Worcester Magazine Dec. 24, 2014 by Worcester Magazine

DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2014

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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More ‘Johns’ being arrested in Worcester as police crack down on sex demand Page 4

Cuban Rebel Girls return to Ralph’s Page 19

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Eliminating health committee floated by Worcester councilor worcestermagazine.com • December 19, 2014

Fireworks in January? An order filed by At-Large Councilor Mike Gaffney could set off some of his colleagues when they return from a two-week holiday break in January. Gaffney, who has railed against the city’s Division of Public Health in the past, such as when it championed a move to grant regulatory powers to the Board of Health, is filing an order for the Jan. 7 Council meeting in which he essentially asks for the Council’s Committee on Public Health & Human Services Committee to be folded into the Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs.

Above, Councilor Mike Gaffney speaks at a meeting/Walter Bird Jr. file photo

Rally in Worcester takes issue with Photos: The Curtain Society Celebrates 26 state unemployment stats worcestermagazine.com • December 18, 2014

Getting Worcester back to work will take more work. That was the message from Chris Horton of the Worcester Unemployment Action Group, which organized a rally in front of City Hall Dec. 18 to educate people about the real story behind the falling unemployment rate.

Join the conversation - Walking in Worcester: Pedestrians, vehicles battle for right of way

Would be nice if Paul Moosey would give a little insight into how the DPW determines where it’s safe to put a bike lane or the best place to put a crosswalk. Maybe that would explain the huge distances between crosswalks Photos by Steven King of The Curtain Society celebrating their 26th anniversary at Vincent’s on on Lincoln st and the reason that the city decided to stripe a bike lane on Southbridge St at the rail yard but not on Mill or Burncoat st. -Komarovsky Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Breaking news updated daily at worcestermagazine.com Serving Worcester County since 1976. On newsstands Thursdays. Follow us on: 2

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 24, 2014

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Kirk A. Davis President Kathleen Real Publisher x331 Brittany Durgin Editor x321 Steven King Photographer x323 Walter Bird Jr. Senior Writer x322 Tom Quinn Reporter x324 Katie Benoit, Jacleen Charbonneau, Jonnie Coutu, Brian Goslow, Mätthew Griffin, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Laurance Levey, Joshua Lyford, Doreen Manning, Taylor Nunez, Cade Overton, Jim Perry, Matt Robert, Jeremy Shulkin, Corlyn Voorhees, Al Vuona Contributing Writers August Corso, Nicole DeFeudis, Betsy Walsh Editorial Interns Don Cloutier Director of Creative Services x141 Kimberly Vasseur Creative Director/Assistant Director of Creative Services x142 Becky Gill, Stephanie Mallard, Kim Miller, Zac Sawtelle Creative Services Department Helen Linnehan Ad Director x333 Kyle Hamilton x335, Rick McGrail x334, Media Consultants Casandra Moore Media Coordinator x332 Carrie Arsenault Classified Manager x560 Worcester Magazine is an independent news weekly covering Central Massachusetts. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. The Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement.

ike the amalgamation of ethnic and religious backgrounds in the city of Worcester and in its eponymously named county, the ways in which local residents celebrate the December holidays are perhaps just as diverse. From holiday parties to church celebrations, from family-centered craft activities to musical performances, from newly-created family customs to traditional festivals, Worcester County celebrates December holidays in many unique and yet simultaneously customary ways. On Worcester’s West Side, the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts sponsors a holiday party for its young adults, many of whom are transplants to the area without local family ties. In North Brookfield, a newly-created nativity exhibition is open to community members; in Princeton, a family-oriented celebration at Wachusett Mountain brings together popular culture and Polar’s celebrity figure “Orson the Bear,”; in Holden, a local Indian family combines Hindu tradition with Americanized Christmas celebration.

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DISTRIBUTION: Worcester Magazine is available free of charge at more than 400 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each at Worcester Magazine offices. Unauthorized bulk removal of Worcester Magazine from any public location, or any other tampering with Worcester Magazine’s distribution including unauthorized inserts, is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted under the law. SUBSCRIPTIONS: First class mail, $156 for one year. Send orders and subscription correspondence to Holden Landmark Corporation, 22 West St., Suite 31, Millbury, MA 01527. ADVERTISING: To place an order for display advertising or to inquire, please call 508.749.3166. Worcester Magazine (ISSN 0191-4960) is a weekly publication of The Holden Landmark Corporation. All contents copyright 2014 by The Holden Landmark Corporation. All rights reserved.

-Katie Benoit, Contributing Writer

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4 City Desk 8 Worcesteria 10 Editorials 10 1,001 Words 12 Cover Story 19 Night & Day 26 Film 27 Krave 31 Sports Listings 31 Event Listings 35 Classifieds 46 2 minutes with… About the cover Design by Kimberly Vasseur

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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December 24 - 30, 2014 n Volume 40, Number 17

More ‘Johns’ being arrested in Worcester as police crack down on sex demand Walter Bird Jr.

he recent arrest of about eight men trying to score time with sex workers brought to 14 the number of so-called “Johns” in Worcester as of Dec. 17, according to the Police Department. It represented more than the total number of men arrested in the first eight months of the year, and marks a change in the way police are approaching a problem that has plagued the city for years. It is being praised by those who work most closely with sex workers as a sign that the focus is shifting from simply arresting the women selling sex for a fee. “The Worcester Police Department is committed to directing resources to address the visible presence of illegal sex for a fee activity that negatively impacts the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Police Chief Gary Gemme said in a statement. “[The most recent] sting operation is an example of our ongoing efforts to reduce both the supply and demand side of the illegal sex for a fee transactions taking place on city streets.” Gemme said the department recognizes that arresting Johns “has the greater potential to shrink or destroy the market for this illegal

activity. Community efforts in identifying and providing social services for women victimized by prostitution are a critical part of any long-term strategy.” Including the sting, police had arrested 146 women as of Dec. 17 on charges of sexual conduct for a fee.

worker in the Main South area. “... This afternoon as I was driving down South Main, a real pretty girl gave me the look and when I ignored her she stepped off the sidewalk, still looking at me, put her arms out with her palms up, as if to say WTF you don’t want this,” the post read. “I haven’t

I think all the right people are getting involved in this ... I think people are finally paying attention and they get it. -Athena Haddon The sting appeared to have at least a shortterm effect among the population of men looking to buy sex from women. One website that features forums from around the country devoted to sex-related activity included a forum titled “Streetwalker Reports” in Worcester. One post on the forum under the screen name “Smoke Screen” indicated the sting had caused the person to reconsider picking up a sex

WOO-TOWN INDE X

picked up a SW in over 20 years, been tempted, but this girl was hot. Looked in her 20’s, long dirty blonde hair, very neat. I kept going but a few minutes later I thought about going back, big head took over. She just looked really TGTBT. If I hadn’t read about the Worcester sting, I probably would have tried to get her. I couldn’t help but to think, they are out there now looking for the ones

Charter schools, long debated in Worcester, slammed for poor oversight in state auditor’s report. -3

Despite controversial city panhandling ordinance prohibiting the practice, folks still use medians to ask motorists for cash. -2

Clark University’s Clark Labs announces release of TerrSet - a set of software applications to monitor and model the Earth system. +1

continued on page 6

-5

Total for this week:

A weekly quality of life check-in of Worcester

Clark University listed as 24th best value in private colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. That’s an 11-spot jump up from its ranking of 35 in the 2014 edition. +2

that they missed in the sting.” Those kinds of websites are disturbing, said Athena Haddon, director of Spectrum Health System’s Everyday Miracles Peer Recover Community Center, 25 Pleasant St. The Center works with men and women recovering from addiction, and deals with a number of women either actively engaged in sex work or trying to escape. “There’s like this underground group of men [looking for sex workers in Worcester],” she said. While such websites are alarming, Haddon said she is heartened by the crackdown on Johns. She has long been critical of what she believes was a one-side approach by police in arresting sex workers in much larger numbers than the men trying to buy sex. “I’m excited,” she said. “I think all the right people are getting involved in this ... I think people are finally paying attention and they get it.” Haddon cited the city’s Division of Public Health, the city manager’s office, the Human Rights Commission and the City Manager’s Committee on the Status of Women as playing a role in shifting the focus from the

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) hosts 84 elementary- and middle-school robotics teams for the 14th annual FIRST LEGO League (FLL) RoboNautica competition. +1

Scam warning issued as Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis cautions against an IRS phone scam targeting tax payers. -4

City, EcoTarium and company behind cell tower reach resolution to controversy over building a tower in a residential neighborhood. +2

Entrance into Safeway and Ralph’s Diner off Grove Street is long overdue for resurfacing - or do they want it that way? Wonder how many shocks and axels have been ruined on it. -2

+2 -3 -2 +1 +1 -4 +2 -2

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 24, 2014

State rep questions MassDOT training program Tom Quinn

construction pre-apprenticeship program mandated by an amendment to a transportation bill will train 300 people to work for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), but new details about its planned implementation have one state representative claiming MassDOT is losing sight of the intent of the law. The text of the amendment, filed in April by Sen. Ken Donnelly, D-4th Middlesex district, states, “The Massachusetts Department of Transportation … shall train not less than 300 participants per year from low-income, minority, youth or young adult populations in pre-apprenticeship programs registered with the division of apprentice training.” State Rep. Mary Keefe, D-15th Worcester district, supports the text of the amendment. “That would really put some people in a pipeline where they could work on infrastructure projects – highways, bridges, all that kind of stuff – and we need people to be trained properly,” she said. MassDOT’s proposed plan involves cooperation with the state’s vocational high schools. “MassDOT has proposed an innovative transportation workforce development program designed specifically to impact the future of the Commonwealth’s transportation workforce,” MassDOT spokesperson Amanda Richard said in an email. “The first part of MassDOT’s plan involves a new collaboration with the state’s vocational/technical high schools. In partnership with industry and

labor organizations, MassDOT is poised to prepare 300 students per academic year with the skills and competencies needed to enter one or more registered apprenticeship programs or other related career pathway with our newly registered pre-apprenticeship curriculum.” Keefe, however, said the point of the amendment was to help unemployed and uneducated people find work, and using vocational students to fill the available slots is missing the point of the law. “At first all 300 [slots] were going to go through vocational or technical high schools, which was not the intention of this amendment,” she said. “The intention was to get people who aren’t in any pipeline. Students at vocational and technical high schools are already in a pipeline that’s making them employable.” In response to those concerns, MassDOT officials revised their plan and added a second group of slots for people who are not eligible for the vocational school program. “Acting Secretary DePaola met with advocates and indicated that he would fund an additional 80 slots for a preapprenticeship program to serve young adults,” Richard said. “In order for us to do that, MassDOT will utilize existing pre-apprentice programs overseen by Commonwealth Corporation.” Keefe is still not satisfied with the implementation of the law, however, because she says it overlooks a community that could sorely use the jobs it creates – her home district of Worcester. “Unfortunately there are some slots that

{ citydesk } FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING

State Rep. Mary Keefe

are going to be allocated and they’re going to be in Boston and in Springfield,” Keefe said. “There are 80 slots for pre-apprenticeship training, and we’re trying to find a way to get some of them, because Worcester kind of gets left behind.” The issue with assigning pre-apprenticeship slots to Worcester, according to Keefe, is the certification of its training programs. “The argument that the DOT is making is that we don’t have a certified preapprenticeship program in Worcester,” Keefe said. “Our argument is where there is a will there’s a way. We know that there are programs in the city that can do this, so if

we have to get them certified, let’s get them certified.” Although 80 slots in a training program may not seem like a big deal, Keefe is fighting for her vision of the law because she says skipping over Worcester in this program may lead to bigger problems in the future. “If we’re cut out now it’s going to be harder for us to get back in down the road,” Keefe said. “We’re the second largest city in Massachusetts, and we need to get our fair share.” Reach Tom Quinn at 508-749-3166, ext. 324 or by email at tquinn@worcestermag. com. Follow Tom on Twitter @bytomquinn.

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{ citydesk } JOHNS continued from page 4

sex worker to the men seeking their services. “This is a bigger problem and I’m just excited that they see it and I hope they continue to do it,” Haddon said of arresting more Johns. For Haddon and other advocates for the women they refer to as survivors, a crackdown on men buying sex is one more step toward addressing the root cause of prostitution. Earlier this year, advocates scored a minor victory of sorts when Gemme agreed to no longer publish the addresses of sex workers arrested by police

in press releases posted on the Department’s Facebook page. The 160 total prostitution-related arrests in Worcester as of Dec. 17 was 22 below the 182 arrests made last year, according to statistics provided earlier this year to Worcester Magazine by Clark University assistant professor Marianne Sarkis. The 14 Johns taken into custody was more than four times greater than the three arrested last year, according to those statistics. Gemme’s stated commitment to addressing both the supply and demand side of prostitution comes more than two months

after he spoke of the danger of using female police officers to catch Johns in the act of soliciting sex for a fee. “Obviously,” Gemme told Worcester Magazine in October, “we would like to arrest more males for soliciting sex for a fee, but not at the expense of officer safety. Under the current criminal statutes governing this type of illegal behavior, we would have to expose our undercover officers to unacceptable risks. We also have no intention of allowing uninhibited prostitution to take place in our neighborhoods and around schools and bus stops for the sake of improving our male/ female arrest ratios.” For people like Haddon, a focus on Johns marks a welcome change from past practices. “I’m really glad,” she said. “It seems like everything is falling into place. I cannot stress enough how important it’s been that survivors voices are being heard.” Reach Walter Bird Jr. at 508-7493166, ext. 322 or by email at wbird@ worcestermagazine.com. Follow him on Twitter @walterbirdjr and find him on Facebook. Don’t miss Walter on “Rosen’s Roundtable” on WCCATV. And be sure to visit worcestermagazine.com every day for what’s new in Worcester.

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{ citydesk }

NO REST(ROOM) ALLOWED: It’s not exactly what you want to have happen after you’ve just used the bathroom, but at least it wasn’t before. An employee of the Hi-Lo Gas Station at 1340 Main St. was leaving the restroom outside the building Thursday, Dec. 18 when another man allegedly tried to approach him with a semi-automatic handgun. The employee shut the door on the suspect. Police say a witness saw the suspect flee from the scene and go into a house at 4 Winchester Ave. Police arrived and ordered him out of the house. Joshua Gonzalez, 19, 4 Winchester Ave., was identified by the victim, and police also saw video surveillance of the incident. Gonzalez was charged with armed assault with intent to rob. SNEAK(ER) ATTACK: It is not a new phenomenon, but a recent robbery at knifepoint should prove how dangerous it can be to meet strangers to swap or sell sneakers. Police say that’s what happened when a male victim arranged to meet an unknown person at the BP Gas Station on Chandler Street on Wednesday, Dec. 17 to exchange sneakers. The deal was set up on Facebook, according to police. The victim allegedly was approached by the other male when he showed up at the gas station. The suspect allegedly got into the victim’s car, threatened him and grabbed the sneakers. He then allegedly forced the victim to drive to 38-40 Piedmont St., where he got out of the vehicle and fled. Police caught the man, Detonto Rodriguez, 37, 25 Queen St., on Thursday, Dec. 18 after viewing a surveillance video. He was charged with armed robbery and kidnapping. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. NAME GAME: The male suspect in a carjacking earlier this month gave cops a false name when he was arrested, which of course resulted in another charged being tacked on to the carjacking charge. James Bishop, 24, 45 Orient St., was initially identified as Thomas Holmes, 25, 9 Oakview St. when he was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 16. Also arrested at the time was 29-year-old Jennifer Keane, 67 Austin St. She was charged with carjacking, and also had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. Bishop was also charged with furnishing a false name to law enforcement. The original incident allegedly involved Bishop and Keane approaching a female victim, with Bishop holding a box cutter to her neck. Police said he ripped the ignition key off her hand and got into the car. Keane allegedly got into the passenger side of the vehicle. The two took off in the vehicle, according to police, with the victim’s dog still inside. Police eventually captured the suspects. Neither the victim nor her dog was injured during the incident.

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Name: Bryan Lerg Age: 28 Hometown: Livonia, Michigan Years Playing Hockey: 23 Playing Professionally: Seven Position: Left Wing Favorite part about playing in Worcester?It’s a whole new team, being in Lake Erie the last few years, the group of guys we have is awesome. Everyone is on the same page and clicks, it’s a younger group and we have a good group of four or five older veteran guys on the same page. There aren’t any wrinkles in the sheets and it’s been fun so far being a part of this team. How do you prepare for a game? We go to pre-game skate, I come back home and I make my meal. I always switch it up, I’m not always doing chicken and pasta like in the early years. It’s just how I’m feeling. Then I definitely go down for a nap, it all depends on how my body feels. I know my body and what it needs. What is the most difficult part of making it through a season? It’s a grind. [A recent] weekend we played a threeon-three and we’ve got another one coming up. I think you try to get your team off to a good start, we got some points early on, we went through a little slump but we’re still not far off. That Christmas

through All-Star break is really important for our team. That’s where you separate. You’re either in the mix, or you’re not. Get points there because after that they’re harder and harder to get. What are you most proud of through your hockey career? I would say winning the National Championship when I was at Michigan State my junior year. We beat Boston College in the finals. It’s not easy to get one of those in college. We didn’t necessarily have the best team but we had a great group of guys that believe in one another. It just came down to playing for one another. We played together as a team. Is there something our readers would never guess about you? In the summer time I’m either on the lake doing water sports or I’m on the golf course after I work out. After I work out it’s, What am I doing today? Am I on the lake or on the golf course? I like being outside and doing those types of things. We have a cabin up north and I have another buddy that has a cabin up north. It’s exciting, I like the summer time. I went out to California this summer to play Torrey Pines (Golf Course) and a couple other great courses, that was cool.

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Walter Bird Jr.

DEAR SANTA:

This week’s column is largely dedicated to asking Santa to consider some special gifts for some of the Worcester area notables. It is last-minute, we know, but we’re hoping the elves can whip up this order in time for the jolly big man’s sleigh ride around the world. So Santa, without further ado, here is our wish list for the following - mind you, we cannot vouch for whether they have been naughty or nice. For Tim Murray: a spare key to the governor’s office on Beacon Hill, just in case. For U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern: nonstop flights from Worcester Regional Airport to Cuba. For Mayor Joe Petty: some sleep and some earplugs to shut out all the rumors of “will he or won’t he seek re-election? For City Manager Ed Augustus Jr.: proof that he really can’t walk on water. For City Solicitor David Moore: a new pair of skates (may as well throw in a pair for Chief Economic Development Officer Mike Traynor, too) and a “Good Sport Award.” For Peter Graczykowski and Oscar Rodriguez: even though they’re not Worcesterites, they deserve something for going through a “Thanks, but no thanks” city manager search process. Maybe a couple all-day sucker lollipops? For the city’s nonprofits: thank you cards for all you do, with a “Please Give More” card stuffed inside. For the City Council as a whole: t-shirts emblazoned with: “I show up every week for Council meetings, and all I got was this lousy ‘I love Jo Hart’ T-shirt.” For City Councilor Konnie Lukes: another mayoral run because there’s only one Konnie Lukes. For City Councilors Sarai Rivera and Phil Palmieri: a partition between their two seats. For City Councilor Rick Rushton: food trucks. For City Councilor Moe Bergman: as a history buff, an original copy of “History of Worcester, Massachusetts.” For City Councilor Tony Economou: a recording of “We have the same discussion every year” to be played at each annual tax classification hearing. For City Councilor Gary Rosen: a stunt double so he doesn’t have to stand out from sunup to sundown during his re-election bid. For City Councilor George Russell: a listing of all area codes, so he knows precisely which callers are from Worcester - and which are not. For City Councilor Mike Gaffney: dinner at Mezcal with Health Director Derek Brindisi. For City Councilor Kate Toomey: a personal assistant to help carry all her stuff in and out of Council meetings. For Health Director Derek Brindisi: see gift idea for Mike Gaffney. For the Worcester Police Department: a copy of “How to Deal with the Media: A Practical Guide” by Dennis Barker. For our friends at the T&G: a year with no new owners. For The Hanover Theatre: Jedi-like powers to say, “This is not the Bill Cosby we were looking for.” For Paul Collyer and other Main South business/residential property owners: a video of Sally Field’s 1985 Oscar acceptance speech for “Places in the Heart” when she said, in part, “you like me, right now, you like me!” For boxer Edwin Rodriguez: another shot at a title. For the City of Worcester: more movies filmed here and a front-page story in The Boston Globe.

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BYE, BYE BRITT: This week’s print edition of Worcester Magazine marks the last for editor

Brittany Durgin. While she won’t be disappearing entirely, Brittany is embarking on a new path as she pursues a master’s in library science at Simmons College in Boston. She has been with us for more than five years, and served as editor for a little more than two. Reporter Walter Bird Jr. will be the new editor. In addition, two new, full-time reporters are joining the fold. Join us in welcoming Joshua Lyford, who has been a freelance writer for us, and Tom Quinn, who started earlier this week. We wish Brittany all the best, and we are lucky that she will continue to contribute to Worcester Magazine even as she moves on to another career. Thank you for everything, Britt!

’TIS THE (SILLY) SEASON: Heading into a local municipal election year, the rumor mill is

www.goodwillmass.org 8

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 24, 2014

already churning over who might run for City Council - and who might run for mayor. The juiciest gossip centers around District 4 Councilor Sarai Rivera, with one rumor having her being groomed to take over for Mayor Joe Petty. The latter has said he intends to run, but the suggestion has been made that Petty might hold off on announcing he won’t run again for mayor, not unlike how former Councilor Joe O’Brien waited and waited and waited before

{ worcesteria }

A REAL ATTRACTION: Santa brought Andrew Thebeau an early Christmas present this

year. The Shrewsbury High School grad and former student of Inna Muravnik at Pakachoag Community Music School in Auburn released his first EP earlier this week. We checked out some of the music from “Tourist Attraction” online and were impressed. Thebeau is living in Boston’s Back Bay now, and is a senior at Berklee College of Music. Look for the new title could make a neat, last-minute gift!

UP WHERE HE BELONGS: British singer Joe Cocker, as famous for the almost inhuman ways he could contort his body as for his hit tunes, died this week at 70 after a battle with cancer. His passing was felt in the music community in Worcester, perhaps with no one else more than guitarist Cliff Goodwin, who spent about a decade playing and touring with Cocker. Goodwin was notably subdued when reached by phone, recalling his friend as “always gracious and humble” in an industry not known for its humility. Cocker’s death, devastating in itself, was even more so by the passing of sax player Bobby Keys just a couple weeks ago. The longtime member of The Rolling Stones, Keys also played with Cocker and Goodwin. Cocker scored a number of hits during his career, perhaps the biggest being his cover of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends.” He also had a hit duet with Jennifer Warnes, “Up Where We Belong.” Of his friendship with Cocker, Goodwin said, “My time with him was when it mattered the most in my life,” he said of hooking up with Cocker while Goodwin was in his early 20s. “When you’re young, in your formative years, and full of vinegar, and you play with a guy like that who’s literally a legend, you can imagine how much he taught me, how much wisdom was imparted. He was also the strongest guy I’ve ever known. That’s why it’s so difficult.” GOVERNOR’S MUSINGS: Gov. Deval Patrick, entering the final days of his time in charge

of the commonwealth, was in Worcester earlier this week at the Youth Center to brag about the success of the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI). The program is in place in 11 cities, including Worcester, where Patrick says it serves more than 80 of 115 young men identified as at-risk youths. In particular, the governor was citing an independent evaluation of SSYI by the American Institute for Research (AIR). After a brief press conference, that featured lifelong Worcester resident and SSYI participant Jose Vasquez, Patrick met with the press and addressed various topics, including the recent shooting deaths of two police officers in New York and one in Florida. The governor has been vilified in the Boston media for his response (or lack thereof) to the tragedies. But when Worcester Magazine asked him if the country were in the midst of a crisis with the murder of cops following the deaths of two black men at the hands of police, he said: “I hope not. It’s obviously vicious and awful and devastating for the forces those officers served and for their families, and I’m sorry for them. I think we have to be careful not to sensationalize it and to be vigilant. There is a real issue if anybody reacts to the tragedy in Ferguson or on Staten Island with any view that there’s an invitation to retaliate against police officers. I don’t think the issue has ever been about the predominant view of the behavior of the police. There are some outliers who have not been accountable under the law, and where accountability should reside is under the law.” The remarks were among the governor’s most extensive on the tragedies since they took place.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME? Speaking of Patrick, he was asked during his most recent visit to the Woo whether it was, in fact, his last as governor. While there is no hard and fast statistic, Patrick has made several trips here, seemingly more than any other governor in recent memory. So what about it, governor? Was this your final trip on the job to Worcester? “I don’t want to say my last,” Patrick said. “We seem to be running through the tape. We’ve got more things coming, but I’m not sure if this is my last time.” Can’t get enough Worcesteria? You can catch Daily Worcesteria online - every day! Have an item for Worcesteria? Reach Walter Bird Jr. at 508-749-3166, ext. 322 or by email at wbird@ worcestermagazine.com. Follow him on Twitter @walterbirdjr and find him on Facebook. Don’t miss him on “Rosen’s Roundtable” on WCCA TV. And be sure to visit worcestermagazine.com every day for what’s new in Worcester.

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letting it be known he would not seek re-election the last time around. Remember, this is all just talk for now. There is also speculation that former Councilor Juan Gomez, who recently held a fundraiser and has already said he would run for Council, will throw his hat in the ring for mayor. Former state rep candidate Khrystian King is about to make public his bid for an at-large seat. His campaign is hosting a shindig Monday, Dec. 29 at Joey’s on Chandler Street. Perennial candidate Bill Coleman can probably be expected to run again as well. What could be the most interesting race to watch, however, is in District 2, where Phil Palmieri may well face the same man he beat in the last election, Jennithan Cortes. What could add drama there is if Rivera, who supported Palmieri last time, stays neutral or switches sides this time around. A frost has developed between the one-time tightly knit pair, particularly in the wake of Palmieri’s failed bid for 15th Worcester District state rep, a seat retained by Mary Keefe. Rivera supported Keefe in that race. Remember folks, the next city election is still 11 months away - which gives Worcesteria plenty of time to sniff out more speculation!

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DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

commentary | opinions slants& rants { }

Editorials This is not goodbye T

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

to the Blackstone Valley and the Tribune, this time as editor. I would later be named weekly-editor-at-large, overseeing all the weekly newspapers published by Stonebridge Press. Around 2005, I was asked to spearhead the introduction of three new weekly newspapers in Northeast Connecticut’s socalled Quiet Corner, where we unveiled the Putnam Villager, Woodstock Villager and Thompson Villager. A short while later, we launched the Killingly Villager. In 2007 or so, I was promoted to executive editor, overseeing all editorial functions of the company. I relocated to the Southbridge office, where we established two more weekly publications: the Sturbridge Villager and Charlton Villager. I was laid off in 2010 and returned to journalism via an online outfit here in Worcester, but only for a short time. When the opportunity to join Worcester Magazine arrived, it was simply a chance too good to pass up. The rest, I guess, is history. There is truly no place like Worcester. My oldest son lives here and goes to school here. I spend most of my time here. Truth be told, I live in West Brookfield, but I resided here for seven years, previously. Worcester is my home, and Worcester Magazine is what I am as much as it is what I do. To be given the opportunity to serve as editor is an honor and a privilege. We have come a long way over the years, but by no means are we done growing and serving you. What is it they say, the best is yet to come? I will do my level best to get us — and you — there. So goodbye and thank you, Brittany. And to this city and to Worcester Magazine, thank you for inviting me into your home. -Walter Bird Jr.

By Steven King

his week marks a significant change for Worcester Magazine. It marks, as well, a new beginning both personally and professionally for yours truly. The Dec. 24 edition of Worcester Magazine spells the end of Brittany Durgin’s five-and-a-half year career with Worcester Magazine, the last two or so of which were spent as captain of the ship, so to speak. As editor, Brittany has brought a thoroughly professional and even-handed approach to the publication. She has overseen a time of great transition, as one publisher exited and another, Kathy Real, rejoined the company she had worked for years before. Under her stewardship, the editorial content of Worcester Magazine has become more vital than ever to the fabric of Worcester and beyond. Indeed, it is fair to say that with Brittany leading the way, and with the passionate and eager guidance of both the publisher and owner, Worcester Magazine has become an integral part of the media landscape in New England’s second largest city. You will likely see a story authored by Brittany from time to time, but the loss of her full-time presence here will be felt for quite some time. With Brittany’s departure, I have been afforded an opportunity that can only be described as a distinct privilege: to be the next editor of Worcester Magazine. For the last twoplus years I have served as the reporter (the company refers to my position as “senior writer,” but that implies there is a junior writer, which, of course, there is not). Immersing myself in this city has truly been an incredible experience, meeting so many different people and being exposed to so many different cultures and beliefs. At the same time, I have benefited from watching Brittany, and how she runs a newsroom. No classroom can teach you what you learn, in person, from a skilled and seasoned leader. I enter the position not without my own experience. In 1998, I joined Stonebridge Press Newspapers after years as toiling as a freelance writer. I started as a weekly reporter with the Blackstone Valley Tribune. In 2001, not long before 9/11, I moved on to the company’s daily publication, the Southbridge Evening News. In 2003, it was back

1,001 words

oday, Dec. 24, marks the 125th Worcester Magazine I have helped plan, write and design since becoming editor of the publication in August 2012. Today is also my last day as a full-time employee at Worcester Magazine. My first day at Worcester Magazine was in May of 2009. I walked into the Water Street office as a temporary staff photographer, green to the city but as bushy tailed as a raccoon. The newsroom staff consisted of a managing editor, an arts and entertainment editor, a news writer and a general assignment reporter — and me, the photographer. The paper at that time was a larger format and print was the main focus with the website existing almost simply as an archive of stories. There was one exception to online being a historical database, and that was the Daily Worcesteria blog, which former news writer Scott Zoback updated — you guessed it — daily. Fast forward five and a half years to today when I sit in our hip new office on Shrewsbury Street. The staff has been cut to one managing editor, one writer and one photographer. The paper is no longer a broadsheet but a tabloid format and digital is as much of a focus as the print. Much has changed over the years but the core of Worcester Magazine still reigns in its people and on every page. It is the alternative viewpoint, responsible journalism and devoted-to-its-community focus that has always been the paper’s identity, and what drew me from a daily newspaper to Worcester Magazine and what has kept me here for longer than I have worked any other job. I am not leaving Worcester Magazine to take another job at another paper. Instead, I am going back to school, and not for journalism. Next month I will begin taking classes at Simmons School of Library and Information Science, working toward a master’s degree. My name will no longer appear near the top of Worcester Magazine’s masthead, but I will not disappear from the public eye entirely. Earlier this month I was elected to the Worcester Public Library Board of Directors, which I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of, and help support one of the city’s finest nonprofits that boasts an incredibly rich history. I have also jokingly said that I plan to be the “Jo Hart of the West Side,” raising issues and concerns at public hearings, but I’m afraid it will be hard to match Ms. Hart’s devotion and impassioned arguments. Every single person I have made contact with during my time at Worcester Magazine has helped shape my thoughts on Worcester. I love this city for its strong sense of community, its ambitions to become something greater than it already is, its loyalty, support and appreciation of both its residents and business owners, and as overplayed as the phrase is, for being “a city on the move.” As Worcester continues to grow and change my one hope is that it never loses its spunk. -Brittany Durgin, Editor

With change comes opportunity T

surreal

508-749-3166, Ext. 450 DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Katie Benoit

The most wonderful time of the year

The chronological progression from November to December is perhaps as much a literal seasonal transition as it is a figurative seasonal transition. Fall turns to winter, leaves turn to snow. In Worcester, like in many cities and towns across the country, oranges, yellows and browns – colors prominent in November’s festive adornments – quickly shift to greens and reds, blues and whites, silvers and golds – shades that have made December’s holiday season famous. Educational institutions hold holiday concerts, churches offer holiday services and families across the county gather together in celebration of their favorite holiday traditions. They say December is the most wonderful time of the year. A brief walk through Worcester’s history tells the story of a diverse city with many ethnic and religious backgrounds, which have no doubt impacted the holiday celebrations of Worcester County residents today. Incremental growth in the 18th century led to Worcester’s incorporation as a town in 1722; by the time of the American Revolution, it had reached a population of approximately 2,000 people, the majority of whom were English and Scots-Irish Protestants. In the 19th century, however, this all changed as the small town saw drastic transformations in industry and population that were fueled by new industrial development. As early as the 1830s, the demographics of the town began to shift as Irish Catholic canal workers arrived and built their institutions alongside those of the already-settled Protestant Yankees. Catholic institutions such as schools (College of the Holy Cross), churches (St. John’s) and hospitals (St. Vincent Hospital) soon emerged. As more factories were constructed during the second half of

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

the 19th century, the demand for labor lured many more waves of immigrants to Worcester. French Canadians and Swedes arrived during the 1860s, eventually establishing institutions such as Assumption College and Swedish Lutheran and Methodist churches and dominating the workforce at metalrelated factories such as Norton Company and Washburn & Moen’s Southworks. At the turn of the 20th century, newly arrived Jewish Europeans, Italians, Poles, Lithuanians and Syrians established synagogues, ethnic churches (such as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Czestochowa and Our Lady of Mercy), schools and their own social organizations. The mid-late 20th century and the dawn of the 21st century have seen yet another shift in the city’s population makeup, as immigrants and refugees from places like Armenia, Myanmar, Bhutan and Cambodia, among others, have settled and made their homes in Worcester. Each of these groups, past and present, has

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

continued on page 14

STEVEN KING

{ coverstory }

{ coverstory } A Menorah is lit at the Young Adult “house” Hanukkah Party.

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

{ coverstory }

PHOTO SUBMITTED/DERICK VELIZ

continued from page 12

contributed to the development of the city’s vast holiday landscape, either by perpetuating long-held ethnic, religious and family traditions or by creating memories anew. For members of Worcester’s Jewish community, these holiday traditions are time honored. This year, Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of light that celebrates the triumphs of spirituality over materiality and light over darkness, fell on Tuesday, Dec. 16 and continues until Wednesday, Dec. 24. It is a symbolic celebration of two miracles, observed by the kindling of flames on a menorah each night so that one candle burns on the first night, two on the second, and so on. On Dec. 16, a public ceremonial lighting of an 18-foot tall Grand Menorah in Newton Square – itself a 40-year old tradition – marked the first night of the festival and was attended by numerous members of Worcester’s Jewish community as well as City Mayor Joe Petty, City Manager Ed Augustus and Chief of Police Gary Gemme. Also known as the Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah is celebrated by members of Central Massachusetts’ 12 synagogues, brought together by the umbrella organization, Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts (JFCM). The JFCM has been

Since its 2012 inception, “Nativities From Around the World,” a nativity exhibition in North Brookfield, has grown exponentially. This year, the community sought out and received over 258 family-donated nativity displays for the three-day exhibition as well as a slideshow of 30 additional nativities taken by family members from all over the world.

continued on page 16

Happy Holidays! As we approach the end of 2014, we want to take this opportunity to thank all of our valued members and extend our best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

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{ coverstory } continued from page 14

working throughout Worcester County for a number of years to serve as surrogate families for those members of Worcester’s Jewish community who have recently joined the region or have been resettled and may not have familial ties in the area. “What we have been doing is building outreach to connect our young adults on a social and on a spiritual level,” said JFCM Outreach Director Mindy Hall. One way the JFCM has done this is through hosting an area-wide Hanukkah

THIS WEEK AT

PHOTO SUBMITTED/DERICK VELIZ

party, typically held in the home of a volunteer member, for the community’s young adults (ages 22-45). In addition to fostering fellowship, this get-together gives young adults a chance to connect on more than just a spiritual level, eat traditional Hanukkah fare like doughnuts and latkes, and engage in games of dreidel with proceeds donated to local organization, Rachel’s Table. Because a different volunteer member of the JFCM’s young adults hosts the festivities each year, party attendance rarely tops 25 guests due to space constraints. The idea, said Hall,

2 28 8 Sunday

#WhyChusett

(8:00am-10:00pm) Connect with us on Facebook by posting your favorite on-mountain photos to using #WhyChusett. We’ll feature our favorite photos on facebook.com/wawawachusett throughout the season!

For the Week of December 25th - January 1st

29 2 9 Monday

For more information call 978.464.2300 or visit www.wachusett.com

(9:00am-10:00pm) Get the kids out of the house and on the slopes! We’ll have fun activities throughout the week both on and off the slopes!

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26 2 6 Friday

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• DECEMBER 24, 2014

stems from something she used to do as a newcomer to Worcester whose husband and friends were not Jewish. “I’d have Passover and invite all of my non-Jewish friends,” she said. “They loved it because the foundation of Christianity is Judaism, so they didn’t feel so out of place and we could connect on a social level too.” In many ways, this new tradition in Worcester’s young adult Jewish community, sponsored by the JFCM, has borrowed heavily from Hall’s own ecumenical practice. On the other side of the county, new holiday traditions – this time Christmas traditions – are being created. Members of the North Brookfield branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, part of the Springfield, Massachusetts stake, have begun a new tradition that includes sponsoring a community-wide nativity exhibition and Christmas concert, open to all members of the public. Three years ago, Karen Dusty, whom herself owns over 60 nativities, brought the activity to the North Brookfield chapel after starting similar traditions in the previous wards – one in Washington beginning in 1999 and then later one in North Carolina – in which she has been a member. In the beginning, Dusty and a few of her friends started out with just over 100 nativities ranging from small children’s sets to large, expensive pieces of decorative art, displayed in two rooms. Over the years, this small exhibition has expanded to include hundreds of nativity sets and welcome hundreds of spectators. Last year, remembered Dusty, a couple in North Brookfield loaned the exhibition a century-old nativity that was found in the North Brookfield library’s attic.

While it is currently in the process of being restored, this rare treasure represents just one of the numerous styles and ages of nativities on display. “We have one that was found by the roadside as a lady was walking her dog,” said Dusty. The nativity exhibition in North Brookfield, though still relatively new, has grown exponentially since its inception in 2012. This year, the community sought out and received over 258 family-donated nativity displays for the exhibition. “Nativities From Around the World” featured hundreds of nativity scenes, large and small, in its three-day exhibition as well as a slideshow of 30 additional nativities taken by family members from all over the world. Locals, church members, and those from around Worcester County flocked to the chapel for the exhibition, which ran from Dec. 11-13 and featured a Christmas concert by the Quoabog Choral Society on Dec. 12. The activity, recalled Dusty, was a sailing success and gave families an opportunity to spend quality time together while making new holiday memories. “No matter what the reason you celebrate the Christmas season, this is a wonderful opportunity to show how all people can come together and participate in the traditions of nativities,” said Dusty. “It is my hope that everyone will just come out and enjoy the love that is shared, the people who are sharing the things that they love, and share in the music and atmosphere of the displays.” The three-day exhibit was attended by close to 300 people; small children, young families and grandparents all attended together, creating new holiday memories and advancing ecumenical efforts in the community. Although many of December’s holidays have roots in Judaism and Christianity, many members of the Worcester County region celebrate the holidays by blending many traditions or by partaking in those outside of an established religion. The Garg family of Holden celebrates their own version of the holidays that combines their Indian roots with a culturally-adopted version of Christmas. Madhuri Garg, the family’s middle child, explains that her parents moved to the United States 30 years ago and the Hindu family quickly accepted the celebration of Christmas as a cultural holiday that merged traditional Indian food and camaraderie with the traditional Christmas decorations. They exchange gifts on Dec. 25 and even decorate a Christmas tree for display in their home. Although Pancha Ganapti, a five-day Hindu festival, falls within the same timeframe – from Dec. 21-25 – the Gargs have incorporated their traditions in a unique way. Created in 1985 by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami as a Hindu alternative to traditional December festivities including Christmas and Hanukkah, Pancha Ganapti is continued on page 18

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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not traditionally celebrated among East Asian Hindus, but rather Western converts to Hinduism. Five days of gift-giving and homes decorated with banana leaves, pine boughs and garlands of limes are typical markers of this festival. A shrine, an element central to Hinduism, is created in the celebrant’s living room with a large statue of Lord Panchamukah Ganapti, a form of Ganesha – one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism – or a statue or picture of Ganesha. Five colors – yellow, blue, red, green and orange – represent each of Ganapti’s five rays of energy, and children decorate the statue with the color of each day. The children also offer sweets, incense and fruit to Lord Ganapti. Beginning on Dec. 21, Ganesha is dressed in yellow, which represents family discipline to create love and harmony among its members. Beginning on Dec. 22, the statue is dressed in blue as gifts are exchanged among family members, any ill will among relatives is cleared and phone calls and letters seek to relieve any possible tensions that might exist within the family. The following day, red is used to symbolize “love and harmony among business associates and the public,” and gifts are often presented to co-workers or customers. Green “draws forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and dance.” Extended relatives

and family friends gather before Ganesha, sharing gifts, discussing Hindu Dharma and promoting positive relationships. The final day of the festival is signified by the color orange, which represents love and harmony as a result of charity and compassionate or religious works. Celebrants open more gifts on this last day of celebration, Dec. 25, as the “loving presence” of Ganesha “fills their homes and hearts,” creating inspiration for the coming new year. “I am happy to say that we celebrate Christmas!” said Madhuri Garg. “For us, this does not mean that we religiously celebrate Christmas like many of my Christian friends do, but it is still a special time for us to come together as family, eat good food and enjoy each other’s company.” The traditional holiday fare – roast turkey, stuffing, buttered ham, mashed potatoes, apple pie and cranberry sauce – is not on the Garg’s Christmas dinner table, opting instead for a more Southeast Asian cuisine typically eaten in their native country of India. Around Worcester County, holiday celebrations have also left the homes, churches and synagogues, opting for a more cultural, less religious gathering of merriment that brings together families and community members of all ages in secular public spaces. This year, Wachusett Mountain, for example, has banded together with Polar

Beverages Company to host the Polar Express Celebration, a day of skiing, creative arts and family festivities on Dec. 22. This celebration also featured hot chocolate, a meet-and-greet with Polar’s mascot, Orson the polar bear, family crafts and an early afternoon viewing of “The Polar Express” movie. The Worcester Art Museum opened ts doors Dec. 18 for “Champagne and Shopping,” an experience of holiday shopping in the museum’s gift shop, live music provided by local musicians, and complimentary gift wrapping. The Higgins Education Wing also sponsored a gingerbread castle competition for children on Dec. 7, with winning castles on display in the museum until Dec. 14. Kicking off the holiday season at the art museum was a holiday concert by the WPI Vocal Performance Lab, directed by John F. Delorey, which performed Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols for Harp and Chorus” as well as other festive carols and sing-alongs. The following week, the Youth Ballet of Worcester brought holiday spirit to WAM’s Renaissance Court with a performance of the Nutcracker Suite and a preview of their more contemporary 2014 repertory. The Salisbury Singers, a mixed, volunteer chorus directed by Michelle Graveline, appeared in the special December-long program “Holidays at WAM” on Dec. 14, and the Merrimack Valley Ringers, a community handbell ensemble

composed of auditioned ringers, performed in the museum’s Renaissance Court on Dec. 21. Like the amalgamation of ethnic and religious backgrounds in the city of Worcester and in its eponymously named county, the ways in which local residents celebrate the December holidays are perhaps just as diverse. From traditional religious celebrations like Christmas and Hanukkah, innovative holiday parties that seek to bridge ecumenical gaps and bring communities together in fellowship and cooperativeness, festive and fun activities that are geared toward families and especially those with young children, musical and theatrical recitals at famed local cultural institutions that aim to bring high arts and community performance to the masses, and specially adapted holiday festivals that combine cultures, traditions and food from around the world in a unique way that celebrates both foreign and native lands, Worcester County has run the gamut. This December, like in years past, trees and menorahs light up hearts and homes, parties welcome friendliness and solidarity and family-oriented activities promote togetherness. Perhaps they are right; perhaps December is the most wonderful time of the year.

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Cuban Rebel Girls: Blood, Sweat and Savagery

Cade Overton

The music scene in Worcester is unequivocally robust and grows richer with the passing of each year, but 2014 saw the unveiling of a band that is arguably the crown jewel: Cuban Rebel Girls. With a dangerous and raw live show, a slew of teethrattling punk songs and a repertoire of cover songs that would make your dad sit up in his La-Z-Boy, the band is perhaps the most exciting thing to happen in the city all year.

The group consists of Alex Thorsen on drums, Jonathan Alexander on bass, Mike Sauta and Dave Nardi on guitars, and Jeff Siegrist on vocals. They take their name from the final Errol Flynn film, which Siegrist willingly admits is absolutely awful. “It costarred his 13-year-old girlfriend … or maybe she was 15 at that point … it’s a terrible movie, it’s not that good. The name is great though,” he said. Nardi notes the vast number of great bands named after bad movies (Mudhoney, My Bloody Valentine, to name a few), and after a small argument over the quality of said movies, the band agrees it’s a proud tradition to be a part of. Most of the members met through the local hardcore and punk scenes, but Nardi and Siegrist met while working holiday shifts at Newbury Comics and bonded over their mutual obsession with music. “Instead of doing our work at Newbury Comics, [Jeff and I] would just talk about music for hours,” said Nardi. “That’s why I didn’t get re-hired after the holiday season,” added Siegrist. The two are capable of breathlessly rattling off long

lists of bands at each other for minutes at a time. “It’s unbelievable,” said Thorsen. “This is like our practices. We’ll play three songs and then they’ll talk about music for half an hour, and me and Jon will just stare at each other.” The group practices twice a week, and spent months honing their sound before ever playing a show. Every member contributes material, and songwriting is a very democratic process. “Our band is 100 percent consensus-based,” said Alexander, and their collective influences are extremely important. With a backbone made of The Stooges, MC5, The Ronettes, The Jesus Lizard and early Sonic Youth, Cuban Rebel Girls have a strong eye on the past but almost no interest in straight-up nostalgia rock. They’re taking envelope-pushing rock music from the past five decades and playing it for today, including a cover of “Under My Thumb” by the Rolling Stones that could only be described as savage and bestial. “I feel like what we’re doing … is we’re paying tribute to the spirit of rock and roll, without sounding slavishly retro,” said Siegrist. “Like I’m not down with that shit that gets played out hundreds of times, where you have some dude with slicked-back hair doing the note perfect cover of Eddie Cochran’s ‘Summertime Blues’ … that’s not what rock and roll’s all about. Rock and roll is about taking the past and seeing towards the future.” “It’s like we eat it, digest it in our bodies, and shit it out,” added Sauta. “It’s like eating Wings Over Worcester. It’s a brutal assault. It burns a little bit too.” The band are currently recording songs for a split release, and recently took a couple of months off from playing shows to sharpen their original material. They made their return in mid-December with a set at the Shop on Webster street, and within minutes the air in the room was filled with menace, not to mention blood, sweat and large quantities of cheap beer. Siegrist’s scorched-earth vocals and unhinged physical antics were anchored by the rest of the group, who delivered a performance that was by turns chuggingly heavy and crazily, beautifully spastic. It was a fine-tuned assault and an emphatic statement. Cuban Rebel Girls are here to rock you, if you think you can handle it. Cuban Rebel Girls return to Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester on Friday, Dec. 26 with “Cowboy” Matt Hopewell and Shane Hall. The show starts at 9 p.m. and is 21+.

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DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ arts}

Worcester Windows, Sprinkler Factory Gallery showcase the seasons of New England PHOTO SUBMITTED

Colin Burdett

Most New Englanders remember those muggy summer days spent running for cover, away from the torrential downpours caused by sporadic tropical storms. Sharing photographic memorials of rainbows forming shortly after these storms, however, somehow turns the feeling of being entirely drenched into a sentiment of environmental bliss. To the same accord, 20

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the recent ice-induced traffic frenzy gave light to some of the most spectacularly glistening views of city streets. City dwellings and rural pastures from all over New England provide us with vivid and beautiful imagery throughout the entire year, many times thanks to changing weather. From patches of plump and prized pumpkins lying on a bed of autumn leaves to frost bitten windows overlooking a chasm of snow to flakes

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

of pollen gracefully gliding by green seas of blooming trees to images of a city park canvas, painted with bustling people, bright sunlight and a clear blue sky, New England makes for a very picturesque year.

To depict and celebrate these New England scenes, two photography exhibits, comprised by local photographers, have been opened to the public in Worcester. “Classic New England” decorates the basement of City Hall with familiar and aesthetic visuals of beautiful New England landscapes. The gallery is newly curated by photographer Priscilla Messinger, who has a few photos on display for sale in the exhibit. Messinger is hopeful that the citizens and the movers

and shakers of Worcester are able to admire the gallery in passing through the city’s parking garage basement entrance. Opened in conjunction with December’s Festival of Lights celebration, “Classic New England” is open to the public, free of charge, and arranged by Messinger and members of the nonprofit organization The Worcester Alliance of Photographers (WAP). The small basement gallery buzzes with images of Newport beach, Ralph’s Diner, Loon Mountain, Cape Cod and other New England destinations, all taken during various peaks of the four New England seasons. Messinger sees the gallery as a “purpose for learning. Even the most experienced photographers can learn. Anyone can come to the WAP and try to learn how to sell their work.” And as for the focus of the exhibit, Messinger said, “We think the theme of New England is something everyone loves.” The Classic New England Gallery is open during regular City Hall hours and will run until the end of February. In a different area of the city, “East Coast Seasons” features over 40 photographs and paintings prominently displayed in Worcester’s industrial art space, the Sprinkler Factory. The exhibition is curated by photographer Randy Shore and painter John Murphrey. “East Coast Seasons” is the curators’ third show at the Sprinkler Factory. “The Sprinkler Factory,” said Murphrey, “is a great size and it is really spread out. We host events here because the community is great and it is the largest gallery space in the city.” Born as a farm boy raised in Archer Lodge, Murphrey, with a great photographic memory, said upon moving to Worcester he enjoyed the city’s rich history and industry. Murphrey has several paintings on display for sale in the gallery. Shore has 29 photographs on display, including two of his favorites: “Pink House” and “Factory Window.” The latter hits very close to home, as it is a view of a frosty Worcester morning taken from a window of the Sprinkler Factory. “I always love finding great views of the city and when I was passing by inside the factory, I knew I would have to capture the photo,” Shore said of making the photograph. East Coast Seasons is a visual manifestation of Murphrey’s and Shore’s journey through the entire East Coast. The exhibit will run through Jan. 24, 2015 with a closing reception on Jan. 31, from 5-7 p.m. The gallery is open to the public Saturdays, from 1-3 p.m.

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{ music }

Metal band Wretched joins Battlecross for the Winter Warriors Tour

Joshua Lyford

Battlecross comes to The Palladium on Tuesday, Dec. 30 for the Winter Warriors Tour, joined by War of Ages, Carnivora, Death Rattle and North Carolina-based heavy hitters, Wretched.

Wretched got their start back in 2005 and have hit the road hard ever since. The heavy metal band leans heavily on death metal limbs and have released four studio albums, most recently, “Cannibal,” on Victory Records. They recorded the album themselves with drummer Marshall Wieczorek engineering. “It was a little more relaxing,” said bassist Andrew Grevey of the process. “A producer’s job is to make a good album and also to keep you on time and on budget, this time we were able to take our time.” While the recording process was laid back, Grevey said the writing process directed the music to become heavier and darker. “We had it in mind to make a really heavy death metal album,” he said. “We did have a direction. We wanted to stay away from the prettiness and go back to the grimy.” Wretched has visited Worcester several times, for New England Metal and Hardcore Fest in 2011 and for the Metal Alliance Tour with DevilDriver and Dying Fetus in 2012. They also played this year’s Rockstar Mayhem Festival with headliners that included Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, Body Count and Cannibal Corpse. Grevey said the tour offered exposure, a fun summer camp vibe, partying and the chance to indulge in some Jack Daniels with Cannibal Corpse. “That was amazing,” he said. “It was probably the most fun summer of my life.” The Winter Warriors Tour offers a selection of heavy bands that ensures styles and sounds will not be repeated throughout the night. Wretched comes from the death metal world, while Battlecross is thrashier. “There’s a mutual respect,” said Grevey. “Because of those different styles, all of us are picking up some new fans at the shows. It’s working out nicely.” The members of the band are scattered around the East Coast these days, with Grevey living in Washington, D.C., vocalist Adam Cody in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and guitarist Joel Moore in Charleston, South Carolina. Grevey said that being spread out can be a necessary evil in the full-time touring business; musicians who can spend the majority of their time on the road are a thin bunch. “It’s nice to have some separation,” said the band’s bassist. “Sometimes I wish we lived closer, but we’re pretty good about getting it together before tour. We’re on tour so much

that’s not too tricky to get into the groove.” Although Grevey said it can be tough to be a musician today, he also states the change in the music industry isn’t exactly a bad thing. “I think the music scene in general is kind of in shambles right now,” Grevey said. “But, it also opens the door for smaller bands look-

ing to break through. I think we’re at a time when there needed to be a change.” It can be easy to get caught up in climbing the rungs of the music industry ladder, but when Grevey thinks about where the band is today, it’s hard not to appreciate the path traveled. “This has always been my goal,” he said. “It’s

pretty humbling when you step back and think about it; damn, I’ve always wanted to do this.” Check out Wretched, Battlecross, War of Ages, Carnivora and Death Rattle at The Palladium Upstairs, 261 Main St., Worcester on Tuesday, Dec. 30 and find out more about Wretched on Facebook.

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ music }

Mätthew Griffin

‘Oh Come, All Yee Yee Faithful!’

This past November Wormtown’s longtime WCUW local music dj “Captain PJ,” or William LeBlanc, suffered several strokes. As a result, Worcester’s veteran music community has come together to put on a benefit show for the Captain with a star-studded lineup at Ralph’s Diner this Saturday, Dec. 27.

Initially an idea of both longtime friend and comrade of PJ’s, Mike Zdanowicz “Mike Z,” and fellow Ralph’s bartender Mike Finch, the two put together the lineup, then enlisted the help of former FUZ BRAINS writer Deb Beaudry to promote the event. Beaudry said she first officially met The Captain in 1983 at the X-IT 13 club, a legendary punk rock club on Millbury Street, which also served as The COMMANDOS afternoon time beer luncheonette. “I was 20 years old on the night PJ came into the club to hawk some issues of Reverend Joe Longone’s punk fanzine FUZ BRAINS,” she recalled. “He came in waving the ‘zine around all ‘yee yeeing’ and ‘ham hamming.’” The Captain’s infamous expressions are “Yee Yee”; “Mental!” and “Ham Ham.” Beaudry said, “It was refreshing to see someone who had genuine excitement for the music scene as I did ... I was an aspiring music journalist

Brittany Durgin

night. As it was, he was compiling his own personal encyclopedia of music he loved. I first met him face to face at a backyard get-together at Joe Longone’s house one summer afternoon. Soon after, I was running into him everywhere in the clubs. Always with his magic bag of puppets he’d burst in, head immediately to the front of the stage and start handing out puppets to whomever would have one and then the fun began! For two years when Jeff Worm and I hosted Wednesday nights on ‘CUW, PJ was on the air right after our show, he’d show up early and the we’d stay late and it all became one long party. He’s known around the world for his call of “MENTAL! YEE! YEE!” which is just his way of saying, ‘Let’s all have fun!’” One of Saturday night’s performers, Kenne Highland, is another longtime friend of PJ. When asked about his first encounter with the Captain, he shared, “January 13, 1983: The groups The Hopelessly Obscure and the Unattached were playing X-IT 13 in Worcester; this lil’ French guy comes up to me and says, ‘Hey, Kenne! Wanna buy some acid?’ I declined but sent him to my bassist Jim Condon (RIP). I have known and loved the Captain ever since and I’ve sicked him on all my enemies.” On the telephone in his hospital room, Captain PJ gave one reason why Worcester Magazine readers should attend the show at Ralph’s: “For the purpose of keeping absolutely mental!” While Captain PJ recuperates at Fairlawn

MÄTTHEW GRIFFIN

Hospital in Worcester, the show must go on! The Captain PJ benefit show at Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester on Saturday, Dec. 27 includes Bottlefight, Musclecah, Classic Ruins, MOTO, Dumpster Fire, Kenne Highland Band, The Performers, The Time Beings, The Hip Swayers and Public Works. Doors are at 4 p.m.; the first band goes on at 5:30 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation. For more information, call 508-753-9543, or visit the event page on Facebook. Can’t make the show? Donations can be made at gofundme.com/captainpj.

End of 2014 Celebrations

As the end of the year draws near, Worcester makes the most of the last few days of 2014 with holiday shows, Christmas recovery parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Jew-Bilation: Christmas Day comedy Thursday, Dec. 25, from 2-4 p.m. Club Symply Fargone at Viva Bene, 144 Commercial St., Worcester A special Christmas holiday show featuring comics Eric Levi and Dan Crohn. A special Jew-Bilation menu will be offered at the show. Cost for the show is $20 in advance or $30 on the day of the event. symplyfargone.com.

at the time, so naturally I was intrigued by the man and this ‘zine, and ended up joining the staff of FUZ BRAINS when it became one word, then becoming friends with The Captain.” Since that time, Beaudry and The Captain have remained friends. Over the years they worked on the fanzine, were djs at WCUW and went on road trips together. Now, they both participate in the Ralph’s Flea Market on Sundays in the summer and fall. “When I heard about PJ’s strokes, I went to see him and have been visiting weekly – both with friends and by myself, trying to get lots of people to stop in to see him – in the event that he can’t get a day pass to go to the benefit for an hour or two. Also, this benefit show for PJ is to help pay his rent and bills.” Beaudry and Carrie Jo Saarinen set up a GoFundMe fundraising campaign for those who are unable to attend the show. “I would like for the GoFundMe to be for extended services, such as if he needs a home health aide, or to get him radio broadcasting equipment so he can do a show from wherever he ends up,” explained Beaudry. Captain PJ broadcasting a radio show from a rehabilitation center? Now that wold be truly “Mental!” “I first met Captain PJ through phone calls I was receiving when broadcasting on WICN back in the early 1980s,” recalled L.B. Worm, better known as “The Mayor of Wormtown.” “PJ would call in every week inquiring what record I just played, which label was it on, etc. Sometimes he called more than once a

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’80s Jingle Ball with The Flock of Assholes Thursday, Dec. 25, from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Lucky Dog Music Hall, 89 Green St., Worcester Following the holiday cheer with family, The Flock of Assholes welcomes those 21 and older to party with them as they perform hits from the ‘80s all night long. $7 cover charge. facebook.com/ groups/TheFlockOfAssholes.

Tony Soul Holiday Jam Friday, Dec. 26, from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester Jam with Tony Soul at Electric Haze the day after Christmas.

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

Adult Christmas Comedy Friday and Saturday, Dec. 26-27 at 7:30 p.m. CCS Dance Academy at Wachusett Plaza, 184 West Boylston St., West Boylston Adults, hire a babysitter and take some time for yourself this holiday season by catching a performance of JEMS Theatre’s Adult Christmas Play, “The Eight: Reindeer Monologues.” The play tells the story of Santa being accused of sexual harassment at the work place and other naughty actions. Each of his eight reindeer are called in to testify. Performances welcome guests to Bring Your Own Bottle. Tickets are $16 or $12 for those 65 and older and those younger than 18 (must be accompanied by an adult). The Harper and the Minstrel: An Early Music Holiday Concert Sunday, Dec. 28, from 3-4 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston Jay and Abby Michaels perform a combination of Celtic, Folk and Early Music, turning it into something that is uniquely their own. The voices of Jay and Abby are accompanied by nylon- and wire-strung Celtic harps,

the silver flute, divergent flute, Irish wooden flute, recorders, penny whistles, bowed psaltery, dulcimer and classical guitar. The concert is free with admission and open to the public. Noon Year’s Eve at the EcoTarium Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester The EcoTarium rings in the new year with a Noon Year’s Eve celebration with countdowns at noon and 2 p.m., and will hold create and toast resolutions, make 2014 time capsules and more. The celebration is free with EcoTarium admission, which is $14 for adults, $8 for children ages 2-18 and $10 for seniors 65 and older and students with ID; free for members and children younger than 2. Pakachoag Student Outreach Concert Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church, 114 Main St., Worcester Pakachoag students perform as part of First Night Worcester with musical works that include Mozart’s Rondo alla Turca, a studentarranged holiday medley, the Pakachoag Fiddle Band and others.

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an advance viewing and purchasing, from 6-9:30 p.m. General public admission is $25 and includes admission New Year’s Day. Learn more at sturbridgeantiqueshow.com.

This concert represents a culmination of the fall performance season. Admission is free with a First Night Button. For more information, call the school at 508-791-8159 or email info@pakmusic.org. New Year’s Eve Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape 2015 Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m.-midnight Park Grill and Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester A special New Year’s Eve event with two comedy shows: the first at 7:30 p.m., followed by another at 10:30 p.m. Cost is $35 for the show and includes a champagne toast, favors and handling; or starting at $57 for the show, dinner, champagne toast, favors, tax, tip and handling. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show, then at 9 p.m. for the 10:30 p.m. show. Comics include Chris Zito, Steve Donovan and Paul Landwehr. Make reservations by calling 800-401-2221. beantowncomedy.com. Dopapod at The Palladium Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester Disc Jam presents a New Year’s Eve party at one of Worcester’s most popular music venues, The Palladium. Dopapod, Boston-born and generally Northeast based, performs live at The Palladium with bands Twiddle, Soule Monde, Viral Sound, Cosmic Dust Bunnies and Hornitz. The show is all ages. Tickets range in price and are available at thepalladium.net. Sturbridge Antique Show Wednesday, Dec. 31, beginning at 6 p.m. Sturbridge Host Hotel, 366 Main St., Sturbridge This show celebrates the best antiques Central Massachusetts has to offer, beginning New Year’s Eve with a festive gathering and the opportunity to browse the show and purchase items. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be served from 6-7 p.m. Entertainment by Glenn Hillard of Worcester will be provided as light background music during

Live Music at Ralph’s Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester Ralph’s hosts performances by Rory Scott at 6 p.m., Virna Brown at 7 p.m., and Andy Cummings at 8 p.m. Following will be a special New Year’s Eve Party with Hot Letter and Wicked Hangin Chads beginning at 9:30 p.m. and going into the New Year. New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance 2014 Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Rd., Webster Indian Ranch hosts a gala event with dinner, dancing and entertainment by Mark Veau from radio station 98.9. Hors d’oeuvres will be served from 7-8 p.m. and will include cheese and vegetables, oysters, clams casino, chilled shrimp and a late-night display of sweet and savory bites. A buffet dinner, beginning at 8 p.m. will include baked haddock with seafood stuffing and beurre blanc sauce, pan-seared sirloin tips with mild mushrooms in a beef demi-glaze, baked chicken breast with herb stuffing and sherry gravy, salad, honey-glazed carrots, roasted rosemary red bliss potatoes, breads and rolls, and coffee. A champagne toast will take place at midnight. The event is 21+. Tickets are available at indianranch.com, by phone or at the box office Wednesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Nick’s New Year’s Eve Party Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester Ring in the New Year at Nick’s Bar! $10 cover charge.

New Year’s Eve in Grafton Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Old Post Office Pub, 1 Ray St., North Grafton Big Chief performs live at the restaurant.

Each week your host Ginny talks to restaurateurs from some of the top local eateries to spotlight what they do — their stories, their menus, and what makes the local restaurant scene so great.

This week’s feature:

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE’S

New Year’s Eve at Blackstone Tap Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 10:15 p.m.-1:15 a.m. Blackstone Tap, 81 Water St., Worcester Bill McCarthy performs his eighth annual New Year’s Eve Bash at Blackstone Tap. He will play classic and contemporary acoustic and not-so-acoustic rock music. Free.

For a full listing of events, visit firstnightworcester.org and worcestermagazine.com/calendar.

ROCKS

Firefly’s in Marlborough! Friday, Jan. 2nd, 9:00 PM

facebook.com/BitterSuiteRocks fireflysbbq.com

Nat Needle on New Year’s Eve Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, from 7-7:45 p.m. Epworth Methodist Church, 64 Salisbury St., Worcester Worcester’s Nat Needle, known for his musical talent, and humor and wit, performs songs from his “Worcester Potholes” album in the Chapel of Epworth United Methodist Church, 64 Salisbury St. as part of this year’s First Night Worcester celebration.

THERESTAURANTSHOW Saturdays, 10-11am on

New Year’s Bash at Beatnik’s Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave., Worcester Celebrate the end of 2014 and ring in the New Year at Beatnik’s with music, food, drinks and dance! DJ Strader will be spinning music all night, and snacks and party favors will be provided. There will be a live countdown to midnight. $5 cover charge.

{ arts }

Thank you for voting us number 1!

We are absolutely delighted to be voted number one credit union by our members for Worcester Magazine, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Millbury Sutton Chronicle. At MCU, we constantly strive to develop new products and services built to meet the needs of our community. We want to thank our dedicated employees for their hard work and commitment and, extend a special THANK YOU to our members for recognizing our efforts!

You & MCU... Partners in Success! Millbury • Worcester Auburn • South Grafton

508-865-7600 www.millburycu.com

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Worcester Magazine’

Worcester celebrated the holiday season last Thursday, Dec. 18 with its second annual Ugly Sweater Party! The Worcester Magazine s

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

’s Ugly Sweater Party 2014!

staff would like to extend a huge thank you to our host Ralph’s Diner and sponsors Nancy Chang Restaurant and Narragansett! Photos by Steven King

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ film } ‘Boyhood’ leads the 2014 pack Jim Keogh

Is it every aspiring actor’s dream to one day be bad-mouthed in a Sony executive’s email? Apparently you haven’t made it until a Hollywood power broker is complaining about your attitude, your talent, or, in the case of Michael Fassbender, the size of your package.

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But let’s set aside such unpleasantness and talk about the art. In putting together my top handful of films of 2014, I have followed two basic criteria: each film had to have been shown on a screen in Worcester County this calendar year (or been made available on a subscription service), and it had to be done so with North Korea’s approval. I kid, of course.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

“Boyhood” Richard Linklater allowed himself 12 years to paint the world of a boy as he journeyed to manhood, and the result was a masterpiece. As I wrote in my review: “Ellar Coltrane, the film’s star, is my son’s age, and as I observed him grow and evolve I was transported to places within my own memory. This movie wasn’t just about the boy on the screen, it was about the boy I’d raised, the boy I was, and the unsteady path we all walk from childhood to adulthood.” Am I hopelessly biased? Yes. Does my prejudice detract from the fact that this film is brilliant? No. But then again, I’m biased. “Birdman” Michael Keaton alights in his comeback role as the former star of superhero movies looking to revive his career on Broadway. Writer-director Alejandro Iñárritu has crafted a backstage epic set largely in the roiling mind of Keaton’s character as he balances his personal identity struggle with the hard external realities of putting on a show alongside, among others, a hilariously selfabsorbed Edward Norton.

“Foxcatcher” As uncomfortable a couple of hours as I’ve spent at the movies this year. His face partially masked by huge prosthetic nose, Steve Carell is seriously creepy as John E. du Pont, the heir of the chemical fortune whose sponsorship of the 1988 U.S. men’s wrestling team became an unnatural obsession that ended tragically.

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” Wes Anderson’s wildly imaginative story about the denizens of a faded, fictional hotel is darkly comical and even manages to locate Ralph Fiennes’ funny bone as the persnickety, opportunistic concierge. Anderson doesn’t always do it for me, but with this one he had me at the title. “Snowpiercer” In the future envisioned by Joon-ho Bong, the only survivors of cataclysmic climate change are the people inside a train endlessly circling the globe. Those in the lead cars live luxuriously, while the huddled massed in the rear exist in filth and starvation — a perfect prescription for revolution. This parable about class and disparity should make the 1-percent slightly uneasy. “Life Itself” It’s no exaggeration to say Roger Ebert was the most influential film critic of his time, but this documentary about his life revealed a man with passions and purpose that extended well beyond cinema. Who could have suspected that the pudgy, bespectacled guy who turned his thumb up or down on the week’s movies would become an incisive social commenter and, in his later cancerafflicted years, a source of inspiration. Honorable mentions: “Edge of Tomorrow” (Tom Cruise saves the world by getting killed again and again), “Guardians of the Galaxy” (a relatively obscure comic book is turned into one of the year’s most enjoyable movies), “Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia” (the colorful life and times of the gifted author and haughty intellectual), and “Under the Skin” (an extra-terrestrial in the body of Scarlett Johanssen roams Scotland where she encounters that other alien species — men). And I’m looking forward to these films that had yet to open in Worcester by my deadline, but whose pre-release buzz suggests they’d have had a good shot at making the list: “The Imitation Game,” “The Babadook,” “Mr. Turner” and “Selma.” Onward to 2015.

night day { dining}

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Nuovo

FOOD HHHH1/2 AMBIENCE HHHH1/2 SERVICE HHHH VALUE HHH1/2 92 Shrewsbury St., Worcester • 508-796-5916 •nuovoworcester.com

Atmosphere to entree, Nuovo is a winner Zoe Dee

With dozens of restaurants to choose from on Shrewsbury Street, Nuovo stands out as somewhat of a newcomer, offering more than just good eats. From hosting café concerts with dinner and live performances by the Worcester Chamber Music Society, to some of the finest service in the city with the chef, himself, ensuring diners are pleased, Nuovo is a champion in Worcester’s competitive dining scene.

Arriving on a Monday night, Max and I were greeted by a hostess who gave us the option of sitting in the main dining room or the bar

area where there are also tables and chairs. Candles and white linens dressing the tables in both rooms welcome diners to a fine dining atmosphere. A bar with stools offers a slightly more relaxed setting. Choosing to sit at a table near the bar, we were seated and brought ice water in stem glasses. Our hostess returned as our server to take our drink order; from an extensive wine list, I asked for the William Hill Chardonnay — which can be requested by the glass or bottle ($7 per glass) — and Max ordered a Harpoon IPA beer ($4.50). The evening specials are a different take on mainstay menu items. For example, Nuovo offers a Fig Mascarpone — filo dough stuffed with a sweet fig and mascarpone cheese — and on the evening of our visit, a baked brie with fig sauce on toasted bread was offered ($12). Choosing the latter, Max and I devoured the two crunchy pieces of bread topped with thick layers of warm, soft brie and sweet fig sauce with an added halved fig topping each of the two pieces. This starter item could have easily passed as a dessert and paired nicely with the tart, sweet flavors of the wine. I had a hard time deciding on an entree with dishes combining some of my favorite flavors, like the Tortellini con Funghi with

wild mushrooms with truffle oil, garlic, sundried tomatoes and white wine sauce, to rich seafood dishes like the Mahi-Mahi alla Puttanesca with olive oil, garlic, capers, black olives, crushed tomatoes, white wine sauce and cheese ravioli. From the Specialities portion of the menu, I decided on the Salmone Ripieno ($24). From presentation to consumption, I enjoyed the dish thoroughly. Five small- to medium-sized soft pasta pockets filled with a creamy cheese filling adorned one side of the plate while the other featured three slices of cooked salmon wrapped around a mixture of goat cheese and pieces of artichoke. A creamy Parmesean sauce topped both the pasta and the fish — not an overwhelming amount, but enough to make the dish rich and hearty. All ingredients tasted fresh and abounded with flavor. From the Sauteed Specialities part of the menu, Max ordered the Filet Napoleon ($24). The star of the dish was the beef tenderloin, and was served alongside an assortment of

sauteed vegetables and mushroom risotto. The beef was cooked perfectly to order, medium rare. It was moist and pink in the middle, the thick chunk of tenderloin was very rich and well seasoned. The risotto worked as a nice complement to the meat and vegetables and, itself, was delicious. The dish was the perfect amount of food and was very satisfying. After our plates had been replaced with a bill on the table, a man who was dressed like an executive chef came to our table to ask if we enjoyed our meals. He said it was his pleasure to have the opportunity on slower nights, like the Monday we were dining in, to visit with customers and hear feedback. The care put into the atmosphere, the food and satisfaction of the customers is notable at Nuovo. As a customer who plans to return, I would welcome even more creativity and variations to the traditional Mediterranean dishes the restaurant already serves.

Celebrate The Holidays with Us! CA LL A HE A D F OR T TAKE -OU

CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN 11:30AM-12:30AM CHRISTMAS DAY OPEN 5:00PM-12:00AM

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Gift Certificates Available! Banquet Rooms Available Catering Available

Friday Night Karaoke 176 Reservoir St.

508-829-2188 DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

krave

BITES ... nom, nom, nom Brittany Durgin

308 LAKESIDE OPENS IN EAST BROOKFIELD 308 Lakeside, a new restaurant located on the shore of Lake Lashaway in East Brookfield, offers “a casual atmosphere where friends, family and newcomers alike can relax, enjoy good food and drinks, all the while appreciating the spectacular views of Lake Lashaway.” Its menu offers

appetizers, including tempura chicken tenders and pizza-style potato skins; soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Also offered are a variety of pizzas and entrees, including beef tips, fish and chips, chicken marsala and fettuccine alfredo. The establishment is able to host showers, birthdays, business meetings, reunions, funeral luncheons and anniversaries. 308 Lakeside is open Sunday-

Authentic Italian cooking ...

Mare e Monti Trattoria

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4-10 Friday & Saturday: 4-11 Sunday: 4-9 • Bar: 4-130

Available for Functions and Mercy Meals Gift cards available • Catering for all occasions Valet parking Friday & Saturday 19 Wall St., Worcester • 508.767.1800 • mareemontitrattoria.com

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

continued on page 30

Swish

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Petite Is Big Al Vuona

WINE

OF THE WEEK

MacMurray, Central Coast Pinot Noir 2012, California $18: Ruby red with licorice and cherry flavors along with a spicy finish.

ou’ve often heard it said that “Big is better.” That may well be true but I’m here to tell you that “Petite is big and better” than ever. Before I confuse you any further, let me clarify. I’m talking about petite as in petite sirah wine, a rather obscure grape that has always played second fiddle to better-known varietals such as cabernet, merlot and zinfandel. Believed to be part of the durif grape variety, petite sirah produces dark, inkycolored wines that are relatively acidic and yet offer a firm texture and mouthfeel. The wine typically has flavors of dark fruits such as blueberry and plum. For years petite sirah has been used primarily as a blending grape but bottling of this varietal as a standalone by well-regarded producers has caught the attention

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NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECIAL MENU TWO SEATINGS, 6:00 & 8:00 CALL TO BOOK YOUR DINNER RESERVATION CARA BRINDISI 9:30 Welcome to Padavano’s Place, an Italian family owned and operated establishment. Padavano’s Place is the sister restaurant of Rosalina’s Kitchen located on Hamilton Street in Worcester, famous for their homemade raviolis and quaint BYOB dining room.

Raising a glass to wine everywhere of wine lovers the world over. Wine made from petite sirah tends to be high in tannin, especially when young and may even display some black pepper and spice. Because of the bold flavors and tannin dishes such as lamb, barbecued beef and strong cheeses are recommended. Petite sirah ages slowly and can be cellared for up to 10 years or more. I must tell you that I’m a big fan of this wine and feel it is poised to become very popular. I recently had the opportunity to taste a number of petite sirah wines from California and found them to be wonderfully aromatic and delicious. Wines such as the 2012 Verde Sole Petite Sirah from the Sierra foothills impressed me with its inky dark color with globs of blueberry and black currant flavors. The wine is made from 96 percent petite sirah and 4 percent petite sirah port. It is then aged for 12 months in French Oak. The wine sells for around $18 and offers a great combination of quality and value. Other producers worth seeking out include, Foppiano, C-Beck, Parducci and Concannon. Prices will range from $15 to $50. Petite sirah makes for a great every day or special occasion wine and one that you will want to stock up on. I guess that’s why I’m making such a BIG deal out of it.

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Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 10 pm | Sat 12 pm - 10 pm | Sun 10 am - 9 pm DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Let us Cater your New Year’s Get-together. Call today!

Oli’s

ITALIAN EATERY A Place to Remember

Reserve Now for New Year’s Eve! Dine In • Take-Out • Catering • OlisEatery.com • 508-854-1500 339 West Boylston St. (Rte. 12), West Boylston • in Gerardo’s Plaza

SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: Mon-Thur 11am-9pm • Fri-Sat 11am-10pm • Sun 12-8pm • Liquor License

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

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BITES ... nom, nom, nom continued from page 28

Thursday, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 308 Lakeside, 308 East Main St., East Brookfield. 308Lakeside.com.

RAPSCALLION RELEASES HOMEFIELD Rapscallion Brewery, located at Hyland

Orchards just outside of Sturbridge, hosts a release party for its second batch of its Homefield series of beers Sunday, Dec. 28, from 2-6 p.m. The Homefield beer is made with 100 percent local malt and hops. Those of drinking age are welcome to the brewery to try the hoppy pale ale. Local food to snack on and live music will also be offered. Find the event on Facebook. Rapscallion Brewery & Tap Room, 195 Arnold Rd., Fiskdale.

CALLING ALL CHEFS FOR GIRL SCOUT CULINARY EVENT The Girl Scouts of Central and Western

Massachusetts will host its annual Fork It Over culinary event Feb. 26, 2015, and is currently seeking chefs to participate. Participating chefs are asked to create a unique food dish using Girl Scout cookies, like pureed Do-Si-Dos cookies to make a Thai Peanut Pork Loin or crushed up Savannah Smiles to make a lemon cheesecake. Chefs are provided a full selection of Girl Scout cookies to experiment with. Once the recipe is ready, chefs are given all the cookies necessary to create the final product. Finished creations will be presented to a panel of judges at the Fork It Over event in February at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester. Chefs will be asked to make approximately 250 bite-sized portions for guests to taste at the event. Tables and linens are provided to chefs to display their creations and advertise their business. The deadline for chefs to commit as a participant is Jan. 9, 2015; recipes will be due Feb. 6, 2015. For more information and a full variety of Girl Scout cookies to experiment with, contact Melanie Bonsu at 508-749-3623 or mbonsu@gscwm.org.

night day

Upload your listings at worcestermagazine.com. Click the Night & Day toolbar, then choose Calendar to place your event listing in both our print and online weekly calendar.

music >Thursday 25

Merry Christmas! We’re Open at 7 p.m. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Karaoke. Karaoke by Star Sound Entertainment. 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Hirosaki Prime, 1121 Grafton St. 508-926-8700. Blue Plate Open Mic Thursdays. Parking’s Free, beers cheap and you are it! Free. 8-11 p.m. Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main St., Holden. 508-829-4566. Open Mic Night! Musicians welcome to perform. Just plug in. 8-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. 80’s Jingle Ball with The Flock Of A-holes ALL NIGHT! Happy holidays from all of us A-holes. May they bring you and your family much love, peace and joy. Now, let’s party. $7. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Lucky Dog Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or facebook.com/ groups/TheFlockOfAssholes. DJs/Live Music. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Union Tavern, 65 Green St. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. Mike Brennan. 9 p.m.-Noon Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508304-6044. Throwback Thursdays. No cover charge. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The District Bar and Grill, 102 Green St. 508-593-4351. DJ Cuz’N Kev. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263.

>Friday 26

Thank Friday it’s Nat 5:30 to 7:30; then Kat Malone at 9. 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508753-4030. Rick Porter unplugged. 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. SEAN FULLERTON: Live Acoustic Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Fingerstyle Guitar. Sean Fullerton has been a successful musician, singer/songwriter, recording engineer and producer since 1995. Dinner, Drinks and Music. 7:30-10:30 p.m. William’s Restaurant & Tavern, 184 Pearson Blvd, Gardner. 978-632-7794 or williams-restaurant.com. Andy Cummings. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585. L & M Rhythm Kings. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900. North Shore A Cappella. $20. 8-11 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 917-674-6181 or tickets. bullrunrestaurant.com. Northern Company. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580. The Hootchies. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Olde Post Office Pub, 1 Ray St., North Grafton. 508-839-6106. Dan Kirouac. More information at dankirouac.com Free. 8:30-11:30 p.m. Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6538 Townsend, 491 Main St., West Townsend. 978-597-5644. Orchard, Dodeca, Petty Larceny (the TOM PETTY tribute). ORCHARD (facebook.com/OrchardTheBand) For over 35 years Tom Petty has been an iconic figure in American Rock and Roll. If you like Tom Petty’s music, you are sure to like the Petty Larceny Band. We play all your favorite Petty songs and more! $6. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Lucky Dog Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or facebook.com/ events/317955598410854. “Cowboy” Matt Hopewell, Shane Hall, and Cuban Rebel Girls! 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. 508-753-9543. Clam Diggers. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. Hit the Bus. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Jillian’s - Worcester, 315 Grove St. 508-

793-0900. Joe Cariglia. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. PadavaNo’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. 978345-5051. Live Music. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Billy’s Pub, 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury. 508-425-3353. Matt Robert. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877. Take Two. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Rivalry’s Sports Bar, 274 Shrewsbury St. 774-243-1100. Tony Soul Holiday Jam. 21 plus More info at facebook.com/ electrichaze 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. DJ Matty. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-3046044. DJ One-3. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. Friday Night Dance Party with DJ Blackout. DJ Blackout bringin’ the energy to get the party poppin’ all night long, different DJ every other Friday! No cover charge. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The District Bar and Grill, 102 Green St. 508-593-4351. Rugged Road Band. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

>Saturday 27

Hip Swayers Deluxe. Hip Sway your way over to Vincent’s bar for some post-xmas rockin’ an’ a rollin’ good times! Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439. West End Blend/ Holmes. 21 plus. $7. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Sabrina Jones and Johnny Romance Acoustic Duo. Check out the smooth acoustic styles of Sabrina Jones and Johnny Romance. 6:30-9:30 a.m. The Grille at Westborough Country Club, 121 W. Main St., Westborough. 508-366-0207 or loveshackmusic.com. Open Mic with the Old’school Band. Open Mic Jam 1st Saturday of month with The Old’school Band. Free. 8 a.m.-Noon. 3-G’s Sports Bar, 152 Millbury St. 508-754-3516. Pianist Joseph Blanchard: Nature’s Glory. Joseph Blanchard, a self-taught pianist and composer, is inspired by the melodies and harmonies of the Romantic 19th century classical composers. Free with admission. 4-4:45 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111. Open Mic. Open to musicians, poets, comedians or anyone with a talent! Hosted by Stephen Wright. 6-9 p.m. Nu Cafe, 335 Chandler St. 508-926-8800 or nucafe.com/events. Dana Lewis! Playing & singing the Greatest Hits of the 50’s to the 80’s. “The soundtrack of your youth.” Free. 7-10 p.m. Nancy’s Quaker Tavern, 466 Quaker Hgwy (Route146a), Uxbridge. 508-779-0901. Heather Marie Ralston. 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. Cafe’ con Dios. Donation. 7:30-10 p.m. Faith Baptist Church, Main Auditorium, 22 Faith Ave, Auburn. 508-579-6722. Back to Port. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580. Belit. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585. BILL McCARTHY @ THE MILL at 185. Free. 8-11 p.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585. Brian & Captain. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900. Captain PJ Benefit Show! Bands Performing: Bottlefight, Musclecah, Classic Ruins, MOTO, Dumpster Fire, Kenne Highland, The Per4mers, The Time Beings, The Hip Swayers, Public Works, Michael Thibodeau and Friends! 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. 508-7539543.

Improv 3 (Ballroom). Improv 3 perform quick witted, fast paced improvisational skits, games and songs. Every show is unique, using audience suggestions and participation. They create new characters, employ hysterical games, and share their high energy in every skit they do. $10 advance; $12 day of show. 8-11 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Ballroom, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 917-674-6181 or tickets. bullrunrestaurant.com. Scott Babineau. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster. The Installers (Sawtelle Room). The Installers are always a Bull Run favorite. They have been rockin’ people in clubs around New England for over twelve years, playing with some of the best. $17 advance; $20 day of show. 8-11 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 917-674-6181 or tickets. bullrunrestaurant.com. Three of a Kind. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Olde Post Office Pub, 1 Ray St., North Grafton. 508-839-6106. Live Music. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122. SEAN FULLERTON: Acoustic Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Fingerstyle Guitar. 8:30-11:30 p.m. 3 Restaurant, 461 West Central St., Franklin. 508-528-6333 or 3-restaurant.com. Don’t Let Go Reunion. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877. 9Teen. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508853-1350. Bill McCarthy. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Saloon, 715 West Boylston St. 508-852-6900. DJs/Live Music. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Union Tavern, 65 Green St. Flock of Assholes. The awesome 80’s return to JJ’s! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough. 508-842-8420. Live Music. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Billy’s Pub, 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury. 508-425-3353. Live Music. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. Mike Lynch Trio. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Rivalry’s Sports Bar, 274 Shrewsbury St. 774-243-1100. SOUP. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. Tyra Penn & Her Army of Snakes! 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. DJ One-3. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-3046044. DJ Reckless. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. My Better Half. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. PadavaNo’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. Saturday Nights with DJ E-Class. DJ E-Class bringing the R&B remixes to get you out on the dance floor all night long! No cover charge. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The District Bar and Grill, 102 Green St. 508-593-4351. Worcester Jazz Collective. Live jazz every 4th saturday. Free. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Sahara Cafe & Restaurant, 143 Highland St. 508-798-2181.

>Sunday 28

Jon Short. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900. The Harper and the Minstrel: An Early Music Holiday Concert. Jay & Abby Michaels incorporate elements of Celtic, Folk, and Early Music into something that is uniquely their own. Abby’s angelic alto and Jay’s cindery baritone are accompanied by a variety of instruments including both the Nylon and Wire-Strung Celtic Harps, Silver Flute, Divergent Flute, Irish Wooden Flute, Recorders, Penny Whistles, Bowed Psaltery, Dulcimer and Classical Guitar. The duo

{ listings}

specializes in beautiful airs and ballads, the occasional jig or reel, many of their own original compositions, and unique arrangements of Celtic, Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval Music. Included with admission. 3-4 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508869-6111. Irish Session. Come on down and relax after the Christmas holiday and listen to some great Irish musicians. If you play a musical instrument and play Irish music we welcome all. Now if you want to sing an irish tune we will let you do that too; so come on down and enjoy the Craic. $0. 4-8 p.m. Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant, 19 Temple St. 508-792-3700. Big Jon Short - solo acoustic country blues. Free. 5-8 p.m.

{ SPORTSlistings}

Men’s Basketball

Clark University December 28, vs. Colorado College @ South Point Arena Las Vegas, 11 p.m. December 30 vs. Hanover College @ South Point Arena Las Vegas 9 p.m. Becker College December 30 @ New York University 7 p.m. Worcester Polytechnic Institute December 29 Home vs. Williams 5p.m. December 30 Home vs. FDU-Florham, 3 p.m. Worcester State University December 29 vs. Hood @ Newport News 5:30 p.m. December 30 @ Captains Shootout

Women’s Basketball

Clark University December 30 @ Bowdoin College 4 p.m. College of the Holy Cross December 28 vs. Norfolk State @ Stony Brook, New York 12 p.m. December 29 vs. Western Michigan @ Stony Brook, New York 12 p.m. Worcester Polytechnic University December 29 vs. Southern Maine @ Westfield, Massachusetts 7p.m. December 30 @ Westfield State Tournament

Men’s Track & Field College of the Holy Cross December 27 @ Boston University mini meet

Women’s Track & Field College of the Holy Cross December 27 @ Boston University Mini Meet

Men’s Ice Hockey College of the Holy Cross December 30 Home vs. Yale 7:05 p.m.

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439. Hangover Hour at 5pm; then Andy Cummings at 8:30 p.m. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508753-4030. Amanda Cote. 6-9 p.m. PadavaNo’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. Jim’s Blues Jam at Greendales. Each week has a first rate feature performer, followed by an open mike segment. Host Jim Perry keeps things rolling. No cover. 6-10 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. Funky Jazz Jam Sundays. 21 plus. First, and Third Sundays! More info at facebook.com/electrichaze. Free. 7-11 p.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Rusted Root Holiday Show. $46 advance; $50 day of show. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 917-674-6181 or tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. 978345-5051. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Union Tavern, 65 Green St. Blue Light Bandits. 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

>Monday 29

Open Mic/Open Decks. Sign up is at 7pm for half hour or less slots Use our PA system, Mics, controller and sound tech Anything is welcome! 21plus Free. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St.

508-799-0629. AriBand. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Monday - Ladies Night! 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. Road Rash and Hot Trash presents our Every Monday night KARAOKE with our own Mad Max of magicians, the incomparable Paul Harter. How many songs do we have here at Monday Karaoke? ALL OF THEM. You think of a song you want to sing and we’ll have it for you. Come on down for our $2 draft special and chill with our 2 new bartenders. Free! 8:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. Lucky Dog Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888.

>Tuesday 30

Pete Towler. 7-10 p.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-3046044. Two Left - Classic, Modern Rock and beyond. Brian Degon (Vocals, Guitar), Fr. Gregory Christakos (Bass) and David Degon (Guitar) Jam Classic Rock, Modern Rock and Beyond. Free. 7-10 p.m. Park Grill and Spirits, 257 Park Ave. 508-756-7995. TUESDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT @ GREENDALE’S PUB with Bill McCarthy LOCAL MUSICIANS SHOWCASE! To check the schedules and open slots visit Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Email him at: OPENMCC@VERIZON.NET. Free. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-8531350 or m.facebook.com/groups/209610855806788?ref=bookma rk&__user=578549000. C.U.Next Tuesday! Tunes in the Diner with DJ Poke Smot and Special Guests every Tuesday Night! No cover. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. 508-753-9543. Dam Chick Singer! 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

Every Tuesday: Jon Bonner and Boogie Chillin’. 9 p.m.midnight. Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439. Hip Hop Tuesdays. Every Tuesday is different! Check our facebook page, under events for more details. $5-$15. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Union Tavern, 65 Green St. Karaoke and DJ. No cover charge. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798-8385. Karaoke. Karaoke by First Choice Entertainment, hosted by Curtis. Must be 21+ years of age. Free. 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 774-696-4845.

>Wednesday 31

First Night Worcester! This year at Ralphs Diner! 6pm start! Performers: Rory Scott, Virna Brown, and Andy Cummings! And later.Ralph’s New Year’s EVE Party! Bands “Hot Letter” and “Wicked Hangin Chads” take us into the new year! Come Party! 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. 508-753-9543. NRBQ New Year’s Eve! Ring in the New Year with “the Q” If anything embodies the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, this music does. It’s been an amazing 47 year run for NRBQ, perhaps the most beloved cult band in America. And though Terry Adams, visionary, driving force and “untamed genius of the keyboards,” is the only remaining founding member, “the Q” remain true to the long standing spirit of the original band. For $305 you can add ground transportation for 2, to and from the hotel & show. 6:30 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 917-674-6181 or tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com. Beatles For Sale the Tribute. Free ALL AGES SHOW! Beatles

For Sale returns to the Shea Theater in Turner’s Falls, MA for a special New Year’s Eve show at 8 p.m. Come hear all your favorite Beatles hits, B-sides, and deep cuts performed completely live by New England’s favorite Beatles Tribute, BEATLES FOR SALE! This is THE event of the year! DON’T MISS IT! A splendid time IS guaranteed for all. Free. 8-10 p.m. The Shea Theater, 71 Ave. A, Turners Falls. 413-863-2281 or theshea.org. New Years Eve with Big Chief. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Olde Post Office Pub, 1 Ray St., North Grafton. 508-839-6106. News Year Eve 2015 with Ronnie Breau and Friends. News Years Eve celebration Featuring Country/Rock Band Ronnie Breau and Friends Free admission. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Fortys Bar & Grill, 1030 Central St., Leominster. 978-534-7026. Nick’s Smoking New Years’ Eve with The Nic-o-Tines and Special Guests at 9 p.m.! Hors D’oeuvres and Champagne Toast! $10 Cover. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Beatniks Rockin New Years Eve Party. Beatniks is the place to rock in the new year. Music, Food, Drinks, Dance. Great place to meet up and celebrate. Plenty of Free parking. Happy New Year! 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877. Go Gadget Go. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580. NYE with Girls on Girls Tribute Band. Free! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Southside Grille, 242 W Broadway, Gardner. 978-632-1057 or facebook. com/girlsongirlsband. Sean Ryan on Acoustic. 9 p.m.-midnight PadavaNo’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. Blue Light Bandits. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035. BILL McCARTHY @ BLACKSTONE TAP NEW YEAR’S EVE. Spend New Year’s Eve with Bill and the gang at Blackstone Tap

Worcester’s Best Chef Competition

8TH ANNUAL

YOU VOTE

MECHANICS HALL | 321 MAIN ST., WORCESTER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 | 5-8:30PM PRESENTED BY

Worcester’s Best Chef Competition is the premier culinary event throughout Central New England and boasts the most exclusive, creative and finest epicurean masterpieces to be found anywhere. This event showcases the highest level of culinary talent in the region, and also assists students of the culinary arts. Come eat, drink and vote your palate in the People’s Choice competition — taste through selections from prestigious wineries & craft beer brewers, experience the thrill of a live Iron Chef competition, and be part of the landmark event to crown Worcester’s Best Chef!

2014 Overall Iron Chef Winner: Neil Rogers Formerly of Volturno Pizza Napoletana, Worcester

Individual Entrance Times & Ticket Prices Vary -Please Go Online To Reserve Your Arrival No Tickets Will be Available At The Door •

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

WorcestersBestChef.com

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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for his 8th Annual New Year’s Eve Bash! He’ll be playing all your favorite Classic & Contemporary Acoustic and Not-So-Acoustic Rock! Free. 10:15 p.m.-1:15 a.m. Blackstone Tap, 81 Water St. 508-797-4827.

arts

ArtsWorcester, Model Behavior: An Open-Member Exhibit in Collaboration with the Fitchburg Art Museum, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Jan. 11. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Fre. 660 Main St. 508-755-5142 or or artsworcester.org. Asa Waters Mansion, Admission: $3 for guided tour $7-10 for tea. 123 Elm St., Millbury. 508-865-0855 or asawaters.org. Booklovers’ Gourmet,”Where is that Rainbow?”, Quilts and other Fabric Art by Suzanne Wargo, Through Dec. 31. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 55 East Main St., Webster. 508-949-6232 or er3.com/book. Clark University: University Gallery, Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, Noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, Noon-5 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. 950 Main St. 508-793-7349 or 508-7937113 or clarku.edu. Clark’s Cafe and Art On Rotation Gallery, Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday - Saturday. Admission: for gallery. 310 High St., Clinton. 978-549-5822 or 978-365-7772 or aorgallery.com. College of the Holy Cross: Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, 2-5 p.m. Saturday. 1 College St. 508-793-3356 or holycross.edu/ departments/cantor/website. Danforth Museum of Art, Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed

$2 Rolling Rock pints

Monday - Tuesday, Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 508-620-0050 or danforthmuseum.org. EcoTarium, KEVA: Build It Up!, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through April 26; Discover the Unseen World this Holiday Vacation, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Dec. 26 - Jan. 4; Noon Year’s Eve, Wednesday. Hours: noon5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $14.00 adults; $8.00 for children ages 2-18, $10 college students with IDs & senior citizens. Children under 2 & EcoTarium members free. Additional charges apply for Tree Canopy Walkway, Explorer Express Train, planetarium programs & other special progra. 222 Harrington Way. 508-929-2700 or ecotarium.org. Fisher Museum Harvard Forest, 324 N. Main St., Petersham. 978-724-3302 or harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/museum.html. Fitchburg Art Museum, Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, Noon-4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. 978-345-4207 or fitchburgartmuseum.org. Fitchburg Historical Society, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m.-midnight, Wednesday, closed Thursday - Saturday. 50 Grove St., Fitchburg. 978-345-1157 or fitchburghistory. fsc.edu. Fruitlands Museum, Fruitlands Museum Store Open House, Saturday; Curatorial Tour: 100 Objects, 100 Stories, 100 Years at Fruitlands, Sunday. 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. 978-456-3924 or fruitlands.org. Gallery of African Art, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Donations accepted. 62 High St., Clinton. 978-265-4345 or 978-598-5000x12 or galleryofafricanart.org. Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation

$3 Yuengling pints

$5 APPS! FREE TACOS! $5 POOL!

$6 Coors Light pint & cheese pizza during EVERY Patriots, Bruins & Celtics game

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY - $5 hourly pool & match play game cards

Ice Cold Bud & Bud Light 16oz Aluminum bottles $15 for a bucket of 5

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY TODAY! WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

closed Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. 21 Prichard St., Fitchburg. 978-342-2809 or 978-297-4337 or topfunaviation.com. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $12 Adults, $9 Seniors & $7 Youth, to Members & Children under . 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111 or towerhillbg.org. Worcester Art Museum, Art Since the Mid-20th Century, Through Dec. 31, 2015; Guns without Borders in Mexico and Central America, Through Nov. 9; Majicolor Prints by Majima Ryoichi, Through Nov. 10; Stencil-dyed Japanese Folk Art Calendars, Through Aug. 10; Worcester Art Museum - Blue Star Museums Military Discount, Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Aug. 31; You are here, Through Aug. 31; Families @ WAM: Make Art! Drawing Landscapes and Cities, Saturday; Zip tour: Thomas Smith: Self Portrait, Saturday; Arms + Armor Presentation: Boudica, Sunday; Arms + Armor Presentation: Celtic Warrior vs. Roman Soldier, Sunday; Public Tour, Sundays, through Dec. 28; U-student Wednesdays admission to WAM educational institutional members, Wednesdays, Oct. 2 - Dec. 31. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission: for members, $14 adults, $12 seniors, for youth 17 and under. for all first Saturdays of each month, 10am-Noon. 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406 or worcesterart.org. Worcester Center for Crafts, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183 or worcestercraftcenter.org. Worcester Historical Museum, Alden Family Gallery, Through Dec. 31, 2015; Class Picture Day, Through Aug. 16; In Their Shirtsleeves, Through Dec. 31, 2015; Stories They Tell, Through Dec. 31, 2015; Worcester Treasures, Through Oct. 31. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 30 Elm St. 508-7538278 or worcesterhistory.org.

TACO TUESDAY - 2 free tacos with the purchase of any beverage 4pm-7pm 50¢ GAME DAY WINGS - good all day Sunday & during game time on Monday Night Thursday - Kick off your weekend early with $5 Appetizer specials 4pm-8pm

JILLIAN’S 315 Grove St. 508.793.0900 34

Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Hours: 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 414 Massasoit Ave. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org. Museum of Russian Icons, Russian Photography: Siberia Imagined and Reimagined, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Jan. 10. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 11-3 a.m. Tuesday - Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 11-3 a.m. Friday, 9-3 a.m. Saturday. Admission: Adults $7, Seniors (59 and over) $5, Students (with ID) & children (3-17) $2, Children under 3 FREE, Groups (any age) $. 203 Union St., Clinton. 978-598-5000 or 978-598-5000x17 or or museumofrussianicons.org. Old Sturbridge Village, Admission: $7 - $20 charged by age. Children under 3 Free. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800733-1830 or 508-347-3362 or osv.org. Post Road Art Center, Hours: closed Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 1 Boston Post Road, Marlborough. 508-4852580 or postroadartcenter.com. Preservation Worcester, Hours: closed Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 10 Cedar St. 508-754-8760 or preservationworcester.org. Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts & Humanities, the Arts Center, Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 2-4 p.m. Saturday. 111 Main St., Southbridge. 508-346-3341 or qvcah.org. Salisbury Mansion, Hours: closed Sunday - Wednesday, 1-8:30 p.m. Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 40 Highland St. 508-7538278 or worcesterhistory.org. SAORI Worcester Freestyle Weaving Studio, 18 Winslow St. 508-757-4646 or 508-757-0116 or saoriworcester.com. The Sprinkler Factory, East Coast Seasons - Open Gallery Hours, Saturdays, Dec. 20 - Jan. 31. 38 Harlow St.38 Harlow St. sprinklerfactory.com. Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, Hours: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday,

• DECEMBER 24, 2014

jilliansworcester.com

ATTITUDE FREE!

Sometimes you just want to relax and be anything but “hipster”. Watch the game, grab a beer with some friends, and relax. MacDonald’s Tavern inside Worcester Fitness is the most comfortable, most “be yourself” bar in Worcester. Free WiFi • Free Parking

MACDONALD’S TAVERN 440 grove street | 508.852.8209

www.centralmassclass.com

JONESIN’

"Extended Family"--all its members have something in common. by Matt Jones

Across 1 Overwhelm 6 Mark a ballot 10 "I Am ___ of Constant Sorrow" 14 FDR had it 15 Sent notes to online 16 Go as fast as you can 17 Mix up the letters in a former "SNL" player's last name? 20 Even score 21 "I'm Like ___" (Nelly Furtado hit) 22 Pretentious name for the Jan Brady fan club? 28 Jong and others 29 Rejoice 30 Swiss potato dish 31 Recipe command 32 Animal with antlers 35 Bizarre way an African dictator used to close his letters? 39 Ping-pong table divider 40 Concoct 41 Top group 42 Bathroom Áoor item 44 Person who holds property in trust 45 NBA player who grew up in Istanbul? 48 "There Will Be ___" 49 ___ Arbor 50 Howl the surname of a theater great? 58 Spot on the Web 59 "Fine, have it your way!" 60 Student helper 61 Thomas Hardy title heroine 62 PreÀx with physics 63 "It's always something with you!" Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Business that offers foot massages Came out on top In the style of Russian plane Painting of a person YouTube rival "r u kidding?!"

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!

8 It can be iced or spiced 9 Mag workers 10 "I know you ___ what am I?" 11 Bialik of "The Big Bang Theory" 12 Sharp, poetically 13 "___ alert!" 18 Intentions 19 Starbucks size 22 Gradually diminish 23 Drop in on 24 PreÀx with plasm 25 Captured back 26 Boot out of the country 27 Do some knitting 28 Ms. Brockovich 31 La ___ (famed opera house) 32 Hirsch of "Into the Wild" 33 Petrol amount 34 Proposer's joint 36 Mosque head 37 Doesn't just think about 38 Dismounted 42 Fur shawls 43 Last part of a classical piece 44 Irishman in sunglasses

45 46 47 48 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

Skateboard move Aggressive sellers Hooded coat Bankrupt He meows Manage (a living) Obtained Believe, as a dubious story Golf cart's cousin, for short Fish eggs Like some humor

Last week's solution

©2013 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) For answers to this puzzle, call:1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #707

Do you have a real estate or home services business? January 29th & 30th are our next monthly

Central Mass Homes and Services, Real Estate and Home Services Feature With some UNREAL pricing!! Ads starting at $95.00 for an 1/8th of a page. Reach over 90,000 readers in print and online! Ads appear in all FOUR of our weekly publications!

Deadline for next month is Monday, January 26th at noon. Call or email for pricing or if you have questions.

Answer To Today’s Puzzle On Service Directory Page DECE MBER 24, 2014 • WORCE S T ER M AG A ZINE .COM

LOOK TO US FOR... Central Mass Homes & Services Service Directory • Help Wanted Autos • Real Estate Holiday Greetings Items for Sale • Legal Notices Sudoku & Crossword & Much More! Early Deadlines Coming Up: December 26th at noon for December 31st/January 2nd editions

www.centralmassclass.com Reaches Over 90,000 Readers in Print and Online • Ads post immediately! New postings every day! AUTOMOTIVE

SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

EMPLOYMENT

PLACE ADS: ONLINE: www.centralmassclass.com EMAIL: sales@centralmassclass.com

MERCHANDISE

PHONE: 978-728-4302 FAX: 508-829-0670

BUILDING/REMODELING

HOME SERVICES

DISCOUNT OIL

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ADDITIONS/HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Granger Custom Building & Remodeling Time to Remodel Your Kitchen, Bathroom or Basement? Additions, Roofs, Sheds, Siding, Decks, Screen Room, Windows, Garages 36 Yrs Exp Call Steve Granger 508-826-3692

Jeff Downer Carpentry For all your building & remodeling needs. Lic. & ins. Free estimates. 508-835-4356 www.jeffdownercarpentry.com Email: jtdowner@yahoo.com

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Midnight Oil 508-853-2539 MidnightOilService.com Lowest Possible Pricing Standard and Deluxe Burner Service Contracts

Ambitious Electrician Established 1989, fully insured. Master license #A14758. Call David Sachs 508-254-6305 or 508-886-0077

OLD MAN OIL Why Pay More? Serving Wachusett Region. Scott Landgren 508-886-8998 24 hour service (774-234-0306 service only) Visa, MC, Discover, Cash. www.oldmanoil.com 508-886-8998

Kurt Smollin, Electrician All your electrical needs. Additions, pools, spas, service upgrades. 29 yrs exp. Quality work. Masters Lic. 20050A Insured. Call (508)829-5134.

RICHARD BARNES Home Improvement Contractor Remodeling, Decks, Additions, Roofing, Kitchens, etc. Lic #CS085825 Reg #140608 For Free Estimate Call Bob Fahlbeck 508-839-3942

BATHTUB REFINISHING

Ruchala Chimney Sweeping -Caps -Cleaning -Waterproofing -Chimney Liners Serving the Wachusett Area. Certified and Insured. ruchalachimney.com 978-928-1121 CLEANING SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL CLEANING

Don’t Replace,

Refinish! t 5)064"/%4 -&44 5)"/ 3&1-"$&.&/5

Squeeky Cleaners We Clean Corners Accepting New Clients Complimentary Estimates

508-829-1999 www.squeekycleaners.com

“Yesterday, my bathtub was ugly.

Today, it’s beautiful!”

After! ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Virtue’s Cleaning Cleaning is a virtue. Meticulous, reasonable, reliable. Call me at 508-925-5575 DECORATING

We Also Repair and Refinish: t $PVOUFSUPQT t 5JMF 4IPXFST 8BMMT t 4JOLT 7BOJUJFT t 'JCFSHMBTT 5VCT 4IPXFST

Call for a FREE Estimate! 508-655-2044 Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

See our work at MiracleMethod.com/

• DECE MBER 24, 2014

Color Consulting & Decorating Interior, exterior paint colors, designing window treatments & furniture layouts. Melissa Ruttle (978)464-5640 mmrruttle@gmail.com www.colorsconsulting.com 978-464-5640

EXCAVATION DISPOSAL SERVICES Homeowners’ Winter 3 Day Special 15 Yd Dumpster, 1.5 Ton of Weight $275 (Some articles extra) BLACK DOG CONTAINER SERVICES INC. 10-15 Yd Containers. Commercial & Residential. Cleanouts, Household Articles. 508-450-2051 Proudly Serving Worcester County

BBC EXCAVATING Site work for new homes. Septic system installation repair. Driveway maintenance/repair. Drainage/grading. Sewer/water connections. Stump removal. Snow Plowing. Sanding/Salting. 14 Years in Business. NO JOB TOO LARGE OR small. Brian Cheney 978-464-2345

H E A LT H , M IN ND & BEAUTY MASSAGE & PRENATAL

Great Gift Idea! For Women & Men! Helps with: • Stress • Anxiety • Depression • Pain From Work & Traveling Get a massage today with Helen Nguyen for only $39 (reg $55)

INSPIRATION

Need a friend? Call Dial-A-Friend

508.852.5242

Inspirational Messages Recorded Daily

Massage and Prenatal Therapy 500 West Boylston Street Worcester, MA 01606

508-400-1977

24 Hours Everyday

www.centralmassclass.com FENCE & STONE

FLOORING/CARPETING

GLASS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PAINTING/REPAIRS

Commonwealth Fence & Stone Your Complete Fence & Stone Company. All fence types- Cedar, Vinyl, Chain Link, Post & Rail, Ornamental, Pool. Hardscapes - Stone Wall, Walkways, Patios. For a free estimate contact: 508-835-1644

Creative Floors, Inc. Ceramic-Carpet-Vinyl Marble- Granite- Laminate Wallpaper Pre-finished Hardwood Sales-Design- Installation Residential & Commercial Free Estimates. Carpet Binding Financing Available Come visit our showroom! 508-829-7444 www.creativefloorsinc.com

Central Glass Co. A Complete Line of Glass. Automotive-Residential. Window Glass Repairs, Screen Repairs/Pet Screens, Tub & Shower Glass Enclosures, Table Tops, Mirrors & More. Family Owned Over 50 Years. 127 Mechanic St. Leominster 978-537-3962 M-F 8-4

C&R, Remodeling, additions, & all home improvements, 25yrs exp. new & historic, David, 508-829-4581

Painting Unlimited Services, Inc. Skilled, Reliable, Reputable. Meticulous prep & workmanship. Int.& Ext. Painting/Staining. Power-washing. Gutters. Rotted Trim Replacement. Free Estimates. Fully Insured. HIC #163882 Call: 508-340-8707

FLOORING/CARPETING C & S Carpet Mills Carpet & Linoleum 30 Sq. Yds. $589 Installed with Pad. Free Metal Incl’d. Berber, Plush or Commercial. Call Tom: 800-861-5445 or 508-886-2624

FURNITURE RESTORATION Paul G. Hanson Refinishing, repairing, veneering and chair regluing. A full service shop. Pick-up & delivery. Call Paul (978)464-5800 GARAGE DOORS Allied Services Garage doors & electric operators. Bulkheads. Installed & repaired, residential. Call 508-829-3226

HEATING & PLUMBING SCOTT BOSTEK PLUMBING & HEATING Small Jobs Is What We Do Residential Repair Specialist Water Heaters-DisposalsFrozen Pipes-Remodels & AdditionsDrain Cleaning-Faucets Ins. MPL 11965 Free Estimates 25 yrs Exp. Reliable 774-696-6078

Holidays Are Just Around the Corner! Don’t Wait! Rainey’s Home Improvements Interior - Exterior Services 508-373-2862 & Restoration Services Fire * Smoke * Water 40 Years Exp.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Room Additions Basements • Kitchens Baths • Windows • Doors Hardwood • Vinyl • Ceramic Flooring

FREE DESIGN FREE ESTIMATES WE DO IT ALL - CALL US!

C&C

508-826-0941 L IC. SINCE

SENIOR & DISABLED SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

# CS-104667 1970 - INSURED

Johanson Home Improvement Licensed, insured and HIC registered. Interior painting. Bathroom remodeling and repair. Door and window install. Decks and sheds. Rotted siding, drop ceilings, light fixtures, tiling, toilet and faucet repair and much more. Over 20 years experience Chad (508) 963-8155 website: johansonhome improvement.com

PEST CONTROL Wachusett Wildlife Services Professional Problem Animal Control Licensed to Control An Extensive List of Problem Animals: Raccoon, Beaver, Squirrels, Skunk, etc. Lic/Ins. 774-364-4621 ROOFING Mark R. O’Donnell, Inc. Roofing Experts Licensed & Insured Residential, Commercial & Industrial Specialize in Shingle, Flat Rubber & Metal Roofs Prices as Low as $2 per Square Foot! Free Estimates 978-534-3307 modonnell@mrogc.com www.mrogc.com

TREE SERVICES Carlson Tree Service

Fully Insured | Free Estimates Tree Removal | Ornamental Pruning | Firewood & Winter Services 508-829-1777 Ross A. McGinnes Tree work, Stump removal, pruning & removals. Free estimates. Fully insured. Call 508-829-6497

WELLS NO WATER? Stop wishing for it! A&W Welltech Corp. WELL & PUMP Installation & Filtration Service 978-422-7471 24hr Emergency Service 877-816-2642 Mobile 978-815-3188

LAWN & GARDEN LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE Burnham Maintenance Fall Clean-ups. Lawn Maintenance. Shrub Pruning. Bark Mulch, Screened Loam & Compost. Patios & Walkways. Fertilization Programs. Deliveries Available. Please call 508-829-3809

RUBBISH REMOVAL

HOME REPAIR RESTORATION

Lee Skoglund Services 10, 15, 20-yard container service. Yard & building materials. Office equipment & materials. Attics, cellars & estates cleaned, guaranteed by your closing date! Free estimates. Lee Skoglund 508-757-4209

Need it Fixed? General Home & Small Business Repairs Light Construction No Job Too Small Call Bob at 978-422-8632 or 978-790-8727 CELL email: fixit@callbobhill.com www.callbobhill.com

TOTAL DISPOSAL Dumpster Specials 10yd. $250, 15yd $300. Home Clean-outs Landscape Clean-ups Demo Rubbish, Appliances. Give us a call and we’ll talk trash. 508-864-7755

Dave’s Tree & Landscaping Enhancing the view from your home. Custom & Ornamental Pruning. Mulching. Planting. Lawn Mowing. Tree Removal. Certified Arborist. Call for consultation & free estimate. (508)829-6803. davestreeandlandscaping.com

McCauley Lawn Care Cleanups, Maintenance, Mulches, Plantings, Pruning/ Trimming and more! 774-364-7267 mccauleylawncare@gmail.com

MULCH & LOAM Sterling Peat Inc. Quality Screened Loam. Mulches. Compost- w/Loam Mix. 2"-Gravel, Fill. Fieldstone. 978-422-8294

DECE MBER 24, 2014 • WORCE S T ER M AG A ZINE .COM

SERVICE DIRECTORY

www.centralmassclass .com Call Carrie at 978-728-4302

SIZE PER BLOCK 1.75 X 1.75

to place your ad or e-mail sales@centralmassclass.com

FENCE, STONE & CONCRETE ,

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ASK about double blocks (size 3.75” x 1.75”) and COMBO pricing into our other zone and reach 40,600 households in 26 towns in Central Mass each week. FREE line ad included with each block purchased. Book for 52 weeks and receive a Spotlight Business of the Week! Ask for details!

WELLS

RUBBISH REMOVAL

RICHARD BARNES

Now's the time for those inside projects!

Home Improvement Contractor

• Kitchens • Vinyl • Bathrooms Siding • Basement • Deck Remodels Re-makes • Window • You name Replacements it, we do it!

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• CONCRETE SPECIALISTS - Walkways, Patios, Sidewalks & Pool Patios... • FENCE ALL TYPES - Vinyl, Chain link, Ornamental & Wood... • STONE HARDSCAPES - Patios, Stone Walls, Pavers, Walkways & Pool Patios...

Call now for your FREE Estimate 58 Years in Holden • 38 Years of Experience!

CALL STEVE GRANGER

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Fully Insured

HOME IMPROVEMENT

8 weeks ........... $31.50/week = $252 12 weeks ......... $26.75/week = $321 20 weeks ......... $25.20/week = $504 36 weeks ......... $23.60/week = $850 52 weeks ......... $22/week = $1144 Minimum commitment of 8 weeks.

REMODELING • DECKS • ADDITIONS ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • BASEMENTS

Call for Free Estimate

Bob Falhbeck - 508-839-3942 25 Years Exp.

508-835-1644 for free estimate

License #CS085825 Reg. #140608

No Water? Stop Wishing For It! Well & Pump Installation & Filtration Service

DUMPSTER SPECIALS

978-422-7471

10 yd. - $250 • 15 yd. - $300

24 Hr Emergency Service 877-816-2642

Home Clean-outs Landscape Clean-ups Demo Rubbish • Appliances “Give us a call & we’ll talk trash.”

Mobile: 978-815-3188

508-864-7755

The Service Directory is a cost effective way to brand your business! Call today to schedule your winter advertising!

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• DECE MBER 24, 2014

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE ANYTIME, 24/7.

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www.centralmassclass.com EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED LOCAL

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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Library Assistant Reporting to the Director of the Libraries, this 16 hour a week, nine month position supports the circulation and reference functions at Swan Library on the Leicester campus by assisting students and faculty with library resources, communicating tasks to work study student employees, and other duties as assigned. Regular hours will be Monday through Thursday 10:00 - 2:00, but flexibility is a must between the hours of 8:00 and 4:00, depending on when coverage is needed. Occasional weekend days are required. QUALIFICATIONS A bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree and experience in a library setting preferred, public or customer service experience desirable. Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team environment as well as independently, and a willingness to work extra hours during peak times is required. Knowledge of library databases a plus.

BUSINESS PARTNER WANTED Be part of the solution! Teach others the path to wellness FT or PT. We provide the tools and training so you can participate in this multimillion dollar market and create your own economy. Get started today. Call for a personal interview 777.614.1206

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HELP WANTED LOCAL

Part-Time ClassiďŹ ed Inside Sales Position We are seeking a self-motivated ClassiďŹ ed Sales ad representative who will be responsible for maintaining existing accounts and obtaining new accounts for print ad and digital sales. Ideal candidate will be detail oriented, enthusiastic, creative and be able to perform under strict deadlines. 25 Hours per week, Monday-Friday. Base plus commission. Holden, MA. Interested candidates please submit brief cover letter and resume to carsenault@centralmassclass.com

FOSTER PARENTS

FOSTER PARENTS WANTED Seeking families throughout Central Massachusetts who are interested in improving a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Call to inquire about our upcoming foster parent training. $1,000 BONUS

Call for Details (Must mention this ad during inquiry)

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

Send cover letter, resume and three professional references to Human Resources, Becker College, 61 Sever St., Worcester, MA 01609-2195 or e-mail to steven.bourgault@becker.edu Becker College has a strong commitment to diversity and encourages applications from a broad spectrum of people, including women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans to apply. Becker College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Trailer/Chassis/ Container Mechanics Experienced Trailer/Chassis/ Container Mechanics Wanted for open positions in Worcester. All shift positions available with good pay and benefits. Must have hand tools. Valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license and background check required. Call to request an interview. 508-797-6357

HELP WANTED LOCAL

Champion Correspondents

WANTED

The Leominster Champion is looking for correspondents interested in covering local events and writing community-oriented feature stories. Familiarity with Leominster a plus; flexibility and prior writing experience are necessary.

FREE

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L e o m i n s t e r, M a s s a c h u s e t t s â&#x20AC;˘ l e o m i n s t e r c h a m p . c o m

Lastella thanks Fire Department for heroic rescue

Firefighter Ryan Young promoted to Lieutenant By Champion Editor Lindsay Sauvageau

On August 12, John Lastella, 60, of Sterling visited the Leominster Fire Department, 19 Church St., to thank members of the Leominster Fire Department for rescuing him after he fell 30 feet off of a roof and then down an embankment. After a few months of rehab, he is on his way to recovery! From the gathering on Tuesday, Chief Robert Sideleau tells of the incident that hurt Lastella. In photo, (l-r), Fire Chief Robert Sideleau, Mayor Dean Mazzerella, Richard Lastella and Firefighter Travis Vallee.

During Monday nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Council meeting, members announced their excitement and support of Ryan Young. The Leominster firefighter was promoted to Lieutenant during the August 11 meeting. Councilor Claire Freda read from a description submitted by Young himself because, as she said, she was â&#x20AC;&#x153;really impressedâ&#x20AC;? with Young and his accomplishments. Young was born and raised in Leominster and graduated from Leominster High School. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry, Tenth Mountain Div. and the National Guard, 181 Infantry. He has served on the Continued on page 17

Photo by Scott LaPrade

Celebrating safety during National Night Out at Riverside Photos & story by Heather Mazzaferro National Night Out is a nation-wide event that brings communities together with local public safety departments as a way of fostering healthy relationships. On August 5, the Leominster Police Department, Fire Department and other community organizations came together at Riverside Village on State Street in Leominster to meet residents, answer questions and have fun. The tone of the event was a

celebration, one of community and collaboration, music and food. Many organizations attended the event to offer their perspectives and educate both children and adults alike. Lilly the Hero Pitbull gave away kisses and inspiration. Lilly saved her unconscious owner by dragging her off of a train track in Shirley on May 3. Lilly lost her leg during the heroic act but has Continued on page 17

Leominster Auxiliary Police Officer Dan Johnson stands with Isiah Cummings, 5, of Leominster

Leominster man arrested in connection with multivehicle accident Sunday Submitted by the Office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. James O. Barrett, 26, of 81 Prospect St., Leominster, has been charged with larceny from a person over 65, the theft of a purse/ wallet from Kimballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm in Lancaster on Sunday. The purse/wallet belonged to a 76-year-old woman. The felony charge was brought by Lancaster Police Department and issued out of Clinton District Court. Lancaster Police Department and Leominster Police Department are also expected to seek multiple motor vehicle charges from the portions of the incident occurring in the respective communities. The Lancaster Police Department received a call about 3:34 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3 from a motorist who said he was following the suspect who was driving a blue Scion. Police pulled over the Scion on Route 117 near Schumacher Road, but the suspect pulled away before an arrest could be made. Police followed the vehicle, but stopped near the intersection with I-190 because of public safety concerns. After Lancaster police ended their pursuit, the Scion was involved in a crash involving three other vehicles about a mile away in Leominster. Nine people were injured, including Barrett. He remains hospitalized. First published on August 12 at leominsterchamp.com

Forward writing samples and resumes to editor@leominsterchamp.com. Go Blue Devils!!!

www.devereuxma.org DECE MBER 24, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ WORCE S T ER M AG A ZINE .COM

www.centralmassclass.com HELP WANTED LOCAL

HELP WANTED LOCAL

WORK AT HOME

CEMETERY PLOTS

FOR SALE

ITEMS UNDER $2,014

Millbury Public Schools Substitute Cafeteria Workers. 3 Hours a day. Call Mary Leslie, Food Service Director @ 508-865-2929

DRIVERS

Make or Save Money? You decide. Our time proven system is the real deal. Learn more www.yourlastplanb.com 508-868-5472

Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, 4 beautifully situated burial plots in The Garden of the Cross. $2200.00 each (current value $5200.00 ea) 508-886-4449

Delta 12" Portable Planer Mounted model 22-540 $200.00 Cash & Carry 978-422-7481*

Panasonic DVD Player holds 5 cd’s for $90.00 Call anytime 978-390-3432

MERCHANDISE

Worcester County Memorial Park Desirable ’Garden of the Gospels’, plot 127C with space for 1 or 2, $3600.00 or email best offer. Visit WCMP for a look - very nice. charlie@angelic.com

Become Outside Sales Rep for C.I.C. JOIN OUR TEAM. (508)767 0172 caribbeancellularphones.com Looking for Host Families in Worcester County

We are a local agency that places international students with loving host families throughout Worcester County. We are currently looking for host families residing in the area who would be willing to share their home, time and culture with our students. A generous stipend would be provided on a monthly basis. Please call 774-258-0862

Ashley Distribution Services in Holland, MA seeks: -TRUCKLOAD DRIVERS (No Touch), Earning potential avg. $67,000 year -LTL DRIVERS (Multiple stop loads to retail stores!), Earning potential avg. $82,000 year Ability to Enter Canada -Home Weekly -Paid Vacation -Full Benefit Package Class A CDL & at least 1 year current OTR exp. Clean MVR/PSP Reports. Call 1-800-837-2241 8AM to 4PM CST for info & app or email: jobs@ashleydistribution services.com or www.ashleydistribution services.com to apply under jobs.

CEMETERY PLOTS Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, MA. 2 Lots in the Garden of Faith. $2500.00 for both. Near the feature. Mary 508-886-4334. Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA 2 lots in Heritage II w/vaults. $2,500.00 for both. Call Rick at 508-450-7470

Who said nothing in life is free?

Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, Ma. Lot Number 297-B Space 1 and 2, Garden Of Valor Section. Current value is $8,400.00 including 2 concrete burial vaults. $4,000.00 or B/O 508-375-0080 Worcester Memorial Park Paxton. Garden of the Cross. Beautiful location. 1-4 nicely located burial plots. Plots adjacent to each other. Would provide a lovely resting place for your loved one. $2500.00 each (original price $4800.00 ea). Cathy 203-315-9291

Full Length Mink Coat Size 8. $200.00 508-829-3403* ITEMS UNDER $2,014 2 Storage Shelves for a Cargo Van Like New. (1) 42 x 46 and (1) 54 x 46 $100 B/0 Call Box 508752-2768 (Paxton)* 4 Bridgestone Blizzar Snow Tires 215-60R-16 Very close to new. Factory inc. stripe still there. $200.00 508-853-4310 Frigidaire Upright 13.7 Cu. Ft. Freezer Used. New costs $429. ASKING $125 or B.O. Lunenburg 706-870-4000 Gel Fuel Fireplace light oak with log insert & screen. Gorgeous. $125.00 508-865-1047 Girl’s Red Rothschilds Coat Navy trim, gold buttons, hat. Size 5. $50.00 Cash firm. 508853-4549 Older Lane Cedar Chest 44"L x 19"W x 18 1/2"H Locks with skeleton key. $75 (978)534-0711

Run your four line ad for FREE for two weeks and then you have to the option to run your ad until it sells for $20!

Portable Grass Trimmer Black & Decker "Grass Hog" Needs battery. Good cond. $25.00 978422-7792/978-333-6790 Pub Table light oak round 36x36. 3 H Duty swivel cushioned high back beige chairs. $425.00 B/O 508-853-6948

Radar Detector New in Box Cobra Trap Shooter Pro 2 508816-8859

TV Stand Black 2 shelves. $75.00 508-832-2356 Tires Studded Snow 185/65/15 Good shape. 2 for $65.00. Barre, MA 978-537-8603 Toboggan 7 ft. Adirondack Model. Exc. cond. Includes pad. $65.00 508-757-7336

PETS & ANIMALS HORSES Riding Lessons & Boarding

BUY 2 LESSONS GET 1 FREE! www.olympusstables.com 774-287-0282

Or you may run your ad from the beginning until it sells for $20 (no refund if the item sells within the two weeks) SUBMIT ITEMS UNDER $2014 FOR FREE! Here’s all you need to do! 3 ways to submit... 1. Mail completed form to Central Mass Classifieds, P.O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520 2. OR FAX the completed form to 508-829-0670 3. OR Email the info with name/address/phone number to sales@centralmassclass.com

NO PHONE ORDERS ACCEPTED FOR FREE ADS PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY... We are not liable for misinformation due to ad being illegible:

& Cl ws Pets, Pet Supplies, Services & More!

Have you advertised in the Central Mass Classiﬁeds before? Please check one. ___ Yes ___ No Name _______________________________________________ Phone _______________________ Address _____________________________________Town _________________ Zip ____________ Email Address (optional) ______________________________________________________________ Ad Text: (approx 28 characters per line includes letters, spaces, numbers, punctuation) _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE READ SUBMISSION RULES:

Maximum 4 lines (approx. 28 characters per line). We reserve the right to edit if ads come in that are too long. NO phone orders accepted. See ways to submit above. Merchandise Ads Only - NO autos, snowmobiles, RV’s, trailers, boats, ATV’s, etc. We have a special rate for these ads ($20 till it sells). NO business Ads accepted for this section. If we suspect the ads are being sent in by a business, we reserve the right to refuse. Limit 1 ad per name/address/ phone number every 2 weeks. Free Ads will run for 2 weeks. If you choose to run your ad until it sells for $20, no refund will be given if it sells within the ﬁrst two weeks. Limit 1 item per ad (group of items OK if one price for all and under $2,014). Price must be listed in ad. NO Cemetery Plots

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CENTRAL MASS Homes & Ser vices A Monthly Real Estate and Home Services Feature

Real Estate 2015. What changes can we expect?

Prices have stopped dropping. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for sellers. Interest rates have not gone up significantly. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for buyers, but the rates will go up and the federal government in an effort for to further protect consumer will be requiring the financial accounting of the transaction (known as the HUD), to be in the hands of the buyer three days before

the closing. Expect delays. Property transfers are complex. If we were in a perfect world, buyers would find their agent. Their agent would help them find the money. Experienced agents have closed with many lenders and can assist the buyer client in identifying several experienced people in the mortgage industry who can provide preapproval, pro-

cessing and closing. Experienced agents can help the buyer identify what they want and where they want to live in order to focus on the best options for their needs. Shopping for a home is very different from going to Amazon or eBay. The internet provides samplings of the marketplace, but your new home

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ADVANTAGE1 179 Shrewsbury St. Worcester, MA 01604

Paula K. Aberman Associates, Inc. Paula Savard

Gail Lent

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Sandra DeRienzo

Mark Gerber

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John Keefe

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Yasmin Loft

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New Conference Center 486 Chestnut Street, Suite 11 Gardner MA 01440

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Re-hab. possibility. Small two bedroom cottage needs renovation. Well located close to shopping and Rt. 2 Sold â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? Will need to be connected to town sewer. Aberman Assoc Inc. Gail Lent 978-537-4971 x 15 www.gaillent.com

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Cute 1 bedroom cape with out building. Seller will hook up to town water and provide Title V. Aberman Assoc. Inc. 978-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

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3 br 1 bath cottage on almost an acre. Gorgeous professionally landscaped with above ground pool. Oversized Garage. Recent covered porch with pressure treated deck and railings. Woodstove. First ďŹ&#x201A;oor Kit LR formal dining. French doors highlight. 3 bedrooms and bath on 2nd ďŹ&#x201A;oor. dead end street for your own private park-like setting. Aberman Assoc. Inc Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

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Charming home in a great location with nearly half an acre. This property has a level backyard, large bright living room with marble ďŹ&#x201A;oor and 3-4 bedrooms to accommodate a large family. Spacious half bath with laundry room on ďŹ rst ďŹ&#x201A;oor and a slider to private deck. MOTIVATED SELLERS!!! Aberman Assoc. Inc. Moises R. Cosme 978-537-4971 x18

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Move right in, Charming decor thruout. Enter into ďŹ replaced living room / dining room open concept with applianced kitchen divided by a generous counter area. Pass thru sliding doors to a spacious deck facing wooded area and enjoy the seasonal sunshine or relax under the shade of the Sun Setter awning controlled by the push of a button. 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths (one off the mstr bdrm). Full walkout basement w/ high ceiling, offers the opportunity to add a family room. Enjoy the conveniences of central AC, central Vac, security system & 1st level laundry. One owner unit, over 55 community. Pets allowed. Aberman Assoc. Inc. Sandra DeRienzo 978-537-4971 x 42

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Sparkling 4 bedroom split with 7 rooms, 3 full baths. Newly carpeted lower level offers 4th bedroom, familyroom with ďŹ replace, bath and separate laundry.. Main level diningroom opens to 24â&#x20AC;&#x2122; sun deck with pastoral views. two car garage under. Aberman Assoc Inc Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www,paulasavard.com

2 br 1.5 bath townhome. Bridle Cross best. Newly painted throughout 8/13. New dishwasher 11/13. wall to wall carpet 8/13, Aberman Assoc. Inc. Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www. paulasavard.com

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1 br, 1 bath garden condo. Nice wooded view, perfect for elderly, person with physical disability or a couple. Aberman Assoc Inc Mark Gerber 978-537-4971 x 63

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3 br 1.5 bath ranch. Bright open concept family room and kitchen with updated appliances perfect for cooking and entertaining. Opens to deck overlooking fenced in yard and patio. Three bedrooms with gleaming hardword ďŹ&#x201A;ooring, ceiling fans and so much more! Great location for young families looking for the perfect neighborhood. Convenient to major routes, Wachusett Mountain, shops and restaurants. Aberman Assoc. Inc Robin Dunbar Bain 978-537-4971

6KUHZVEXU\ Gorgeous waterfront townhouse in Quinsigamond Shores features private deeded dock, patio, swimming pool, clubhouse and beautiful landscaping. Interior features upgraded eat-in kitchen with hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, newly painted cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Sunken living room with hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors opens to large dining room. 1/2 bath and laundry room on ďŹ rst ďŹ&#x201A;oor. Master bedroom with wall to wall carpeting, solar ski light, master bath, and large walk-in closet. The large loft family room could be used as a third bedroom.Aberman Assoc Inc Anna Mary Kraemer 987-537-4971 x25

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Water front log home with open cncept. Walkout basement level offers second bedroom or fam room amd full bath. Woodstove. Main level livingroom with gas ďŹ&#x201A;oor to ceilng ďŹ replace, cathedral ceilings window wall onto deck overlooking the water, appliances kitchen with dining area and half bath. Master suite loft accessed by spiral stairway features master bath and stackable laundry. 100 acre Partrdge Pond Aberman Assoc. Inc 979-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

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Well known builder offers mix and match ďŹ&#x201A;oor plan and lot. This is proposed on the corner of Tuttle and Heywood Rd. Aberman Assoc Inc Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

DECE MBER 24, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ WORCE S T ER M AG A ZINE .COM

www.centralmassclass.com

CENTRAL MASS Homes & Ser vices A Monthly Real Estate and Home Services Feature

Real Estate 2015. What changes can we expect? Continued from previous page canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be ordered and shipped. The property needs to be viewed by you. It needs to be compared with other options available. It needs to be financed, appraised, and have its title searched and its municipal inspections completed before you can get the keys.

Experienced agents can assist in all of this. Experienced agents can assist the seller with the widest exposure of their property to the global marketplace. The agent guides you with market knowledge, realistic pricing, and the confidence that you have seen everything available where you want to be in the price range you can afford before you begin to negotiate. The agent will guide you in how to negotiate. If moving is in your plan for 2015, Ask several people

you trust to recommend an agent . Interview several. Build a team with someone you trust. This is one of the largest transactions in your life. Paula K Savard, ABR,CRB,CRS,GRI,E PRO, DSA PAULA K ABERMAN ASSOCIATES, INC 2086 MAIN STREET LANCASTER, MA 01523

To Place your Real Estate ad please call 978-728-4302 or email sales@centralmassclass.com

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Holiday Greetings Happy Holidays & Happy New Year! Take a ride to Sunnyside! 944 Main St. Holden, MA

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DECE MBER 24, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ WORCE S T ER M AG A ZINE .COM

www.centralmassclass.com REAL ESTATE APARTMENT FOR RENT

Grafton, North. 1 & 2 bedroom apartments that include HEAT & HOT WATER, off street parking, central vacuum and on site laundry. Starting at $895! 508-839-5775 1st and security APARTMENT FOR RENT

Millbury, 2 bedroom $975, newly renovated includes hot water. Off street parking, on site laundry. 1st and second, 508-839-5775 call for bonus!

AUTO/TRUCK 1992 GMC Pickup Custom new tires, 366 motor, gas automatic, no rust. Harley black & orange. Asking $15,000 or B/O Call 508-304-1558 Jon 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 5.2 V8 Auto, 142K Miles. Regular cab. Black. Cap, hitch. Good shape. $3975.00 978-422-8084 2000 Ford F150 Flareside Pickup Showroom condition inside and out. 100K miles. All power, needs nothing. $8000.00 Call 978-466-6043

BOATS

REPAIRS & SERVICES

2003 Dodge Ram Van w/chair lift. 78K orig miles. Excellent condition. $5900.00 or B/O Leominster 978-840-2662

1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Performance Coupe. 25K miles. 2 tops. LT5, 375HP. 6SPD, ZF Manual trans. Fully optioned. Fair weather only, always stored. $21,000.00 978-422-6624

12’ Sundolphin KLN Jon Boat w/galvanized trailer. 55lb thrust Minnkota motor. 2 life jackets, anchor. 2 swivel seats. Battery & charger. Exc. cond. $1,200.00 or B/O Dave 978537-2536

Dick’s Auto Body Collision Experts Lifetime Guarantee In Writing On All Collision Repairs. Don’t let your insurance company tell you where you have to have your vehicle repaired. It is your right by law to choose a registered repair shop of your choice. 94 Reservoir St. Holden, MA 508-829-5532/508-886-6230 RS#4474 Visa/MC

2008 Ford E250 Extended Van 3dr, A-T/AC, Power package. Roof racks. Int. shelving, tow package, 6 rims, 8 tires in good cond. Exc. overall cond. 57K miles. $14,999.00 508-829-2907 AUTOS

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Fuller RV Sales & Rentals 150 Shrewsbury St., Boylston 508-869-2905 www.fullerrv.com

AUTOMOTIVE

BBB Accredited A+ Rating

AUTO/MOTORCYCLE

2008 Honda Metropolitan Scooter Black and gray. Mint cond. 469 miles. Asking $1650.00. Includes helmet. 207-289-9362 OR 207-450-1492.

AUTOS

• Class A, B, C Motor Homes • Travel Trailers Parts • Propane • Service Transportation • Temporary Housing

Worcester Greenhalge Street Spacious 2 BR Townhouse $1150 508-852-6001

1999 Road King Under 8,000 miles. Too many extras to list. Always stored in room temperature. $14,000.00 978-4645525 or 781-879-8275 cell

AUTO/VAN

RUN YOUR AD UNTIL IT SELLS ONLY $20 FOR SIX LINES! Reaching 90,000 readers in PRINT & ONLINE

1930 Ford Model A Huckster 22 Woodland Rd. Holden, MA 508-829-2282 1988 MercedesBenz 300 SEL 6 cylinder gas. Very good cond. Runs exc. $3200.00 195k miles. Located in Sutton, MA 774-287-0777

2001 Honda Accord Sedan 180000 miles. Dark Green ext/Tan Leather int $2,495. Runs great. franbriss@aol.com 508-869-6326

2002 Mazda Protege5 Manual. Metallic blue. Runs excellent. Very sporty. Always garaged. $3,750.00 508-829-9882 2006 Honda S2000 Silver exterior Black interior. Florida car new top. Less than 60k miles. $12,900 508-816-0141

2007 Hyundai Azera Dark green. 4dr. Loaded. Under 40K miles. Always been garaged, mint cond. Asking $12,200.00 508-754-4670 Paxton 2008 Cadillac DTS 4DR. White pearl/tan. Good condition. 118K miles. Extras. $10,000.00 Firm 508-835-3751 Classic Car 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4dr hardtop. Total frame off resto. New 350 crate motor. Appraised at $47,500, only 5,000 miles since resto. $30,000 OBO. Call Len cell 508-789-3436 -789-3436 Millbury, MA

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We Buy Unwanted & Junk Vehicles SCRAP METAL ACCEPTED ROTHERS BROOKS

USED AUTO PARTS

508-792-6211 Worcester, MA

1986 Stingray Super Sport 17 foot bowrider w/170hp Mercruiser. This is a classic. Full boat cover and bimini top. Very clean. $2950.00 B/O Call Cliff 603-494-8219/508-829-9882 Kayak Perception Sole Includes many accessories. $700.00 978-424-6315 *

CAMPERS/TRAILERS 2000 Wilderness 37’ Trailer w/attached screenroom. East Douglas,MA on site at Lake Manchaug Camping. Center slide out, Sleeps 6-8. Call for details. $7000.00 Russ 508769-0811

PATRIOT AUTO GLASS "When it comes to safety, quality matters" WeatherTech Floor Liners, Auto Glass Replacement, Rock Chip Repairs, etc. We direct bill all insurance companies. $20 Gift Card w/every in-shop windshield replacement with this ad. 764 Main St. Holden, MA 508-829-1995 SNOWMOBILES

2011 28’ Lightweight Camping Trailer w/slide. Electric awning and many extras. Excellent condition. Asking $15,450.00 or B/O 978-602-0099 24 ft Light Weight 2004 Terry Dakota Travel Trailer Sleeps 7, bunk beds & full bed, 16ft awning, A/C, Central heat, microwave & 3 burner stove. Dual powered fridge/freezer. Loads of storage, outdoor shower. 2 batteries, travel septic. Like new. $6900.00 OR B/O 508-579-6622

Truck Camper 1985 Bought new in 1991. Real Life brand. Bathroom, shower, self contained. 8ft truck bed. $2900.00 B/O 774-287-0777 Utility Trailer 5’ X 8’. Floor, sides and gate are 3/4" pt. Removable fold down gate in rear. $1400 invested, asking $800 firm. Can be seen in Holden. 508-791-6444

Snowmobile trailer/tilt blk steel, 8’ long, 3’ wide. New Hitch cap, $175. Call 978-582-4692 noon-6. * STORAGE HARVEST STORAGE LOTS of Outside Storage space. Secure Storage. RV’s, Campers, Large Boats. Reasonable rate, $40.00/m. Hubbardston, MA. 978-928-3866 INDOOR STORAGE Cars, Boats, Campers, Motorcycles. Safe and secure. $375.00 Oct-May. Sterling, MA 978-618-0717

SNOW PROFESSIONALS DIRECTORY

JUNK CARS We Buy and PICK UP Your junk or wrecked cars or trucks. We Sell New and Used Parts. Specials on Batteries and Tires. New and Used! Airport Auto Parts, Inc. 56 Crawford St. Leominster, MA 01453 978-534-3137

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www.centralmassclass.com LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain mortgage given by John A. Seaver, to Millbury Federal Credit Union, dated September 2, 2008, recorded with the Worcester County Registry of Deeds in Book 43276 at Page 286, of which mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 11 o’clock A.M. on the 7th day of January, 2015, 78 McClellan Road, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, all and singular the premises described in said mortgage. To wit: A certain parcel of land situated on McClellan Road in the Town of Sutton, Worcester County and shown on a plan by Lavallee Brothers, Inc. dated February 22, 2000, which plan is recorded as Plan 21, Book 762. Said parcel containing 80,873 sq. ft. Said parcel is further bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point on the southeasterly sideline of McClellan Road at the southwest corner of land now or formerly of Crawford and the northwest corner of parcel to be conveyed; THENCE S. 84º 48’ 16” E., 374.81 feet by land now or formerly of Crawford to a point; THENCE S. 06º 15’ 49” W., 160.00 feet by land now or formerly of McQueen and now or formerly of Sabourin to a point; THENCE S. 89º 49’ 19” W., 468.52 feet to a point; THENCE N. 84º 48’ 16” W., 50.00 feet to a point on the southeasterly sideline of McClellan Road. The last two courses by land of residue (A.P.O. Map 12-101) THENCE N. 39º 34’ 15” E., 154.35 feet to a point; THENCE N. 42º 07’ 50” E., 95.65 feet to the point of beginning. The last two courses by said sideline, Said parcel is subject to undefined drainage easement. Being the same premises conveyed to John A. Seaver by deed of Jane A. Oliver, as Executor of the Estate of Arthur D. Keown, Sr., (WCP#96PR3353) and as Trustee of The Arthur D. Keown, Sr. Revocable Trust-1991, under Declaration of Trust dated October 21, 1991, recorded at Worcester District Registry of Deeds in Book 19552, Page 206, deed dated September 2, 2008, recorded in Book 43276, Page 284.. A deposit of $5,000.00 for the entire mortgage premises being sold, is to be paid by certified check or bank check by the purchaser at the time and place of the sale. The Mortgagee also reserves the right to alter the order of sale on the date of the auction. The balance is payable at the closing. The closing will occur within thirty (30) days after the date of the sale at the Law Offices of Melia & Osol, 16 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA 01609. Other terms to be announced at the sale. The Mortgagee reserves the right to continue the sale from time to time by public announcement at the time and date of the original or any continued sale. If the highest bidder fails to complete the purchase of the mortgage premises on the terms provided in this notice and in the Memorandum of Sale signed following the auction, then the mortgagee reserves the right to convey the mortgage premises to the second highest bidder at the auction. If the mortgagee exercises that right it will notify the second highest bidder who will then have three (3) days to deliver the deposit specified above to the Mortgagee’s attorney, Law Offices of Melia & Osol, 16 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA 01609, and agree upon a date for delivery of the deed. Premises to be sold and conveyed subject to and with the benefit of all rights, rights of way, restrictions, easements, covenants, liens or claims in the nature of liens, improvements, public assessments, any and all unpaid taxes, tax titles, tax liens, water and sewer liens and any other municipal assessments or liens or existing encumbrances of record which are in force and are applicable, having priority over said mortgage, whether or not reference to such restrictions, easements, improvements, liens or encumbrances is made in the deed. Millbury Federal Credit Union Present holder of said mortgage By its Attorneys,Law Offices of Melia & Osol 16 Harvard Street Worcester, MA 01609 12/11, 12/18, 12/24/2014 MS TOWN OF MILLBURY BOARD OF SELCETMEN The Millbury Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 7:25 p.m. in the Conference Room, Municipal Office Building, 127 Elm Street, Millbury, MA to act upon the application of New Stockholders; New Officers/ Directors and a Change of Manager for Village Knoll Variety, Inc., 107 West Main Street, Millbury, MA. 12/24/2014 MS

Town of Sutton Sutton Planning Board Public Hearing Notice In accordance with the provisions of Section VI.L of the Sutton Zoning Bylaw – Accessory Apartment Bylaw, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of James Arrell of 95 Leland Hill Road to construct a 560 s.f. +/- accessory apartment within in existing garage at this location. The hearing will be held in the third floor meeting room at the Town Hall on Monday, January 5, 2014 at 7:10 P.M. A copy of the plans and application can be inspected in the office of the Town Clerk during normal office hours. Robert S. Largess Jr., Chairman 12/24/2014 MS

TOWN OF SUTTON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TO ALL INTERESTED INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF SUTTON In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Ch. 40A, §11, the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at the Sutton Town Hall on January 7, 2015 at 7:35pm on the petition of Catherine Peterson. The petitioner requests a variance from Section III (B) (3)Table 2 of the town’s zoning bylaws to permit the construction of a deck which will not meet the rear setback requirement. The property that is the subject of this petition is located at 10 Viola Terrace, Sutton MA on Assessors Map #6, Parcel #257. The property is located in the R-1 Zoning District. A copy of the petition may be inspected during normal ofﬁce hours in the Town Clerk’s Ofﬁce located in the Town Hall. Any person interested or wishing to be heard on this variance petition should appear at the time and place designated. Jeffrey Fenuccio Board of Appeals Clerk 12/18, 12/24/2014

MORTGAGEE’S NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL ESTATE By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain Mortgage given by Sandra E Meehan to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for, Fremont Investment & Loan, its successors and assigns, dated June 6, 2006 and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds at Book 39125, Page 1, subsequently assigned to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-FRE2 Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., by assignment recorded in said Registry of Deeds in Book 47356 Page 354, as affected by a confirmatory assignment to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-FRE2 Asset Backed PassThrough Certificates by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Fremont Investment & Loan, its successors and assigns, recorded in said Registry of Deeds in Book 52257, Page 132, of which the Mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said Mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 01:00 PM on January 8, 2015 at 31D Cold Spring Drive, #14D, Sutton, MA, all and singular the premises described in said Mortgage, to wit: Number 14D (“the Unit”) of Woodburyville Heights Condominiums” (the Condominium”), located in Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, which Condomonium was created pursuant to a Master Deed dated April 8, 1986 (The “Master Deed”) and recorded with the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Book 11798, Page 277. Said Unit No. 14D contains 2,457 square feet and is shown on the floor plans and the site plans filed with the Master Deed to which is affixed a verified statement in the form required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chaper 183 A, Section 9. Said Unit is hereby conveyed with: 1. An undivided 1.36003 percent in the common areas and facilities described of the Condominium, as it may be amended pursuant to the provisions of the Master Deed. 2. The exclusive right to use those common areas and facilities appurtenant to said Unit as set forth in the Master Deed. 3. All other rights, easements, agreements, interest and any provisions contained in the Master Deed, the Declaration of Trust of the Condominium recorded with said Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 754, Plan 97. ( the “Declaration of Trust”) and the Rules and Regulations adopted pursuant thereto (the” Rules and Regulations”) as any ofthe same may be amended from time to time pursuant to the provisions thereof. Said unit conveyed subject to and with the benefit of: 1. The provisions of Chapter 183 A as the same may be amended from time to time; 2. The provisions of the Master Deed (including, without limitation, the title matters set forth in Exhibit A to the Master Deed and the Grantor’s rights to add additional phases to the Condominium as set forth in the Master Deed), the Declaration of Trust and the Rules and Regulations, in each case as the same may be amended from time to time pursuant to the provisions thereof; 3. Real estate taxes assessed against the Unit and the Common Areas and Facilities which are not yet due and payable; 4. Provisions of the existing building and zoning laws; The rights, agreements, restrictions, provisions and interest set forth above, together with any amendments thereto shall constitute covenants running with the land and shall insure to the benefit of and bind, as the case may be, any person having at any time and any interest or estate in the Unit, his agents, employees, licensees, vistors and lessees as thought he same were fully set forth herein.The unit may be used only for residential purposes. For title see deed of Robert 1. Picotte and Amy L. Picotte recorded with the Worcester County Registry of Deeds in Book 39124, Page 397. The premises are to be sold subject to and with the benefit of all easements, restrictions, building and zoning laws, liens, attorneys fees and costs pursuant to M.G.L.Ch.183A, unpaid taxes, tax titles, water bills, municipal liens and assessments, rights of tenants and parties in possession. TERMS OF SALE: A deposit of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00 CENTS ($5,000.00) in the form of a certified check or bank treasurer’s check will be required to be delivered at or before the time the bid is offered. The successful bidder will be required to execute a Foreclosure Sale Agreement immediately after the close of the bidding. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the sale date in the form of a certified check, bank treasurer’s check or other check satisfactory to Mortgagee’s attorney. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid at the sale, to reject any and all bids, to continue the sale and to amend the terms of the sale by written or oral announcement made before or during the foreclosure sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. The description of the premises contained in said mortgage shall control in the event of an error in this publication. TIME WILL BE OF THE ESSENCE. Other terms if any, to be announced at the sale. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-FRE2 Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Present Holder of said Mortgage, By Its Attorneys, Orlans Moran PLLC P.O. Box 540540 Waltham, MA 02454 Phone: 781-790-7800 12/18, 12/24, 12/31/2014 MS

DECE MBER 24, 2014 • WORCE S T ER M AG A ZINE .COM

Two minutes with...

Betsy Madson has lived in Worcester for 44 years, residing a short four blocks from her business, Classic Toy Shop. Her journey to opening the business began by training as a secondary level school teacher. Several moves during Madson’s early adulthood prevented her from holding teaching jobs, so instead she started a small business, The Incredible Cooke Shop, making salt-dough ornaments, which she would sell at local craft fairs in the fall. In 1980 she worked for a short time with another small business located in Union Place, the brick factory building located next to the Police Station filled with a variety of specialty businesses. In casual conversation with other business owners, someone mentioned how nice it would be to have a toy store in Union Place, and in that second, Madson said, The Classic Toy Shop was born. She can recall instinctively knowing that a unique toy store would make use of her various artistic, teaching and organizational skills. For nine months she researched and assembled the information needed to open what would be a small offering of unusual toys from around the world inside a 1,000-square-foot shop on the second floor at the back of Union Place. The store had items purchased in New York City, where Madson traveled for her first buying trip, at The International Toy Fair in February of 1980. The store opened that May. Thirty-four years later, Madson operates the same business profile today as the one that flashed in her mind’s eye that August afternoon in 1979. Toys are king this time of year. How has business been this season? This holiday

season has been unusual. The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is about as short as it can be and people seemed to wait longer before starting to shop for children. Thankfully, we have had no snow issues and that is a huge blessing for a small, stand-alone retailer. You can shop at a mall during a storm, but probably not easily at my store on Park Avenue. Numbers are about the same as last year. There is no question but that we continue to be strongly challenged by online sales. Parents and families are severely time-challenged and online offers a convenience we cannot compete with.

What are the big sellers and the hot toys?

A question I am often asked and really have no answer for - because [of what I explained in the last response]. I do not seek or shop for items because they are new or hot. I’m looking instead for toys with true value to child’s play. Classic Toy Shop does participate in some “fad” toys. We did a lot of business with Beanie Babies! But you will find the shelves in my store stocked with toys that are just as relevant in five years as today. I don’t let the toy advertisers determine what I

think is a good toy...I look and listen to how children develop and play instead. I have serious reservations about many of the toys developed and introduced to our children. I choose not to offer that merchandise.

In your opinion, what is a classic toy?

A classic is something that has survived passing years and multitudes of human experience. Because some toys have intrinsic value for developing skills and interests of young children, we see these toys emerge in societies across the globe. Dolls, blocks, balls and trolleys are all toy concepts that will never disappear. A child gravitates to items and activities that meet the needs of their developmental stages. Their bodies and minds naturally find playthings that are appropriate all through their early lives.

Being a small independent business, how do you compete with the box store chains and online stores? In many ways I choose not to

compete. I won’t be selling a good deal of what they offer because I don’t feel some toys are useful or appropriate for children. Moreover, the entire experience of visiting my store is a totally different one than that of a big box store’s, so it’s not an apples

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 24, 2014

STEVEN KING

Betsy Madson to apples comparison. Enter my door and you will be greeted by a polite employee. Our shelves are organized by age and concept, in an orderly manner, making your shopping a less overwhelming task. My staff is well trained to understand the nature of play and developmental skills, and therefore prepared and willing to make suggestions if needed by a customer. We display many toys for customers to touch and play. We offer several play stations within the store for visiting children.

The video game, tablet and cell phone markets are huge and it seems every year they are being marketed to younger and younger kids. Do you carry electronics? We carry almost no electronic toys. Many manufactures of electronic merchandise address themselves to the scale of big box stores and take their merchandise out of reach of a small retailer. Buy 1,000 units or nothing. More important is that, again, I don’t think electronic toys have intrinsic value for children 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 years. You don’t need electronics to learn colors, numbers and shapes. I think it is better saved for later years.

What can kids learn from traditional toys that they maybe won’t learn from a video game? They can learn what magnetic

attraction “feels” like. They can experience gravity and cause and effect as a marble rolls through a marble run. They can explore with balance and weight as they build block towers. They can absorb the concepts of equivalency, doubling and fractions as they play with blocks. They can experience nurturing and empathy as they hold, dress and bathe a baby doll. They can develop self-control and patience as they learn to play board games within a

family. They can build and grow the skills of imagination and creativity with pretend play materials. They can develop skills of cooperation and sharing while playing with others.

How would you classify your adult customer base? Are they nostalgic for the toys of their childhood? The customer base of

Classic Toy Shop shows a distinct ability to appreciate the meaningful value of good toys for the children in their lives. We constantly hear “You have the really good stuff!” Maybe not as wordy as me but they understand what and why I am trying to achieve with Classic Toy Shop. We have an amazing variety of toys that challenge, teach, tickle and entertain children of all ages, and people want that for children they love. I wouldn’t say they are nostalgic for, or searching for specific toys of their childhood, but they definitely recognize when our merchandise mirrors the experience they remember from a cherished toy.

What’s your favorite toy? I think the best toy

ever and always is a large set of hardwood unit building blocks. Between the ages of 2 and 14 it can be something new every day; something that a child invests themselves in, over and over. My favorite toy ever was the gift of a 3x5-inch metal file box complete with index cards and alphabetic dividers, together with several pages of perforated stamps from a magazine subscription advertisement. I affixed each stamp to a card and then would file them alphabetically by title, then by author, then by numeric control number. Over and over and over – go figure! — Steven King, Writer and Photographer

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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DECEMBER 24, 2014