Worcester Magazine Feb. 15 - 21, 2018

FEBRUARY 15 - 21, 2018

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NEWS • ARTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE

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BUMPY RIDE

WRTA battles budget woes, mounting criticism eek W n o ti a c a V l o o h Sc

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 15, 2018

insidestories

Kirk A. Davis President Kathleen Real-Benoit Publisher x331 Walter Bird Jr. Editor x322 Joshua Lyford x325 Night & Day Editor Elizabeth Brooks x323 Photographer Bill Shaner x324 Reporter Stephanie Campbell, Sarah Connell, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Jessica Picard, Corlyn Vooorhees, Contributing Writers Bridget Hannigan, Editorial Intern Donald Cloutier Director of Creative Services x141 Kimberly Vasseur Creative Director/Assistant Director of Creative Services x142 Becky Gill, Stephanie Mallard, Colleen Mulligan, Wendy Watkins Creative Services Department Helen Linnehan Ad Director x333 Diane Galipeau x335, Sarah Perez x334, Cheryl Robinson x336, Media Consultants Kathryn Connolly Media Coordinator x332 Rachel Cloutier Classifieds Media Consultant x433 Worcester Magazine is an independent news weekly covering Central Massachusetts. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. The Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement.

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This Week’s Cover Story: Bumpy Ride: WRTA battles budget woes, mounting criticism

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budget proposal from Gov. Charlie Baker they say leaves them about $1 million in the hole. Bus service that has been called spotty, at best. Management its critics say doesn’t think “outside the box.” The WRTA, to say the least, is struggling these days. At a time when Worcester is trumpeting new development it says will attract more and more people to the city, one of its core public transportation systems is in danger of grinding to a complete halt. Worcester Magazine reached out to riders, rode the bus, chatter with drivers, spoke with WRTA Administrator Jonathan Church and looked his suggested options to changes that could significantly alter bus service in and around Worcester. Conversations with state lawmakers reveal an understanding of the budget woes facing the WRTA and other regional transit authorities in Massachusetts. There are no easy answers, and opinions vary as to who and what is responsible for current state of the WRTA. This week’s cover story takes a closer look at Worcester’s bus service and just how bad things really are.

— Walter Bird Jr., editor

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4 City Desk 8 Worcesteria 10 Editorial 10 Harvey 11 1,001 Words 12 Cover Story 18 Night & Day 20 Film 22 Krave 24 Listings 28 Crossword 30 2 minutes with…

About the cover WRTA bus driver Lori Mayotte merges into traffic on Foster Street leaving the Central Hub. Photo by Elizabeth Brooks Design by Kimberly Vasseur

LIVE & LOCAL Jim Polito 5-9 am

WTAG.COM

Jordan Levy 3-6 pm

FEBRUARY 15, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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citydesk February 15 - 21, 2018 n Volume 43, Number 25

Hurricane evacuees face uncertainty as federal aid nears end Bill Shaner

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ilsa Albert, a hurricane evacuee from Puerto Rico who has been staying with her three nieces at a hotel in Worcester, doesn’t know what she is going to do.

On March 20, she and other hurricane evacuees around the country still living in hotels will lose the Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for their hotel rooms. City officials estimate there are 60-80 families in hotels in Worcester who face this looming deadline. They’ll either have to find housing or return to their homes in Puerto Rico, where electricity is still largely an issue, the economy is shattered and health care facilities struggle to operate.

Albert, like many hurricane evacuees, struggles with medical issues she doesn’t believe will be properly addressed in Puerto Rico’s hampered facilities. Further, her home is on Culebra, a small island off the mainland. When Hurricane Maria hit in late September, it knocked out the main artery carrying electricity from the mainland to the island. Though power returned to the island by way of two generators in December, it is rumored it may take up to two years to permanently reconnect the island to the mainland’s power grid.

Albert’s struggle to secure more permanent housing in Massachusetts is not unique, and it speaks to two major and lingering problems in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria: Puerto Rico’s infrastructure is a mess, and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Those who, for various reasons, can’t risk moving back, face the difficult job of navigating an already over-stressed housing aid network in Massachusetts, and face the prospect of homelessness if they cannot jump through the right bureaucratic hoops.

Some, including Albert’s sister, have had an easier time finding housing. Her sister found housing via the Worcester Housing Authority. Some have had a harder time, losing their FEMA assistance before the deadline and being forced to return to Puerto Rico.

Because Albert is taking care of her nieces – her daughter is still in Puerto Rico – she is treated by the state as a single adult. She is on a two-plus year waiting list for Worcester Housing Authority, and was rejected for assistance from the Central Massachusetts Housing Network because she doesn’t have proof of income.

“I’m going crazy here,” she said while sit-

ELIZABETH BROOKS

Nilsa Albert, a hurricane evacuee from Puerto Rico, looks over an overwhelming amount of housing application options.

continued on page 6

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

A great night for all involved at Mechanics Hall as the Jewish Community Center raised money for its youth scholarship program. +1

4

Not a perfect homestand, but the Worcester Railers end it with a win over the Brampton Beast.

Now they’re off to Orlando. Soak up the sun — and some wins — boys! +2

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 15, 2018

It was not what Worcester boxer Bobby Harris III envisioned, a draw in his match at The Palladium. To top it off, he says he needs surgery on his shoulder. Ugh. -2

Stix Noodle Bar in Worcester opens to much fanfare on Franklin Street. Way to go! +3

+7

Total for this week:

Like it or not, you have to give the folks behind the Summit Lounge, a private club where you can smoke marijuana, credit for creative thinking. +2

Say hello to the keynote speaker! Louis Stroller, who will speak at the Nichols College graduation this year, is a an alum who worked on films such as “The Rock,” “Carrie” and “Scarface.” +3

Well, Worcester Regional Airport has finally gone to the dogs - for a day anyway.

How cute were the pooches training as service dogs up there recently? +1

Said it before, saying it again: Worcester, please do something about the nightmare that is the intersection at Foster and Front streets. Might actually help the WRTA, too. -3

{ citydesk }

Over year later, Worcester struggling to find new treasurer Bill Shaner

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s the city creeps into its 18th month operating without a full-time treasurer, City Manager Ed Augustus is floating the idea of lifting the city’s residency requirement.

The job has been listed twice, Augustus said at a City Council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 13, and the city hasn’t hasn’t found a good fit.

“Given our residency requirement we have not been able to find any qualified candidate as of this time,” he said.

Councilor At-Large Konnie Lukes suggested lifting the requirement for this one position.

“I’m just wondering, since this has been a year and a half we haven’t had a treasurer, if it wouldn’t be appropriate to get an exemption from the residency requirement, if that’s

“My personal opinion is that we give it one more chance” he said, adding cities across the country struggle to find qualified treasurers and auditors.

“You can’t find treasurers, you can’t find auditors,” Petty said. “So if college kids are interested, those are great career paths, there’s a shortage, and people are going to the private sector instead of the public sector, and that’s a true statement.”

The city has been without a treasurer since Mariann Castelli-Hier retired in October 2016.

Since then, Tom Zidelis, the city’s chief financial officer, has been serving as the active treasurer. The treasurer – in Worcester, the official job title is treasurer/tax collector – is responsible for managing the city’s capital funds and assets, among other responsibilities.

what’s holding us up,” said Lukes.

But the suggestion set off opposition from other councilors, who said they felt lifting the requirement would be a regressive move.

“I personally feel this is a very important issue,” said Councilor At-Large Moe Bergman.

He said he worries the message sent by lifting the requirement would be a bad one.

“We’re constantly promoting ourselves, day in and day out, as a place to move to and live in,” he said.

Mayor Joe Petty said the city should at least try one more round of listing the job before lifting the residency requirement. The trouble the city has had in filling the role, he said, is not due so much to the residency requirement as it is to a lack of qualified candidates across the board.

The job has been listed with a salary range of $90,000 to $140,000.

Councilor At-Large Kate Toomey pointed to a possible issue around the perception of Worcester. She asked that city staff include pictures of the housing stock in Worcester available to someone of a treasurer’s income bracket.

“I think people’s perceptions are one thing, but really understanding the value of the housing stock here, what a great value it is, that might be helpful,” she said.

District 3 George Russell said the Council went through a similar debate hiring the current auditor, Robert Stearns, but ultimately decided to keep the residency requirement.

“I don’t know how we found Mr. Stearns, continued on page 7

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{ citydesk } EVACUEES continued from page 4 doctors appointment at Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center Friday. ting in her hotel room one recent afternoon.

Behind the binder were a few loose bags of Albert sat at a small desk in the corner of her hotel room covered in government docu- chips. Papers and business cards were scatments. A purple binder carried the documents tered about the desk. Albert had a blue soft foam laptop case full of essential documents she’d accrued navigating the bureaucracy of aid since coming to the Northeast in Novem- from Puerto Rico – birth certificates, social security cards for her and her three nieces, ber - first to Buffalo, then, once she secured and other documents.

FEMA aid, Worcester. The binder included She sat wearing jeans, boots and a blue documents from FEMA, the Worcester Housing Authority, Central Mass Housing Network shirt. At one point she lifted her shirt up to reveal a hernia obvious around her abdoand health insurance papers. She had just3:52 PM Womag Junior page.qxp_Layout 1 1/24/18 Page 1 men to the left. It is Albert’s twelfth, and recently acquired MassHealth, and has a

she came here partly because of the promise of better health care. A seven-hour and ultimately-fruitless trip to the emergency room at UMass Medical Center last week has largely disillusioned her of that promise.

“I want to go back home, to the warmth, the beaches, it’s beautiful,” she said. “But I need the quality of life here for my health.”

Officials have announced three times the final deadline for FEMA assistance keeping Albert and others in hotels. Once in January, then in mid-February (the deadline, before it was extended, was today). Most recently

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the deadline was extended to March 20.

FEMA officials have said the newest deadline is final, and argue the assistance was only meant to be temporary. According to a New York Times analysis of the topic, about 4,000 families across 40 states rely on the assistance. Most - roughly 1,500 - are in Florida, but Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts also carry significant numbers.

For its part, Worcester city government has been on top of the issue. An executive committee in City Hall and a wider aid network operating under the Amor Para Puerto Rico have worked to do what they can locally. Several weeks ago, the city acquired $200,000 in grants to help Puerto Ricans find housing in Worcester via a rapid rehousing model typically used for the homeless. More recently, Mayor Joe Petty signed on to a letter to FEMA with other state leaders urging the agency to extend the aid deadline.

District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera, who serves both on the executive committee and leads the Amor network, said the city is going to shift its efforts toward making sure all the families still in hotels are sheltered before March 20, or at least work with the Puerto Rican government at the state level to make sure they’re going back to situations that won’t put them in harm’s way. Rivera visited Albert personally earlier this week, and said they’re looking at options for her.

“There’s so many people like her. I was with her today, actually, and I said, ‘I wish your story was an uncommon one, but there’s really so many people with a very similar situation,’” said Rivera.

Back at the hotel, Albert’s oldest niece, at 25, made dinner in the small kitchen in the unit. Her two younger nieces, 4 and 9 respectively, watched cartoons in the bedroom.

The soft, animated voices and a dull glow emanated from the room as we spoke.

As she spoke, Albert would occasionally tear up, throw her hands in the air. She often shook her head. Her grasp on English was tenuous — she joked about her own special brand of spanglish — and frequently searched for the right English words to describe how she felt about her predicament.

She said she has spent every day for the past several months on the phone with government agencies and traveling to and from offices – and has made little progress.

“In Puerto Rico, they call this papa caliente,” Albert said of being passed back and forth by government agencies. “Hot potato.’’

Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-7493166 x324 or at wshaner@worcestermag. com. Follow him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 15, 2018

{ citydesk } But, he said, operating without a treasurer has costs, in that it overburdens the financial department with work.

“We’ve gone so far as to try to poach people from other communiELIZABETH BROOKS ties,” he said.

But Lukes expressed some skepticism that the residency requirement is really that important to the Council.

Teachers, firefighters and police officers no longer have to live in the city, she said, and there have been exemptions for other in-house staff.

The city, she said, has a “split loyalty” to the residency requirement.

“It’s only when we mention it publicly the issue becomes sacred,” she said.

“In practice, we don’t practice it.”

– it wasn’t a planned topic but rather an issue Petty quickly countered the comment. that cropped up alongside Lukes’s prodding of “We haven’t in the past, but we are going the city’s finances – Augustus re-affirmed the forward,” he said. residency cap isn’t going anywhere.

“We haven’t had a treasurer for 18 months Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-749because I know how important this is to the 3166 x324 or at wshaner@worcestermag.

Council,” he said of the residency requirecom. Follow him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner. ment. continued from page 5

but I think it was worth the wait, worth the effort,” said Russell.

After several councilors spoke on the issue

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{ worcesteria }

Bill Shaner

SUMMIT MADNESS: In case you’ve been living under a rock, the city is not pleased about the new “cannabis lounge” in the Canal District where, for $50 a month, members can smoke tobacco or cannabis inside the small club. City Manager Ed Augustus Jr., clearly miffed, said the club, called the Summit Lounge, exploited a loophole in the new recreational cannabis rules. But Kyle Moon, club manager, is not, to anyone’s assertion (as of yet), doing something illegal. Am I the only person in this city completely baffled by the media storm set off by this Northbridge guy and his small private pot smoking lounge? Who is the Summit Lounge really bothering?

And what are they really doing that hasn’t been done in privates clubs in this city for time immemorial?

What are they doing that hasn’t been done in half the living rooms in this city since the 1950s? No, the only thing different here is the outward advertising, and it comes at a time when local officials don’t have clear guidelines from the state on how to handle pot stuff. So, yes, the city, I suppose, has the right to feel like Moon pulled the wool over their eyes with this. He didn’t actually say he’d be advertising this as a pot place.

But Moon is also right to say it’s not really any of the city’s business.

Pot is legal in Massachusetts, and Worcester officials can’t change that.

Tobacco smoking regulations apply to cannabis now. This is a private, members-only club. So what. Now, we’ll likely have pot shops here by mid-year – If a 60-person occupancy room where people will smoke is really such a big deal, I don’t know how this city is going to handle a reallife pot shop without keeling over. I said it on the Worcester Magazine Radio Hour and I’ll say it again: reefer madness.

SADER DISSENTER: An open letter that’s garnered more than 100 signatures from Holy Cross students and faculty is on its way to the administration. The signatories are not pleased – not at all – that the Holy Cross Board of Trustees voted to keep the Crusader monikers.

They offer six main points: One, you can’t simply change the definition and connotation of a word because you say so. Two, neither Martin Luther King or Dorothy Day ever identified themselves as crusaders. Three, the board released limited details on how the decision came to be. Four, the announcement didn’t acknowledge the large portion of the campus community that disagreed.

Five, there was no acknowledgement of how the decision will be read by the wider Worcester community. Finally, there is as of yet no action plan for changing the mascot. The letter firmly pushes for a change to the mascot, making the point that the trustees’ decision to re-interpret “crusader” is made difficult by the fact the mascot is a literal knight in armor holding a shield. As the letter puts it, the mascot is a “symbol of religious intolerance — directly — tied to the violent medieval crusades.” Honestly, true – that and the violent definition of a crusader is currently being used by the hard-right in the U.S. to advocate for a clash of civilizations between the “Christian West” and Middle Eastern Muslims, as if either of those categories represent a cohesive population.

I personally wouldn’t want to be associated with that movement in any way. But, then again, it would be interesting to see how the school has been doing with donations since this decision.

Bet they had a good week.

SUE THE STATE: Sue The State. Sue The State. Can we get that chant going at School Committee tonight? The committee is set to vote on whether to enter a lawsuit with Brockton to sue the state government for education funding owed to them. In Worcester, it’s more than $1 million. The backstory here is a long and wonky one, and has to do with the Chapter 70 funding formula, which dictates what public schools get what for state money every year.

I’m not even going to try to get into it. But here’s what you need to know: if Worcester enters the lawsuit, it gets a lot stronger. If Worcester wins the lawsuit, that’s a budget windfall that could be reinvested into our city schools, many of which sorely need a boost. So hey, let’s get that chant going. Sue The State. Sue The State.

WRTA WOES: If you’re reading this, it’s probably too late. There’s another very important meeting today, but early in the morning. At 8:30 a.m., the Worcester Regional Transit Authority will meet to discuss possible cuts to routes and maybe a total cut to weekend service as the WRTA (read our cover story in this week’s issue) and other transit authorities deal with another tough budget year handed down by the Charlie Baker administration, which brings me to my next item....

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 15, 2018

{ worcesteria } FIX THE BUS, BAKER: The governor this week launched a new task force to look at the

future of transportation in Massachusetts but, get this, they’re not charged with how to pay for any of the stuff they dream up, according to Commonwealth Magazine. So it’s essentially an exercise in daydreaming. Meanwhile, in real life, the Baker administration has been very bad on public transportation issues out here in Worcester. This is the same governor who, since he got into office, has not invested any new money into the RTA network, a policy that has all but obliterated the WRTA and others like it. A little less 2040, a little more 2018, Baker. Fix the bus.

CIVICS ACADEMY: Mayor Joe Petty has opened the application process for his civics

academy, which will run April-September, and is intended to inspire the city’s youth to take up local leadership. Nominations run until 5 p.m. Friday, March 9, and applicants will be notified Monday, March 19. The mayor’s office is looking for candidates with an interest in creating change locally, a unique voice, and experience or interest in activism. Pretty neat idea. Apply on the the mayor’s sub-page of the city website.

A NEW CHAIR: The Worcester Republican City Committee has a new, and possibly

historic, chair. Donna Colorio, a former School Committee member and busy education activist, was elected chair of the committee last Thursday. It’s possible she’s the first woman to ever hold the role, but neither Colorio nor I could confirm that by press time. She’s at least the first female chair since the 1980s, which is pretty much how far back the institutional memory stretches.

Colorio said by phone she’s excited to expand the party’s influence locally and get active in state races. She said she’s paying particular attention to the three GOP challengers to Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “I feel very positive that we can expand our membership city wide and have a good presence in the state,” she said. Colorio takes over from former City Councilor Mike Gaffney, who ran the committee before moving out of state. Here’s to a new chapter for the local GOP. Also, for the record – and I’m getting out ahead of this now – I was caught singing the tune of “Your Body is a Wonderland” when Colorio picked up the phone and yes, it was embarrassing. I have no further comment.

ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE: But you still have to ask. If you remember the City Council meeting last week, Councilor At-Large Khrystian King and other leaders of the city’s AfricanAmerican community called for greater recognition of Black History Month in Worcester and especially in the public school system. Well, at least on the school side, they got it. On the city website home page is a new sub-page entirely dedicated to Black History Month events being put on throughout the city. The calendar is accompanied by a short write-up on the importance of the month. Included on the list is a very cool event tonight: a special screening of the new Black Panther movie at the Blackstone Valley cinemas in Millbury. From the event page: “We are rolling deep to see the most anticipated Marvel movie in history.” There’s also an after-party at Addie Lee’s Soul Food to celebrate the movie, which is, by all accounts, an utter landmark in commercial success for a film with a cast that is almost completely Black, especially in the comics genre. Thursday is shaping up to be a busy one, huh?

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T S A O R L A C I T I L O P T S A F K A E & BR ch Saturday, Mar

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THE SUN IN E&P: The Worcester Sun is still receiving some attention for launching a print paper in 2018, which, yeah, is pretty crazy. This time, Editor & Publisher, a trade magazine for journos, talked with founder Mark Henderson about the paper’s various tactics including a $2 paywall + print subscription model and the possibility of including sponsored content (paid-for stories) on the website in the near future. He also talks about the importance of email newsletters which, yeah, I suppose.

NEW COUNCIL DIGS: The City Council has moved across the hall for the next three weeks

(two meetings, as they’re off for school vacation next week). Meanwhile, the nice, newly-exposed hardwood floor is getting sanded and refinished. The makeover comes just in time for Valentine’s Day, which, as we residents are constantly reminded, basically started in Worcester, with Esther Howland’s production of valentines day cards. The council chamber is named for Howland, so it’s not a stretch to say the makeover is a little Valentine’s Day gift for the city’s own Valentine’s Day legend. I said it before, I’ll say it again: This is the McGovern Crime Family in action. Just terrible.

A ROSE FOR TOOMEY: Speaking of Valentines Day, Councilor At-Large Kate Toomey won for outward displays of affection Tuesday night. Her husband, Steve, sent a dozen roses to the council floor. The roses stood beside her the entire meeting. She said she didn’t know it was coming. Pretty.

Note: In a Jan. 25 edition of this column I listed Paul Fullen, Republican challenger for the open 17th Worcester District seat, by his middle name, John.

Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or at wshaner@worcestermag.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner.

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slants/rants Editorial

A lesson for media

I

t is every credible journalist’s worst nightmare: getting a story wrong and losing the trust and faith of readers, sources, your colleagues and the public in general. Sadly, we see too many examples.

The Boston Herald’s Ron Borges, a longtime sportswriter who has built a loyal following of readers who, even if they don’t agree with him, consider him well-versed on sports, is the latest. Borges penned a recent column for the Boston Herald reporting Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was demanding more money after his former understudy, Jimmy Garoppolo, inked a historic, $137.5-million deal with the San Francisco 49ers, to whom he was traded this past season. If he didn’t get it, Borges wrote, Brady would sit out all organized team activities during the offseason.

It was a stunning reveal, one that may well have changed how many fans looked at their legendary QB. Brady has never previously made a public contract demand, much less threaten to sit out if he didn’t get what he wants. Borges’ story, then, was a shocker.

And, as it turned out, completely false.

Borges got burned by faulty information. He got the scoop, he got the story no one else had. No doubt the juices inside the veteran reporter were flowing hard and fast. The problem is, the story proved to be flat-out false. Someone from Boston confessed to pranking the columnist, texting him and pretending to be Brady’s agent. The Herald ended up issuing a public apology and suspending Borges’ column, at least temporarily.

Some have expressed sympathy for Borges, who, in modern terms, was catfished. Indeed, where are we as a society if people think it’s cool to dupe a reporter and potentially ruin their career?

The flip side to that, however, is that Borges is no stranger to shoddy journalism. He was previously fired

by The Boston Globe for plagiarism. Here, he didn’t steal someone else’s work, but he committed another cardinal sin as a journalist: he trusted, but didn’t verify. Yes, he reportedly called back and eventually spoke with the fake agent. But here’s the thing: Borges is no cub reporter. He’s been around the block and back. Surely, he’s talked with Brady’s agent before. Didn’t he notice a difference in the voice? Never mind that he knows as well as anyone Brady has never before done what was being alleged to Borges.

Don’t you call Brady directly? And if you don’t have that number, don’t you call the Patriots? Don’t you call some other players?

Borges apparently did none of this. He went with what he was told, or perhaps more appropriately, sold. As in a bill of goods. So did the Herald. And it cost them. It may well cost Borges his career. If so, it is a sad episode in journalism.

But it also a teachable moment for all journalists, especially the newbies, and the media in general: Being first is a great feeling. Better still? Being right.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 15, 2018

commentary | opinions

Harvey

Of messages and signals Janice Harvey

G

en. John Kelly: I have a message for you from women everywhere. I say “from everywhere” because I’m pretty sure there isn’t a dot of the map where women think being punched in the face by a man they trust and love is a good thing. The message, should you be inclined to hear it, is this: Don’t let the White House door hit your bigoted, misogynist arse on the way out.

Ostensibly, Kelly was brought into the White House to corral that herd of cats Trump called a staff, thinking citizens hoped the general’s presence would bring order and dignity to an administration that had all the order and dignity of a meat raffle held during a strip club happy hour. If nothing else, perhaps he’d at least tamp down on Trump’s tweeting.

Having failed at that, Kelly now has absolutely nothing, nada, zilch and zippo to list under “achievements” as he looks over his tenure in the White House, unless he counts berating and denigrating women while supporting abusive, lying men as an “achievement.” If that was a goal? High five, big guy!

While many hoped he’d temper Trump’s worst instincts, Kelly has instead inflamed and encouraged them. The moment when Kelly was unmasked as a snarky bigot came when he tore into Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for supporting a military widow. During a hastily-called press conference, Kelly dismissed Wilson as nothing more than an “empty barrel.” Both women happen to be African-American, so for Kelly this blistering assault was a two-fer. He was able to reach and appease Trump’s white male base by slamming two feared groups: females and blacks. Wilson embodied both.

Kelly and Trump have defended two male staffers accused of spousal abuse. Both the president and his chief of staff have known all along these men were hot-tempered bullies with histories that should have barred them from security clearance. One would think violating a restraining order would eliminate a man (or woman) from consideration as a person privy to classified information. Think again.

In yet another Saturday morning Tweetfest, Trump offered only sympathy for Rob Porter, the former aide with not one but two — count ’em, two — ex-wives alleging he abused

them. “There’s no recovery for someone falsely accused - life and career are gone,” he tweeted. That’s simply not true, since Kelly and Trump kept Porter on the government payroll despite being informed by the FBI of Porter’s proclivity for using both wives and a former girlfriend as punching bags. Not a syllable condemning abuse was tweeted by the president.

Trump sympathized with Porter for having to endure a “tough time.” Kelly offered only praise for the pugilistic pissant, calling him a man of integrity and “honor” and a “trusted professional.”

Meanwhile, White House speechwriter David Sorensen resigned after reports that he ran over his ex-wife’s foot and used her hand as an ashtray by burning her with a cigarette.

No comment from the president about the man who puts words in his mouth, but he did say Porter’s departure is “very sad.” For whom?

When Kelly and Trump defend abusive men who intimidate and assault the women in their lives, they send a clear message to every young male and female paying attention. To girls entering into relationships with boys who insult, threaten and injure them, the message is this: Shut up and take it.

Don’t bother reporting it to your parents or authorities. Don’t waste anyone’s time with photographic evidence. Your word is worth less than nothing, and in fact, your motives are highly questionable. Why are you trying to hurt this nice young man by ruining his future with your lies?

To young males, Trump and Kelly signal approval of bad treatment of females. She’s a vengeful vicious bitch, we all know it. I’m sure she was asking for it. You didn’t mean to hurt her, and it wasn’t nearly as bad as she’s making it sound.

Fuhgetaboutit. It’s in the past, and if it isn’t, dump her now.

Chicks are like buses: there’s another one coming along in a minute.

Adjustment counselors in our high schools work diligently to educate students about unhealthy relationships – how to avoid them and how to escape them. When the people who lead our country send out signals that condone physical and emotional abuse, perhaps the signal we need to send up is “S.O.S.” The voting booth is the only place where that flare can fly.

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commentary | opinions

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ELIZABETH BROOKS

bonk

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- Worcester boxer Bobby Harris III, after fighting to a draw in his third professional fight Saturday, Feb. 10.

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{ coverstory }

Bumpy Ride

WRTA battles budget woes, mounting criticism ELIZABETH BROOKS

Walter Bird Jr.

On a late Wednesday afternoon, the last in January, the lobby inside the Worcester Regional Transit Authority bus hub was bustling with folks trying to stay warm as long as possible before having to step out into the bitter cold embrace of winter. Some were sipping coffee bought at the Dunkin’ Donuts inside. If they had to go to the bathroom after finishing their cup of joe, it wouldn’t be at the bus hub that afternoon: the restrooms were out of order.

Buses rumbled up to the platform outside, then roared away again after unloading and picking up their next load of passengers. The electronic display just inside the foyer showed the No. 30 bus was running on schedule.

Driver Lori Mayotte picked up several riders at 4:17 p.m. before pulling her bus out onto Foster Street, where it would start a 37-minute trek to the Walmart at Scarlet Brook Plaza in West Boylston - pretty good time for rush hour in Worcester. The same bus pulled back into the hub around 5:30, having picked up and dropped off a good two dozen or more passengers.

The 30 isn’t the bus he typically takes, but Mike Baker depends on the WRTA just about every day of the week. Declared legally blind a year ago, having started losing his vision to Stickler Syndrome at around the age of 13, he cannot drive a car. An adjunct instructor at Worcester State University, the 35-year-old Baker lives in the Tatnuck Square section of Worcester.

“I need it for any kind of transportation,” he said, adding he has been taking the bus in Worcester since 2001. The one he takes most often is the No. 2, which runs up by the airport. “It’s extremely important. It allows me a level of freedom and certain autonomy. I can go shopping or to work on it. I can go to the movies. I can take the Webster bus to visit

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WRTA Administrator Jonathan Church on Thursday is expected to present to the WRTA Advisory Board a list of options for proposed changes to bus service throughout Southern Worcester County. my mom. I use it for just about every aspect of living.”

He is not the only one. While ridership has steadily declined — markedly over the past several months — riders in and around Worcester still depend on the WRTA to get where they have to go. The WRTA serves 37 towns in Southern Worcester County (14 with fixed route and ADA service), with Princeton its northernmost point, and service extending south to the Rhode Island and Connecticut borders.

• FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Fare increases and service cuts have put a dent in the number of riders, and confidence in the bus service has clearly taken a hit, but as the WRTA prepares for what could be yet another round of fare hikes and service cuts, riders and the men and women who drive them around Worcester and to communities around the city are worried things are about to get a whole lot worse. Gov. Charlie Baker’s recent budget, which included level funding for all 15 RTAs in Massachusetts at a total of $80.4 million, has only heightened the anxiety.

ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK On the day this story is published, Thursday, Feb. 15, WRTA Administrator Jonathan Church is expected to

{ coverstory }

ELIZABETH BROOKS

Worcester Magazine editor Walter Bird Jr., right, and Mike Baker talk about WRTA bus service. Baker, who is legally blind and resides in Worcester, relies on the bus for transportation.

present to the WRTA Advisory Board his fiscal 2019 budget (a final budget must be made

by June 1, Church said), along with suggestions on how to deal with what essentially is a double budget cut. The WRTA, level funded at $11.49 million in fiscal 2016 and 2017, was cut to $11.26 million in fiscal 2018 (14 percent of the total RTA budget) - the same amount it will receive this year. That, said Church, leaves the WRTA about $1 million in the hole, with anticipated expenses around $12 million.

If the funding doesn’t change — on Beacon Hill, the House is expected to roll out its proposed budget in April, the Senate sometime in May — the WRTA could see even more drastic changes, including reductions in services that would impact residents in and around Worcester who depend on the buses to get to work, to make doctor’s appointments, go shopping - in short, to live their lives.

Most notably, among the options as part of what Church is calling “an everything on the table way of thinking” is the elimination of all weekend service and all community routes (29, 33 and 42), along with a reduction of service to routes 1, 4, 7 and 15. In the first half of fiscal 2018 alone, the 7, which serves Washington Heights in Worcester, made over 100,000 passenger trips.

Eliminating the community routes would mean a loss of service to Southbridge and Charlton (Route 29), Spencer and Brookfield

(Route 33) and Oxford and Webster (Route 42).

Those three changes, referred to as having a “high cost savings impact,” would each save more than $250,000, according to Church.

Nine other service reductions or elimina-

tions would have low (under $100,000) to medium (between $100-$250,000) cost savings impacts, according to Church.

Church is also presenting 13 suggested service modifications that, while not generating any cost savings, are designed to “provide better operations for some routes and/ or improve crosstown connections.” Some of those ideas, he said, came from customers at past public meetings and in feedback provided to customer service.

The Advisory Board, Church said, will vote to put the options up for public discussion and feedback. In April, those comments will be presented and board members would be asked to vote on options. Church said the hope is the House budget would be ready by then, with additional funding proposed.

The new recommendations come to a bus service that last year saw routes changed or eliminated, fares increased and services cut, including late night busing. Weekend service at that time was also cut back.

The WRTA says it all comes down to money. The statewide RTA budget of $80 million is about $8 million less than what they say is needed.

“We’re currently lobbying our state delegation to really try to beef that up to $88 million,” said Church, who arrived at the WRTA in March 2016.

FIGHT FOR $$$

Church has authored a letter to state lawmakers. Union members, including drivers, have joined the chorus of voices calling for more money to be directed to the WRTA.

Mayotte wrote her own letter, which she addressed to more than 25 local, state and federal officials and business leaders, including the governor.

In a Jan. 18 letter, Mayotte said, “Now is quite possibly the worst time to be cutting back on public transportation,” citing Worcester’s continued redevelopment, the expectation of more people moving to the city and even the possibility of the Pawtucket Red Sox moving from Rhode Island. The budget as it stands, she said, would lead to service cuts and would have “a serious ripple effect.”

“The people who mainly depend on our service are low-income, elderly and disabled residents,” Mayotte wrote. “They do not have any other form of transportation and cannot afford to replace bus service. How are we supposed to tell our passengers working in restaurants, retail, housekeeping in our hospitals and hotels earning minimum wage that

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{ coverstory }

we cannot service them?”

Mayotte also hit on the governor’s fight against the drug epidemic, which he has made a centerpiece of his administration.

“I know you are aware of the seriousness of the opioid crisis,” she wrote. “We have many passengers who use our buses daily to get to the rehab centers and clinics to receive their medication doses. These people are fighting to get their lives back, have no money and no other way to get there. They need us. All of these people need us to be there for them.

Cutting service will hurt thousands of people.”

Multiple attempts to solicit comment from the governor for this story were unsuccessful.

In addition to writing letters, union members have been handing out fliers warning of impending route cuts and the loss of weekend bus service, urging people to “protect your right to have public transportation.”

All this is happening as the union’s current three-year contract is set to expire July 1. No one expects a strike, like the one that lasted 66 days in 2004. Another strike was narrowly averted in 2010.

“I know it’s going to be tough,” said Chris Bruce, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 22, which represents about 135-

145 employees. “It’s not going to be easy, but I think we’ll get through.”

STATE-LEVEL CONCERNS At the state level, the cry for

more funding is being heard, if not seen as the lone answer to the WRTA’s woes. Senate President Harriette Chandler, D-Worcester, is among those who are concerned about funding, but also looking to the WRTA for answers.

“Quite frankly, they can’t go back to ridership and raise fares further and cut services further,” the longtime state senator, who years ago helped form and chaired the RTA Caucus, and has seen the WRTA rebound from past troubles, said. “I’m raising the question, ‘Does that make sense?’ We’re not going to have a bus service if they do that.”

Chandler recalled the 2004 strike and the

work done to help all RTAs. In 2007, the caucus was planning on how to boost overall funding for the RTA by millions. In fact, according to reports, funding was expected to be as much as $86 million by fiscal 2018. With Baker’s proposal this year, that amount is almost $6 million less.

“We got everybody back in very good shape,” Chandler said, referencing the WRTA in particular and noting she worked with former Administrator Stephen O’Neil to push the state to forward-fund the RTAs. “We were concerned about the debt. We got through that, then we got to the point of using technology to modernize the fleet.”

O’Neil, she said, left the WRTA in good shape.

“It was a thriving organization three years ago,” she said.

“What has happened since,” she added, referencing the larger RTA, “is we’ve had a couple bad years and cuts were made. What is apparent is that the RTA, and this is my analysis, I think the first thought most people will have is there’s got to be malfeasance going on, inefficiencies. I’m not sure that’s really the problem.

When funding is cut, Chandler acknowlELIZABETH BROOKS

Lori Mayotte has been driving for the WRTA for almost five years. She and other bus drivers are pushing the state for more funding, while the company braces for more fare increases and service cuts.

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• FEBRUARY 15, 2018

edged, it is difficult for RTAs. Worcester is no exception. And when money is tight, as it has been the past couple years, routes are typically cut and fares often increased as a way to boost revenue.

“What they did to get through it was inflate their fares for that period of time, to cut service, which means they’re really now cutting back for people who have to ride the buses,” Chandler said. “Then comes this year and they’re back in the same situation again.

What makes it worse is the governor’s budget is level funded, but level funded to what? To the cut they had last year.

“Level funding is never level. Your costs keep going up. Level funding means you’re getting the same subsidy … If you’re level funded to an already-existing cut, you’re really in deep trouble. It’s like a double cut.

That’s the situation they find themselves.”

The state, Sen. Mike Moore, D-Millbury, said, would hopefully come up with additional funding for the RTAs. “If we can’t do an increase to $8 million, I’m hoping we come up with some sort of increase,” Moore said, noting the Senate Ways & Means Committee is just starting to conduct budget hearings across the state. “We haven’t received a lot of input from the public or the state agencies as far as what they’re looking for.”

Chandler said she thinks the RTA as a whole runs lean, money-wise, as do other publicly-funded transportation systems.

“I think the RTA is run on a really narrow margin,” she said. “The trains run on that margin. The MBTA runs on that margin. Very narrow. There’s not a lot of money. If something goes wrong, they don’t have anything to fall back on.”

Church said the WRTA spends 95 cents of every dollar on operations, and noted with confidence a fiscal 2017 audit he said revealed just how lean the WRTA is run. Revenues came largely from the state (46.6 percent) and federal government (20.5), while member communities, of which Worcester is the largest, picked up 18.8 percent of costs. Of its expenses, 73.7 percent went toward fixed-route transit service. Administrative costs accounted for less than 5 percent of overall expenses.

Such belt-tightening, however, has not rendered Church and the WRTA immune from claims of mismanagement and unimaginative thinking. While Church and others at the agency, including drivers, bemoan the lack of funding, outside observers say the WRTA shares the blame for its issues, ranging from late buses and some buses never showing up at all, to barely functional restrooms and sometimes rude drivers.

Baker recalled when he started going blind and was having trouble inserting his ticket in the machine on the bus.

“The driver said, ‘What are you blind?’ I lodged a complaint,” Baker said, adding while he never heard back from the bus company, he also never saw the driver again.

OUTSIDE THE BOX As it pleads for additional

{ coverstory } WHO WILL WIN THIS YEAR?

bus service is eliminated. “They don’t think outside the box. They’re very rigid and I think they are part of the problem, but again that’s the stuff I hear.”

Critics also point to a marked decline in ridership, wondering why, if so many fewer funding, the WRTA continues fannies are in the seats, the WRTA is asking for more funding. to take hits from city offiThe drop in passengers is significant, with cials and others skeptical of a 12.7-percent decline in total passenger trips its management practices and in July-December fiscal 2018 over the same unsure whether enough alperiod in fiscal 2017. Total passenger trips ternative measures have been over that six-month period in fiscal 2017 taken to deal with the budget were 1,856,831, according to the WRTA. Over same timeframe in fiscal 2018, the total crunch. And some critics have the dropped to 1,620,778. called into question the deciSome routes have suffered more than othsion to build the $14-million ers. Route 14 (listed on the WRTA website as running from the hub to Showcase Cinema bus hub, which opened in North via Burncoat Street, and which last 2012. year saw a reduction of seven round-trips a As for alternatives to higher fees and 8 WRTA FY 17 Audited Results - day) Actual Revenues and Expenses (1).jpg suffered a 31-percent decline in pas-

reduced service, there have been suggestions for the WRTA to explore tying in with rideshare programs, such as Uber and Lyft. Some -extension://nlkncpkkdoccmpiclbokaimcnedabhhm/gallery.html city officials have wondered whether the WRTA and school buses could work together.

Another idea has been using vans instead of fixed route buses to serve communities with lower ridership.

Notably, none of those are included in Church’s proposals to the Advisory Board.

Mayotte said the WRTA has not met with drivers to try to come up with solutions, while one passenger, Chrissa Daniels, said the agency is seen as stuck in its ways.

“From what I’ve heard, management is kind of tunnel-visioned,” said Daniels, who resides in the Main-South section of Worcester, rides the bus every day of the week and said she has “no clue” what she would do if Saturday

senger trips from July-December in fiscal 2018 over the same period in fiscal 2017, from 168,484 to 134,350. That route is among those that could be eliminated as part of the options suggested by Church.

Route 30, the run to Walmart in West Boylston, dipped 18.6 percent, from 135,004 to 109,854. Community shuttle ridership, meanwhile, dropped 22.4 percent, from 6,915 to 5,369.

Other routes, however, have noticed a dramatic uptick in ridership. Route 31 (Lincoln Plaza Outer Loop), for example, experienced a 41.1-percent increase, from 51,393 through July-December in fiscal 2017 to 72,518 over the same period in fiscal 2018. Route 1, whose route was extended to Walmart off Route 146, has seen passenger trips surge by 32.8 percent, from 22,945 to 30,462.

“Certainly, some of our choice riders were

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{ coverstory }

ELIZABETH BROOKS

probably turned away [by fare increases and service cuts or changes],” Church acknowledged. “Certainly, we’re not providing the frequencies and coverage we were before.

What we’re seeing in the first half of fiscal 2018, compared to fiscal 2017, it’s affecting those drops.”

“Some routes,” he added, “have seen quite a jump in ridership.”

He singled out Route 1, which now serves an area that had never been served with a bus.

Extending the route to Walmart, Church said, “really provided a big jump in ridership.”

That route, however, could see a reduction in service under Church’s cost-savings proposal.

MOUNTING CRITICISM In addition to rider concerns

and complaints, Church and the WRTA have faced increased criticism from inside City Hall. A Jan. 4 decision to cancel citywide bus service at noon in the middle of a blinding snowstorm invited

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Chris Bruce, president of Amalgamated Union Local 22.

leaving many riders who had scrutiny from City Manager Ed Augustus Jr., who in a rare taken the bus to work without show of public disagreement, a ride home.

“I don’t do this often but I am publicly called Church to task for

• FEBRUARY 15, 2018

disappointed in the WRTA’s decision to close today,” Augustus said on Unity Radio that morning. “You have a lot of people who go to work. People went to work thinking they were going to get a bus back home. To just, while you’re at work, to find out bus service has ended, I wish we would be consistent with how we deal with [situations].”

Others believe Church made the right call.

“People forget it’s not just the driving,” Mayotte said. “The buses are good in the snow. The problem is the forecast changed and visibility was an issue. People forget there’s no sidewalks. We’re dropping them off and leaving them in the street. We’re literally leaving them in danger. People aren’t thinking of things like that.”

For his part, Church stands by his decision.

“We were getting feedback from the drivers and dispatch. The governor recommended people stay home,” he said. “I made the decision to do it. I stand behind it.”

It is not just whether to run buses in a blizzard, however, that has Church on the hot seat in the minds of some. Several city councilors appear to have had enough with complaints about WRTA service.

“From what I’ve seen it’s not getting better, it’s getting only worse,” At-Large Councilor Gary Rosen said of WRTA service. “If this were a private company, they’d be heading for

bankruptcy. They might be going out of business. There’s got to be some major changes there. I don’t know what the city can do. All I know is we have to do something.”

“There’s a lot of issues going on here,” he added. “We have to do something about this company.”

Former City Councilor Tony Economou, who joins Rosen as a host of a daily talk show on Unity Radio, said he wants to hear more from WRTA leadership about what they are doing to deal with the budget shortfall, rather than complain about money.

“We’re the second largest city in New England and we don’t have a transportation system that works, period,” he said. “All you hear about is, ‘We need more money. We need more money.’ The story could be better told if, ‘This is what I’ve done to save money, to create efficiencies within my system. I’m running as lean as I can, yet this isn’t my fault because I haven’t been funded properly.”

At-Large Councilor Khrystian King cited specific groups of riders who rely on the buses to get where they need to go, such as students, the disabled and people in recovery.

A dependable public transportation system, he said, is critical.

“A lot of folks are depending on bus service being consistent, being reliable as a means to provide for their families to lift themselves up out of some situations,” King said. “Also, our students, and as we have people moving into downtown, a lot of the bus stops there on Main Street have been eliminated.”

He cited the ongoing opioid crisis and individuals with mental health issues who need to access the many available services in Worcester.

“For folks that don’t have transportation,” King said, “they need consistent and reliable service.”

He said he was particularly disappointed in WRTA leadership, saying, “They listen, but for me they’re just not responsive enough.”

Some have come to Church’s defense, notably among the union.

“I would say no,” Bruce said of whether the criticism of Church has been fair. “That’s just my initial reaction. I think they’re trying.

I think some of the stuff that’s going on …

The following are proposed options for changes to WRTA service and their suggested cost-savings impact (Low: under $100,00, Medium: $100-$250,000, High: over $250,000).

Reduced service Route 14 - Low Eliminate Saturday service on routes 29, 42 - Low Reduced service Route 33 - Medium Eliminate Route 25 - Medium Eliminate Route 40 (Hub Loop) and Route 24A extra runs - Medium Eliminate Sunday service - Medium Eliminate Route 14 - Medium Reduced service Outer Loop (routes 16, 31) - Medium Reduce Saturday to Sunday level of service - Medium Reduced service routes 1, 4, 7 and 15 - High Eliminate all community routes (29, 33, 42) - High Eliminate weekend service (Saturday and Sunday) - High could be corrected. The bottom line is the money. In my mind, the state government is not giving us the money we need to run.”

“We need to have a dedicated revenue stream,” he continued. “Public transit is a right, it’s not a luxury.”

Mayotte said the criticism stings. She, too, is not so quick to pile onto Church and WRTA leadership.

“There’s a lot more we’d like to do for passengers and we just can’t,” she said. “Management has a lot of great ideas and they can’t do them … They want more grant money [and the government says] you don’t have enough ridership to support these things you want to do.”

There are other factors at play as well, according to Tim Murray, former lieutenant governor and current president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. The budget is one of them, he said, but new technology has also impacted the RTAs in general.

“Uber, Lyft, people wanting things in real time,” Murray said. “You never say never, but I would find it hard to believe there would not be some type of mixed-route service that

would serve the region.”

While some have been critical of Church and WRTA management, Murray said that’s not something he has heard.

“People rely on transportation in terms of medical and things like that,” he said. “Sometimes things reach a flashpoint, but by and large people recognize value and understand that funding has been limited and that kind of then restricts your ability to add routes and different regions. I think most people understand they have some challenging operating conditions.”

A VISION

For his part, Church said he and the WRTA are doing what they can to remain viable.

He is well aware of the criticism and doubts cast his way.

While not dismissing the complaints about decreased service in the face of increased

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fares, he said that wasn’t his plan when he started with the bus company.

“When I came in, I came in with a vision,” Church said. “I’d like to see increased service within the city and region. I’m still sticking with that vision. What is preventing a good number of that vision from being implemented is the budget.”

Church said city traffic has proved problematic. City officials have acknowledged an increase in traffic around the city, particularly downtown. Traffic outside the bus hub, at Foster and Front streets, often is backed up in all directions, especially late in the afternoon.

As traffic has increased, Church said some bus trips are arriving late.

“We’re looking at other options,” he said, mentioning efforts in other communities, such as Everett, which has implemented a busonly lane in an attempt to speed up service.

“That’s something we’re talking about at the WRTA. We have not approached the city in any formal capacity … I don’t expect them to say, ‘We’ll do this,’ but it might be something as a pilot.”

The one-mile lane Everett tried has cut trip times by 20-30 percent, according to a Jan. 2 report on transitcenter.org.

Church acknowledged the concerns of WRTA customers.

“They use our system daily. They know the routes inside out,” he said. “They let us know when something’s wrong. I think there’s some valid criticism.”

Rider confidence, he said, has been mixed.

“Some people say to me, ‘With an increase in fares and decrease in service, what are we paying for?’ There’s total validity to that,” he said. “We’ve certainly seen some ridership go down this winter, but that’s not atypical.

We’re monitoring the best we can. Certainly, we want to provide the best service we can.

We’re struggling with what we can do budgetwise.

“We’re hopeful for the future that, if we get more funding, we can provide better service in the city and in the region, and go from there.”

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17

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art | dining | nightlife | February 15 - 21, 2018

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Karen Reid’s “Mental Notes”

Alisha Savoy

Editor’s Note: This student art criticism is published by Worcester Magazine in partnership with ArtsWorcester and Clark University, and is made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation. Be on the lookout for more student art criticism in the coming months.

One breath in, one out.

From start to finish Karen Reid is in dialogue with her canvas as color swims from her unconscious mind. Oils and pastels are pushed and pulled in a rhythmic dance, with squeegees and immense palette knives. Reid’s solo exhibition, “Mental Notes,” currently on view at the Hanover Theater, is not about one idea or experience, and is not limited to art historians or even art lovers. She creates a world to get lost in, floating between reality and mirage.

In paintings such as one titled “Oasis,” her raw expression is reiterated through her simple, limited use of color; we see pulsating red, seeping yellow, and still white against an open sea of blue expanding ceaselessly from day to night. There is a tension between hot and cool as colors tumble together in a confusion of mixed emotions, both turbulent and calm. Reid’s paintings are not just abstract landscapes, for there is no horizon line, ground or traditional illusionistic space – no oasis. The artist disappears, and we the viewers dissolve into the paintings only to be reminded of her presence by the brushwork and subtle fingerprints intentionally left behind. Every sweep and droop of paint in Reid’s work conveys the experiences of the human soul and spirit. There is something for everyone in the way she generates endless variation and untold experiences.

In “Oasis,” color transcends the artist. Reid

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believes that by taking away the core of her being — all the things that make her herself — she is then able to find a rawer inner truth. Reid is searching for a more permanent reality, like that of Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock, two iconic mid-century Abstract Expressionists. Similar to Rothko, she creates tranquility in her layering of paint. Her infinite blues both soothe and calm as they emerge from beneath the surface, cooling the tensions of the hot reds. An excavation of the painting would find there are layers upon layers of paint, and if we were to scrape away,

• FEBRUARY 15, 2018

undoing her process, we would uncover new surfaces and new paintings hidden underneath. Like Pollock, Reid invokes a sense that the paint itself becomes independent of the artist: she surrenders herself to her process.

You can see colors bleeding, melting, and drooping into one another as Reid layered, scraped, and smudged, leaving areas of paint both thick and thin. Accents of her physical energy are mirrored in squiggles of red and yellow. It is in these textures and forms that we see complexity within the expanse of human experience and emotion.

“Oasis” is an expression of the passing of time. As an observer you stand, watching chaos unfold before you, but find harmony and stillness are slowly restored. In an oasis you find life and fertility; you find a breath of fresh air. Everything stops for a moment, and allows us to breathe before life hustles us along, either dragging us or leaving us behind. Reid’s presence can be felt in her paintings in the subtle rhythms and patterns that envelop the viewers.

She draws us in with each strip of color, pulling us further and deeper into the realm of the painting – we can almost taste the landscape, hear the rustling of wind or the buzzing summer day sounds of the cicada’s mating call.

Art is a type of language, and abstract art is, as art historian Stephen Polcari wrote, “No abstraction at all. On the contrary it is the realism of our time.”

In Reid’s paintings there is something for everyone.

In “Still” we see a beacon of hope surrounded by a foggy world where memories start to fumble. “Afternoon in Vermont” is a search for ourselves and our identity in the context of memories. “Amelia’s Song” not only invokes memory, but humanity, and our sense of curiosity – our innocence in childhood and whether we have lost it as adults.

“Response” is a beautiful daydream, our happy place – a place to go and remember.

While it is important to discuss line, color, texture, form and composition — all of which tell us how to read a painting — I ask only one thing of you: Go to Reid’s show, stand in front of a painting and take it all in. Then ask yourself this: how does this painting make me feel?

Alisha Savoy, from Londonderry, New Hampshire, is a junior at Clark University studying Art History. This essay is the product of a fall 2017 seminar at Clark, and is made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation to support partnerships between Clark University and Worcester organizations.

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Big Bill Morganfield: a genuine blues man Jim Perry

For those of you who love the blues, you might want to plan on being at the Bull Run in Shirley Thursday, Feb. 22. Big Bill Morganfield, son of the towering blues great Muddy Waters, headlines a blues summit that looks to be something special. Sitting in with Morganfied will be harmonica wizard Jason Ricci. To top it all off, one of New England’s premier blues acts, Mr. Nick and the Dirty Tricks, will warm up the crowd.

The show is the opening night of a five night/five gig mini tour put together by Mr. Nick, aka Nick David. David, who wears the booking agent hat, coordinated the entire thing: plane flights, hotel rooms, etc.

“I’m not a huge fan of that side of the business,” David conceded, “but there’s a lot of moving parts. Someone’s gotta do it.”

David and his band are on a roll. They are among the elite of the Northeast blues scene.

David has become a master harmonica player in the “jump” blues genre, and he is continuously expanding his technique. He got started almost by accident.

“I had harmonicas as a kid, but I really didn’t start playing until I joined a band in the early nineties called ‘Chicken Head.’” Their lead singer abruptly left the band, and David was asked to join, and, as he puts it, “this guy just left behind a bag of harmonicas.”

David inherited them, and started his journey as an ace of the instrument.

He taught himself how to play, with some bits of advice from the greats along the way.

“Curtis Salgado taught me the tongue blocking method,” he said, “and I sat down with Annie Raines one day, and she taught me how to use vibrato.”

David, a New Hampshire native, actually performed wit Morganfield once before, a few years back.

“When we had a gig lined up, I knew he was going to play ‘Mannish Boy,’ one of Muddy Waters’ signature tunes. I called up Jerry Portnoy, Muddy’s harp player for a time, and picked his brain about the technique used on that song.”

His intense curiosity and urge to get better is one of the reasons David is thrilled to share the stage with Ricci.

“He’s one of the guys that is looking forward into the future of the blues. You know, I listen to a guy like that, I want to throw all my harmonicas in the trash,” he said, in all seriousness. “He’s on an entirely different

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plane than everybody else.”

Toward the end of the show, David said, “we’ll all be on stage together.”

The Dirty Tricks will be the backing band for everyone.

First, he will front them, then he will Big Bill Morganfield sit while Ricci takes over. Ricci will continue playing for Morganfield’s set, and at some point, David will rejoin them for the final stretch.

Morganfield talked to me about his father’s legacy. Waters passed away in April of 1983 when Bill was 27.

“We were getting to know each other, and suddenly he was gone,” he says.

After his death, Morganfield, who was an English teacher, continued in that profession, but decided to study guitar on the side.

I asked him if when he first picked up the guitar he knew right away that he could do it, he gave me an emphatic no and laughed.

“No, no, not at all,” he said. “It was hard.”

But he pursued it. He spent six years immersed in lessons, then played occasional shows, including one with Lonnie Mack in Atlanta, which was a resounding success. He started thinking that he could do this more seriously.

His father was always in his thoughts.

“He was always hoping one of his kids would do something musical,” he said.

The big question was whether he could capture the blues feeling like his father. Actually he was a latecomer to the blues.

“Here I am, you know, I was raised on different music,” he said. “Stevie Wonder, Jackson Five, you know, all that Motown. My dad, he was a sharecropper, basically. He was livin’ it. It came more natural.”

But Morganfield found the muse. He is a genuine blues man.

“I still like all kinds of music, but it seems I can’t get enough of the blues.”

His performances of his father’s classics raise the hair on the back of your neck, with his thick ominous voice capturing the spirit.

Yet he is also carving out his own style, and is proud of that.

An astute businessman, Morganfield runs his own record label, and he has written for — and appeared in — some television shows, including the Fox series, “Shots Fired.” He plans on expanding his options, and slowing down his touring.

“I don’t want to be a road hog anymore,” he says.

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FEBRUARY 15, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Presents

Deaths be not proud, or equal Jim Keogh

A few thoughts compiled while waiting for “The Black Panther” to bare its fangs:

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*** One of the most intriguing movies I’ve seen lately is “Tom vs. Time,” the five-part Facebook Watch documentary that lays out the case for Tom Brady being physically and mentally equipped to quarterback the Patriots well into his 90s. As a Brady admirer, I appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at his training regimen (though the violent massages administered by his trainer/guru Alex Guerrero may inspire a #TomToo movement). Still, by the fifth installment, when Brady goes surfing in Costa Rica, kibitzes with Giselle, and blathers on about the spirituality of football, I was more than finished. As a co-worker noted, “He’s California-weird.” *** I’m having a hard time accepting Bruce Willis in the reboot of “Death Wish” because he’s such a lightweight compared to Charles Bronson, who starred in the 1974 original as a New York City architect turned street vigilante after his wife is killed and his daughter

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20MoRI_WorcesterMag_2-15.indd W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N 1E . C O M

Several years ago the producers of the Academy Awards show instituted a new policy for the In Memoriam segment by muting the sound of audience applause as photos of Hollywood’s newly deceased cycled across the screen. I humbly demand a return to the old way, when raucous cheers greeted the images of beloved late actors, while dead costume designers, screenwriters and agents were ushered off with scattered clapping, sometimes punctuated by a lonely whistle from the balcony. I’m not suggesting one life is more valuable than another. But this is show biz, folks, where everyone from big stars to bit players understands their place on the marquee, even when they’re gone.

1/26/2018 2:52:28 PM

raped by thugs. Bronson terrorizes the Big Apple’s darkest corners pretty much just by being Charles Bronson — a craggy-faced magnet for trouble. (I love how potential muggers elbow their way past old ladies and frightened teenagers to get at the scariest looking dude on the subway). “Death Wish” hasn’t aged particularly well, yet remains a curiosity for some of the secondary casting, which included Jeff Goldblum, ludicrously, as a street tough, Christopher Guest as a cop, and an uncredited appearance by Olympia Dukakis, who 13 years later would win an Academy Award for “Moonstruck.” *** I’ll admit to having a serious clickbait problem. I want to be better, I truly do. But when an item pops up in my Facebook feed with the headline “You Won’t Believe How These Former Child Actors Grew Into Hideous Adults,” I can’t turn away. Nor do I think I should. *** Clint Eastwood’s last two movies, “Sully” and “The 15:17 to Paris,” recount true events that were gripping, and which unfolded quickly — the landing of a crippled passenger plane in the Hudson River, and the thwarting of a 2015 terrorist attack on a French train by three young Americans, two of them soldiers (all three play themselves in the movie).

“Sully” was padded with pointless flashbacks, and the film conflated the crash investigation into a witch hunt (which it wasn’t) to manufacture drama and justify a feature-length running time. The early returns on “15:17” are similar. The action is stirring, but there ain’t much of it, and it’s preceded by a dull series of flashbacks from the friends’ childhoods, military training and their backpacking trip through Europe. Unfortunately, it appears Eastwood wasn’t able to give these heroes a movie commensurate with their well-earned reputation as a few good men.

FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING

Godspeed, Ed. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Worcester Magazine offers its deepest condolences to the family of Ed Hyder, who passed away Tuesday, Feb. 6.

Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace, the store he founded bears his name, but his influence was so much more. A husband, father, brother and businessman, he truly left his community — and the city of Worcester — in a better place. Goodbye, Ed.

FEBRUARY 15, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Mezé Greek Tapas Bar

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FOOD HHH1/2 AMBIENCE HHH SERVICE HHHH VALUE HHHH 156 Shrewsbury St, Worcester • 508 926-8115 • Mezegreektapas.com

Mind Your Mezé Sandra Rain

Your trip to the dreamy Greek island of Santorini will require a 10-hour flight to Athens, followed by eight hours on a relatively unromantic ferry, and an inevitably tumultuous excursion up a steep cliff whilst you cling to a donkey’s back side. Or, you can cut your losses and duck into Mezé Greek Tapas Bar and Grille on Shrewsbury Street.

A “mezé” is no more an appetizer than it is an entrée. The term, of Persian origin, simply means “taste” or “snack” and is designed for consumption with distilled spirits. Order a glass of Ouzo Plomari ($7) for the full experience. Small sips of the dense, luminous liquid will reveal long, sweet drags

of anise and eucalyptus. Those adverse to black liquorice need not apply, but will fare better with the Anastasi dry red ($8/$25) or an electric pink glass of the Nico Lazaridi Rose ($10) which is more akin to the likes of bubblegum and soft caramel chews.

It is clear the servers have sampled everything on the menu. The staff is adept at shaping your experience with the right amount of food and a comfortable range of flavors. Expect a lot of tzatziki; as the sweet Greek woman who leaned over our table mid-meal so aptly put it, “We put that shit on everything.” The tzatziki is a cold, airy yogurt dip that is strained and salted, and then combined with cooling cucumber. Unlike most restaurants, Mezé encourages “long reaches, clashing forks, and bumps and spills” in its founding mission. It is also a hidden gem for large parties seeking last minute dinner reservations in a locale designed for conversation.

The saganaki kefalograviera ($10) is irresistable when doused in lemon juice. This pan-fried block of cheese gives the illusion of a thin toasted pita, negating the need for any sort of weight bearing vehicle. Eat the saganaki while it’s hot and melty. Keep in mind that, Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m., all hot

Leisure, Libations, and Local Fare Sarah Connell

Generosity at the J

On Saturday, Feb. 10, the Worcester Jewish Community Center held its Annual Gala and Casino Night at Mechanics Hall. The event benefited the JCC’s youth scholarship program. President George D. Pins and past President Howard Stempler took time to honor former Executive

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

pork souvlaki ($5 per piece), which will arrive on generously-stacked skewers over a bed of pungent red onions. The paidakia ($5 each) also summons a Grecian sentimentality boasting rustic, grilled lamb chops meant for devouring with one’s hands. For daring diners, the octapodi ($16) arrives without frills, straight from the sea, tentacles practically wiggling.

The decor is nearer Greek postcard than it is cliffside donkey climb, but perhaps that’s for the best. Pillars and posters adorn the interior along with plastic vines and mounted instruments. The concept Front to back: pork souvlaki, saganaki of perceived authenticity wanes in kefalograviera and kolokithakia tiganita. view of a bouzouki that can’t be played. Mirrors, bright lights and plates are only $5. The kolokithakia tiganita exposed brick relieve the space ($8) is likewise brilliant in its simplicity. This of its seriousness in the same vein as juicy hand-cut zucchini is delicately fried to a lemons that have been quartered in mind of a crisp like tempura. Dolmathes ($8) feels like generous squeeze. required eating at Mezé. After all, what is Mezé is ideal for boisterous family meals. a Greek celebration without a plate full of Embrace, argue, vie for the last kalamata olive stuffed grape leaves bursting with sticky white and lay the tzatziki on thick. You’re in for a rice? treat.

As for protein, I suggest starting with the On our last date, the bill came to $65.16.

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Bite sized:

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• FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Director Emily Holdstein for her 17 years of service before welcoming new Executive Director Emily Rosenbaum.

Professional Girl Scout Cookie Consumption

I am pleased to serve as a judge at this year’s “Fork It Over” Girl Scout cookie competition, which will be held Thursday, March 8 at the Hanover Theater. Chefs from British Beer Company, DJ’s Tasty Treats, Figs & Pigs, The Hangover Pub, HilltoFrom left, Doug Arbetter, Brenden Lemay, Sandra Borenstein, Morgan Vines and Mark Borenstein enjoy the JCC Gala at Mechanics Hall Saturday night.

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pRestaurant at Bay Path RVTHS, Karol’s Corner, Matoaca Kitchen & Bakery, Niche Hospitality, Peppercorns, Publick House and Sonoma will create sweet and savory dishes using their favorite Girl Scout

cookies. The evening will also include a silent auction featuring a pair of round-trip tickets to anywhere from JetBlue. Tickets are $50 each or two for $80, and can be purchased at gscwm.org. Girl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

It’s Lucky Number 13 for Julio’s Annual “GO! Whisk(e)y” Weekend

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 21, whiskey hobbyists and experts alike are invited to Julio’s Liquors in Westborough where the majority of events and tastings will be free. On Saturday evening, a meet and greet will be held from 7-9 p.m. for event attendees to taste whiskey and talk to representatives from over 20 different distilleries. The Loch &K(e)y Society’s Grand Dram Tasting will take place Sunday, Feb. 25, 1-4 p.m., featuring more than 400 Drams from around the world. “At Julio’s, we love whiskey,” said Julio’s Liquors owner Ryan Maloney, “We are world renowned for our whiskey selection, so what better place to hold the largest whiskey tasting event in New England?”

Did you goof on Valentine’s Day? It’s not too late.

Worcester’s favorite yogi power-duo welcomes you and your significant other for a partner yoga workshop Friday, Feb. 16. Cote Shaw and Zef Kambouris at Metrowest Yoga want you to get deeper into each pose with help from your companion; the minds of Metrowest promise increased communication and an increased level of trust as a result. Instructors suggest wearing comfortable, loose fitting

clothing. The session will take place Friday, Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m., at Metrowest’s Worcester studio. The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple.

Prime President’s Day Discounts at BBC

British Beer Company is bowing to their American

customer base with a President’s Day deal that includes 2 for 1 lobster rolls all day Feb. 19 along with a 50-percent reduction in menu prices from 5-9 p.m. Kids eat free all day and there will be an open mic, 7-9 p.m., for music.

Wine Fest Fortified

Plans for the 2018 Worcester Wine Festival are already taking shape as organizers promise

an expanded festival for Sept. 4-9. “We were pleased — on so many levels — with how the inaugural Worcester Wine Festival came together,” said Ed Russo, one of the event organizers. “We had tremendous support from the Central Massachusetts community, the wine vendors, our sponsors, the City of Worcester and so many others,” he added. Fellow organizer Luke M. Vaillancourt also reports having learned a tremendous amount from the inaugural festival; he is already deep in data analysis in preparation for 2018.

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

Broadcasting LIVE from Julio's Liquors

Saturday 11am - 1pm!

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

No Radio, No problem!

FEBRUARY 15, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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music >Thursday 15

Drinks with Superman Shawn. MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St. 508799-4521.

Karaoke. 8-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-8531350.

Ernest Benoit at Tavern on the Common. Free! 6-8 p.m. Tavern on the Common, 249 Main St., Rutland. 508-886-4600.

Classic Rock, Blues, and Folk with Patrick McCarthy.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Olde Post Office Pub, 1 Ray St., North Grafton. 508-8396106.

Open Mic Most Thursdays @ Barbers North. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6:30-9:30 p.m. Barbers Crossing (North), 175 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8438.

Open Mic/Local Musicians Showcase Every 3rd Thursday @ KBC Brewery. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free!

6:30-9:30 p.m. Kretschmann Brewing Co (KBC Brewing) - Brewery and Beer Garden, 9 Frederick St., Webster.

Night Train. 7-11 p.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585.

Late Sonatas Concert. Violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, of the internationally-acclaimed Dover String Quartet, joins Artist-in-Residence Adam Golka for an exploration of late masterpieces composed by Johannes Brahms, the Two Sonatas op. 120, as well as Shostakovich’s very final work, his Sonata for Viola and Piano opus 147. Free. 7:308:30 p.m. College of the Holy Cross: Brooks Concert Hall, 1 College St. holycross.edu Amanda Cote. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Sqare, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580.

Eric Fournier Performs at 9. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

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

Open Mic Night With David Bazin. Acoustic Style, bring your acoustic instrument down and or sing and share your talent! No Cover.

8-11 p.m. Belfont Hotel, 11 South Main St., Millbury. 508-917-8128.

Steve Aoki with Desiinger. 8 p.m.-midnight Palladium, The, 261 Main St. 508-797-9696.

The Cove Music Hall Presents: Thursday Night Band Wars! The Cove is hosting our first Battle of the bands! Band Wars!

Where 18 bands will battle it out over the course of 9 weeks to have a chance to win the opportunity to go on a Northeast tour. Which will take them to PA, NYC, NJ, CT, and back to the Cove! Feb 15th: Reservoirsfacebook.com/reservoirsband/ Blackletter- whoisblackletter.com Angorfacebook.com/AngorMetal *Bands and show dates subject to change* $7-21+-8pm $7 at the door. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on Facebook.

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

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

Center Stage Karaoke. Come on down and take center stage...

Karaoke with Colin...9pm...no cover No Cover. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433

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Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

Karaoke Party with Matty J! 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

Kevin Shields. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place.

508-459-9035.

Troy Gonyea Live at Nick’s! There’s no questioning Troy Gonyea’s blues credentials. The Worcester guitarist and singer-songwriter cut his chops playing with such bands as The Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Muddy Waters Band, and local favorites, The Howl. Troy plays Nick’s tonight at 9PM Free. 9-11:30 p.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030 or find them on Facebook.

DJ Cuzn Kev. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. DJ 21+Canal. Live Dj pushing out all the latest hits for you’re listening and dancing pleasure! (Thursday is college night @ the Canal) 10:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

DJ X Kaliber. 11-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

>Friday 16

Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat! Start your weekend with Nat Needle at Nick’s Worcester, 124 Millbury St. No cover charge this and most Fridays.

Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat (TFIDN) is an unfettered romp through Nat’s musical imagination backed up by his hefty piano chops and hip vocals!

Special guests are welcome to sit in, and often do! Help me make this the time& place to connect, escape, network, chill, eat, drink, and above all be merry... but if you’re blue, why be alone? 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, Cabaret, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030 or Facebook.

August Burns Red with Special Guests. 6:30 p.m.-midnight Palladium, The, 261 Main St. 508-797-9696.

Alex Twohey. 7-10 p.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-3046044.

Bill McCarthy Every Friday at Barbers Crossing North.

Now catch Bill McCarthy playing his heart out every Friday at Barbers North (Sterling, MA) @6:30pm Visit: BillMcCarthyMusic.com for info.

Free! 7-10 p.m. Barbers Crossing (North), 175 Leominster Road, Sterling.

978-422-8438.

Jim Perry. Jim is an amazing musician who’ll keep you moving throughout the night! Come catch some of the best live music around, and grab a bite to eat and a few drinks with friends! N/A. 7-10 p.m.

Canal Restaurant & Bar, Bar / Lounge, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353 or find them on Facebook.

A Hollywood Valentine with Valerie Sneade. A cabaret with Jim Rice at the piano $20 Regular, $17 Student/Senior. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Calliope Productions Inc, 150 Main St., Boylston. 508-869-6887 or calliopeproductions.org Bret Talbert: Live & Acoustified! Songs from various decades and genres sung and performed with high energy on the trusty six string.

0. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tavern on the Common, 249 Main St., Rutland.

508-886-4600.

Cailte Kelly. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Monument Tap, Leominster. 978-7981242.

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

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

Free Entertainment. Free. 8-10:30 p.m. Chuck’s Steakhouse, 10 Prospect St., Auburn. 508-832-2553.

Gary Girouard. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580.

Hitchcock Blondes. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster.

Mike Melendez. 8-11 p.m. 435 Bar & Grill, 435 Lancaster St., Leominster.

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

Sean Fullerton and his Mad Loops Laboratory! Performing every 4th Thursday (6-8pm) and every 3rd Friday (8-10:30pm) monthly at the Tavern On The Common in Rutland, Sean Fullerton is a solo Acoustic/Electric performer with 2 decades of professional experience

• FEBRUARY 15, 2018

specializing in Blues, Rock, Folk, Memphis Soul and Fingerstyle Guitar.

8-10:30 p.m. Tavern on the Common, 249 Main St., Rutland. 508-8864600 or seanfullertonmusic.net Unanswered, Thrash Frog and Sonic Pulse. Anyone wearing an uncovered Thrash Frog t-shirt gets in free! 8PM Show Time $5. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

Whitney Doucette. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tavern on Central, 3 Central St., Ashburnham. 978-827-1272.

Isabel Stover. isabelstover.com/index/ “Jazz is my go-to music; my comfort food,” says Isabel Stover. “As vocal artists there is a need to bear our souls to the world, but at the same time make our music accessible to people. Which is why all these other musical influences that I bring to the table must inform what I do, from my choice in songs to how I sing a particular lyric.” Anyone who listens to Stover’s recording, Her Own Sweet World, released in 2012 would agree. The debut CD is a carousel of jazz standards serving up original arrangements of samba, swing and waltz with a side of blues and pop. No Cover. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030 or find them on Facebook.

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

TC Polk. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. South Side Grille & Margarita Factory, 242 West Broadway, Gardner. 978-632-1057.

Born to Party in the 90’s Dance Party. We’re gonna party like it’s the 90’s all over again! DJ Ray will be in the house playing all your favorite 90’s hits and some you didn’t even think you would hear again!

9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on Facebook.

Guest and House DJ’S. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St. 508-799-4521 or mblounge.com Hip Tonight Live. 0. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Brewski’s Pub, 413 Park Ave. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. 978345-5051.

Karaoke Fridays at Three G’s Sportsbar. Join Magic Mike Entertainment every Friday night for Karaoke! Free! 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Three G’s Sports Bar, 152 Millbury St. magicmikeentertainment.com Riff Raff. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350.

Sean Von Clauss. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. The Ed Sullivans featuring Jim Perry. 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

DJ Tec Threat (upstairs). 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. DJs. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304-6044.

Stubby Philips and The Flatheads. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

DJ 21+Canal. Live Dj pushing out all the latest hits for you’re listening and dancing pleasure! 10:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

DJ Joe T Performs at Loft at 11. 11-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

Safe House Radio Show. This is a live radio broadcast with 2 living DJs hoping to drag you out of your lonely IPods and phone apps to hear the local & national metal, thrash, screamo, punk and alternative you wont hear on mainstream radio. Tune into WCUW 91.3FM in the Worcester and surrounding areas. Or stream live on wcuw.org (hit the listen live button in the upper left corner of screen) Call in to let us know your listening @ (508)753-2284 after 11pm. 91.3fm or wcuw.org 11 p.m.-midnight WCUW Studios, 910 Main St. 508-753-2284 or Facebook.

>Saturday 17

Rick Hamel Live Acoustic. Wild Willy’s Burgers, 317 W Boylston St. 508-459-2088.

A Hollywood Valentine with Valerie Sneade. A cabaret with Jim Rice at the piano $20 Regular, $17 Student/Senior. 2-4 p.m.

Calliope Productions Inc, 150 Main St., Boylston. 508-869-6887 or calliopeproductions.org Big Jon Short. Armed with foot percussion, a National Reso-phonic Guitar and Lowebow cigar-box reso-hillharp, Big Jon Short’s high energy solo performances bring a foot-stomping show that taps into the heart of

the songs, regional styles, and folklore of the Blues and its importance to American music. 6-9 p.m. 3cross Fermentation Cooperative, 4 Knowlton Ave. 508-615-8195.

Open Mic! Come join our weekly open mic night! Hosted by Stephen Wright. All family friendly performers welcome. Show up and add your name to the list. Look forward to having you! 6:30-9 p.m. Nu Cafe, 335 Chandler St. 508-926-8800 or nucafe.com New England Weather - Duo. Come down and check out Rob and Jared of New England Weather, they’ll be cookin’ up a storm of great music. 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, Bar/Lounge, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

The Blameless Project. A Big Band with a Big Sound! $5 Donation.

7:30-10 p.m. !Cafe con Dios!, Main Room, 22 Faith Ave., Auburn. 508579-6722.

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

Dave Mack Performs at Loft, Saturday at 8. 8-9:30 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

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

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

Left - Right. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Monument Tap, , Leominster. 978798-1242.

Lizzy Marquis. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580.

Shadow Windhawk and the Morticians, Damnation, & Wolfman Chuck. $10 at the Door 21+ 8pm $10 at the door. 8 p.m.1 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or Facebook.

The Lost Artifacts. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster.

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

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

Dezi Garcia. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Frank’s, 274 Shrewsbury St. 774-4202253.

Guest and House DJs. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St. 508-799-4521 or mblounge.com Infinite Groove. Fusion of Rock, Funk, Blues, Jazz. A very versatile group with a wide selection of material, professional and experienced members, and a refreshing approach to everything they play. $5. 9 p.m.1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

Rock It. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. 978345-5051.

Second Chance. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. South Side Grille & Margarita Factory, 242 West Broadway, Gardner. 978-632-1057.

Southern Rain. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. Blue Honey. 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

Daniel Monte Performs at Loft, Saturday at 9:30. 9:30-11 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

Shamrock Whiskey. Jam Rock and Blues music at Franks! Don’t miss it! 9:30-1 p.m. Frank’s, 274 Shrewsbury St. DJs. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304-6044.

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

508-459-9035.

DJ 21+ 10:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

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

>Sunday 18

Mike G’s Sunday Jam at Greendales. 6:30-10:30 a.m. Travel Destination 508-864-4715.

Jazz Brunch. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Brunch with Chris Gardino & Hayden Irizarry. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Bluegrass Brunch at Bull Mansion. Every Sunday At The Bull

night day &

Mansion you can now enjoy a spectacular brunch and some down-home picking and a plucking provided by a rotating roster of bluegrass rock stars. Free W/ Brunch. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bistro, Bull Mansion, 55 Pearl St. 508-755-6070 or find them on Facebook.

A Hollywood Valentine with Valerie Sneade. a cabaret with Jim Rice at the piano $20 Regular, $17 Student/Senior. 2-4 p.m.

Calliope Productions Inc, 150 Main St., Boylston. 508-869-6887 or calliopeproductions.org Blues Jam with The Living Bra’s. 4-9 p.m. Dunnys Tavern, 291 East Main St., East Brookfield.

Open Mic Sundays. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free!

6-9 p.m. Park Grill and Spirits, 257 Park Ave. Architects - Doomsday Tour. 6:30 p.m.-midnight Palladium, The, 261 Main St. 508-797-9696.

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

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-7988385.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. 978345-5051.

Karaoke DJ Soup. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. Rick Hamel Live Acoustic. 9:30-12:30 p.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

>Monday 19

Industry Night With Keith. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St. 508-799-4521.

{ listings}

Blue Mondays - Live Blues. 7-11 p.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Jazz Night - Live at JJ’s. $10. 7-10 p.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough. 508-842-8420 or jjsnorthboro.com Hip Swayers Deluxe! Drink & Sway Monday February Edition 8-11 p.m. Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-7988385.

>Tuesday 20

Assabet Valley Chambersingers. Under the direction of Dr. Eaton, the Chambersingers will perform a variety of music that includes madrigals, motets, jazz and pop tunes, show tunes and some modern “serious” compositions. Free and Open to the Public. 7-8 p.m. Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community: Birches Auditorium, 65 Briarwood Circle. 508-852-9007.

Tuesday Open Mic Night @ Greendale’s Pub with Bill McCarthy Local Musicians Showcase! To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@ verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 7:30-11:30 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350 or find them on Facebook.

Dam Chick Singer Jazz Trio at Nick’s. Jazz with style, soul and groove. Free. 8:30-11 p.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, Cabaret, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030 or find them on Facebook.

Boogie Chillin’. Bluesy, bluegrassy, jazzy, americana, dead, and more.

Jon Bonner - Guitar & Vocals Dan Villani - Violin/fiddle Fernando Perez -

Worcester-Boston Full Service Radio for New England

FEBRUARY 15, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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night day &

{ listings}

Gallery, Robert Beauchamp: Four Decades of Works on Paper, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through March 28. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, 2-5 p.m.

Saturday. 1 College St. 508-793-3356 or holycross.edu EcoTarium, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 10 a.m. to Percussion Joining us sometimes are Zack Slik on mandolin, Chris Houston, Scott Sheehan or Matt McManamon on bass, and other special 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $15.00 adults; $10 for children ages 2-18, college students with ID & senior citizens. Children under 2 guests. Free! (Tips are appreciated if you appreciate us.). 9-11:59 p.m. & EcoTarium members free. Additional charges apply for Tree Canopy Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439 or find them on Facebook.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798- Walkway, Explorer Express Train, planetarium programs & other special event. 222 Harrington Way. 508-929-2700 or ecotarium.org 8385.

Fitchburg Art Museum, Hours: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Karaoke Tuesdays at 9:30. 9:30-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Monday, noon-4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 25 Merriam Parkway, Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

Fitchburg. 978-345-4207 or fitchburgartmuseum.org Fitchburg Historical Society, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 >Wednesday 21 Wack Wednesday Jam night. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, closed Thursday - Saturday. Admission: Free. 781 Main St., Fitchburg. 978-345-1157 or 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. fitchburghistoricalsociety.org Open Mic Wednesdays at CJ’s Steak Loft in Fitchburg State University: Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl St., Northborough. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy (originator of the Fitchburg. fitchburgstate.edu Gallery of African Art, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) To check the schedules and 5:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Donations open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6-9 accepted. 62 High St., Clinton. 978-265-4345 or 978-598-5000x12 or p.m. CJs Steakloft, 369 W. Main St. (route 20), Northborough. 508-393- galleryofafricanart.org Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation 8134 or find them on Facebook.

Brett Brumby. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Quinn’s Irish Pub, 715 West Boylston St. Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Hours: 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 414 Massasoit 508-459-2025.

Road. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org Music Bingo Wednesdays Starting at 8. 8-11:59 p.m. Loft Museum of Russian Icons, Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

Open Mic. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. The Raven, 258 Pleasant St. 508-304-8133. closed Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (59 +), $7; Students, $5; Wednesday Night Mayhem. The last bastion of democracy: an Children 3-17, $5; Children <3, free. 203 Union St., Clinton. 978-598open, live-writing competition in character, where the audience dances, 5000 or 978-598-5000 or museumofrussianicons.org throws things, and votes for the winner! No Cover. 8 p.m.-midnight Old Sturbridge Village, Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877 or find them on Facebook. closed Monday - Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday.

Worcester Jazz Collective at Nick’s. The Worcester Jazz Admission: $28 Adults, $26 Seniors (55+), $14 Youths (4-17), free for Collective is an award winning group that explores jazz in its many Children 3 & Under, $14 College Students with valid college ID. 1 Old forms. The group’s repertoire spans the genre of jazz from traditional Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-733-1830 or 508-347-3362 to contemporary and draws on the diverse backgrounds and musical or osv.org experiences of its members to bring a unique musical performance to Preservation Worcester, Hours: closed Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each audience it performs for. The WJC was formed in 2014 by bass/ Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 10 Cedar St. 508-754-8760 or baritone guitarist Tom Lubelczyk and pianist Martin Gohary. Since its creation, it has been a showcase for the many wonderful musicians that preservationworcester.org Salisbury Mansion, Hours: closed Sunday - Wednesday, 1-8:30 make up the Worcester jazz scene, often featuring different lineups and p.m. Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 40 Highland St. 508-753musical identities for each performance. Free. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar 8278 or worcesterhistory.org and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798- SAORI Worcester Freestyle Weaving Studio, 18 Winslow St. 508-757-4646 or 508-757-0116 or saoriworcester.com 8385.

Karaoke - DJ Soup. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St. sprinklerfactory.com Karaoke with Mikey Mic’s. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. MB Lounge, 40 Grafton Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, Hours: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. 21 Prichard St. 508-799-4521.

St., Fitchburg. 978-342-2809 or 978-297-4337 or topfunaviation.com Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $12 Adults, $9 Seniors & $7 Youth, Free to Members & Children under. 11 ArtsWorcester, Hours: closed Sunday - Tuesday, noon-4 p.m.

Wednesday - Saturday. Admission: Free. 660 Main St. 508-755-5142 or French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111 or towerhillbg.org Worcester Art Museum, Jeppson Idea Lab: Master Vases from artsworcester.org Asa Waters Mansion, Admission: $3 for guided tour $7-10 for tea. Ancient Greece, Through April 8; Last Defense: The Genius of Japanese Meiji Metalwork, Through Sept. 2; Rediscovering an American Community 123 Elm St., Millbury. 508-865-0855 or asawaters.org of Color: The Photographs of William Bullard, Through Feb. 25. Hours: Booklovers’ Gourmet, Winter Palette-Group Art Show & Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Through Feb. 28. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 Wednesday - Saturday. Admission: Free for members, $16 adults, a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 55 East $14 seniors, free for youth 17 and under. Free for all first Saturdays of Main St., Webster. 508-949-6232 or bookloversgourmet.com each month, 10am-4pm. Also open every 3rd Thursday until 8pm. 55 Clark University: University Gallery, Hours: noon-5 p.m.

Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon-5 p.m. Salisbury St. 508-799-4406 or worcesterart.org Worcester Center for Crafts, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m.

Thursday - Saturday. 950 Main St. 508-793-7349 or 508-793-7113 or to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183 or clarku.edu worcestercraftcenter.org Clark’s Cafe and Art On Rotation Gallery, Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday - Saturday. Admission: Free for gallery. 310 High St., Clinton. Worcester Historical Museum, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 30 Elm St. 508-753-8278 or 978-549-5822 or 978-365-7772 or aorgallery.com worcesterhistory.org College of the Holy Cross: Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art

arts

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theater/ comedy

to spend time with him in romantic liaisons. The fun begins as her 3 guests arrive and they turn the table on Bud and Mrs. Stancliffe’s suitor, Henry, in an uproarious funny attempt to show them who is the smarter sex. Adults $15, Seniors $13. 7:30-10 p.m. Elm Street Congregational Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape. Clubs Showtimes: Friday Church, Fellowship Hall, 61 Elm St., Southbridge. Call 508-764-4531 or 9pm-Saturdays 8pm -$20pp Reservations Recommended at 800Facebook.

401-2221 Prices: $20 Fri/Sat pp except Special Events Drinks and The Sort of Late Show with Shaun Connolly - Saturday, Appetizers available in the show room Full Dinner Available before February 17. Worcester’s ONLY live talk show! Featuring: Comedian: Show in Restaurant Give the Gift of Laughter! dickdoherty.com. $5off Comedian Nonye Brown-West Special Guests: James Keyes (Come with College ID and Reservations 2 for 1 Active Military or Veterans and Reservations $4 off with Dinner Receipt and Reservations. Fri & Sat Feb say goodbye to our best friend) District 1 City Councilor Sean Rose, 16th & 17th Orlando Baxter Ryan Gartley and Friends Fri & Sat Feb 23rd Worcester District 1 City Councilor A visit from Wes Hazard author of & 24th Paul Nardizzi Dave Lamb and Tyler Morrow Fri & Sat March 2nd Questions For Terrible People: 250 Questions You’ll Be Ashamed to Answer Sidekicked by Doug Guertin with our one man backing band, & 3rd Al Park. Dicks Beantown Comedy Escape at Park Grill & Spirits Great Food and Fun Make Reservations Early at 800-401-2221 or online Bryan O’Donnell! $5. 7-9 p.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. Call 508-753-9543 or visit Facebook. at dickdoherty.com CHEFS -The Sizzling Kitchen Showdown - Saturday, February Call for Actors! One Act Play Festival on the Mumford 17. Feast your eyes on CHEFS! These hilarious (and delicious) hunks Friday, January 26 - Saturday, March 24. March 23 & 24 at 7:00 PM give you a peek behind the apron as they slice, dice and spice things up Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone setting foot on in the kitchen through a series of escalating culinary challenges where stage for the first time, the One Act Play Festival on the Mumford wants the stakes are high: if they lose a challenge, they lose their shirt. Literally. you! Competing acts may include comedies, dramas, original works CHEFS is a fully interactive experience where you will vote for the winner and published classics. Schools, churches, and community groups of and may even join the boiling hot chefs on-stage for uproarious cooking all abilities are welcome to participate. Cash prizes will be awarded in three categories. Plays will be performed and judged on both nights with demonstrations. Outrageously bold and hysterically funny, CHEFS is “too hot for TV,” making it the perfect night out! All ticket holders must be awards granted after the last evening’s performances. Participants are encouraged to attend and cheer on their fellow actors. Alternatives Whitin 18 years or above. Tickets are $28 and $38 depending on seat location.

Mill Complex: GB and Lexi Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Discounts are available for members and groups of ten or more. 8-10 p.m. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St. Call Whitinsville. Call 508-234-6232 or visit alternativesnet.org 877-571-7469 or visit thehanovertheatre.org Completely Hollywood - Abridged- Presented by Braid Comedy in the Cabaret Hosted by Shaun Connolly Productions - Sundays, Fridays, Saturdays, Friday, February 9 (sometimes) Trivia at Midnight! - Monday, February 19. Start Sunday, February 18. Just when you thought it was safe to go back your week off with a Laugh this Monday at Nicks. Open at 7pm with in the theater - Braid Productions boldly goes where few would dare Sean behind the bar. Tonight, if you’re lucky, Shaun Connolly hosts local -Tinseltown!- as they take on America’s largest cultural and economic comedians in the Cabaret at Nick’s starting at 8pm then Bruce host’s his export (well, except for weapons) in this seriously silly show biz satire.

Get your clapper boards ready as we rummage through the reels and flick famous Midnight Trivia in the front bar at Midnight. 8-11:59 p.m. Nick’s through the films in this riotous carnival of the classics. Giving Hollywood Bar and Restaurant, Cabaret, 124 Millbury St. Call 508-753-4030 or visit Facebook. more than just a nip and a tuck, they cut through the celluloid to condense the 186 greatest films in Hollywood’s over 100-year history into a complete compilation of classic cinematic clichés - plus a few brand new clichés they just made up. Adults 20 Seniors 18. 7:30 p.m.-10 a.m.

Men’s Basketball Alternatives Community Plaza, 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville. Call 774Anna Maria 230-7456 or visit braidproductions.com Feb. 17 vs. Emmanuel, 12 p.m.

“Play On” a Comedy - February 9 - Sunday, February 18. Show Assumption dates: February 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 at 8 PM and February 11 and Feb. 17 @ Stonehill, 3:30 p.m.

18 at 2 PM General Admission $22 - Senior/Students $18. 8-10 p.m.

Feb. 20 vs. Southern N.H, 7:30 p.m.

Worcester County Light Opera Company, The Grandview Playhouse, 21 Becker Grandview Ave. Call 508-753-4383.

Hot Dog! A Stand Up Gameshow - Thursday, February 15. Come Feb. 17 vs. Mitchell, 1 p.m. watch comedians spin a wheel to find out their set live! Hosted by Shaun Clark Connolly and Bryan O’Donnell Featuring: Allison Dick (resident Hot Dog) Feb. 17 @ Wheaton College, 3 p.m.

Sam Monk (skinnier dog) Arty Przychodzki (polish dog) Carolyn Riley Feb. 21 vs NEWMAC Quarterfinals (Granite State dog) Carrie Ross (Zach Braff dog) Angela Sawyer (Weirdo Holy Cross dog) Lindita Taka (Albanian (Greece, let’s be honest) dog) Free. 8-9 p.m. Feb. 17 vs. Bucknell, 12:05 p.m.

George’s Coney Island, 158 Southbridge St. Call 508-753-4362 or visit Feb. 21 vs. American, 7:05 p.m.

Facebook.

Nichols Sex Please, We’re Sixty - Gateway Players Theatre of Southbridge Feb. 17 vs. Wentworth, 3 p.m. presents “Sex Please, We’re Sixty!” written by Michael Parker and Susan Feb. 20 vs. Commonwealth Coast Conference Quarterfinal Parker. Performance dates are February 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30pm, and Worcester State February 18 at 2pm. All performances will be held at the Fellowship Feb. 17 vs. Westfield State, 3 p.m.

Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge.

WPI This comedy will be directed by Lou-Ellen Corkum and produced by Feb. 17 @ MIT, 1 p.m.

Kathi Grenier. Stage Manager is Gwen O’Brien and David Corkum is Feb. 21 @ NEWMAC Tournament Quarterfinal the Technical Director. The cast includes William Bolster, Joni Metras, Women’s Basketball Rom Portwood, Lynne Boucher, Joan Stewart, and Barb Lammert.

Anna Maria Presented by permission through special arrangement with Samuel Feb. 17 @ Emmanuel, 1 p.m.

French, Inc. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and youth Assumption under 18. Tickets may be purchased by calling Gateway at 508-764Feb. 17 @ Stonehill, 1:30 p.m.

4531, or Online at brownpapertickets.com/event/3225173 The Story: Feb. 20 vs. Southern N.H, 5:30 p.m.

Mrs. Stancliffe’s Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful Becker for many years. Her guests (nearly all women) return year after year.

Feb. 17 @ Mitchell, 1 p.m.

Her next-door neighbor, Bud “Bud the Stud” Davis believes they come

college sports

night day &

Clark Feb. 17 @ Smith College, 2 p.m.

Feb. 21 vs. NEWMAC Quarterfinals Holy Cross Feb. 17 @ Bucknell, 2 p.m.

Feb. 21 @ American, 11:30 a.m.

Nichols Feb. 17 vs. Wentworth, 1 p.m.

Feb. 20 vs. Commonwealth Coast Conference Quarterfinal Worcester State Feb. 17 vs. Westfield State, 1 p.m.

WPI Feb. 17 vs. Emerson, 2 p.m.

Feb. 21 @ NEWMAC Tournament Quarterfinal

Men’s Ice Hockey

Assumption Feb. 16 vs. Post, 5:35 p.m.

Feb. 17 vs. Post, 6:05 p.m.

Holy Cross Feb. 17 @ American International, 2:05 p.m.

Nichols Feb. 17 vs. Commonwealth Coast Conference Quarterfinal Worcester State Feb. 15 @ Westfield State, 7:35 p.m.

Feb. 17 vs. Mass-Dartmouth, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 @ Fitchburg State, 7 p.m.

Women’s Ice Hockey Holy Cross Feb. 16 vs. St. Anselm, 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 17 @ St. Anselm, 3 p.m.

Nichols Feb. 16 @ Morrisville State, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 @ Morrisville State, 2 p.m.

Men’s Lacrosse Anna Maria Feb. 21 @ Mitchell, 4 p.m.

Clark Feb. 16 vs. Salem State, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 vs. Salve Regina, 1 p.m.

Feb. 17 @ Salem State, 2 p.m.

Holy Cross Feb. 17 vs. Vermont, 2 p.m.

Feb. 20 @ Harvard, 4 p.m.

Women’s Lacrosse Holy Cross Feb. 21 vs. Brown, 6:05 p.m.

Men’s Swimming & Diving Holy Cross Feb. 15 @ Patriot League Championship, 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 16 @ Patriot League Championship, 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 17 @ Patriot League Championship, 10:30 a.m.

Women’s Swimming & Diving Holy Cross Feb. 15 @ Patriot League Championship, 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 16 @ Patriot League Championship, 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 17 @ Patriot League Championship, 10:30 a.m.

{ listings}

Men’s Track & Field

Assumption Feb. 17 @ NE-10 Indoor Conference Championships Feb. 18 @ NE-10 Indoor Conference Championships Holy Cross Feb. 17 @ Patriot League Indoor Championship, 9 a.m.

Feb. 18 @ Patriot League Indoor Championship, 10:30 a.m.

Worcester State Feb. 16 vs. DIII New England Championships Feb. 17 vs. DIII New England Championships WPI Feb. 16 vs. DIII New England Championships Feb. 17 vs. DIII New England Championships

Women’s Track & Field

Assumption Feb. 17 @ NE-10 Indoor Conference Championships Feb. 18 @ NE-10 Indoor Conference Championships Holy Cross Feb. 17 @ Patriot League Indoor Championship, 9 a.m.

Feb. 18 @ Patriot League Indoor Championship, 10:30 a.m.

Worcester State Feb. 16 vs. DIII New England Championships Feb. 17 vs. DIII New England Championships WPI Feb. 16 vs. New England DIII Championships Feb. 17 vs. New England DIII Championships

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!

FEBRUARY 15, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

27

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44 46 47 48 49 50 51 54 55 56 57 58 60

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LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main St. Worcester, MA 01608 Docket No. WO18P0454GD CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR INCAPACITATED PERSON PURSUANT TO G.L. c. 190B, §5-304 In the matter of: Karl Bullock Of: Westborough, MA RESPONDENT: Alleged Incapacitated Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Department of Developmental Services of Worcester, MA in the above captioned matter alleging that Karl Bullock is in need of a Guardian and requesting that Victor T Sloan of Uxbridge, MA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Guardian to serve Without Surety on the bond. The petition asks the court to determine that the Respondent is incapacitated, that the appointment of a Guardian is necessary, and that the proposed Guardian is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court and may contain a request for certain specific authority. You have the right to object to this proceeding.

If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 03/13/2018. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date.

IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. WITNESS, Hon. Leilah A Keamy, First Justice of this Court.

Date: February 09, 2018 Stephanie K Fattman Register of Probate 02/15/18 WM Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main St. Worcester, MA 01608 Docket No. WO18P0454GD NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY GUARDIAN AND/OR CONSERVATOR AND NOTICE OF RIGHT TO HEARING PURSUANT TO G.L. c.

190B, §§5-204, 5-308, 5-412A In the interests of: Karl Bullock Incapacitated Person/Protected Person/Ward Worcester Division, 225 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 508-831-2000 To: Karl Bullock (incapacitated Person/Protected Person/Ward The Court appointed a temporary guardian for you. Details of the appointment are included in the attached Order. Appointment of a temporary guardian or temporary conservator is NOT a final determination of your incapacity pursuant to G.L. c. 190B, §5-101(9) or disability pursuant to G.L. c. 190B, §§5-401 (c). You may file a motion to vacate the Order of the Court or take any other appropriate action and the Court will hold a hearing as expeditiously as possible after said filing.

IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the abovenamed person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer.

Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense.

WITNESS, Hon. Leilah A Keamy, First Justice of this Court.

Date: February 9, 2018 Stephanie K. Fattman, Register of Probate 02/15/18 WM

EMPLOYMENT PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of M.L.C. 225 sec. 39A the following vehicles will be sold March 3, 2018 at a sale to satisfy our garage lien thereon for storage charges and expenses of sale and notice.

2005 Subaru Legacy VIN# 453BP616856305650 2014 Dodge Avenger VIN# 1C3CDZAB0EN189043 2013 Nissan Altima VIN# 1N4AL3AP8DC192206 2012 Honda Civic VIN# 2HGFB2F53CH545498 The sale will be held at Early’s on Park Ave.,Inc. 536 Park Avenue Worcester, MA 01603

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An agency serving adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum is seeking energetic and creative people to fill the following positions: Special Education Teacher (BA/M.Ed) Severe Disabilities: All levels Classroom teacher needed to teach students on the autism spectrum pre-academic and vocational skills. Classes are small and energy levels are high.

Full time/year round position with 8 weeks paid vacation, health and dental benefits.

Residential Shift Supervisor: Come and directly supervise a team of residential instructors as they work together to develop functional living, social, and daily life skills in the people with autism whom we support. This full time position includes a three day weekend, health and dental benefits and generous paid time off.

Associates Degree in Human Services or similar field strongly preferred 2+ years of supervisory experience may be substituted for degree Valid Driver’s License Required Schedule: Second shift Wednesday through Friday, and Saturday all day Salary is commensurate with experience.

Part Time Residential Instructor positions also available to teach activities of daily living and social skills.

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To apply: Fax/mail a letter of interest and resume along with salary requirements to: ARCHway, Inc. 77 Mulberry St. Leicester, MA 01524 Fax: 508-892-0259 Email: scombs@archwayinc.org

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29

Two minutes with...

Grace Elton

Grace Elton is the new CEO of Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Elton’s rich horticultural background just may render her the perfect fit for this longtime Central Mass oasis. Tower Hill hosts the third oldest active horticultural society in the country, the Worcester County Horticultural Society, which was established in 1842.

Originally located in downtown Worcester, where continuous growth pushed operations from Front Street to Elm Street, the WCHS eventually found a permanent home at Tower Hill Farm in the sleepy town of Boylston in 1986. Today, the 132-acre property showcases ornamental, edible and native plants. Tower Hill is wellequipped to host your wedding; Elton promises manicured gardens, stunning views and striking architecture for your special day. The gardens remain an inclusive hub of sustainability, stewardship and learning. Halfprice passes can be reserved online through Worcester Public Library’s website, and allow free admission for children under 6. Tower Hill offers a variety of ongoing events and attractions. Its popular “In Bloom” series continues Feb. 17-18, with flower displays inspired by the steampunk genre in a synthesis of modern technology and Victorian-era fashionability. The steampunk event will include a costume contest, book signing and a variety of demonstrations.

Can you describe your career trajectory? My

parents met while working in Everglades National Park, and instilled a love a plants and the environment in me throughout my life. I studied horticulture in high school and college, earning a B.S. in horticulture from the University of Florida and an M.S. in public horticulture administration from the University of Delaware. I completed internships at Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, Pa.) and the Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Mich.) and spent a year working in England and Scotland at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Chelsea Physic Garden; Royal Horticultural Society Rosemoor; the Eden Project; and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. I have also worked as arboretum supervisor and adjunct professor at the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, director of horticulture at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and now CEO of Tower Hill Botanic Garden.

30

Please provide a brief history of Tower Hill Botanic Garden. In 1842, the Worcester

County Horticultural Society was formed, and for decades put on fantastic plant shows in downtown Worcester. In the 1980s, they decided they wanted to form a public garden and opened Tower Hill in 1986. The Tower Hill property was a dairy farm dating back to the 1700s. It got its name in the early 1900s for a tower that was placed on the highest point of the property to help survey the construction of the Wachusett Reservoir. Since the garden’s opening, it has seen a lot of growth, from new garden spaces to increases in admissions, volunteers and members.

What are some of the unique elements that have found their way into your master plan for 2018? At Tower Hill, we’re committed

to connecting as many people as possible to plants and nature. Our plans for the future will include spaces where multiple generations can learn and have fun

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 15, 2018

together. We’ll focus on new spaces being inclusive, so all abilities can access them.

We’ll add more function space for unique events that attract a wide range of people from all backgrounds. And we’ll remain focused on achieving excellence in horticulture in everything we do.

What might inspire someone to visit Tower Hill in the doldrums of winter? Many people

in the region consider Tower Hill as part of their winter survival strategy. After a few months of cold and bleak landscapes, it’s refreshing to explore our subtropical conservatories, where ripe citrus fruit and blooming flowers are around every corner. We offer author talks, concerts and workshops throughout the winter as well as special events like “In Bloom.” Our cafe, library and shop all offer a nice escape from the New England winters.

Can you share an anecdote that illustrates Tower Hill’s range of visitors? We’re always excited to teach people what a botanic garden is. Someone might be drawn to Tower Hill because of one of our events or through a recommendation from a friend, but they’re not quite sure what to expect. Then they arrive and very soon they’re wide-eyed and tapping into their innate sense of wonder and curiosity.

We’ll often hear similar exclamations

ELIZABETH BROOKS

of joy from children and adults. You’d be surprised how many people describe Tower Hill as their “happy place.” To that end, it’s important for us to make visitors from all backgrounds feel welcomed, because everyone can benefit, physically and mentally, from being close to plants.

Seeing that inspiration arrive in someone’s face when they experience the gardens in person is what it’s all about.

How would you describe the dining concept at Twig Cafe? New this year, we have

partnered with Peppers Artful Events to manage the café and all catering at Tower Hill. Both Peppers and Tower Hill are committed to sustainability, local food, supporting area farmers and using natural products whenever possible. Visitors should expect a delicious meal sourced as locally as possible. We have an outdoor patio visitors can enjoy in the warmer months with stunning views of the Wachusett Reservoir.

What makes Tower Hill a unique event space in Central Massachusetts? The view! We

hold wonderful weddings here at Tower Hill. Also, corporate events. With beautiful gardens as the backdrop, it makes for a memorable experience.

– Sarah Connell

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