Worcester Magazine February 22 - 28, 2018

FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2018

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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: Town Trippin’ Auburn and Leicester

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his week’s cover story is the latest installment in Worcester Magazine’s Town Trippin’ series, with a look at the neighboring towns of Auburn and Leicester. Though different in population — Auburn is the larger of the two, with approximately 16,000 residents to Leicester’s 11,000 — both are fiscally sound, rich in history and have a strong community spirit among their residents. Auburn, of course, is synonymous with the Auburn Mall, but the town is more than a shopping destination. People move to the town and stay, as do so many of the businesses in town. It offers residents and non-residents numerous cultural and recreational programs and events, and the annual fireworks celebration is a favorite across the region. Speaking of staying power, over in Leicester, Cooper’s Hilltop Farm is celebrating 100 years in business, and the Leicester Triple Drive-In — one of only three left in Massachusetts — marked 50 years in 2017. And a building that had been vacant for more than a decade has seen new life as Joe’s Drive-In Restaurant, under its original management. If you’ve never fully explored Auburn and Leicester, start by checking out this week’s Town Trippin’, then follow up with a drive through these classic New England communities.

— Stephanie Campbell

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4 City Desk 8 Worcesteria 10 Editorial 10 Education Beat 11 1,001 Words 12 Cover Story 18 Night & Day 21 Film 22 Krave 24 Listings 28 Crossword 30 2 minutes with…

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citydesk February 22-28, 2018 n Volume 43, Number 26

School funding lawsuit picks up as Worcester signals involvement

FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH BROOKS

Bill Shaner

W

ith Worcester signaling strong support for signing on, a lawsuit brewing against the state to increase aid for large urban school districts brewing in Brockton is gaining momentum.

Pending a favorable legal review, the School Committee voted unanimously in favor of entering the lawsuit last week. By some estimates, the city is owed as much as $96 million from the state. Advocates argue the current funding formula – often referred to as Chapter 70 – unfairly benefits wealthy districts and fails to adequately fund social services, English language instruction, and other support needed in large urban districts.

“It’s really a civil rights issue,” said School Committee member Dante Comparetto, whose item lead to the favorable vote. “We know so many of our problems in our education system are funding related. Relief must come from the state.”

The lawsuit, if it goes forward, would effectively be a re-do of a landmark case in the 1990s that played a part in producing the current formula. The case, McDuffy v. Secretary of the Executive Office of Education, was settled in 1993. When it was filed in 1978, the plaintiffs argued the state did not provide

the same level of education to students in poor districts that it did wealthy. In addition, the state was not doing what it could to fill the gap between what students needed and what cities and towns could themselves raise through property taxes, according to a summary of the case put together by MassBudget, an education policy organization.

In 1993, just a few days after the lawsuit was settled, the Education Reform Act passed, which implemented the Chapter 70 formula.

Since then, however, advocates feel the formula has moved further and further away from the ideal.

Reforms in 2007 increased this base funding district received considerably, shifting a greater proportion of state resources to these higherwealth districts, according to MassBudget.

Now health insurance and special education are underfunded to the tune of $1 billion, respectively, and low-income students may not be seeing the benefits promised in the law.

A 2015 state report found many districts are shortchanged by an average of 11.5 percent by the formula, and that the formula under-counts health insurance costs among employees, special education support, English language learner support and others. Following the report, a joint committee in the

School Committee member Dante Comparetto.

continued on page 6

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

Folks don’t seem too happy with proposed WRTA service cuts. Who can blame them. But where, Gov. Baker, is the money? -4

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Another accident on Shrewsbury Street, this one thankfully not involving a pedestrian, but further proof that straightaways like this are a huge problem in Worcester. -3

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 22, 2018

New Summit Lounge gets pummeled by city officials. To his credit, owner doesn’t go into hiding, instead shows up at Council meeting, on airwaves. That says something. +2

Woman seen smoking pot while driving with infant in back seat, according to a police dispatcher’s transmission. -3

-4

Total for this week:

The (Un) Lucky Dragon Restaurant in Winchendon reportedly destroyed by fire. -4

WPI researchers working on safer selfdriving cars.

Maybe they can solve public transportation in Worcester? +3

Gotta give Worcester DPW props for solid response to second storm in row. +2

Belated kudos to Worcester firefighters who saved dog in West Street fire earlier this month. +3

Councilor seeks legal review of Summit Lounge Bill Shaner

T

he Summit Lounge, which opened recently in the Canal District, is the first private cub for smoking cannabis in the state, but it likely won’t be the last. As the city’s law department reviews what officials can do to regulate new clubs or restrict them from opening, Worcester is in a position to set a statewide precedent on how to handle these types of clubs.

At least that’s how Councilor At-Large Konnie Lukes sees it. Last week, she asked the city legal team to review the club and what officials may be able to do about it.

“The legal opinion I asked for is crucial for determining how we handle this in the future and how all other communities in the state handle it,” she said. “We may be setting a precedent.”

{ citydesk } ELIZABETH BROOKS

Along with the legal review, City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. has filed correspondence with the Cannabis Control Commission, the state regulatory board for the new recreational pot industry, to close what he called a loophole that allowed the club to open.

When officials across the state took to regulating the new industry, which is set to come online in July, private clubs were rarely discussed, and they’re not explicitly named in the new law. In Worcester, officials have imposed a 15-establishment cap on retail pot shops, raised the local sales tax on marijuana products, worked on zoning regulations for where to allow them and hashed out a costly community host agreement.

But none of that applies to the Summit Lounge, owned by Northbridge man Kyle continued on page 7

Kyle Moon of The Summit Lounge

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{ citydesk } FUNDING continued from page 4

Legislature was created to reassess what educators call the Foundation Budget.

The commission’s findings have coalesced into a bill put forward by Boston state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz titled “An Act Modernizing the Foundation Budget for the 21st Century.” A hearing was held last July, but it hasn’t gone to vote. While education advocates touted the bill, others were concerned the state couldn’t pay for the changes. It’s expected to cost the state more than $1 billion extra each year. Some have suggested a new tax on millionaires, often called the Fair Share Amendment, could comp the difference. But the debate in the Legislature is stalled, at least for now.

As for the lawsuit, the legal review in Worcester is expected to take several weeks, according to Mayor Joe Petty. The School Committee is expected to take more official action after hearing from the city law department.

“It’s just time,” Petty said this week by phone. “The only con I can think of is the litigation cost, but it could be worth it in the long run.”

Part of the report from the legal department will be on the potential costs, he said.

In Brockton, officials are nearing completion. Having reviewed the case within city government, officials have set aside about

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 22, 2018

“I think if we get a whole bunch of cities on board for this thing, that will make the case for the state and certainly light a fire under the state so they take some action on this.”

- Worcester School Committee member Dante Comparetto, on the city possibly joining a suit over education funding owed the city.

$100,000 for the legal battle, and are currently searching for lead counsel.

Thomas Minichiello, vice chairman of the Brockton School Committee, said he’s encouraged by Worcester’s potential entrance, and hopes other districts do the same.

“Urban centers like Worcester and Brockton are feeling the same inequity in funding from the current state formula,” he said. “The ball basically has started rolling now that Brockton and Worcester are involved.”

Other districts, such as Fall River, Lynn, Taunton and New Bedford, have expressed interest in signing on, he said, but haven’t yet committed in any way.

“This is not a formula just affecting two communities, Minichiello said. “It’s affecting a number of communities.”

Comparetto said he hopes Worcester’s involvement will inspire Boston and Springfield to join. He said he’s going to do what he can to advocate for the cities to do so.

“I think if we get a whole bunch of cities on board for this thing, that will make the case for the state and certainly light a fire under the state so they take some action on this,” he said.

Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-7493166 x324 or at wshaner@worcestermag.com.

Follow him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner.

{ citydesk } SUMMIT LOUNGE continued from page 5

Moon, where the bring-your-own-pot model allows it to operate effectively as any other private club with a license to smoke indoors.

As of December, smoking pot in a private place became completely legal, and the new law largely follows regulations for smoking tobacco when dictating where smoking is allowed. Technically, regulation of the Summit Lounge as it stands right now is more akin to a VFW hall than anything laid out in the new recreational marijuana laws.

While some city councilors feel the city should take swift action to make sure more private cannabis clubs can’t open, others feel there’s little the city could do to stop them, and think it’s smarter to work toward a set of regulations that reduce liability and maintain public safety.

“At the end of the day, this might have been a use that fell through the cracks,” said Councilor At-Large Moe Bergman. “We may be stuck with it. We just have to monitor it.”

District 1 Councilor Sean Rose said that he doesn’t have a moral opposition to the business or the concept, especially if it’s going to be used by medical patients who lack a space to consume their medicine as is. But, he said, it could lead to a variety of issues. The safety of people walking in and out of the establishment could be at risk if it becomes known that the people who go there are carrying high-quality product with them.

Rose and others, including Lukes and Councilor At-Large Kate Toomey, raised the specter of drugged driving.

“If this is going to be something that comes by nature of decriminalizing marijuana,” Rose said, “the city needs to get ahead of it.”

District 3 Councilor George Russell said, while he doesn’t have a strong position on the club, he wants to make sure any proposed zoning fixes don’t negatively impact other clubs with similar licenses.

“If you outlaw it via zoning, you might

end up outlawing VFW posts,” said Russell, adding the city should take a hard look at updating zoning definitions, to see whether a new category could be created for cannabis clubs.

Outside of the regulatory morass – the club opened at a time when officials have complained they aren’t getting clear guidance from the state, and the CCC hasn’t yet finished its regulations – there was another aspect to the opening of the Summit Lounge that miffed city officials.

“It’s not only the place, it’s the way it opened,” said Lukes. “He acted in bad faith because he never revealed the use.”

Indeed, Moon said recently on The Worcester Magazine Radio Hour on Unity Radio he didn’t explicitly tell the city he would be using the club for cannabis smoking. But he argued he didn’t have to. It’s now legal to smoke cannabis where it is tobacco, he said, so he didn’t have to tell the city what, exactly, he’ be using the space for.

It’s a gamble that may backfire. Lukes said she feels Moon will have a “high burden of proof” in doing further business with the city.

“Because of his past behavior and his deception by omission,” she said, “it’s going to be hard for anyone in the city to believe what he says.”

Though Rose is not as strongly opposed to the lounge as other councilors, he, too, takes issue with the way Moon went about it. The omission, he said, suggest he’s doing something illegal or inappropriate.

“The annoying part for me is he wasn’t transparent,” said Rose.

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Bill Shaner

THE SUN HAS SET:

The Worcester Sun has halted its print publication, if only temporarily, according to an email circulating Wednesday morning. After two years in digital form, the print product launched only recently, on Dec. 9. The model was a weekly paper for $2 a week, or gratis with a $2 per week digital sub. When the paper launched, it made waves through the media news sphere, most recently with a feature story in the current issue of Editor & Publisher. The Sun sent out a message to its readers saying it will temporarily cease publication. “We feel the only prudent thing to do is to use a brief hiatus to address these problems, assimilate the feedback we’ve received from our subscribers and assess our place in the market,” the email read. I can’t even imagine launching a print product in 2018, so kudos to them for trying. Hopefully, they come back with a bigger and better game.

R.I.P. AUCOIN: Richard Aucoin, the man

famous for his orange jumpsuits and involvement in the “morons, morons” controversy has died.

He died unexpectedly Saturday, according to his obituary, in his home in Worcester. He was 56.

Now, he wasn’t that active in the #worcpoli scene during my time, but every colleague I’ve spoken to about him this week have remembered him as a truly unique presence in the annals of City Hall. A staunch Libertarian, Aucoin was active in the fight for civil rights and liberties, as well as a staunch anti-war advocate. The orange jumpsuit he so often wore was a statement against unjust incarceration, as part of his involvement with the civil rights group Act Now Worcester. We were tipped off to his death by former City Councilor Mike Gaffney, who sent an email to several news outlets in Worcester eulogizing the man.

“He was a man of passion and fearless fighter.

He stood up for what he believed was right and worked hard to make Worcester a better place in accordance with his values,” Gaffney wrote.

Anyone who speaks out against endless U.S. wars and mass incarceration is fine by me. Here’s to the Orange Man. R.I.P. Rich Aucoin.

FOR SHAME: Only, only, only in Worcester have I ever seen so many people firmly believe the best way to help someone with problems is to post a video of them acting crazy to Facebook. The argument, unfortunately, is that public shaming will help. Yeah, totally. I’m glad in 2018 we think it’s a good idea to re-interpret the stocks for the internet age. What I’m talking about specifically is a post over the weekend in a Facebook group called The Truth About Worcester (Official), in which a young woman pulled up to another young woman on the street and video taped her having what was likely a psychotic break.

“Another day in Worcester,” the woman wrote. “Stay away from drugs people.” The woman who posted this, and many of the hundreds who commented, seemed to really and truly believe this is the way to tackle the drug crisis. By lampooning people they assume are addicts. The internet equivalent of chaining them up in the town square and throwing rotten vegetables at them. When I left a comment arguing otherwise, I was accused of “carrying the liberal water” and “bowing to McGovern and Petty.” To give you a sense of the kind of people we’re dealing with. I said it in the thread, but I’ll repeat it here: It’s unfortunate this woman had a psychotic break in public, but the truly Worcester aspect of this is the fact someone filmed it and put it on Facebook. Regardless of the rationalization, this is a truly ugly form of entertainment – that many of the commenters openly got a hoot out of – and it’s something I’ve only ever seen the people of this fair city relish in.

BERG IS OUT: Moe Bergman will not be joining the crowded field for Worcester County

Register of Deeds. After it was rumored he might, and he said on record he was thinking about it, the at-large city councilor pulled back on WCCA-TV’s Rosen’s Roundtable, saying he loves being a city councilor and doesn’t want to give it up. While there’s been a lot of action on the Republican side, there hasn’t been much in the way of a strong pool of Democratic challengers for the open seat. At least not yet. My gut feeling is the city Dems won’t let a seat, which was held by faithful Democrat Anthony Vigliotti for four decades, go without a fight. This is shaping up to be the most interesting local race of 2018.

A DUTCH STREET: Some food for thought, as we’re all pretty much constantly on the subject

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of Making Downtown Worcester Cool Again. In North Adams, way, way out there in Western Mass., city planners are exploring the concept of a “woonerf” on a prominent downtown street there. Woonerf in Dutch means “living street,” according to a Berkshire Eagle write-up. Basically, what it means is pedestrians get the right of way over cars, which are forced to travel very slowly, if at all, down the street. Think the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington or the Pike Place

{ worcesteria } public market in Seattle. These are places where, yeah, you can drive, but it’s not really worth it because there’s so much foot traffic. And, as we should all know by now, lots of foot traffic equals a cool downtown.

OPIOIDFIGHTERS: The Worcester Fire Department does a hell of a lot more than fight

fires. This we already know, and we appreciate them dearly for it. But never has it been put so bluntly as in a recent Worcester Regional Research Bureau report finding that 71 percent of all Worcester Fire Department activities were related to emergency medical calls, not, you know, fires. In the report, WRBB staff argue the fire department needs to expand and update its gear, perhaps even consider municipal ambulance service, to deal with the shifting demand. This report is well-timed, given we’re just starting to settle into budget season, but it remains to be seen – as it always is with the WRBB – whether city leaders will humor any of the suggestions.

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CANNABUDGET CRUNCH: A new report out from municipal folks in Gloucester should be

interesting for the Worcester crowd, especially given the hysteria around the Summit Lounge.

As Gloucester, a much smaller community, sees it, they might end up having to spend upward of $200,000, more than they expect they’ll make from revenue, to deal with legal weed once pot shops come online in July. The report, as laid out in the Gloucester Times, argues they’ll need $120,000 to train officers in detecting marijuana impairment, presumably in drivers; $10,000 annually for a youth risk behavior survey; and $5,000 to carry out compliance checks on pot shops.

A PIRATE PARTY: The Pirate Party – yes, the real-life political party in Massachusetts and

around the country dubbed the Pirate Party – is getting active in Worcester. This Saturday, the group will hold a meeting in the Worcester Public Library (2-4 p.m. in the Banks Room). The purpose of said meeting is to drum up interest in people who want to run on the Pirate Party ticket for local seats. Now, the Pirate Party is actually cooler than the absurdist name might suggest (unless you’re into that kind of thing). The party has a platform based staunchly on direct democracy and internet freedom, which is constantly under assault, is a top priority. If that tickles your fancy, maybe check it out.

JUST TAKE AN UBER: Public transportation be damned, we have the new barons of the internet age to provide for us! Privatize everything! Corporate autocracy! OK, I’m being dramatic, but bear with me. Assumption College recently partnered with Uber, the app-based ride share service, to offer discounted or free rides for students. The move, according to Assumption officials, alleviates a problem of reliable non-car transportation for their students. Pretty cool.

The news was received well this week, and fit neatly into the ongoing conversation about the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, the city bus system, which has been under attack for a budget deficit and proposed route and service cuts. This is where I have beef. There is a camp in this conversation that would like to see the bus adapt to compete with Uber, or just partner with Uber. Or, hey, let’s just scrap the whole system and let people Uber around everywhere.

This is a dangerous road to go down, especially with a Republican governor who is already not adequately funding the RTA network. Public transportation is just that – public. Every time you replace a public service with a private one, you lose local control, any semblance of democracy in its operation, and you hand the keys over to very wealthy people who live very far away and do not care at all about you. So let’s stop with the Uber talk. Fix the public bus. But make sure it stays a public bus.

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GOVERNOR’S FORUM: Speaking of the governor, Worcester folks will have the opportunity to hear from some of the Democratic gubernatorial candidates next week. The Worcester City Democratic Committee is hosting a candidate forum with Bob Massie, Jay Gonzalez and Setti Warren on Monday at 7 p.m., Leo’s Ristorante.

TALKING WITH WARREN: U.S. Sen. Liz Warren hosts a town hall in Holden Sunday, Feb. 25, at Wachusett Regional HIgh School, 1401 Main St. Doors open at 11. Town Hall starts at noon. The event is free.

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 I

t is hard to begrudge those who have grown tired of hearing “show us the money!” from publicly-funded businesses and organizations. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority is the latest to draw a “SOS” in the sand, imploring state lawmakers to open their purses and rain some money on the struggling bus service.

In this case, they are not wrong.

To be clear, money is not always the sole solution to a problem.

Fiscal watch dogs will always look to see what those in charge are doing to best run their organization. Are they tightening their belts financially? Are they thinking outside the box? Have they exhausted other efforts to generate revenue?

Those are some of the questions that have been asked of the WRTA and Administrator Jonathan Church – and rightfully so. In our Feb. 15 cover story (“Bumpy Ride: WRTA battles budget woes, mounting criticism,” Worcester Magazine, Feb. 15), we did more than bloviate, as some elected officials are want to do. We rode the bus. We spoke with bus riders and drivers. We talked in-depth with Church. We asked state lawmakers their thoughts. We saw the audit that showed the WRTA runs pretty lean as businesses go. We examined the proposed cuts and changes to service that Church presented the same day the story went public. We heard the complaints, the concerns, the frustration.

Church’s proposals probably did little to quell the fears that had been building up at the WRTA. Indeed, all RTAs in Massachusetts are struggling financially. Public transportation, in general, is not exactly on solid financial footing in the state. The governor, for example, has already told the MBTA to consider fare hikes. Having level-funded the RTAs, it will certainly be interesting to see how Baker justifies spending millions - lots of millions - when and if Worcester and the Pawtucket Red Sox come to a deal to land the team here. True, the funding comes from different sources, but tell that to the average John and Suzie Q. Public. Tell that to Chrissa Daniels, who has no other option but the bus to get to work - and has no clue what she’ll do if Saturday service is cut. Tell that to Mike Baker, who is legally blind and depends on the bus service for almost every aspect of daily life.

There is still hope the House and Senate on Beacon Hill will recommend increased funding for the RTAs. Will it solve all the problems? No. Should it stop people from expecting Church and the WRTA to consider alternative measures, such as partnering with rideshare services or utilizing vans instead of larger buses for lesser-used routs? No, it should not. But from this point of view, extra money is needed to at least help get the WRTA headed in the right direction again.

Oh, and here’s a suggestion to city councilors who are so outraged over the WRTA right now: stop filing orders that pile up on the city manager’s desk and calling his department heads several times a day. Instead, go out and spend some time in the shoes of those you serve. Same goes for our state delegation.

Concerns about the WRTA aren’t new. Some (hello, Jo Hart) have been voicing them for years. It’s time to walk the walk and help save public transportation.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Model UN a winning club for students, city John Monfredo

T

he Worcester Public Schools’ Model UN Club held its first conference at Clark University recently. The Future Leaders Conference is the first of its kind, combining students in grades 7-12. With Model UN approval, this is the first time a district formed a league and held its own conference. The 50 students at the five secondary schools did an outstanding job at the conference.

After viewing the success of Model UN for several years at the Goddard Academy-Sullivan Middle School, I filed an item on the School Committee agenda last year to expand this program to our secondary schools. Superintendent Maureen Binienda agreed, and now the Model UN is taking place not only at Sullivan Middle, but at Doherty High School, South High School, University Park Community School and Worcester East Middle School.

Model UN is an extracurricular activity for young people all over the world, and is extremely popular and competitive from colleges to secondary schools. The club challenges students to study ways to make our world a better place.

Students must present speeches to their peers, incorporate the ideas of others into extemporaneous remarks, develop and write proposals, work on developing a consensus within

1,001 words

time to walk the walk

The Education Beat

By Elizabeth Brooks

Editorial On bus service,

commentary | opinions

thorough

various groups and use parliamentary procedure.

The clubs are affiliated with the United Nations Association of Greater Boston program. Information is sent by the organization to the club supervisors as a guide for teaching.

The organization is dedicated to building a strong network of global citizens who will be engaged in critical global issues central to the work and mission of the United Nations.

At the Worcester conference, I was impressed with the students’ public speaking as well as their negotiation and advanced critical thinking skills. Mind you, for most students this was their first participation in a conference.

Guided by UNAGB Director Caitian Moore, the students took up the world-wide issue of climate change. To set the stage for the Worcester conference, UNAGB staff member Lynn Arsenault spoke about her volunteer efforts as a Peace Corps representative several years ago in the island nation of Vanuatu, located east of Australia. She showed slides about this little country, the primitive life of its people and how climate change has affected this area.

Following the presentation, students went into UN Assembly mode, representing 22 countries and discussing, listening and looking for solutions to climate change. The conference was student-generated, with the UN assembly continued on next page

commentary | opinions

chaired by South High sophomores Genna Goggins and Nathan Kadria, who kept the discussion flowing and did a wonderful job as chairpersons. Both veteran members of Model UN from their middle school years at Goddard Academy, Goggins and Kadria played a major role in moving the discussion forward. The students collaborated with one another as they would at a UN conference and considered all sorts of solutions to the current world wide problem.

Much collaboration took place, and in a survey at the end of the conference 86 percent of the students said they were able to build off of each other’s ideas during their discussion, while 95 percent said they worked with a student they never met before. One of the students, Laura Coderre of the Goddard Academy team, who was new to the club, said she loved working with other delegations and coming to an agreement on the resolutions.

Some of the resolutions involved encouraging countries to pool a percentage of their gross domestic products into a treaty of countries that care greatly about alternative energy, calling upon countries to share clean energy technology with one another, endorsing countries to work together to strengthen carbon sinks to absorb greenhouse gases already in the air, strongly encouraging nations of the world to place regulations on carbon emissions on businesses and corporations, supporting the mass production of renewable energy such as solar panels and wind turbines and reminding nations to continue or start educating their citizens through awareness campaigns.

Keep in mind these are students learning about a world health crisis and being able to comprehend what needs to be done to help others. The students were enthusiastic and not afraid to articulate their thoughts.

Thanks to its organizers who reached out for funding, the conference was made possible because of the support of the following organizations: the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. In addition, the Hiatt Center for Urban Education provided lunch for the students.

The student advisors and volunteers did a wonderful job preparing the student delegates for this conference. This school year, Worcester had five secondary schools involved. I would hope that more could be added to the mix come next year.

Model UN is a winner for the Worcester Public Schools and for our community.

Businesses should consider supporting this program. Please consider sending a donation to Model UN Program/ Worcester Public Schools, c/o Kate Kerr, 20 Irving St., Worcester. Sponsors will be recognized at a School Committee meeting.

Central Mass. can lead 100-percent renewable transition Daniel Donahue, Dave McMahon, Jeuji Diamondstone and Ben Hellerstein

L

ast year, the Trump administration moved to loosen limits on power plant pollution and make it easier for the oldest, dirtiest plants to stay open longer.

That’s bad news for our health.

According to a report from the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, the Worcester area experienced 41 days with unhealthy levels of air pollution in 2015. Soot and smog from fossil fuels is a leading cause of asthma and cardiovascular disease.

It’s bad news for our safety as well. Climate change, fueled by carbon pollution from power plants and other sources, has already contributed to an 81-percent increase in extreme snow and rain storms in New England.

While officials in D.C. are doubling down on dirty energy such as coal, oil and gas, we can choose a different path. A future powered by 100-percent renewable energy, like solar and wind, is within reach.

It is a movement that can start right here in Central Massachusetts. We have the resources, the know-how and the public will to lead the nation in the transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

Already, this region has taken big steps in the right direction.

The city of Worcester recently installed the largest municipal solar installation in New England. The 28,000-plus solar panels on the former Greenwood Street Landfill will provide enough clean electricity to power 1,340 homes.

Auburn has received more than $700,000 in funding through the state’s Green Communities program to reduce energy consumption at Town Hall, the police station, the public library and other municipal buildings. In July, Sutton received a $200,000 grant that will help support electric vehicle purchases and

other energy conservation measures.

Local businesses and nonprofits are also moving quickly to expand clean energy.

Dismas House, a nonprofit that helps former prisoners reintegrate into society, is meeting 100 percent of its electricity needs with solar power. The organization also recently built a net-zero energy greenhouse at its farm in Oakham, which will allow residents to grow local vegetables year-round.

Your turn

That’s What They Said

EDUCATION continued from previous page

{slants/rants}

Additionally, Worcester residents will soon have the opportunity to join one of two energy cooperatives supported by Renewable Energy Worcester (RENEW), an energy democracy group, in partnership with Co-Op Power and E4TheFuture. These energy co-ops will expand the availability of clean energy and energy efficiency, while keeping profits circulating within the community. Together, these organizations are creating a model ecology of clean energy solutions designed to ensure that even those previously excluded from the clean energy revolution have access to renewable energy.

For all the progress we’ve made, our region is poised to do so much more. According to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, there are more than 1,000 clean energy companies in Central Massachusetts, with 18,000 employees working to install renewable energy and improve energy efficiency throughout the region. Local institutions, such as WPI and the Worcester Cleantech Incubator, are developing new technologies and business models that will help bring clean energy to even more people, even more cheaply.

“If we get to this point, Jonathan, it’s a spiral downward and basically the WRTA will cease to exist in a few years if we continue this.”

- WRTA Board Chairman Bill Lehtola, to WRTA Administrator Jonathan Church, on proposed bus service cuts.

Our clean energy potential is enormous.

Massachusetts has the potential to get at least twice as much electricity as the state uses each year from the sun, and more than 11 times as much from offshore wind. New technologies, like electric vehicles and air source heat pumps, will allow us to drive our transportation system and heat and cool our homes without the use of fossil fuels.

Local officials in Central Massachusetts should do everything they can to accelerate the growth of clean energy. Already, six communities in Massachusetts have committed to a 100-percent renewable energy goal, and more will likely follow in the coming months.

Cities and towns should install more solar power on municipal properties, take advantage of funding from the Green Communities program to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings, and make it easier for residents and businesses to make the switch to clean energy.

State leaders should approve legislation such as the 100-percent Renewable Energy Act. This bill would commit Massachusetts to source all of its electricity from renewable resources by 2035, and switch over other forms of energy use, like heating and transportation, to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

We need to protect our kids and our elderly relatives from dangerous pollution, and we need to pass on a safe, livable climate to the next generation.

The good news is a future powered entirely by clean, renewable energy from the sun and the wind is within reach.

Daniel Donahue is the state representative for the 16th Worcester district, covering part of the City of Worcester. Dave McMahon is executive director of Dismas House. Jeuji Diamondstone is an organizer with Renewable Energy Worcester (RENEW). Ben Hellerstein is the state director for Environment Massachusetts.

“I honestly don’t think the property is that bad, just improperly managed. We are just going to properly manage it.”

- Developer Ed Murphy, quoted

by MassLive Worcester, about the building at 1 Quincy Street, which last year topped Worcester Magazine’s list of Top 10 worst rental properties in Worcester.

“In the private setting, [employers] have the right to terminate an employee who engages in speech that is unacceptable to the employer.”

- Attorney David Rich, quoted by the Telegram & Gazette in a story on social media policies for cities and towns.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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TOWN TRIPPIN’

AUBURN

THE FARM FIELDS HAVE GIVEN WAY TO MAJOR ROADWAYS, SHOPPING CENTERS AND CAR DEALERSHIPS, BUT THIS MAKES AUBURN WHAT IT IS TODAY – A PLACE THAT HAS A THRIVING COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BASE, BUT NEIGHBORHOODS THAT MAINTAIN A SUBURBAN FLAVOR, PLUS A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY AMONG ITS RESIDENTS, ACCORDING TO TOWN MANAGER JULIE A. JACOBSON. Made up of parts of Worcester, Leicester, Sutton and Oxford, Auburn was incorporated April 10, 1778, as the town of Ward, named after American Revolution Gen. Artemas Ward. The name was changed to Auburn in 1837, after the U.S. Post Office complained Ward was too similar to the town of Ware. Auburn’s economic base was originally industry and agriculture, and in 1857 the town had 100 farms. But a century later, those farms had dwindled to only four, as the commercial sector began to fully take shape. Over the past 50 years, Jacobson said, the town has experienced rapid growth in industry and business development, with several industrial and business parks, multiple commercial clusters, numerous restaurants and a major retail shopping mall; in fact, more than 600 different establishments.

“Many of the businesses located here have been here for decades, which I think is unique,” Jacobson said. “There locate here, and like it, and stay here.”

With this many businesses in town — plus easy access to Interstate 290/395, routes 12 and 20 and the MassPike — Auburn’s daytime population increases to more than double that of its residential population, with an estimated 32,498 people in town during the day, according to Jacobson.

“This is a strong indicator of Auburn’s commercial/industrial employment base, further strengthened by the fact that Auburn has the largest number of jobs, over 9,000 in the Central 13 Region, a collaboration of 13 municipalities in the central Massachusetts region that participate in a regional planning effort,” Jacobson said.

Auburn also benefits from a state-of-the-art, brand-new middle school and a high school that is only about 10 years old, as well as a variety of community events and programs, including the Independence Day Celebration, Fall Festival and Homecoming, annual Holiday Craft Fair and Annual Tree Lighting. In addition, the town owns and operates the nine-hole Pakachoag Golf Course, which Jacobson said has competitive pricing, is friendly and welcoming, and an asset to the community.

The town’s Pakachoag Hill is well known as the site of the first liquid-fueled rocket launch by Robert H. Goddard on his aunt Effe Ward’s farm March 16, 1926. A model of his rocket stands in Goddard Memorial Park in Drury Square next to the Fire Rescue Department Headquarters, and the Goddard Rocket Launching Site national landmark is located between the first and ninth holes of Pakachoag Golf Course.

“It really is a unique town, with a strong community spirit,” said Jacobson.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 22, 2018

{ coverstory }

THE ISSUE

Auburn is a place where people move to and put down roots – “a lot of families stay for generations,” said Town Manager Julie A. Jacobson. And while that certainly contributes to the town’s stability and appeal, it also means the housing stock is less diversified, which administration is seeking to address with a recently-developed comprehensive housing plan they will focus on implementing over the next few years.

“With the majority of housing being single-family homes, there are few options for young families or recent graduates seeking to purchase or rent property in Auburn,” Jacobson explained, adding the owner-occupied rate has remained high throughout the years. “There are few apartments and condominiums, and there is a significant need for senior housing, which, if addressed, could open up additional housing stock to encourage the younger generation to live in Auburn.”

Additionally, the town has a multiyear commitment to implementing its financial policies, building reserves and addressing pension and healthcare liabilities, as it maintains its strong bond rating and remains a fiscally sound municipality, Jacobson said. Over the past several years, free cash, excess levy capacity and reserve levels increased – all while the fiscal 2018 budget was well below the available Proposition 2 ½ limits, according to Jacobson.

“Our goal,” Jacobson said, “is to continue to provide an excellent level of services and programs to our residents and maintain the condition of our facilities, while remaining fiscally conservative and maintaining our reserve levels.

Thus, to continue to generate additional revenues to support municipal services and quality education, we need to retain our economic base and stimulate new development while balancing the needs of our residents.”

Number of students: 2,610 Dollar spent per student: $13,371.14 (2016) School budget: $28,948,036 (2015)

ELIZABETH BROOKS

SIGNATURE EVENT

People come from all over the region – and beyond – to view Auburn’s spectacular fireworks at the Independence Day Celebration, a grand event that attracts about 10,000 spectators to the Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex.

Originally held at the smaller Lemansky Park, the celebration was moved in 2013 to the Pappas Complex, which allowed the event to accommodate more people and provide shuttle services to and from the fields.

“It’s worked out wonderfully to have it there,” said Town Manager Julie A. Jacobson.

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with vendors, food, and games and activities for kids. Then, before the fireworks at 9:30 p.m., The Outriggers provide entertainment starting at 7 p.m. during a concert that is sponsored by Hometown Bank.

“They play a nice variety of music that appeals to everyone,” Jacobson said. “They’re perfect for this.”

The event is coordinated internally – a “collaborative effort of all the town departments,” according to Jacobson – and is funded through the revolving accounts of the recreation and culture programs. The town also receives help from the WRTA, which provides shuttle service pick-up to and from the complex, and the Auburn Mall, which allows the buses to park there.

Jacobson said the event has not only been a tradition in town, but is also a popular destination for non-residents due to the location, the number of vendors offered and the convenience of the shuttles. Plus, she said, “The fireworks display is beautiful. It’s a nice community family event.”

ELIZABETH BROOKS

BUSINESS PROFILE

While the Auburn Mall – the “iconic structure that people associate when they think of Auburn,” said Town Manager Julie A. Jacobson – is a key anchor in Drury Square, it is just one important piece of the area. It is that section of town the administration is currently focusing on to highlight as Auburn’s downtown, where there are a large number of commercial businesses, restaurants and financial institutions.

Last year, the town completed the Drury Square Vision Plan through a grant from the state’s Downtown Initiative Grant program.

“Our intent,” said Jacobson, “is to create a stronger sense of place and stronger design identity in Drury Square and to eventually transform it into a more walkable district, building upon its commercial, institutional and recreational character to become a civic center within the town.”

In addition to the Auburn Mall – the town’s largest taxpayer – Drury Square is highlighted by the Fire Rescue Department Headquarters, the Auburn Public Library and Auburn High School. By the end of 2018, a new medical center is planned to open in the former Macy’s Home store that will attract even more visitors and pedestrians to the area, said Jacobson – which is critical as malls across the country “reinvigorate” themselves in an age of online buying.

“We have developed strategies that will enhance the economic value of the area as a place to shop and visit,” Jacobson said.

“Town administration plans to begin to implement the strategies in the Drury Vision Plan this year.”

POPULATION: 16,393/15.5 SQUARE MILES FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ coverstory }

ELIZABETH BROOKS

Median household income: $71,522 Median house value: $239,800 Municipal property tax rate (per $1,000 assessed valuation): Residential $18.44, Commercial/Industrial $24.18 (fiscal 2018)

HOT SPOT

A 20-acre complex of fields on Pakachoag Street known as the Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex is the true hub of activity in Auburn, offering a number of events and programs for children and families. With five fields and a concession stand, the complex is a busy place during Little League, softball and soccer seasons, as is the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion, which hosts a summer concert series.

The site is also host to Auburn’s magnificent Independence Day celebration, and according to Town Manager Julie A. Jacobson, plans are in the works with neighbor Pakachoag Church to run a farmers’ market this summer at the complex.

The $4.3-million project was completed in June 2012, after site work and preparation had started the year prior. The complex is named after the Pappases, who donated $1 million to the project, after recognizing the need for additional recreational fields in town, says Jacobson.

“They have had a passion for Auburn youth,” she said, adding, “Dr. [Arthur] Pappas passed away last year, but it is a nice tribute to his legacy here in town.”

Goddard Rocket Memorial on Upland Street.

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Median age: 45.9 Ethnicity (%): 91 White, 1 Black, 2 Asian, 5 Hispanic, 1 2-plus Percent below poverty line: 4.6 Municipal budget: $65,155,505.15 (fiscal 2018) Highest-paid employee: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maryellen Brunelle, $185,457

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 22, 2018

TOWN TRIPPIN’

LEICESTER Median age: 45.2 Ethnicity (%): 92 White, 2 Black, 1 Asian, 4 Hispanic, 1% 2-plus Percent below poverty line: 6.2 Municipal budget: $29,840,024 (fiscal 2018) Highest paid employee: Superintendent of Schools Marilyn Tencza, $148,000

A QUIET, UNASSUMING TOWN ON THE BORDER OF WORCESTER, LEICESTER HAS A RICH HISTORY, SOLID FINANCIAL FOOTING AND AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE, AS IT HAS EVOLVED FROM A FARMING COMMUNITY TO INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING TO PREDOMINANTLY RESIDENTIAL TODAY. “Leicester is unique in that it is located adjacent to New England’s second largest city, but manages to keep a country-like quality of life,” said Town Administrator David A. Genereux. “Residents of all ages and backgrounds are often heard commenting that crossing into the borders of Leicester really gives a satisfying feeling of ‘coming home.’”

Incorporated in February 1713, the town was originally bought in 1686 by a group of businessmen from Roxbury and first called Towtaid, the name given to it by the Nipmucs that sold the land. Later, it was called Strawberry Hill because of the abundance of wild strawberries that grew in the area, and finally Leicester, in honor of Leicester, England, where the father of the first selectman, Thomas Green, had lived. The town has the special recognition of being the originator of the term “minutemen,” after Col. William Henshaw instructed his militia to have local companies of men ready to march against the British on a minute’s notice.

Leicester has an agricultural past, but also one deep in the Industrial Revolution. In the mid-1780s, mill villages began to form in Leicester Center, Greenville, Cherry Valley, Rochdale, Mannville and Lakeside and started manufacturing hand cards, tools that were used to make cloth.

At the height of the revolution, one-third of all hand and machine cards in the country were produced in Leicester. The last of the mills did not close until 1991, when Worcester Spinning & Finishing in Cherry Valley ceased operations, but these days, evidence of Leicester’s past can be seen in the mills and housing that are still standing. Today, only Leicester Center, Cherry Valley and Rochdale are recognized as villages — each with their own zip code — and the town is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, which celebrates and remembers the mill towns that were prominent during the Industrial Revolution.

“Although village pride and some sub-political entities still exist, the community as a whole has evolved into the town of Leicester,” said Genereux. “In recent years, Leicester has increased its focus on attracting business that would fit its historical rural character, while providing needed services and revenues.”

Leicester benefits from the presence of Becker College, which also has a campus in Worcester and is situated on and around the town common. One of its buildings was the home of Samuel May, a pastor and abolitionist in the 1860s, and a documented Underground Railroad stop. The town also has more than 200 unique small businesses that provide a variety of services and products, according to Genereux.

Even more unique are the town’s residents, Genereux said, adding, “There is a strong sense of community pride throughout Leicester.

During sporting events, veterans’ celebrations, town meetings, school functions or emergencies, the residents show up, stand up and speak up for their town and fellow residents.”

POPULATION: 11,229/23.3 SQUARE MILES FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ coverstory } SIGNATURE EVENT

ELIZABETH BROOKS

BUSINESS PROFILE

James Cooper, owner of

Cooper’s Hilltop Farm is celebrating 100 years in business - no Cooper’s Hilltop Farm, bottles whole milk. easy feat in an age when so many others have sold their land for open space, joined collaboratives or closed completely. General Manager Heidi Cooper contributes the farm’s longevity to its location – off of the busy Route 56 and Stafford Street – to its customers, and to the business partners themselves.

“Most people don’t realize that many years, especially in the volatile business of dairy farming, a profit and salary are foreign concepts to the farmer. Still to this day, getting ‘paid’ for their work is not what the farmers do this for,” said Cooper, who married into the family; her husband is part of the fourth generation to run the business. “They work every single day of the year without exception, no matter the weather, the holiday, the family event they’re missing or extenuating circumstance.”

That is certainly true at Cooper’s Farm, which is open every day, even Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, selling the milk and cream it is known for, as well as its own beef and pork and other local items like honey, syrup, cheese and apple products. The farm store, built in 1931, is always a bustling place, thanks to the customers who “appreciate small, family-owned and -operated businesses,” said Cooper.

Indeed, a trip up the hill on Henshaw Street to Cooper’s is often a tradition for people, particularly during school breaks or during the holidays when the eggnog becomes available (and usually sells out!).

“Folks always let us know where they’ve traveled from, when they started shopping with us or what their favorite product is,” Cooper said. “A mix of generational customers who grew up with us, and the newer folks who shop with us for our additional local offerings and our beef and pork, are who have made us so successful.”

During the 100th anniversary, the farm is concentrating on getting back to its roots and will be looking to fulfill its need for an additional barn. And beyond that, Cooper said, “To ensure the farm thrives for 100 more, we’re planning very strategically our next steps for long-term success for us, as well as our children, the fifth generation here at Cooper’s.”

Nearly two decades ago, a group of residents got together to brainstorm an event to promote their community.

Thus was born the Leicester Harvest Fair, a day of family fun that will celebrate its 19th anniversary this fall.

Held the third Saturday every September, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event includes entertainment for kids and adults, a vendor festival and agricultural exhibits on the Leicester common, as well as flower, vegetable, baking and canning competitions in the Town Hall. In recent years, a beer/cider/ mead competition was added. The Leicester Middle School Peer Leaders group runs children’s games, and Vic and Sticks are a crowd favorite with the kids. A shuttle service runs from the Middle School to the town common.

Throughout the event, food is available from local organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Lions Club and the Congregational Church and others, which use the sales as fundraisers for HOT DOG ANNIE’S their groups.

Drive a short ways down Route 56 in Leicester, and you’ll come upon Hot Dog For this year’s event, Chairman Kurt Annie’s, a hidden gem at 244 Paxton St. In the summertime, the line is long for Parliment would like to add an oldthese famous dogs, as people come from throughout Leicester and beyond the fashioned road race, with hopes to use region. You’ll find the usual ketchup, mustard and relish – and burgers, too – it as a fundraiser in memory of Auburn but the real treat are the hot dogs with Annie’s special secret barbecue sauce.

Police Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr., Customers rave about the sauce at this no-frills roadside stand, which has been who was killed in May 2106 on duty in Leicester for 60-plus years. And just like when the business first opened, the during a traffic stop. He was an officer hot dogs are fairly inexpensive; it’s one place where you can take the whole famfor the Leicester Police Department ily on a warm, summer night, enjoy eating outside at the picnic tables and not for seven years prior. spend your entire weekly food budget.

More than 1,000 people have attended each year.

VERA KERR, who grew up on Gage Street in Worcester, moved to Leicester when her husband Arthur built them a house. Now, “So far, the weather has been phemany years later, this 99-year-old is the town’s oldest resident. nomenal for it,” Parliment said, adding Born Aug. 8, 1918, Kerr was the middle sister of five girls – Mae, Helen, herself, Mildred and Esther – and today is the that in previous years, “We’ve done it sole survivor. in a hurricane. We’ve done it in other “She was extremely close to her sister Helen,” said her daughter-in-law Nancy Kerr, who is married to Kerr’s son Robert. “They nasty weather. We do this rain or would talk on the phone every day, for hours at a time.” shine.”

Nancy said Kerr would often tell them stories of “how hard they had it as children. At an early The event is made possible by a age, they were expected to do what I would say were adult things.” The mattresses were made of number of organizations. Cornercotton, and the girls would often have to remove and fluff up all the cotton balls, and then stuff stone Bank provides funding for one them back into the mattresses. Nancy also remembers Kerr talking about how she’d have to walk of the bands, Country Bank sponsors to the market with her sisters to pick out chickens for dinner, and then “carry them back home hayrides, the town allows use of the while they were still alive.”

Kerr met her husband when he was remodeling a house next door to hers in Worcester. space,and other donations come from “He was a jack-of-all-trades,” said Robert. “He’d do it from the ground up.” the Massachusetts Cultural Council, After marrying, Kerr was a stay-at-home mom to her children” Arthur, who has since passed the Leicester Arts Council and the away, Robert, Elaine and Cheryl. Her husband died in 1969 at the age of 48 from a heart attack, Leicester Savings Bank Fund. Parliment and she did not remarry. is also quick to thank the committee: “They were very much in love,” Nancy said.

“They’ve been phenomenal with the Nancy calls Kerr “multi-talented,” adding her mother-in-law loved to cook, bake and sew and work we’ve done. It’s a long day. Even would even make her children’s clothes. Even at 99, “she’s a very busy woman, a very gifted though it’s only 10 to 4, it’s still a lot of woman. She’s always doing something,” Nancy said. “I believe that’s one of the reasons for her work for the small group to put on.” longevity. Not a minute of the day was wasted. That’s how she was brought up.”

OLDEST RESIDENT

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ELIZABETH BROOKS

HOT SPOT

Many years ago, a man had a vision, bought some farmland along Route 9 and built two businesses that today have become a destination for visitors from around the region – and what his daughter, who is continuing the tradition, calls a “little corner of Americana.”

Although separate businesses, the Leicester Triple Drive-In and Joe’s Drive-In Restaurant are both owned by the Joseph family and go hand-in-hand for summertime fun. The drive-in celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017, and while Joe’s opened only last summer, it is a throwback to its original days from the 1960s.

Maria Joseph’s father Hanna built the car-hop restaurant, then known as the Robin Hood, which he operated several years with his wife Marilyn, until he decided to embark on another project – building the drive-in theater on a section of land behind the restaurant.

“He loved happy businesses. He loved the hospitality,” Joseph said of her father, who passed away last year.

The drive-in was built when such was the trend all across the country. Today, it’s only one of three in Massachusetts – the other two are in Mendon and Wellfleet. “When VCRs came out back in the ’80s, it took a lot of business away from the drive-ins,” Joseph recalls, adding that later on, drive-ins “came back around because of the economy and the nostalgia factor.”

Meanwhile, the Robin Hood was leased numerous times throughout the Median household income: $72,637 years and had various restaurant managers and names until it became vaMedian house value: $226,400 cant for more than a decade. In 2016, Joseph and her mother decided to Municipal property tax rate (per $1,000 revitalize the building, to bring it back to its glory days, and originally rent assessed valuation): $16.09 (fiscal 2018) it. But when excitement began to spread through town regarding plans for Number of students: 1,569 the old building, the Josephs decided to instead reopen it themselves. The Dollar spent per student: $13,093.76 (2016) revival has been “extraordinarily” received by the town and outside the School budget: $18,110,066 (2015) region, as well, Joseph said.

{ coverstory } THE ISSUE

Like many small communities in the area, Leicester faces challenges of balancing the need to provide services to its residents with the ability to generate sufficient revenue to do so, according to Town Administrator David A. Genereux.

“As an old New England settlement, however, town leaders consistently provide services to residents through efficiencies, cost sharing and regionalization of appropriate services,” he said.

One example is the town’s shared dog kennel usage with neighboring Spencer, according to Genereux. Another is the regional health inspections service through the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance.

The alliance is a collaboration of the health boards from Leicester, Grafton, Holden, Millbury, Shrewsbury and West Boylston, as well as the Worcester Division of Public Health. Such arrangements benefit all towns, as it provides needed services, but helps save money for the communities involved.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

17

night day

art | dining | nightlife | February 22 - 28, 2018

&

Worcester gets a dose of Anthrax Joshua Lyford

Queens, N.Y. metal act Anthrax released their seminal debut album, “Fistful of Metal” by Megaforce records, back in 1984, and while the band has seen several lineup changes and a few vocal swaps over the years, they have largely been active in the decades since.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 22, 2018

TRAVIS SHINN

On Saturday, March 3, Anthrax will join Killswitch Engage and Havok at the Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. On a chilly day in Alabama, Frank Bello, bass player for Anthrax is on the bus, loaded up with healthcare supplies as he and his tourmates attempt to recover from a cold.

“My routine is to go to the nearest pharmacy and spend about $150 on getting better,” said Bello. “Whatever they have, I say fill her up, I need to work tonight. There’s always interviews. Life.

Honestly, we’re battling. This is the tour cold that’s running through everybody. The Killswitch guys have it. Everyone tries to get better, there is medicine everywhere. Everyone is telling each other what to take. A lot of liquids and juices. It’s expected in January and February tours. You’re freezing, there’s heat in the buses, germs spread. It’s going through the day and trying to get healthy.”

With over three decades of touring and releases under their belts, Anthrax has inspired new generations of metal bands to play faster and harder for years.

“I’ve been so lucky,” said Bello. “No one takes this without being really thankful. All I want to do is have a younger person that wants to do this music, pass the torch and have them feel as lucky and as good as I feel. If I can pass the torch on this music, I feel that’s the best compliment that we can get. If we’ve influenced anybody to create, anything — music in general — it doesn’t have to be metal. I have an 11-year-old son. All I want to do is give him this gift. I’m thankful. I’m humble. I want to play music that makes people feel good. I think it’s a good thing to have as a tool to make you feel better.”

With eight studio releases, including 2016’s, “For All Kings,” Anthrax has consistently created music and, according to Bello, the band members are more motivated than ever to keep going.

“We’re doing what we always wanted to do our way,” said Bello.

“When you’re growing up as a child, why would I not want to keep doing it? It’s the energy. It’s not only the band, it’s the crowd. It’s one big crazy energy between the band and the crowd. That’s why we do it. Otherwise it wouldn’t be worth it.

“It’s the energy. People that like this music have this fire in their belly. It goes from writing to playing live. You know when you have a great riff or a great part, you know when this is right. It meets that fire in your belly. When it’s right, you nod and say, ‘Yeah.’ You feel that power. Then you bring that to live audience and it’s the ultimate drug for me. Bring something from a record and bringing it to live audience, there’s nothing like it. People reacting to it, that’s the best high in the world.”

In May, Anthrax will join longtime friends and metal legends Slayer on the North American leg of Slayer’s farewell tour. The experience will be bittersweet, said Bello.

“We’re very close, we’ve toured together forever, we came up forever,” he explained. “It’s like seeing my friend off. In my opinion, Slayer will never die, there will always be a Slayer.

The great thing about that tour, I’m very close with Kerry [King, guitar]. He’s probably my best friend in this business. We hang a lot on tour, we drink a lot on tour. I don’t know if it will be crazier on-stage or backstage on that tour. It’s a great package. It’s a family vibe.”

After 34 years of performing live, Bello and company still get excited to plug in and play.

Clockwise from front center: Joey Belladonna, Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Jon Donais, Frank Bello

“It’s like the ultimate drug,” he said. “I’m a fan of this band. I’m a fan of this music. If I can make someone else feel what it means to me, that’s important. Life is short. Maybe because I have a son and see how fast life is, I want people to feel that energy. If it can give me this energy and the fans come to the show and feel that energy that’s important.”

For more information on Anthrax and their upcoming tour schedule, as well as their DVD release, “Kings Among Scotland” in late April, head to Anthrax.com. For The Palladium’s upcoming schedule and to purchase tickets, head to Thepalladium.net.

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

night day &

{ music}

Deep breath: Air Supply hits Hanover Theatre Joshua Lyford

In 42 years of soaring soft rock, Australian duo Air Supply, are not, it would seem, all out of love just yet. On Friday, March 9, the duo will perform at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Vocalist and guitar player Graham Russell lives in Utah these days, a slow-living alternative to the hustle and bustle of life on the road. Though one has to imagine life on the ranch has its own issues, issues involving significantly more four-legged creatures than found on a sleek tour bus.

“I don’t live in a city, I live in a rural area,” said the soft-spoken Russell. “That’s what I love.

It’s a great balance for me. I love working hard and moving hay and driving big machines, it’s quite the opposite of what people expect. I live on a big property — a ranch — it takes a lot of time and care to look after. I have a lot of animals. If there is a chance to come home, I have to take it. It’s a sanctuary to me. Being in so many cities, it’s nice to come back and relax for a bit. I’m always busy here, but it’s doing things I love to do, like look after the animals.”

Life on the ranch may seem like an interesting lifestyle for the songwriter of a multi-million album selling act, but a chance to relax for the guitar player fits. Air Supply’s list of accomplishments is long and includes platinum, gold and multi-platinum album sales as well as a five-times platinum greatest hits album released in 1983. Still, what could be considered the band’s most noteworthy achievement is that they just surpassed the 40 years of performing mark.

“When we first began, we were really excited when we had a single out,” said Russell. “We said, ‘We’ll be able to show this to our grandchildren.’ Now of course, we’re 43 years down the road. I think your expectations grow as you grow as an artist. The greatest treasure now is to still be doing this at a very high level and loving it so much. We’re very lucky, we’ve been blessed to be able to do this and have fans all over the world. We aren’t a band that gets up and plays a couple songs and goes home. We can see the effect it has on the audience. I think that’s a great legacy to leave behind.”

According to Russell, part of the band’s ability to persevere over four decades is knowing and respecting each other’s roles within the band.

“The great thing with Russell [Hitchcock, vocals] and I is we’re in control of everything obviously, but Russell isn’t a songwriter, he just wants to sing,” said Russell. “I just want to write songs and perform. It’s a great relationship, we’ve never had an argument in all these years because there is no competition. We encourage each other. Working with one of the great singers of our generation is a great thrill for me. There’s never any ego, there’s none of that. It’s completely democratic. We enjoy seeing each other.”

In 2013, the band was honored by the Australian Recording Industry Association, with an induction to the Australian Hall of Fame. The induction itself was a long time coming, according to Russell.

“When we got that call, both Russell and I spoke, we couldn’t believe it took so long,” he said. “This is our 43rd year and it was time, I thought. So many people would say, ‘God I can’t believe you guys aren’t in there.’ There were people inducted into that same organization that have maybe sold 10,000 albums or something. I think they had their tail between their legs and thought, ‘God, how did they slip between the cracks?’ We were the 83rd most successful band of all time.”

The enjoyment the pair feels when performing live is palpable and, according to Russell, there is a thrill in playing in front of a live audience, all these years later.

“I love the medium of playing live more than any other,” he said. “It’s just a great feeling. Stepping out into the audience and people are in tears, they can’t wait to hear the songs.

Because of the time that’s passed, it means so much to people. They want to hear you and hear you sing those songs. We go out into the audience, we talk with the audience, we get right in amongst them. We’re not on a pedestal, we dont believe in that. We go out there and want to entertain and see their reactions.”

Find out more information on Air Supply and their touring schedule at Airsupplymusic. com. To purchase tickets and for The Hanover Theatre’s upcoming schedule, head to Thehanovertheatre.org.

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

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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night day &

Piercing Emporium & Tattoo Delivering fine art and beautiful jewelry on clients for 22 years.

THE

Lyford F iles Joshua Lyford

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STATE OF THE EDITORIAL ADDRESS: So you’ve

noticed The Lyford Files is becoming a consistent feature, eh? Barring, of course, last week when we had to shuffle some things to make room for our arts criticisms brought in partnership with ArtsWorcester and Clark University. Well, I wanted to give a quick update, now that I’m the A&E editor, I prefer to sit in my throne and let others do the work on my behalf. I’m kidding of course, but we’ve also had some interesting content opportunities that I’m happy to make room for. Keep your eyes peeled in March for some additional arts and entertainment features. I’d also like to say thanks for the feedback on my column, I genuinely appreciate the input. Speaking of input, it’s probably no secret that we journalists rarely get positive feedback.

It’s just the nature of the business and this is by no means a complaint, I know what I’ve signed up for. Still, when you do get positive feedback, boy does it make you giddy. Case in point: I’d like to say thanks to all the people that reached out about “A Clover for Emily,” my feature story for the Feb. 8-12 issue. I don’t think I can overstress how nice it is to interact with readers on stories like this. One more point: one of the most fulfilling parts of my job is seeing the contrasts the A&E universe can bring. Like this week’s interviews with Anthrax and Air Supply. Two bands from opposite worlds, both a lot of fun. Favorite points? Air Supply’s Graham Russell talking about the Australian Recording Industry Association’s “tail-betweenthe-legs” delayed induction ceremony and Anthrax’s Frank Bello’s cold medication purchasing tactics. Give them a read, even if they aren’t your thing.

WORCESTER RECOVERS WITH COMEDY: Alright, back to business as usual here. This

one is a ways out, but I’ll be honest, my notes for The Lyford Files basically look like the designs from the original Blair Witch Project film, so I am putting this on your radar before I can screw it up. On Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m., Worcester Recovers is headed to the White Eagle, 116 Green St. If you are unaware, Worcester Recovers is an annual comedy event hosted by Addicted to Laughter, an organization hosting comedy shows at Recovery Centers across New England. They’ve raised nearly $25,000 for recovery centers to date. This event will be hosted

by Shaun Connolly (former Worcester native, hi Shaun) and Eric Taylor. Comedians include Tom Dillon, Orlando Baxter and Kelly MacFarland. A night of laughter for a good cause?

Sounds solid to me.

BRIARWOOD’S NEW GALLERY: Here’s a fun one: The Briarwood Community will kick off “Collage” by Stephen Halpert on March 4. The exhibit will run through May 4 at The Gallery at Briarwood, 65 Briarwood Circle. Free, open to the public and with some light snacks.

Mmmm. In my experience, light snacks usually including cubes of cheese, so sign me up.

THIS GUY IS WRITING ABOUT HOCKEY AGAIN?: Yeah, it’s like, a thing I do. This is for the

folks who have been on the fence about checking out a game. “United Way Hockey Night” is coming to the DCU Center Friday, March 2. This is a great opportunity to have a first (or 10th, whatever) night with the Worcester Railers. If you’re a fan of deals, well then get 20 percent off a ticket by using a special link: Railers.isportstix.com/order/seats/226/. I am so sorry about that link. Fan of helping out charitable causes? Well, 20 percent of your purchase made via that link benefit the United Way. Like hot dogs? Beer? Popcorn? Well, it’s 2-3-4 night, which means $2 popcorn, $3 hot dogs and $4 Bud Light (presumably in the Bud Light Lounge). They say there is pig anus in hot dogs, and my medical professional friends tell me anus skin and lip skin is the same, so if you missed out on a smooch on Valentine’s Day, now’s your chance. Wait, I’m off track and will be getting some upset emails. Moving on, if you’re a fan of the Marvel Comics Universe, it’s Marvel Superhero Night! Just wait to see those superhero jerseys. Finally, if you’re a fan of simple rhymes, the Worcester Railers will take on the Wheeling Nailers, so enjoy yourself.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 22, 2018

night day WHO WILL WIN { film } THIS YEAR? The claws have come out &

Jim Keogh

Consider Chadwick Boseman’s movie career. In the space of about five years on the big screen (he’s done mostly TV work), Boseman has portrayed Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, James Brown, and now Black Panther, some of the past century’s most enduring black icons in sports, law, entertainment and popular fiction.

No pressure there.

There’s a solidity to him, a gravity and grace making Boseman that guy. You want him on your side. And if he’s wearing the costume of a killer feline — with all the attendant powers and instincts — you really want him on your side.

“Black Panther” expands the Marvel Comics Universe, which began percolating with the Toby Maguire “Spider-Man” movies before “Iron Man” supplied its Big Bang moment a decade ago. MCU has since undergone a series of little-bangs through sequels, reboots and we’re-getting-the-bandback-together fiestas, courtesy of the Avengers. Within this grouping of films there have been few superheroes of color, with Falcon (Anthony Mackie), War Machine (Don Cheadle) and Storm (Halle Berry) never a threat to headline their own franchises.

T’Challa (Boseman) is a new-generation black hero, the ruler of the mythical African kingdom of Wakanda. The nation is spectacularly advanced, with technology centuries beyond the capabilities of the rest of the world, in part because of an impervious metal alloy vibranium found only beneath their soil. Wakanda also boasts a platoon of fierce woman warriors/bodyguards, who, armed with vibranium weapons, are similar to the Secret Service, only scarier. (A “Black Panther” sequel would do well to dive more deeply into the genesis of Wakanda. While the setting intrigues, it needs fuller exploration.)

This is an origin story, so it has a lot of ground to cover in its two hours and 15 minutes. In fact, the film combines two origin tales: those of T’Challa and a former soldier named Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan, pumped up to Gronk-like dimensions), who emerges to lay claim to T’Challa’s throne. If you’re having trouble determining whether a guy named Killmonger is a villain, I’d suggest getting out more.

Both men’s backgrounds inform their views of Wakanda’s future: T’Challa prefers

to retain the nation’s isolationist stance and work toward world peace diplomatically; Killmonger seeks to ignite a revolution against the forces of black oppression by exposing the wonders of Wakanda, including its weaponry, to the world. Both men are accorded scenes in which they encounter the spirits of their dead fathers, something unexpected for the villain in a film like this, but which sets his character’s motivations in an understandable context.

The CGI and live action harmonize for the battle sequences, which won’t disappoint Panther fans. Still, the best combat choreography occurs during the two instances when T’Challa is bereft of his superpowers and faces challengers with only his human strength and skills. When he does don the costume — undoubtedly the coolest uniform in the MCU — T’Challa is as much faceless ninja as noble king, aided by the high-tech contraptions developed by his wisecracking sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright), the equivalent of James Bond’s Q. Director/co-writer Ryan Coogler (“Creed”) has shaped a movie that’s thicker with plot and dialogue than most superhero pictures, and it lost me on a few occasions. He’s worked a good deal into this picture — about colonialism, tribalism and the disconnect about what black empowerment means and for whom. In this vein, Black Panther, the man and superman, doesn’t spring into action necessarily to rescue a threatened world, but to better understand why it creaks, then begin the repair job.

NOMINATIONS FEB. 12 THRU MARCH 5 AT WORCESTERMAG.COM Sponsored by

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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krave

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Padavano’s Place

&

{ dining}

FOOD HH1/2 AMBIENCE HH1/2 SERVICE HHH VALUE HH1/2 358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester • 774-823-3022 • padavanosplace.com

Padavano’s Finds its Place Sandra Rain

Padavano’s Place is not a dinner theater by design, but it’s easy to see how a guest might make that mistake. The dining room marks a perfect locale to stage the balcony scene out of “Romeo and Juliet� with its oriental parapets and a singular plastic tree. The chandeliers, flanked with vines and crystals, beg for the Phantom to serenade Christine. The sconces of fabricated dancing flames and large diamond textiles on the walls can make you almost certain that a Cheshire Cat is lurking nearby. And when the laser show starts at 8:30 p.m., you can be sure the showmanship is intentional.

The most important takeaway here is the

regulars always look joyous, and they’re not acting. Instead, they’re reminiscing – ticking off the names of individuals pictured in a vintage photo of the “Homesfield crew,� and helping you move your setup to the corner table in order to make way for the band, who they’ll tell you, is really very talented.

Service is hurried, but impressive given the limited number of staff.

You may feel inclined to order a Long Island Iced Tea ($9) or a Coconut Cloud Martini ($6) once you catch sight of the fuschia backlighting on the bar. Follow your heart - no one at Padavano’s Place has come to scout you for the master sommelier training. Glassware can be very porous, and wine glasses especially, are apt to absorb smells like scented detergents or sanitizer.

But, if a glass of wine doesn’t hinge on aromatics for you, the Moma Super Tuscan ($10) is as velvety as the wall art bound to tickle whoever sits at the corner table, if he or she should lean too far back in their chair. A Mondavi Pinot Grigio ($7) will just as easily refresh the palate, staging a floral simplicity.

The menu is kaleidoscopic in its diversity.

Padavano’s Place totes “authentic homestyle Italian food� in its manifesto, but that doesn’t stand in the way of serving nachos ($10.95),

Shrimp scampi and meatballs with penne. chips and salsa ($4.95) and kettle chips with French onion dip ($6.95). Given the frequent live music schedule (and the nightly laser show), these dishes no doubt belong on a bar menu all their own, along with the chicken tenders ($8.95) and sirloin burger ($10.95).

Bite Sized: Leisure, Libations, and Local Fare

Full Mug. Acoustic Java’s own cafe leader, Corey Hawkins, took home first prize with his coconut caramel latte. Asylum Coffeetorium was also on

Prime Rib served every Friday & Saturday

Sarah Connell

Freestyling Flat Whites

A city-wide Barista Jam was held over the weekend at Acoustic Java Roastery on Brussels Street. The impressive panel of judges included Avra Hoffman of Birchtree Bread Co., Ellen Benson of simjang and Talin Borekjian of the Half

deadhorse hill competed in the Barista Jam at Acoustic Java Wednesday Roastery on Saturday.

Sunday Brunch

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Starting late afternoon

Open 7 days Mon - Sat 11am - Close Sunday 10 - Close

308 East Main Street East BrookďŹ eld, MA WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Tuesday

Kids Eat Free of Local barista James Henderson

$10 Meal Deals

THE

BADTICKERS

Casual Waterfront Dining

22

Dine-In Specials

hand with chicken pot pie and apple pie popovers for guests to enjoy. Acoustic Java will host a free film screening this Saturday, Feb. Monday 24, at 5 p.m., when Cinema-Worcester pops up 1 Burger Get 1 Half O to show PlanBuy 9 from Outer Space.

Salad, Entree & Dessert

LAKESIDE

774-449-8333 308lakeside.com

Guests who came because they’ve had the privilege of reveling in sister restaurant Rosalina’s handmade ravioli, will find this crown jewel is alive and well at Padavano’s Place. As a companion of mine put it on our most recent visit, “the sauce is electric.�

Order the toasted ravioli appetizer ($9.95) or the cheese ravioli entree ($15.95) and you’ll leave with something to talk about. As for the remaining entrees, the portions are bounteous.

Most of the dishes uphold density I generally reserve for leftovers, including the meatball ($12.95) and chicken parm ($15.95). That said, both offer another dose of Padavano’s marvelous marinara, as does the fried mozzarella ($9.95). Fra diavlo with chicken ($16.95) is just as spicy as they say, and not for the faint of heart. The shrimp scampi ($18.95) may not be what you’re looking for until tomato season.

Go to Padavano’s Place with specific intentions. They offer an excellent deal on appetizers from 4-7 p.m. each evening during “appy hour.� They are likewise known for accommodating bereavement lunches. In the warm weather, patio seating is available.

On our last visit, our party of four rang up a tab of $133.63.

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Come in for your chance to win a $25 gift card!

Enter each time you dine between March 1st & 16th

Free Live Music Saturday Nights

• FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Daily Specials

Served 10-2

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Free Valet Friday & Saturday

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Figure Dating

Hoping to impress your mate without the pricetag? Keep the figures low and the anticipation high when Worcester Restaurant Week arrives again Monday, Feb. 26. The event, spanning 13 days, is a bit of a misnomer, but a heck of a deal. Participating restaurants offer three courses for just $25.18. Over 44 establishments have signed on for the winter 2018 edition of restaurant week. Some of my favorite deals this round include: Armsby Abbey, Bocado Tapas Bar, Bull Mansion, Chophouse 111, El Basha, Flying Rhino, Joey’s, La Cucina, Lock 50, Mare E Monti, Rosalina’s, The People’s Kitchen, The Sole Proprietor, Via and Willy’s Steakhouse.

Noodles Combined

Wooden Noodles is teaming up with Figs and Pigs for a three-course ramen feast on Sunday, Feb. 25. The event will take place at 50 Foster St. (on the corner of Commercial), from 6-9 p.m. The menu includes kefir cloud wood ear mushroom, miso or double soup ramen, and dessert buns for just $25. Drinks will be available for purchase as well. Wooden Noodles is always happy to accommodate vegans and vegetarians. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Live Entertainment Karaoke every Friday Night

on Monday, Feb. 26, pitting Campo Viejo against Conde de Valdemar. Rioja’s embrace of ancient

February 24 ~ Drums & Wires March 3 ~ Live Spent March 10 ~ Far from Eden

winemaking techniques combined with an emphasis on innovation and sustainability makes it one of the most acclaimed wine regions in Spain. The chef’s five-course menu will be paired with wines from both bodegas to include Cava, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. The event is all-inclusive and costs $75 per person.

Macaroni Mountain

On Saturday, March 3, Worcester Center for Crafts will fill an exclusive collection of handmade ceramic plates with the delicious pasta stylings of Ciao Bella. Guests will each take home one of the handmade plates and have a chance to win other tokens of the evening in a silent auction. VIP entry begins at 5:30 p.m. for $65 per person. Regular entry will start at 6:15 p.m. for just $45 per adult.

Children are welcome to a paper plate of pasta for $10. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available upon request. Guests will also enjoy the last night of Ron Rosenstock: 50 Years of Camera Work. You can make reservations on the Worcester Center for Crafts website or by calling 508-753-8183, ext. 301.

Sushi • Gluten Free Entrees Available Function Rooms • Gift Certificates Take-Out • Keno 176 Reservoir St. Holden • 508.829.2188 • www.wongdynasty-yankeegrill.com

tival s e F ish r I l ua Wo rc est er’s An n Saturday, March 3, 2018 12 noon to 10:00 PM St. Spyridon’s Greek Cathedral, 102 Russell St., Worcester Admission: $6.00, Kids 12 and under: free Irish Bands, Irish Dancers, Corned Beef, Beer and Wine Irish goods for sale, Face Painting for the kids

Bobsled Over to Bocado

Bocado will host its signature Spanish wine dinner

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

23

night day &

{ listings}

music >Thursday 22

Karaoke. 8-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350.

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 specializing in Blues, Rock, Folk, Memphis Soul and Fingerstyle Guitar using a wide variety of guitars, harmonicas, guitar effects and looping, vocal harmony technology, and Bose and Tech 21 sound systems. Sean performs solo for many venues and events throughout New England year-round. Dinner, Drinks, Music, Fun. 6-8 p.m. Tavern on the Common, 249 Main St., Rutland. 508-886-4600 or seanfullertonmusic.net 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.

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

Global Voices Heard and Remembered Concert. This concert will feature musical cross-currents within selected global concert music traditions including Argentinian composer Astor Piazzola’s New Tango, Jazz improvisations inspired by Jazz legends Miles Davis and Art Tatum, as well as music of György Ligeti, Iannis Xenakis , Claude Debussy and other composers inspired by music of African and Asian influences. To see the full list of this semester’s music events at Holy Cross please click here: holycross.edu/academics/programs/music/concerts-and-events.

Free. 7:30-8:30 p.m. College of the Holy Cross: Brooks Concert Hall, 1 College St. holycross.edu Big Bill Morganfield with Jason Ricci and Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks. Big Bill Morganfield is the son of McKinley Morganfield (Muddy Waters) and has emerged in the past few years as one of the top blues talents in America. Bill has played all over the world, bringing pure joy to those who have had the pleasure of seeing him live. $22 advance; $25 day of show. 8-11 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 978-425-4311 or tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com Dan Kirouac. More information at dankirouac.com. Free. 8-1 p.m.

Coppertop Lounge/Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton. 978-464-2300.

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

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

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.

Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell. 7-10 p.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304-6044.

Holy Cross Chamber Orchestra. Free. 7:30-8:30 p.m. College of the Holy Cross: Brooks Concert Hall, 1 College St. holycross.edu Skewed Acuity: The Departure Duo. Departure is a Bostonbased soprano and double bass duo comprised of Nina Guo and Edward Kass. Free and Open to the Public. 7:30-9 p.m. Clark University: Traina Center for the Arts, Razzo Hall, 92 Downing St. Acoustic Shoes. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Brian Chaffee. 8-11 p.m. 435 Bar & Grill, 435 Lancaster St., Leominster.

Chris Terp. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Monument Tap, Leominster. 978-7981242.

Dan Kirouac. More information at dankirouac.com. Free. 8-10:30 p.m.

Tavern on the Common, 249 Main St., Rutland. 508-886-4600.

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

The Lizards - A Tribute To P0HISH. 21+ $10 Advance / $12 Day Of Show thelizardsband.com/ facebook.com/thelizardstoronto/ instagram.com/thelizardsband/ twitter.com/LizardsToronto $10 Advance / $12 Day Of Show. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508799-0629 or find them on Facebook.

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

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

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

Ricky Booth. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., >Friday 23 Leominster.

“Dapper” Dan Burke returns to Nicks! You’ve seen him with Ricky Duran Performs at Loft, Friday at 8. 8-11 p.m. Loft 266 Niki Luparelli, The Royal Treatment, solo with his Prince show tonight Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177. he returns to play all of your favorites solo with Piano. Don’t miss this Tim & Lou. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village intimate, fun energetic show! Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, Cabaret, 124 Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580.

Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

Live Music. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., The Flock returns to the Cove! Get your dose of 80’s Mayhem Gardner. 978-669-0122. when the Flock returns to the Cove! $10 at the door. 8-1 a.m. The Cove SNG Band. SnG Band plays fun danceable music from all eras $5.

Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on Facebook.

8:30 p.m.-midnight Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat! Start your weekend with Nat Needle.

Zack Slik. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. South Side Grille & Margarita Factory, 242 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, Cabaret, 124 Millbury St. West Broadway, Gardner. 978-632-1057.

508-753-4030 or find them on Facebook.

Guest and House DJ’S. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St. Dale LePage. Offering a fresh and highly creative approach to the 508-799-4521 or mblounge.com Great American Songbook. No Cover- Reservations Suggested. 6:30-9:30 Hit the Bus. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. p.m. The UXLocale, 510 Hartford Ave West, Uxbridge. 508-779-7515 or 508-459-9035. theuxlocale.com Inexpensive Whinos. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Bill McCarthy Every Friday at Barbers Crossing North.

Boylston St. 508-853-1350.

Leominster.

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

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

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.

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

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. *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 Facebook.

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

Karaoke in the Cabaret with DJ Matt R. Karaoke in the Cabaret with DJ Matt R free. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, Cabaret, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030 or find them on Facebook.

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 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.

Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from He’ll. 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

DJ Cuzn Kev. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. DJ 21+Canal. 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 Performs at Loft at 11. 11-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177.

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

Karaoke. 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 On the Rocks. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. Take Two. Interactive rock & roll show featuring Keith Brindle & Mike Fretwell. Sing along and join the band! 9 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. DJ’s. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304-6044.

DJ 21+Canal. 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.

>Saturday 24

Chris Reddy Apre Ski Party. 3-5 p.m. The Outlook Restaurant, 79 Powers Road, Westford.

Matt Soper. Matt Soper is known for his ability to marry infectious hooks with musical integrity and has always prided himself on catching the attention of both mainstream music lovers and music connoisseurs alike. His voice draws you in, his instrumental prowess keeps you interested, and his songwriting encourages you back for more. 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 Hot Dish. Hot Dish are a talented duo who play some of our favorite classic rock hits! 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, Bar / Lounge, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353 or find them on Facebook.

Sean Fullerton and his Mad Loops Laboratory! Dinner, Drinks, Music, Fun. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Happy Jack’s, 785 North Main St., Leominster. 978-466-3433 or seanfullertonmusic.net The Theresa Kate Band. TKB is a high energy, don’t miss band! $5 Donation. 7:30-10 p.m. !Cafe con Dios!, Main Room, 22 Faith Ave., Auburn. 508-579-6722.

Dustin Brideau. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Monument Tap, Leominster.

978-798-1242.

Guiliano D’Orazio. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585.

Joe Grizzly Presents. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Left - Right. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Barbers Crossing (North), 175 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8438.

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

Merry Ploughboys. Back from Dublin, Ireland, by popular demand, the Merry Ploughboys are returning to Mechanics Hall for another rousing

All that shoveling means nothing if your car won’t start.

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Get up to a $20 Visa® Prepaid Card on qualifying NAPA Batteries this January and February.

Offer valid Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2018. Purchase and install a NAPA Legend Battery and get a $10 Visa Rebate Card or a NAPA Legend Premium Battery and receive a $20 Visa Rebate Card. Offer good on most passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. With appointment. All offers exclude labor. Cards are issued by Bank of America, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. These cards are not credit cards and expire six (6) months from issue and have no further value after that date.

508-461-6591

199 Oxford Ave., Dudley proautomotivema.com

24

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 22, 2018

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS & QUARTZ! 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9),

• The Biggest Selection of Marble and Granite of any Fabrication Shop!

Shrewsbury ¼ Mile East of Home Depot

• Over 300 colors to choose from (all slabs on site)

Big Blue Building

SALE! Granite $3500/Sq. Ft. (Min. 40 Sq. Ft. Cannot combine with other offers)

508-842-9800 Fax 508-842-9808 Mon. - Fri. 8-5, Sat. 9-4

Exotic Marble & Granite, Soapstone and Quartz Surfaces Available.

night day &

concert to get you ready for St. Patrick’s Day season. The Great Hall at Mechanics Hall will be transformed into an Irish Pub and the Merry Ploughboys will provide traditional Irish entertainment. Their performance is a lively blend of well-known Irish ballads and folk music, and includes warm interaction with their audience. The public house atmosphere will be complete with pre-show dinner, provided by Scott Toupin Catering, and cash bar with a full complement of drinks including Irish draft beers.

There will be a bar service available to non-dinner patrons prior to the concert and during intermission in Washburn Hall. Dinner & Show: $60, Table Seating: $30, Balcony Seating: $25. 8-10 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. 508-752-0888 or mechanicshall.org Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters. Ronnie Earl’s got it. Whatever it is that makes The Blues dig down into your soul and stir it up. Whatever it is that can hold your attention with six strings and 22 frets and never sound stale or mediocre. Whatever it is that makes you smile in the midst of a very dangerous and heartless world. Whatever it is, he’s got it down. $32 advance; $36 day of show. 8-11 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 978-425-4311 or tickets. bullrunrestaurant.com Sam James. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Quinn’s Irish Pub, 715 West Boylston St. 508-459-2025.

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

Through the Doors- The Ultimate Doors Experience.

Through The Doors is a Multi-media Tribute to Jim Morrison and The Doors and has been touring since 1980. This re-creation of the sound, look and “feel” of an actual Doors concert is so complete, it never ceases to startle even the seasoned crew. Ladies and Gentlemen: Through The Doors! $10 in advance - $15 at the Door 21+ Doors at 8pm $10 in advance $15 at the door. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on Facebook.

Jean Mancini Gough Jazz Vocalist. With a strong background in jazz and classical, she moves between the two worlds effortlessly,

{ listings}

making her a perfect crossover artist. Renowned for her impeccable technique and smooth stylings, she has entertained audiences up and down the East Coast in a wide range of genres from jazz, gospel, and new age to classical and sacred literature. 8:30 p.m.-midnight Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, Cabaret, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

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

Back to the 90’s Party. Worcester’s favorite old school DJ - Chuck Chillin’ brings us back to the 90’s with da hottest beatz. Join the best crew in the Woo - come early because this event packs the place! $5. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Brewski’s Pub, 413 Park Ave. Blue Light Bandits. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whiskey on Water, 97 Water St. Drums & Wires. Live band, classic rock music No cover charge.

9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Wong Dynasty and Yankee Grill, 176 Reservoir St., Holden. 508-829-2188.

Guest and House DJ’S. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St. 508-799-4521 or mblounge.com Josh Briggs & Bongo Mike. 9 p.m.-midnight Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

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

978-345-5051.

Neil Young tribute band. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

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

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

Strangers from Canada. Neil Young Tribute Band $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin (Never Found to Fail)

O Most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this, my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this necessity, there are non that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times) Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands.

(3 times) Sweet Mother, I pray for this cause in your hands. (3 times)

Worcester-Boston Full Service Radio for New England

Holy Spirit, resolve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me in that in all instances of my life, you are with me. I want this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you even in spite of material things. I wish to be with you in eternal glory.

Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

(The person must say this prayer on 3 consecutive days. After 3 days the request will be granted. This prayer must be published after the prayer is granted).

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

25

night day &

{ listings}

The Cosby Sweaters. No cover. 9 p.m.-midnight U.S Marine Club- Marine Corps League Worcester Detachment, 181 Lake Ave. 508-612-5639.

We & The Dawg at the Kasbar. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798-8385.

Fellowship of the King-Elvis Tribute. Founded in 2014, The Fellowship of The King performs career-spanning music of Elvis Presley with skill, respect, passion, love and above all, authenticity. Featuring: Heartbreak Hotel, Jailhouse Rock, All Shook Up, Hound Dog, Suspicious Minds, Burning Love, Little Sister, In The Ghetto, Hurt, Viva Las Vegas, Unchained Melody, and so many more! 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439.

DJ’s. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304-6044.

DJ 21+Canal. 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.

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

508-459-9035.

>Monday 26

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

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

Jazz Night - Live at JJ’s. 7-10 p.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough. 508-842-8420 or jjsnorthboro.com Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-7988385.

>Tuesday 27

Slaves with Special Guests. 6 p.m.-midnight Palladium, The, 261 Main St. 508-797-9696.

Mark Kroll - Harpsichord Recital. 2018 is the 350th anniversary >Sunday 25 of the birth of François Couperin, the greatest of all French harpsichord Mike G’s Sunday Jam at Greendales. 6:30-10:30 a.m. Travel composers, and who was call Le Grand in his own lifetime. Kroll, the Destination 508-864-4715. world’s leading interpreter of Couperin’s music, will present a harpsichord Jazz Brunch. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., recital in celebration of that event. Free. 7:30-8:30 p.m. College of the Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Holy Cross: Brooks Concert Hall, 1 College St. holycross.edu Jon Short Brunch. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Tuesday Open Mic Night! To check the schedules and open Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900. slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy Bluegrass Brunch at Bull Mansion. Every Sunday At The Bull (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mansion you can now enjoy a spectacular brunch and some down-home Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net picking and a plucking provided by a rotating roster of bluegrass rock (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) To check stars. Free W/ Brunch. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bistro, Bull Mansion, 55 Pearl St. the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” 508-755-6070 or find them on Facebook. usually is! Free! 7:30-11:30 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. AMC-Assumption Chorus Collaboration Concert. Free.

508-853-1350 or find them on Facebook.

2-4 p.m. Assumption College, Assumption Performing Arts Center, 500 Nick’s Jazz Jam Open Mic. Have you ever gone to see a Jazz Salisbury St. 508-849-3450 or annamaria.edu performance and thought, “Hey, I could to this.” Well now is your chance!

Assumption College Chorale Intercollegiate Choral Bring your favorite musical instrument and perform in front of other or Festival. The Assumption Chorale will be joined by Anna Maria College’s even with them if you have the chops. Free. 8-11 p.m. Nick’s Bar and choral groups to present an Intercollegiate Choral Festival. The combined Restaurant, Cabaret, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. groups will present music by Randall Thompson and John Rutter. The Boogie Chillin’. Bluesy, bluegrassy, jazzy, americana, dead, and more. remainder of the concert will also feature the select ensembles from each Free! (Tips are appreciated if you appreciate us.) 9-11:59 p.m. Vincent’s college. Houndsound - Assumption’s student-led a cappella ensemble Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439 or find them on Facebook.

- will also perform on the program along with Anna Maria’s a cappella Karaoke. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798group. The hour long program is free and open to the public. Free. 2-3 8385. p.m. Assumption College, Tsotsis Building, Jeanne Y. Curtis Performance Karaoke 9:30-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. Hall, 500 Salisbury St. 508-796-5177.

Blues Jam with The Living Bra’s. 4-9 p.m. Dunnys Tavern, 291 East Main St., East Brookfield, MA, East Brookfield. >Wednesday 28 Clara Gerdes, Organist. 4-5:15 p.m. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Wack Wednesday Jam night. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, Church, 73 Lancaster St. 508-753-2989, ext. 14 or trinityworc.org 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350.

Bury Your Dead with Special Guests. 6 p.m.-midnight Open Mic. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Palladium, The, 261 Main St. 508-797-9696.

Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Faculty Recital. Piano (Melissa Martiros) Free. 6-8 p.m. Anna Maria Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy College, Payer Concert Hall, 50 Sunset Lane, Paxton. 508-849-3450 or to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” Annamaria.edu in the email’s “subject box”) To check the schedules and open slots visit Open Mic Sundays. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6-9 p.m. CJs McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook. Bill McCarthy (originator of the Steakloft, 369 W. Main St. (route 20), Northborough. 508-393-8134 or “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email find them on Facebook.

Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put Duotone Instrumental Guitar Duo! Free. 7-9:30 p.m. Sahara “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn.

Cafe & Restaurant, 143 Highland St. 508-798-2181.

Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all Musical Cabaret (Drama Club). Free. 7-9 p.m. Anna Maria are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or currently signed College: Zecco Performing Arts Center, 50 Sunset Lane, Paxton. 508recording artists * Award-winning pro’s or semi-pro’s * Regularly gigging 849-3450 or annamaria.edu paid-performers * Published songwriters * Recording studio owner/ Local Musicians’ Night. There’s a lot of underground music operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the happening in Worcester, and now it’s coming to a library near you! Each schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” night, two local bands play, and no cover charge! All ages are welcome. usually is! Free! 6-9 p.m. Park Grill and Spirits, 257 Park Ave. December 13 - Abdul Sherzai + Fist Inc. January 17 - Mitchell & Spear Mike Melendez. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Quinn’s Irish Pub, 715 West Boylston + Leah Raczynski February 28 - Instar + Privacy Papers free. 7:30-8:30 St. 508-459-2025. p.m. Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square. 508-799-

26

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 22, 2018

1655, ext. 3.

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

Music Bingo Wednesdays Starting at 8. 8-11:59 p.m. Loft 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.

AriBand Live at Nick’s. Singer-songwriter Ari Charbonneau, also known as AriBand: “nature’s source of unfiltered rock.” and all the other souls we be trippin with through space time. Keep smilin’. No Cover. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

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. Karaoke with Mikey Mic’s. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St. 508-799-4521.

arts

ArtsWorcester, Hours: closed Sunday - Tuesday, noon-4 p.m.

Wednesday - Saturday. Admission: Free. 660 Main St. 508-755-5142 or artsworcester.org Asa Waters Mansion, Admission: $3 for guided tour $7-10 for tea.

123 Elm St., Millbury. 508-865-0855 or asawaters.org Booklovers’ Gourmet, Winter Palette-Group Art Show & Sale, Through Feb. 28. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 55 East Main St., Webster. 508-949-6232 or bookloversgourmet.com Clark University: University Gallery, Hours: noon-5 p.m.

Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon-5 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday. 950 Main St. 508-793-7349 or 508-793-7113 or clarku.edu College of the Holy Cross: Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art 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 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $15.00 adults; $10 for children ages 2-18, college students with ID & senior citizens. Children under 2 & EcoTarium members free. Additional charges apply for Tree Canopy Walkway, Explorer Express Train, planetarium programs & other special event. 222 Harrington Way. 508-929-2700 or ecotarium.org Fitchburg Historical Society, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 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 fitchburghistoricalsociety.org Gallery of African Art, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Donations accepted. 62 High St., Clinton. 978-265-4345 or 978-598-5000x12 or galleryofafricanart.org Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Hours: 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 414 Massasoit Road. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org Museum of Russian Icons, Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (59 +), $7; Students, $5; Children 3-17, $5; Children <3, free. 203 Union St., Clinton. 978-5985000 or 978-598-5000 or museumofrussianicons.org Old Sturbridge Village, Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Worcester Art Museum, Jeppson Idea Lab: Master Vases from Ancient Greece, Through April 8; Last Defense: The Genius of Japanese Meiji Metalwork, Through Sept. 2; Rediscovering an American Community of Color: The Photographs of William Bullard, Through Feb. 25. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday - Saturday. Admission: Free for members, $16 adults, $14 seniors, free for youth 17 and under. Free for all first Saturdays of each month, 10am-4pm. Also open every 3rd Thursday until 8pm. 55

Salisbury St. 508-799-4406 or worcesterart.org Worcester Center for Crafts, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183 or worcestercraftcenter.org Worcester Historical Museum, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 30 Elm St. 508-753-8278 or worcesterhistory.org

family >Thursday 22

Art Cart: Classical Europe & Asia. Explore the Classical world through art and object. Discover the art of Egyptian Hieroglyphs. Learn about and create Greco-Roman mosaics. Or color your own Mandala.

One or more of these activities will be available. Ask our friendly docent what topic will be on tap today! (Programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Worcester Art Museum, The Renaissance Court, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

The Tommy James Magic Show! Kick off school vacation week with a magic show for the whole family! Tommy, voted the 2010 KIDabra International Family Performer of the year, will dazzle, amaze, amuse, and astound with his hilarious and magic-packed show complete with a real, live rabbit. All ages welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of the Worcester Public Library. This show will be held in the Goddard School Auditorium next to the library. Free. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Goddard Branch - Worcester Public Library, 14 Richards St. 508-799-8330.

>Saturday 24

Snowshoeing For Families and Winter Wildlife Tracking.

If you can walk, you can snowshoe! We’ll teach you how to use snowshoes and practice in our field before heading out onto the trails.

We will teach you how to look for signs of wildlife as we enjoy the beauty of the sanctuary in winter! If Mother Nature does not provide us with enough snow, we will go for a hike. Bring your own snowshoes or rent them for an additional $2 per pair. Please wear boots and other clothing appropriate for winter. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available. For ages 5 and older. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087. $8 Adult Members, $10 Adult Nonmembers, $4 Child Members, $6 Child Nonmembers. 10 a.m.-noon Mass Audubon: Eagle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Causeway St., Holden. massaudubon.org Free Family Nature Walks. Enjoy the snowy landscape at Tower Hill Botanic Garden! Free, hour-long walks where you learn about the seasons as you observe the plants and signs of animals. Appropriate for children 4 + Pre-registration recommended, availability based on a first come first serve basis, max 15 people. Accompanying adults are welcome with child participants. Member: Free, Nonmember: Free with admission. 1-2 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston.

508-869-6111, ext. 124 or towerhillbg.thankyou4caring.org Zip Tour: Peacable Kingdom. Zip tours are fast-paced view of one artist or work of art, and last only 20 minutes. Free with Museum Admission. (Programming subject to change) Free with Museum Admission. 1-1:20 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Meets in Lancaster Lobby, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Family Workshop: Painting on Glass. Work together as a family or take this exciting workshop as an individual. In this three-hour class you will create a translucent painting using glass as your canvas. The brush strokes will be fired and permanently fused onto the surface of the glass. Plate glass ‘canvases’ will be provided which could be enjoyed as a painting, sun catcher, or coaster. Or feel free to bring glass objects from previous workshops or non-hand made glass objects from home to use as your canvas as well! If you are participating as a family or group, please register each individual family member. Fee Breakdown: Student Fee: $65.00 Materials Fee: $10.00 Studio Fee: $5.00 $80. 4:30-7:30 p.m. New Street Glass Studio, Flat Shop, 35B New St. 508-753-8183, ext. 301 or register.worcestercraftcenter.org Family Owl Prowl. Owls are fascinating birds. Did you know that some species breed in winter? Or that they can be very vocal as they establish territory and communicate with mates? We’ll learn all about owls in a hands-on indoor introduction followed by a short hike to listen for owls WHOO might be nearby, or other nighttime wildlife. Open

night day &

to families with children ages 5 and up. For more information and to register, call 978.464.2712. $7 Adult Members, $9 Adult Nonmember, $4 Child Members, $6 Child Nonmembers. 5-7 p.m. Mass Audubon: Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton.

978-464-2712 or massaudubon.org Art Cart: Classical Europe & Asia. Explore the Classical world through art and object. Discover the art of Egyptian Hieroglyphs. Learn about and create Greco-Roman mosaics. Or color your own Mandala. One or more of these activities will be available. Ask our friendly docent what topic will be on tap today! (Programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 10:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, The Renaissance Court, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

college sports Baseball

Anna Maria Feb. 24 vs. Fitchburg State, 12 p.m.

Assumption Feb. 24 vs. Mansfield, 12 p.m., 2 p.m.

Feb. 25 vs. Mansfield, 10 a.m., 12 p.m.

Clark Feb. 24 vs. Elms College, 12 p.m.

Feb. 25 vs. Keene State, 12 p.m.

Holy Cross Feb. 23 vs. Valparaiso, 1 p.m., @ Oklahoma, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 24 @ Oklahoma, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 25 vs. Valparaiso, 12 p.m.

Men’s Basketball

Clark Feb. 24 vs. NEWMAC Semifinals Feb. 25 vs. NEWMAC Finals Holy Cross Feb. 24 @ Colgate, 2 p.m.

Feb. 27 vs. Patriot League Tournament Round 1 Nichols Feb. 22 vs. Commonwealth Coast Conference Semifinal Feb. 24 vs. Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship WPI Feb. 24 @ NEWMAC Tournament Semifinal Feb. 25 @ NEWMAC Tournament Championship

Women’s Basketball

Clark Feb. 24 vs. NEWMAC Semifinals Feb. 25 vs. NEWMAC Finals Holy Cross Feb. 24 vs. Colgate, 1:05 p.m.

Feb. 28 @ Lehigh, 6 p.m.

WPI Feb. 24 @ NEWMAC Tournament Semifinal Feb. 25 @ NEWMAC Tournament Championship

Men’s Ice Hockey

Holy Cross Feb. 22 vs. American International, 7:05 p.m.

Nichols Feb. 24 vs. Commonwealth Coast Conference Semifinal

Women’s Ice Hockey

Holy Cross Feb. 24 vs. Semifinals Feb. 25 vs. Championship Game Nichols Feb. 24 vs. Colonial Hockey Conference Quarterfinals

Men’s Lacrosse

Anna Maria Feb. 24 vs. Bard, 1 p.m.

Becker Feb. 28 vs. Regis, 3:30 p.m.

Clark Feb. 24 @ Johnson & Wales, 1 p.m.

Feb. 28 vs. Skidmore College, 4 p.m.

Holy Cross Feb. 24 @ Lehigh, 1 p.m.

Nichols Feb. 24 vs. St. Joseph’s, 12 p.m.

Feb. 28 vs. Rivier, 4 p.m.

Women’s Lacrosse Assumption Feb. 28 vs. Post, 4 p.m.

Holy Cross Feb. 24 @ Iona, 1 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Villanova, 5:35 p.m.

Worcester State Feb. 27 @ Roger Williams, 4 p.m.

Men’s Swimming & Diving Clark Feb. 22 vs. NEWMAC Championships, 5 p.m.

{ listings}

Feb. 23 vs. NEWMAC Championships, 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Feb. 24 vs. NEWMAC Championships, 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Feb. 25 vs. NEWMAC Championships, 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.

WPI Feb. 22 vs. NEWMAC Championships Feb. 23 vs. NEWMAC Championships Feb. 24 vs. NEWMAC Championships Feb. 25 vs. NEWMAC Championships

Women’s Swimming & Diving Clark Feb. 22 vs. NEWMAC Championships, 5 p.m.

Feb. 23 vs. NEWMAC Championships, 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Feb. 24 vs. NEWMAC Championships, 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Feb. 25 vs. NEWMAC Championships, 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.

WPI Feb. 22 vs. NEWMAC Championships Feb. 23 vs. NEWMAC Championships Feb. 24 vs. NEWMAC Championships Feb. 25 vs. NEWMAC Championships

Men’s Track & Field

Worcester State Feb. 24 @ University of Southern Maine Invitational WPI Feb. 25 @ BU Last Chance

Women’s Track & Field WPI Feb. 25 @ BU Last Chance

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

27

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Across 1

Bread that may or may not have seeds 4 Unit of heat energy 9 Copier problems 13 Mall entrance features 15 Cartoon dad who's had over 100 jobs 16 Musk of SpaceX 17 Poet who excels at short comedy scenes?

19 Queen abandoned by Aeneas, in myth 20 "Wabbit" hunter Fudd 21 Red or Yalu, e.g.

22 "Ad astra per ___" (Kansas's motto) 25 Furor 27 Crisis responder, for short 28 Radar reading 29 1950s nostalgia group with a TV show in the 1970s 33 "That's right!"

34 Just briefly reads the rules to a classic arcade game?

38 Early photo color 40 Reed or Rawls 41 Slovenia neighbor 42 Someone who's an expert at sliding out?

45 $, for short (well, not really, being three characters) 46 Disregards 47 "There Will Be Blood" actor Paul 48 Many corp. logos 51 A, in Berlin 52 Hockey players, slangily 54 Trail follower 56 Not significant 58 Julia of "Addams Family Values" 59 Request to a supervisor to avoid something?

64 Prefix for present or potent 65 "___ Burr, Sir" (song from "Hamilton") 66 Days of long ago 67 Ten-speed, e.g.

68 Air freshener brand 69 Predicament Down 1 Apt. ad count 2 Hairy Himalayan beast 3 Prefix for dermis 4 Jim Carrey movie with the catchphrase "Smokin'!"

28

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!

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 39 43 44 47

Dig this!

Ruler in Abu Dhabi "Can't Fight This Feeling" band ___ Speedwagon "The A-Team" regular "Star Wars: The Last ___" Still in the game Wi-fi device Derisive sound High-priced 35mm camera option Repair, as a loose board Bottomless depth Streamlined Longstocking of kiddie lit Provide coverage for Grammy category division Hotelier Conrad, or his greatgranddaughter Paris Love, in Le Havre Take the stage Reproductive rights pioneer Margaret Palindromic formality On one's own Stocking stuff Ugandan dictator Amin Indie rocker DiFranco Foolhardy Word after roller or Kentucky

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 22, 2018

48 49 50 53 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63

Pulsate Home of the Heat Mammal with a defensive spray Hotel room extra Peace Nobelist Wiesel Actress Sorvino in 2016's "Exposed" Device with the Nano discontinued in 2017 Hang down Actor Penn "That's gotta hurt" ___ Lanka Masters and Johnson research subject

Last week's solution

INSPIRATION

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A NEW LOOK TO YOUR WORCESTER MAGAZINE AND CLASSIFIEDS! ©2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) Reference puzzle #872

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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. WO18P0530GD CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR INCAPACITATED PERSON PURSUANT TO G.L. c. 190B, §5-304 In the matter of: Heylai Esmail Of: Worcester, MA RESPONDENT Alleged Incapacitated Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Department of Developmental Serv, of Worcester, MA in the above captioned matter alleging that Heylai Esmail is in need of a Guardian and requesting that TLC Trust, Inc. of Fitchburg, MA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Guardian to serve WITHOUT SURETY on the bond. The petition asks the court to determine that the Respondent is incapacitated, that the appointment of a Guardian is necessary, and that the proposed Guardian is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court and may contain a request for certain specific authority. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 02/21/2018. 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 16, 2018 Stephanie K. Fattman, Register of Probate 02/22/18 CWM

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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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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

29

Two minutes with...

ELIZABETH BROOKS

Lindsay Monroe Can you tell us about your unlikely companion? Cynthiana or Thina

Lindsay Monroe always had wanderlust. A few years ago, she found herself googling people who had walked across America. When she read “A Walk Across America,” by Peter Jenkins, “the itch became worse.” Next, she bought camping gear and began telling people she was going to make the trek. On Nov. 13, 2016, she started her journey across the country on foot from Myrtle Beach, feeling equal parts fear and determination. You can hear Lindsay’s story live Friday, Feb. 23, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the seventh floor of the Printer’s Building at 44 Portland St. in Worcester.

Where did you face the most difficult conditions? The wind in Oklahoma and Texas

will break your spirit, pushing so hard and making you feel like you are standing still. Cold nights and cold mornings in the winter make it difficult to get up and out of your sleeping bag to walk in the cold. But I think the worst conditions were in the high desert of Idaho and

30

Oregon. In Oregon, it was summer, so the days were very hot in the 100s and the hills and mountain passes and elevation climbs were plentiful. I walked into the bottom of a canyon and then walked out of the canyon, pushing all of my stuff and sometimes a dog, for a combined weight of about 170 pounds.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 22, 2018

for short: The Arkansas wild stray who adopted me.

At the time, Feb. 15, 2017, this little, 37-pound, 7-8-month-olddog had been following me down a dirt road. I was whistling to some music. It took me a while to actually notice her, because I was too busy jamming to my music, and then finally she pushed me from behind to get my attention, then she sat there wagging her tail. I took a picture, and when I went to pet her she ran away scared. I continued walking and she continued to follow. About 7 miles later I had ended my day at Chateau Aux Arc and she was still right there.

I set up my tent and shared a granola bar with her, I found some dog food that was given to me from a friend who told me I would be followed by strays in Arkansas. I went to bed and heard her off in the distance barking off the coyotes, and by 1 a.m. I no longer heard her and assumed she left. I woke up in the morning to her sitting outside my tent with my boot in her mouth.

After a couple of days of her following me around the vineyard and around town, I did the right thing and brought her to the vet to make sure she was healthy and I had her spayed. I spent the next 10 days working on the vineyard watching over her as she healed up, then with no leash or collar, she followed me for about 200 miles into Oklahoma. I realized at this point she was mine and was never going to stop following me.

Where did you experience the best hospitality? I was treated with so much love all

over this country, but Prague, Okla. is a little different. I walked into Prague after a 20-mile day and it was dusk. Thina’s feet were cracked from the pavement. I knew we had to call it a day. The shoulder on the road was very narrow and the dog could not make it any farther. I was also tired and hungry, and the next town was about 11 miles away. I was hoping to camp in one of the town parks for the night, but every sign said that it was not allowed. I decided to head to the police department to see if they would let me put my tent up in the park across the street.

When I was told no, I decided to go have dinner at a restaurant called Destinations, and try and figure it out from there. As soon as I walked up with my stroller and a dog with no leash, a very kind 18-year-old girl asked me what I was up to. I told her I was walking across America. I immediately followed with, “Can I set my tent up behind the restaurant tonight? I promise to be gone in the morning.” I didn’t realize the young girl’s parents owned the restaurant. All of a sudden, the girl’s mother comes out from the back of the kitchen and pulls up a chair at my outdoor table and starts talking to me. She brought my new dog fried chicken to eat and endless bowls of water. An amazing couple who were regulars at the restaurant bought my dinner, and the next thing I knew, Thina and I had a place to sleep for the night.

Well, that one night turned into 10 nights.

I worked in the restaurant for a couple of days in trade for rest days for Thina’s paws to heal. I would walk and the family would pick me up at the end of the day and bring me back to their house for the night and bring me back to where I left off the day before. Their 13-year-old daughter walked 10 miles with me one day, and on my last day with the family, their 18-yearold daughter walked 21 miles with me into Oklahoma City.

Was it hard to move on? As I left the town of Prague, Okla., I found myself knocking on numerous doors saying goodbye to people in the town. When I was headed back to the east coast before I got on a bike and biked 1,800 miles, I stayed with the Capron family from Prague, Okla. once again, for about 12 days this time. Prague is one of my favorite places in America, and it’s not because of the landscape or the location, it’s because of the people. I have sent three other cross-country walkers/runners through that town, and they have all been taken in just as I have by the town and the Capron family.

What was the biggest takeaway from your amazing adventure? Someone asked me

one day what I was going to do once I finished. I said, “After doing this, I can do anything; I have no fear about anything life might throw at me or what I will do financially, because I can do anything I put my mind to.”

– Sarah Connell

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