Worcester Magazine February 6 - 12, 2020 by Worcester Magazine

FEBRUARY 6 - 12, 2020 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CULTURE • ARTS • DINING • VOICES

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The Great Worcester Magazine

Song Swap

Already dreaming about summer? We. Are. Too. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning for our annual SUMMER GUIDE, GUIDE, coming June 11.

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COMING JUNE 11, 2020

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

IN THIS ISSUE

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020 • V O L U M E 45 I S S U E 24 Find us on Facebook.com/worcestermag Twitter @worcestermag Instagram: Worcestermag

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18 Featured ......................................................................................4 City Voices...................................................................................8 In Case You Missed It ... .......................................................10 Cover Story ...............................................................................11 Artist Spotlight .......................................................................17 Lifestyle......................................................................................18 Table Hoppin’ ..........................................................................18 Dining Review..........................................................................20 The Next Draft..........................................................................20 Film .............................................................................................22 Film Capsules ..........................................................................22 Calendar ....................................................................................24 Adoption Option ....................................................................28 Games .........................................................................................29 Classifieds .................................................................................30 Last Call .....................................................................................31

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the cover

Photo by Dylan Azari; Design by Kimberly Vasseur

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The Great Worcester Magazine Song Swap Story on page 11 From left, Lovina, Chris O’Donnell, Rich “Amazing Dick” Leufstedt and Keno Capitol.

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FEATURED

‘I don’t hold back’ Comedian Cindy Gray to host ‘For the Love of Comedy’ at WooHaha! RICHARD DUCKET T

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indy Gray has been an upstanding member of the Worcester community since moving here 12 years ago. A consultant for building and improving processes and systems for corporations (Gray’s Analysis Inc.), mother of three children, and an active volunteer who has served on the board of the Worcester JCC and the former First Night Worcester, Gray is starting to make a name for herself in another capacity: Stand-up comedian. Indeed, she’s the host of “For the Love of Comedy Show” Feb. 13 at The WooHaha! Comedy Club, which will also feature comedians Sean Sullivan, Ralph Joyal, Anne Diaz, Srilatha Rajamani, Tyler Swain and Logan O’Brien. Gray has been drawing audiences at a number of varied venues — where her humor can often be outrageous but appropriately adapted to the setting when necessary — and she’s already done a number of fundraisers for different causes. Other shows booked for February and March include Comix Mohegan Sun, Worcester JCC Gala (comedian-auctioneer) and Milford Brewing Company. She’s in her third year of standup. “I have three kids, I have a very intense job, it was something I wanted to do for myself. It’s like therapy for me. It’s a way to air out my dirty laundry so everyone can hear,” she said. Her first open mic was at the Bull Mansion where so many friends showed up the performance was moved from the venue’s usual stand-up spot to a larger space upstairs. “It went really well. First of all I took one too many gin shots,” Gray recalled. “Someone counted — I think I dropped 50 F-bombs.” Originally from San Jose and the daughter of parents who were from the Philippines, Gray said she might be a bit of an unusual comic for the Worcester scene. “I’m Filipino. You don’t see a lot of almost 50-year-old Asian comics here.” And in what can still be a male-dominated field, “I’m very female-centric. I talk about marriage, sex. I don’t hold back.”

At the Bull Mansion show, Gray “had a ton of friends,” recalled her friend Susan Puryear of Worcester. “It was so crowded. She was nervous but she got up there and she was just a natural. People were dying laughing.” Gray moved to Worcester from the San Francisco Bay area 12 years ago. Coincidentally, so did Puryear. They were about 20 minutes from each other in the Bay area but never met. In Worcester they were two blocks apart and became fast friends. “As soon as you meet her she’s funny,” Puryear said of Gray. “She makes you laugh. I remember we were taking the kids to a walk for a concert and laughing the whole way.” “I think people have always said I should do stand-up,” Gray said. Puryear was one of them. “This was just inevitable,” Puryear said. Gray is now also promoting and producing shows as well as a doing stand-up in them. “I’m very involved with the community. You collect a lot of friends that way. So any show we do I sell out.” Her husband, Tim Gray, has been “very supportive,” she said. “I thought he was going to be the comedian. He was so funny. Then his jokes got stale.” Still, “he dragged me here from San Francisco.” Gray has an MBA from Fordham University and has written articles for the Worcester Business Journal on such topics as “5 things to avoid when investing in any technology big or small.” Asked if her shows have ever shocked friends or business associates, Gray said of her friends, “I don’t know if they were ever shocked. These are the folks who were encouraging me. People at my companies, some of them are surprised because it’s such a dry environment.” In the business world Gray said she has seen the double-standard of “rooms full of profanity” where if

Comedian Cindy Gray will be hosting an event at WooHaHa! Comedy Club on Feb. 13. ASHLEY GREEN

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incredible,” Puryear said. “She’s a connector. She connects with her audience. She’s just building this beautiful network of people, not just audiences but other comedians. It’s been such a benefit to Worcester. Cindy loves Worcester. She’s always thinking about who else can benefit from this. She does a lot of fundraising. She has the most generous spirit.” Gray said “I love Worcester and where it is headed. Great to be part of this city during these amazing times.” She particularly enjoys the role of comedian-auctioneer (Gray served in that capacity at the 2019 Harvey Ball). “That’s as fun as hell. Give them a nice show and get them to donate,” she said. As for how far she would like to go in the show business world of comedy, she said, “It would be fun to open for a big comedian.” However, “I do this for fun,” she added. “This is my side hustle. I’m not trying to do this for a living. If I do a show in New York I’m going to fly. I’m going to drink good liquor and eat well. And I may get seven minutes (to perform), and I may not get paid. I like doing it because it’s so much fun.”

“For the Love of Comedy Show” hosted by Cindy Gray When: 8 p.m. Feb. 13 Where: The Woohaha! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester How much: $25. www.thewoohaha. com; tickets.vendini.com

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men do the talking it is accepted but if a woman does “it’s considered to be vulgar.” “If you spend a few minutes with her you get a few minutes of uncensored Cindy, which I think people find refreshing,” said Puryear. “Cindy is very much genuinely who she is, but she’s really thoughtful about her audience.” At a show at the Worcester Country Club, the club “had their guidelines on language and humor, and she killed it, she killed the show,” Puryear said. “She brought in other comedians and gave them the guidelines and they all killed it. She was even able to make fun of being able to soften things.” “Some bookers are very particular,” Gray said. “They have their own definition of clean. I can do corporate, nonprofit. I can do a ladies night out.” She said she practices at open mics and “sometimes on my children and family. If I can make a 7-year-old laugh or a 14-year-old laugh, I’m going to go for it.” What she doesn’t really go for is political humor. “I tried it once in Marlboro. I thought they were going to like it. I did a priest joke. They liked that. I did a Trump joke — no. I haven’t mastered the way of doing a political joke and making it non-political.” But Gray doesn’t subscribe to an attitude that “because you’ve only been doing it so long you’ve got to tough it out. I’m going to do what I can to get myself out there.” That includes promoting shows. “When you promote your show you get to control who’s going to be on there so that’s always fun,” she said. “I’m so proud. She’s just getting better and better. Just watching her grow from show to show is

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FEATURED

‘I don’t think I will ever see that anywhere else’ For its short life, Bull Man-

sion was one of Worcester’s most daring arts venues BILL SHANER

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hen the news broke last week that Bull Mansion had been sold to a new owner, with new plans for the space, it marked the end of a chapter in the building’s storied history. For a few years, the historic old home was one of the most progressive, experimental food and event spaces in the city. Under the leadership of owner Victoria Mariano, with major support from event planner Nikki Luparelli and others, the building was home to mixed-medium art and music shows, raves, vaudeville performance art, drag queen brunches, comedy and more, as well as operating as a full restaurant for most of its existence. Mariano says it’s the building itself that made it such a special venue. “There isn’t a place that is considered a small venue that is that gorgeous,” she said, noting that the space had a smaller capacity than Electric Haze, which she also owns. “Being able to have 100 to 200 person capacity in a place with marble walls, intricate woodworking, a grand kind of feeling to it. It really allows professionals to have a space they deserve.” She said the building’s architectural beauty lent newer acts a sense of legitimacy; appearances are important at the start of an artist or musician’s career. “When a new fan sees a pic of the venue the band is playing, it changes their whole perception of what caliber that musician might be.” Bands and visual artists still use Bull Mansion pictures to advertise themselves, she said. Now, it remains to be seen whether the new owner will pick up the mantle and continue to use the historic old space in a similar manner. Last week, the Bull Mansion building, at 55 Pearl St., was sold to a Rhode Island-based company for $1.16 million. The building’s assessed value is $699,900. Jackson Song, the owner of Arkland LLC, a company based out of Johnson, Rhode Island, told the Worcester Business Journal he purchased the building because of its sturdy character, and said he plans

Victoria Mariano, former owner of Bull Mansion. ASHLEY GREEN

FEATURED

with art everywhere. “Everyone was just celebrating art in the city so much and it was really beautiful,” she said. But the event that truly used the space to the best of its potential, Mariano said, was the Haunted Speakeasy. Booked by Luparelli, the Haunted Speakeasy would, every several months, completely transform the space. “You literally walked in and you felt like you were in the early 1900s,” she said. “It was so realistic.” Of course, it wasn’t all roses. There were downsides to using such a historic space as an entertainment venue. Sometimes, especially during rowdier music shows, the space would not necessarily be respected — gum everywhere, broken features, and the one time during a rave that a fire extinguisher was set off on the fourth floor. “So there was a certain level of disrespect that was hard for me to watch, to be honest, and toward the end I was getting a little bitter about inviting people to come to the space,” she said. But the good times were really good. As we spoke at the bar at Electric Haze, Mariano recounted a time during one of the Haunted Speakeasies in which she found the coat closet stuffed to the brim with shoes while working to make sure the kitchen was closed up. “It was completely filled. A pile of shoes. 30 pairs easily, maybe more. Heels everywhere. So then you go to the ballroom and everyone is just whipping around the room with their shoes off. Dancing so hard,” she said. “They were just feeling it so much they couldn’t have their shoes on anymore. Never in my life in a public space … I don’t think I will ever see that anywhere else.”

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to bring in an operator to reopen Bull Mansion as a function space. Two posts to the company’s Facebook page have given a small glimpse into what the pair have in mind for a concept, but concrete details have yet to emerge. Bull Mansion hasn’t held an event since about September, when the state seized the building’s liquor license for failure to pay back taxes. As part of the sale, which closed last Thursday, $76,000 in back taxes were paid. Speaking by phone, Luparelli said the decision to revoke the liquor license killed significant momentum event planners at the space had been building for months prior. Events such as Haunted Speakeasy and $H!tfaced Standup were starting to pull the venue into the black, she said. “We were doing well. We were starting to turn a profit. We were doing amazing events. It’s just sad. It’s a beautiful spot, a haunted spot,” she said. “That’s what destroyed us.” Luparelli is still working to put Haunted Speakeasy on, moving it to the former Citizen Wine Bar location. The event pulled in a lot of business for Bull Mansion, but the character of Bull Mansion also helped sell the event, she said. Her attempts to reach out to the new ownership have so far proved fruitless, and she’s worried she won’t be able to hold events there anymore. “It’s stressful and it’s sad. I cried a lot of tears over losing the Bull,” she said. Of all the events, the one Mariano looks back on most fondly is the Pow! Wow! Worcester opening party, which also served as opening night for Bull Mansion, way back in 2016. The place was stuffed with 300 people, a culturally diverse crowd

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CITY VOICES

POETRY TOWN

‘Spending my twenties in dives ...’

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NIKK LESSARD

spending my twenties in dives that once carried treasure what is treasure other than things we give worth to loneliness is like alcohol a little is okay but don’t get lost in it ghosts wale in the ship room vibrations carry I cant explain my reasons endless mindless prohibition leads to yearning, yearning causes chaos control your chaos you can hear jazz down the street but we head to the grove as we walk down green there was once a cove here, that gave refuge to some rolling stones there was drinking hole near by that was covered in secret walls that held the elixir to life everlasting but it’s nothing but memory now cultural pirates took the locals for all they had wet pavement cracks beneath each step we take the neon calls your attention while the drums are rumbling I heard if you eat here, you live forever. Nikk Lessard is a poet who lives in Worcester.

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FIRST PERSON

‘Retire,’ ‘expire’ ... it’s just semantics JOE FUSCO JR.

third-world country. I’d like to buy a burial plot and graze sheep in the ensuing t a family gathering, my years, but Notre Dame Cemetery niece asked if I plan to frowned upon the idea. retire soon. I’ve struck a deal with my oldI had consumed a few beers and thought she asked, “Are est son to make my services at Mercadante Funeral as bizarre you planning to expire soon,” as possible including a “Get your To which I replied, “Jesus, I god-damn hands off my coffin” hope not!” recording to startle unsuspecting I just turned 65. If everything goes right, I can retire comfortably mourners. I wonder about God a lot. in 20 years. I guess I’m not ready to retire/ Which brings us back to the expire anytime soon. retire/expire confusion. I need the money and like being The status of my health is tricky. alive. My heart and mind seem fine. A lot of people still depend on I covet kidney-stones like preme and value my opinion even cious jewels. My right hip, left knee, and right though, at this point, it is entirely unfiltered. shoulder are bionic. My dreams still outnumber I’ve also begun to hot-flash and my regrets … not by much … but cry at the end of Adam Sandler who’s counting? comedies but my primary-care doctor assures me it’s normal for Joe Fusco Jr. is a poet and humormy age. I’ve started to really think about ist who lives in Worcester. The End. I extended my term life-insurance at a cost that would feed a

CITY VOICES

WORCESTERIA

Wormtown rides for the Miss Worcester Diner BILL SHANER

DEFEND MISS WORCESTER AT ALL COSTS: Worcester rides hard for Miss Worcester, I guess. But should we really be surprised? In the pantheon of great Worcester institutions, Miss Worcester — with its French toast, huge character and pin-up flare — is in the conversation if we’re going to talk about all time greats. Last week, when news broke (oh, who broke that again?) that Harley-Davidson had sent a cease-and-desist letter to the diner for use of its logo in a hand-painted mural atop the side, all of Worcester seemed to rise up and say step off, Harley. The energy was so much that even Mayor Joe Petty stepped in, with a Facebook post urging the company to reconsider its decision. “(The diner) is just as American an icon as is Harley-Davidson. What is more American than a meal at a diner? What is more emblematic of America’s love for the open road than riding a Harley? While I know that brand protection is important, I do not believe that there is any confusion in this case. I am inviting you to join me for breakfast at the Miss Worcester Diner. You will see for yourself that there is no appropriation of your brand.” For personal, selfish reasons, I would love to see Harley executives and Petty interact. What a time that would be. But Joe’s words, though righteous, sort of ring a little hollow when you think about how hard Worcester City Hall has come down in the past on local businesses that riff on its city seal in logos and advertisements. Back in 2014, the city moved to make its city seal much more protected with an ordinance that leveled hefty fines on those who use it. At the time, City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. said such uses of the city seal “can mislead the public to think that the city of Worcester is placing its reputation and integrity to encourage certain activities or to patronage certain businesses.” Sounding a lot like Harley there, Worcester.

on Millbury Street, had its moment in the sun on Super Bowl Sunday, at least for local audiences. The bar, with its cabaret flare and cozy show space, was featured prominently in an ad for DCU Federal Credit Union. It was really neat to see the bar get a shout out like that, and I must say it gets my endorsement as being a top five best bar in the city, easily. It is my hope that this ad drives some business Nick’s way. I would really like for it to survive the coming small business apocalypse in that area.

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LONG LIVE NICK’S: Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, the spooky-cool bar

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ROSEN THE TRANSIT WARRIOR: It can be an easy trap to fall into, pegging a politician for past stances and comments to be a forever enemy of your interests. But politicians, like regular people, can learn and grow, and I gotta say, I’m proud of how far City Councilor Gary Rosen has come on the transit front. He went from being a whipping post for his “obsolete” WRTA comments to someone who is actively working to make the bus system less awful. Recently, he’s come out as a key advocate for the idea of fare-free buses, as that issue has gained major traction both in Worcester and around the country. He secured chairmanship of the council subcommittee that deals with public transportation and held hearings. Now, he’s again put himself in a position of further influence. About a week and a half ago, he secured a seat on the WRTA Advisory Board, taking the city’s position, which was once held by Jake Sanders in the City Manager’s Office. What we get here is a vocal advocate for change replacing what we might call a careful steward of the interest of the City Manager’s Office. Whether Rosen will be able to effect any change with this role remains to be seen, but he is a lot closer than he was to being in a position to do so. I’ve given Rosen a lot of flack through the years, and likewise he’s given it back, but on this I think he deserves a lot of credit.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

ArtsWorcester Exhibitions ArtsWorcester kicked off the new decade with a pair of concurrent shows at its Portland Street gallery. The first was the 16th Annual College Show, which was juried by Lynne Cooney, artistic director and chief curator of the Boston University Art Galleries. The 73 pieces selected included work from students at Assumption College, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester State University, Becker College, Clark University, WPI, Anna Maria College, Quinsigamond Community College and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services. The other exhibit, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inside Out,â&#x20AC;? featured work by multi-media artist Rachel Chambers, who is searching for textures and colors that resonate with childlike wonder.

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Photos by Dylan Azari

COVER STORY

The cover song is often a musician’s moneymaker ... here’s what happened when we asked 50 to cover each other

STORY BY VICTOR D. INFANTE, PHOTOS BY DYLAN AZARI

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Worcester Magazine

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Song Swap The Great

COVER STORY

ne day last week, I was greeted by the sound of someone playing a serviceable rendition of Billy Joel’s “She’s Got A Way” on the piano in the lobby of the Mercantile Center. Not one of my favorite songs, but I stopped and listened for a moment, before going on about my business. This is, overwhelmingly, how most workaday musicians make

their living: Playing covers of famous songs in bars, restaurants and other public spaces. Just look at the propensity of cover and tribute bands playing around the region in the past few weeks, playing the music of the Rolling Stones, the Who, Van Halen, the Beatles and more. Local singer-songwriter James Keyes has a full songbook of original material, but knows he has

to lean on a familiar crowdpleaser once in a while, saying, “It depends on the crowd. Good crowds are willing to listen but some gigs you really gotta coddle them and soften them up with some stuff they know, otherwise it’s torches and pitchforks.” To which singer-songwriter Lovina replies, “Torches, pitchforks and ‘Freebird!’” Country-flavored singer-songwriter Sean Ryder, who recalls

someone asking him to play the Black Eyed Peas’ “My Humps,” says he’ll play 75% to 80% for a solo bar gig, 100% if he’s playing with the band Backyard Swagger. Sarah Fard, who performs as Savoir-Faire, says she plays six to 10 in a threehour set, including jazz standards. There are exceptions — vocalist Tyra Penn only sings jazz and blues songs, while others play few or none at all.

TRADING PLACES

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And of course, there are a lot of ways to re-purpose another musician’s work: You can play the song straight, like you hear in a movie soundtrack. Think Echo & the Bunnymen covering the Doors’ “People Are Strange” in “Lost Boys.” Maybe you personalize it, shift the genre or the perspective, maybe the gender of the persona. Maybe you translate it into another language, or mash it up with another song. Maybe you parody it, “Weird” Alstyle. Extrapolating it a bit further, maybe you sample it, or remix it, turn it into something entirely new. That’s big in the hip-hop world. Still, it makes one wonder: What makes a cover song tick, makes it more than a soulless karaoke ghost of the original? And perhaps more importantly, what’s lost when those original songs aren’t getting heard? There are numerous ways to answer those questions, but the most fun way seemed to be to solicit local and locally connected musicians to cover randomly assigned songs by their colleagues. Mind, I have a history with this sort of thing, arranging “Great Cover Song Challenges” that had musicians covering the likes of Phil Collins, Air Supply and Madonna. But this was something different, and ultimately far more personal.

“

Clockwise from top left: Kevin Kvein; Sean Ryder; from left, Stan Matthews, Ken Macy, J Hams (on drums), Jacob Leevai and Jenith Charpentier.

’m all for stuff like this,” says singer-songwriter Amanda McCarthy of New Hampshire, who ended up covering Carlin Tripp’s “Time Is On Our Side.” She regularly takes part in a show of local musicians covering each other, so this prospect didn’t faze her. Others were more reluctant. “I was intimidated,” said Worcester poet Tony Brown, of the Duende Project. “I mean, I know some of these people. What if we screw it up?” Trey Holton, of the hard-core band River Neva and Eurydice, the electronic duo with his wife, Amanda Holton, says, “We were terrified because … the artist was going to hear our renditions of their songs. Amanda and I tend to rework our covers and it was a fear of ours that our stylistic choices wouldn’t do the original justice in the artist’s eyes ... or possibly our

COVER STORY

song? What would they do with it?” Most of the artists involved approached the project with a mix of enthusiasm and trepidation, such as local country artist Stan Matthews, who covered McCarthy’s “Elephant in the Room.” “I think it’s a great idea to reinterpret a local songwriter’s work,” he says, “but I was petrified to go outside of my comfort zone and cover an awardwinning songwriter’s work.” He also covered “Rocketship,” by his friend Amazing Dick. On the other hand, local musician Doug Geer “thought it was a terrible idea. Mainly because our songs are relatively — or in my case completely — unknown and listeners wouldn’t have that backof-mind familiarity for comparison. Boy was I wrong and gladly so.”

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own.” They ended up with local folk favorite Matt Robert’s “Won’t You Take Me There.” Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys didn’t have time to record a cover, but they offered up their song “Walls,” which was snagged by the Duende Project. Indeed, a lot of artists who were not in a position to make a recording were happy to supply songs, balancing out the fair number of artists who sing and play music, but don’t write. My Silent Bravey offered “Hideaway,” which went to local artist J Hams, and the Marshall Project offered their song “Abilene,” which was covered by Nashville singer-songwriter Sumiko. “I was so excited by the mystery of the whole thing,” says Broken Toys member Edrie. “Who would get our track? Would they hate our

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Rich “Amazing Dick”Leufstedt.

COVER STORY

THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME?

at first that her work was cut out for her, but that fear turned to excitement after she saw a comment from Charpentier “saying she hoped it would get chopped up in ways that she didn’t expect, so I felt really free to do that. An even more outre poem, “Statesmanlike,” by Uxbridge-turned-New Mexico poet ne thing that became Rich Boucher, was handled with inquickly apparent as the dustrial flair by local artist Itoarazi. project got underway One-time Worcester poet Morris was that every musician Stegosaurus, performing music as works differently. Musicians were Epistolary, had his quirky “Axolotl” asked to provide a recording of the get a pop makeover into “As Infants song being played, and if possible, We are Infinite,” by 13-year-old lyrics and chords. Some had sheet California singer Katyana Hall. music, some didn’t. Geer gave Jennings says she cried when Keyes his song, “Train Whistle Cry,” she first heard Ryder’s “Small Town which only existed as lyrics. “I was Blue.” “Broken hearts, alcohol surprised when I got only the lyrabuse, drunk driving and resultics,” says Keyes, “but kind of excited ing death, and suicide all in under when I realized I had complete 5 minutes,” she says, “it was an freedom to craft music to them.” emotional ride of sadness, lost Southern California artist Jaimes hope, and regrets. So I wondered: Palacio thought local singer-songhow can I perform this song and writer Kim Jennings “In The Valley get through it without sobbing Of The Shadow” “seemed right up through each take and feel what my alley: rock with a tinge of dark- I’m feeling and really honor this ness. The kind of song I would acsong?” tually buy if I heard it somewhere.” And of course, while they were He transformed the song into an exploring their new musical offbeat video, which is his regular discoveries, the musicians were medium. Ryder says he instantly acutely aware their own work was related to 33 Leaves’ “Lonesome being examined just as closely. House,” calling it, “Melancholic yet rockin’.” “I knew right away I wanted to strip the arrangement to the bone and let the lyrics carry the weight of the emotion,” he said. “Yet it was important to me to keep the frame of the song, the chord progression was DEEPLY curious,” says and the tempo. That became the Brown. He didn’t know challenge.” musician Michael GutierMatt Robert got Mauro Derez-May at all, even though Pasquales’ “Duende is Dying,” which only existed as sheet music, he lives in Brown’s hometown of Uxbridge, so he wasn’t sure what but Worcester poet Jenith Charwould happen with Duende’s pentier, collaborating with local contribution, “Crumbs,” a piece musician-poet Sou Macmillan as of social commentary that is part Fishtank, didn’t just get the lyrics poem, part song. and chords to Ari Charbonneau’s Robert says the experience was “Light the Fire,” she also got an “Scary. Songs are personal and reinstructional video on how to play the chords, which Charpentier ap- ally vulnerable.” Others were more enthusiastic. preciated. “I’m a poet with a guitar “I freaking loved the idea,” says I don’t know how to play yet and I knew I would be collaborating with local singer-songwriter Lindy Loop. “There is a degree of madness in a musician — but I totally bought a capo and learned the four chords writing music and a fair amount in this song and I can play them all, of vulnerability in writing lyric. I was excited to hear how someone but not in tempo yet or switching else interpreted the pieces of ‘me’ I between them faithfully without dared to share,” in her song. “I Lost looking at my hands, but I kind You,” which was covered by local of love that this is totally the first jazz artist Brian Sampson. song I can play at all.” For Geer, “having another artist Charpentier’s poem “Alice” went cover one of my songs was kind to Johanna Imhoff, who thought

of a bucket list item. Just to step back and see if what I wrote held up without what I brought to the song … The thing about songwriting is you work in the vacuum of your own head. With no real idea

if what you are writing is even remotely good. So it was amazing to see someone take what you did and apply their own creativity.” Charbonneau, concurs, saying, “I was really interested to hear

someone cover one of my songs, and then when I finally heard it … Wow. Goosebumps. I felt like Van Gogh walking around in modern day, seeing ‘Sunflowers’ or ‘Starry, Starry Night’ on a calendar or a

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ON THE OTHER FOOT

“

Above, from left, Worcester-area musicians Ken Macy, Lovina, Mauro DePasquale, Kevin Kvein, Brian Sampson and Chris Lawton at the “American Hustle” table at Nick’s. Below, Pamela Tiger of Punk Rock TreeHouse.

COVER STORY

Remember folks, tip your musicans well!

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

played “Grey” by locals Punk Rock TreeHouse “over and over, singing over an acoustic in my room. Once I got the song down I started playing with it to make my version sound better and/or more ‘me.’ At first it was small things but eventually I changed some chords, and the phrasing of one of the parts. I was nervous about doing that because I didn’t know if it would rub the writer the wrong way, but it felt better when I did it so I kept it. And I made it a touch faster.” Singersongwriter Ken Macy did much the same with the Casters’ “Simple Things,” saying “I read the lyrics to find out the true meaning and internalized it. Once I listened to it a few times I reworked some of the lyrics and added a few new chords to play it how I would play it.” Keyes said that, when tackling Geer’s song, “I imagined myself as the singer in a band whose singer would write lyrics like that. I think I had a little advantage being able to write the whole tune though.” Trey and Amanda Holton had a bit of an opposite problem, as their track

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coffee mug, or like how people must feel hearing elevator versions of a song they made. There was that element of feeling out of my body, like a ghost, and also, there was a feeling of pride, like it was worthy of being covered. The rendition was breathtaking.” Ultimately, the challenge was to tear the songs apart and put them together again in the performer’s own voice and style, and that meant putting self-consciousness aside and getting to work. J Hams was faced with the fact that the My Silent Bravery song “checks all the right boxes for an adult contemporary radio hit. The chorus — It gave me some boy band (Backstreet Boys, NSYNC) vibes. It seemed fully resolved to me and very optimistic — if not even spiritual ... WHICH AINT MY STYLE! So that in there is where the challenge is. Upon researching the tune more I listened to some additional material from them, fronted by Matthew Wade.” Worcester Magazine reporter Bill Shaner, also a musician, says he

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COVER STORY

was “well-written, played, and recorded, so we had great source material to play with. The original was a progressive, slow build that kept adding dynamics as it went. It also told a great, dark story so we wanted to make sure we kept all of the lyrical content intact and in the same structure … Amanda suggested the screaming vocals on the pre-chorus to add to the aggression of our version and found a very creative way of piecing the story together within the different parts of the song. We essentially made a very cool acoustic tune into a groove metal song, which are very contrasting styles.” The artists were given roughly two months to produce their cover, but life got in the way and some songs were handed over to other artists to transform them entirely. Royalston’s Pariah took Gracie Day’s steamy country song “A Little Closer” and remixed it into an R&B number with a hip-hop beat, and local DJ DjWhizPk took singer-songwriter Keno Capitol’s song “Hide and Seek,” and remixed it into an edgy “future trap” track. Perhaps the most dramatic transformation was with The River Neva’s song, which was sampled down into a dirty hip-hop beat by Worcester hip-hop producer StuWrites. Then, to take it even one step further, Worcester rapper VOG the Healer laid down an original rap over the beat, resulting in an entirely new song, “We All We Got.” The transformation is staggering, especially watching it happen in real time as each artist handed the track off to the next. In the end, it seemed that, ultimately, the process become one of not just figuring out the song they were assigned, but also finding something of themselves in it, something beautiful they could relate to, and bringing those qualities forward.

GOT IT COVERED

“

sually, we choose covers because we love them to begin with,” says Danielle Staples Magario of Fox and the Dragon, who covered “It’s Our Time” by former Worcester poet Kyria Abra-

hams. “We want to perform the song in our style but also attempt to ring true to the original where possible. This is easier for us with acoustic songs since we’re acoustic. When we cover hip-hop or rock, it gets trickier and sometimes we’re forced to change key or rhythm to make it make sense for us.” All of which begs the question: Does the artist bear some responsibility to the original version when they cover a song. For Geer, the answer is “Yes and no. I mean, in most cases you respect it enough to do it in the first place, but you disrespect it enough to think you can do a better version of it. But my take is — the one thing you need to accomplish when covering a song is to bring something new to it ... otherwise you are just doing a bullcrap karaoke version, like ‘Live and Let Die’

From left, J Hams, Jacob Leevai, Lindy Loops, Matt Robert, Milo and Sean Ryder. Below, some of the artists who participated in the Song Swap at Nick’s Bar and Restaurant.

by Guns N’ Roses.” Sometimes, that something of themselves takes the form of styling. Fard says it “depends on the song, the setting, and reason for covering it. At Nick’s, for example, contemporary covers are usually done with a new flavor to them, in

the tradition of jazz! But something like the Fiona Apple show I did this fall makes me want to try to stay true to the original and bring that specific arrangement to life.” DePasquale on the other hand, says he absolutely feels a responsibility to the original version and to

its composer. “Composing is an intimate process,” he says. “An artist reaches deep within their soul and, through the writing process, shares their feelings publicly. It takes a lot of courage to do that. The artist and their work deserve respect.”

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

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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18-year-old, Worcester-based artist studying at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. She would like to major in illustration, animation or art education – she has many interests. Germain has been in art classes since she was 3 years old, taking the “Mommy and Me” classes at the Worcester Art Museum. Her mother is truly the reason she is as successful as she is. She has won a Gold and a Silver Key (as well as four Honorable Mentions) in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, been published in Celebrating Art magazine (an art magazine sponsored by Blick) twice, and has earned a Certificate of Congressional Recognition in the arts. She is currently applying to an internship at Disney Pixar for over the summer.

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Angela Germain is an

CITY LIFE

LIFESTYLE

How to celebrate Galentine’s Day in Worcester

SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

efore American women embraced fourth-wave feminism or turned out to march in their “pink” hats, we had Leslie Barbara Knope encouraging us to raise one another up on Galentine’s Day. Knope, the character portrayed by Amy Poehler on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” is a public servant noted for celebrating her fellow women in the fictional city of Pawnee, Indiana. Poehler won a Golden Globe for the role in 2014, but my favorite episode — dubbed “Galentine’s Day” — aired even earlier in the show’s lifespan, back in February of 2010. Tune into Season 2 Episode 16 on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime and behold an unequivocal masterpiece. In the episode, Knope stares straight into the camera and asks, “What’s Galentine’s Day?” She waits a beat and then answers her own question with, “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it breakfast style — ladies celebrating ladies.” Knope showers her friends with waffles, personalized crafts, and long-form essays describing the individual qualities that make each of them so special. “It’s like Lilith Fair minus the angst and plus frittatas,” she concludes. Does it get any better than that? (K)nope. Like all special occasions, Gal-

entine’s Day has been co-opted by corporate America. Hallmark, Lindt Chocolate, and Target — just to name a few — have all cashed in. But, smaller local retailers are also using Galentine’s Day as an opportunity to promote female entrepreneurs. Here are a few Galentine’s festivities set to take place right here in Worcester:

deadhorse hill On Monday, Feb. 10, deadhorse hill will host a special sip, shop and support market at 281 Main Street in honor of Galentine’s Day from 6-9 p.m. This is the perfect opportunity to scoop up Galentine’s goodies for the women in your life who are always raising you up. Local vendors include: Jess Baer Ceramics, Sludge House Ceramics, Perri Sylvester Jewelry, Sarah Wormann Art, Crose Nest Collective, Hey Bird Handmade, Defined Beauty Essentials, Teri Goulette of Say Cheese, and Caroline of Revitalize Massage. A public invitation issued by General Manager Julia Auger states, “Join us in appreciating ourselves and our community. We’ll be sipping on natural wines, fresh cocktails and eating Teri’s Grilled Cheese sandwiches straight out of the kitchen!” Attendees are also invited to participate in Tarot reading and a Jane Fund Raffle with prizes from womenowned businesses across Worcester. The Jane Fund is a local organization dedicated to reproductive justice and comprehensive health care that includes bodily autonomy.

Sip and shop at the Make Like a Girl market in honor of Galentine’s Day on February 13. SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

Crompton Place Crompton Place is also celebrating Knope’s legacy with a Galentine’s Sip & Shop on Feb. 13 from 5-8 p.m. The Make Like a Girl market will pop up in the lobby adjacent to The Haberdash, Seed to Stem, and Bedlam Book Cafe — just upstairs from Crompton Collective and Alexis Grace, who plan to stay open late for the evening. Wine from 90+ will be available for purchase for 21+ attendees. Birchtree Bread Co. is hosting a

special Galentine’s edition of pizza night in honor of the occasion.

Redemption Rock Brewing Co. “Parks and Recreation” is a taproom staple at Redemption Rock Brewing, located just off Shrewsbury Street. On Feb. 13 from 5-11 p.m., fans of the show will enjoy JJ’s Diner-style waffles from The Burgundian along with eight rounds of epic Pawnee trivia. Organizers encourage guests

to dress the part of their favorite “Parks and Rec” personality, although costumes are not required. The beauty of Galentine’s Day is that it serves women of every relationship status. Whether you’re single, married or consciously uncoupling, you can fully enjoy this holiday by seeking out female-owned businesses across the city of Worcester. Pop the bubbles and “Treat Yo’ Self ” (my second favorite “Parks and Recreation” micro-holiday) because you and your girls deserve it.

TABLE HOPPIN’

Samuel Slater’s chef is passionate about food BARBARA M. HOULE

eith Polaina has been at Samuel Slater’s — Indian Ranch’s flagship restaurant on the shores of Lake Chaubunagungamaug, also known as Webster Lake — since it opened in 2018, first working with former executive chef Michael Winslett and then assuming the position of executive chef last fall.

The Webster venue is busy year round but especially in warmer weather when Indian Ranch hosts live entertainment and a summer concert series in its outdoor amphitheater. Polaina creates menus for VIPs who dine at Samuel Slater’s before concerts, and he’s also in charge of food brought aboard the Indian Ranch Princess paddlewheel boat that cruises the lake for special events and tours. Then it’s a

round of wine dinners, beginning in the fall, in addition to dinner hours, special functions and parties. The chef is both passionate and driven. He’s a self-proclaimed workaholic. Born and raised in Putnam, Connecticut, Polaina said he has had a strong love for food and cooking since he was a youngster. “When I was around 2, I asked my mother for a kitchen set and she got me

one. I think my father wasn’t so crazy about the idea at first,” said Polaina. First job: dishwasher at 16. Polaina acknowledges that it’s a long road from dishwasher to chef, but working from the ground up gives you a lot of practical experience if you do want to work in the industry, he said. Polaina went to Lincoln Culinary Institute in Connecticut for

culinary arts, graduating second in his class. He interned and was chef at the former Harvest restaurant in Connecticut, where he originally met executive chef Michael Winslett. Other stints include executive chef at former J D Coopers Restaurant in Putnam and Thompson Speedway in Connecticut, one of his favorite places to work early in

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 21

CITY LIFE

Green Sisters set for John Henry’s coffeehouse debut RICHARD DUCKET T

Q: What do you enjoy the most at a performance? A: We really love the camaraderie with audiences, and the feeling of connection that often comes!

PROMOTIONAL PHOTO

we were to pick a “standard” lineup, it might be Mel on bass, Beck on mandolin, Brie on guitar, and Bets on fiddle ( from stage right to left).

Q: Do you have day jobs/partners/ children? A: Melody is a daycare director and has a boyfriend that she very much likes. Betsy is a mechanical engineer and has another band with her handsome husband, Scott, called Green Heron. Brianna is a kick-ass park ranger and has a boyfriend named Andy that will kick anyone’s butt at bowling. Rebecca is a nursing student who thought she wanted kids with her husband but after seeing a birth at clinical isn’t too sure anymore. Q: How far would you like to go as a group? Have you ever thought about performing full time? A: Since we’re sisters, we all have different dreams and goals in the

The Green Sisters with Arny Spielberg and Kim Webster opening When: 7 p.m. Feb. 8 Where: John Henry’s Hammer Coffeehouse, First Unitarian Church, 90 Main St., Worcester How much: $15. Tickets at the door or at www.brownpapertickets.com

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

he Green Sisters grew up singing together, often while doing chores on the family farm in Hubbardston. They developed a sound that spans a wide range of bluegrass, barbershop, blues and country, along with lots of original songs. Now the four siblings have been playing together at venues in New England regularly for several years and developed quite a following. On Feb. 8 they’ll be at John Henry’s Hammer Coffeehouse. Opening will be Arny Spielberg and Kim Webster, two well-known local musicians performing together for the first time. The Green Sisters The Green Sisters said they’ve only played in Worcester a couple of times (at Ralph’s Rock Diner for St. yourselves? Patrick’s Day, and at the Sprinkler A: We have been singing together Factory for a Ladies Night Out for as long as we can remember, event). “We wanted to play at John and that includes while cleaning Henry’s Hammer because they have the barn, cutting thistles and stacka great caliber of musicians come ing and cutting wood. We grew up through there, and a listening audi- on a farm in Hubbardston, where ence. Looking forward to it!” our parents still reside. Growing up The Green Sisters took time we listened to a lot of different artrecently to answer some questions ists including the Allman Brothers, via email. George Jones, Nickel Creek, Frank Zappa, Steve Riley & the Mamou Q: OK, perhaps you could introduce Playboys, and Charlie Daniels. yourselves, with your full names, from the eldest to the youngest. Any Q: When did you realize that you other siblings? might have something as a group A: Melody Green, 33. Betsy Heron that could appeal to an audience? (Green), 31. Brianna Green, 30. What was your first gig, and did it Rebecca Mitus (Green), 28. No other inspire you to do more shows? siblings for us! A: We were being asked to play at various friends’ events and wedQ: Are your parents and other dings, and one day Brie said “guys, family members also musically do you want to form a real band?” oriented? And that was that! A: Yes, indeed. Growing up our parents were in a country-western Q: What sort of music do you lean band called The Housejackers who to in shows, or is it a real mix? played locally and also toured in A: We play a wide mix of styles; Germany a couple different times. we all write songs as well, and one We have a very musical family inperson’s tends to sound quite difcluding our grandparents who met ferent from another’s. For covers we at a chorus rehearsal at Bridgewado a pretty large range of bluegrass, ter State approximately 75 years country, blues and more current ago. And they still sing together songs. today! Q:What’s the lineup at a concert Q: When did you start singing in terms of instruments and lead together? Was it on the farm while singers? doing chores? What types of music A: One of our defining features as a did you listen to growing up, and band is that we’re always switching what styles did you start singing instruments, which is a lot of fun. If

musical world; our plan for now is to keep doing what we’re doing and see what happens. But we’re excited to be opening for The Gibson Brothers in Greenfield, Mass., in March (13)! That’ll be our first brush with real bluegrass/country celebrity.

CITY LIFE

DINING

Bright nights, tight fits at Oak Barrel Tavern Oak Barrel Tavern • 229 Grove St., Worcester • (508) 755-8047 • obtavern.com SANDRA RAIN

ast Saturday night, Oak Barrel Tavern was stuffed; you could tell just by looking at the parking lot. Our table for two necessitated a 25-minute wait at 7:30 p.m. — an impressive feat I thought only The Boynton and Quinn’s had mastered. I would have liked to be directed to the bar, or perhaps to one of the six vacant seats that overlooked the crackling wood-burning fireplace, but instead we were relegated to a drafty foyer to mark the time wedged between a coat rack and an equatorial climbing plant. Our anticipation swelled. Inside, guests packed the booths and tippy tables surrounded by exposed brick and framed photos of Worcester’s industrial past. The prominent subway tile I remembered from my last visit had been replaced with muted granite blocks and frosted glass to obscure the kitchen. Edison bulbs trapped inside slender cones and bulbous goldfish bowls shined brightly while the composite

red wood floors fought to absorb some of the blaze. Glowing TVs hung everywhere, including the dining room, and iridescent LED tubes radiated from all corners of the ceiling. Over at the full bar, a variety of tap handles extended from an oak barrel façade. Drafts included a peppy Hop Load Citra from Start Line out of Hopkinton. I ordered the ultimate margarita because it was made with Tequila Avión and I’ve always been a sucker for Turtle from "Entourage" who promotes the brand during an entrepreneurial arc in Season 7. I wouldn’t call it “ultimate” per se, but it was certainly fresh and balanced. Oak Barrel Tavern also prides itself on its extensive whiskey selection, which includes an impressive roster of single barrel bourbons and single malt scotches. The menu is made up of classic pub fare. Start with a metal basket of fried dill pickles, banana peppers, and cherry peppers served with a zippy horseradish sauce. All of the meats that come out of the kitchen seem to share the same distinctive

grill marks. The prime bourbon barbeque burger speaks to Oak Barrel Tavern’s strong branding efforts, both literally and figuratively. The Angus beef prime patty is topped with fried onion strings, pepper jack cheese, and a buttery bun stamped with the words “OBT PRIME.” A side of crinkle fries manage to nip at nostalgia, despite their frozen origins. Main dishes like the St. Louis ribs and the grilled turkey tips are also served with the signature bourbon barbecue sauce for which the restaurant has come to be known. Oak Barrel Tavern has a long list of salads and bowls for the health-conscious among us. The harvest grain bowl combines red quinoa, baby Brussels sprouts, artichoke hearts, and pea shoots with a nutty sesame ginger dressing. A wayward avocado rescued from the refrigerator does its best to brighten up the dish. Families will find themselves right at home in the humming expanse of Oak Barrel Tavern. It’s not a romantic date spot, but the bar area is perfect for watching a game with

friends. Service is rapid and attentive. Don’t be afraid to ask about which dishes are made fresh. On our last dinner for two, the bill came to $73.78. Explanation of Stars: Ratings are from zero to five. Zero is not recom-

mended. One is poor. Two is fair. Three is satisfactory. Four is good. Five is excellent.

Food: HHH Ambience: HHH Service: HHH Value: HHH

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THE NEXT DRAFT

Craft beer captures more Clarkies

Clark economics professor digs into craft beer industry MATTHEW TOTA

n economist specializing in agriculture and land use, Professor Jacqueline Geoghegan’s research has run the gamut from investigating urban renewal and its effects on homeownership rates here, to examining suburbanization in Maryland and Washington, D.C., to studying tropical deforestation in Southern Mexico. Sure, those projects were all big and important. But now, the chair of Clark University’s economics department is working on something of a passion project on craft beer, which has consumed nearly as much of her time and money as 20 years in academia. “You get to a point in one’s career when you can do what you want, and it’s OK. And the students are having a good time,” she said. “This is brand

Clark University Professor Jacqueline Geoghegan has always loved craft beer. Now, she’s digging into the industry as part of a research project at Clark. MATTHEW TOTA

new, and I have no idea what’s going to come out of it, but we’re all in this together.” Last spring, Geoghegan had students in her food economics class pull from industry and census data to create an inventory of New England breweries. She dubbed the project “Beershed.” The 20 undergraduate students, overseen by one doctoral student, were assigned to four groups covering the New England states. They used sales data from Infogroup to develop an initial list of 333 breweries, then cross-referenced that with a directory of each state’s breweries they found on the Brewers Association’s website. Their final spreadsheet lists 664 breweries, including details like their addresses, number of employees, sales volume, opening date and square footage. For Massachusetts, the data include more information,

including the different beers breweries sell, whether they can and how much, the number of hours they’re open per week, and if they brew seasonal styles. Later, data from the American Community Survey provided a more detailed picture of the areas where the breweries resided, such as the population, race, household income, gender breakdown, education and housing information. So far, the data have already inspired one craft beer-focused project: a doctoral thesis on how demographics influence the probability of a brewery opening in a certain place. Keenan Marchesi, a doctoral candidate and the co-instructor of the class, is finalizing his thesis now; he looked at the major roadways near breweries, while using average nighttime lights from the

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

CITY LIFE

THE NEXT DRAFT

TA B L E H O P P I N’

his career. “Honestly, I loved being a speedway chef,” said Polaina. “I gained so much experience on how to operate a restaurant, and I’ll never forget the excitement at the sound of cars racing around the track.” The chef has cooked by invitation at Myrtle Beach and for a short time was chef de cuisine at Dudley Hill Golf Club. Since becoming executive chef at Samuel Slater’s, this creative young chef has put more emphasis on comfort food. “Simple but on point,” he said. He personally favors Asian fusion cuisine for big, bold flavors. His wine dinners attract a broad audience, and The Taste of France Wine Dinner, scheduled Feb. 20 at Samuel Slater’s Restaurant will showcase the chef ’s classical French training. Culinary icon Julia Child is the inspiration for his menu, he said, without offering us a clue to the main entrée. “I was a nervous wreck,” Polaina recalled at his time on center stage at Worcester’s Best Chef competition last month. He won first place Judges’ Choice Award, positioning him to go head to head with two other local chefs. Drew Day of the Flying Rhino Café & Watering won the Iron Chef Award. “I’ve have been a spectator at the competition for years,” said Polaina. “I never thought I would ever be in it. When we opened the mystery basket on stage I had no idea what I would do with the ingredients. You’re racing against the clock and you need to use that adrenaline rush to your advantage. You do feel pressure. “It was a great day and I’ll never forget it. The really best part was having my parents in the audience,” said Polaina. Samuel Slater’s Restaurant, 200 Gore Road, Webster, is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch. Telephone (508) 943-1639. Visit www.samuelslaters.com for more information; connect on Facebook. Chef Keith Polaina shares posts on Instagram. FYI: Polaina is engaged to Caitlin Peters, sous chef at Samuel Slater’s Restaurant. “We’re in friendly competition on the line,” said the chef. “She’ll probably tell you she’s a better cook than I am. She’s really awesome.”

Sweets for your sweethearts

Keith Polaina is executive chef at Samuel Slater’s Restaurant in Webster. RICK CINCLAIR

Burger Bah set to open at Worcester Public Market Albert (Al) Maykel III and Domenic D. Mercurio Jr. have joined forces as owners of the New England Burger Bah at the Worcester Public Market in the Canal District. Maykel is an award-winning chef with local roots and loyal fan base; Mercurio is president of Mercury Media & Entertainment LLC., and founder of the Worcester’s Best Chef competition. Maykel said he originally thought he would just consult when Mercurio approached him with the business idea. “I’m fully committed,” said Maykel, who explained that the men came up with the burger concept because no one else had it. “Wachusett Brewery is a vendor and so what’s better than a nice, juicy burger with fries and a beer?” asked Maykel,

Visitors to New England Burger Bah can expect more than a classic burger. There will be different types of burgers with ethnic flavors, said Maykel, in addition to fries, handmade chips, fried plantains, etc. Maykel has been executive chef at Cohasse Country Club in Southbridge since last spring. He was executive chef at EVO Dining and Bootleggers Prohibition Pub, both located in the Chandler Street building in Worcester owned by his parents, who closed their business, Living Earth, in December. Cathy Young, who was sous chef with Maykel in Worcester, will work at New England Burger Bah. Maykel said he would be at the public market site until Cohasse Country Club opens for the season in the spring. “I’ll go back and forth then,” he said. Mercurio, according to Maykel, “is super excited to learn all the aspects of the business and get his hands dirty.” Hours will be from 11 a.m. 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The

Valentine’s Day-themed desserts will be featured at On the Rise Baking, 1120 Pleasant St., Worcester. The pastry chefs will make a variety of sweet treats, including heart-shaped brownies (kids love them), cake pops, cookies and other traditional favorites. Call (508) 7523809.

Lights out at Mill Street BBQ Mill Street BBQ, 242 Mill St., Worcester, has been closed for more than a month. Last week, a sign on the door read “Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year,” informing diners that the business would reopen Jan. 1, 2020. The owners could not be reached for comment. Brothers Scott Tefft and Bob Tefft opened the restaurant next to Coes Pond in 2019, renovating and adding an outside patio. Scott Tefft of Sterling specializes in barbecue and catering. It appears the longest-running business at the Mill Street spot was Joey’s Bar and Grill before owner Joey Rovezzi relocated to Chandler Street in 2015. If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

National Centers for Environmental Information to measure economic activity for the neighborhoods where breweries were located. His early findings show breweries are more likely to open in areas where other breweries have already set up shop. Marchesi also found that factors such as access to major roadways, high economic activity, and a larger population of young adults are also powerful influences on where a brewery opens. Before putting together the data, the class developed their own set of questions about the craft beer industry that they hoped to answer. Geoghegan did the same, discovering there is so much about the industry that she wants to probe. “What I’m interested in — and what I find interesting about this market — is that brewers want to help each other. That’s not the typical narrow-minded economics model, that you’re in competition,” she said. “Yes, they’re in competition, but there are all these collaborations that happen.” It’s fitting that Geoghegan is using her position at Clark to study craft beer, given the university’s connections to the industry. Wormtown Brewery was founded with a lot of help from Clark’s Business Development Center. And Dave and Jessica Howland, the founders of 3cross Fermentation Cooperative (of which Geoghegan is a member), are Clark alums. I first met Geoghegan at Medusa Brewing Co. in Hudson in December, during its charity sale of glassware from The Dive Bar. She loved the Dive, but admitted that she spends more time at Armsby Abbey. Behind her desk in Jonas Clark Hall office is a small print from last year’s Zwanze Day at Armsby. And there’s evidence of her tastes in beer all around the room, in the form of empty 16-ounce cans. Her affection for craft beer took root while she was a graduate student at the University of California in Berkeley, where she started homebrewing. That hobby lasted until 2002, when she stopped after the birth of her first child. Since then, though, she has immersed herself in the local beer scene, especially Wormtown. “I’ve been drinking Wormtown from the get-go, because they used to be at Peppercorns, and that was the place where faculty would go and hang out,” she said.

Worcester Public Market is closed Mondays. Maykel said he and Mercurio are considering extending weekend hours but no final decision has been made. FYI: Maykel “dusted off his chef ’s coat” when he competed in January’s Worcester’s Best Chef. The 2013 WBC Iron Chef has won numerous awards and sat on the WBC judges’ panel for several years. “It was a great feeling when I walked on stage and accepted third place 2020 WBC People’s Choice Award,” said Maykel, who hasn’t competed in years. “It really was a meaningful win and I’m so grateful.” Grab a burger and schmooze with Maykel at the Worcester Public Market. There’s plenty to talk about! Maykel’s take on the Worcester Public Market, scheduled to open Feb. 6, is that “it’s revitalizing the local food scene.”

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F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 20

CITY LIFE

FILM

Jim Keogh’s

Oscar Picks

JIM KEOGH

chanteuses (see Marion Cotillard’s win for “La Vie En Rose”).

s I watched Anderson Cooper’s interview with Joaquin Phoenix recently, I marveled at how healthy the actor looked since regaining the many pounds he’d shed for “Joker.” Thank goodness. I hadn’t seen shoulder blades that distorted since Natalie Portman’s sprung feathers from hers in “The Black Swan.” Phoenix professes indifference to awards shows, which I assume won’t prevent him from picking up his Academy Award for best actor. He’s a lock. In fact, I’m not sensing any long-shots rising to the occasion at Sunday’s ceremony, though I hold out faint hope for “Parasite.” My picks:

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F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

BEST ACTOR The Nominees: Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Adam Driver (“Marriage Story”), Jonathan Pryce (“The Two Popes”) The Winner: Joaquin Phoenix This one was preordained the moment photos of a makeup-smeared, emaciated Phoenix were released from the “Joker” set. Corrosive mental illness and physical degradation in a single character? Academy voters inhaled this deliciously toxic combination and checked Phoenix’s name in a heartbeat (it’s an Academy, I speculate, boasting a fair complement of members on psych meds and/or body-withering diet regimens). Besides, given Phoenix’s pro-vegan, anti-private jet accep-

tance speech at the Golden Globes, doesn’t everyone just want to hear what he’ll say next? BEST ACTRESS The Nominees: Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet”), Scarlett Johansson (“Marriage Story”), Saorise Ronan (“Little Women”), Charlize Theron (“Bombshell”), Renee Zellweger (“Judy”) The Winner: Renee Zellweger Full disclosure: I haven’t seen “Judy.” Fuller disclosure: I likely never will. This is no knock on Zellweger. My appetite for movies about insecure, addicted stars has ebbed since I watched Bradley Cooper piss his pants in “A Star is Born” and I’ve yet to reboot it. But she did win the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for her performance, a harbinger of Oscar success, and the Academy has a fondness for small films about troubled

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR The Nominees: Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”), Anthony Hopkins (“The Two Popes”), Joe Pesci (“The Irishman”), Al Pacino (“The Irishman”), Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) The Winner: Brad Pitt The New York Times recently wrote a piece positing that Brad Pitt’s talents have gone under-recognized because of his transcendent looks. Few share his burden, including his fellow nominees. But the curse of possessing

perfect bone structure and abdominal muscles the envy of men 30 years younger will be overcome on Sunday when Pitt ambles away with his first Oscar for playing the unruffled stuntman who thwarts the Manson murders — and who looks terrific while doing it. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS The Nominees: Kathy Bates (“Richard Jewell”), Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”), Scarlett Johansson (“Jojo Rabbit”), Florence Pugh (“Little Women”), Margot Robbie (“Bombshell”) The Winner: Laura Dern If you were suing for divorce, Dern’s shark-in-stilletos is the lawyer you’d want. The character’s every instinct is to play hardball at all times, though she will concede (hesitantly) on certain matters if her client can convince her doing so is for the greater good. Despite all the sharp edges, Dern locates a compassionate core. BEST PICTURE The Nominees: “Ford V Ferrari,” “The Irishman,” “Jojo Rabbit,” “Joker,” “Little Women,” “Marriage Story,” “1917,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Parasite” The Winner: “1917” “1917” was a terrific war film, and is the odds-on favorite. It’s got everything the voters love — gritty action sequences, historical context, noteworthy (though not nominated) performances, and a

showy gimmick: the entire movie is filmed in what appears to be a single take (it isn’t). In my perfect world, the Korean social satire “Parasite” would win the day. This is a film with urgent things to say about the widening canyon between the wealthy and poor, and said them with grim insight and soaring humor. Pairing the words “Korean social satire” and “best picture” will require the Academy to shatter its own sound barrier and do something radical. Do it!

Richard Duckett’s Oscar Picks RICHARD DUCKETT BEST ACTOR: Joaquin Phoenix

(“Joker”)

BEST ACTRESS: Renee Zellweger

(“Judy”)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”)

BEST PICTURE: “1917”

FILM CAPSULES “1917” — Two young British privates during WWI must cross through enemy territory to warn their fellow soldiers of an impending ambush in director Sam Mendes’ real-time thriller. (1:50) R. “Abominable” — Three friends try to reunite a young Yeti with his family in the Himalayas in this animated adventure. With the voices of Chloe Bennet, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson. (1:32) PG-13.

“Bad Boys for Life” — Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reunite for one last go-round as Miami narcotics detectives. With Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Del Castillo, Nicky Jam, Joe Pantoliano. Written by Chris Bremner, Peter Craig, Joe Carnahan; story by Craig, Carnahan. (2:03) R.

jaded journalist. (1:48) PG.

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — Tom Hanks slips on the friendly cardigan of children’s TV show host Fred Rogers to dispense lessons in kindness to Matthew Rhys’

“Cats” — The long-awaited film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1981 blockbuster stage musical based on the poetry of T.S. Eliot arrives with an all-star cast of felines singing and

“Bombshell” — Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie play Fox News employees whose allegations of sexual harassment help topple network founder Roger Ailes. (1:48) R.

dancing in styles ranging from ballet to tap to hip-hop. PG. “Coda” — A celebrated pianist in the twilight of his career gets a new lease on life thanks to a female music critic several years his junior. With Patrick Stewart, Katie Holmes, Giancarlo Esposito, Drew Davis, Catherine St. Laurent, Paul Van Dyck. (1:37) NR.

“Dolittle” — Robert Downey Jr. headlines as the veterinarian who can talk to the animals in this effects-laden adventure tale. With Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Tom Holland. (1:46) PG. “Ford v Ferrari” — Matt Damon is American car designer Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale is British racer Ken Miles in this fact-based drama. (2:32) PG-13. C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E

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FILM CAPSULES

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 22

Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep. (2:14) PG.

“Frozen II” — Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven join Elsa as she searches for the truth behind her powers in this sequel to the blockbuster 2013 animated musical. With the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel. (1:43) PG.

“Midway” — The story of the critical World War II Pacific Theater battle between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy in June 1942.

“The Gentlemen” — An American drug kingpin in London faces threats to his empire. With Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant. (1:53) R. “Gretel & Hansel” — A young girl and her little brother find terror in the deep woods in this reimagining of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. With Sophia Lillis, Samuel Leakey, Jessica De Gouw, Alice Krige. (1:27) PG-13. “Judy” — Renée Zellweger portrays Judy Garland during the legendary entertainer’s run of sold-out stage shows in 1968 London. (1:58) NR. “Jumanji: The Next Level” — Danny Glover and Danny DeVito join Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan in this sequel to the 2017 action adventure hit about young people trapped in a video game. (1:54) PG-13.

“Like a Boss” — Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne star as cosmetics entrepreneurs whose financially shaky business is targeted for a buyout by beauty tycoon Salma Hayek. With Billy Porter, Jennifer Coolidge, Ari Graynor, Jessica St. Clair. (1:23) R.

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” — Forty-two years after “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” first appeared on movie screens, the ninth episode brings the space saga to its conclusion as the Resistance struggles to defeat the First Order. (2:35) PG-13. “The Turning” — A new nanny is tasked with caring for a pair of disturbed orphans at a secluded estate in rural Maine. With Mackenzie Davis, Finn Wolfhard, Brooklynn Prince. (1:34) PG-13. “Uncut Gems” — Adam Sandler stars as a desperate New York City jeweler juggling numerous deals in this crime thriller. (2:15) R. “Underwater” — Aquatic researchers are menaced by mysterious creatures after an undersea earthquake destroys their laboratory. With Kristen Stewart, T.J. Miller, Jessica Henwick, Vincent Cassel, Gunner Wright. (1:35) PG-13. “Weathering With You” — A teenage runaway befriends a girl who can control the weather in this anime tale set in Tokyo. With the voices of Kotaro Daigo, Nana Mori. (1:54) PG-13.

“Little Women” — Writer-director Greta Gerwig adapts Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the four determined March sisters coming of age in Massachusetts during the Civil War. With Saoirse Ronan,

“Spies in Disguise” — A secret agent is transformed into a pigeon with the help of a nerdy scientist in this animated comedy. With voices of Will Smith, Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn. (1:42) PG.

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“Knives Out” — Writer-director Rian Johnson rounds up a stellar group of suspects for this whodunit about the murder of a famous crime novelist. With Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette. (2:10) PG-13.

“The Rhythm Section” — A woman seeks vengeance against those who plotted the plane crash that killed her family. With Blake Lively, Jude Law, Sterling K. Brown. (1:47) R.

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

“Just Mercy” — Michael B. Jordan portrays Bryan Stevenson, the reallife civil rights activist and criminal defense attorney famed for fighting for justice for the wrongly convicted. . (2:16) PG-13.

“Playing With Fire” — Firefighters find their lives turned upside down when they rescue three siblings but can’t find the kids’ parents.

CITY LIFE

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

Heat and Bounce Listening to San Francisco’s hip-hop artist Equipto’s work on the albums “Few and Far Between,” “Our 2 Cents” and most recently “K.I.M. 3 Sigue la Movida,” the appeal of his work is immediately apparent. He has an uncanny ability to marry political messages with a sort of R&B groove that gives the music both heat and bounce. What: Slapfrost with Equipto, Michael Marshall and True Justice When: 7 p.m. Feb. 9 Where: Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester How much: $7

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

Thursday, Feb. 6 Man in the Mirror — Portraits of Masculinity: 4:15-6:30 p.m. Feb. 6, Schiltkamp Gallery, Traina Center for the Arts, 92 Downing St., Worcester. For information: (508) 793-7356, clarkarts@clarku.edu. Photographer Eric Nichols will discuss his newly-unveiled exhibit “Man in the Mirror: Portraits of Masculinity” follow by an evening reception. Worcester Public Market Grand Opening: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 6, Worcester Public Market, Worcester, Worcester. For information: worcestercreativemarket@gmail. com. Breaking the Barriers — Women Impacting Science: 5:30-8 p.m. Feb. 6, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Drive, Worcester. Cost: Free-$5. Giuliano D’Orazio: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 6, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook Street, Worcester.

What Is It?: noon-1 p.m. Feb. 7, Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 753-8278, hizard@worcesterhistory.net. Volunteer Charlie Garniewicz examines some of WHM’s more fascinating artifacts from the collection. Earth-Discarded Materials: 5:308:30 p.m. Feb. 7, Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin Street, Worcester. For information: teens@mainidea. org. Opening night of EarthDiscarded Materials, an exhibition of sculptures that connect to the natural world created by Lindsy Marshall, Cali Almy, Moss Collins, Riley Strong, Nikki Tsamis, Noam Fisherman, Shane Dorey and Sarah Bartolotta. Show is open until Feb 16. Annual WEAB Celebration!: 6-8 Photography for Makers with p.m. Feb. 7, 3cross Fermentation Russ Jennings: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 6, Cooperative, 4 Knowlton Ave., The WorcShop, 233 Stafford St., Worcester. For information: info@ Worcester. Cost: $80-$100. For worcesterearnabike.com. Celebrate information: email theworcshop@ everything Worcester Earn a gmail.com. Bike has accomplished, where its Hooked on Blacksmithing with going and most importantly the Jonathan Maynard: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 6, volunteers that make the magic The WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, happen. Free. Worcester. Cost: $85-$99. For Leather 101: Bracelets with information: email theworcshop@ Leather Pixie: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 7, The gmail.com. WorcShop, 233 Stafford Street, Wood Turning 1: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 6, Worcester. Cost: $40-$50. For Technocopia, 44 Portland St., 6th information: email theworcshop@ floor, Worcester. Cost: $65. gmail.com Art Opening with Tim Hight: Forge a Railroad Spike Knife with featuring music by Rice, Whalom Jason Scott: 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 7, Park and the Quins, 8 p.m. Feb. The WorcShop, 243 Stafford St., 6, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. Cost: $85-$99. For Worcester. information: email theworcshop@ Metal Thursday featuring gmail.com. Apollyon, Exclave, I Destroyer DIY Leather Belt with Russ and Bed of Razors, 9 p.m. Feb. 6, Jennings: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 7, The Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., WorcShop, 233 Stafford Street, Worcester. $10. Worcester. Cost: $115-$135. For information: email theworcshop@ Friday, Feb. 7 gmail.com.

Spring exhibitions at FAM The Fitchburg Art Museum will celebrate three new exhibitions at a reception Saturday. “After Spiritualism: Loss and Transcendence in Contemporary Art” offers an occasion to reflect on personal and shared losses through varied contemporary art practices. “Jo Sandman: The Photographic Work” explores photography grounded in images of the human figure, mortality and tension between the material and the spiritual by one of New England’s most important artists. “Scenes in Circulation: Winslow Homer’s America” features Homer’s masterful wood engravings from 18581875, produced during the “Golden Age of Illustration.” Browse the galleries and enjoy refreshments from Finicky Fork Catering Company and a cash bar. What: Fitchburg Art Museum Opening reception for Spring Exhibitions When: 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 8 Where: Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg How much: Free for FAM members; nonmembers free with FAM admission. www.fitchburgmuseum.org

Awesome ’80s Party!: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 7, Wachusett Brewing Company, 175 State Road East, Westminster. Comedian Lenny Clarke: 6:3010:30 p.m. Feb. 7, The Barn at Wight Farm, 420 Main Street, Parking and Entrance off Cedar Street, Sturbridge. Cost: $50-$55. “Yoga Stories” reading: 7 p.m. Feb. 7, Bedlam Book Cafe, 138 Green St., Suite 1, Worcester. Bill McGoldrick Acoustic Duo: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 7, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook Street, Worcester. “Clemency”: screening, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 7, Park View Room, 230 Park Ave., Worcester. Cost: $8.50-$10. Thrice, mewithoutYou, Drug Church and Holy Fawn: 7-11 p.m. Feb. 7, Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. Cost: $27-$42. Salsa Dance: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 7, Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm Street, Fitchburg. Cost: $5-$50. For information: email salsaontheriverfront@gmail.com. Mia Jackson: 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 7, The WooHaHa Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20. “A Broadway Celebration” with the Worcester Children’s Chorus: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 7, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester. Cost: $15. For information: (508) 767-7077, wccprogram@gmail.com. Comedian Jonathan Tillson: 8-9 p.m. Feb. 7, The Comedy Attic, Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester. Cost: $15. Slam Allen: 8-10 p.m. Feb. 7, Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket. Cost: $15-$20. Air Supply: 8 p.m. Feb. 7, Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. $29-$125. Rhett Miller: 8 p.m. Feb. 7, Bull

Blues Master From the steamy, tightly controlled groove of “I Won’t Do That” to the flat-out honkytonk of “Too Drunk to Drive Drunk,” Joe Louis Walker is the sort of blues musician who can demonstrate an immense amount of range, talent and soul in just a handful of songs. Each song is easy for listeners to just immerse themselves in, each note perfectly placed and radiating with feeling. What: Joe Louis Walker When: 8-10 p.m. Feb. 8 Where: Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket, Rhode Island How much: $20-$25.

Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $30. Lights Out Blues Band: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 7, Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk Street, Worcester. The Road to OverWinter ft. Symbiosa, GAHST, NoBeats and DJ Armani: 9 p.m. Feb. 7, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $10. Darkwave Night at Voyeur Club

CITY LIFE

WCLOC presents Lewis Black’s ‘One Slight Hitch’

50th anniversary for ‘Love Story’ Where do we begin? “Love Story” had them weeping in the theater aisles when the movie came out in 1970. Oliver (Ryan O’Neal) and Jenny (Ali McGraw) fall in love despite different backgrounds and upbringings and disapproval from Ryan’s wealthy father (Ray Milland). The couple go through joy and heartbreak, but “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” The film received seven Academy Award nominations, and won for Original Score with the theme from “Love Story” later becoming a chart-topping song “(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story.” Just in time for Valentine’s Day, “Love Story” returns to the big screen nationwide Feb. 9 and 12 in its 50th anniversary year as part of the 2020 TCM Big Screen Classics Series with Fathom Events. Ben Mankiewicz will provide commentary.

ft. Gloss Goddess, Pilgrims of Yearning and Shanghai Beach: 9 p.m. Feb. 7, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. $8.

The WorcShop, 243 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $90-$115. For information: email theworcshop@ gmail.com. Machining 102: Manual Lathe with Evan LaBrie 2.9.20: 1-5 p.m. Feb. 9, The WorcShop, 233 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $120$140. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com. Mother & Daughter Cupcake and Floral Teacup Party: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 9, Asa Waters Mansion, 123 Elm Street, Millbury. For information: (508) 865-0855, klivoti@

Nichols College Dance Team Clinic: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 8, Nichols College, 129 Center Road, Dudley. Cost: $25. For information: contact Julianna Brissette at juliannabrissette16@gmail.com. Valentines for Veterans: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 8, Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 753-8278, lsoucy@worcesterhistory.net. Forge a Railroad Spike Knife with Jason Scott: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 8, The WorcShop, 243 Stafford St., Worcester. Cost: $85-$99. For

What: “One Slight Hitch” by Lewis Black — presented by Worcester County Light Opera Company When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7, 8, 15 and 16; 2 p.m. Feb. 9 and 16 Where: Worcester County Light Opera Company Playhouse, 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester How much: $25; $20 students and senior. www.wcloc.org

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Saturday, Feb. 8

information: email theworcshop@ gmail.com. Head of the Class with Homeslice Puppetry: noon-5 p.m. Feb. 8, The WorcShop, 233 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $215$258. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com. Dungeons & Dragons for Beginners and Beyond: 12:304:30 p.m. Feb. 8, Northborough Free Library, 34 Main Street, Northborough. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 393-5025, bkrantz@cwmars.org. Registration is required. February 8 Student Recital: Ticket &amp; Door Prize: 1-2 p.m. Feb. 8, Pakachoag Music School, 10 Irving Street, Worcester. Cost: Free. Photography for Makers with Russ Jennings: 1-4 p.m. Feb. 8, The

The Worcester County Light Opera Company turns to a farce written by comedian Lewis Black (who recently gave a show at The Hanover Theatre) with its production of “One Slight Hitch” Feb. 7-16. On Courtney’s wedding day, her mom, Delia, is making sure that everything is perfect. The groom is perfect, the dress is perfect, and the decorations (assuming they arrive) will be perfect. Then, the doorbell rings … Jeremy Woloski directs.

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

What: “Love Story” When/When/Where/How much: 1 p.m. Feb. 9; 7 p.m. Feb. 12; Regal Solomon Pond 15, Marlboro; $16 7 p.m. Feb. 12; Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema du Lux, Millbury; $14.50 (free for couples married on Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, as well as a complimentary food and drink combo; couples must present a photo of the marriage license at the box office) 7 p.m. Feb. 12; Cinemagic Sturbridge, Sturbridge; call (508) 347-3609 or visit www.cinemagicmovies.com

$29-$49. WorcShop, 233 Stafford Street, Joe Louis Walker: 8-10 p.m. Feb. 8, Worcester. Cost: $80-$100. For information: email theworcshop@ Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket. Cost: gmail.com . $20-$25. “Love is Worth the Work” authors The Jazz Depot “Local Players Ed and Angel Cooper: 2-4 p.m. Showcase”: 8 p.m. Feb. 8, Bull Feb. 8, Booklovers’ Gourmet, Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, 55 East MAin St., Webster. For Shirley. $16. information: (508) 949-6232, Synergy: 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. deb@bookloversgourmet.com. 8, Beer Garden Worcester, 64 Metal 103 — Bending & Forming: 3-6 p.m. Feb. 8, The WorcShop, 243 Franklin St., Worcester. Bob Marley Birthday With Duppy Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $120-$150. For information: email Conquerors: 9 p.m. Feb. 8, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. theworcshop@gmail.com. $12. After Spiritualism — Loss and Chic & Co ... Johnny Casual: 9 p.m. Transcendence in Contemporary Feb. 8, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, Art: 3-5 p.m. Feb. 8, Fitchburg Art 124 Millbury St., Worcester. Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. Graviton, Trading Heroes For For information: (978) 345-4207, Ghosts, Agador, Galvanized and vdezorzi@fitchburgartmuseum. Twelve Miles Out: 9 p.m. Feb. 8, org. Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., The B’s: 3 p.m. Feb. 8, Nick’s Bar Worcester. $8. and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Aquanett: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Feb. Worcester. 8, Rascals, 70 James Street, Music Class for Little Ones: Worcester. Cost: $10. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 8, Worcester Public Library Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat St., Worcester. Sunday, Feb. 9 For information: lsheldon@ mywpl.org. A 6-week music class Machining 100 — Shop designed and led by professional Orientation with Evan LaBrie: 9 musician Sarah Gardner. a.m.-12 p.m. Feb. 9, The WorcShop, Caribbean American You Count 233 Stafford Street, Worcester. Worcester 2020: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 8, Cost: $75-$90. For information: Clark University, 950 Main Street, email theworcshop@gmail.com. Worcester. Cost: Free. A community Women’s Welding 101 with discussion on Know Your Rights Amanda Barker: 1-5 p.m. Feb. 9, Immigration and Housing, Census2020 and Disaster Climate Change Fire and Ice Mystery Dinner Back to School — Paint Party: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 8, Windows Art Gallery, 112 Professor Harp has a lot to teach about the blues. LisMain Street, Putnam. Cost: tening to his 2011 album, $50. For information: (860) “They Call Me the Professor,” 382-5095. his skill is readily apparent. Weld 101 — Stick, Plasma, Take, for example, “Texago & Oxy-Acet: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 8, at Doyle’s,” a full-on exhilaThe WorcShop, 243 Stafford rating blast of blues, or the St., Worcester. Cost: $120countrified “Sugaree,” which $150. For information: email is simultaneously sweettheworcshop@gmail.com. spirited and danceable. According to Nancy: 7-10 p.m. The album’s a joy to listen Feb. 8, Greater Good Imperial to, and paired with local Brew Co., 55 Millbrook Street, favorites the Cobra Kings, this should be an unforgetWorcester. table show. Valentine’s Party: 7:30-11:30 p.m. Feb. 8, Mechanics Hall, What: Professor Harp with 321 Main St., Worcester. the Cobra Kings Cost: $65-$200. With Syrian When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Superstar Hadi Aswad and Feb. 11 Lebanese Armenian Superstar Where: Greendale’s Pub, 404 West Boylston Street, Guy Manoukian. Worcester Viva Momix: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8, Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO townofmillbury.net. DIY Leather Knife Sheath with Russ Jennings 2.9.20: 4-8 p.m. Feb. 9, The WorcShop, 233 Stafford Street, Worcester. Cost: $115$135. For information: email theworcshop@gmail.com. Listen! A Poetry Series: hosted by Dave Macpherson, 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Nicks Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury Street, Worcester. Cost: Free. Slapfrost With Equipto, Michael Marshall and True Justice: 7 p.m. Feb. 9, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $7.

Monday, Feb. 10 Be Our Valentine 42nd Award Celebration: 4-5:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 753-8278, wwallace@worcesterhistory.net. Wandering Arts Market: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 10, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. Cost: Free. Galentine’s Day: 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Elm Draught House Cinema, 35 Elm Street, Millbury. Cost: Free.

Tool Training: Wood Shop Series II: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 10, Technocopia, 44 Portland Street, 6th floor, Worcester. Cost: $65. Open Mic: hosted by Rick Hamel, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Funky Murphys, 305 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. Free. The Dirty Gerund Poetry Series : 9 p.m. Feb. 10, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. Free, donations requested to help pay the performers.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 DIY Love Spell Bottles: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 11, Soulful Body & Mind Apothecary, 507 electric ave, Fitchburg. Cost: $20. Shrewsbury Toastmasters Invitation: 6:45-8:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 258 Walnut St, 258 Walnut Street, Shrewsbury. Cost: Free. Boylston Garden Club on Hydroponics with Philip Anderson: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11, 599 Main St, 599 Main Street, Boylston. Cost: Free. For information: lbutler869@aol. com. For the Love of Wine and Chocolate: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Vin Bin West, 193 A Boston Post Road W , Marlboro. Cost: $25. Digital Design for Makers —

Natural connections For the first time the Worcester Center for Crafts and the Worcester PopUp are pairing up for an exhibition. “Earth-Discarded Materials” features sculptures that connect to the natural world created by Worcester Craft Center artists in residence Lindsy Marshall, Cali Almy, Moss Collins, Riley Strong, Nikki Tsamis, Noam Fisherman, Shane Dorey and Sarah Bartolotta. The exhibition runs Feb. 7-16. What: “Earth-Discarded Materials” — Opening Reception When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 7 Where: Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin St., Worcester. www.worcesterpopup.org

Vinyl Cutter: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11, Technocopia, 44 Portland Street, Worcester. Cost: $65. New England Shutterbugs Camera Club Community News: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11, 100 West St, 100 West Street, Leominster. For information: (978) 534-6638, tapestry61@gmail.com. Poetry Open Mic: 7 p.m. Feb. 11, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. Free. Professor Harp with the Cobra Kings: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Feb.

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F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

Nouveau New Wave Not going to lie, there’s a distinct Cure vibe to Worcester nouveau new wave duo Gloss Goddess’ “Mayfly,” but there’s no denying that the ’80s overtones work, and well-counterpoint the song’s lush vocals. Sinking into this song, the band’s other demo, “The Deep,” it’s clear there’s a genuine love for the genre at play, and that affection makes both songs an enjoyable flashback. What: Darkwave Night at Voyeur Club ft. Gloss Goddess, Pilgrims of Yearning and Shanghai Beach When: 9 p.m. Feb. 7 Where: Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester How much: $8

CITY LIFE

B.B. King Blues Band at Fitchburg State

11, Greendale’s Pub, 404 West Boylston Street, Worcester. Southside Talent Showcase: open mic, 8:15 p.m. Feb. 11, The Southside Grille and Margarita Factory, 242 W. Broadway, Gardner. Tone-Deaf Tuesdays: hosted by Poise’N Envy and Harley Queen, 9 p.m. Feb. 11, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester.

Wednesday, Dec. 12 Worcester Business Journal 2020 Economic Forecast Forum: 7:1510:30 a.m. Feb. 12, Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation St., Worcester. Cost: $45. History Bites — A Tour of the Rice Gallery: noon-1 p.m. Feb. 12, Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 753-8278, robertstacy@worcesterhistory.net. With exhibit coordinator Vanessa Bumpus and Robert Stacy. Gallery Talk by Amy D. Finstein: noon-1 p.m. Feb. 12, Iris and B.

Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 793-3356, prosenbl@holycross.edu. Professor Finstein’s lecture is held in conjunction with the exhibition ‘Warm Room: Photographs by Peter A. Moriarty of Historic Greenhouses’. Moriarty’s work explores the architecture and collections of a series of historic European and American greenhouses. Live Edge Slab on the CNC Router: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 12, Technocopia, 44 Portland St, Sixth Floor, Worcester. Cost: $65. Matt Brodeur: 7 p.m. Feb. 12, Art’s Food & Spirits, 541 W. Boylston St, Worcester. Comedy on the Lawn” featuring Emily Mame Ford, Maya Manion, Alan Moreau, Jonathan Tillson and Brieana Woodward, 8 p.m. Feb. 12, Redemption Rock Brewing, 333 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. Free. Dezi Garcia’s Ghetto Paradise: 8 p.m. Feb. 12, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $5. Wacky Wednesday Jam: 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston St, Worcester.

Thursday, Feb. 13

What: The Road to OverWinter When: 9 p.m. Feb. 7 Where: Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester How much: $10

“Barefoot in the Park”: Feb. 7, 8, 14, 15, 16. Gateway Players Theatre. Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street, in Southbridge. www. gatewayplayers.org “One Slight Hitch”: Feb. 7-16, Worcester County Light Opera, Grandview Playhouse, 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester. wcloc.org “A Musical Tribute to Steve and Eydie”: Feb. 14-16, Calliope Theatre, 150 Main St., Boylston; www.CalliopeProductions.org “Making Scents”: Feb. 14-16, Vanilla Box Productions. www. vanillaboxproductions.com “Agnes of God”: Feb. 21-March Stage 1, Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. www. “Cabaret”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 8; and thebradleyplayhouse.org at 2 p.m. Feb. 2 and 9, Fenwick “Treasure Island” and “Around the Theatre, O’Kane Hall — 2nd Floor, World in 80 Days”: Double feature College of the Holy Cross, 1 College Street, Worcester. $10-$15. radio drama, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22; 2 p.m. Feb. 23. Sterling Community “Boeing Boeing”: 2 p.m. Feb. Theatre, First Church in Sterling 2, Bradley Playhouse, 30 parish hall, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Front St., Putnam, Conn. www. Road. www.sterlingtheatre.com thebradleyplayhouse.org

Worcester. $5. BotB Connie, Leon Trout and Immortal Jellyfish: 7 p.m. Feb. 13, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. Galentine’s Day Trivia at Redemption Rock Brewing: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 13, Redemption Rock Brewing Company, 333 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester. Cost: $5. Hot Dog! A Stand Up Sideshow: 8-9 p.m. Feb. 13, Coney Island, 158 Southbridge Street, Worcester. Cost: Free. Featuring: Kenny Capozzi, Shyam Subramanian, Tyler Swain, Dave Robinson and Carrie Ross. Free.

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The great thing about February is that most everyone has recovered from the holidays (Valentine’s Day notwithstanding) and is stir crazy from winter hibernation. Which gives us great evenings such as the appropriately named Road to OverWinter indoor music and arts festival, offering a chance to dance off the seasonal blues to great DJs such as Symbiosa (pictured) GAHST, NoBeats and DJ Armani.

What: B.B. King Blues Band featuring Michael Lee When: 8 p.m. Feb. 8 Where: Fitchburg State University, Weston Auditorium, 353 North St., Fitchburg. How much: $28; $25 seniors and alumni; $5 students. (978) 665-3347; www.fitchburgstate.edu/centerstage

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

Totally Over It

Hidden Treasures: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 13, Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm Street, Fitchburg. Pre-register by calling (978) 345-4207 or by emailing adescoteaux@ fitchburgartmuseum.org. 224th Annual Oration: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation Street, Worcester. Cost: Free-$50. For information: Sanjiv Chopra speaks on Dharma, Health and Happiness Mike Ladd: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 13, Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., 55 Millbrook Street, Worcester. Acts of Love — A Collection of Original Monologues: 7 p.m. Feb. 13, the HAnover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St.,

The thrill lives on when the B.B. King Blues Band featuring Michael Lee comes to Fitchburg State University Saturday. For over half a century, B.B. King and his band defined the blues to the world with classics such as “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Every Day I Have The Blues,” “How Blues Can You Get,” and “Why I Sing The Blues.” Members of the original band continue touring in remembrance of B.B. King, who passed away in 2015, joined by blues singer Michael Lee, who made it to the Live Playoffs in the 2018 season of “The Voice” on NBC, and vocalist Claudette King, the youngest daughter of B.B. King and a member of the National Recording Academy. Saturday’s show is part of the FSU CenterStage arts and culture series.

CITY LIFE

ADOPTION OPTION

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

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

Hunter is a classic example of the risk of getting an animal from

someone you don’t know. Hunter was ill when the woman took her home. Hunter is prone to urinary stones. Keeping her on only dry S/O eliminated the blockage. It will cost you around $70 every two to three months for the bag. Hunter has a sweet face that doesn’t always match her personality. She is opinionated and will tell you what she likes and doesn’t like. She has warmed up considerably as her pain eased. Hunter is a grazer who likes your company while she nibbles on her kibbles throughout the day.

GAMES

J O N E S I N’

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Crush” game show in 2017 70 Admin’s domain, for short 71 Sound setups

(jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) Reference puzzle #973

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singer Anita 39 Hall of Famer Willie 44 Antarctic mountain ___ Massif 49 Coded message Down 51 Apples and pears, e.g. 1 Homer’s exclamation 53 Ancient Britons 2 “Defending Liberty, Pursuing Justice” org. 54 “___ myself today ...” (NIN/ Johnny Cash lyric) 3 Flavor enhancer initials 56 “Be with you in just ___!” 4 “___ Fables” 57 Place for growth? 5 Actor Kinnear 58 Yale students 6 The “E” in “EGBDF” 59 Docs that use endoscopes 7 Passover feast 61 “The Andy Griffith Show” 8 “___ shocked as you are” kid 9 Indiana’s second-largest city 64 Linguistics suffix 10 Album opener 65 “From ___ Zinc” 11 “I conquered,” to Caesar (multivitamin slogan) 12 Ancient Briton 66 Two, to Juan 13 Feels sorrow about 16 Broadband forerunner Last week's solution 21 Least narrow 22 Cell dweller 23 Good thing to pass 25 Ronan of “Little Women” 28 Lake that borders Ohio 30 Montenegrin, e.g. 32 Gets after 33 D.C. nine, for short 34 Affirm as true 37 Forming a chord, say ©2020 Matt Jones 38 “Honeysuckle Rose”

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Across 1 Compensation in a lawsuit 8 “Don’t mind ___ do!” 11 Media device manufactured for the last time by Funai Electric in 2016 14 Check out 15 Exclamation from Poirot 17 Margaret Atwood’s 2016 retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” 18 It may be drafted for impeachment 19 Brute in a storybook 20 They may be dire 21 ___ out (back down from a daunting task) 24 ‘16 and ‘17, e.g. 26 Signature of Pooh’s treedwelling friend 27 Being employed 29 Sharp ___ tack 31 “Major” or “Minor” constellation 35 Slide into your ___ 36 2016 event featuring a shirtless Tongan, green pool water, and Ryan Lochte shenanigans 40 Hit the buffet 41 Jones who ran from a big boulder 42 +, on a battery 43 TV host who misannounced the winner of Miss Universe in 2017 45 Sault ___ Marie, Canada 46 Garr of “Young Frankenstein” 47 Shakespearean laments 48 Clean vigorously 50 Journalist Mary Louise Kelly’s employer 52 Prefix for dermis 55 MIT’s middle, in brief 56 Kick-ass 60 Chain to buy some stacks 62 Biblical king 63 Hit 2017 indie video game in the style of 1930s animation 67 Celebrated 68 Sees if one can 69 Network that aired a “Candy

“Decade in Review, Part 4” – fun stuff from 2016 & 2017. by Matt Jones

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F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

LEGAL Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Docket No. WO12P0353GD CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PETITION TO EXPAND THE POWERS OF A GUARDIAN In the Interests of: Richard Brazowski of Worcester, MA RESPONDENT Incapacitated Person/Protected Person To the named Respondent and all others interested persons, a petition has been filed by Department of Developmental of Worcester, MA in the above captioned matter requesting that the court: Expand the powers of a Guardian. The petition asks the court to make a determination that the powers of the Guardian and/or Conservator should be expanded, modified, or limited since the time of the appointment. The original petition is on file with the court. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return day of 02/18/2020 This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the abovenamed person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. WITNESS, Hon. Leilah A. Keamy, First Justice of this Court. Date: January 22, 2020 Stephanie K. Fattman, Register of Probate 02/06/2020 WM

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LAST CALL

Don Lemieux Greenwood Swimming Coach D

on Lemieux has been the head coach of Greenwood Swimming for nearly four decades. Lemieux has coached 16 Olympic Trial Qualifiers including Olympic gold medalist Samantha Arsenault. In addition, Lemieux led the Gardner High School girls swim team to 15 consecutive State Championships. Lemieux’s club team moved its headquarters from Gardner to Worcester Polytechnic Institute seven years ago. Last month, the Gardner City Council voted to demolish the Greenwood pool where Lemieux’s legacy began. How did you feel when you learned the Greenwood Pool in Gardner was going to be demolished? After the way it went down — not one feeling. I’ve always been disgusted that no matter what kind of product we put out of there, they never, ever helped us.

What is Samantha Arsenault up to these days? I talk to her all the time. She’s doing really well. She’s a speaker. She travels all over the world. People think that being an Olympic gold medalist is a dream. She shares the things she went through mentally and physically and the way she felt about her body. There were things that happened to her along the way that impacted her and she wanted to give back by helping to change others’ mindsets.

I remember hearing a story about the two of you traveling

through Europe for the World Cup. I went off on her. We walked into this pool in Italy and it was dark; people were smoking in the hallways. Samantha swam and she got a bronze medal. She started making excuses and I said, “I don’t want to hear about it. Everyone is facing the same conditions you are. You can’t be negative.” She apologized and I told her, “You don’t have to be sorry, but we’re flying to France and we need to turn your attitude around.” In France, she won the gold medal. I told her, “You could have done this at the last meet too. It doesn’t matter when everything’s not going your way. You’re always going to find yourself in situations that are

less than perfect, but an Olympian performs.” She listened. She put in the hard work. What are your plans for the future? I’m building the Greenwood program here at WPI. A lot of people think that our team is just for elite and high-level swimmers, but we have kids at 6 p.m. who barely know how to swim. Developmental programs. You can bring your kid here and learn the right way to swim. Then, if they want to continue, they can choose to do that. – Sarah Connell Sanders

She was always an incredible role model in the community. A quick story about Samantha — when she decided to defer college to stay home and train for the Olympic team, we were making a lot of progress. One day, she said, “The only one I’m concerned

about is Lindsey Benko.” I go, “What did you just say? You need to pack your stuff and get out of here because if you don’t think you’re the best, you don’t belong here.” I walked away. I remember walking down the deck, thinking to myself, “What the hell did you just do? She’s the toughest worker you’ve ever had. What if she really gets out of here.” I just felt like if she didn’t believe in herself, then when she got to Olympic Trials to race all of her heroes, she would be intimidated and she would never make it. Samantha turned around and yelled out to me, “LEMIEUX. LET’S GET GOING.” That was it.

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Do you still live in Gardner? I do. I still live in town and I’m still the operator of the outdoor pool.

How did you end up in Gardner in the first place? I was working as the assistant athletic director at Cushing Academy, right out of college. The man who was the superintendent of the Greenwood Pool was retiring. My brother-in-law who swam at WPI was contacted about taking over the position, but he had a great engineering job. He reached out to me to see if I would be interested. I thought, “Swimming? I don’t know.” I had coached basketball, baseball and football. The more I thought about it, I said, “You know what? Here’s an opportunity for me to try something new. If I fail, I fail.” In 1980, I took that job knowing it would be a big challenge for me. I made a promise to myself. At the first parent meeting, I told people I was going to get their kids to nationals. They laughed at me. That was it. It just fueled me. I traveled, met with the best coaches in the world, and studied for hours and hours. I would be at the pool from 4:30 in the morning until 9 at night. It got to a point where kids started coming to Gardner from everywhere. They were traveling from Boston and the north shore.

F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020

The town never helped? They didn’t take care of the building. It got so bad that I had no janitor and no one at the front desk. It was basically just me there 80 to 90 hours a week. People from other communities would say, “If we had the kind of success you’ve had, we’d be building you a new pool.” In Gardner, they let the place fall apart. I lived it every day for 30 years. I was doing things on my own. People came to that pool and swam because of the program we had, not because of the facility. We worked so hard to build a top program. When the news broke, people would come up to me and say, “You must be devastated.” I told them, “Not at all.” Then, when all of my former swimmers found out and started posting memories to Facebook — snow coming in the roof, the days with no hot water — it brought tears to my eyes to learn it had meant so much to them. That bothered me the most. The reminiscing was really tough.

RICK CINCLAIR

They’re keeping that open.

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F E B R U A RY 6 - 12, 2020