forgot about this story. Tom Zidelis, the city’s finance guy for decades, is leaving City Hall. Leaving with him is a depository which borders on the arcane for all of the wonky, impossibly boring ways Worcester City Hall moves money around to pay for things. I’ve sat through budget hearings. I’ve seen the man provide deep financial explanations for City Councilors’ questions that left them more dumbstruck than satisfied. The man has been a rock at City Hall for a long time, and in March, he will retire. He retires as the city is midway through executing on Polar Park, a deal which requires so much financial wonkery it is difficult to succinctly explain. Now, the city will be left without a chief development officer (as Mike Traynor is now the city lawyer) and a chief financial officer, and also a treasurer as Zidelis was doing that as well, as they execute on a project that will define the career of nearly everyone in City Hall for better or worse. Now, the obvious question here is how much did the Polar Park project play into Zidelis’ decision to retire, given it comes right after the manager had to go back and ask for about $30 million more big ones? I don’t have any insight there. Zidelis would give me a straight answer, but then he’d have to kill me. It is an interesting question, though, is it not? I can imagine the mood over at 455 Main is a little tense right now.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

The Road to OverWinter DJ night at Electric Haze Is there a better way to shake off the winter cold than dancing the night away to hot DJs from around the region? The Road to OverWinter DJ night at Electric Haze highlighted some of the DJs youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to catch Feb. 28 and 29 at the OverWinter Indoor Music & Arts Festival in Sturbridge. The DJs who performed Feb. 7 at Electric Haze included Symbiosa, GAHST, NoBeats and DJ Armani.

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Photos/TaJonn Nickelson

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020 W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

COVER STORY Models Dan Foley and Emily Briggs demonstrate what a “good” date looks like at the soon-to-open Chasu Ramen in Worcester.

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DYLAN AZARI

Love knows no zip code A date for every part of Worcester SARAH CONNELL SANDERS C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 10

COVER STORY

Loveless in Worcester

Terrible dates can happen anywhere, to anyone BILL SHANER C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 11

DYLAN AZARI

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020 W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Models Eric & Ari Batista demonstrate what a “bad” date looks like at the soon-to-open Chasu Ramen in Worcester.

COVER STORY

ZIP CODES

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 8

orcester is for wooers, sweethearts and old flames. There’s something special waiting for you in every zip code. Check out our true love travel guide to find ultimate Valentine’s satisfaction throughout the city.

01602: Strike a Pose at Colonial Bowling Center

There’s no time to train an Instagram boyfriend like February 14. Our favorite candlepin bowling haunt on Mill Street channels the sort of 1970s vibes your followers will devour and your grandma will appreciate. Snap plenty of photos. Plus, you can probably pay for a game and rent shoes with the change you find on your dashboard.

01603: Hold Hands at Skylite Roller Skating Center

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

How many Skylite birthday parties did you attend in your youth? Can you remember the pitchers of fountain soda? The frozen pizzas?

FILE PHOTO

The wind in your scrunchy-clad ponytail? Nothing has changed. Young love is alive and well on Park Avenue. We suggest you watch Beyonce’s “Blow” video for some inspo before stepping out onto the rink.

01604: Snowshoe at Broad Meadow Brook

Mass Audubon offers five miles of well-marked trails right here in Worcester. With six inches of snow on the ground, you and your date can rent snowshoes for as little as $5 an hour from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call ahead (508) 753-6087 for availability and conditions.

01605: Take a Stroll at Green Hill Park

A tragic case of mistaken identity led to the assassination of Andrew Haswell Green by a scorned lover in 1903. After his untimely death, Green’s former estate was sold to the city of Worcester by his nieces and nephews and eventually became Green Hill Park. Green is credited with developing Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of

Art, the New York Public Library and a variety of other Manhattan landmarks.

01606: Enjoy a Double Feature at Showcase Cinemas Worcester North Take her to see “The Photograph” with Issa Rae. Better yet, make it a double feature. “Little Women” is STILL IN THEATERS. You can have it all.

01607: Bundle Up at Blackstone Gateway Park

Worcester’s new urban riverfront park is quickly becoming the city’s premier cultural destination. With 3,000 linear feet of elevated boardwalks, walking paths, and open bridges — you’ll find plenty to explore.

01608: Gorge Yourselves at Coney Island and Miss Worcester

Nothing says romance like a feast. Order your hot dog “up” and your French toast stuffed. Is there any other way?

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 12

COVER STORY

LO V E L E S S

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 9

o one has ever accused Worcester of being a sexy city. Our city is a great many things, to be sure, but a hub of romance it is not. On Valentine’s Day, so much is made of the perfect date — be it an 8 p.m. reservation at a white tablecloth restaurant or a night in with a bottle of wine. The day conjures an image of two people rapt in a new, exciting love, thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. But if you’ve been single in Worcester, you know that’s not always the case. It rarely is, in fact.

sick I was. Former WoMag writer, Jeremy Shulkin met me after she ended the date early and he rushed me to the hospital. We never spoke again.

THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY

UNINSURED AND UNLOVED

ne time I went on a date in Worcester, and it was a first date off of Tinder. We met at a bar and he surprised me by also having his friend there. The guy I was supposed to be on a date with didn’t say a word to me the entire inter of 2012, when I time. His friend was there teaching was 24 I took a womme how to play pool, doing all the an out to El Basha. stupid date things and such. We all We had met through went outside for a minute and the a mutual friend and she had never guy’s friend turns to me and goes been there and so I thought I would “My sister died right where you are seem cool. standing.” Then continues to tell We set the date a week ahead of me the story of how his sister died. time. Earlier in the week my room- Then he walked into the street, mate’s boyfriend had thrown up in backwards, without looking, and the bathtub and didn’t clean it and screamed “ NOTHING (EXPLEdidn’t tell me he didn’t clean until TIVE) MATTERS DO DRUGS after I had showered. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 13

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020 W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

This story is one dedicated to the bad side of dating. Several weeks ago, we put out the call for your worst Worcester dating stories, and what follows are the worst of the worst. We’ve removed identities for the sake of privacy and to underscore that this could have very easily been you. This Valentine’s Day, let us remember: dates are almost always bad, and some dates are really, really bad. Don’t ever let them make you think otherwise.

I had a popped blister from playing basketball on my foot and my foot got infected thanks to the vomit tub. I tried cleaning it and not going to the emergency room because I was a day-to-day sub at the Worcester Public Schools and didn’t have health insurance. The foot got worse and, by the end of the week, it was too swollen to wear boots. So I was wearing a sock with a plastic bag wrapped around it. You know, so all of the high school students will respect my janky “cast.” At the date I definitely had a fever, I was still wearing the plastic bag around my foot, and I was nodding off from how infected and

COVER STORY

ZIP CODES

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 10

01609: Admire the View at Bancroft Tower

FOLLOW WORCESTER MAGAZINE ON

You won’t find any damsels in distress at Bancroft Tower. Worcester has played home to a stone and granite feudal castle since the dawn of the 20th century when it was constructed as a sign of deep friendship between two gentlemen. Stephen Salisbury III financed the dreamy structure in honor of his father’s childhood pal, George Bancroft, who made his name as a senior American diplomat in Europe. Bancroft is noted for delivering President Abraham Lincoln’s heart wrenching memorial address after Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre. (But, maybe don’t bring that up on V-Day. Keep it light and don’t forget the chocolates.)

Kathryn Tsandikos, owner of George’s Coney Island Hot Dogs, works at the grille.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

FILE PHOTO/STEVE LANAVA

COVER STORY

LO V E L E S S

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 11

KIDS.” I promptly walked to my car and drove away.

BALL UP

ne time I took a girl to Buffalo Wild Wings and she was so boring I got up and played hoops while she just sat there.

NO CONTEXT NECESSARY

ushing my Miata up Airport Hill on acid.

CARRY MY WATER

y first date with this guy was to see Kevin Costner in “Water World.” He picked the

movie. That should have been the sign. I asked for a divorce years later.

Donald’s for dinner. She was horrified, but I thought it sounded pretty OK, actually.

COULD BE WORSE ET TU, O’POSSUM?

ot my story to tell, but I worked with someone once who was taken on a first date that consisted of just riding the 27 bus to the Auburn Mall and back, with a stop at Mc-

ill again, here. Not every story came to me by way of an online submission. One came to me while talking about this story idea at a local bar. A woman there regaled me with the time she was about to go on a first date. She was waiting to get picked up by said date, and was dressed to the nines. Her nicest clothes, new, cute shoes. Things were looking good. That is, until she saw an opossum get struck by a car in front of her house. The opossum was still alive and struggling, and she said she couldn’t abide letting it suffer. Not wanting to ruin her nice, new shoes, she

quickly grabbed for a snow shovel — the kind with the sharp metal reinforcement along the edge. She stepped into the road and drove the shovel down onto the opossum’s neck with all the force she could muster. At the moment of impact, her date showed up.

U GET ME HIGH

hadn’t been on a date in like four years. I was newly single and this guy hit me up on Facebook trying to start a conversation by referencing that it was Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath’s birthday, since he knew we both liked that band. I was open to it. He eventually asked me out on a date. We found out we were both vegetarian and he suggested we go to Loving Hut on Hamilton Street. With this being my first date in a very long time, I got extremely anxious and decided it would be a good idea to get stoned as [fudge]. That was not a good idea. He rang my doorbell and I barely said a word, and just headed into his little red car. He had the Melvins

blasting, which sounds cool when you are high, but also made me feel like my head was being pressed between two cement blocks. We finally got to the restaurant. I ordered something off the appetizer menu as a meal because my anxiety made me nauseous. I ate maybe, like, three bites of the whole meal. I had been on the verge of a panic attack for almost 2 hours. He paid for my meal and we left. Before our date I had suggested we should go out for drinks at the Vernon after. I had remembered that was the plan, but he headed to 290 in the opposite direction of where we were supposed to go. I silently freaked out and was convinced he was going to kidnap me and take me somewhere to murder me. Turns out he was just being a gentleman and was bringing me home, as he intuitively sensed that I should go home and relax. Either that, or he just forgot our plan. We have been together for three and a half years.

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020 W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

COVER STORY

Tony Soul just keeps on going Valentine’s Day show set for Halligan’s Bar JIM PERRY

and Parente is still on the march. Look in the entertainment listings, and you’re bound to see his name. ony Soul, aka Anthony Parente, brings his music Check his Facebook account, and there is a constant barrage of to Halligan’s Bar in Aupictures, video clips, and comburn on Valentine’s Day. ments from one of his many live His band, The Tony Soul Project, has some fresh new members, and shows. Tony Soul, at 72, is living the dream. Parente is very excited. In the past decade, Parente has “The wheels are spinning,” he traveled the highways and byways said. In the past, his band wasn’t of Massachusetts, hustling his way that into rehearsing and polishinto various roadhouses and bars ing their brand of danceable rock, and nightclubs and restaurants, R&B and soul. Their road show anywhere that they might give his had more of a circus atmosphere, music a chance. They didn’t all trying songs on a whim, inviting work out, but that never deterred people who they just met to come Parente. He’s got the mind of a up and sing. In the center of it all was Parente, a ringmaster pulling it salesperson. Parente spent 35 years selling all together. long distance moving services for Now, the band has a solid new Beacon Van Lines. He understands rhythm section, and it has blosthe mentality of selling a product. somed into a tight unit. “We have “I don’t get down with rejection,” he a permanent direction, a plan,” he said. “I just move on. It kind of goes said. “Instead of flying by the seat in waves.” He has the patience for it of our pants, we are looking to that most musicians don’t. “I think refine what we do.” we got three or four new spots just The Tony Soul Project consists this month.” of Henry James on bass, James It’s that kind of spirit that keeps Thomas on drums, and Parente’s Parente and his band working. right-hand man, guitarist Mike He is amazed and proud of what Kelenderian. Marcus Washington he has accomplished in this later is their go-to man for saxophone, which is essential to their brand of period in his life. “Being compared to the other great singers in our music. That’s the core of the Projmusic scene is just incredible,” he ect, though they will occasionally said. “I’m honored to be mentioned add extra horns. All are excellent in the same breath as them.” players, and serious craftsmen. There have been personal beneKelenderian has been with Parente since he began his journey, and the fits to Parente’s renaissance as well. After getting knee replacement surothers are new, bringing a freshgery in 2016, he made contact with ness to the sound. a woman he had gotten to know The musicians the band had in West Acton. During recovery, in the past were accomplished “there is the period of cabin fever players, but the attitude was more and some loneliness,” he said. “One freelance. “We have never worked this hard away from the stage, and day, I randomly sent a message to Sherry to have a casual cup of cofthe results are very encouraging,” fee with me.” They married in 2018. Parente said, adding, “Everyone Tony Soul is the Central Mashas picked up their game. It is a sachusetts music scene’s Energizer wonderful thing to see and be a Bunny. He’s our very own singing part of.” When I last interviewed Parente master of ceremonies. But he is much more than that. He underback in 2014, he was a sprite 66 stands the value and beauty of the years old, and after decades of music he chooses to perform, and being musically inactive, had just he has an absolute ball doing it. decided to go through with his lifelong dream of fronting a band. Well, here we are, six years later,

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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COVER STORY

‘Making Scents’ a real-life love story RICHARD DUCKET T

composer, lyricist, playwright, as well as a performing arts educator. “Twenty five years is a long time,” Murray said. “What struck me about hearing the Vanilla Box cast read the script is that the laughter is still there. The humor of the show remains relevant. There are a couple of cast members of this show that were not even alive when the first production went up. This was very exciting to me.” The Vanilla Box shows will be the fourth time altogether that “Making Scents” has been put on, with

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F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020 W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

hen Stephen Murray’s romantic comedy musical, “Making Scents,” made its “world premiere” at the Worcester County Light Opera Company with performances around Valentine’s Day in 1995, love was in the air. The show received a great review — “an enjoyable and clever show with lots of creative, catchy music, along with an infectious sense of fun” — and some of the people involved with the production were to have a lasting relationship with the musical, and in one instance, a connection eventually developed into a real-life love story. Twenty-five years on from its debut you can find the love again as Vanilla Box ProWriter Stephen Murray, center, and the ductions stages cast of “Making Scents.” “Making Scents” CHRISTINE PETERSON (music and lyrics previous productions also staged by by Murray; book by Murray and William Lipscomb) for three perfor- Calliope Productions and the Barre Players. Vanilla Box runs a summances timed for Valentine’s Day and its spirit at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and mer theater camp and workshops and presents theater productions 15 and 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at Holy Name Central Catholic Junior/Senior High each year at Holy Name and other locations. School, 144 Granite St., Worcester. Wife and husband Christine C. The musical’s premise is that Seger and Joel D. Seger are Vanilla Aphrodite, the beautiful Greek Box Productions co-founders and goddess of love, has been ignored co-owners, with Joel Seger directby us mere mortals for centuries, and as a result has aged a little. But ing “Making Scents” and Christine when she sees what she thinks is a Seger the choreographer. The musical director is John Leslie. Between new monument in her honor back them, the three have been on the on Earth, she decides to make a production/performance team visit and takes her son, Eros, with of “Making Scents” all four times, her. Actually, the “monument” is a Christine Seger noted. building that’s home to the God“Joel as choreographer year one, dess of Love Fragrance Co. The emdirector year four; I was choreograployees there are trying to develop pher year three and four; and John a love potion that will make them music director year one and four, lots of lovely money. Aphrodite is disappointed, but Eros is already in performer year two, and director love with one of the employees, and year three.” But taking the prize for involvethe scene is set for some comic capers and misunderstandings along ment with the show is Tracy Martino, who has acted in or is about with plenty of music. to act in all four productions — first Murray is a prolific Worcester

COVER STORY

“MAKING SCENTS”

rently working on another Greek myth-based show called “Greece is the Word: The Zeusical!” as Psyche (twice), an employee at Asked if he’s ever had any BroadGoddess of Love Fragrance Compaway dreams, Murray said, “You ny who falls in love with Eros; later know, all theater is community theas Rhonda, another character in ater. Broadway is a community. I’ve the show; and now with Vanilla Box been privileged to know and work as Mona, owner of the company. with some people who have gone to Other cast members in the Vanilla that level. After I defended my disBox production include Heidi Choe sertation, I went out and auditioned as Psyche, Paula Guilbault as for a show. I hadn’t performed in Rhonda, Nicole Lian as Aphrodite, a while (other than an opera with and Robert Herstedt as Eros. Tracy). I did ‘The Producers’ at Con“Yes, I have been tremendously cord Players as Franz Leibkind, then lucky to be involved with ‘Making ‘Chicago’ at Voke Players as Billy Scents’ for a while now,” said MarFlynn, then two shows at my home, tino. “I auditioned for WCLOC the WCLOC, ‘Chess’ as Molokov and first time it was produced and was ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ as Adolpho. fortunate enough to get to play the There is a vibrant and talented comrole of Psyche. I fell in love with the munity of talent here in Worcester show, especially the music, and I dethat I am joyful to have rejoined.” cided to audition when I heard that Murray is also choral director, it was being mounted at Barre Playmusic teacher and curriculum ers. I was cast as Psyche again and leader at Wayland Middle School. enjoyed working on the show just as Martino, who has also stayed much the second time around.” active in the local theater scene, As for playing Mona, “There are is a music teacher at Floral Street so many wonderful characters to School in Shrewsbury. play in this show and it is truly my As Martino indicated, their pasts pleasure to be able to play the role have crossed over 25 years. of Goddess of Love’s owner this “Her voice is a part of the time around … I like that the show Murrray show legacy. I have always is about love, something that the respected her as a musician, educaworld always needs more of.” tor and performer. Now, with major Meanwhile, “Through the years, changes in both of our lives, we are Steve and I have kept in touch,” a couple. Respect and friendship Martino said. “We worked quite led easily to love. I am privileged to a few years of children’s summer be her partner,” Murray said. theater camp together. He would “As for Stephen Murray, well, I also call when he had written a new guess now I can’t live without him,” show for publication and needed Martino said. voices for his demo albums. I have “We performed the opera ‘The happily recorded too many characTelephone’ at Calliope Productions ters to remember on those albums in 2016,” Murray recalled. “My charand know that there are many more acter was frustrated in his attempts coming. It’s surreal to think that, to propose to her character.” when folks are picking a show to do Murray is thinking about a differor rehearsing a show, they are hearent kind of production. ing my voice on those demos.” “There may be a proposal down Among Murray’s other popular the road for us. It won’t involve a shows, some written with a youth telephone,” he said. audience in mind, are “Kamp Kaos,” “Pom-Pom Zombies” and “Katastrophe Kate.” “I have been writing quite a bit. I “Making Scents” presented by think the total now is 33 published Vanilla Box Productions amateur market shows,” Murray said. “I took a break for a few years When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15; 2 p.m. Feb. 16 to get a doctorate in music educaWhere: Burke Center for Performing tion at Boston University. I did a lot Arts, Holy Name Central Catholic of writing … just not as much theatJunior/Senior High School,144 rical writing. I have my groove back Granite St., Worcester in the past couple of years. In 2019, How much: $22; $20 seniors over I had two new shows published — 65 and children 12 and under; “Help! I’m Trapped in a Musical!” $27 “VIP” for Feb. 14 performance with Eldridge Publishing, and “The includes pre-show treats. www. Enchanted Bookshop Musical” with vanillaboxproductions.com Pioneer Drama Service. I am cur-

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 15

CITY LIFE If you are an artist, or know of a local artist, email WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com. Fair warning, in order to publish your work, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to provide a small bio and high resolution digital copies of some of your art. We reserve the right to choose what will run, based on resolution and what will reproduce best on newsprint.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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resides in Holden. After retiring in 2015 from her career as a professional management consultant focused on human resources technology, she took several courses at the Worcester Art Museum where she discovered her love and talent for painting. Drumm has an MBA in human resources from Clark University as well as a B.A. in English from Michigan State University. While she has always loved the arts, the ability to paint came as a pleasant surprise. She now resides between Holden and Delray Beach, Florida, where she has recently become involved in art classes and Old School Square Arts Center in downtown Delray Beach. She is in the early stages of learning various styles and media for artistic expression and delighted to realize retirement years can be filled with the satisfaction and joy of painting.

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

Lois Drumm is a new artist who

CITY LIFE

LIFESTYLE

How to make new friends as an adult in Worcester SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

arlier this week, a newcomer to the city reached out to me for advice. He asked, “How do I go about making friends in Worcester?” I could sympathize. Meeting people is a challenge that everyone encounters when a job or relationship whisks us off to unfamiliar territory. As kids, we submit to neighborhood kickball. As teens, we rely on the fellowship of extracurriculars. In college, we are thrust into 100-square-foot dorm rooms with perfect strangers. But, as grownups? We’re typically left to our own devices. Making adult friends is not a passive activity and it rarely happens by accident. In many cases, we are naturally drawn to our colleagues out of sheer convenience. Even a two-year age gap seemed insurmountable in

high school — but, lo and behold, the coworker with whom I grew closest at my very first job was more than 20 years my senior. We had a great deal in common. This has become admittedly less likely in a gig economy where self-employment limits the number of opportunities to form workplace unions. The first place I made adult friends “from scratch” in Worcester was at November Project, an all-levels free fitness group that meets on Wednesday mornings. In the warm weather, participants run the Holy Cross stadium. In the colder months, they meet for circuit training on the Worcester Common. Workouts kick off at both 5:30 a.m. and 6:20 a.m. and everyone is made to feel welcome. You always get back what you put in. In some ways, I even credit my marriage to November Project. When my husband asked me out

November Project Worcester’s “Thrift Shop Prom” took place at Fiddler’s Green on Friday evening. BOB VAILLANCOURT

on our first official date, I told him where he could find me on Wednesday mornings. Sure enough, he showed up in his Hakeem Olajuwon jersey, ready to run. No one else stood a chance. There’s a picture of the two of us from that first morning. We’re sitting at deadhorse hill, which had opened early for November Project’s postworkout breakfast club. I’m smiling over at him while he tells a story and I haven’t a clue what the future holds. It’s a special moment and I’m glad we have it frozen in time. This shot represents one of the thousands of photos captured by November Project’s dedicated leaders. Every workout is well documented. Don’t worry — they only publish the flattering pictures. The photographs are about more than accountability and bragging rights. I speak from experience when I say, it feels exceptionally lonely to

move somewhere new and scroll through social media with no output of your own in sight. November Project rewards your willingness to wake up at the crack of dawn with prime content to remind you and your followers that this new life in Worcester is shaping up to be pretty grand. It’s not just fitness. November Project also maintains a social committee. You don’t even have to go to the workouts to feel welcome at their events. In fact, my new job schedule has sidelined me from participating in a lot of the weekly workouts, but that didn’t stop me from breaking it down on the dance floor last weekend at the November Project Thrift Shop Prom. I wore an LBD with shoulder pads. My husband wore a Toni Kucok jersey with a tie. At one point, he turned to me and yelled over the music, “These people are so happy; I swear there’s not a single cynic in the room!”

He lifted me up and spun me around and people clapped and it was sublime. Everyone there felt like “friend material.” Meeting new people as an adult can feel impossible, but I promise there are supports in place. Don’t go it alone. Become a regular somewhere. If it’s not November Project, then start showing up to Comedy in the Cabaret at Nick’s on Monday nights. Or, sign up for Sofar Sounds, Worcester’s monthly pop up concert series. Volunteer with Working for Worcester. Attend cinemaworcester’s regular screenings. Take a Worcester NightLife class. Go to Ralph’s Rock Diner for the Dirty Gerund Poetry Show on a Monday night. No matter who you are, I truly believe there is a community of people ready to make this place feel like home for you. Start today.

CITY LIFE

LISTEN UP

THE NEXT DRAFT

Love or something like it — a local Valentine’s Day playlist VICTOR D. INFANTE

or my sins last Saturday, I was subjected to Justin Bieber singing “Yummy” on “Saturday Night Live.” Now, I’m not a person who’s adverse to pop music. Indeed, as I get older, I find I’ve dropped my “cool” defenses of youth in favor of letting myself enjoy some sonic candy from time to time. “Yummy,” though,” was simply terrible. As my wife put it, “It’s like some dumb guy’s idea of what he thinks a woman wants to hear.” And that, perhaps, is the trick to a real love song: Whether

and “maybe I’m just your internet stalker now.” “Summer Hair,” by Eddie Japan: Admittedly, this one’s a little less about love than it is about heat and a certain amount of desperation, but the band manages to create such a sense of urgency and fullness that the sense of fleeting passion it reflects is palpable. “Staircase Kisses,” by Danson: The persona in the song by Worcester R&B artist Danson goes through a lot of emotions in the course of this song off his new album, “The Son Rise.” It’s a reflection on love lost, of being

PROMOTIONAL PHOTO

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 23

— or humans, for that matter — if consumed, though E6PR says it cannot control how they’re handled or stored, which means they could come in contact with outside contaminants. In fact, after initially launching the rings in early 2018, E6PR got a lot of press because of its partnership with Saltwater Brewery in South Florida, which helped promote them as safe for sea turtles to eat. “It’s not that they’re not,” Ochoa told me, “but since we don’t have a secondary packaging, the rings could get contaminated from environmental conditions.” I learned about E6PR from a Mass. Brew Bros. blog (massbrewbros. com/these-new-england-breweriesare-replacing-plastic-can-carrierswith-eco-friendly-ones) on the more than a dozen breweries already packaging cans with the Eco Rings, which come in two sizes, for fourC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 20

tortured by memories and trying to rekindle a flame, but it examines the reasons why the persona wasn’t ready for the relationship, and why he shouldn’t move backward. It’s a sensual and emotional song, but it’s also extremely smart. “Half Your Heart,” by Gracie Day: Really, you could probably put at least half of Day’s “The Nashville Sessions” on this, but this straight-up country offering is just a lush and lovely little song about emotional honesty that positively smolders. “I guess that’s my curse,” she sings, ”that I loved you first.” The line is absolutely devastating, but the song’s honesty has a way of stirring hope where none may well exist. “Thought That I Was,” by Ali Zagame: Not even going to front, this is a dark song on a dark album, much of which involves recovering from trauma, but this song is particular

sually during canning day at Sturbridge’s Altruist Brewing Co., the machine that fills and seals the cans draws the most attention. Only last week, owners Nancy and Bob Bixby were more excited about the new plain-looking rings they’ve started using to hold the cans together. Dubbed “Eco Rings,” the rings have inspired a movement to limit craft beer’s reliance on plastic packaging. Altruist has joined several other small breweries in Massachusetts that have opted to use the relatively new brand of environmentallyfriendly can rings, created by the Mexico-based startup E6PR. But Ricardo Mulas Ochoa, one of the company’s directors, told me E6PR is not just focused on

craft beer: It hopes to ween the entire beverage industry off plastic packaging. “Plastic, whether recyclable or not, is still plastic and will eventually find its way to the ocean or a landfill,” Ochoa said in a phone interview from Mexico City. “One of our rings takes one plastic ring out of circulation.” Unlike the ubiquitous plastic carriers — manufactured by companies like PakTech and Roberts PolyPro — E6PR’s makes its rings from spent grains from the brewing process and other compostable materials, so they are biodegradable. So instead of questioning whether your city or town will recycle them, or storing them in some hidden place, as I have done with so many plastic carriers, you can deposit E6PR’s rings in your compost pile or your recycling bin with other cardboard and paper products. And the rings won’t harm animals

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

we’re talking puppy love, Prince-levels of heat or something entirely more messed up, a lot of a love song lies in both the honesty of what the persona’s singing, and the awareness of how the listener perceives the song. Bieber, in my opinion, missed the mark, but there’s been some locals who have hit it in a wide variety of styles, and from different angles. “Sunflowers in September,” by Cara Brindisi: This gorgeous, wistful little song is a reflection on leaving a failed relationship behind, and it has both a sort of sad resignation and a sense of reawakened possibilities that make it extremely compelling. “Sunflowers in September/help me to remember/the reasons I left.” “Stalker,” by Ruby Rose Fox: Ruby Rose Fox’s new song is a dark and wickedly enticing descent into obsession, and it’s as gorgeous as it is uncomfortable. “How can you love someone you haven’t cried over yet,” she sings, in her gorgeous contralto,

MATTHEW TOTA

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

Cara Brindisi

Small breweries taking big step in reducing plastic use

CITY LIFE

DINING

Wan Wang welcome for its food, sense of style Ho Toy successor wins on style, food

401 Park Ave., Worcester • (508) 365-0068 • wanwangrestaurant.com SANDRA RAIN

Inside, a shiny red bar was carefully color-matched to Wan Wang’s exterior details. The corner booths can still remember driving past 401 Park Avenue as a little girl — boasted real marble tables and dark knotty wood benches for large the distinct bilateral symmetry, groups. An extensive collection the tile inspired roof, and the shots of bright red paint that hugged of potted plants peeked out from behind the host stand. Lanterns every corner of Ho Toy. I imagined cast the same soft light that stained the magnificence that must live inside. I begged my dad for one elegant glass makes when it’s hit by the sun. night in what was surely Worcester’s Wooden orbs illuminated a Tikistyle structure built out of rocks in premier Chinese food destination. the dining room. The walls popped But, we were a Chopsticks family — in varying shades of eggplant, goldloyal to 1083 Main St. — and that enrod and rust. Some design details was that. It wasn’t until Ho Toy closed after were playful, like the colossal yellow pig figurine. (Pigurine?) Others were 40 years in business that my regret nostalgic like a vintage sign above started to kick in. How was it that the gray paneled bar that reads, I had never made it through the ornately carved front door? How had “Chinese-Polynesian Food Cocktail Lounge.” And some offered polish, I so callously forgone a Worcester like the shiny green lily pad decals right of passage? mounted on herringbone pine. When the ownership team from Institutional regulars can be Kenichi and Sake Bomb announced they would be breathing new life into tricky. While it’s nice to earn the the legendary space, I made a vow to embrace of guests who flocked to embrace second chances. Wan Wang Ho Toy for decades, on my last visit, it remained unclear whose job it opened in October. And, while Ho was to inform them that common Toy’s distinctive façade remained, decencies had evolved over the last two years of major renovations 40 years. I felt myself cringe when had transformed the interior into something that neared my childhood one man who identified himself as a longtime customer told our apfantasy.

parently pregnant server, “Baby, you look like you’re about to pop.” She was more polite than I might have been. The staff possessed the Ho Toy poise I had envisioned in my youth, so why didn’t their clientele? In a kinder exchange, a local lawyer stopped by to seek advice from the owner about opening a new sushi restaurant with a client. Wan Wang’s owner offered a lot of tips, concluding with the wise words, “Do EVERYTHING by the book.” Another couple that walked in was greeted by name with such warmth that I almost forgot a woman spewing profanity at the TV earlier. The food helped too. Wan Wang’s menu is 10 pages long and bears striking similarities to Kenichi and Sake Bomb, with the absence of raw fish and the addition of two new sections: “Ramen & Rice Bowls” and “Authentic Szechuan Dishes.” Chef's specials include a sautéed sliced fish with rattan pepper that made my mouth tingle and buzz with delight. Sautéed frog legs and fisherman fried duck blood will appeal to curious minds and palates. You may have to beg for your servers to trust your sense of adventure. When I asked for the most interesting

THE NEXT DRAFT

“Give Your Hops a Tug.” Moon Hill owner Rick Walton first made sure to test the durability of E6PR’s rings before he ordered

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

them, a trial the rings easily passed. “We took one and beat the crap out of it — soaked it in water, did all packs and six-packs. nasty stuff to it to see what we had,” According to the blog, breweries Walton said. “They are pretty tough. are concerned with the amount of We figured this could work.” plastic they’re sending out the door The rings do cost a few more cents every time they sell their cans. A than plastic can carriers, but that lot of brewers and beer drinkers should change as E6PR grows, Ochoa believe those plastic can carriers are said. “It is our aim to reduce our completely recyclable, too, and the prices and become very competitive manufactures even falsely market to make it easier and more accessible their products as such. for breweries to purchase,” he said. “Photodegradable to decrease The cost of the Eco Rings is likely the likelihood of life-threatening one factor keeping large breweries entanglement for wildlife, the plastic in Massachusetts from using them. degrades into particles that are They would be ordering far more often consumed by marine life, and than the smaller breweries, which they aren’t accepted in municipal rarely can their beer. curbside recycling bins either,” the The other hurdle may be that big Brew Bros wrote. distribution breweries don’t yet have Breweries in Massachusetts have a fast, efficient way of placing the had access to the E6PR rings through Eco Rings on cans. Their canning the mobile canning company State lines have machines in place for 64. The New Hampshire-based Altruist Brewing Company owner Bob Bixby packages either the plastic carriers or the mobile canner purchased a bulk 4-packs of beer by hand using E6PR rings at the brewery cardboard packaging. And trying order, making them available to to jury-rig them for the Eco Rings RICK CINCLAIR C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 19

breweries like Gardner’s Moon Hill Brewing Co., which will use them later this month when it cans about seven barrels of its New England IPA,

vegetarian dish on the menu, I received the sautéed mixed vegetables. The Nabeyaki udon is excellent. Thick noodles offer a slight snap that dissipates as they cook in an iron kettle filled with fish broth, chicken, peas and krab sticks. Once your noodles have grown soft, bite into the two tempura shrimp that are served alongside for a satisfying crunch. Enjoy a Mai Tai for old times sakes, but one will probably do you. Wan Wang will continue to embrace its own audience and mold a few of the old Ho Toy guard into a

polite customer base. I will be back for lunch to explore the Szechuan dishes. Dinner for two came to $51.68. Explanation of Stars: Ratings are from zero to five. Zero is not recommended. One is poor. Two is fair. Three is satisfactory. Four is good. Five is excellent. Food: HHH Ambience: HHH1/2 Service: HHH Value: HHH would be a major disruption. E6PR has developed a machine capable of putting its rings on 1,200 cans a minute, but it’s not cheap. “We do not want to interfere with what the breweries have in place now,” Ochoa said, adding, “But we are looking to have machinery that is affordable.” That doesn’t mean larger breweries outside of Massachusetts have not adopted the Eco Rings. Last spring, Guinness started phasing in the Eco Rings, including at its new U.S. brewery in Maryland. Around here, I can’t help but think if more small breweries continue adopting the rings, the bigger ones will eventually follow suit. “If we can adopt it, anyone can adopt it,” said Altruist co-owner Nancy Bixby. “We’re two years old. We’re still young, still a very small brewery. We’re on a very tight budget, but for things that are important for us, it’s just nonnegotiable.”

CITY LIFE

TABLE HOPPIN’

Volturno sites in Worcester and Framingham going strong BARBARA M. HOULE

Jennings’ famed Providence eatery, Farmstead Inc., where he started as a dishwasher and moved to the position of sous chef. He also has worked at Osteria in Philadelphia; Ristorante Frosio in Alme, Italy; and Benedetto in Cambridge. Gaining experience at Italian restaurants in the United States and Europe has allowed the chef to perfect his style and cuisine, he said. He puts handmade pasta on the top of his list of favorite foods, hands down. Geraci makes seasonal menu changes and keeps to traditional favorites at both Volturno locations. Enjoy a change of scenery and drop by Volturno Framingham. It’s a busy and friendly place.

La Cucina relocating

Pictured in the bar at Volturno Framingham are owner Greg Califano, general manager Thomas Arsenault and executive chef Nick Geraci. ASHLEY GREEN

MGM Springfield will welcome Costa, a classic Italian restaurant, to the resort’s food and beverage portfolio on Feb. 28. This will be Costa’s third venue, having debuted as Osteria Costa at The Mirage Las Vegas and MGM National Harbor in 2018. Costa at MGM Springfield will be located in the Cal Mare space, which will close on Feb. 24. “Authentic Italian cuisine is a hallmark of our South End neighborhood in downtown Springfield,” said Anthony Caratozzolo, vice president of hospitality for MGM Springfield. “We’re honored to celebrate those traditions and make new memories with one of our own original restaurants. In Italian, ‘abbondanza’ signifies plenty, and that’s exactly what guests will experience at Costa. From family-styled antipasti to generous portions of our housemade pasta, guests will savor the abundance of our take on Italian home cooking.” Choose from Chicken Parmigiana, Linguine & Clams or pizza (Neapolitan-style), to name a few. Desserts include Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake and gelato. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 23

for Feb. 26. The Framingham restaurant offers a full liquor license, Italian wines, custom cocktails and local craft beers. The bar seats 16. No special Valentine’s Day menu is planned at Volturno Framingham, but the restaurant accepts reservations for Feb. 14. Telephone: (508) 875-7105. Visit Volturno’s website to learn more about menus, special promos and events and the complete story about “pizza Napoletana.” The dish on executive chef Nick Geraci: He attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence and worked for six years at Matt

Costa Italian restaurant opening at MGM Springfield

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

“People in the city (Worcester) are big pizza fans,” he said. “You can’t deny it.” As for the pasta on Volturno’s menu, it’s hand rolled and ingredients are fresh, packed with flavor. The chef has created recipes for more than six different pasta dishes that include black pepper pappardelle and tagliatelle. Volturno Framingham offers pasta classes the first Wednesday of every month. Cost is $80 per person. Visit www.eventbrite for more information and to reserve a spot. The classes are popular, said Arsenault, and a great gift idea. FYI: In Worcester, a pasta class is scheduled

The relocation of La Cucina Italiana from Hamilton Street to Grafton Street in Worcester will bring with it a fresh look, according to owner Anthony J. Panarelli Jr. Panarelli announced last week that he would like to open in the new spot by the first or second week in March. “April 1, the latest,” he said. His son Anthony J. Panarelli III and daughter, Kaci Panarelli, will continue to work with him at the new location. His uncle “Junie” (Joe) Panarelli will be head cook and Manny Chimas, assistant cook. Plenty of experience in the front and back of the house! Panarelli opened La Cucina on Hamilton Street in 2015, operating it as a BYOB restaurant. He was co-owner of the Italian Kitchen on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, which his father and uncle opened in the 1960s. Clarification: The chef identified in a photo that accompanied a story about La Cucina Italiana published last week in the Telegram & Gazette is no longer associated with the restaurant. The chef “moved on,” according to Panarelli. Stay tuned for La Cucina’s opening date on Grafton Street. Until then, visit the restaurant on Hamilton Street until further notice from the owner.

Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace, 408 Pleasant St., Worcester, will host a class on tasting red wines from 6:15 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19. Cost is $20 per person; limited availability. Purchase tickets at the store, or visit www.eventbrite.com. Note: Ticket cost will be credited toward a purchase of $40 or more during the event. Dave Saul, “advanced sommelier and wine expert,” will guide participants through four classic red wines, putting words to flavors and textures.

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

regory Califano, who opened the award-winning Volturno Worcester on Shrewsbury Street in 2013, celebrated Volturno Framingham’s second anniversary last September. Califano paints a picture of a successful Framingham restaurant with loyal following. Whether you’re craving handmade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza or anything in between, both restaurants have you covered. Italian cuisine takes center stage and the focus is chef-driven, farm-to-table food concepts. We recently caught up with Califano at the Framingham location on Edgell Road, not far from the Framingham State University campus. This family-friendly restaurant seats 148 diners and attracts diners from MetroWest and Greater Boston. Nick Geraci is executive chef of both Volturno restaurants and currently is at the Framingham site. Volturno Framingham’s general manager Thomas Arsenault previously worked in Worcester and on the local restaurant scene. Califano first brought his vision of Neapolitan-style pizza to his Worcester restaurant during a time when diners in the city ordered their pizzas from established neighborhood businesses or pizza delivery chains. Putting Neapolitan-style pizzas on Volturno’s menu paid off. “We make a mean Neapolitan-style pizza that Volturno has become famous for,” said Califano, an entrepreneur with Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in and out of Massachusetts. Volturno’s pizzas are cooked in a 900-degree wood-fired clay oven for “no fewer than 60 seconds and no greater than 90 seconds.” The result is pizza with a light char and an airy crust with a delicate chew, said Califano, who was introduced to this style of pizza during a vacation in Italy. It’s interesting to note that while guests at both restaurants enjoy the same 16 varieties of pizza and take full advantage of Volturno’s pizza BOGO offers, Worcester leads in pizza sales, according to Califano.

Wine tasting class at Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace

CITY LIFE

FILM

Some curmudgeonly observations about social media JIM KEOGH

spent Saturday morning on a work project that would only get done if I spent Saturday morning working on it. That’s life. At one point, needing to clear my head, I took a break and clicked on my favorite bookmarks — basically a bunch of newspapers, IMDB and some sports sites. Then I opened up Facebook. There, I learned a former coworker is en route to Hawaii. Another former colleague, reveling in retirement, has a Margarita glass permanently grafted to her hand. A friend got engaged — with a thirdparty present to capture the moment when he dropped to one knee. And another friend’s children are perfect. As I read all this enviable news, I questioned my own sources of happiness. It occurred to me that I was most excited about my afternoon

plans to return some merchandise to the Solomon Pond Mall because it would involve a drive with the radio playing. The thought of this blissful interlude reminded me of those times when my now-grown kids were infants and I would be dispatched to CVS to pick up some Orajel or an antibiotic (oh, to have had stock in amoxicillin) to ease their misery and quell the crying. Once inside the store, I would linger for a few illicit minutes at the magazine rack, thumbing through Sports Illustrated or People. It was my escape. I still haven’t made it to Hawaii. Plenty has been written about the smoke-and-mirrors behind social media. How people polish their lives for public consumption when few existences are truly so shiny. How the platforms feed an unquenchable thirst for attention and validation. (Why post a photo of the grilled

cheese sandwich you’re about to eat other than to prompt others in your online circle to proclaim how remarkable a grilled cheese sandwich it is?) How a social media notification sends a rush of dopamine into your brain, making you feel, well, good. You know, like sex used to. The danger of adding to the getoff-my-lawn rantings about social media is you can easily be branded a fool who just doesn’t get it. But I’m pretty sure I do. Social media is a necessary and valuable tool for the kind of work I do, a way to establish and stay in contact with people you otherwise couldn’t. And I can appreciate that for many far-flung friends and family, this is their community. It’s the oversharing that gnaws at me — the humble brags, the curation of images for maximum self-flattery, the incessant chronicling of every sniffle and sleepless night. My least favorite is the Intentionally Vague

Post of Distress, something along the lines of 1. “Feeling beaten down” or 2. “Can’t deal” or the ever-popular 3. “In the ER.” Friends jump in with expressions of concern and offers of help in response to this obvious cataclysm, only to be informed, after an appropriate waiting period, the poster was referring to 1. Kids ungrateful about

what’s for dinner, 2. A full kitty litter box, and 3. A sprained ankle. I know, I know — I can block anyone who’s getting into my head. But I choose to let it ride. Why? Because I cling to the notion that by pulling away from the trite I may miss something terrific. It’s a curse. I guess that’s life, too.

headlines as the veterinarian who can talk to the animals in this effectsladen adventure tale. With Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Tom Holland. (1:46) PG. “Ford v Ferrari” — Matt Damon is American car designer Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale is British racer Ken Miles in this fact-based drama. (2:32) PG-13. “Frozen II” — Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven join Elsa as she searches for the truth behind her powers in this sequel to the blockbuster 2013 animated musical. With the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel. (1:43) PG. “The Gentlemen” — An American drug kingpin in London faces threats to his empire. With Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant. (1:53) R. “Gretel & Hansel” — A young girl and her little brother find terror in the deep woods in this reimagining of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. With Sophia Lillis, Samuel Leakey, Jessica De Gouw, Alice Krige. (1:27) PG-13. “Judy” — Renée Zellweger portrays Judy Garland during the legendary entertainer’s run of sold-out stage

shows in 1968 London. (1:58) NR. “Jumanji: The Next Level” — Danny Glover and Danny DeVito join Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan in this sequel to the 2017 action adventure hit about young people trapped in a video game. (1:54) PG-13. “Just Mercy” — Michael B. Jordan portrays Bryan Stevenson, the reallife civil rights activist and criminal defense attorney famed for fighting for justice for the wrongly convicted. . (2:16) PG-13. “Knives Out” — Writer-director Rian Johnson rounds up a stellar group of suspects for this whodunit about the murder of a famous crime novelist. With Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette. (2:10) PG-13. “Like a Boss” — Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne star as cosmetics entrepreneurs whose financially shaky business is targeted for a buyout by beauty tycoon Salma Hayek. With Billy Porter, Jennifer Coolidge, Ari Graynor, Jessica St. Clair. (1:23) R. “Little Women” — Writer-director Greta Gerwig adapts Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the four

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F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

FILM CAPSULES “1917” — Two young British privates during WWI must cross through enemy territory to warn their fellow soldiers of an impending ambush in director Sam Mendes’ real-time thriller. (1:50) R. “Abominable” — Three friends try to reunite a young Yeti with his family in the Himalayas in this animated adventure. With the voices of Chloe Bennet, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson. (1:32) PG-13. “Bad Boys for Life” — Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reunite for one last go-round as Miami narcotics detectives. With Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Del Castillo, Nicky Jam, Joe Pantoliano. Written by Chris Bremner, Peter Craig, Joe Carnahan; story by Craig, Carnahan. (2:03) R. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — Tom Hanks slips on the friendly cardigan of children’s TV show host Fred Rogers to dispense lessons in kindness to Matthew Rhys’ jaded journalist. (1:48) PG. “Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” — The Joker’s now ex-girlfriend teams with a crew of female superheroes to save a young girl from a twisted villain.

Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas in “Knives Out.” LIONSGATE

With Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ewan McGregor, Rosie Perez, Ella Jay Basco, Chris Messina, Ali Wong. Written by Christina Hodson. Directed by Cathy Yan. (1:49) R. “Bombshell” — Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie play Fox News employees whose allegations of sexual harassment help

topple network founder Roger Ailes. (1:48) R. “Cats” — The long-awaited film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1981 blockbuster stage musical based on the poetry of T.S. Eliot arrives with an all-star cast of felines singing and dancing in styles ranging from ballet to tap to hip-hop. PG. “Dolittle” — Robert Downey Jr.

C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E

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heartbreaking. “If you’re by my side, then,” she sings, “how come I’m falling down?/If you are my anchor/you make it too easy to drown.” It’s devastating, and Zagame delivers it so beautifully you can almost lose track of the bleakness of the sentiment. “Subtle Sinner,” by Dodeca: This list was getting a little heavy, so we needed to throw a little steam in, and this one by local band Dodeca does the trick. “Stop being so good for me/let me live a little dangerously.” In this band’s hands, it’s an enticing prospect. “Drive Me Home,” by Way Up South: There’s something beautiful, tender and intimate at the heart of this song, and it’s something that transcends the sort of love portrayed in your average pop song … this is a song about someone who’s there after you’ve lost everything, someone who knows “where you got your scars,” and it’s extremely moving. “Once In a Blue Moon,” by Olivia Frances: There’s a sweet quality to

TA B L E H O P P I N’

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Limoncello and Negroni are included on the specialty cocktails list.

Australia fundraiser at Franklin Park Zoo

FILM CAPSULES

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If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

is transformed into a pigeon with the help of a nerdy scientist in this animated comedy. With voices of Will Smith, Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn. (1:42) PG. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” — Forty-two years after “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” first appeared on movie screens, the ninth episode brings the space saga to its conclusion as the Resistance struggles to defeat the First Order. (2:35) PG-13. “The Turning” — A new nanny is tasked with caring for a pair of disturbed orphans at a secluded estate in rural Maine. With Mackenzie Davis, Finn Wolfhard, Brooklynn Prince. (1:34) PG-13. “Uncut Gems” — Adam Sandler stars as a desperate New York City jeweler juggling numerous deals in this crime thriller. (2:15) R.

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determined March sisters coming of age in Massachusetts during the Civil War. With Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep. (2:14) PG. “Midway” — The story of the critical World War II Pacific Theater battle between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy in June 1942. “Playing With Fire” — Firefighters find their lives turned upside down when they rescue three siblings but can’t find the kids’ parents. “The Rhythm Section” — A woman seeks vengeance against those who plotted the plane crash that killed her family. With Blake Lively, Jude Law, Sterling K. Brown. (1:47) R. “Spies in Disguise” — A secret agent

by The Bag Family Band. Visit https://www.zoonewengland.org for tickets. Zoo New England, the private nonprofit that operates Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, is dedicated to saving animals in the wild. In response to the catastrophic bushfires in Australia, all proceeds from “All for Australia” will benefit Zoos Victoria’s Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund.

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Franklin Park Zoo will host “All for Australia” fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at the zoo’s Tropical Forest Pavillion. The event, $30 per person, will include hors d’oeuvres, animal encounters and musical performances

Olivia Frances’ voice, one that brings a sort of light to a song like this one which is, at its core, enormously sad. “’Cause once in a blue moon he buys her flowers,” she sings, “takes her by the hand/looks into her eyes.” The inference, of course, is that’s something that’s lacking most of the time, and Frances’ persona chafes in the loneliness. “Under Your Skin,” by Jeff Przech: If you want a straightforward love song, Jeff Przech’s countrytinged “Under Your Skin” is a nice portrait of a solid, sturdy sort of love that also still bristles with magic. That’s just a handful, of course, and perhaps a darker selection than originally intended. If that’s true, though, it’s only because there a number of local artists diving into love songs with a sort of brutal honesty, and the results are songs that are at a turn beautiful and heartbreaking, the kind that reminds you just why love — even brutal, messed up or devastatingly sad love — is such a popular subject, and why it holds us so tightly in its sway.

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Up With Smoke

COMPILED BY RICHARD DUCKETT, VICTOR D. INFANTE AND CHARLENE ARSENAULT

Celebrating police officers of color

Hazel Berry, one of Worcester’s first black female officers COURTESY OF THE WORCESTER HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The City of Worcester’s Black History Month celebrations will include an event highlighting and documenting the first people of color to become officers for the Worcester Police Department. “Cultural Hour: A Celebration of Worcester’s Black History” will feature relatives and colleagues providing oral histories and a photo presentation of each officer. Photos will be provided by the Worcester Historical Museum’s Black History Project and will be displayed at City Hall during Black History Month. This event is presented by the City of Worcester’s Diversity and Inclusion Office, the Worcester Police Department and the Worcester Historical Museum.

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What: “Cultural Hour: A Celebration of Worcester’s Black History” When: 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 20 Where: Lincoln Levi Chamber (third floor), Worcester City Hall, 455 Main St., Worcester

Thursday, Feb. 13 Major Taylor, “the Worcester Whirlwind” — an illustrated talk: 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 13, Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street, Worcester. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 799-2453, LapinS@worcesterma.gov. Lynne Tolman, president of the Major Taylor Association, will present an illustrated talk on Major Taylor, “the Worcester Whirlwind.” Learn the story of the 1899 world cycling champion’s remarkable life on and off the racetracks of the world at the turn of the 20th century, and how the legacy of this African American pioneer is shaping cycling — and our cities — today. Admission is free; registration is requested at (508) 799-1232. WPI’s 2nd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address: noon-1 p.m. Feb. 13, Alden Memorial, 100 Insitute Road, Worcester. Cost: Free. Keynote speaker is Dr. Mark

Anthony Neal — an author and academic from Duke University who’s research and career has delved deep into Black Popular Culture and African-American Studies. Hidden Treasures: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 13, Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm Street, Fitchburg. Pre-register by calling (978) 345-4207 or by emailing adescoteaux@ fitchburgartmuseum.org. 224th Annual Oration: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation Street, Worcester. Cost: Free-$50. For information: Sanjiv Chopra speaks on Dharma, Health and Happiness Mike Ladd: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 13, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook Street, Worcester. Acts of Love — A Collection of Original Monologues: 7 p.m. Feb. 13, the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. $5. BotB Connie, Leon Trout and Immortal Jellyfish: 7 p.m. Feb. 13, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester.

Thursday Book Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org. “Circe” by Madeline Miller will be discussed. Galentine’s Day Trivia at Redemption Rock Brewing: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 13, Redemption Rock Brewing Company, 333 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester. Cost: $5. Cindy Gray’s Worcester is for Lovers: 8-9 p.m. Feb. 13, The WooHaHa Comedy Club, 50 Franklin Street, Worcester. Cost: $25. Hot Dog! A Stand Up Sideshow: 8-9 p.m. Feb. 13, Coney Island, 158 Southbridge Street, Worcester. Cost: Free. Featuring: Kenny Capozzi, Shyam Subramanian, Tyler Swain, Dave Robinson and Carrie Ross. Free.

Friday, Feb. 14 Hand-hammered Copper Flower with Colette Dumont 2.14.20: 2-6 p.m. Feb. 14, The WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $90-$115. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com. “Snow Sisters” Sing-Along: 4-5 p.m. Feb. 14, Worcester Public Library Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton Street, Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl. org. An Intimate Valentine’s Dinner with Cara Brindisi: 6-10 p.m. Feb. 14, Sail to Trail WineWorks, Higgins Armory Building, 100 Barber Ave, Worcester. Cost: $140$140. Hooked on Blacksmithing with Jonathan Maynard: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 14, The WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $85-$99. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com.

“I love weed so much that I’m a germaphobe about everything else,” says comedian Noah Gardenswartz, in a stand-up bit on Comedy Central. “I won’t share a drink with my best friend, but I’ll let a homeless man roll me a blunt.” A lot Gardenswartz’s comedy is marijuana based, but he does such a good job of putting it in personal and cultural contexts that that jokes are funny even if you don’t toke up. (Does anyone still say “toke” anymore? You take my point …) What: Comedian Noah Gardenswartz When: 8 p.m. Feb. 14, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 15 Where: The WooHaHa Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester How much: $20

Jazzed Up Trio: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 14, Arturo’s Ristorante, 54 East Main Street, Westborough. “Floating on Hope Ave.” — A Staged Reading: 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 14, Conlon Fine Arts Center, 367 North Street, Fitchburg. For information: theforgetheaterlab@ gmail.com. $3-10 suggested donation. Featuring Kevin Boudreau, Matt Cogswell, Daniel Hankins, Simon Jensen-Fellows, Chris Merritt, Brett Rocheford and Michael Walker. Double Dose of Dave: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 14, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook Street, Worcester. Monster Jam Returns: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 14, DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester. Cost: $15. For information: info@dcucenter.com. Controllers and Cocktails: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 14, Savepoint Tavern, 57 highland St., Worcester. Cost: $25. Salsa Dance: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 14, Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm Street, Fitchburg. Cost: $5-$50. For information: email salsaontheriverfront@gmail.com Blizz_TP, SwurpRich, Ben Kenney, Lor$, OT Gang: 7:30-11:30 p.m. Feb. 14, The Raven, 258 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Cost: $10. Noah Gardenswartz: 8-9 p.m. Feb. 14, The WooHaHa Comedy Club, 50

Franklin Street, Worcester. $20. Comedian Mike Dorval: 8-9 p.m. Feb. 14, The Comedy Attic, Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Avenue, Worcester. Cost: $15-$20. Valentines Day with John Nemeth: 8-10 p.m. Feb. 14, Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket. Cost: $15-$20. Bull Run Valentines Day with the James Montgomery band: 8-9:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 215 Great Rd, 215 Great Road, Shirley. Cost: $23. For information: (978) 425-4311, bryansawyer@bullrunrestaurant. com. Valentine’s Day VIP: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Feb. 14, Vibrations Nightclub, 109 Water St, Worcester. Cost: $100. Michelle Mae: 8 p.m. Feb. 14, Sawdust Coffee House, 371 Main St., Sturbridge. Where’s My Valentine? Speed Dating!: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 14, PREGAME on Park, 413 Park Avenue, Worcester. Cost: Free. This Is College & Boujee Present — Valentine’s Night: 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Feb. 14, The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. Cost: $10-$15.

Saturday, Feb. 15 Hand-hammered Copper Flower with Colette Dumont: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 15, The WorcShop, 243

Sharp Wit The Kerrville North series always brings some great singer-songwriters to Bull Run Restaurant, but there’s something particularly endearing about Boston’s Liv Greene and her sharp-tongued witticisms. Take, for example, “Gone,” where she sings, “Honey I don’t mind you cheating/as long as you don’t mind me leaving.” Or “Drunken Eyes, where she sings, “I’ve found somebody new/and I guess you’ve found someone too/I hope you and Jack Daniels have a lovely life.” It would be cold, except you find yourself cheering her on as it goes. What: Kerrville North featuring Nancy Beaudette, Liv Greene and Mike Laureanno When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $18

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Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $90-$115. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com. Sci-Fi/Fantasy Author Alan Ira Gordon: noon-3 p.m. Feb. 15, That’s Entertainment, 244 Park Avenue, Worcester. For information: (508) 7554207, sorana@thatse.com. Monster Jam: 1 and 7 p.m. Feb. 15, DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester. Cost: $15-$170. Bladesmithing 101: Knives and You with Jonathan Maynard: 3-9 p.m. Feb. 15, The WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $250-$280. For information: theworcshop@gmail.com. Murder Mystery Dinner: 6-10 p.m. Feb. 15, Eastwood Club, 389 Townsend St, Fitchburg. Cost: $40. For information: (978) 829-1797. Jason Graham Trio: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 15, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook Street, Worcester. Vance Gilbert: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 15, The Vanilla Bean Cafe, 450 Deerfield Road, Pomfret. Cost: $15. Noah Gardenswartz: 7:30 and

Something ‘GOOD’

What: “Monster Jam” When: 7 p.m. Feb. 14; 1 and 7 p.m. Feb. 15; 1 p.m. Feb. 16. Pit Party open from 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 15 and 16 Where: DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester How much: Tickets start at $15; Pit Party Passes $15. DCU Center Box Office; www.ticketmaster.com

9:30 p.m. Feb. 15, The WooHaHa Comedy Club, 50 Franklin Street, Worcester. Cost: $20. Flamenco Boston: 7:30-9 p.m. Feb. 15, Hudson Portuguese Club, 13 Port Street, Hudson. For information: (978) 562-1646, info@upwitharts.org. John Cleese & Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Hanover Theatre, 554 Main Street, Worcester. $49-$250. Sugar Ray & the Bluetones: 8-10 p.m. Feb. 15, Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket. Cost: $15-$20. Stu Kimball, Sal Baglio, Jamie Walker, & Allen Estes: 8-9:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 215 Great Rd, 215 Great Road, Shirley. Cost: $20. Grand Honey, Brian Dickens and Midnight Harvest: 8 p.m. Feb. 15, starlite gallery, 39 Hamilton St, Southbridge. Be Kind, Rewind Live: 8:30 p.m.12:30 a.m. Feb. 15, Beer Garden Worcester, 64 Franklin Street, Worcester. Valentine’s Day Weekend Dance Party with Still Dizzi: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 15, Marine Corps League Inc, 181 Lake Avenue, Worcester. Roll Out — Skate Party: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 15, Roller Kingdom, 5 Highland Park Avenue, Hudson. Cost: $20. F XS Band: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 15, Rascals, 70 James Street, Worcester. Cost: $10.

Sunday, Feb. 16

play 10 games, 3 cards to a sheet. Hooked on Blacksmithing with Jonathan Maynard: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 16, The WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $85-$99. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com. Listen! A Poetry Series: hosted by Dave Macpherson, 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Nicks Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury Street, Worcester. Free.

Monday, Feb. 17 Tool Training: Glass Flameworking: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 17, Technocopia, 6th floor, 44 Portland St, 6th floor. Cost: $49.50-$99. Open Mic: hosted by Rick Hamel, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17, Funky Murphys, 305 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. Free. Opeth: 8 p.m. Feb. 17, The

Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $37.50-$47.50. The Dirty Gerund Poetry Series: 9 p.m. Feb. 17, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. Free, donations requested to help pay the performers.

Tuesday, Feb. 18 Forge a Railroad Spike Knife with Jason Scott: 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 18, The WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $85-$99. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com. Tool Training: Laser Cutter and Sewing Machine: (Seperate classes) 6-9 p.m. Feb. 18, Technocopia, 44 Portland Street, 6th floor, Worcester. Cost: $39.50$79. For information: info@ technocopia.org. Writer’s Group: 6:30-7:45 p.m.

‘Funkin’ Out’ Bluesman John Nemeth isn’t afraid to go into some offbeat territory, as well-illustrated by his 2017 album, “Feeling Freaky.” The album marries the blues with the wild side of ‘70s-style R&B, and the result is a heck of a musical ride, with songs such as “S.T.O.N.E.D.,” “You Really Do Want That Woman” and “Under the Gun” taking the listener on a madcap ride that only escalates with the ridiculously danceable “Get Offa Dat Butt” and the tightly-wound heat of “I’m Funkin’ Out.” What: John Nemeth When: 8 p.m. Feb. 14 Where: Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main St., Woonsocket, Rhode Island How much: $15-$20

Hand-hammered Copper Flower with Colette Dumont: 10:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Feb. 16, The WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $90-$115. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com.

Jr. NBA Basketball Clinic presented by Bnei Herzliya: 12-3 p.m. Feb. 16, Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, 65 Boys and Girls Club Way, Worcester. Cost: $25. Gravity-Defying Cake Decorating Class: 1-3:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Charlton Arts and Activities Center, 4 Dresser Hill Road, Charlton. Cost: $55. History Bites — Furnished in Appropriate Style: 1 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Salisbury Mansion, 40 Elm Street, Worcester. For information and RSVP: (508) 753-8278, robertstacy@worcesterhistory. net. Robert Stacy guides a tour of the Mansion todiscover the stories behind furniture used by the Salisbury family. Limit 12 per tour. Monster Jam: 1 p.m. Feb. 16, DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester. Cost: $15-$134. Rosalina’s Italian Pop Up featuring Blue Honey: 2 p.m. Feb. 16, Marine Corps, 181 Lake Ave., Worcester. Straight Up Jazz: 2-4 p.m. Feb. 16, The Vanilla Bean Cafe, 450 Deerfield Road, Pomfret. Big Jon Short: 3-6 p.m. Feb. 16, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook Street, Worcester. The Power of Women Reflected in Song: 3-6 p.m. Feb. 16, First Baptist Church, 111 Park Avenue, Worcester. For information: voxnewengland@gmail.com. GWLT 2020 Annual Meeting: 3-5 p.m. Feb. 16, Grill On The Hill, 1929 Skyline Drive, Worcester. For information: (508) 795-3838, info@gwlt.org. With special guest, Jane Difley. Clamdigger: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Suney’s Pub & Restaurant, 216 Chandler Street, Worcester. Joslyn Fox presents Drag Queen Bingo: 5 p.m. Feb. 16, Worcester Beer Garden & Pavilion, 64 Franklin Street, Worcester. $10 to

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What: Blizz_TP, SwurpRich, Ben Kenney, Lor$ and OT Gang When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 Where: The Raven, 258 Pleasant St., Worcester How much: $10

Fasten your seat belts … “Monster Jam” returns to the DCU Center for a high-octane weekend featuring the ultimate mix of high-flying action and four-wheel excitement. Fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship with each competitor tearing up the dirt in gravity-defying feats in 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks going head-to-head for points in Freestyle, 2-Wheel Skills Challenge and Racing competitions. Drivers include Darren Migues and his daughter Kaylyn Migues competing alongside each other. Fans can become part of the action by voting for the winner in the 2-Wheel Skills Challenge and Freestyle competitions via real-time, in-arena fan voting on their smartphones. At the Monster Jam Pit Party you can see the massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities.

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Lately, there have been a lot of showcases of up-and-coming hiphop artists, filled with unfamiliar names that, when you look them up, have lots of tracks on SoundCloud. This can lead a music fan down a rabbit hole of new music. Case in point: Boston’s OT Gang, which impresses with its recent album, “GOOD.” The band runs a theme — the songs have titles such as “Good Pick,” “Stupid Good” and “Good Kiss” — but the textures and flow of the album are highly listenable. There’s a good vibe here, and a lot of potential.

Monster truck madness

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO One of the Best Vance Gilbert is one of the region’s preeminent singer-songwriters, and he demonstrates why on his recent album, “Good Good Man.” Songs such as “Pie & Whisky,” “Cousin Shelly’s Station Wagon,” “Zombie Pattycake” and “Hitman” are all a little offbeat, filled with stories that are at once a little outlandish and deeply personal. Moreover, his guitar-playing is steady and captivating, and his voice is warm and dexterous. Gilbert is a musician at the top of his game, and it’s more and more clear with each song.

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F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

What: Vance Gilbert When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 Where: The Vanilla Bean Cafe, 450 Deerfield Road, Pomfret, Connecticut How much: $15

Worcester. Cost: $79. Forge a Railroad Spike Knife with Jason Scott: 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 20, The WorcShop, 243 Stafford S., Worcester. Cost: $85-$99. For information: email theworcshop@ Thursday, gmail.com. Feb. 20 Master Series Third Thursday Art Talk, February 20 at 6pm: 6-8 p.m. Tactile Art Feb. 20, Worcester Art Museum, Exhibit — 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester. Come Touch Cost: $14-$18. For information: the Art!: noon.-2 p.m. Feb. 20, ArtsWorcester, 44 Portland Street, information@worcesterart.org. Ethan Lasser, John Moors Cabot Worcester. Cost: Free. Chair, Art of the Americas at the Kerrville North featuring Nancy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will Beaudette, Liv Greene and Mike discuss “Paul Revere and John Laureanno: 7:30-9:30 a.m. Feb. Singleton Copley: Making an 20, 215 Great Rd, 215 Great Road, Shirley. Cost: $18. For information: (978) 425-4311, bryansawyer@bullrunrestaurant. com. Gallery Talk by Peter A. Moriarty: 4-5 p.m. Feb. 20, Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, College Millbury St., Worcester. of the Holy Cross, 1 College Street, Worcester. For information: (508) Wednesday, Feb. 19 793-3356, prosenbl@holycross. Blue Star Planetarium — Earth, Moon, and Sun Show: 1-3 p.m. Feb. edu. Moriarty explores the architecture and collections of a 19, Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman St, Westborough. Cost: $5-$5. This series of historic European and American greenhouses. planetarium show explores the relationship between Earth, Moon The Hip Swayers: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 20, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., and Sun with the help of Coyote, 55 Millbrook Street, Worcester. a character adapted from Native New Orleans Cooking Class: 6-9 American oral traditions. $5. p.m. Feb. 20, Peppers Artful Events, Blacksmithing 100 — Welcome to 43 Hudson Street, Northborough. the Forge: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 19, The Cost: $90. For information: WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, Honoring heroines in song contact Sarah Barrett at Sarah@ Worcester. Cost: $15-$40. For peppersartfulevents.com or call information: theworcshop@gmail. Take inspiration from heroines (508) 393-6844. com. throughout the ages as VOX New Medical History Book Club: 6-9 A Whole Llama Love is in the England presents “The Power p.m. Feb. 20, Sahara Restaurant, Air — Cookie Decorating: 6:30-9 of Women Reflected in Song,” a p.m. Feb. 19, The Queen’s Cups, 56 143 Highland Street, Worcester. concert of classical songs based on Cost: Free. The subject will be historical heroines, on Feb. 16 at Water Street, #5031, Worcester. First Baptist Church, 111 Park Ave., “The Social Transformation of Cost: $75. Worcester. This unique program will American Medicine,” 2nd edition Matt Brodeur: 7 p.m. Feb. 19, Art’s feature works including “La mort de Food & Spirits, 541 W. Boylston St, (2017) by Paul Starr. Cleopatre” by Hector Berlioz; “Try Tool Training: Resin 3D Printing: Worcester. Me, Good King” by Libby Larson; 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 20, Technocopia, Wacky Wednesday Jam: 8:30 p.m. Thomas Pasatieri’s “Lady Macbeth”; 44 Portland St, Sixth Floor, Feb. 19, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Drei lieder der Ophelia (“Three Boylston St, Worcester. Duncan Arsenault and friends: 9 p.m. Feb. 19, Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk St., Worcester.

Feb. 18, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org. Led by poet Susan Roney O’Brien. Shrewsbury Toastmasters (Public Speaking at its best) Invitation: 6:45-8:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 258 Walnut St, 258 Walnut Street, Shrewsbury. Cost: Free. Poetry Open Mic: 7 p.m. Feb. 18, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. Free. Science Fiction Book Club: 7:158:30 p.m. Feb. 18, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, Worcester. Cost: Will discuss “Little Brother,” by Cory Doctorow. The Cobra Kings: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Feb. 18, Greendale’s Pub, 404 West Boylston Street, Worcester. Southside Talent Showcase: open mic, 8:15 p.m. Feb. 18, The Southside Grille and Margarita Factory, 242 W. Broadway, Gardner. Tone-Deaf Tuesdays: hosted by Poise’N Envy and Harley Queen, 9 p.m. Feb. 18, Electric Haze, 26

songs of Ophelia”) by Richard Strauss, and the great Mira o Norma from Bellini’s opera “Norma.” The performance will feature acclaimed Boston area sopranos Laura McHugh, pictured, and Katherine Beckvold. What: “The Power of Women Reflected in Song” presented by Vox New England When: 3 p.m. Feb. 16 Where: First Baptist Church, 111 Park Ave., Worcester How much: $35; $25 senior; $10 students. www.voxnewengland.org

CITY LIFE

Major Taylor’s journey Lynne Tolman, president of the Major Taylor Association, will present an illustrated talk on Major Taylor, “The Worcester Whirlwind,” from Feb. 13 at the Worcester Senior Center as part of Black History Month. Taylor, the 1899 World Champion cyclist, lived and trained in Worcester. The talk will highlight his remarkable life on and off the racetracks of the world at the turn of the 20th century and how the legacy of this African American pioneer is still shaping cycling — and Worcester — today. What: Major Taylor, “The Worcester Whirlwind” — presented by Lynne Tolman When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13 Where: Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St., Worcester. To register, call (508) 799-1232

“One Slight Hitch”: Feb. 7-16, Worcester County Light Opera, Grandview Playhouse, 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester. wcloc.org. “A Musical Tribute to Steve and Eydie”: Feb. 14-16, Calliope Theatre, 150 Main St., Boylston; www.CalliopeProductions.org. “Making Scents”: Feb. 14-16, Vanilla Box Productions. www. Stage vanillaboxproductions.com. “Agnes of God”: Feb. 21-March “Boeing Boeing” Jan. 261, Bradley Playhouse, 30 Feb. 2, Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. www. Front St., Putnam, Conn. www. thebradleyplayhouse.org. thebradleyplayhouse.org. “Treasure Island” and “Around the “Four Weddings & Elvis”: Jan. 26World in 80 Days”: Double feature Feb. 1, Stratton Players, Alumni radio drama, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22; Center for the Performing Arts, Applewild School, 98 Prospect St., 2 p.m. Feb. 23. Sterling Community Theatre, First Church in Sterling Fitchburg; www.strattonplayers. parish hall, 6 Meetinghouse Hill com. “Barefoot in the Park”: Feb. 7, 8, 14, Road. www.sterlingtheatre.com. “The Drowsy Chaperone”: Feb. 28, 15, 16. Gateway Players Theatre. Elm Street Congregational Church, 29, March 6, 7, 8. Theatre at the Mount 444 Green St., Gardner. 61 Elm Street, in Southbridge. mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam. www.gatewayplayers.org. American Icon.” Wood Turning II: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 20, Technocopia, 44 Portland St, Sixth Floor, Worcester. Cost: $65. Girls Night Out the Show: 8-10:30 p.m. Feb. 20, Charlee Bravos, 9 Grove Street, Putnam. Cost: $14.95-$74.95.

What: Opeth When: 8 p.m. Feb. 17 Where: The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester How much: $37.50$47.50

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

With its2019 release, “In Cauda Venenum,” Opeth traverses a great deal of sonic territory, from the symphonic feel of the lead track, “Garden of Earthly Delights,” and the subsequent thunderstorm drum sequence that opens “Dignity,” to the mournful piano and vocals of “Lovelorn Crime.” It’s a brisk and sometimes perilous musical journey, culminating in the ominous stormcloud of a song, “All Things Will Pass,” which radiates with menace despite the optimistic title.

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

A Perilous Journey

CITY LIFE

ADOPTION OPTION Welcome to Adoption Option, a partnership with the Worcester Animal Rescue League highlighting their adoptable pets. Check this space often to meet all of the great pets at WARL in need of homes. WARL is open seven days a week, noon-4 p.m., 139 Holden St. Check them out online at Worcesterarl.org, or call at (508) 853-0030.

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F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

KIM FULCO O’KONIS

Gladys came to WARL after her neglectful owners were forced to sur-

render her. Gladys was almost completely bald, covered in scabs, having a hard time walking and you could see the hurt in her eyes. Gladys’s new family will need to understand and be prepared to take on all of her medical needs and help her along the way. If you have met her you’ll understand just how easy that is! Gladys didn’t get the memo that she has had a rough start to life. Do you have a big heart, open home with no other animals and a fireplace? Then please check out this beautiful soul and see how easy it was for us to fall in love.

GAMES

J O N E S I N’

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Down

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

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!

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HELP WANTED

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F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

LEGALS Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Docket No. WO20P0296GD Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main St. Worcester, MA 01608 CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR INCAPACITATED PERSON PURSUANT TO G.L. c. 190B, §5-304 In the matter of: James D Morgan Of: West Boylston, MA RESPONDENT Alleged Incapacitated Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Department of Developmental Services of Worcester, MA in the above captioned matter alleging that James D Morgan is in need of a Guardian and requesting that TLC Trust, Inc., by Gayle R Greene of Fitchburg, MA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Guardian to serve Without Surety on the bond. The petition asks the court to determine that the Respondent is incapacitated, that the appointment of a Guardian is necessary, and that the proposed Guardian is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court and may contain a request for certain specific authority. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 02/25/2020. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. WITNESS, Hon. Leilah A Keamy, First Justice of this Court. Date: January 30, 2020 Stephanie K. Fattman, Register of Probate 02/13/20 WM

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Sudoku Answers

LAST CALL

Jocelyn Coughlin FITCLUB Foundation Founder J

ocelyn Coughlin is the founder of FITCLUB Foundation, a free fitness, nutritional and health program for Worcester youth. Coughlin links industry professionals with schools in an effort to target students who may not have an opportunity to participate in traditional athletic programs. On March 31, Worcester Fitness is hosting a spinathon to support FITCLUB from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Find out more at www.fitclubfoundation.org.

Is the emphasis on physical health? We always do a workout to emphasize physical health. Every time we meet with the kids, we also talk about mental health. Then, we end with a nutritional message. It can be really basic, like, “You need to drink water.” Every kid gets a water bottle. We talk about why water is important and why soda is so awful. These are basic lessons that some kids aren’t getting at home. Sometimes, just hearing the message from a different voice — a person who came in and dedicated their time — has more impact.

you give me tips?’”That’s how it back to the community. Why not employ a Worcester Public Schools started. My extra help day was Wednesday. When no one had any teacher over someone random? more questions about class, we’d talk about fitness and nutrition. How did FITCLUB get started? We just started off in my classAfter I had my second baby, I room doing squats, lunges and gained a lot of weight. I was not healthy at all. I became healthy in the basics. It was that same year I 2010 when I lost 75 pounds. I never had a student that will forever be special to me, Jhomarie. I showed played a sport when I was a kid. a movie called “That Sugar Film” I didn’t have the opportunity to. and it goes over how people often My family didn’t have much, you know, so I didn’t have anything in read labels wrong. She walked up to me in the middle of the movie terms of the health world. That’s balling. She said, “I don’t know when I decided it was time to get what healthy means.” And I was fit. I had to step into a gym for like, “All right, I’m going to teach the first time and I was terrified. you what healthy means.” I started I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know where to go. I felt like every- picking her up. She lived in Great Brook Valley and I would show up one was staring at me. I thought, every weekend to take her to my “Everyone’s going to know that I gym. They sponsored her and let don’t know what I’m doing.” As I her work out for free. We’d talk would go back to my classroom, about health, nutrition, thinking my students would say, “You look positively, believing in herself. She great! What are you doing? Can

still comes to the spinathon every year. How long ago was that? She probably graduated in 2011. What can we expect at your spinathon in March? We create the ultimate party atmosphere with the lights down. All of the instructors are Worcester Public Schools teachers. Their playlists are amazing. We have food and water that volunteers will deliver to your bike. We’ve got massage therapists in the hallway. We also have protein shakes, a cash bar and raffle baskets. We really make it a fun day where we hope people can enjoy themselves. – Sarah Connell Sanders

How do the kids respond to your trainers? You would think that our trainers are superstars, the way kids react when they come in. My husband and I are both teachers at Worcester Tech. We understand that our students hear from us all day. And then, all of a sudden, you bring in a new face. They’re like, “This is exciting.” At every school, we have advisers for safety reasons and dismissal because I don’t want my trainers to have to be in charge of that. Some of the advisers are the PE teachers. At first, I said, “If you’re interested, you could run a session too.” Most of them felt like, “They don’t want me. They get me every day.” Then, I realized that if I take a high school gym teacher and send them to the elementary, they become superstars again. We try to make some of those arrangements because I want to give

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Are all of your programs in Worcester? I was born and raised in Worcester. Right now, we’re really focused on Worcester. My goal has always been to infiltrate every Worcester school before I go outside the city. I’ve had a hundred requests to expand, but my attention is here. I brought my mom and dad on — they’re both recent retirees from Worcester Public Schools. She was a principal and he was a teacher. We joke that we’ll have FITCLUB Worldwide someday, but for now,

DYLAN AZARI

F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020

What is FITCLUB Foundation? FITCLUB is a nonprofit that provides free after-school health, wellness and workouts to students in the Worcester Public Schools. We bring trainers from all around the city. We’re in 24 schools throughout the city. It started with high school students and has expanded to include middle and elementary schools as well. Basically, I look for community gyms to work with. I’m a gym junkie myself, so I’ve been able to build relationships with a lot of great gyms in the area. When we first started, everyone volunteered their time. We started growing and achieved nonprofit status. Then, we began holding more fundraisers and now we can actually pay our trainers, although some of them still choose to volunteer. We go to the schools right at the end of the day. We also do spree days and summer programs. We’re running year-round now.

we have a narrow focus to really develop a strong foundation in Worcester.

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F E B R U A RY 13 - 19, 2020