Worcester Magazine February 25 - March 2, 2016 by Worcester Magazine

FEB. 25 - MARCH 2, 2016

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NEWS • ARTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE

FREE

inside stories news

Snow removal complaints to DPW down despite social media chatter Page 4

fundraiser

Wagtime raises money, awareness for Worcester Animal Rescue League Page 21

For Whom the Bell Tolls:

Mount Carmel Church gets reprieve, but is time running out? Sponsored in part by:

CYANOTYPES PHOTOGRAPHY’S BLUE PERIOD

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM / On view through April 24 / worcesterart.org Left: American, active early 20th century, Woman with a Rifle (detail), about 1900, Private Collection

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Kirk A. Davis President Kathleen Real Publisher x331 Walter Bird Jr. Editor x322 Steven King Photographer x323 Joshua Lyford x325, Tom Quinn x324 Reporters Colin Burdett, Sarah Connell, Brendan Egan, Brian Goslow, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Jessica Picard, Kara Senecal, Corlyn Vooorhees, Contributing Writers Megan Baynes, Ben Kammer, Tom Matthews, Sarah Mazur, Corinne O’Brien, Editorial Interns Don Cloutier Director of Creative Services x141 Kimberly Vasseur Creative Director/Assistant Director of Creative Services x142 Matthew Fatcheric, Becky Gill, Stephanie Mallard, David Rand Creative Services Department Helen Linnehan Ad Director x333 Diane Galipeau x335, Rick McGrail x334, Media Consultants Kathryn Connolly Media Coordinator x332 Michelle Purdie Classified Sales Sp cialist 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. LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES: Please call 978-728-4302, email sales@centralmassclass.com, or mail to Central Mass Classifieds, .O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520

DISTRIBUTION: Worcester Magazine is available free of charge at more than 400 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each at Worcester Magazine offices. Unaut orized bulk removal of Worcester Magazine from any public location, or any other tampering with Worcester Magazine’s distribution including unauthorized inserts, is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted under the law.

insidestories

uilt around 1928, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Worcester has stood for decades as the center of the Italian-American Catholic community. It was built during the Depression, and has weathered many a storm throughout the years. Now it is in jeopardy of closing, perhaps even being torn down. STEVEN KING Its parishioners would be asked to join with their daughter church, Our Lady of Loreto. Financial woes, structural deficiencies and a diminishing base of parishioners have left the church vulnerable to the ax of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester, which has shuttered many a church over the past decade-plus. How did it come to this? Where have all the parishioners gone? How much debt is A crane lowers a large piece of the church in? How bad Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s façade. are things financially for the Diocese? Can such an historic building be saved? We tackle those questions in more in this week’s cover story, as Mount Carmel lies in wait to see whether, in fact, the final bell will toll. – Walter Bird Jr., editor

SUBSCRIPTIONS: First class mail, $156 for one year. Send orders and subscription correspondence to Holden Landmark Corporation, 22 West St., Suite 31, Millbury, MA 01527. ADVERTISING: To place an order for display advertising or to inquire, please call 508.749.3166. Worcester Magazine (ISSN 0191-4960) is a weekly publication of The Holden Landmark Corporation. All contents copyright 2016 by The Holden Landmark Corporation. All rights reserved. Worcester Magazine is not liable for typographical errors in advertisements.

EDITORIAL: 508.749.3166 SALES: 508.749.3166 E-MAIL: editor@worcestermagazine.com Worcester Magazine, 72 Shrewsbury St. Worcester, MA 01604 worcestermagazine.com

2015 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR WORCESTER MAGAZINE

4 City Desk 8 Worcesteria 11 Editorial 12 That’s What They Said 14 Cover Story 21 Night & Day 28 Film 29 Krave 33 Event Listings 38 Sports Listings 39 Classified 47 2 minutes with… About the cover Photo by Steven King Design by Kimberly Vasseur

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

{ citydesk }

February 25 - March 2, 2016 n Volume 41, Number 26

Snow removal complaints to DPW down despite social media chatter STEVEN KING

Tom Quinn

orcester’s Department of Public Works was hammered in the court of public opinion multiple times this winter, as citizens took to social media to voice complaints about how the city handled — or failed to handle — snow and ice on their street. But those quarrels are not translating into requests for improvement, as the DPW has received 2,598 complaints as of Feb. 17 this year. Although there is still a bit of winter left to go, that number is far below the 7,066 complaints the DPW received during last year’s record-setting winter, but also below the 4,576 complaints the department averaged over the four winters prior to this one. The numbers were measured from Oct. 1 of one year to Oct. 1 of the next to encompass one winter season as opposed to one calendar year. Part of the disconnect could be complaints that previously would have been called in increasingly migrating to social media, where people can air their complaints for all to see – but those complaints don’t necessarily make it into the DPW’s system. “It’s got to be whether people want to fix it or just want to complain about it,” City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. said. “We’ve tried to provide mechanisms through customer service and through social media to report it and to get it fixed versus the cathartic experience.” Complaining on Facebook or Twitter can hurt the process, too. In addition to using

complaints called into the DPW to allocate resources and fix problem areas, DPW Commissioner Paul Moosey said the data gathered is important for future storms. “We look at all these complaints to see what we missed,” Moosey said. “I hate getting the same complaint more than once. The complaints are valuable … I don’t think a year ever goes by that we don’t make changes.” And the complaint numbers aren’t even necessarily tied to the quality of the work done. Moosey said he gets more complaints during small storms than big ones, since people have less patience when they feel the plows aren’t reaching their home or business fast enough. “I’ve seen storms where I think we deserve some criticism and we don’t get that much, and others where we get a lot and I don’t know why,” Moosey said. Shrewsbury Street Neighborhood Association president Gary Vecchio, though, estimated complaints to him from people in the neighborhood have risen “tenfold” since last year, and he’s fed up with the city’s response – or lack of response, from his view. “I can honestly tell you I’ve gotten more complaints this year than I’ve gotten in my entire life,” Vecchio said. “What you’re seeing on Facebook accurately reflects what people in my neighborhood and in the city in general are seeing.” Vecchio also mentioned the difference between small storms and larger ones, saying he understood delays last year when

A DPW plow truck clears Lincoln Square. snowdrifts were piling up, but that the DPW did not have an excuse this time around. “All of our storms have been relatively small,” Vecchio said. “That’s what’s aggravating people – they can’t get it right and we haven’t even had a bad storm yet.” The 2,537 complaints can be further broken down by district, and some have more gripes than others. District 5 led the pack with 879 complaints, while District 1 was home to 506 complaints. The two districts combined make

WOO-TOWN INDE X

Worcester Magazine and The Holden Landmark Corp. enjoy a great night at the New England Newspaper & Press Association awards ceremony, taking home several honors and spending time with peers in the industry, who also earned recognition. +4

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Worcester resident Ana Rodriguez receives Caffrey Award for her commitment to the Bell Hill community. +2

Passionate parishioners of Mt. Carmel Church plead for church not to close. +2

continued on page 6

Total for this week:

A weekly quality of life check-in of Worcester

A Facebook post under AtLarge Councilor Mike Gaffney’s name causes a stir with its vulgar nature – a post he adamantly denies was his. The episode demonstrates the power – and negative effects – social media can have. -3

up the city’s relatively affluent West Side, but are also large geographically, with plenty of streets that need clearing. District 2, bounded by Lake Quinsigamond in the east and home to Shrewsbury Street and most of the Canal District, called in 564 problems. District 3 in the city’s southeast portion had 476 registered complaints. District 4, home to Main South and also the smallest district geographically,

Gov. Charlie Baker right to want better education for kids, wrong to do so at expense of public school funding. -3

Clark University hosts screening of Oscar-nominated short film. +1

Presidential hopefuls continue to put Worcester on the map, with John Kasich the latest to greet supporters here. +2

Worcester Housing Authority going completely smoke free as of April 1 – and that’s no April Fool’s. +1

{ citydesk }

No $15 minimum wage, but some wins for community with new TIF policy Tom Quinn

hey didn’t get to speak during the meeting, but it was clear members of the Worcester Community-Labor Coalition and their allies had made their voices heard during the City Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee meeting this week, both at a lobbying session during the committee’s last meeting and during a loud rally in front of City Hall just before the most recent deliberations. At issue is Worcester’s Tax Increment Financing policy, which governs how the city handles applications from property developers for tax breaks, which can span decades and are a key incentive for the city to attract or retain business and expand the tax base – something the WCLC and the city administration seem to agree is a worthy goal. But the WCLC and others have a number of changes they say would make Worcester’s TIF policy – put down in writing for the Economic Development Committee recently – a better deal for the community. The centerpiece of their requests is a $15 per hour minimum wage, tying the rally into the national “Fight for $15” movement that aims to make the minimum wage a livable one across the country. “The jobs that we need to have need to pay an amount of money that you all can live on,” state Rep. Jim O’Day said to an enthusiastic crowd outside City Hall, as people held signs and chanted slogans such as “Whose TIFs? Our TIFs!” Inside the committee’s chambers, the city’s Economic Development office provided an updated version of the TIF policy that addressed a number of the WCLC’s list of suggestions and requests, outlined in literature

handed out to committee members. All told, there are 10 new items in the “local guidelines” section laying out specific mandates for applicants, along with an addition to the typical schedule of events for an application and an entirely new “reporting requirements” section. One new item addressed a request for an antidiscrimination policy matching Worcester’s. “The applicant must provide its Equal Employment Opportunity Employment/ Affirmative Action Statement or Plan and shall not discriminate against any qualified employee or applicant for employment because of physical disability, race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, which shall not include persons whose sexual orientation involves minor children as the sex object, genetic information, ancestry, disability or source of income,” reads the new section, which goes on to cite a number of specific state and federal statutes. Other new items include a condition that the applicant must show documentation of adherence to the Immigration and Nationality Act – which, among other things, regulates worker visas – and documentation that it has a Criminal Offender Record Information policy matching the city’s, which was specifically called out by the WCLC. Another new item clearly influenced by the “local jobs for local people” angle deals with how applicants must use “best efforts” to obtain supplies, materials and services from vendors in Worcester, efforts that must include “requesting proposals from Worcester suppliers and vendors, giving preference to Worcester suppliers and vendors that are both qualified and competitive; and allowing Worcester suppliers and vendors the

The Worcester Community Labor Coalition and others gathered at City Hall Feb. 23 to advocate in favor of a $15 minimum wage on projects applying for a tax break from the city. opportunity to match or better lower prices provided by qualified non-Worcester suppliers and vendors.” The local Chamber of Commerce will provide the list of suppliers and vendors, according to the document. A total of four new items focus on legal requirements for applicants, including a requirement not to improperly classify workers as self-employed or independent contractors, not to employ subcontractors that do the same, that applicants provide industrial accident coverage and that contractors and subcontractors have not been found in violation of any contracting-applicable laws in the past three years. Notably absent from the new policy was a

requirement for a $15 minimum wage for jobs created from a TIF project. The policy already has a provision for jobs to be 125 percent of the Massachusetts minimum wage, which currently would work out to $12.50 per hour. Opponents of increasing that number to $15 cited a variety of reasons, including it was not the Council’s job to set minimum wage and not many TIFs were given out each year. The biggest argument, though, revolved around limiting TIFs at a time when they are one of the most effective – and only – tools the city has to attract developers. “We need to be careful we’re not handcuffing ourselves going forward,” Committee Chairperson and District 1 continued on page 6

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

{ citydesk } PLOWING continued from page 4

had 157. And City Councilors are bearing the brunt of complaints just as much as Vecchio or the DPW. “Resident complaining that the city is not plowing for this storm,” reads the summary of one complaint from Dec. 29 from a caller on Hickory Drive. “...Man shouting in background asking if he should call [District 5 Councilor] Gary Rosen. Informed him that he [can] certainly do so if he chooses.” Of the 2,598 complaints, a little more than 1,500 were to request sanding or salting. A street not being plowed was the focus of nearly 500 complaints. The rest were a mix of sidewalks not being shoveled, driveways being plowed in and others, including complaints about specific plow drivers. “Resident states that plow driver left a 4 [foot] mound in front of his driveway,” reads one complaint log from Ontario Street. “The driver made another pass and called the resident an “a-hole for clearing the snow drift” because driver was going to make another pass. Resident states that driver threatened to punch resident in the mouth for throwing snow back into the street. Resident states he understood about the snow drift, but he did not appreciate the language and threats from the driver.” Moosey said for a mid-sized storm he would

deploy around 330 plow drivers: of those, around 75 percent are contractors. One offense usually won’t get someone fired, he said, but repeat offenses can, have and will get someone kicked off the snow plowing force. The DPW customer service line, 508-9291300, is open during business hours, but will be staffed around the clock during a snow emergency. Residents can also email or use the city’s online service to log a complaint, although Vecchio said he has a problem with the way complaints are taken as well, saying it artificially deflates the numbers, “It’s not even debatable, I don’t care what their logs show,” Vecchio said. “And a lot of older people wouldn’t even know how to file a complaint online.” Another piece of evidence in the case against the DPW in the court of public opinion is the apology issued by Augustus after a Dec. 29 snowstorm, in which the city sanded and salted every street in the city only after a roundly-criticized snow removal job that left many streets slushy and dangerous. The city received 1,082 complaints on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30. At the time, an incorrect weather forecast was cited as a factor in the city’s decision not to go over the streets as thoroughly as they might have, although Moosey said it is up to the DPW to prepare for anything regardless of what incorrect information weather forecasters give their viewers.

“The forecast matters,” Moosey said. “But it’s up to us to figure out when the forecast is wrong and make adjustments.” Moosey said one long-term adjustment the DPW is looking at involves increasing the efficiency of the sanding process, trying to keep sanders on the road longer before they have to return to DPW headquarters to get a fresh load of sand, which would cut down on delays in sanding streets. Going forward, Augustus said he wanted to place a greater focus on data-driven approaches to snow removal, using the complaint system as the foundation for a more efficient plan. “I’d like to see us analyze this information more,” Augustus said. “I think we do a decent job getting a call in and trying to follow up on the call. But if [a person from] Scene X is calling every storm, what I’d like to do is find out what’s going on. Are their expectations unrealistic or is something not working in our system that’s creating the problem? That would be one way that we would improve our service and maybe reduce the number of people who feel like they need to call.” Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@ worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

Take The

WAGE continued from page 5

Councilor Tony Economou said. “If there was a line of people knocking on our doors to get in here, we’d be in a different position. We’re not there yet.” But at the rally before the meeting, the attitude was more focused on benefits for the community and not just developers, with supporters saying that providing livable wage jobs to the community was exactly what the Economic Development subcommittee should be doing. “Jobs for the working class is real development,” state Rep. Dan Donahue said at the rally. “Economic development is community development.” “We need to not be such a cheap date,” Committee Member and District 4 Councilor Sarai Rivera said during the meeting. “Worcester is a great city.” Transparency was on the minds of the city officials who tinkered with the TIF policy document, which all involved stressed was a “road map” that could still change and evolve down the road. Some of the new reporting requirements listed were a list of contractors and subcontractors that would be given the opportunity to bid on the project, certified payroll documentation for contractors and subcontractors including names and addresses of individual employees, and semi-annual reports to the city of Worcester – in addition

Red Carpet

Challenge Contest Runs Now - February 28th

Go to baystateparent.com For a chance to WIN

$190 Movie Package from 58 High St., Ext. Clinton, MA 978-365-5500

baystateparent.com 6

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 25, 2016

www.strandtheatre.com

to state reporting requirements – for each year the TIF is active. Those reports will include employment levels, the number of Worcester residents employed full time, the total project investment, the fiscal contribution to the city for things like fees and taxes, and a description of any private investment made on behalf of the community. Failure to submit a report, or failure to meet at least 50 percent of the job creation promised during the application process, could result in a revocation of the TIF and recapturing of the benefits on a case-bycase basis. A reduction in benefits would be proportional to the reduction in job creation, so the city could take away money based on the severity of the noncompliance. The committee ended up postponing any action on TIF-related items to read over the new policy and get a report relating to the $15 minimum wage requirement from the city. At the rally before the meeting, supporters hoping for a change of heart from the city on that front made it clear that the fight was not over, and that they wouldn’t settle for a $15 wage – as Russell pointed out during the meeting, that figure barely qualifies as decent given current rental rates in the city. “We’ll take it as a starting point, but we all know it’s not enough,” O’Day said. “We’re talking about $15 compared to millions … It’s apples and oranges.”

Rewind: 40 Years of News, Entertainment and More

A close encounter with Oscar for “The Revenant?”

“C

lose Encounters of the Third Kind” came out in 1977 and it blew minds with its portrayal of extraterrestrials and though a slow-burn limited theatrical release set it off, it eventually took the world by storm and even won an Oscar for Best Cinematography (Vilmos Zsigmond). Worcester Magazine reviewed it in ’78 (it was a late-year release in ’77) and reviewer Nick Karcasinas was left with a tepid response. The film and review raise parallels with the currently in-theaters “The Revenant.” Engrossing and forwardthinking visionary creation, or a bit of blah helped along by precise acting? “Somewhere in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, there is a good film,” wrote Karcasinas at the time. “The problem is to locate it and then surround it with praise.” That buried-too-deep mentality didn’t stand in a silo. Looking back, Close Encounters was surprisingly derisive for a film that grossed

some $303 million at the box office. It also set itself apart in the universe of science-fiction (at least as far as the Hollywood standard) in its portrayal of aliens in general, the story line is tense and raises moments of fear, but the end result is a different sort of extraterrestrial entirely. “Spielberg fills this narrative with what amounts to an American iconography of Coca-Cola signs, Shell gas stations, McDonald’s, suburbs, TV, toys, and Greyhound buses,” Karcasinas wrote some 30-plus years ago. “So even when the plot slows down, there is plenty to look at in Spielberg’s jabs at American Culture. Visually the film is exciting.” The visual aspect brings to mind a very similar discussion surrounding Alejandro Inarritu’s “The Revenant.” For many, it is an absolute triumph of cinematography with vast rolling (and ice cold) mountain ranges and rivers, a deliberate deluge of harsh frontier land. For others it’s some well-shot backdrops and stoic DiCaprio breathing heavy for a bit

{ citydesk }

too long. Many view this as Leonardo DiCaprio’s finest hour, and the film has been nominated for 12 Academy Awards. Similarly, Close Encounters was nominated for nine, but took home only one. Popular opinion doesn’t always predicate the opinion of the nose-wagging Academy. “...I wonder if Close Encounters is just another Christmas ornament, perishable and lit for a short time,” wrote Karcasinas. “I’m not sure. But one thing is certain. At the end of Close Encounters I kept repeating to myself, “more light...more light.” Exactly, Nick. “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” remains a viewable film all these years later, and if you don’t feel a penchant toward mountains made of mashed potatoes after watching it, I have some extraterrestrial friends who’d love to have a word with you. We’ll have to wait until Sunday, Feb. 28 to find out what sort of Oscar wins “The Revenant” will take home – if any. - Joshua Lyford

TOWER HILL BOTANIC GARDEN PRESENTS

winter in

BLOOM ——

February 5–28, 2016 Four Weekends of spectacular Floral arrangements, Concerts, children’s crafts, AUTHOR EVENTS, ice sculptures and More! 11 FRENCH DRIVE BOYLSTON, MA 508.869.6111 TOWERHILLBG.ORG FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Call Attorney ...

Richard J. Rafferty • Personal Injury • Auto Accidents • Medical Malpractice • Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect • Domestic Relations • Criminal

508-795-1601 238 Shrewsbury St., Worcester

edenrafferty.com

ti val s e F i sh r I l ua Wor cester’s Ann Saturday, March 5, 2016 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

po ns or ed b y

AOH Worces ter Chapter of

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 25, 2016

A dL an

{ worcesteria }

Tom Quinn

THE CIVIC ACADEMY:

The problem with unions, from a pure PR standpoint, seems to be that everyone who isn’t in a union has a nightmare story about employees who were. Toll collectors making more money than God, police officers who have whatever the law enforcement equivalent of tenure is – anti-union sentiment is almost a cliche these days. Tyrek Lee said he wasn’t a union fan when he started as a phone operator as Boston Medical Center, partly because he didn’t see the logic in paying to have a job. Now, the 38-year-old is the acting executive vice president of Service Employees International Union 1199, the and is the first African-American man to lead a major statewide Massachusetts union. Lee, fellow SEIU 1199 leader FayeRuth Fisher, SEIU 509 leader Chris Condon and Worcesterite Jack Donahue of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters all gave an informative talk at the latest edition of the Mayor’s Civic Academy, where Mayor Joe Petty brings people together to hear from experts on a variety of topics. And the assembled leaders had a lot to say about the place of unions in the United States. “The whole paradigm for America is upside down right now,” Donahue said, citing a rapidly declining middle class and stagnant wages. “And there’s no semblance of an organization other than the labor movement that can turn that around.” The union leaders also gave tips on negotiating tactics and the power that numbers (of employees) have over money (from employers), or indeed, over the electoral process. “We’re going to hold you accountable, whether we endorsed you or not,” Lee said about elected officials. Petty looked comfortable in his chair, to his credit. But it wasn’t all bravado and pats on the back from the union leaders, as Donahue also mentioned declining union membership and a need to change to a more modern union model. “We have a lot of old ways, a lot of old baggage, and we’re running out of time,” he said. “The onslaught against us … it’s a war.”

MORE RIBBONS, STAT: Co-working spaces, in which individuals or small groups shack up in the same building together, have been all the rage recently. The idea is to save money by only renting what you need, while maintaining the collaborative atmosphere you lose by working out of your basement. “Clearly Coworking,” a Grove Street space that thinks along those same lines, opened Sept. 8 of last year. So why are we mentioning it here? Because the “Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” is coming up March 8 – exactly six months after the actual opening. The not-quite-opening will double as a networking event and prize giveaway, and guests will be able to play a giant game of Jenga. And if Clearly Coworking doesn’t fill up with tenants, they might think about having another Grand Opening next August, or maybe just have a ribbon cutting every two months. The model for renting office space is changing – why not the definition of “opening” too? AT LEAST IT’S NOT SNAKES: Apparently

the Indian Lake Watershed Association has gotten some questions about large lumps, or “floating islands,” appearing in the lake recently. Are they part of a covert government project studying the residents who make the region their home? Little baby Loch Indian Monsters? No, according to the ILWA, they’re just decaying root systems propelled from the bottom of the lake by decomposing plant material and gas. Oh, good, I feel much better! Apparently it’s perfectly natural. In other Indian Lake news, the ILWA is still trying to raise $25,000 to cover the costs of cleaning up the lake after a $5,000 donation from the Robert W. Booth Fund. Last summer the lake was closed a few times to treat it for potentially toxic algae, a recurring problem for the lake, and those chemical treatments aren’t free (they’re also looking at portable toilets for Morgan Park). The city has already shut off the outlet pipe from Indian Lake following a “draw down” designed to expose the lake to the air to take care of some of the more harmful elements, which means the water level should start rising again. Don’t walk on the ice, as you may fall through and get devoured by a floating island.

CLARKIE CORPS: Clark University has

eight alumni currently volunteering for the Peace Corps across the globe. That qualifies them for an 11-way tie for 23rd place in the small schools division of the Peace Corps’ 2016 ranking of colleges and universities with the most volunteers in 2015. Small victories, people. First place, by the way, was Gonzaga University – the Alma mater of this reporter, so obviously no one was beating the Zags. But in

{ worcesteria } Cesar all honesty, last year the Peace Corps had a 40-year high in applications, meaning Clark beat out a number of schools for their spot on the list.

GIRL SCOUT FOOD TRUCK: Quick, someone call one of the 15 cops hanging around the

Common! It appears as if Girl Scout troop 11276 violated the sanctity of Worcester’s antifood truck ordinance by setting up shop between the Dogfather and Press’n It on the Common last Thursday. Residents may know food trucks are outlawed, but recently the city has allowed the aforementioned trucks and Say Cheese to park in front of City Hall to sell their wares on Thursdays around lunchtime. But who approved this display of creativity and entrepreneurship from the Girl Scouts? They must be stopped before they take business away from the all the cookiesellers downtown! And where are the surprise health inspections? In all seriousness, girls, keep up the civil disobedience. Even in the cold, the food trucks on the Common have been a hit, and those boxes of cookies aren’t going to sell themselves.

COMMENT WARS: Not too long ago, the Telegrampa made a change to its online commenting system, requiring users to sign in with their Facebook accounts. It helped a bit with the cesspool of a comment section attached to every article, in the same way that masking tape helped Marie Antoinette after her trip to the guillotine. Now your local daily paper is giving Ms. Antoinette a scarf, with the switch to the Viafoura comment section. Now, in addition to Facebook, you can sign in with other social media accounts, like LinkedIn. Your prayers have been answered. You can also like or dislike comments and flag offensive or abusive comments. The paper is hoping those features won’t be needed, though, as they “think that you will enjoy the new features and encourage you to join the news conversation with comments that are civil and insightful.” Those civil and insightful Telegrampa comments can be left on some of their top articles, like the weather report that shows Hell freezing over and the article about the annual migration of the flying pigs.

Millan Live!

In partnership with

MARCH 4 • 8PM

TheHanoverTheatre.org 877.571.SHOW (7469) 2 Southbridge Street • Worcester, MA

You CAN do this!

RED IN THE FACE: You know this already if you read Worcester Magazine online, but At-large City Councilor and attorney Mike Gaffney is suing the InCity Times. More specifically, he’s suing their editor as well as the writer who alleged that a guest attended one of Gaffney’s events in black face. After some backlash, which revolved around the accusation being “damaging” and “not true.” After that backlash, editor (and publisher) Rosalie Tirella asked writer Gordon Davis who his source was so she could verify the story, something Davis refused to do. Now, far be it from me to lecture another media outlet on how to do thing – except every week in this column – but that really seems like something that should have been taken care of before the story was written, not after. Leaving out the question of who the “source” is – someone who was offended by the black face at the party but wants to stay friends with Gaffney? - I think we’ve arrived at a good litmus test for what counts as a real journalistic outlet. Say what you will about the ICT and their shoddy work, at least they are being sued for libel. That means they can be held accountable for their lies. The same cannot be said of anonymous Internet trolls or the fanfiction you write in your diary and don’t show to anyone. Of course, getting convicted of libel – and this seems like a slam-dunk case, regardless of what you think of Gaffney – puts you a few notches below news outlets that aren’t convicted of libel. KASICK: Republican presidential hopeful and Ohio Gov. John Kasich was in Worcester Saturday to promote his book about his failed presidential run, or whatever the long shot’s goal in running for the Republican nomination is. He encouraged voters to research him online to get specifics on his platform, and we encourage readers to do that with every candidate. But can someone explain the joke Kasich told? A little girl told him her stuffed sea lion’s name was “Fluffers,” and Kasich said he couldn’t think of a better name, except perhaps, “Bernie.” So, a clear reference to Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders, but why is it funny? All the Republicans in the room – some of whom hadn’t looked up how to pronounce Kasich’s name before coming, but whatever – laughed like they were watching “Married With Children,” but it must have been an inside joke, because I’ve been analyzing it ever since and can’t figure it out. Help! Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

worcesterfitness.com 440 GROVE STREET | WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS | 508.852.8209 FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

e h t s o’

h W

? T S E B YOU TELL US!

Log onto worcestermagazine.com to VOTE TODAY for your favorites in Central Mass! 10

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • FEBRUARY 25, 2016

commentary | opinions

Editorial

The perils of social media

t-Large Councilor Mike Gaffney has joined the ranks of a growing society of those who, either through their own poor decisions or the malicious acts of others, have directly felt the impact and power of social media. Gaffney, an elected official in Worcester who has gained a following as the perceived outsider to the politics of a “machine,” owes much of his political popularity (he finished second in the race for mayor last year, and an even closer second in the at-large Council race) to social media. He is not the only local official to use Facebook, Twitter or other social media platforms to full advantage. Among Worcester’s elected leaders, however, he is one of the more prolific. It may have been, then, only a matter of time before he would feel the sting of social media – and how damaging it can be to someone in the blink of an eye. If you are unaware, a recent post on Facebook, presumably under Michael T. Gaffney’s account and with his profile picture attached, included what many might consider vulgar, even profane, content. It appeared to be in response to another Facebook user, and came on the heels of a conversation about free college tuition. The discussion included references to the military. Gaffney, being a veteran, took exception to some of the comments, and admittedly responded. That’s where things get a little murky. While he admits to responding on Facebook to what he considered shots at his military service, he vehemently denies posting the comment that ended up causing such a fuss. That post included comments to another Facebook commentator about “blood seeping from your scared little vagina,” while his was “flowing through my veins as I stood watch over your family and country ...” Naturally, some readers reacted with outrage. Gaffney said he almost immediately began fielding calls and comments not at all pleased with the remarks. The problem, according to the councilor, is he did not write them. Gaffney has been the subject of fake Facebook accounts, so it is not unreasonable to presume such was the case in this instance. Attempts to track down whatever fake account may have been responsible for the post were not successful earlier this week. At the same time, Gaffney has posted what some might consider inflammatory comments on his Facebook page previously, in particular about the man he tried to beat in the mayor’s race last year, Joe Petty. One of the larger issues is the danger posed by Facebook and other social media haunts, like Instagram. Kids use these like we used to trade baseball cards in our youth. They don’t think about the consequences of their actions. They do not understand — or do not care — that what they write, what they post, once they hit “send” or “publish,” that’s it. It’s out there. You can delete a post, but if someone else already captured it with a screen shot or shared it somewhere, you’re toast. Gaffney, if he did not post the offensive comments in question, was a victim of the very platform he has benefited from in getting out his political messages and challenging his opponents. If he did write it, he fell prey to the impulsive nature of social media — the desire, and most important the ability — to respond immediately to someone else’s actions. Folks, we presume, will make up their own minds as to whether Gaffney wrote and posted the remarks, or whether someone did create a fake account, or hacked into his, and published the post without his knowledge. Gaffney will deal with the fallout, either way. No matter who was behind the post, we were sadly given yet another example of the devastating power of social media, and how it can often play into our basest instincts and impulses. No one is immune to saying things he or she ultimately regrets; surely, more of us have uttered hurtful and regrettable words than those who have not. Platforms like Facebook make it even easier to do so. Whereas over time, the impact of the spoken word may abate, perhaps accompanied by profuse apologies and conciliatory acts, what is written online lives forever. Simply put: we use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms at our own peril. User beware.

A bad idea

{slants&rants}

To the Editor: In the latest Worcesteria column (“Putting the safety on,” Worcester Magazine, Feb. 11), you claimed no one has come up with a good counterargument to the proposal to permit landlords to evict tenants charged with illegal use of firearms. I suggest you set aside some time to read and study the Constitution. You just might stumble upon a very good one. It’s called due process. Proposals such as this one are put forth because we have far too many public officials and their lowinformation supporters, who cannot differentiate sensible public policy from knee-jerk demagoguery. Has anyone bothered to consider that the tenant in question may have innocent dependents who would simultaneously be rendered homeless? Has anyone bothered to consider the tenant in question would not likely disappear into thin air, but would, necessarily, relocate to another neighborhood? Would the tenant be any less of a threat there than he or she was at the previous address? Has anyone determined if this proposal would affect people who have a criminal record, but who have served their sentences, paid their fines, and set about living in a lawful manner? Has anyone thought about what to do if a tenant evicted on the basis of this proposal is later acquitted of the charges? Given the degree of hysteria in some quarters, can we have any confidence that this proposal will not snowball into something much larger? It would be one thing if we lived in a state where some degree of sanity prevails. Think in terms of places like Vermont and New Hampshire. Here in “Assachusetts,” on the other hand, the law defines and treats a can of mace and a BB gun as if they were firearms. Here you can get arrested if you forget to lock away your legally-owned gun after you come home from hunting or the target range. You can get arrested if a family member inadvertently leaves a few rounds in the trunk or glove compartment, and they are found when your vehicle is searched for another reason. There is proposed legislation that would make it a crime to possess paint-ball guns or toy guns that look like real guns. Given the political climate here, a violation of such a law would undoubtedly be classified as a weapons violation. Would the defendant in such a case be a threat to anybody, especially to a degree that would warrant eviction? Journalists have, historically, justified their craft, in large part, as a public service to inform and enlighten the people, especially by holding questionable public

or t i d E o the

t s er Lett

acts and/or opinions up to scrutiny. If they fail to carry out that function, and instead shift over to the amen-corner of some or another political hack, what benefit will there be to society? J O HN J . FO LEY J R. Worcester

Election support offered for president, committee races To the Editor: Bernie Sanders speaks to my greater humanity. If someone is sick, they should be able to go to the doctor. One should not ask the follow up “Can they afford it?” It is tragic that when a young child develops cancer, parents have to start Kickstarter accounts and beg for people to help pay for their treatment. Healthcare is a human right, and it is the obligation of any civilized country to provide it. Right now, we are the only major industrialized nation that doesn’t, and Sanders wants to change that. Sanders also calls for free tuition to public colleges. As a high school teacher in Worcester, I’ve talked to my students about their fears and doubts about college. Many of them feel that it is simply unrealistic that they would be able to go. After all, how can education be the ladder out of poverty if the poor can’t afford it in the first place? As much as we are often told these things are impossible, or too expensive, it is important to remember other countries actually do these things – countries like Germany, which are not only very similar to the US, but gaining on us in several

continued on page 12

A Call To Performers, Venues And Exhibitors

orcester Magazine’s annual Spring Arts Preview hits the streets Thursday, March 24. If you are a band, museum, artist, performance or film venue, theatre, author, bookstore or similar group or individual, we ask you to submit your listings of events happening from March 24 through May 31. Your listing should include the name of venue/ performer/event/etc, the date and time, address,

web site and social media information and a brief, but explanatory description of the event. All information should be emailed to the editor at wbird@worcestermagazine.com, Subject Line: SPRING ARTS PREVIEW. For more details, call 508-749-3166, ext 322 or email the editor. We look forward to including you in this special, yearly edition! FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

commentary | opinions slants& rants { } Oscar controversy speaks to need for arts education Reagan Paras

hen it became public that all 20 of this year’s Oscar nominees were white, a slew of controversy erupted about a need for greater diversity. Although previous slates of nominees have been more diverse, such homogeny in 2016 is nonetheless disturbing. As an Asian-American male, thespian and arts educator, biases in cinema and the arts have never been lost on me. I’m reminded of them as I continue to see Asian American males predominantly featured in stereotypical roles: as doctors, brainiacs, ninjas and fighters. Full equality in the arts is a ways away. Receiving an Oscar is among the highest honors in film, with its governing body, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, among the industry’s most prestigious. Just as having diverse business and political leaders is critical, we also need to show diversity in those reaching the highest ranks in the arts. But while diversity from the top is crucial, we must also remember that the seeds of

equality are planted from the bottom up. We must be fair in how we inspire, educate and encourage arts participation in children from very early ages. Arts programs in low-income neighborhoods with high minority populations are all too often understaffed or underfunded – a problem made worse by schools’ overall funding cuts in recent years. Reports over the past few years have shown declines in music education in some of the country’s poorest schools, a number of New York City schools in low-income areas lacking art teachers,

Your Turn and declines in visual arts, dance and drama classes offered in Los Angeles’ public elementary schools. A rare moment of bipartisanship last year brings hope for the future of arts education. In December, Congress voted to end No Child Left Behind and replace it with the Every Student Succeeds Act, which seeks to make

music education part of the core subjects and allows schools to address deficiencies with the use of federal funds. I will continue to look with optimism in this new legislation, but we have a long way to go as a nation. While giving all students access to arts education is important, the programs cannot simply exist: teachers and entire communities must let go of stereotypes that can influence whether young people are fully inspired and encouraged to engage. I learned about such barriers the hard way when I auditioned for “The Wizard of Oz” at age 16. The casting director later told me that what worked against me was not my acting or singing abilities, but the way I looked. Such brutal honesty is likely uncommon, but one must wonder how many casting directors have eschewed the idea of a minority Scarecrow, Dorothy, or Belle, and furthermore – how many students have declined to audition for such roles altogether. In my experience running college and high school performing arts programs, I have always taken pride in creating an open and accepting environment, and have attracted more diverse groups of students to engage in music and theatre.

That’s What They Said

“He looks like a diabolical goldfish.” - Comedian Paula Poundstone, who will perform at the Hanover Theatre, on Donald Trump.

“When I’m in Worcester, Massachusetts, it’s like I’m back home.”

- GOP presidential hopeful John Kasich, speaking at a town hall-style meeting at the Hibernian Cultural Centre in Worcester recently, on his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. “We are well into the 11th hour, here. There is still time to fix things here … but at this time, in my opinion, it would be a miraculous thing if we were able to save the church across the parking lot.” - Nino Giamei, a member of the transition committee for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Worcester, to a crowd of parishioners on the fate of the church during a meeting in the adjacent parish center.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

“I’m not looking for a new face to come in from outside the state, not knowing the system well, who will say, ‘It’s going to take a while before we can move forward.’”

- School Committee member John Monfredo, on limiting the search for a new superintendent in Worcester to local candidates. “Nothing, unless they attacked me or my cat, then I would gouge its eyes out or beat it with a rock, or choke it, bite it. Whatever it takes.” - Tara Finlay, on the Worcester Magazine Facebook page, responding to a question about what people would do if they saw bobcats in their back yard.

Acceptance on the part of our audiences is also critical – and evolving. Fox Network’s recent production of “Grease Live” broke stereotypes by portraying traditionally Caucasian roles with minorities, and the production was a tremendous success. But just months ago, some “Harry Potter” fans expressed their unfortunate displeasure after black actress Noma Dumezweni was named to play Hermione in the forthcoming play, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” J.K. Rowling demonstrated that a performer of any race could excel as this character, tweeting, “White skin was never specified.” The 2016 Oscar nominations have called attention to how much further we still must go when it comes to equality in the arts, but attention focused on the red carpet should also turn to what happens in our classrooms and in our communities every day. Without equality in how children are taught and inspired to create art, equality in the industry as a whole cannot be reached. Reagan Paras is the director of music education at Anna Maria College in Paxton, where he runs the college’s music and theatre performance programs.

LETTERS continued from page 11

metrics. We are also currently the richest country in the history of the world. That’s not hyperbole. We can do anything we want in a functioning American democracy. Sanders is trying to make it function. T OM DONINGTO N Worcester To the Editor: We need to re-elect Bonnie Johnson as our state committeewoman for the First Worcester District. As the former chairman of the Worcester City Committee and candidate for state senator, I have had many occasions to interact with Bonnie. She has been a passionate advocate for all Republican candidates and her leadership is irreplaceable. The 1st Worcester District includes most of Worcester, Boylston, West Boylston, Holden, Princeton, half of Clinton and Northborough. This district needs Bonnie’s continued representation on the State Committee. Please join me in voting for Bonnie Johnson on Super Tuesday, March 1 for Republican State Committee. On March 1, I urge you to cast a vote for Chris Pinto from Worcester for Republican committeeman. Chris has been an outstanding contributor to the Republican Party for the past eight years. He has served in many roles for the party and for candidates. He has designed websites for various candidates for no charge. He was a co-sponsor of the repeal of the automatic gas taxes tied to inflation and he dedicated 14 months to that pivotal victory. Our party’s continued success depends on the experienced leadership Christopher Pinto from Worcester has provided, and we need him on the state committee. PA UL J. FRANC O Worcester

In Honor of St. Francis Xavier

“Merciful like the Father” – Celebrating The Jubilee Year of Mercy

N ovena of Grace

93rd Annual

MARCH 4 TO MARCH 12, 2016

Saint John’s Church – 44 Temple Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01604

Join us for this Historic Novena! MASS AND NOVENA PRAYERS

Weekdays - 9:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m. Saturday - 4:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. Sunday - 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. On March 5 and 12 there will also be Benediction and Novena Prayers at 2:15 p.m.

Fr. Zipple, S.J.

Fr. Folan, S.J.

Cardinal O’Malley

Bishop McManus

Msgr. Scollen

Bishop Reilly

Fr. Campbell, S.J.

The Novena Schedule & Speakers:

Bro. Fahey, C.F.X.

Friday, March 4

9:15 a.m. – Bishop Daniel P. Reilly 12:15 p.m. – Bishop Robert J. McManus 6:15 p.m. – Msgr. Francis J. Scollen

Saturday, March 5

Fr. Peter Folan, S.J.

Sunday, March 6

8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. – Fr. William Campbell, S.J.

Fr. Slavinskas

12:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. – Fr. Jeremy Zipple, S.J.

Fr. Rogers, S.J.

Monday, March 7

Bro. Thomas Fahey, C.F.X.

Tuesday, March 8

Fr. Michael Rogers, S.J.

Wednesday, March 9

Fr. Thomas McMurray, S.J.

Thursday, March 10

Fr. Jonathan Slavinskas

Friday, March 11

Fr. Paul F. Harman, S.J.

Saturday, March 12

2:15 p.m. (Benediction) – Fr. John F. Madden 4:15 p.m. – Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap. 7:15 p.m. – Fr. John F. Madden

Welcome Home!

Fr. Harman, S.J.

Father John F. Madden, Pastor • Tel. 508-756-7165, St. John’s Church Fr. McMurray, S.J.

Sponsored by Small Business Service Bureau, Inc.

Fr. Madden FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

{ coverstory }

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Mount Carmel Church gets reprieve, but is time running out?

Walter Bird Jr.

ears ago, before a flock of faithful built on it the majestic church that would serve as the centerpiece of Worcester’s Italian-American community, an asparagus farm sprang forth from the land that now lies in the shadow of a raised and bustling highway snaking through the city. The crops fed inmates from the city jail and patients from a nearby state hospital. Perhaps, Monsignor Stephen Pedone said recently, the land was made so fertile by the Blackstone River that ran beneath it.

The church that replaced it built strong and deep roots in the community, but not the kind that could soak in the water needed to keep it alive. The stones and glass that would shelter thousands of people over the next several decades — keeping watch over them as they were baptized, confirmed, married and ultimately buried — could not grow as the asparagus had. The church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Ann Parish at 28 Mulberry St., has a shelf life – and its time appears to be running out. A worn-out façade, a deteriorated bell tower, a choir loft peppered by falling plaster and molding as the church recovered and dried out from water leakage after its roof was replaced; those are the physical problems that have crippled the church and put it in line to join so many other churches already closed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester. “To keep the church open, you’re talking millions [of dollars],” Pedone said in a matterof-fact tone while sitting in an office inside the parish center earlier this month. An ailing infrastructure alone, however, did not weaken the church. Mount Carmel’s biggest hit just may have come from the very people it has served so faithfully for so many years – its parishioners. Fewer and fewer show

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

up for Mass. Those who do are largely elderly and living on a fixed income, which means less money is being donated to the church. With bills to pay, buildings to maintain (the property is also home to a parish, or rec, center), smaller donations and fewer of them have been as damaging to the church as Father Time. Put it all together, and the perfect storm has been created. Now, Pedone is trying to brace his parish for what appears to be the growing inevitability of closing the church. If that happens, the parish would combine with its daugher church and parish at our Lady of Loreto, 33 Massasoit Road. Pedone originally was suggesting a closing date of Sept. 1, with the church most likely to be torn down, although he would keep it open

for a year for funerals and weddings. That proposal did not go over well with about 200 people who packed the parish center gymnasium for a meeting after church services on a recent Sunday. Pedone would later admit to being “blindsided” by the negative tone, and insulted by some who started tossing money on a table in front of him as he spoke. Struck by the adversarial nature of the meeting, Pedone spoke with Bishop Robert McManus this week, who agreed to allow the church to remain open “indefinitely.” Still, Pedone cautions parishioners the church cannot stay open forever, and while closing is not not immediately imminent, it is in its future. While heartened by the outpouring of

support by the 200 or so whose lives are so closely tied to Mount Carmel, he is left wondering where everybody else has gone.

“WHERE IS EVERYBODY?”

“i

had dinner several months ago with a friend of mine at Wexford House,” Pedone said as he sat with a handful of parishioners in the parish center on a Wednesday afternoon. It was STEVEN KING

Workers remove the cross from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monday morning.

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

{ coverstory }

STEVEN KING

unseasonably warm and the sun was beating down on the room through the windows. Pedone opened one of them to let in some air; he also let in the sounds of traffic roaring along the elevated stretch of highway snaking over the property.

Pedone, who has been pastor of Mount Carmel since 2012 and also presides over Loreto, which he joined last year, was speaking unflinchingly about his belief that Mount Carmel’s flock has deserted her. “A family I knew was [at the restaurant],” he said. “Their son came over to our table to say hi. I said, ‘You’re at Salem State, right?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Why are you here? Are you on vacation?’ He said, ‘No, my grandfather came to pick me up because I wanted to see Donald Trump.’” The real estate mogul, reality TV star and surprising GOP presidential front-running candidate had made a stop in Worcester to rally support. Pedone could not hide his frustration. “This same kid wouldn’t travel 2 miles to come to church on a Sunday,” he said. “He was confirmed two years ago. The next time I saw him after that was when he was

A parishioner prays during Monday morning mass. years, the ranks have thinned considerably. a confirmation sponsor for his sister at the For a Sunday service in the 1960s, Pedone cathedral. said it was not uncommon for 3,000 “You laugh about it, but it’s sad. This kid parishioners to show up. came all this way to see Donald Trump, but “Today,” he said, “we’re lucky if we get he wouldn’t come to church. The grandfather 300.” doesn’t go.” Weekday Masses, held at 7 a.m., typically The boy is not the only one who no longer draw fewer than 20 people. The 4 o’clock attends services at Mount Carmel. Over the

Mass on Saturdays also draws fewer people than in the past; ditto the three Sunday services. Pedone said he eliminated the oncepopular 7 p.m. Saturday Mass because of poor attendance. “I’m surprised we don’t get more people, it being Lent,” he lamented. The last church census also yielded disappointing results. According to Pedone, there were 1,500 households on the books when he started the census. After two tries to solicit responses, the church received 628 forms. Of those 628, Pedone said, fewer than 200 actually support the parish financially. The low numbers have significantly impacted church programs and offerings such as First Communion and Confirmation. According to Pedone, there were 14 children in Mt. Carmel’s First Communion most recent class, the lowest number in parish history. There were 17 children for confirmation, also a low number, although not the lowest. CCD, classes, meanwhile, have about 100 kids, but that number drops after first grade. “If it’s a vacation weekend,” Pedone said, “kids don’t come because the parents don’t come.” “That’s showing us the young families continued on page 17

An Evening with Paula Poundstone “At the top of her game…” -San Francisco Chronicle “Never been funnier…” -Boston Globe “Insightful, thought-provoking humor… -Chicago Tribune

MARCH 3 • 7:30PM TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW (7469) 2 Southbridge Street • Worcester, MA FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

There IS such a thing as “free lunch” with Commerce Bank’s Free Business Checking. No Minimum Balance | No Monthly Fees

“Free Lunch” Includes: • • • • • • • •

500 Monthly Transactions 1 Downloads to QuickBooks Platinum Debit MasterCard® Online Banking Online Bill Pay Mobile Banking Mobile Check Deposit 2 And More! 800•698•BANK (2265) www.BankAtCommerce.com

1 For customers who exceed 500 transactions per month, there is a $.50 per transaction fee. 2 Web access is required to use Mobile Banking and Mobile Check Deposit. Check with your wireless carrier for fees that may apply. Mobile Check Deposit is available to Mobile Banking enrollees only. All terms applicable to Online Banking apply to Mobile Banking. See a banker for Terms and Conditions. Commerce Bank is a registered service mark in Massachusetts of Commerce Bank & Trust Company. ©2016 Commerce Bank & Trust Company. Commerce Bank member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. All rights reserved.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

continued from page 15

just are not here,” Pedone said. Mount Carmel can hold a little less than 1,000 people, about 974, according to Worcester’s Department of Inspectional Services. The front entrance is currently closed for repair, however, reducing the occupancy load to about 320. “I don’t take attendance, but I look out at the number of people attending Mass, looking at a church that holds 900 people, and see Masses where 50 people are attending,” Pedone said. “It’s disheartening to me as I look out and say, ‘Where is everybody?’ I’m grateful for the people who are there, but those people are becoming fewer and fewer, and they’re becoming discouraged. “People are now saying, ‘Monsignor, don’t put another penny into this church.’”

MONEY HUNGRY

t may be an exaggeration to say pennies are all that are being donated to church collections, but not by much. Pedone is blunt in his feelings about the steep decline in donations, and the growing gap between church income and expenses.

“This week’s collection,” he said recently, “was $300. We need $3,000 to make payroll.” According to the church’s Finance Committee, weekly collections need to total $9,400 to allow Mount Carmel to fulfill all its obligations, which include paying back due and current bills as well as employees and other costs. “Our collection is filled with dollar bills,” Pedone said. “This is 2016, not 1968.” Given the outstanding financial commitments facing the church, George Washington does not appear to be the answer to its problems. According to Pedone, Mount Carmel is $100,000 in debt. The return of the Italian Festival last year helped, with $44,000 of the proceeds helping to pay insurance bills from 2014. “We paid one bill for all of 2015,” Pedone said. “We owe tens of thousands of dollars to the Catholic Free Press.” Each church under the Diocese has a goal to sell so many copies of the paper, the monsignor noted, adding it is time to have his church’s goal reassessed because so fewer families are attending church. Expenses have outweighed revenue for some time now at Mount Carmel. According to the Finance Committee, it is running $86,000-$87,000 in the red over each year. In fiscal year 2012-13, according to the committee, the church raised $472,000 and spent $558,000. In 2013-14, $473,000 was raised, $546,000 spent. In 2014-15, income was $498,000, while expenses were $585,000.

The scenario is similar with the parish center, where, according to the committee, expenses regularly exceed revenue. In 2013, the committee said, income was $55,000, and expenses were $97,800. In 2014, $34,000 was taken in, $58,000 spent. And in 2015, the parish hall generated $26,500 in revenue, and $47,300 in expenses. Loreto is even further in debt, to the tune of $600,000-plus, Pedone said. The Diocese has been picking up the tab, he said, but that helping hand will be pulled back soon. “The sugar daddy is gone,” Pedone said. “[The Diocese] cannot support us, anymore.”

WALTER BIRD JR.

{ coverstory }

TROUBLES OF ITS OWN

o be sure, the Worcester Diocese is hemorrhaging money in its own right. According to its annual report, released in January, the Diocese had an operational deficit of $1.2 million.

And while Mount Carmel may well close, it certainly would not be the first Catholic church shuttered under McManus – and will likely not be the last. Since McManus took charge of the Diocese 12 years ago, the number of parishes has been cut from 125 to 97, according to Diocesan spokesperson Ray Delisle. The number of missions dipped from four to three. In Worcester, specifically, eight churches have closed, with one becoming a mission of another parish. “We have gone from one town to another to work on specific needs of each, when done with the Pastoral Planning Committee, or sometimes from within area itself,” Delisle said. In addition to Worcester, church closings and mergers have taken place in Barre, Brookfield, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Manchaug, Southbridge, South Royalston and Spencer. In a statement to Worcester Magazine, McManus steered clear of predicting the future of Mount Carmel, while noting the “grieving process” when merging parishes. “When any parish reflects on the realities and challenges it faces today, that reflection includes the changes in the social fabric of the community for which the parish was founded and looking honestly at whether it needs a new way to serve its people and share the faith with new generations,” McManus said. “A parish and its church are an important part of the life of parishioners. When parishes were closed over the past decade or so, the newly merged parishes have acknowledged a grieving process that must occur with the loss of a parish and its church, while helping their members to look forward with hope at the new possibilities for ministry.”

As Monsignor Stephen Pedone tells parishioners they need to step up with financial support or the church, one of them walks up and hands him money. Several others soon followed, one person giving $100. façade started pulling away from the church.” Work was undertaken to fix that, and under the city’s recommendation, the front entrance was closed. It remains closed to visitors. The he need to rehabilitate front is being wrapped in protective netting to guard against falling debris, at a cost of and renovate both the church and parish center $75,000. Once the front is secured, the hope is to make it accessible to parishioners once at Mount Carmel have more. only deepened the financial Deputy Building Commissioner Dave hole, despite efforts to raise Horn sounds optimistic about that prospect. He credits the Diocese with being both money from the church forthcoming about problems with the church community. A capital campaign in 2007 sought to raise and active in trying to address them. What’s more, and what may frustrate $3 million, in part to address the deteriorating parishioners to no end: Horn believes Mount façade, bell tower and a sagging choir loft. Carmel could stand for another 100 years. Less than $1 million was raised. Priorities “That’s a broad question,” Horn said when had to be determined, according to Cheryl asked directly, noting the city conducts Berthiaume, who was in charge of the capital periodic inspections of the church. “That campaign. The decision was made to fix the building was well-built. I think, yes, that roof, which would cost more than had been building can continue to stand, probably raised. In order to do the roof, however, the for another 100 years, yes, as long as they catwalk had to be fixed, which Berthiaume maintain it.” said cost $65,000. The building, he said, is not ready to fall “Over the past couple years,” Berthiaume down. said at the meeting with parishioners, “the façade and bell tower condition worsened. The continued on page 19

CAPITAL CONCERNS

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

, e tt e u q a P y n a f f i T o t s on i t a l u t a Congr y a D s ’ e n i t n e l a V e h t f o er ! y a Winnn w a t e G d n e k e e W d n a e g a k c a P Spa

St Cyr d Spa Salon an

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

That said, Horn also knows neither he nor the city has to pay to fix and maintain the building. Closing the front entrance, he acknowledged, likely had an impact on attendance, which in turn would affect donations. From a purely structural standpoint, however, Horn said the Diocese has been a wiling partner with the city. “I have to say, the Diocese as a whole, they have done their due diligence with the building façade,” Horn said. “They put a roof on the building. They sank a lot of money into the building, and have been very good to respond has been needed to be done. We haven’t had to do enforcement over there. They’ve been very up front with us.” About the only request the city had to make, he said, was for the the front entrance to be closed. “We’ll water-tighten what’s left. There’s a little more demo to be done, we’ll do some reinforcement,” Horn said. “We’ll basically put a Band-Aid around it. We will wrap a special net around the top portion. The goals is to get the front door back open.” That still leaves the choir loft and bell tower in need of repairs, in addition to any other interior work that may be required. If the decision is made to keep the church open, there is another “wrench in the soup,” Horn said, noting the church is a historic building. “They’re going to have to work with the board to come up with a plan of action if they’re going to keep that thing together,” he said.

SOMEONE TO BLAME?

eeping the church open has increasingly looked less promising, and as hope fades, some have pointed fingers as to who is responsible. Was it mismanagement of funds?

“I don’t know,” Pedone said. “I have no proof of that. What I can deal with is what I have, what I see. When I got here, this is what I had.” Pedone was asked whether he believed the Catholic Church clergy sex abuse scandal was still a factor in the decision of families to attend or donate to church. “I think the mentality, for some people, it’s easy to blame,” he said. “They can say, ‘I don’t go to church because of what happened with the priests.’ What about the teachers? What about the police who abused? What’s happened is the Church has been leading the way on how to handle these things now.” Pedone noted an instance where he had to let go of a volunteer, “the son of a very active parishioner,” because his criminal background check “came up marked.”

STEVEN KING

continued from page 17

{ coverstory }

Consigli construction workers remove large pieces of Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s façade.

“It’s not just us,” he said of the lack of interest in going to church or practicing religion. “We’ve become a very secular society.” The state has also not escaped blame among some in the Mount Carmel community. It is strongly believed, and some studies have reported, that constant traffic on I-290 has weakened the church over the years. The state, however, maintains it is not responsible. “I still feel there is some responsibility that should be taken by the state for the façade of the church, because of 290,” parishioner and Finance Committee member Dianna Biancheria said. “The church was put up and there was never any consideration on what was going to happen to this beautiful building. I feel as though at some point the state should recognize that.” Pedone said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito told him during last year’s Italian Festival, there was nothing the state could do to help. Worcester Magazine made repeated requests for comments or a statement from Polito over the past week. While a spokesperson responded to the first email sent, all other attempts to contact Polito or a representative were unsuccessful. Others blame the Diocese, itself, claiming it should step up and help keep the church going, to which Pedone responds they have. “When do you stop? When do you say it’s over? We’re still bleeding red,” he said. “We’re not paying our bills, we’re getting deeper into the hole. The Diocese is going to say enough is enough, because they’re in debt. They’re millions of dollars in debt.”

KEEPING THE FAITH

any parishioners are not quite ready to throw in the towel. During the meeting at the parish center, some walked up to the monsignor and dropped $20, $50 and $100 bills into his hand or onto the table in front of him.

Online efforts have been started, such as a gofundme page that lists $5 million raised as its rather ambitious goal. As of Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 23, $1,325 had been pledged. Also on Tuesday, a small group of Mount Carmel parishioners released a proposal outlining a multi-pronged approach aimed at preserving the church. Dealing with parishioner attendance and collections, the proposal calls for Loreto parishioners to join Mount Carmel parishioners at the Mulberry Street church. This, according to the proposal would increase monthly collections by 50 percent, leaving the larger community to focus on recruiting parishioners who left both churches. On debt repair and future financial management, the proposal suggests selling Our Lady of Loreto Church, and paving the way to tear down the current Mount Carmel Church and replace it with a smaller church. The outstanding debt to the Diocese could

be paid, according to the proposal, leaving the church mortgage-free. In addition, the parish center could serve as a community civic center, generating money for the parish community. A combination of private funding, the Diocese and an equity loan on one of the other pieces of property on the church campus, a new, smaller church could be built, the proposal suggests, adding the new church could maintain monthly bills through the combine parish of Mount Carmel and Loreto, in addition to being supported by a profitable civic center. While insisting no final decision has been made on the future of Mount Carmel Church, Pedone does not sound confident in avoiding what he believes has become inevitable. “We’re now reaping the whirlwind here, the results of our neglect,” he said of his belief that parishioners essentially abandoned their church. “It’s sad. We’ve been in denial too long, and now it’s time to act.” Pedone said he does not want to the pastor under whom the church closes, and he has prayed for guidance. “I think the Lord is showing me the time has come,” he said. “The faith will go on. This is a building where people gather, but the church goes on. It’s just that, when you look at the churches in Rome, and in various parts of the world, many of them have crumbled. “Faith is taking it on the chin today. We’ve lost our way. God is saying, ‘You don’t want me? You don’t want me in your schools? You can’t say my name? You can’t pray to me? OK, I’m stepping back.’” If there is hope, if there is a miracle to be had, as one parishioner put it, there is near unilateral agreement in the church that it must come from within. Those who have walked away from the church, and from their faith, must be brought back. “This is a process,” Biancheria said. “This is not something that can occur overnight. It will take a long time. I think we need to have a turnaround in what society looks at. Also, we have to take into consideration the fact that, years ago, you made the determination that you were Catholic, and this is where you were going to go, and you made that commitment. “Today, you have a variety of small pockets. Even in our city, we have many new, so-called reverends that are in a parish, in a building, and it’s a storefront church. It’s hard to then gather a large group of people, but it would something we would have to look at for longevity. What’s the process we went through to lose these people, and what’s the process to bring them back?” Editor of Worcester Magazine. Call him at 508-749-3166 or email wbird@ worcestermag.com. Follow Walter on Twitter @walterbirdjr and “friend” him on Facebook. You may also catch Walter every week as a panelist on WCCA TV 194’s “Rosen’s Roundtable.” Walter may also be heard with WCRN’s Hank Stolz on their new podcast, “Hank and Walter on Worcester,” every Monday online at worcestermagazine.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Whether you’re buying or refinancing, our low-rate auto loan puts you in the driver’s seat.

Special Auto Loan Rate

1.69

APR*

Take advantage of LCU’s special rate on any new, used, or refinanced vehicle and save money for years to come. But hurry. This offer is for a limited time only. Apply online or visit your neighborhood branch for fast approval.

Up to 36 months

(800) 649-4646

leominstercu.com

Visit us today.

Federally insured by NCUA

*APR - Annual Percentage Rate is accurate as of February 22, 2016. Loan rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Rate reflects a .25% discount for automatic payment from an LCU checking or savings account. LCU members must maintain a $25.00 deposit relationship. Rate is not available to all borrowers and is subject to LCU underwriting guidelines. Rate displayed assumes an 80% loan-to-value. 36 monthly payments of $28.69 per $1,000 borrowed. Loan-to-values of up to 120% and other rates and guidelines are available for qualified borrowers. Rate displayed is for consumer type vehicles only. Amount financed includes $65.00 VSI insurance. Please contact LCU for rates for autos older than the year 2000.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

art | dining | nightlife | February 25 - March 2, 2016

STEVEN KING

Wagtime raises money, awareness for Worcester Animal Rescue League

night day &

Joshua Lyford

The Worcester Animal Rescue League’s Wagtime event, now in its fourth year, is headed to The Manor, 42 West Boylston St. in West Boylston Friday, March 11. The night of fun comes with a purpose: to raise money and awareness for Worcester’s animals in-need.

The first Wagtime event was held in 2012, the same year the WARL turned 100. According to Worcester Animal Rescue League executive director, Allie Tellier, the event was such a success, they knew it would return the next year. Last year’s Wagtime raised approximately $36,000; organizers are hoping to raise even more this year, with a goal of $50,000. “Caring for hundreds of animals a year comes at a cost,” explained Tellier. “We raise funds to help with the shelter pets and we do it in a fun way. It’s a celebration of the shelter and what we’ve accomplished over the last 104 years and where we want to go. The attendees that join us believe in that and want to come with us and do more for the animals.” Between the league’s shelter and spay/neuter clinics, WARL cares for 2,500 animals a year, making it crucial to be able to raise funds to cover the associated costs; donations of supplies are necessary as well. “We’re very grateful for every donation that comes in and every donation truly matters, whether you donate a bag of kitty litter or donate $5,000 dollars,” said Tellier. “Everything truly counts.” Keeping shelters open can be a challenge, particularly in a struggling economy, said the executive director. “One hundred years was something that needed to be celebrated, especially given what our economy’s gone through in the last decade or so,” said Tellier. “You see, unfortunately, nonprofits are not always able to thrive. One hundred years is something. We had some really great folks and entertainment, on the planning committee, every level, that wanted to help and bring exposure to the pets and celebrate and do

Tux, a 2-year-old Terrier mix

continued on page 22

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Over Over 40 COlOrs 40 COlOrs On sale On sale

night day

O 40 C On

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS E COUNTERTOPS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS & & &QUARTZ! & QUARTZ! QUARTZ! { fundraiser} Over Over 40 COlOrs 40 COlOrs On sale On sale

45 Colors for 45 Colors for 45 Colors for ¼ Mile East of Home Depot WINTER SALE!! ¼ Mile East of Home Dep GRANITE COUNTERTOPS ¼ Mile East of Home Depot GRANITE COUNTERTOPS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS $45.00 per sqft Installed $45.00 per sqft Insta $45.00 per sqft Installed WAGTIME continued from page 21 preconceived notions,” explained Tellier. “It 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), Choose From 50 Colors 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), (40 sqft or more) & QUARTZ! (40 sqft or more) (40 sqft or more) & QUARTZ! & QUARTZ! Shrewsbury isn’t a specific breed. Immediately, people Shrewsbury Shrewsbury good with that celebration. This seemed to be Receive FREE a Stainless Steel Single Bowl Sink

of ny

Includes: Rounded, Beveled or polished edgesedges Includes: Rounded, Beveled or polished e Includes: Rounded, Beveled or polished ¼ Cutout Mile East offor Home Depot 4 in back Splash. for East sink. Mile of Ho ¼ Cutout Mile of Home Depotin 4 back Splash. for 4 in back Splash. sink. think the pit East bull-type dogs, sink. but we have the best fit and Wagtime was kind of ¼ a throwCutout

Selection of of of • The• Biggest The Biggest Selection and Granite of any ny Marble Marble and Granite of any Fabrication Shop! Fabrication Shop! • Over 250 colors • Over 250 colors to choose fromfrom to choose (all slabs on site) (all slabs on site) • Backsplash, • Backsplash, Flooring, GlassGlass & & Flooring, Mosaic TilesTiles Available Mosaic Available

(w/orders over 40 620 sq. w/any ft.Boston • Exp. 2/28/16) (Cannot be combined other sales) Turnpike (Rt.(Cannot 9), (Cannot be combined w/any other sales)

620 people Boston Turnpi 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), eager toShrewsbur get pit bulls. They’re great Shrewsbury back to the 1912-era when we were founded Big Blue Building Shrewsbury Big Blue Big Blue Building Biggest Selection of Marble andand Selection Buildin of Marble an Biggest Selection of Biggest Marble dogs. It’s the folks that come in with preconbe

combined

w/any

other

sales)

The event will feature live music by Niki 508-842-9800 508-842-980 508-842-9800 508-842-9800 508-842-9 508-842-9800

and the name stuck.” Granite of ANY Fabrication Shop Big Blue Building Granite of ANY Big Fabrication Sh Granite of ANY Fabrication Shop Blue Bu Big Blue Building ceived notions about how a dog acts because 280 Colors to Choose From 280 Colors to Choose From

280

Colors

Choose

From

what they look like, or that cats are bad luck Granite Countertop, Quartz Surfaces, Soapstone Granite Countertop, Quartz Surfaces, Soap Granite Countertop, Quartz Surfaces, Soapstone Luparelli and the Gold Diggers, a vegetarbecause of their color. That’s hard.”

Drive aFax Little - Save A Lot! Fax 508-842-9808 Fax 508-842-9808 a and Little A Lot! ian buffet dinner live as well as silent - Save Drive a Little - Save A Lot! Drive Fax 508-842Fax 508-842-9808 Fax 508-842-9808 508-842-9808 1/4 Mile Home DepotDepot 620 Boston Turnpike 9), Shrewsbury 1 Mon. - Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7 1/4East To combat the-issue, WARL tries to match /4 Mile East of Home Depot - 620 Turnpike (Rt. 9) MileofEast of Home - 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), Shrewsbury Fri. 8-6, S Mon. -(Rt. Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7 auctions with prizes including JetBlueBoston tickets; Mon. Mon. -- Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7

Mon. - Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7

Big Blue Building • 508-842-9800 • Fax 508-842-9808

Mon.

Fri.

8-6, Sat. 8-7 the pets with the appropriate owner based on

Big Blue Building • a508-842-9800 • Fax 508 Big Blue Building • Fax 508-842-9808 Disney passes; week’s stay in Sugarbush, Colors On On Sale! Exotic Marble, Granite &• 508-842-9800 Soapstones Available. e!220Exotic Marble, Granite & Soapstones Av 220 Colors Sale! Exotic Marble, Granite & Soapstones Available. Vermont; a BMW bicycle’ home-life, personalities and activity levels. tickets to the “WizMon.-Fri. 8 to 5 • Thurs. 8-6 • Sat. 9-4 Fri. 8 to • 8-6 Thurs. 8-6 • Sat. 9-4 Mon.-Fri. 8 to&55 • Thurs. • Sat. 9-4 Exotic Marble, Granite Soapstones Available. “We think of every animal as an individual,

Granite & Soapstones Availab e! Exotic Marble, Granite & Soapstones Available. ard of Oz” at the Wang Theater in Boston; a S

football signed by Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins: passes to museums and attractions; artwork, jewelry and more. 6/4/12 11:39 AM AM “What is remarkable about our community 6/4/12 11:39 is how much they love animals,” said Tellier. “People always call and say, ‘What can I do, I want to do more.’ Wagtime is a great way For more information call 978.464.2300 or visit www.wachusett.com to do more and participate. Wagtime can be a great way to do that. A lot of people want to help, but don’t really want to come to the February Saturday March Saturday shelter, because it makes them sad seeing aniFreezin’ for a Reason Polar Dip – Support mals waiting for homes. I respect that. I think USASA Slopestyle Contest – Join one of Camp Sunshine and the brave souls who will our largest park events of the season. This event Wagtime is that way to participate and feel plummet into a frigid pool of cold water to raise gives skiers and riders to the chance to qualify for that camaraderie with the community.” money for Camp Sunshine’s summer camp programs Nationals at Copper Mountain. Registration starts at Tellier has been with WARL for 11 years, for children with life-threatening illnesses. The 8am with competition to begin at 10am. Plunge kicks off at 1pm. and in the role of executive director for seven. For her, the position is a labor of love. Kiss 108 Winter Games – Kiss 108 radio station Hypnotist Show & Dinner – Comedic Hypnotist will be on site with a variety of games, contests, live Peter Mamos will enterain the crowd and use patrons “I, like so many people, grew up with music and fun for the whole family! The fun begins from the audience for a hilarious show. Enjoy a buffet animals,” said Tellier. “My family taught me outside in the morning and moves to the Coppertop dinner and a cash bar before the show. Dinner starts from a young age to respect animals like for the afternoon for an apres ski party. at 6:30pm and the show kicks off at 8pm. you’d respect people. I was always Great Race – See the top 30 teams from our Adult drawn to animal-centric things, February Saturday-Sunday Night Race League compete on Smith Walton to animal-centric LL Bean Bootmobile Tour – LL Bean’s “Boot on prove who the top team really is! hobbies. I always Wheels” will be on site throughout the weekend for hear from people, games, prizes and amazing photo opportunities. March Sunday ‘How do you March Tuesday do it?’ I think Good Race – See the 31-60 placed teams from our Adult Night Race League compete on an everyone Hike for Heroes – Worcester firefighters will hike extended Challenger course for bragging rights and is made for Balance Rock with packs full of donated canned great prizes. something, or goods, all to be donated to Veteran’s Inc. in Worcester. Donate canned good at Customer Service and receive has the strength March $10 off your lift ticket for the day. for something. Wednesday There are other MA Senior Games – Open for anyone over March age 40, this race gives adult racers toe chance to jobs I could never Friday on both Dual GS and a Super G Course. imagine having Ralph Crowley Classic – New England’s favorite compete Registration starts at 8am with the GS races to start the strength to do. Master’s Level Open Race one the challenging Smith at 10am; Super G to follow. Walton Trail. Register in advance for a better starting What gets me by is placement, or show up starting at 8am for day-of Rest of season pass only $159. that, not only are registration. The race starts at 10am. Cash purse and Valid February 29 thru closing day. these animals safe prizes to follow in the Coppertop Lounge. Visit wachusett.com for details. and well cared for here while they wait Live Music in the Coppertop Lounge for a home, but the Thursday, February 25 Fil Pacino 8-10pm Thursday, March 3 Bruce Jacques 8-10pm motivation is the staff. Friday, February 26 Gurus of Blues 8-11pm Friday, March 4 Peak Fifteen 8-10pm Saturday, February 27 Keith McLinden Duo 5-7pm Saturday, March 5 Dan Cormier 5-7pm They do everything they Saturday, February 27 Three Day Threshold 8-10pm Saturday, March 5 Tony Soul Project 8-10pm can to take care of these Sunday, February 28 Blue House Between 4-6pm Sunday, March 6 Farmers Union Players 4-6pm animals, it’s inspiring. It’s beautiful.” Tubing into The “Feed Your Adventure” Clif Big Air Bag! The animals at WARL are well cared for, but it can Open Fridays from 3-8pm; Saturday & Sundays from 12-8pm Must be aged 12 & older to participate; waiver required & signed by a guardian if under 18. be difficult to overcome stereoCost: $10 for 2 jumps, $25 per session or $125 for a season pass types about particular pets to place them in loving homes. facebook.com/WaWaWachusett twitter.com/Wachusett “The animals that are at the most risk are those Sponsored by where people come in with

UPCOMING EVENTS @

Shews Marb Granite 0607.indd 1 2623 Shews Marb Granite 0607.indd

6/4/126/4/12 11:3911:39 AM AM

Mark Your Calendar

27-28

STEVEN KI

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

taking into account their history, and try to find the best home for them,” said Tellier. “We have real, honest, conversations with people about their life. ‘Do you like to run? Or do 6/ you like to spend time on the couch watching Netflix? We want to find the right pet for you.’” Wagtime heads to The Manor, 42 W. Boylston St., in West Boylston Friday, March 11. Tickets may be bought online at Worcesterarl.org/wagtime through March 1. For more information about WARL, visit Worcesterarl.org. Donations are accepted year-round. Reporter Joshua Lyford can be reached at 508-749-3166, ext. 325, or by email at Jlyford@worcestermagazine.com. Follow Josh on Twitter @Joshachusetts.

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

“IT’S NOT BRAGGING IF YOU

WORCESTER MAGAZINE is Honored to have been presented 26 awards at the New England Newspap

a l o b E g n i s Cha ’S R WORCESTIBEERIA TIES TO L FIGHT AND THE EBOLA AGAINST

REPORTER OF THE YEAR Weekly Newspapers WALTER BIRD JR.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Weekly Newspapers STEVEN KING

BEST AD DESIGNER

Specialty Newspapers KIMBERLY VASSEUR

Social Issues Feature Story First and Second Place Walter Bird Jr.

Photo S First an

Special Section or Supplement (Editorial) First Place: Walter Bird Jr.

Pictoria First: St

Editorial/Opinion Writing First Place: Walter Bird Jr.

Spot N First: St

Feature Photo First and Second: Steven King

Photo I Second

News Photo First: Steven King

Local D First an

Personality Photo First and Second: Steven King

Local D Second

WORCESTER MAGAZINE. FOR WO 24

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

CAN BACK IT UP.”

CONGRATULATIONS to the staff of The Holden Landmark Corp. publications on all their wins!

– Muhammad Ali

per and Press Association’s 2015 Better Newspaper Competition JUNE 18 - 25 , 2015

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

BAYSTATEPARENT MAGAZINE

NEWS • ARTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE

Advertising General Excellence First: Staff

FREE

General Excellence Second Place: Staff Janice Harvey Third Place: Columnist

Human Interest Feature Story First Place: Melissa Shaw

Kurt Wolf and Lindsey Townsend Second Place: Human Interest Feature Story

Happily Broken A WOMAN'S STORY OF SURVIVING THE RWANDAN GENOCIDE

EcoWildMusic.WorcMagAd2015.pro.pdf

5/14/15

10:13 AM

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NEWS • ARTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE

Their lives almost lost, two local music greats ...

Back in the Saddle

inside stories news

ent with

North High troubles lead to changes at Worcester school Page 4

Melissa Stocker Second Place: Illustration/Infographics

arts

Whiskered Wonderland III

On assignm

page 18

Right: Dana Black and Ouellette Joe watch the from the game bench. Left: Denn is Clarc kson

night day &

{ arts }

Display Ad: Color d: Kimberly Vasseur

NEWS • ARTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE

FREE

Above: Kevin DeCa the game ire waits .

A little Rusty, bu t these Blades s till cut the ice to get back

Lyford with photo

COLORBLIND: WORCESTER’S DISCUSSION ON RACE 18

Russ Long takes

WORCEST

ERMAGAZ

a breather.

INE.COM

• APRIL 9, 2015

The forwards this is the . It is none of them, the ice and race down men on theRusty Blades Senio howev r Hockey ice are they are League, ander; in their 70sat least 60 years the left winga pass to the old. In many and The league cases, does not even 80s. otherwise skater to sliper allows a allow check operates of the Rusty as any other ing or slap shots, past the Blades would, and waiting defe but fierce as the memb their youngare every bit as compe not for the er counterpart titive and ers single, skill nsemen. A grey s. beard Frank would never s know that behind the helme ly, if it was upper right,ed shot to the and shout t cages, the men ing encou gliding across you measu just ragem res weren ent and the the goalpost inside “Just becau ’t a significantly trash talk in equalice se there’s younger mean the league. goaltender , allows the Blade some snow fire has to gingerly s member gone out,” said on the roof doesn 68-year-old ’t Paul LaVen block the puc we ture. Rusty game. It k from the morniloveng the gives us “We do this becau net, but, una and the locker a reason se of that.” room antics to get up in the are a really it up, providesble to lock In additi big part teammates, on to shredding a crucial Massa beside his LaVenture rebound and Rusty Blade is chuse the event s mana LaVenture tts Senior Olymp goal. The mena quick ic hockey ger for the has played his life, includ tournament. hockey for take ing the a moment to Pee Wee vast teammate, leagues with majority of High SchooBuff Congdon. The Rusty Blade before linin celebrate, latter played s Bruins and l and was later drafte at Aubur played for “Hockey do it all g back up to Congd the now d to the Providence n player defun could have In the Central Mass again. on, “It’s nots have it in their ct Providence Reds. been an hockey blood of a example

comm of the skilled unity, this youth, high

school or

college teams

MILLBURY SUTTON CHRONICLE

Human Interest Feature Story Honorable Mention: Joshua Farnsworth

choice, you fun and it’s ,” explained The on-ice just a good time.” have to play. It’s a lot action is awe-inspiri ng. The men are continued on

page 20

HITS ON DECADES-OLD POINT OF VIEW

LEOMINSTER CHAMPION APRIL 9, 2015 • WORCEST

EcoWildMusic.WorcMagAd2015.pro.pdf

5/14/15

10:13 AM

Education Reporting Third Place: Patty Roy

Local Display Ad: Color Third Place: Staff

s by Steve

n King

THE LANDMARK

into

Joe Ouel lette and fight or Tony Luzz the puck i .

Joshua

Photo Series Third Place:

Audience Building Promotion Second Place: Paula Ethier and Stephanie Mallard Third Place: Paula Ethier

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

na Shenette

Most Creative Use of Small Space First Place: Paula Ethier Second Place: Stephanie Mallard

night day art | dining | nightlife| April 9 - 15, 2015

JUNE 4 - 10, 2015

Melissa Shaw

Adam Perri

Second Place:: Racial or Ethnic Issue Coverage

News Photo teven King

Display Ad: Black & White nd Second: Kimberly Vasseur

OR & OUTDO N FAMILY FU

COMMUNITY DAY Sunday, March 22, 11am - 5pm

al Photo teven King

Illustration d: Steven King

OUR PI OR FOR INDO

Joshua Lyford First Place: Sports Story

Series nd Second: Steven King

Social Issues Feature Story Honorable Mention: Personality Photo Third Place: Shaw-

ide Winter GuCK S

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM

Celebrate spring — Japanese style!

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: AGEDEFYING FUN

HELP, I HAVE A TWEEN! E ID YOUR GU NG TO RAISI 9 TO 12 S YEAR-OLD

Jim Perry Honorable Mention: Human Interest Feature Story

Melissa Shaw

INSIDE BOSTON’S T LEGO AR EXHIBIT

WORKING S: MOTHER FOR 5 STEPS AVOIDING HOLIDAY NS MELTDOW

FREE

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF

96 1996 ce 19 Since Sinc

FASHION: NEW HUES FOR THE HOLIDAY

4 014 2 2014 R 201 ER BER E B CEMB DEC DECEM

MARCH 5 - 11, 2015

Personality Profile First Place:

arent p e t a t s y a b es lies amili am Fami orr F For ne F ne zine agaazi Maga M er Ma ier mie rem Prem tts Pr setts’ se huse hu achus achu ac Massac Mass

REE FREE FR

ERMAGAZ

INE.COM

ORCESTER. FOR YOU.

Obituaries Third: David Dore

THE GRAFTON NEWS

Subscription Sales Promotion Third: Staff

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

night day &

Ready for a break?

THE

Lyford F iles

Joshua Lyford

MCU’s Home Equity Line of Credit can help! Great for Home Improvement and Education too!

% 1.99 Initial Rate

www.millburycu.com

APR

The initial rate is 1.99% APR for the first 6 months; thereafter the APR will be equal to the prime rate adjusted monthly with a floor rate of 3.50%. Maximum APR will not exceed 18%. Interest may be tax deductible, please consult your tax advisor.

Millbury • Worcester • Auburn • South Grafton | 508-865-7600 BANK. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. MCU’s Mobile App and Online Banking. Learn more at www.millburycu.com

WCRN 830 am Worcester-Boston News and Talk Radio for New England.

WCRN Morning News with Hank Stolz CBS News • Weather Sports • Traffic Weekdays 5am to 9am All the news and talk you need!

WALKING IN A WHISKERED WONDERLAND: Not even a return to his native Detroit,

Michigan could slow Brad Petrinec’s “Whiskered Wonderland” event down. Now in its fourth year, the Whiskered Wonderland bearding contest returns to Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St., Saturday, March 5. If you’ve been before, you know the drill, just expect it to be a little bigger, a little better, and presumably even funnier than before. If you’ve never gone, the time is now, my friend. Worcester comedian Shaun Connolly will host (with several guests), Sawmill, Brother Zack & Sister Helen, Absinthe Rose and Foxy Hooper will perform and there will be beard contests in the following categories: mustache, partial beard, fake beard, groomed beard styled mustache, full beard under 4 inches, full beard 4-8 inches, full beard over 8 inches and freestyle. Proceeds benefit Andy’s Attic, which provides new and gently used clothing to disadvantaged high school teens and their families. Judges have been announced, but I’m running out of space (I said Brian Roy, Bert Mayer and Dan Jalonski I’d keep things brief, a near impossibility for hammed it up for Worcester Magazine me), so click around on the Facebook machine before WWIII last year. for more information. FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING

Join

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE:

There’s a lot going on in the next few weeks and I went a little off the deep end last week with the column being entirely dedicated to hockey (which is not an apology and likely not the last time I do so, I am still bouncing off the walls with enthusiasm/Bloody Mary-fueled excitement), so, this time around I will be jiggling my way in the opposite direction with some quick takes with some arts and entertainment morsels to sink your teeth into. Also, yes, the fast lane subhead may have been subconsciously inspired by the god awful WWE PPV of last Sunday. Hot garbage all around, though I did excitedly break my eyeglasses in half during Ryback’s Shell Shock finale.

THE BIG CHIL(I): I made that headline without ever

having seen the film, “The Big Chill.” Either way, it has zero relevance to the following upcoming event: a big ol’ CHILI COOK-OFF Saturday, March 12 at Pepe’s, 274 Franklin St. I absolutely love chili, but I don’t eat meat, so I usually get left out in the cold at events like this, still, area carnivores can pay $20 (which includes admission, chili tastings and two complimentary prize drawing tickets) and absolutely maximize their zipzang intake. To sweeten the pot (not too much, maybe spice the pot would have worked better), all proceeds benefit Tedy’s Team, the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association and the Worcester Fire Department Box 4 Special Services Canteen.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

night day &

IN THE NAVY: Yeah, I mailed that in, but I figure the

headline would be sung to the tune of the Village People favorite. Regardless, Worcester has been pegged as one of only 23 cities in five states to host a performance by the United States Navy Band, which will take place at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., on March 9. The Navy Concert Band is the “premier wind ensemble of the United States Navy” and they’ve been performing publicly for 90 years. Familyfriendly and free, for fans of high-skill patriotic wind jams, this is for you.

SUFFER THROUGH TINNITUS: The headline writing might be a little lazy this week, but

Worcester has a doozy of a punk/hardcore show coming up at the Distant Castle (as always, the fun part about shows like this is figuring out where they are. They’re hush-hush–surprisingly–affairs, so find the event on Facebook or ask a punk for directions) on Tuesday, March 1. The phenomenal F*****g Invincible (who we’ve written about in the past), local legends Tinnitus, V-Sect, Suffer on Acid and Prison Hit are coming to a basement near you. If heavy/wild music is your thing, grab a 30 rack to share and rock out.

A SAD FAREWELL: It breaks my heart to announce

this, but the Leominster Eastern Boarder location is saying goodbye after more than a decade. To be clear, Eastern Boarder the company will continue to exist, and the Worcester shop is in no danger of closing, but the beloved Leominster location will say goodbye as early as this coming Sunday. This is kind of a personal note, but the shop was a bit of a home base for a lot of us who grew up riding BMX and I spent more hours inside the store watching bike videos, learning from the older generation and meeting up for sessions than I ever did in school. Thanks for all the memories guys, and Bub you meant a whole lot to our whole crew.

AS THE CROW (RAVEN) FLIES: The Raven, 258 Pleasant St., is playing host to another awesome punk/hardcore show (people just love to talk about how important Boston is to heavy music and fair enough, but please don’t tell me Worcester doesn’t absolutely hold its own) Friday, March 11. Florida heavy-hitters Gouge Away will be making the trip (the band rules, and while it’s cringe-worthy to say “female fronted” as it shouldn’t matter who fronts the band, I’ll do it anyway), along with Philadelphia’s Soul Glo, Merrimack Valley’s Caught Dead, Boston Straight Edge, Spirits (pictured) and local entertainment writer’s Foxfires (bad joke, this is my band). Ought to be quite the night. Enjoy yourselves out there and be good to each other!

INGREDIENTS:

ORGANIC TOBACCO ORGANIC MENTHOL

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NASCIGS.COM OR CALL 1-800-435-5515 PROMO CODE 96675

Website restricted to U.S. smokers 21 years of age and older.

CIGARETTES

Reporter Joshua Lyford can be reached at 508-749-3166, ext. 325, by rescuing him from his near-final resting place waist-deep at Elm Park after falling through the rapidly diminishing ice while trying to put a puck in a sideways trash can long after seasonally appropriate, or by email at Jlyford@worcestermagazine.com. Follow Josh on Twitter @Joshachusetts. Worchester Magazine 02-25-16.indd 1

F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6 • W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I2/4/16 N E . C O 11:03 M 27 AM

Buy Heating Oil Online & Save!

$1.49per9gallon*

Take $20 off your first order with code “WOR20”

Order online today: SmartTouchEnergy.com

*Price based on autofill delivery and is subject to change. Offer expires 3/31/16.

“Hank and Walter on Worcester”

A New Weekly Podcast

“Hank and Walter on Worcester,” featuring WCRN radio personality Hank Stolz and Worcester Magazine editor Walter Bird Jr., will talk all things Worcester, and maybe even a little beyond. You can bet they will hit on the politics, the shenanigans and latest events. Special guests will also make an appearance. Listen online at worcestermagazine.com and on air at WCRN 830 AM. New podcast available every week.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

night day &

{ film }

The joy of hex Jim Keogh

“The Witch” begins with the expulsion of a Puritan family — godfearing parents and their five children — from a New England village in 1630. Intensely devout, they homestead on the edge of a forest, convinced that their faith will see them through the tough times.

And those tough times keep on rollin’. Life is an endless procession of chores accomplished beneath a perpetually overcast sky (the film appears to have been shot in Gloom-cam). William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie) bicker as their corn crop fails, and their kids seem equally joyless. Then one day, as oldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is playing peek-a-boo with her infant brother, Samuel, the boy vanishes. Shortly afterward, Thomasin’s brother, Caleb, heads into the woods and emerges a day later naked and feverish, his semi-coma interrupted only when he sits up in bed to spout scripture like a preacher who believes he’s being inspired from On High. Is he sick, delusional or possessed? The family pitches into a tailspin of fear and suspicion. This being 17th-century New England, their growing hysteria is fueled by the assumption that black magic may be at play. Things get even hairier when several of the children accuse each other of witchcraft (the events predate the Salem witch trials, but the implications are still serious), and even the farm animals start behaving oddly. There hasn’t been as sinister-looking a bunny since “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” “The Witch” is based on folklore, but its inspiration is more “Blair Witch Project.” This is the kind of film that foregoes jump-scares for subtler dread — the implied horrors of the dark woods rather than throat-slashing boogie men lurking behind the trees. For some, that’s code for: dull. Let it be known that “The Witch” takes its time establishing mood and constructing the family dynamic.

And to that I would add you’d better clean your ears before settling into your seat because the Old English dialect can turn undecipherable. I’d estimate I caught about 75 percent of what was being said. Once accustomed to the native tongue ye understandeth much better. The film has its share of genuinely creepy moments grounded in the behaviors of this unraveling family. Writerdirector Robert Eggers leaves open to interpretation whether real witches are befouling the landscape, or whether the family is suffering from mass psychosis induced by a combination of physical deprivation and raging Calvinistic guilt. (Thomasin’s burgeoning womanhood does not escape her parents’ notice, nor that of Caleb, who curiously regards his sister’s cleavage.) Despite the suggestion of its marketing campaign, “The Witch” is less a horror movie than an intimate psychological thriller whose tension is derived from the crumbling trust among family members. The film lets you imagine the terrors a dark forest held for those with scant knowledge of the wider world — it’s little wonder the most fearsome fairy tales are set there. Watch and listen for Eggers’ clever allusions to “Little Red Riding Hood.” This is a film of minor chills, featuring a conclusion to provoke debate whether what you’ve witnessed is literal or hallucinatory. Is the presence of Lucifer an actual thing or is he the product of the same brand of ignorant paranoia that would transform Salem residents into the murderers of young women six decades later? When babies start disappearing it probably doesn’t make much difference. The 2016 Academy Awards will be revealed on Feb. 28, and I believe “The Revenant” will rule the evening. My thumbnail picks: Best Picture: “The Revenant” Best Actor: Leonard DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Jason Leigh Best Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

night day { dining}

krave

VIA Italian Table

FOOD HHHH AMBIENCE HHHH SERVICE HHH1/2 VALUE HHHH 89 Shrewsbury St, Worcester • 508-754-4842• viaitaliantable.com

“Comfort Food” the Italian Way Emma Smith

According to the Via website, “VIA co-owner Madeleine Ahlquist remembers ‘Italian comfort food’ being a constant on her family’s table. She and her husband, Robb Ahlquist, created VIA to bring that same feeling of comfort to diners in Worcester.”

Comfortable we were, as we took a hightop table in the bar area on a recent Sunday afternoon to avoid a 45-minute wait for the dining room. We were surprised that shortly after 4 p.m. on a Sunday there was such a long wait, but we were told by our server a show at Hanover Theatre had recently gotten out, so they had been very busy. The low lighting and high ceilings with exposed

beams and exposed brick lead to a cozy, rustic feel. While we put our drink order in for two sodas ($3 each), we checked out the appetizers. With options like Fried Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Bruschetta, Beef Carpaccio Crostini and Baked Clams Casino (to name a few), we decided to go with one of our typical apps, with a twist: Sautéed, Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella ($8). As our server returned with our drinks and fresh-sliced bread and olive oil, we placed our order for the mozzarella (one of our server’s favorites), and continued to peruse the menu while munching on bread. Alex made her way straight to the “beef” section, settling quickly on the Grilled Top Sirloin Steak ($24.99), while I had a much harder time deciding between seafood or pasta. My first plan was to go for the Ragu of Meats or the Eggplant Parmesan, but I decided to go a bit out of my typical palate for the Seafood Alla Puttanesca ($22.99). I’ll save you the Google search. According to Wikipedia, Puttanesca translates to “spaghetti in the style of a prostitute” (in Italian) made with ingredients typical of Southern Italian cuisine: tomatoes, olive oil, anchovies, olives, capers and garlic.

STEVEN KING

Well, how can I not try it after that? I get seafood, pasta and get to have it “in the style of a prostitute.” Our entrées came with a salad to start, Alex went with the house salad, while I chose to get the Grilled Caesar for an added $4. Our order of Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella arrived just as we finished the fresh bread. Three planks of mozzarella were wrapped with basil and prosciutto and served with a balsamic reduction. The soft mozzarella with the crisp prosciutto and the balsamic proved to be a tasty combination. If you haven’t been to VIA, or don’t know of the Grilled Caesar, let me tell you all you need to know: Order It. It’s just what it sounds like, a grilled Romain heart, with shaved Parmesan, Caesar dressing and croutons. By the time our entrées arrived we were getting full, and had already pushed the remainders of our salads aside to save room for our meals. Alex’s sirloin was sliced and served on a bed of garlic spinach, potatoes and pepperonota. Her sirloin, cooked to a perfect medium, was well-seasoned. My Seafood Alla Puttanesca came with sautéed shrimp, sea scallops, mussels and calamari, tossed with orecchiette pasta (it continued on page 30

Great Food . . . Great Entertainment . . .

All Close to Home! Karaoke every Friday Night

Feb. 27th - Dale LePage 7-10pm · Mar. 5th - Moonshine Band Mar. 12th - Blue Honey · Mar 19th - Drums and Wines Mar. 22nd - Paint Nite Mar. 24th - Medium Nite with Heather Clockedille Mar. 26th - Lyle Pierce

Sushi

G l u t e n F re e E n t re e s Ava i l a b l e

Function Rooms • Gift Certificates Take-Out • Keno

176 Reservoir St. Holden • 508.829.2188 • www.wongdynasty-yankeegrill.com

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

Broadcasting LIVE from Julio's Liquors

Saturday 11am - 1pm!

Listen on WCRN AM830 or stop by Julio’s and join the fun! No Radio, No problem!

Specializing In Natural & Organic Foods Since 1971

Largest Organic Produce Department in Area! Grab-n-Go Meals | Wellness Department Specialty Foods | All Natural Health & Beauty Products 232 Chandler Street . Worcester 508.753.1896 . www.lefoods.com FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

night day

krave

we both passed on checking out the dessert list. looks like little hats, or turtle shells) in the With a total bill of $70 before tip, full red sauce. The sauce had a slight kick to it, bellies and leftovers to spare, we rolled ourbut was balanced well with the seafood (and selves to the car and headed home. lots of it). Knowing I couldn’t polish off my whole meal, and that seafood wasn’t going to reheat well the next day, I did what anyone else would do, I ate all the seafood and left behind the pasta and sauce. Alex opted to have half her meal wrapped up for lunch, and

Modern, Italian and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, with an emphasis on artisanal and local ingredients.

There’s a reason certain restaurants or bars routinely work their way into my date night repertoire; I take comfort in the familiar when it comes to being wined and dined in my hometown. Nevertheless, if I find myself gravitating toward the same neighborhood too many weekends in a row, I try to make a point of venturing outside of my comfort zone. On a recent Saturday evening, we sought adventures in new zip codes. Here is what we found.

01602: Coes Reservoir

Imagine my surprise when we walked into

Colonial Bowling Center on Mill Street and the

Monday - Saturday 7am-3pm Sunday 8am-3pm Brunch EVERYDAY Book your private party or special event today!

1394 Main St., Worcester 508-926-8861 LiviasDish.com 30

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

man behind the counter was not dressed in the 18th-century garb of a colonial gentleman. Despite my acute disappointment, I warmed quickly to the aesthetics of the place. Like a scene straight out of “Mad Men,” I relished the vision of a potential Trunk and Disorderly inspired shoot in the pastel glow of each candlepin bowling lane. I felt like I’d unearthed a hidden gem. The absence of gaudy electronics permeated the entire space, right down to the ancient cash-only register and the handwritten scorecards. A game, some shoes, and a vending machine ice cream ran us less than $10.

01604: Hamilton

Next, we made our way to the East side of the city in search of The Cosmopolitan Club, an iconic neighborhood haunt. When we walked in, a woman at the bar smiled politely and said, “I’ll bet you’re on a scavenger hunt, aren’t ya?” I nodded, ‘yes,’ out of sheer amusement and my date and I scurried into

the great abyss. A chalkboard on the wall listed a wide variety of excellent spirits in the din of the Keno monitors. We ordered the WhistlePig 10 Year and found ourselves congregating beneath a dartboard mounted on a wood paneled wall. You won’t believe me when I tell you that on my first throw, I hit the bull’s eye. “Check that off the list!” I said. The woman at the bar gave me a thumbs-up and we headed for the door.

Zip Code Tour Co n ne ll

VIA continued from page 29

01610: Green Island

Coasting on the success of my novice dart playing skills, I agreed to try r Sa something I’d never done with before: karaoke. I have heard about Café Neo for years, but on account of my inability to carry a tune, I always managed to elude its Siren song. If I had known a tiki paradise existed at 97 Millbury St., I might have faced my fears sooner. We walked through the door to find wallto-wall patrons sipping straws lodged in real coconuts that boasted elaborate pineapple garnishes and tiny paper umbrellas. The crowd cheered each new performer on with jovial applause and fiery backup vocals. I’ll spare you the details, but rest assured I delivered an inspired version of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” that would make Olivia Benson proud. Follow us on our visit to three other Worcester zip codes in the next installment of Date Night in Worcester Magazine Thursday, March 10. ah

{ dining}

Take your date for a walk down memory lane with one of these youthful classics: • Skylite Roller Skating Center hosts a public skate from 7:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 648 Park Ave. • Stop by Skyjam from 9-11 p.m. Saturdays at Sky Zone Trampoline Park on Route 9; for just $19 you can jump your fill. • Get crafty at Claytime in Shrewsbury, open until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

You haven’t voted yet? What are you waiting for? Go to worcestermagazine.com

night day &

A NEW GD PLACE TO GO

BITE SIZED

OK, the initials don’t stand for what you think they do. George Dfouni opened the new GD Lounge in January inside Union PHOTOS/STEVEN KING

krave

Heifer Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. It will be held over the first two weekends in March, March 5-6 and March 12-13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy farmraised pork sausage, coffee, juice, and of course pancakes. You’ll also get to tour the farm. The cost is $12 per adult, $6 for kids 3-10, free for children 2-under. To reserve your spot, call 508-886-2221 or email heifer.farm@ heifer.org.

IN THE HUNT

In case you hadn’t heard, Grafton Inn is in the hands of a new owner, Jay Hunter, who bought the landmark business recently. A new menu debuted this week. Do give it a try, won’t you? Station. It replaces the former Byblos Lounge. We got a call from Morgana Hayek (distant cousin to Salma Hayek?), wanting to get the word out. Morgana, consider the word out. Check it out, and tell ’em Worcester Magazine sent you!

FLAT AS A PANCAKE

If you like pancakes, and who doesn’t, you won’t want to miss the All-Inclusive Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Extravaganza at

Chili Cook-Off

Saturday, March 12, 2016 • 5-9pm ONLY

$20 Children under 10, $5

Generously Sponsored by:

Pepe’s • 274 Franklin St., Worcester

Admission, at the door, includes: Chili Tastings and Two Complimentary tickets to prize drawing A • Vote for your Favorite Chili! WITH LED U • Win Prizes! SCHEDANCE BY R APPEA BRUSCHI! • Fun Night for Great Causes! Y TED

Contact Patricia Mallios for more information: pmallios83@gmail.com/508.335.4585

Any Public Safety or City Department is welcome to form a team. Please contact Patricia for more information. All proceeds to benefit the American Heart/American Stroke Association and the Worcester Fire Department Box 4 Special Services Canteen FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Relocation . . . Repair . . . Maintenance . . . Do you have damaged signs from snowplows, accidents or weather? Do you need your signs moved, repaired, or converted to LED? These are just a few of the things we do. Don’t hesitate to call us. We are YOUR Sign and Graphics Solution Light Boxes Channel Letters Pylon Signs Window Lettering Trade Show Displays Magnetic Signs

Graphic Design Vehicle Wraps and Lettering Marketing Materials Trade Shows & Exhibits Embroidery Custom Carved Signs

Signarama of Wor cester is pleased to announce the appointment of Jo yce Keil to our Sales and Market ing division.

Joyce has over 30 ye and marketing expe ars of offset printing rience having wor ked with accounts such as Foxwoods, Mirage Mohegan Sun, R several major mar esorts in addition to keting firms across the country. Having a degr added to her succes ee in Journalism has s, brokerage firm for and has owned her own printing and marke tin needs for many ye ars. She adds signifi g cant value to the Si division for our ex pans gnarama needs, but additiona ion, not only for your signage and product lly for her knowledg e of design and mar keting. In her spare time Jo yc e ca n be se en at local venues sing and currently has a ing to A native from upst tal of 3 CD’s out with the fourth one karaoke ate NY, Keil has be pending. en since graduation fr om college. We wel a resident of New England com wish her much succ ess on her new vent e Joyce to our team and ure with us!

545 SW Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01607

508-832-8844

info@signaramaworcester.com • www.signaramaworcester.com Or, consult with your Media Consultant

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

music >Thursday 25

Solo Bach Recital Violin/Viola J.S. Bach: The Complete Solo String Works, Part 9. Peter Sulski was a member of the London Symphony Orchestra for seven years. While in England he served on the faculty of the Royal College of Music and Trinity College of Music and Drama. He is currently on the faculty as teacher of violin/viola/chamber music at Clark University and College of the Holy Cross. Free and Open to the Public. Noon-1 p.m. Clark University: Dana Commons, 2nd Floor, 950 Main St. Formula 5. Formula 5 continues our Winter Tour 2016 with a stop in Worchester. Come on down and celebrate the start of a new era of Formula 5! $5 cover, music starts at 9PM Formula 5 brews up organic, funk filled gr oves across New York state and throughout much of the northeast, bringing an honest and classic sound to audiences. With thought-provoking and soulful lyrics, soaring melodies and an emphasis on tight instrumentation and improvisation, this band brings a familiar freshness to the term “jam band.” Whether they are throwing down opening sets for heavy hitters like Twiddle, Dopapod, Spiritual Rez, and The Heavy Pets, or gracing

Garth Brooks brings his World Tour with Trisha Yearwood to Worcester’s DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Friday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 28. Shows start at 7 p.m. Don’t miss the “Electrifying Return of America’s Most Powerful Concert Force.” Brooks will be returning to Worcester for the first time i over a decade. You can get tickets for $66.73 plus facility fee and service charge at Ticketmaster.com/GarthBrooks or by calling 866-448-7849 or 800-745-3000. There is an eight-ticket limit. For more information, visit info@dcucenter.com.

the stages of Northeast festivals such as Catskill Chill, Disc Jam, The Big Up, Strange Creek, and Buffalove, Formula 5 has continued to grow rapidly - winning over new fans throughout the Northeast and beyond. With their roots in jam, jazz, funk, blues, and bluegrass, this group is sure to satisfy your taste in music while making it truly their own. $5. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629 or find them on acebook. 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”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or currently signed recording artists * Award-winning pro’s or semi-pro’s * Regularly gigging paid-performers * Published songwriters * Recording studio owner/operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. 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. Frank & Matt. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585. Dan Baird & Homemade Sin. Dan Baird formed The Georgia Satellites in 1980. Being the lead singer, rhythm guitarist and chief songwriter, he penned their runaway radio hit “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” They were one of the most ferocious bands of the 1980’s.

night day &

{ listings}

What set them apart from the other 100,000 bands who cranked their amps up to eleven was that their wild riffs and tanked up cries came from a band who, from the start, understood it’s place in the rock tradition and fought hard to solidify it with each recording. Dan left the band in 1990 to pioneer what became known as “Cowpunk” and “Alt Country.” He tours and records with his band Homemade Sin, which today features two ex-members of The Georgia Satellites, Baird and drummer Mauro Magellan. Homemade Sin also includes guitarist Warner E. Hodges, who tours and records with Jason & the Scorchers. The Bull Run is a full-service, farm-to-table restaurant in a prerevolutionary tavern, located about 35 miles NW of Boston, with plenty of free parking and rustic, old-world charm. $18 advance; $22 day of show. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 978-425-4311 or tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com The Music of ABBA Arrival from Sweden. This show has sold out arenas and venues all over the world since 1995 and is the absolute best and most authentic ABBA show there is. Hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take A Chance,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and many more are delivered with such accuracy that it’s hard to believe that it’s not the real ABBA on stage. Full price tickets start at $29. 10% discounts are available for members, groups of 10+ and WOO Card holders. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St. 877-571-7469 or tickets.thehanovertheatre.org Wolfman Chuck Presents: Thursday Night Rock & Roll at The Cove. Wolfman Chuck Presents: Thursday Night Rock & Roll at The Cove King Sickabilly Wolfman Chuck and the Spookalele of Doom. $7 at the door Doors at 8pm Show starts at 9pm 21+ $7 at the door. 8 p.m.-midnight The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on acebook. An Evening With Dr. G. An intimate evening of libations, live music and laughs. I’ll be playing selections from the first wo and the up coming album interspersed with some of my favorite twisted “B” side covers. Come sample some quality cocktails, look at some beautiful art, swap stories with friends and snap your fingers to the rhythm (table dancing might have to become a thing in the near future). Much love and hope to see you in Federal Square! 8-11 p.m. the Muse, 536 Main St. 508-450-0044 or find them on acebook. Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell. 8-11:30 p.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580. Jon Short. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Sqare, Leominster. 978-534-5900. Sam James (of the Voice) live at 8! No cost. 8-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177. The Littlest Giant & Friends. Pop Covers, Rock, Reggae...3 Bands $5. 8 p.m.-midnight Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877 or find them on acebook. Thursday Open Mic Night. Now the frost is on the pumpkin, it’s the time for guitar plunkin...Join a decades old tradition of sharing and musical camaraderie in an old-fashioned fun roadhouse! P.A. and support of all sorts provided, be part of the fun....Hosted by Ed Sheridan. 8-11 p.m. Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main St., Holden. 508829-4566. Audio Wasabi. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122. College Night w/DJ XTC & DJ Scotty P. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Industry Bar Room, 109 Water St. 508-756-2100. DJ/Karaoke with DJ Bruce. 9 p.m.-midnight Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. The Ed Sullivans hang out and play awesome tunes. Come to the coolest bar in town, and listen to the best of classic hits from the British invasion and more. Beatles, Kinks, Badfinger, Be ch Boys and much more, including some awesome one hit wonders. 9-11:59 p.m. Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439. DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar,

4th Annual Fundraising Gala

Dance ’til the pets get homes! Live Music, Auctions Dinner, Dancing Friday, March 11, 2016 7 - 10 pm The Manor 42 West Boylston St., West Boylston

Leave the kittens at home; 21+ event. Cocktail attire recommended

Tickets: $65 each, or 2 for $120.

508-853-0030

worcesterarl.org/wagtime

i GO

Monday Thursday Saturday 6:15pm

BINGO! at Seven Hills is #1 for gaming fun if you always have your eyes on the prize: n n n n n

Chance to win $3,000 every night! Casino 50/50, Winners Take All $200 worth of door prizes, $5 Lottery ticket raffles Doors open at 4:30; game papers on sale at 5:00 Snack bar, dinner specials…FREE refills on coffee

Chance To Win

$3,000 Every Night!

81 Hope Avenue, Worcester • 508.983.2988 Supporting Programs at Seven Hills Foundation

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

night day &

{ listings}

65 Water St. 508-926-8353. DJ Tec Threat. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. DJ 21+Canal. Closed 1/23/2016 N/A. 10:30 p.m.-1:40 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

>Friday 26

ZOD, Tobler and Leon Trout. 21+ with proper ID Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Ron Sloan not alone. HarmoniCat Ron Sloan sings and plays with Peter Ward on guitar and George Dellomo on the snare drum while the bakery smells like heaven! No cover charge. Noon-2 p.m. BirchTree Bread Co., 138 Green St. 774-243-6944. Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat. Let Dr. Nat start your weekend with jazz, swing, blues, soul, samba, R&B, Broadway, original songs about Worcester, and other surprises, such as special guest vocalists and instrumentalists. Dancers welcome! No cover charge, tips appreciated. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030 or natneedle.com Singers and Songwriters. Local musicians Brett and Lisa Brumby better known as My Better Half will be joined by Natalie Tuttle for an evening of original music. Join us for great food and music! $44.95 dinner and show $20 show only. 6-10 p.m. The Barn at Wight Farm, 420 Main St., Sturbridge. 774-241-8450 or t3chefs.com ZOD + Leon Trout + Tobler. Friday night at Electric Haze with 3 Great bands! Zod Leon Trout Tobler Free Parking, 21+ $8 $8. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629 or find them on Facebook. Bill McCarthy Every Friday at Barbers Crossing North. Now catch Bill McCarthy playing his heart out every Friday at Barbers North (Sterling, MA) @6:30pm Visit: BillMcCarthyMusic.com for info. Free! 6:30-9:30 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. Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood. Now!! The Electrifying Return of America’s Most Powerful Concert Force and Number One Selling Solo Artist in U.S. History! Garth Brooks Makes His First Appearance in Worcester in over 19 Years! Garth Brooks World Tour With Trisha Yearwood Friday, February 26th at 7:00 PM Saturday, February 27th 7:00 PM Sunday, February 28th at 7:00 PM DCU Center Worcester, MA The Event of Events! Garth is coming! Tickets on sale now! 8 ticket limit! Buy only at the following: ticketmaster.com or Either Ticketmaster Express 1-866-448-7849 or 1-800-745-3000 *No sales at the venue box office or icketmaster outlets December 18th. Special Note: Select seats protected with paperless delivery. All seats sold best available Ticket prices: $66.73 plus $2 facility fee plus $6.25 service charge = $74.98. Please go now to Ticketmaster.com/GarthBrooks and click “On Sale Tips” to create an account or refresh your existing Ticketmaster account for a quicker purchasing experience. 7-10 p.m., 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. DCU Center- Arena and Convention Center, Arena, 50 Foster St. 508-7556800 or ticketmaster.com Hot Dish - A talented and soulful duo. A mix of songs from yesterday and today. N/A. 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St., 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. Joe Macey. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tavern on the Common, 249 Main St., Rutland. 508-886-4600 or joemacey.com Children of the Korn-Korn Tribute w/ Medicated Savage. Children of the Korn-Korn Tribute w/ Special Guests Medicated Savage $7 at the door 21+ Doors at 8pm $7 at the door . 8 p.m.-midnight The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on acebook. Jay Graham live at 8. no cost. 8-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177. Mondo Soul. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Olde Post Office ub, 1 Ray St., North Grafton. 508-839-6106.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Office Party Band. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585. Scott Babineau. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900. DJ DBBLD & DJ Scotty P. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Industry Bar Room, 109 Water St. 508-756-2100. Stormbringer (Deep Purple Tribute) feat Iron Maiden Tribute Band. Tribute to early Deep Purple! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough. 508842-8420. The Jennifer Lee Band & Wooing Dorothy. With Special Guests Wooing Dorothy...Rock, Alternative $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877 or find them on acebook. The Plagiarists. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Jillian’s - Worcester, 315 Grove St. 508-793-0900. Whitney Doucette. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster.

Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. Music Worcester in partnership with The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, presents an evening of family fun and music featuring the Disney Festival Orchestra and Soloists. Performing to the scenes from Disney classics on the big screen, classics such as Mary Poppins, Jungle Book, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast...and Frozen! All tickets through the theatre box office at 877-571-7469. Full price sta t at $29, youth start at $19. 4-6 p.m. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St. 877-571-7469 or musicworcester.org Matt Robert. Swing by for an evening of quality brews and old time blues performed by Worcester native, Matt Robert. Matt has been playing live music throughout New England since the mid 1980s, in such groups as Hat on Drinking Wine, Home Skillet, Run N Gun, Woodtone, Flubber, Schlomo Pinkus, M&M with Nuts. Matt’s current solo show features open and standard-tuned acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and occasional banjo on an eclectic batch of original and cover songs, by artists such as Gus Cannon’s

Music Worcester, in partnership with The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, presents “Disney In Concert” Saturday, Feb. 27, 4-6 p.m. at Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Full-price tickets start at $29. Youth tickets start at $19. For more information, visit musicworcester.org or email music@musicworcester.org.

Windfall. Windfall has performed for audiences throughout NE; lots of great music and fun! Check us out at windfallrock.com 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Singapore Restaurant, 170 Whalon St., Fitchburg. 978-345-0132. The Dan Hogan Trio - Modern Acoustic Rock. 9:30 p.m.12:30 a.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. The Invaders. Join us as we rock the House! Great Music! - Great People! - Great fun! 9:30-12:30 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. DJ One 3. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. Jim Devlin Band. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

>Saturday 27

David Bazin & Blues Junction. Live Blues, Blues Rock, Classic Rock, Jam Band Music no cover. 9-1 a.m. Wheelock Inn, 82 Wheelock Ave., Millbury. Concert - Reverie, Harp and Cello Duo. Reverie was formed in 2000 when Christine Tsen and Kathy Burmeister were inspired by their impromptu duet performance at an Apple Tree Arts faculty concert. Reverie harmonizes the soulful lyrics of the cello with the angelic voice of the harp. They perform all styles of classical compositions while adding their own signature interpretations to each. Free with admission. 3-4 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111. “A Broadway Celebration”. Join the Worcester Children’s Chorus in a celebration of Broadway music past and present. $12 adult, $10 Senior/Student, $5 Children. 4-5:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, 19 Church Road, Shrewsbury. 508-767-7099. Disney In Concert, presented in partnership with The

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Jug Stompers, Blind Blake, Louis Armstrong, Bogus Ben Covington, Woodie Guthry, Pink Anderson, The Louvin Brothers, and lots more. 6-9 p.m. 3cross Brewing Company, 26 Cambridge St. Open Mic. Open to musicians, poets, comedians or anyone with a talent! Hosted by Stephen Wright. 6-9 p.m. Nu Cafe, 335 Chandler St. 508-926-8800 or nucafe.com The Merry Ploughboys Irish Pub Night. Back from Dublin, Ireland, by popular demand, the Merry Ploughboys are returning to Mechanics Hall for another rousing concert to get you ready for St. Patrick’s Day season. The group made its first Mass chusetts appearance at Mechanics Hall St. Patrick’s Day 2010, and it was an incredible night of Irish ballads, humorous stories and plenty of audience participation. This is a show you don’t want to miss as you experience a trip to the Emerald Isle without having to leave the States! 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 an a la carte menu of Irish draft beers and traditional pub food. Table Seating: $27; Balcony Seating: $22. Member discounts available. 6:30-10 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. 508-752-0888 or mechanicshall.org Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood. Now! The Electrifying Return of America’s Most Powerful Concert Force and Number One Selling Solo Artist in U.S. History! Garth Brooks Makes His First Appearance in Worcester in over 19 Years! Garth Brooks World Tour With Trisha Yearwood Friday, February 26th at 7:00 PM Saturday, February 27th 7:00 PM Sunday, February 28th at 7:00 PM DCU Center Worcester, MA The Event of Events! Garth is coming! Tickets on Sale now! 8 ticket limit! Buy only at the following: ticketmaster.com or ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks or Either Ticketmaster Express 1-866-448-7849 or 1-800-745-3000

*No sales at the venue box office or icketmaster outlets December 18th. Special Note: Select seats protected with paperless delivery. All seats sold best available ticket prices: $66.73 plus $2 facility fee plus $6.25 service charge = $74.98. Please go now to Ticketmaster. com/GarthBrooks and click “On Sale Tips” to create an account or refresh your existing Ticketmaster account for a quicker purchasing experience. 7-10 p.m., 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. DCU Center- Arena and Convention Center, Arena, 50 Foster St. 508-755-6800 or ticketmaster.com Suzanne Cabot with Pamela Hines and Justin Meyer. 7-10 p.m. Fish, 29 South Bolton St., Marlborough. 508-460-3474. Tequila Mockingbird Songs you want to hear, and songs you didn’t know you wanted to hear. Songs you want to hear, and songs you didn’t know you wanted to hear. We play both kinds of music, Rock and Roll! Tom Petty, G&R, Cranberries, Dropkick Murphys, Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead, Alanis Morissette, Sublime, Van N/A. 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water ST., 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. Assumption College Chorale Vocal Showcase. Soloists and small ensembles from the Assumption College Chorale present music from Broadway shows in a Vocal Showcase to raise funds for their 2016 Spring Tour. Tickets on sale at the door. $10 General Admission, $5 for students. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Assumption College: Hagan Campus Center, Hagan Hall, 500 Salisbury St. 508-767-7304. Echoes of Ecclesia. Christian Rock Band $5 Donation. 7:30-10 p.m. !Cafe con Dios!, Main room, 22 Faith Ave., Auburn. 508-579-6722. Live Music featuring Confounded Bridge. Playing Led Zeppelin from soaring vocals to those guitar riffs. $6/pp. 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Fireflys / Dante’s, 350 East Main St., Marlborough. 508-357-8883. Badmagick-Godsmack Tribute at the Cove. BadmagickGodsmack Tribute at the Cove! A full set of your favorite rock hits and a full set of Godsmack! $10 at the door 21+ Doors at 8pm Show starts at 9pm $10 at the door. 8 p.m.-midnight The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-363-1888 or find them on acebook. Auntie Trainwreck. Join your favorite Auntie as we make our first appearance ever at the orcester Marine Corps League on Lake Ave. in Worcester on Saturday, February 27th, 2016! It’s our first time bringing all the Classic Rock, Blues, Alternative and Party Favorites you love to the Worcester MCL, so come out and dance the night away! This event is open to the public, so grab your friends and head to Lake Ave. for another fantastic night out with Auntie Trainwreck and help us show the MCL who their favorite Auntie should be! 21+, $5, music starts nice and early at 8 pm! $5. 8 p.m.-midnight Marine Corps League, 181 Lake Ave. 508-829-7881 or find them on Facebook. Brian Chaffee. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585. Dan Kirouac & Steve Kirouac. Dan has been part of the regional music scene for thirty years. When not busy with the tribute band Beatles For Sales, his solo performances showcase vocals accompanied by a six-string acoustic guitar. From the one-hit wonders to the lost classics, from the 1960s to today, every show is a different experience, drawing from almost 500 contemporary and oldie songs. Steve Kirouac is the former lead guitarist for Rock Ave and Yellow Submarine. More information at dankirouac.com. Free. 8-11 p.m. Tavern on the Common, 249 Main St., Rutland. 508-886-4600. Gale County. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tavern on Central, 3 Central St., Ashburnham. 978-827-1272. Juke. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900. No Static: Steely Dan Tribute. If you saw them here last year, you know what a great show this is. No Static, one of the few Steely Dan tribute bands in the country, is made up of 10 musicians from around the Boston area. They specialize in expertly performing the music of “Steely Dan.” $18 advance; $22 day of show. 8-11 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 978-4254311 or tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com Scott Babineau. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580. The Dots. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Olde Post Office ub, 1 Ray St., North Grafton. 508-839-6106.

night day &

Two-Timers live at 8. No cost. 8-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177. Dustin Brideau. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster. Live Bands. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122. 9Teen blows your mind! Come see 9Teen at Point Breeze! New England’s best horn band returns to the lake for a night of horn driven R&B, funk and rock. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Point Breeze On the Lake, 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster. 508-943-0404. Ben Cote Band. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Breakaway Billiards, 104 Sterling St., Clinton. 978-365-6105. Best - Live Bands. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Speakers Night Club, 19 Weed St., Marlborough. 508-439-9314. Brasilian Dance Band. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Speakers Night Club, 19 Weed St., Marlborough. 508-439-9314. DJ DBBLD & DJ Scotty P. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Industry Bar Room, 109 Water St. 508-756-2100. Jubilee Gardens at Nick’s. With the mighty Ed Melikian on oud! Don’t miss this eclectic bag of tricks, all original & super groovy tunes, at a cool place to hand, listen to music, chat, great beers and German fare! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Karaoke. shangrilarestaurant.net Chinese & Japanese Restaurant 9 p.m.-midnight Shangri La, 50 Front St. 508-798-0888. King Moonracer. King Moonracer is one of the most exciting bands to hit the Worcester area. Their shows are full of energy and will have you gasping for air from all the dancing and crowd participation you will be doing! $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877 or thekingmoonracer.com Silverbacks. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. Tension. Classic rock and much more! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough. 508-842-8420. The Garage Boys. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. The Norm Tonelli Trio. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. Well Within Distance. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. 978-345-5051. Windfall. Windfall has performed throughout NE bringing great music and fun! Check us out at windfallrock.com 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Singapore Restaurant, 170 Whalon St., Fitchburg. 978-345-0132. XS. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Jillian’s - Worcester, 315 Grove St. 508-793-0900. Lavender Restaurant Karaoke. Join Magic Mike Entertainment DJ’s for Karaoke Night every Friday & Saturday Night! Free. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Lavender Restaurant, 519 Boston Post Road, Sudbury. magicmikeentertainment.com DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. DJ Reckless. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. DJ’s. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304-6044. Tequila Bonfire. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035. DJ 21+Canal. Closed 1/23/2016 N/A. 10:30 p.m.-1:40 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

>Sunday 28

Sunday Jam with Trigger. Afternoon Open Jam with full band set up including drums and keyboard. Bring your guitar, bass, harp, vocals, or whatever you play and join in! Hosted by Twisted Dawg! 2:30-6:30 p.m. Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main St., Holden. 508-829-4566. Concert - Brandeis University Chamber Choir. Brandeis University’s premier choral ensemble, the Brandeis Chamber Choir, is directed by Dr. Robert Duff. The singers in the Brandeis Chamber Choir are full-time, undergraduate music and non-music major students committed to innovative and quality performances and community outreach through choral music. Repertoire of the choir includes both a cappella and accompanied music from Western and Non-Western vocal traditions. Members of the Chamber Choir

The Worcester Model Railroaders Club holds its Annual Model Railroad Show & Sale Sunday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Auburn/Webster Elks lodge 2118, 754 Southbridge St., Auburn. Buy from model train dealers, see exhibits and displays and view an actual model train layout. Adults are $5, children under 12 are free. On the same day, you may also visit the new Worcester Model Railroaders Club Layout in Dudley, 137 Schofiel Ave.. No charge with show stamp, $2 without stamp. For more information, visit wmrr.org, email keenyg1122@charter.net or call 508-922-0239. also provide leadership in the Brandeis University Chorus. Free with admission. 3-4 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111. Matt Jaskot “Seasonal Soundscapes”. This solo piano recital will present works associated with the four seasons drawn from the traditional and modern classical literature (Chopin, Grieg, Ligeti, Ravel and Tchaikovsky) performed alongside new compositions by Jaskot and improvisations on jazz standards. Matthew Jaskot is a composer and pianist. As a performer, his primary focus is the presentation of works from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. He se ves on the music faculty at Clark University as well at the College of the Holy Cross Free and Open to the Public. 3-4:30 p.m. Clark University: Traina Center for the Arts, Razzo Hall, 92 Downing St. Worcester Chamber Music Society: Pinocchio’s Adventures in Funland, A Free Family Concert. Michael Gandolfis Pinocchio’s Adventures in Funland is a retelling of a few of the many adventures of Carol Collodi’s manic marionette. The piece is designed to entertain and educate young audiences by introducing them to the riches of classical music. Featuring artwork created by the students at the Seven Hills Charter Public School. Bring a new or gently used book to donate to Reliant Medical Group Foundation’s Reach Out and Read program and you will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a free family pass to the Eco arium. Free. 3-4 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. 508-217-4450, ext. 1 or worcesterchambermusic.org Shamrock Whiskey. Shamrock Whiskey is Worcester’s best up and coming jamband playing classic rock hits and originals with soaring improvisation! Free. 4-8 p.m. B-Man’s 140 Tavern, 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling. 978-422-9763. Amanda Cote - Acoustic Rock. 5-8 p.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. Big Jon Short. 5-8 p.m. Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-7529439. Five Choirs Lenten Concert. Continuing the tradition of an annual ecumenical concert, All Saints welcomes four other Worcester choirs. A program of choral anthems and congregational hymns. Reception to follow in Huntington Hall. Free. 5-6 p.m. All Saints Church, 10 Irving St. 508-752-3766. Hangover Hour at 5pm, then Andy Cummings at 8:30pm. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Bruce & Charlie, Back in Blues. Perfect end to a Sunday evening. Show starts at 6PM Donations Appreciated. 6-9 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877. Open Mic Sundays @ Plaza Azteca! 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”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or currently signed recording artists * Award-winning pro’s or semi-pro’s * Regularly gigging paid-performers * Published songwriters * Recording studio owner/ operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6-9 p.m. Plaza Azteca, 539 Lincoln St. Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood. Now!

The Electrifying Return of America_s Most Powerful Concert Force and Number One Selling Solo Artist in U.S. History! Garth Brooks Makes His First Appearance in Worcester in over 19 Years! Garth Brooks World Tour With Trisha Yearwood Friday, February 26th at 7:00 PM Saturday, February 27th 7:00 PM Sunday, February 28th at 7:00 PM DCU Center Worcester, MA The Event of Events! Garth is coming! Tickets on sale now! 8 ticket limit! Buy only at the following: ticketmaster.com or Either Ticketmaster Express 1-866-448-7849 or 1-800-745-3000 *No sales at the venue box office or icketmaster outlets December 18th. Special Note: Select seats protected with paperless delivery. All seats sold best available ticket prices: $66.73 plus $2 facility fee plus $6.25 service charge = $74.98. Please go now to Ticketmaster.com/GarthBrooks and click “On Sale Tips” to create an account or refresh your existing Ticketmaster account for a quicker purchasing experienc. 7-10 p.m., 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. DCU Center- Arena and Convention Center, Arena, 50 Foster St. 508-7556800 or ticketmaster.com Mikey Lynch’s Sunday Jam. Every week, Mikey Lynch hosts the Sunday Jam. Featuring very special guest performers. No cover. 7-11 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. Karaoke w/ Royal Crown. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. What We Do Productions & DJ Soup. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Industry Bar Room, 109 Water St. 508-756-2100.

>Monday 29

Strange Creek Battle of The Bands. 21+ with proper ID Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Blue Mondays - Live Blues. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122. Dan Burke! 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

>Tuesday 1

Storytime. Join us every week for storytime. Visit www.bn.com for details. Free. 11-11:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Millbury, 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike, Millbury. 508-865-2801 or bn.com Vertigo Trivia Night. Free to play and great prizes! Free. 7-10 p.m. Vintage Grille, 346 Shrewsbury St. 508-752-0558. Tuesday Open Mic Night @ Greendale’s Pub with Bill McCarthy Local Musicians Showcase! To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or currently signed recording artists * Award-winning pro’s or semi-pro’s * Regularly gigging paid-performers * published songwriters * Recording studio owner/operations * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350 or find them on acebook.

>Wednesday 2

geoEnvisioning. The human species now so dominates the world that we are transforming it profoundly. What are the consequences? How do we envision future states of the environment? To know the future, we must know the present, we must know the past, and we must know how to learn. Humans are adept at this, but sometimes the problems are so large that they are impossible to solve. With earth-observing satellites and machine learning, however, we now have the essential ingredients for geoEnvisioning--predicting and assessing future outcomes of human endeavors. This semester, Clark Labs and director J. Ronald Eastman will introduce us to both the beauty and scientific potential that g oEnvisioning affords through an exhibition of images created using Geographic Information System and Image Processing software. The exhibition will run from March 2 through May 11. Free. 4-6 p.m. Clark University: Dana Commons,

{ listings}

Higgins Lounge, Second Floor, 950 Main St. 508-793-7479. Wednesday Night Open Mic/Local Musician’s Showcase w/ Bill McCarthy @ Guiseppe’s. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 7:30-10:30 p.m. Guiseppe’s Grille, 35 Solomon Pond Road, Northborough. 508393-4405 or find them on acebook. Booty and The Jett. Ricky Booth on guitar and Dave Jette on harmonica play a mix of classic hits and originals with high flying leads in a jamband twist. 9 p.m.-midnight Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177. Ricky Booth live at 9. No cost. 9-11:59 p.m. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge, 266 Park Ave. 508-796-5177. Subterra: Damien Paul (Techno Night). For over a decade, Damien Paul built his name as New England’s party rocker of choice, playing massive events throughout the Northeast. As a co-founder of the Rabbit Revolution lifestyle brand, Damien has inspired a powerful following of young dance music enthusiasts. Phibanacci (MA) - Techy & Bassliney (Beatdown Productions) Phibonacci has been in and around the rave scene since 2001. Having listened to electronic music since the mid nineties, the discovery of a culture centered around this genre felt like coming home. Phibonacci began primarily as a visual artist. For many years, music and dance drove her visual art practice as she evolved from live painting at raves from 20022004 to VJing from 2004-2006 under the moniker, “VJ Phi”. Please be on your best behavior. $10 / 21+ w/ Proper ID Ladies Free before 10pm Open: 9PM-2AM $10 at the door-Ladies free before 10pm. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. 508-3631888 or find them on acebook.

arts

ArtsWorcester, ArtsWorcester 12th Annual College Show, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Feb. 26. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Friday, 1-4 p.m. 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 Assumption College: Emmanuel d’Alzon Library, 500 Salisbury St. 508-767-7272 or assumption.edu Booklovers’ Gourmet, “Winter Palette” Group Art Show, Through Feb. 27; Images from Word.A.Day Illustration Project by James Heroux, Tuesday - Thursday. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 55 East Main St., Webster. 508-949-6232 or er3.com Clark University: Schiltkamp Gallery, “Jump-DevolveWhisper”audio/video installations by Stephen DiRado & Matt Malsky, Through March 26. 92 Downing St. 508-793-7349. Clark University: University Gallery, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon-5 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. 950 Main St. 508-793-7349 or 508-7937113 or clarku.edu Clark’s Cafe and Art On Rotation Gallery, Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday - Saturday. Admission: Free for gallery. 310 High St., Clinton. 978-549-5822 or 978-365-7772 or aorgallery.com College of the Holy Cross: Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, Grammar: Recent Works by Matthew Gamber, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Feb. 27. 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 Danforth Museum of Art, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Hoops Hysteria

Sweepstakes Sponsored by

Enter your college bracket picks at worcestermagazine.com/hoops for your chance to WIN! 36

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

â&#x20AC;˘ FEBRUARY 25, 2016

night day &

Monday - Tuesday, noon-5 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 508-620-0050 or danforthmuseum.org EcoTarium, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $14.00 adults; $10 for children ages 2-18, college students with IDs & senior citizens. Children under 2 & EcoTarium members free. Additional charges apply for Tree Canopy Walkway, Explorer Express Train, planetarium programs & other special program. 222 Harrington Way. 508-9292700 or ecotarium.org Fisher Museum Harvard Forest, 324 N. Main St., Petersham. 978-724-3302 or harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu Fitchburg Art Museum, Hours: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, noon-4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. 978-345-4207 or fitchburgartmuseum.org Fitchburg Historical Society, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m.-midnight Wednesday, closed Thursday - Saturday. 50 Grove St., Fitchburg. 978-345-1157 or fitchburghistory.fsc.edu Fitchburg State University: Hammond Hall, Lalla Essaydi Art Exhibit, Through April 13. 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. fitchburgstate. edu Framed in Tatnuck, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 1099 Pleasant St. 508-770-1270 or framedintatnuck.com Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. 978-4563924 or fruitlands.org Gallery of African Art, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Donations accepted. 62 High St., Clinton. 978-265-4345 or 978-598-5000x12 or galleryofafricanart.org Highland Artist Group, 113 Highland St. highlandartistgroup.com 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 Ave. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org Museum of Russian Icons, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 11-3 a.m. Tuesday - Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 11-3 a.m. Friday, 9-3 a.m. Saturday. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (59 +), $7; Students, $5; Children 3-17, $5; Children <3, free. 203 Union St., Clinton. 978-598-5000 or 978-598-5000x17 or museumofrussianicons.org Old Sturbridge Village, Admission: $7 - $20 charged by age. Children under 3 free. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-733-1830 or 508-347-3362 or osv.org Park Hill Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 387 Park Ave. 774-696-0909. Post Road Art Center, Call to Artists: Hidden Exhibit 2016, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Feb. 25. Hours: closed Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 1 Boston Post Road, Marlborough. 508-4852580 or postroadartcenter.com Preservation Worcester, Hours: closed Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 10 Cedar St. 508-754-8760 or preservationworcester.org Prints and Potter Gallery: American Arts and Crafts Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 142 Highland St. 508-7522170 or printsandpotter.com Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts & Humanities, the Arts Center, Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 2-4 p.m. Saturday. 111 Main St., Southbridge. 508-346-3341 or qvcah.org Rollstone Studios, Hours: 11-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. Admission: free. 633 Main St., Fitchburg. 978-348-2781 or rollstoneartists.com Salisbury Mansion, Hours: closed Sunday - Wednesday, 1-8:30 p.m. Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 40 Highland St. 508-753-

8278 or worcesterhistory.org SAORI Worcester Freestyle Weaving Studio, 18 Winslow St. 508-757-4646 or 508-757-0116 or saoriworcester.com Sprinkler Factory, Cirque-mstantial Evidence, Sundays, Saturdays, through Feb. 27; Cirque-mstantial Evidence Closing Reception, Saturday. Admission: Free. 38 Harlow St. sprinklerfactory.com Taproot Bookstore, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 1200 West Boylston St. 508-853-5083 or TaprootBookstore.com Tatnuck Bookseller & Cafe, Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday Saturday. 18 Lyman St., Westborough. 508-366-4959 or tatnuck.com The Foster Gallery, 51 Union St. 508-397-7139 or thefostergallery.com It’s time for the 2016 Wachusett Polar Dip for Camp Sunshine. Don’t miss it Saturday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m., at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton. Help reach a goal of raising $40,000, enough to send 16 Massachusetts families to Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine. The fun starts at 11 a.m. The plunge is at 1 p.m. For more information, email visit csun.convio.net, email events@campsunshine.org or call 207-655-3800.

Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, Hours: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. 21 Prichard St., Fitchburg. 978-342-2809 or 978-297-4337 or topfunaviation.com Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $12 Adults, $9 Seniors & $7 Youth, free to Members & Children under. 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111 or towerhillbg.org Worcester Art Museum, Art Carts: Family Fun - Cyanotypes, Thursday; Art Carts: Family Fun - Medieval Architecture, Thursday; Cyanotypes: Photography’s Blue Period , Through April 24; Hassan Hajjaj: My Rock Stars, Through March 6; Nude Drawing in the Galleries, Thursdays, through Feb. 25; Pierre Bonnard, Dining Room in the Country, Through June 19; Veiled Aleppo, Through June 5; Art Carts: Family Fun - Loyalists and Patriots , Friday; Art carts: Family Fun - Tapestry Weaving, Friday; Arms and Armor: The Viking Age!, Saturday; Art Carts: Family Fun - Fun and Games , Saturday; Zip Tour: 15th Century: Italian Renaissance and Flemish Art, Saturday; Arms and Armor: Knight’s Tale, Sunday; Art Carts: Family Fun - Arms and Armor , Sunday; Sunday Public Tour, Sundays, through Dec. 18. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Free for members, $14 adults, $12 seniors, free for youth 17 and under. Free for all first Saturdays of each month, 10am-noon. 55 Salisbury St. 508-7994406 or worcesterart.org Worcester Center for Crafts, Exhibition: Culinary Imaginings, Photography by Donna Dufault, through Feb. 27. Drop Off Day for NOW! New Works, New Artists, Sunday; Exhibition: NOW! New Works, New Artists, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Feb. 28 - March 5. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183 or worcestercraftcenter.org Worcester Historical Museum, Students Refl ct on MLK Jr.: 2016 Art Contest Winners, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Feb. 27. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 30 Elm St. 508-753-8278 or worcesterhistory.org Worcester Public Library, Hours: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday - Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. 3 Salem Square. 508-799-

1655 or worcpublib.org WPI: George C. Gordon Library, 100 Institute Road. wpi.edu

theater/ comedy

{ listings}

You’re Perfect, Now Change” is written by Tony Award Winner Joe DiPietro with music by Jimmy Roberts. This production contains mature language and subject matter. Adult $15 Student/Senior Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape at Park Grill & Spirits $12. 2-4 p.m., 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Southgate at Shrewsbury, Flanagan Fri & Sat Feb 26th & 27th Steve Bjork Dave Lamb and friends Fri Theater, 30 Julio Drive, Shrewsbury. Call 508-925-0583 or visit March 4th-Special Event! Operation Friendship Fundraiser Tix @ regattaplayers.com $25pp Joe Larson Sean Sullivan and friends Sat March 5th Joe Disney in Concert - Saturday, February 27. Come be enchanted Larson Sean Sullivan and friends Fri & Sat March 11th & 12th Dick by Disney in Concert Magical Music From The Movies with the San Doherty Stacy Kendro and friends Fri & Sat March 18th & 19th Francisco Symphony, conductor Steven Reineke, projected video Robbie Printz Pete Costello and friends Fri & Sat March 25th & 26th clips from iconic Disney films, and four leading ocalists. Every new Al Park Scott Higgins and friends Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape generation has a favorite Disney musical, whether it’s The Little at Park Grill & Spirits Great Food and Fun Make Reservations Early at Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King or Frozen. 800-401-2221 or online at beantowncomedy.com. $20 per person And then there are the classics, from a Mary Poppins medley to the except Special Events. Showtimes: Friday 9pm-Saturdays 8pm “Yo ho” of Pirates of the Caribbean. When everyone joins together -$20pp Reservations Recommended at 800-401-2221 Prices: $20 for memorable moments and melodies that Mouseketeers of all ages Fri/Sat pp except Special Events Drinks and Appetizers available in know by heart, it feels like a small world, after all. 4-6 p.m. Hanover the show room Full Dinner Available before Show in Restaurant $5off Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St. Call 877-571-7469 with College ID and Reservations 2 for 1 Active Military or Veterans or visit thehanovertheatre.org and Reservations $4 off with Dinner Receipt and Reservations. Park Comedy Show and Italian Dinner - Saturday, February 27. Grill and Spirits, Comedy Room, 257 Park Ave. Call 800-401-2221 or Enjoy our delicious Italian Dinner, while laughing the night away. visit beantowncomedy.com Get your tickets online today! 3 Comedians plus our Italian Dinner. “The American of Wisconsin and the Story of Two Featuring comedians Michael Petit, Pete Costello and Joe Henert. Lovers by a Bridge” - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Cocktail Hour 6-7 PM, Dinner 7PM, Show Begins 8:15PM 35. 6-10 Fridays, Saturdays, Tuesday, February 23 - Saturday, February 27. p.m. Blissful Meadows Golf Club, 801 Chockalog Road, Uxbridge. Call By John Oluwole ADEkoje Directed by Danny Balel The American 508-278-6110 or visit blissfulmeadows.com of Wisconsin and the Story of Two Lovers by a Bridge is the story Lunasa - Saturday, February 27. Comprising Seán Smyth (fiddle of a man out of his element, trying to find out w o he is and how and low whistles), Kevin Crawford (flute, ow whistles and tin he can adapt to his surroundings. This play, by Boston playwright whistles), Cillian Vallely (uilleann pipes and low whistles), Trevor Jon ADEkoje, confronts love, art, and race, all through the lens of Hutchinson (double bass) and the group’s newest member Ed Boyd storytelling and entertainment. How will the protagonist, Gbengo, (guitar), Lúnasa delivers music with a passion that informs every confront these aspects of his life? Free with a college ID and $5 for note and continues to define and redefine the genre. heir innovative the public! 7:30-9 p.m. Clark University: Little Center, Michelson arrangements and unique approach to the music create a singular Theater, 950 Main St. Call 508-793-7356. sound that has propelled Irish acoustic music from familiar ground Someday - Friday, February 26. By Drew Hayden Taylor Directed by into surprising and exciting new territory. One of the most popular Marty BlackEagle Presented by Algonquin Theatre Projects Opening bands on the international Celtic music scene, the all-star quintet Reception, Friday February 26, 6:00-7:15 PM February 26,27 & delivers music with a passion that informs every note and continues March 4,5 at 7:30 PM February 28 at 2:00 PM Anne Wabung’s to define and redefine the genre. heir innovative arrangements daughter was taken away by children’s aid workers as a toddler. It and unique approach to the music create a singular sound that has is Christmas time 35 years later and Anne is yearning to see her propelled Irish acoustic music from familiar ground into surprising now-grown daughter is stronger than ever. Full of Taylor’s distinctive and exciting new territory. “This is the hottest Irish acoustic group wit and humor, Someday is based on the real-life tragedies suffered on the planet” - The New York Times “Lúnasa is a very different Irish by many Native Canadian families. Tickets: $15, $13 seniors. band in many ways,” explains Cillian Vallely. “It’s an all-instrumental Reservations: 608-875-1463 (VM) shadweagle@gmail.com or band. We have a double bass. We play a very diverse selection of credit card payment at www.eventsnearhere/someday Produced by music, including our own compositions, melodies from other Celtic Special Arrangement with Drew Hayden Taylor. $13-15. 6-9 p.m. regions such as Brittany, Galicia, Asturias, and Scotland, and slower Alternatives Whitin Mill Complex: GB and Lexi Singh Performance melodies, often involving three-part harmonies. The melodies are Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville. Call 508-875-1463. played on the traditional instruments of pipes, fiddle and flute, but th Cabaret - Friday, February 26 - Saturday, February 27. Step into rhythmic and harmonic style-the bass and guitar style-give the band the dark and decadent Kit Kat Club where excitement is high and a very contemporary sound.” $36 adult $33 child/senior. 7:30-9:30 inhibitions are low, where the girls are pretty (and so are the boys)! p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick. Cabaret singer Sally Bowles and her American lover play out their Call 413-477-6746. romance as the Nazi party rises to power in Germany. This awardSeparate Beds - Sunday, February 28. Gateway Players Theatre winning musical features classic Kander and Ebb songs like Maybe presents “Separate Beds” by MJ Cruise. Performance dates are This Time, Money, and of course, Cabaret. What good is sitting alone February 19, 20, 26, & 27 at 7:30pm and February 28 at 2pm. This in your room, come to the Cabaret! February 26, 27, March 4, 5 at production is directed by Mary Gahagan and produced by Barbara 8:00pm; March 6 at 2:00pm $22. 8-10:30 p.m. Gardner High School, Day. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for seniors and children, and 100 Catherine St., Gardner. Call 978-630-9388 or visit mwcc.edu available for purchase by calling 508-764-4531. To purchase tickets I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change - Sundays, Fridays, online, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2482729. Saturdays, Friday, February 26 - Sunday, February 28. Shrewsbury’s Presented by permission through special arrangement with own community theater group, The Regatta Players, will present their Playwrights Guild of Canada. Synopsis: Two couples navigate through first ever winter musical, “I ove You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”. their relationship on a Caribbean cruise. One seems “perfect” the Join them for a harmonious ride that comments on the trials and other seems “stormy”. The truth and lies of each marriage comes to tribulations of relationships in the modern world. Told through a series the surface as they celebrate their anniversaries at sea. Ernie and of SNL-style sketches and songs, this revue will have audiences Twink attempt to put the sizzle back into their marriage while Beth rollicking from the first date all the way to through marriage, hildren and Blake attempt to save theirs. This heartfelt comedy will ring true and beyond. A staple in contemporary musical theater, “I Love You, with any couple who has ever contemplated sleeping in-- Separate FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

night day &

{ listings}

>Sunday 28

Annual Model Railroad Show & Sale. Buy from model Beds. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for seniors and children. 2-4 train dealers, see exhibits and displays and view an actual model train layout. On the same day, you may also visit the new Worcester p.m. Gateway Players Theatre Arts Barn, 111 Main St., Southbridge. Model Railroaders Club Layout in Dudley. No charge with show Call 508-764-4531 or visit gatewayplayers.org stamp, $2 without stamp. Adults $5, Children Under 12 (with adult) Free. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Auburn/Webster Elks Lodge 2118, 754 Southbridge St., Auburn. 508-922-0239 or wmrr.org PJ Library’s and JCC Cultural Arts Present: The Mitten >Friday 26 String. 3-4:30 p.m. Worcester JCC, 633 salisbury St. 508-756Preschool Story and Nature Hour - Snow and Its Wonders. Enjoy an hour of nature-themed fun with your youngster. 1543 or jewishcentralmass.org We’ll read an engaging storybook, make a craft to take home, and >Tuesday 1 go for a walk on one of the sanctuary’s beautiful trails with lead Discovering Nature as a Preschooler - Spring 2016 teacher and naturalist, Chris Eaton. Participants are invited to stay for an additional half hour for free play in the classroom or play yard Tuesday Session I. This six-week series of nature classes and socialization. For ages 2.5 to 5 yrs. For more information and to is designed for young children ages 4 to 5 unaccompanied by a parent. Each week brings a new focus, but we’ll always begin register, call 978.464.2712. Free for adults, $2 child members, $3 indoors with games, activities, or crafts, and then explore the great child nonmembers. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mass Audubon: Wachusett outdoors on Broad Meadow Brook’s clearly marked trails. This is a Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 978wonderful opportunity for young children to learn about nature and 464-2712 or massaudubon.org meet other children, in a safe, caring environment. For ages 4 to 5 Homeschool - Continents, Countries, and Cultures $100 Mass Audubon Child Members, $125 Child Non-members. Sudan. Learn about the physical and cultural geography of Sudan, 9:30 a.m.-noon Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation including architecture, art, music, languages, traditions, and values. Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Ave. 508-753-6087 or This class will especially focus on the Dinka, a pastoral-agricultural massaudubon.org people who make up the largest ethnic group in South Sudan. Discovering Nature for Children Ages 5-8 - Spring Open to all ages, but recommended for ages 6 and up. Leaders: 2016. This six-week series of nature classes is designed for children Chris Eaton, Lead Educator, and Pam Chevalier, retired teacher ages 5-8. We’ll explore nature topics in-depth through hands-on and geography enthusiast. For more information and to register, experiments, activities and investigations. Then we’ll spend time call 978.464.2712. Free for adults, $8 child members, $12 child outdoors, putting our learning into action on the trails of Broad nonmembers. 1-3 p.m. Mass Audubon: Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Meadow Brook. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to deepen Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 978-464-2712 or their knowledge of nature in a supportive environment. For more massaudubon.org information and to register, call 508.753.6087. $100 Mass Audubon Child Members, $125 Child Non-members. 1-3 p.m. Mass Audubon: >Saturday 27 Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Alumni Ski Day at Wachusett Mountain. Fitchburg 414 Massasoit Ave. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org State University alumni and their families are invited to Wachusett Mountain on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 8 AM - 3 PM to enjoy a fun-filled day on the s opes. You can get discounts on lift tickets, rentals and lessons by reserving your spot in advance. Alumni who visit us in the Beech Room Skybox at the mountain will be entered for a chance to win Red Sox tickets and Wachusett COW cash! alumni discounts on lift tickets, rentals and lessons. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. >Sunday 28 Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Beech Room Skybox, 499 Mountain 187th Annual Camellia Show. 187th Annual Camellia Show Road, Princeton. 978-665-4555 or support.fitchburgstate.edu free with admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 187th Annual Camellia Show. 187th Annual Camellia Show French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111. free with admission. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 Model Railroad Show. Massachusetts, Auburn - Worcester French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111. Model Railroaders Annual Show and Open House, Sunday, February Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Celebration. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! 28, 2016, 10 AM to 3:30 PM at the Auburn Elks, 754 Southbridge St, Join us in celebrating the beloved Dr. Seuss’s birthday (March 2) (Route12), Auburn, MA. The Amherst Modular Club will have one of on Saturday, February 27 at 11:00AM. At this fun celebration you their layouts on display. Admission $5, children under 12, with adult, can pin the tail on Horton, decorate your own Cat in the Hat hat and free. Contact: Ralph A. Kimball, Jr., 508-755-1873, ralphkimball@ more. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled torytime! Follow us on Twitter charter.net, web site: wmrr.org for further information and directions. @BN-Millbury. Free. 11-11:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble Booksellers Worcester Model Railroaders, Inc., one of the oldest Model Railroad Millbury, 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike, Millbury. 508-865-2801. Clubs on the East Coast, is holding an open house, in conjunction Free Simple Supper - Mac and Cheese. As part of the with its annual show and sale at the Elks in Auburn, on February mission of Elm Street Congregational Church, our members provide 28, 2016 from 10AM to 3 PM at the Stevens Linen Complex, 137 a free supper to Church members and any resident of the greater Schofield ve, Dudley, MA. Our 43x 51 HO scale operating layout Southbridge community each month. Please note that the suppers depicts the Boston & Albany line from Boston to Springfield with a are held on the fourth Saturday of every month. Simple Supper branch line into Rhode Island and Connecticut. Visitors will be able Saturday, February 27th 4:30pm-6:00pm all are invited mac & to observe club members operating steam and diesel trains and cheese just-baked breads & spreads salad desserts beverages We operate a train themselves. Handicapped accessible. Free with show are always looking for people to help out with the preparation and stamp. Admission/donation $2, under 12, with adult, free. For further serving of the supper. If you can help out in any way, please contact information and directions: pjsmithross@aol.com, wmrr.org 10 a.m. Barb Lammert. Fellowship Hall Elm Street Congregational Church 61 to 3:30 p.m. Auburn Elks Club, 754 Southbridge St., Auburn. 508Elm Street, Southbridge, MA 508-764-8058 Free Let us break bread 373-2760 or wmrr.org together and Share in the fellowship of each other’s company. Free - Donation Accepted. 4:30-6 p.m. Elm Street Congregational Church, >Wednesday 2 Fellowship Hall, 61 Elm St., Southbridge. 508-764-8058 or find them Read Across America/ Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration. on Faebook.

family

fairs/ festivals

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

The Cat in the Hat visits Storytime to celebrate Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’s birthday with us! Volunteers from Girls Inc. will read and provide a craft. Free. 4-5 p.m. Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Millbury, 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike, Millbury. 508-865-2801 or bn.com

college sports

basketball Men’s

Holy Cross Feb. 27 @ Boston University, Boston, 12 p.m. March 1 Patriot League Tournament, TBA, First Round, TBA Assumption Feb. 20 Home vs. Saint Michael’s, 3 p.m. Feb. 23 @ Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH, 7:30 p.m. Nichols Feb. 25 Commonwealth Coast Conference Semifinal, 7 p.m. Feb. 27 Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship WPI Feb. 27 Vs. MIT, Babson Park, 2:30 p.m., NEWMAC Tournament Semifinal Feb. 28 NEWMAC Tournament, Babson Park, 12 p.m.

Women’s

Holy Cross Feb. 27 Vs. Boston University, Worcester, Social Media Night/Senior Day, 1:05 p.m. March 2 @ Loyola, MD, Baltimore, MD, 7 p.m. Nichols Feb. 25 Commonwealth Coast Conference Semifinal, TB Feb. 27 Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship WPI Feb. 27 NEWMAC Tournament Semifinals, 7:30 p.m Feb. 28 NEWMAC Tournament Championship, Babson Park, 3 p.m.

ice hockey Men’s

Holy Cross Feb. 26 @ Sacred Heart, Milford, CT, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 27 Vs. Sacred Heart, Worcester, Senior Night, 7:05 p.m. Becker Feb. 27 @ Nichols, ECAC Northeast Quarterfinal, 4:40 p.m Assumption Feb. 27 @ TBD, Northeast 10 Finals Nichols Feb. 27 Vs. Becker, Harrisville, RI, ECAC Northeast Quarterfinal 4:40 p.m March 2 ECAS Northeast Semifina

Women’s

Holy Cross Feb. 27 @ NEHC Open Tournament, Sacred Heart/St. Michael’s, Manchester N.H., 1 p.m. Feb. 28 NEHC Open Tournament, Finals, Manchester, NH, TBA Becker Feb. 27 @ SUNY Canton, CHC Quarterfinals, 7 p.m. Nichols Feb. 19 Home vs. Holy Cross, 6:40 p.m. Feb. 20 Home vs. Plymouth State, 4:40 p.m.

swimming & diving

WPI (Men’s) Feb. 26 NCAA Diving Regionals Day 1, Wellesley, TBA Feb. 27 NCAA Diving Regionals Day 1, Wellesley, TBA WPI (Women’s) Feb. 26 NCAA Diving Regionals Day 1, Wellesley, TBA Feb. 27 NCAA Diving Regionals Day 1 @ Wellesley, TBA

track & fiel Men’s

Holy Cross Feb. 26 @ Boston, New England Indoor Championship, 10 a.m. Feb. 27 @ Boston, New England Indoor Championship, 10 a.m. Worcester State Feb. 26 @ BU, All New England Championships Feb. 27 @ BU, All New England Championships Assumption Feb. 26 @ New England Indoor Championship, Boston University Feb. 27 @ New England Indoor Championship, Boston University WPI Feb. 26 All New England Championships Day 1, Boston University, TBA Feb. 27 All New England Championships Day 2, Boston University, 10 a.m.

Women’s

Holy Cross Feb. 26 @ Boston, New England Indoor Championship, 10 a.m. Feb. 27 @ Boston, New England Indoor Championship, 10 a.m. Worcester State Feb. 26 @ BU, All New England Championships Feb. 27 @ BU, All New England Championships Assumption Feb. 26 @ New England Indoor Championship, Boston University Feb. 27 @ New England Indoor Championship, Boston University WPI Feb. 26 All New England Indoor Championship, Boston University, TBA Feb. 27 All New England Indoor Championship, Boston University, Day 2, 10 a.m.

baseball

Holy Cross Feb. 26 @ William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 4 p.m. Feb. 27 @ William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 2 p.m. Feb. 28 @ William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 1 p.m. Becker Feb. 28 Vs. Plymouth State, @ Franklin Pierce, 12 p.m. Feb. 28 Vs. Plymouth State, @ Franklin Pierce, 2:30 p.m. Assumption Feb. 27 @ Mansfield, Ca y, North Carolina, 12 p.m. Feb. 27 @ Mansfield, Ca y, North Carolina, 3 p.m. Feb. 28 @ Mansfield, Ca y, North Carolina, 10 a.m. Feb. 28 @ Mansfield, Ca y, North Carolina, 1 p.m.

lacrosse Men’s

Holy Cross Feb. 27 @ Lehigh, Bethlehem, PA, 12 p.m. Clark University Feb. 27 Vs. UMass-Dartmouth, 1 p.m. Becker Feb. 27 @ Johnson & Wales, Rhode Island, 1 p.m. Nichols March 2 Vs. Rivier, 6 p.m.

Women’s

Holy Cross March 2 @ New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 4 p.m. Becker Feb. 27 Vs. Green Mountain, 2 p.m. Assumption March 1 Vs. American International, 4 p.m.

wrestling

WPI Feb. 27 NCAA Regionals, Springfield, 11 a.m., Day Feb. 28 NCAA Regionals, Springfield, 10 a.m., Day

www.centralmassclass.com

LOOK TO US FOR... Legal Notices • Items for Sale Service Directory • Snow Plow Directoy Yard Sale & Flea Market Directory Special Events Directory Help Wanted • Real Estate • Autos Sudoku & Crossword & Much More!

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

SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT

REAL ESTATE

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

MERCHANDISE

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

READERS NOTICE

SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

FENCE & STONE

Readers Notice:

BUSINESS SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

Insurance Marketing Agency Covering all your Business, Home, Auto, Life and Benefits needs. Call Mike 508-4711118 map@imaagency.com

Is Your Home True Pro Clean? True Pro Cleaners. Monthly Specials. Call Today@ 978-987-3911 Steam Cleaning, Carpets, Upholstery, Tile & Grout. Free Est. www.trueprocleaners.com Phillipston, MA 978-987-3911

Kurt Smollin, Electrician All your electrical needs. Additions, pools, spas, service upgrades. 30 yrs exp. Quality work. Masters Lic. 20050A Insured. Call (508)829-5134

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

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

This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the local Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in face be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of doing business with these advertisers. Thank you.

INSPIRATION

Need a friend? Call Dial-A-Friend

508.852.5242

Inspirational Messages Recorded Daily

24 Hours Everyday

BUILDING/ REMODELING BUILDING/REMODELING

CHIMNEY CLEANING Carrigan Building & Remodeling Kitchens, baths, trim work, ceramic, etc. Hdwd flooring, basements. Meticulous work, punctual & dependable. Fully lic/insured, free est. Steve Carrigan, owner. 508-269-5167 Jeff Downer Carpentry For all your building & remodeling needs. Lic. & ins. Free estimates. 508-835-4356 www.jeffdownercarpentry.com Email: jtdowner@yahoo.com Regen Building Restoration Remodeling New homes - Additions Kitchen & Bath Remodels Complete Restoration Fully Licensed & Insured 774-696-7437 nick@regenbuilders.com regenbuilders.com

BATHTUB REFINISHING

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

Don’t Replace,

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

CLEANING SERVICES Virtue’s Cleaning Cleaning is a virtue. Meticulous, reasonable, reliable. Call me at 508-925-5575 Tired of cleaning your house? Let this Polish mother/daughter team do it for you! 15 yrs experience & excellent references. Call us today! 774-364-1529

“Yesterday, my bathtub was ugly.

Today, it’s beautiful!”

After! ALL WORK GUARANTEED

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

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

See our work at MiracleMethod.com/

F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16 • W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

www.centralmassclass.com

JONESINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sop, Just Sopâ&#x20AC;?--time for one letter to go. by Matt Jones

$FURVV 1RW SOXJJHG LQ $UWLVWÂˇV WULEXWH %DZO RXW :DWHU Ă&#x20AC;OWHU EUDQG %HGHOLD RI NLGGLH OLW +DP SUHSDUHU SHUKDSV %HIRUH WR .HDWV ,QVWDQW FRIIHH EUDQG WKDWÂˇOO VKRFN \RX DZDNH" 0DUN 7ZDLQÂˇV UHDO ODVW QDPH )HQGHU 6WUDWRFDVWHU LQYHQWRUÂˇV ]RGLDF VLJQ DSWO\ 0LQHUDO KDUGQHVV VFDOH Â´8Q PRPHQWR BBB IDYRUÂľ %XWFKHUÂˇV FXWV 0HGDO RI +RQRU UHFLSLHQW 1RWZLWKVWDQGLQJ /\IW DOWHUQDWLYH *DVROLQH DGGLWLYH 'LU RSSRVLWH 11: %LJ JROI FRPSHWLWLRQ XVLQJ GHYLFHV HPLWWLQJ HOHFWURPDJQHWLF ZDYHV" &%6 VHJPHQW IRU VKRUW" 0LOLWDU\ VKRXOGHU SDG &RVPHWLFV FRPSDQ\ WKDW VHOOV GRRU WR GRRU 7LHV LQ ZLWK

$FWUHVV &DWKHULQH BBB -RQHV 'HOL KDQJHU Â´7KH BBB ,V 0LJKWLHUÂľ Â´&HOHEULW\ -HRSDUG\Âľ FDWHJRU\ RQ Â´61/Âľ

/LNH PDUNHG XS WH[WERRNV Â´(SLF BBB %DWWOHV RI +LVWRU\Âľ 2QHWLPH PDOO ERRNVWRUH QDPH 3OD\ E\ SOD\ DQQRXQFHU VKRZ PL[HG ZLWK D SROLFH SURFHGXUDO" Â´6RXWK 3DUNÂľ EDE\ EURWKHU Â´7DSÂľ VWDU *UHJRU\ 7LPH RXW %\JRQH SHULRG 6WDUW RI D &DHVDUHDQ WULR Â´6WDU 7UHNÂľ FDSWDLQÂˇV RUGHU -RLQHG WKH WDEOH 'RZQ &UXGH RLO FDUWHO )ROG DV D Ă DJ 8QFHQVRUHG PHGLD 'HWUDFWRU &RXQWU\ VRXWK RI ,UDQ

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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!

Who said nothing in life is free? 3LJVW\ VR WR VSHDN 3DUW RI ,3$ Â´7KH BBB )URP ,SDQHPDÂľ 0LQLPDO HIIRUW $FDG 1HZ <RUN SROLWLFR $QGUHZ +XQWHU RI *UHHN P\WK &DIH FRQ BBB 6SDQLVK GULQN

$WWLUH *URZ IRQG RI Â´:KHUH WR ,QYDGH 1H[WÂľ GLUHFWRU 0LFKDHO Â´BBB /XJRVLÂˇV 'HDGÂľ %DXKDXV VRQJ

$PELHQW QRLVHV IURP DSSOLDQFHV H J 3ODFH WR GR \RXU ELGGLQJ /RVHV KRSH Â´$W /DVWÂľ VLQJHU -DPHV DQG QDPHVDNHV *LYH D KRRW Â´7KH $OFKHPLVWÂľ QRYHOLVW BBB &RHOKR Â´/DG\ BBBÂľ &KULV GH %XUJK KLW

/DYD ODPSÂˇV KH\GD\ /LWWOH EUDW )LHU\ ,WDOLDQ ODQGPDUN /RQJWLPH 135 KRVW 'LDQH UHWLULQJ LQ

Â´BBB WRY Âľ 7RN\R UROOV -HOOLHG WRPDWR GLVK Â´%OHHGLQJ /RYHÂľ VLQJHU /HZLV 5HOHYDQW LQ OHJDOHVH 2XW RI VW\OH 1HHG D EDFNUXE VD\ 1XLVDQFH % DV LQ ERX]RXNL .QRFN RXW 6RXWKHUQ VWHZ LQJUHGLHQW Â´7KDWÂˇV VXSHU Âľ 0DR BBB 7XQJ $)75$ PHUJHU SDUWQHU

Last week's solution

ÂŠ2015 Jonesinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) Reference puzzle #768

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

â&#x20AC;˘ F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16

Run your four line ad for FREE for two weeks and then you have to the option to run your ad until it sells for $20! Or you may run your ad from the beginning until it sells for $20 (no refund if the item sells within the two weeks)

SUBMIT ITEMS UNDER $2016 FOR FREE! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all you need to do! 3 ways to submit ...

1. Mail completed form to Central Mass ClassiďŹ eds, P.O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520 2. OR FAX the completed form to 508-829-0670 3. OR Email the info with name/address/phone number to sales@centralmassclass.com

NO PHONE ORDERS ACCEPTED FOR FREE ADS

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY ... We are not liable for misinformation due to ad being illegible: Have you advertised in the Central Mass ClassiďŹ eds before? Please check one. ___Yes ___No Name ________________________________________________Phone___________________________ Address ___________________________________________ Town _________________Zip _________ Email Address (optional) _________________________________________________________________ Ad Text: (approx 28 characters per line includes letters, spaces, numbers, punctuation) _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE READ SUBMISSION RULES: Maximum 4 lines (approx. 28 characters per line). We reserve the right to edit if ads come in that are too long. NO phone orders accepted. See ways to submit above. Merchandise Ads Only- NO autos, snowmobiles, RVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, trailers, boats, ATVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, etc. We have a special rate for these ads ($20 till it sells). NO business Ads accepted for this section. If we suspect the ads are being sent in by a business, we reserve the right to refuse. Limit 1 ad per name/address/ phone number every 2 weeks. Free Ads will run for 2 weeks. If you choose to run your ad until it sells for $20, no refund will be given if it sells within the ďŹ rst two weeks. Limit 1 item per ad (group of items OK if one price for all and under $2016). Price must be listed in ad. NO Cemetery Plots.

Sudoku Puzzle Solution on last page of ClassiďŹ eds

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

FURNITURE RESTORATION

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

GLASS

Wachusett Painting Co. Let our skilled painters complete your painting needs. Exteriors & Interiors Competitive prices. Call or email today for an appointment for your free estimate. 508-479-6760 Email: wachupainting@gmail.com Credit Cards Accepted

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

PAINT/WALLPAPER

PLUMBING JOSH SHEA PLUMBING

Specializing in plumbing service and repairs.18+ years of experience. Licensed & Insured Master Plumber #13680 joshsheaplumbing.com 508868-5730 ROOFING

HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING Rutland Heating & A/C SERVICE & INSTALLATION "We cater to the independent oil customer!" Rutland, MA Call 774-234-0306 HOME IMPROVEMENT C&R, Remodeling, additions, & all home improvements, 25 yrs exp. new & historic, David, 508-829-4581 508-829-4581

FOSTER PARENTS

DiVirgilio Services

LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE

)267(5 3$5(176 :$17('

Tree and Landscape Tree trimming, Removal Stump Grinding Insured 978-870-6837

PAINT/WALLPAPER Interior Painting Only $149 Average 12x16 room. Prompt service. Reliable. Refs. Dutch Touch Painting 508-867-2550

HEATING & PLUMBING

LAWN & GARDEN

WELLS

Paul G. Hanson Furniture Repair. Major/Minor Repairs. Chair regluing. Touch ups. Pick-up & delivery. Call Paul (978)464-5800

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

TREE SERVICES

Mark R. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell, Inc. Roofing Experts Licensed & Insured Residential, Commercial & Industrial Specialize in Shingle, Flat Rubber & Metal Roofs Prices as Low as $2 per Square Foot! Free Estimates 978-534-3307 modonnell@mrogc.com www.mrogc.com

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

SNOW PROFESSIONALS DIRECTORY DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GET SNOWED IN THIS WINTER... Call a Professional!

~ Since 1965 ~

SNOW PLOWING TREE TRIMMING BRUSH CHIPPING Residential & Commercial SERVING THE HOLDEN AREA

508.829.3809

Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tree & Landscaping Enhancing the view from your home. Custom & Ornamental Pruning. Mulching. Planting. Lawn Mowing. Tree Removal. Certified Arborist. Call for consultation & free estimate. (508)829-6803. davestreeandlandscaping.com LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE Burnham Maintenance Clean-ups. Lawn Maintenance. Shrub Pruning. Bark Mulch, Screened Loam & Compost. Patios & Walkways. Fertilization Programs. Deliveries Available. Please call 508-829-3809

A.R.I Grounds Maintenance Early season DISCOUNTS!

A.R.I Grounds Maintenance is now scheduling for spring cleanupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and weekly mowing maintenance! Call before April 1st to schedule spring cleanup and receive 15% off quote. Call before April 1st for weekly mowing maintenance and enroll into our "skip a payment program!" 978-464-2809 MULCH & LOAM

6HHNLQJ IDPLOLHV WKURXJKRXW &HQWUDO 0DVVDFKXVHWWV ZKR DUH LQWHUHVWHG LQ LPSURYLQJ D FKLOGÂśV OLIH &DOO WR LQTXLUH DERXW RXU XSFRPLQJ IRVWHU SDUHQW WUDLQLQJ 6,*1,1* %2186 &DOO IRU 'HWDLOV 0XVW PHQWLRQ WKLV DG GXULQJ LQTXLU\

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

www.devereuxma.org HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED LOCAL

Tolerance Health Care Aid Is Needed ASAP!!! Experience healthcare aid is needed urgently to take care of elderly people CNA optional, $970 per week, Send resume to behrendsroxanne@yahoo.com for details. 866-339-6589

The Sterling Council on Aging is seeking to fill the part-time position of the Meal Site Coordinator to run the congregate meal site at the Senior Center. The position is for 15 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 10 AM - 1 PM at $14.26 an hour. For more information and to fill out an application and CORI, please contact the Sterling Senior Center at 978-422-3032 or kphillips@sterling-ma.gov. EOE/AA

HELP WANTED LOCAL School bus driver wanted Sutton Public Schools. Immediate opening. Will train to get license. Call Susan Rothermich 508-581-1651. FT Foreman & Laborers Seasonal Drivers (Apr-July) Retirees & Others Welcome MikeLynchEnterprises.com 774-535-1470

Expert StafďŹ ng in partnership with Injectronics

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

Are hiring for all shifts. 1st-2nd & 3rd all 8 hours shifts Production Associates: Maintain production and quality of injection molded and assembled products.

EMPLOYMENT

Please apply at: 557 Lancaster Street Suite 102 Leominster, MA

HELP WANTED Church Needs Sexton Someone needed to take care of our church. $15.06/hour, 10 hrs/ wk. 978-422-6657

978 798 1610Â Â Â Walk-ins welcome barbara.sidilau@expert-stafďŹ ng.com

MERCHANDISE CEMETERY PLOTS Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA 2 lots in Heritage II w/vaults. $2,500.00 for both. Call Rick at 508-450-7470 Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA Garden of Heritage II. 2 Lots w/vaults. Current value $8300.00 Asking $3950.00 for both or B/O. Call Jim 508-769-8107 Worc. County Memorial Park Paxton, MA Grave sites. 2 lots, Good Shepherd. Plot 147, graves 3 & 4. $5000.00 each. B/O Call Kris 508-735-9996 Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, MA Garden of the Cross Premier Location, Must sell Value $5250 Asking $4000 OBO 508-799-5678

F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16 â&#x20AC;˘ W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

SERVICE DIRECTORY

www.centralmassclass Call Sales at 978-728-4302 .com to place your ad or e-mail sales@centralmassclass.com

BUILDING & REMODELING

Regen

CAREER BUILDING SAMPLE Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go blindly into an interview! ABC Career Training aini can help with interview interrview training, resume ressume writing, management mannageme and leadership training lead leade and so much more!

building â&#x20AC;˘ restoration â&#x20AC;˘ remodeling

e l p

New Homes â&#x20AC;˘ Additions Kitchen & Bath Remodels Complete Restoration Fully Licensed & Insured

774-696-7437

nick@regenbuilders.com www.regenbuilders.com P.O. Box 3192 | Worcester, MA 01613

Call today! 555-555-5555 Put your Career Training Service in the spotlight! Advertise in the Service Directory for as little as $23 per week!

FLOOR COVERING

HOUSE CLEANOUTS

Flooring

CLEAN SLATE ESTATE Ĺ˝ĹľĆ&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Î&#x2DC; ,Ĺ˝ĆľĆ?Ä&#x17E; ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;ĹśĹ˝ĆľĆ&#x161;Ć?

30 Years in Business

Carpet Mills CARPET & LINOLEUM 30 Sq. Yds. $585 Installed with Pad Berber, Plush or Commercial

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL!

ASK about double blocks (size 3.75â&#x20AC;? x 1.75â&#x20AC;?) and COMBO pricing into our other zone and reach 40,600 households in 26 towns in Central Mass each week. FREE line ad included with each block purchased. Book for 52 weeks and receive a Spotlight Business of the Week! Ask for details!

ELECTRICAL SAMPLE

TOP HAT CHIMNEY SWEEP

JOHN SMITH ELECTRIC C SHOCKED OCKED CKED BY OTHER ELECTRICIANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ELECTRICIA ELECTRICIAN PRICES? PRIC PRICE

& 6 , $ &HUWLÂżHG 6ZHHS ,QVXUHG 3URIHVVLRQDO &OHDQHUV 6LQFH

5DQG\ 0RRUH

Call Today! 555-555-5555 johnsmithelectric.com

FENCE, STONE & CONCRETE

YOUR COMPLETE FENCE & STONE WORK COMPANY

â&#x20AC;˘ CONCRETE SPECIALISTS - Walkways, Patios, Sidewalks & Pool Patios... â&#x20AC;˘ FENCE ALL TYPES - Vinyl, Chain link, Ornamental & Wood... â&#x20AC;˘ STONE HARDSCAPES - Patios, Stone Walls, Pavers, Walkways & Pool Patios...

7RS+DW&KLPQH\6ZHHSPDVV FRP

Put your Alterations Business in the spotlight! Advertise in the Service Directory for as little as $23 per week!

LANDSCAPING SAMPLE

PAINTING SERVICES

â&#x20AC;˘ WATER DAMAGE â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ WATER STAINS â&#x20AC;˘

3 3 3 3 3

CUTTING THE PRICE! Mention this ad to save 10%

WĆ&#x152;Ĺ˝ĆľÄ&#x161;ĹŻÇ&#x2021; ^Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Í&#x2122; tÄ&#x17E;Ä?Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2022; ĆľÄ?ĆľĆ&#x152;ĹśÍ&#x2022; ^Ć&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä?Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x161;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2022; Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ĺś d Î&#x2DC; ^ĆľĆ&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝ĆľĹśÄ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć?

8 weeks ........... $32.75/week = $262 12 weeks ......... $27.75/week = $333 20 weeks ......... $26.20/week = $524 36 weeks ......... $24.50/week = $882 52 weeks ......... $23/week = $1196 Minimum commitment of 8 weeks.

CHIMNEY SERVICES

Ĺ˝ĹľĆ&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;ĹśĹ˝ĆľĆ&#x161;Ć? Ĺ˝Ä¨ Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2022; ,Ĺ˝ĆľĆ?Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2022; ĆŤÄ?Í&#x2022; Ä&#x17E;ĹŻĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2022; 'Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2022; Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ĺś Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; /Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;ĹľĆ? Ĺ˝Ĺś WĆ&#x152;Ĺ˝Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x161;Ç&#x2021;

C&S

SIZE PER BLOCK 1.75 X 1.75

800-989-4521

Call all today to save 15% on your landscaping landsc needs!

555-555-5555 555

COUNTRYSIDE PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

508-835-1644 for free estimate

)LYH 6WDU 3DLQWLQJ Interior/Exterior Painting & Staining â&#x20AC;˘ Powerwashing Concrete Epoxy Fully Licensed and Insured Grafton Resident

Free Metal Included Call Tom

&ĆľĹŻĹŻÇ&#x2021; /ĹśĆ?ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161;ÍŹ Ĺ˝ĹśÄ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Íź &Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x17E; ,Ĺ˝ĆľĆ?Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĹŻĆ? &Z ^d/D d ^ ^, ĆľÇ&#x2021;Ĺ˝ĆľĆ&#x161;Ć? Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ä?ĹŻÄ&#x17E; Íź Z /d &Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; ZÄ&#x17E;Ć?Ä&#x201A;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ä?ĹŻÄ&#x17E; /Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;ĹľĆ?

800-861-5445 or 508-886-2624

Clean$lateEstate.com

Put your Alterations Business in the spotlight! Advertise in the Service Directory for as little as $23 per week!

TREE SERVICES SAMPLE

WELLS

WINDOW REPLACEMENT

BUSINESS REFERRAL PROGRAM

SNEADE BROS.

BUSINESS REFERRAL PROGRAM

TREECUTTERS TREE CUTTERS Rely on the professionals essiona ssiona sion at Tree Cutters tters ters for all of o

e l p

m a s

smallest sma allest est ssap sappling to the tallest oak! tall talle

555-555-5555

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

978-422-7471 24 Hr Emergency Service 877-816-2642 Mobile: 978-815-3188

TreeCutters.com

Put your Alterations Business in the spotlight! Advertise in the Service Directory for as little as $23 per week!

67(5/,1*

67 :( 721 </6 %2

587/$1' +2/'(1

%2</6721

:25&(67(5 63(1&(5

6+ 5( :6 %8 5<

:(67%252

/(,&(67(5

2.)

,(/'

*5$)721 $8%851

( %52

2 52

2;)25'

%5 ,' *( 7+

( 67 (%

62 8

Central Mass Classifieds!!

sales@centralmassclass.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.centralmassclass.com

www.sneadebrothers windowandsiding.com

with any of your questions or to start booking your ClassiďŹ ed Ads today!

687721

6785%5,'*(

'8'/(<

508-839-1164

Contact Sales at 978-728-4302

0,//%85<

&+$5/721

Richard Sneade

Be SEEN in Print & Online...

1257+%252 3$;721

Fully licensed & Insured

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

â&#x20AC;˘ F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16

Refer a business to join our Service Directory, and if they advertise with us, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive a $25 credit on your account for future advertising. We appreciate your business in the

your CLASSIFIED ADS travel far

/(20,167(5

35,1&(721

VINYL SIDING & REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

Call Jim Charest 508-865-4321 or Cell 508-277-9421

www.centralmassclass.com

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

&RPH 3OD\ :LWK 8V Bring in this Coupon & Receive a FREE DAY OF DOGGIE DAYCARE with your first visit!

We Now Offer Boarding!

Ma n i l ow â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

OTHER

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTO/MOTORCYCLE

AUTOS

NOVENAS

AUTO/MOTORCYCLE

2007 Suzuki Boulevard Cruising Motorcycle C90T; 1474cc; 6300 miles, 1 owner, perfect cond. accessories and new battery. Garaged, covered & serviced. $6,000 508-8498635

2002 Lexus LS 430 Loaded w/ standard & opt. equipment. Immaculate. Adult driver. Always garaged & maintained. 126,500 mi. $10,500 508-829-4485 / 508-829-2008

AUTO/VAN

FREE !!!

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past i have asked for favors, this time i ask this special one, (mention request) ...take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it becomes your favor not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three (3) days, promise publication and favor will be granted. Never known to fail. In grateful thanks I will never stop trusting in God and his power. CM

REAL ESTATE

Canine Playground Doggie Daycare 391 Harvard St., Leominster, MA 01453 â&#x20AC;˘ 978-537-2584

Call 978-728-4302 to place your ad

2001 Suzuki Intruder 1500cc, showroom condition, lots of chrome, Vehix pipes. $4000. Call John at 978-466-6043. 1999 Road King Under 8,000 miles. Too many extras to list. Always stored in room temperature. $13,000 obo 978-4645525 or 781-879-8275 cell 978 -464-5525 2008 Honda Metropolitan Scooter Black and gray. Mint cond. 469 miles. Asking $1650.00. Includes helmet. 207-289-9362 OR 207-450-1492.

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

32â&#x20AC;? FLAT SCREEN TV With any Car Purchase

%8'*(7 $872 6$/(6 6KUHZVEXU\ 6W

Visit our NEW WEBSITE to see Inventory & Prices

budgetautosales1.com

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notice

MERCHANDISE

FOR SALE

CEMETERY PLOTS

Sofa Couch Sleeper Brown, excellent condition. $400. 978534-6727

Worc. County Memorial Park Paxton. Garden of Faith, 2 plots, Section #347-A 1&2. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost is $3,900.00 for both. Asking $1,500.00 total for both. Call 508-882-3421 or 909-714-0064

FOR SALE Knee Scooter - Like New Tierod steering and brake. Metal basket. $175 OBO. 978-6977964. SeaLife Mini II Waterproof Shockproof Digital Dive & Sports Camera w/case, used once. $175 508-212-0178

LPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - Some w/o jackets, some empty jackets All genres. $40 or BRO. 978-534-6974 Breville Grill Like new. $50 OBO 508-752-2475 Senior Scooter $150. 798-3994 5pm Craftsman Single Stage Snowblower Never used. $200. 413-967-7932 Graber Trunk Bike Rack Brand new. $58. 508-981-5738 Like New Sofa (88"), chair, end table, lamp & coffee table. Asking $350 OBO. Photo available. 508-865-6359

WWF 2001 Action Figure Undertaker (unopened) dressed as a biker. $25 978-939-8501 Dark wood executive desk 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;8"x2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;8" with glass top glass doors in front. Was $1200 asking $800 obo 978-833-7931 Golf clubs, bag, cart (used) Asking $250. 508-865-5726* Piano Mohogany, upright, w/ bench. 1st flr., easy move. Perfect for aspiring musicians. $250 OBO 508-245-8830

FURNITURE Brand New Sleeper Sofa Light brown, beautiful fabric. Call 508-461-7206 Leave message, Webster MA. Comes apart for easy transport. Asking $300.00

Corner Hutch Solid pine - 4 doors - 48" x 76". Accommodates 42" television. $250. Photo available. 508-829-6792

PETS & ANIMALS CATS/KITTENS FOR SALE Ragdoll cat Beautiful markings, male, neutered. Born 12/14. $450. 508-797-6068

All real estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, the Massachusetts Anti Discrimination Act and the Boston & Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinances which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age, children, marital status, sexual orientation, veterans status or source of income or any intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free at 1-800-827-5005. For the NE area call HUD at 617-994-8300. The toll free number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275 or 617-565-5453

APARTMENT FOR RENT RUTLAND - 3 BDRM 1.5 BA, fully applianced, inc. w/d, private yard w/deck, pkg for 2, no pets, no smkg. $1250/mo. Avail 3/1. Call 508-250-1376. Grafton & Millbury 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments Starting at $875/mo. Some include heat/hot water, all include Onsite Laundry, Off Street Parking & AC units. All newly renovated, close to all major routes. Grafton Properties 508-839-5775 CALL FOR BONUS!

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

(YD 6 .RNRVLQVND

%UDQFK 0DQDJHU &HUWLÂżHG 0RUWJDJH 3ODQQHU /RDQ 2IÂżFHU 10/6 ,' 3DUN $YH 6WH :RUFHVWHU 0$ 2IÂżFH &HOO HID[ HNRNRVLQVND#PHUULPDFNPRUWJDJH FRP

, VSHDN 3ROLVK

86'$ 12 0RQH\ )DQQLH +RPHVW\OH +RPH 3RVVLEOH GRZQ 5HKDE +RPH5HDG\ 9$ 12 0RQH\ GRZQ 0DVV +RXVLQJ -XPER . 6WDQGDUG +$53 )DQQLH )UHGGLH )+$ /LPLWHG 5HKDE

0HUULPDFN 0RUWJDJH &RPSDQ\ //& 10/6

F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16 â&#x20AC;˘ W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

www.centralmassclass.com

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

Paula K. Aberman Associates, Inc. Paula Savard

Gail Lent

ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI ABR, CRS, GRI

(978)-660-9548

(978)-660-9538

Sandra Mark Gerber Tracy Page Tracy Sladen John Keefe DeRienzo (857)Â 891-0502Â (978)-413-0118 (978)Â 870-7572 (508)-259-3998 ABR, GRI

(508)-783-5782

(978) t (800) 924-8666 *DUGQHU VI

Minutes to Route 2, 140 and 68, this industrial/ofďŹ ce complex is currently offering ofďŹ ce space suitable for a variety of tenants with suites available from 1000 to 11,000 square feet and pricing from $5.00 to $9.00 for the base rent. Contact Peter for further details.Â Aberman Assoc. Inc Peter Haley 978-537-4971 x 69

Hannah Meyer

2086 Main Street, Lancaster www.paulasavard.com

Conference Center 486 Chestnut Street, Suite 11 Gardner MA 01440

&200(5&,$/ &251(5 *DUGQHU

Great central business district property with two ďŹ rst-ďŹ&#x201A;oor commercial units and a lovely three-bedroom apartment upstairs. Large basement with several rooms. Double garage and parking area in rear. Ideal opportunity to live and work or rent out apartment for extra income. Buyer due diligence to include veriďŹ cation of property details, condition, and allowable uses by the City of Gardner. Contact listing agents for information regarding Seller improvements. Aberman Assoc Inc Peter Haley 978-537-4971 x69

/HRPLQVWHU

*DUGQHU

Live on lovely Kendall Pond and enjoy walking out your front door right to the water and your own private beach area! Enjoy swimming, canoeing, ďŹ shing and the beauty of a sunset--summer is coming! This adorable 2 bedroom bungalow is waiting for you with a great yard ~ perfect for a garden (complete with mature blueberry bushes!) Hot water tank, electric baseboards and pellet stove all within last 2 years ~ close and convenient to Rt 2 ~ donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on this darling waterfront property! As-Is. Aberman Assoc Inc Tracy Sladen 978-537-4971 x17

Exceptional condo unit with numerous upgrades. Exquisite condition, house beautiful dĂŠcor. The added feature of a fully ďŹ nished lower level, with 3rd bath with shower stall, adds convenience and comfort for both owners and guests. Lg. mstr bdrm with full bath and walk in closet, loft area provides room for desk or cozy area for the reader. This is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;must seeâ&#x20AC;? condo unit to fully appreciate what it has to offer. Aberman Assoc Inc Sandra DeRienzo 978-537-4971 x 42

Amazing income opportunity. This multifamily home generates $ 35,400.00 Gross income and is centrally located in Gardner, less than 1/2 mile from route 2. This would be a great initial property for a upcoming real estate investor. Aberman Assoc Inc. Mark Gerber 978-537-4971 x 63

/DQFDVWHU

4br 2 1/2 bath colonial. 4 bedroom colonial back to front livingroom large enough for grand piano with ďŹ replace. Hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors throughout. Aberman Assoc Inc Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

:LQFKHQGRQ

+XEEDUGVWRQ

Beautiful well maintained house built in 1993.Qualify for 100% ďŹ nancing with USDA Loan. Move in Ready! Great size yard with paved driveway. Open kitchen with dinning room area with a slider to the deck. 3 Brâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total 2 on the main level and large master bedroom on the lower level plus 2 full bath. Good location to Downtown and a short drive to Lake Dennison State Park. Aberman Associates Inc. Moises R. Cosme 978-537-4971 x 23

Privacy plus walking paths and association beach - fabulous contemporary multi level, gleaming hardwood and ceramic tile ďŹ&#x201A;oor.Â Custom Kitchen, nearly 2 private acres w/ beach rights and lodge available! Wrap around deck and balcony. 600 sf of living in basement not included in total sf. This home is a pleasure to show and shows pride of ownership. Possible 4th bedroom or ofďŹ ce in basement. Recent Title V in hand. Aberman Assoc Inc Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

(508)Â 713-5172

Linda Barry

Sherry Crocker

Robin Dunbar Bain

(774)-266-6096 (508)-868-9628 (978)-868-8760 (978)Â 501-0426

6WHUOLQJ 4 br 1 1/2 bath colonial, In town turn of the 20th century colonial. 8 rooms, 4 bedrooms with two additional rooms in the walkout basement. Garage workshop has full storage loft above Dog kennels, paddocks not included. Sterling town beach for residents only.Â Aberman Assoc Inc Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

/XQHQEXUJ Tudor Ranch Home Sits on Level 3/4 Acre Lot w/ Private Backyard! Newer Addition and Recently Remodeled, New Roof! 2-1/2 Baths, 2 Fireplaces. Fireplace in Family Room Reaches the Ceiling. Leaded glass windows. Cathedral Ceilings with Exposed Beams. Radiant heat in master! Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Countertops, Custom Cabinets, and much more. New Septic System has been Designed and Approved with an appraised cost of $30000 Which Seller will Leave in Escrow For Seller to complete septic! Aberman Assoc Inc. John Keefe 978-537-4971 x64

$WKRO

*DUGQHU

Tara Yasmin Loft Anna Mary Moises Cosme (706)Â 870-4000 Kraemer CRS (978)Â 502-7309 Sullivan

â&#x20AC;˘ F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16

Handsomely built Chateau sited on 222 Acres. Offers about 1/2 mile of waterfront on Secret Lake. Commanding Views for miles. Custom crafted post and beam. Stone and brick exterior. Soaring ceilings with open concept living areas accented with cozy corners and warm gas or wood stoves. Uniquely built to be self sufďŹ cient with active solar producing electricity. Massive stone ďŹ replace. Multiple baths and 4 bedrooms. Double kitchens and walk in pantry. Private beach area. Oversized detached garage for storage cars, rec. vehicles, boat etc. Off the Grid but easily accessible with Rt. 2 East and West nearby. Aberman Assoc Inc. Â Gail Lent 978-5374971 x 15 www.gaillent.com

6KUHZVEXU\

Luxury and practicality wrapped up in this eclectic, stately 10 room, 5+ bedroom, 3 1/2 bath brick front center entry colonial featuring ďŹ replace living room, formal dining room, sunken family room with second ďŹ replace, four season sunroom. Home interior has been freshly painted with multiple upgrades. Entertain in this NEW decorators/cooks dream kitchen featuring granite counters, SS appliances including wine cooler, hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, walk-in pantry and sky lights. First ďŹ&#x201A;oor en suite for guest, in-law privacy. Second ďŹ&#x201A;oor features a master bedroom with two walk in closets, dressing room and NEW designer bathroom w/ lava tub, walk-in shower, heated ďŹ&#x201A;oors, towel warmer, recessed lighting, double sink vanity. Bonus room could be 6th bedroom. Exterior has open deck overlooking in-ground pool, resurfaced tennis court, fruit trees and perennial gardens. Three car garage with access to ďŹ rst ďŹ&#x201A;oor and basement. Home is in better than new condition. A must see! Aberman Assoc. Inc. Anna Mary Kraemer 978-537-4971 x 25

Peter Haley

Nick Massucco

(978) 697-0891

978-855-4424

www.centralmassclass.com AUTOS

Over 40 Acres! Over 3000 Vehicles! <:,+ 5,> (<;6 7(9;:

+(@ .<(9(5;,,

FREE Nationwide Parts Locator Service +LWVZP[Z JVU]LUPLU[S` [HRLU V]LY [OL WOVUL

;Y\Z[ \Z [V KV P[ YPNO[

Â&#x2039; -VYLPNU +VTLZ[PJ Â&#x2039; ,HYS` 3H[L 4VKLS Â&#x2039; ,UNPULZ Â&#x2039; ;YHUZTPZZPVUZ Â&#x2039; 5L^ 9HKPH[VYZ Â&#x2039; .HZ ;HURZ Â&#x2039; >OLLSZ Â&#x2039; ;PYLZ Â&#x2039; )HSHUJLYZ Â&#x2039; ,_OH\Z[ 4HUPMVSKZ Â&#x2039; >PUKV^ 4V[VYZ

Amherst-Oakham (<;6 9,*@*305.

;VSS -YLL1-800-992-0441 -H_ 508-882-5202 6MM 9[L Â&#x2039; *VSKIYVVR 9K 6HROHT 4( ^^^ HTOLYZ[VHROHTH\[V JVT

>VYJLZ[LY 5V

508-799-9969

* WE PURCHASE WELL USED/FORGOTTEN ITEMS & CONTENTS OF OLD BUILDINGS *

Bought & Sold JOEVTUSJBM JUFNT t NBDIJOF MJHIUT TUFFM GVSOJUVSF t DBSUT t CSBDLFUT USVDLT t TJHOT t TIFMG TUPDL CBSO HBSBHF JUFNT BOE NPSF

AUTOS

BOATS

CAMPERS/TRAILERS

2008 Ford Mustang 8 cyl, 300HP. 21K miles. Never driven during winter. Always garaged. Perfect cond. $21,900 negotiable. 508-865-3528 after 3pm.

2003 Volkswagen Beetle One owner. Dark blue. 102,000 miles. Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual. Excellent condition. 5 speed, disc music, title. Call 508-829-3752 $3,500

25 HP Suzuki (Like New) with Boat & Trailer with Bonus 2 Free Air Tickets to Orlando and 5 star condo for a week. Disney anyone? Pete 407-3753917 $4,000

2010 Honda Civic 32K miles, very good cond. Front wheel drive. Automatic. A/C, power s t e e r i n g /b r a k e s /w i n d o w s / locks. $9,950 Hubbardston, MA 978-870-3291

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Well maintained, 219K miles, 4 new tires & recent repairs. $2500. Princeton. Call 774-261-0641.

CAMPERS/TRAILERS

2001 Layton 40 Ft. Park Model Trailer. Bedroom has over sized bed. Kitchen complete with stove, refrigerator, and dining set. Living room area has two sleep sofas. Full attached deck, with screen room and hard top roof. Trailer is located in Wells, ME. Must be removed from site. Reason for selling moving to Florida. Price $5,000. Call 413-433-3646

1985 Cadillac Eldorado 74K miles. Never been in snow. Mint condition. Gray w/landau top. Bonus 2 Free Air tickets & 5 star condo for a week in FL. $5,000.00 Oakham 407-3753917

2012 Cadillac CTS AWD, 21,800 miles. Crystal red. Heated black leather seats. Panoramic roof. Dealer maintained. Under warranty. $24,500.00 978-534-8860

1999 Pontiac Grand Am 6 Cylinder, automatic, needs work or use for parts. 159,903 miles. $675. 978-422-8084

â&#x20AC;˘ Class A, B, C Motor Homes â&#x20AC;˘ Trailers Parts â&#x20AC;˘ Propane â&#x20AC;˘ Service Transportation â&#x20AC;˘ Temporary Housing

Fuller RV Rentals & Sales 150 Shrewsbury St., Boylston 508-869-2905 www.fullerrv.com BBB Accredited A+ Rating

Tax Time Directory 2016

&YWMRIWWIW

<:A *-.7:- A7= *=A

2SRTVSÂ˝ XW

-RHMZMHYEPW

3 Horse Trailer 2002 Exiss XT/ 300 Gooseneck. Great condition. All alum. S.S. nose. On craigslist pics. $9,000. Paxton. Call Robert at 508-757-0887*

travel far

Albert N. Cecchini CPA, EA

:25&(67(5 63(1&(5

),(

2 %5

%2</6721

1257+%252

3$;721

6+ 5( :6 %8 5<

/(,&(67(5

22.) ,(/'

67 Millbrook St., Suite 216 Worcester, MA 01606 508-797-0077

+2/'(1

*5$)721 $8%851

0,//%85<

&+$5/721

t :FBS SPVOE UBY BDDPVOUJOH DPOTVMUJOH TFSWJDF t $PNQVUFSJ[FE 4UBUF 'FEFSBM UBYFT FMFDUSPOJD GJMJOH t #VTJOFTT *OEJWJEVBM SFUVSOT Day/evening by appointment

Tax Professionals! Call Michelle at 978-728-4302

687721 2;)25'

6785%5,'*(

'8'/(<

www.DavidLJohnsonandCompany.com

587/$1'

2002 Chevrolet Corvette 39,000 miles Red with black interior. Car is in excellent condition! $26,000 or best offer. Call: 774-823-0466.

t $PNQMFUF UBY TFSWJDF t *OEJWJEVBM #VTJOFTT t :FBS SPVOE UBY BDDPVOUJOH TFSWJDF t "DDSFEJUFE UBY BEWJTPS t %BZ FWFOJOH BQQPJOUNFOUT

67(5/,1*

2009 Mazda CX-7 Blackcherry with gray & black interior. 48,000 miles $9,500. 774-8230466

2002 Ford Taurus Wagon SEL Auto., 6 cyl., leather seats, clean. 70,800 miles. $2195 OBO. 508-243-8399.

35,1&(721

2003 Cadillac DeVille Tan/Tan Leather Int, 47 Orig Miles. Elderly Owned. Alloy Wheels New Tires And Brakes Loaded with All Options Must See $4,850 Call 774-239-0800

David L. Johnson EA Tracey L. Bell, EA %PZMF 3E t )PMEFO 508-853-9638

978-728-4302

/(20,167(5

( %5

2008 Lincoln MKZ Silver/gray, full pwr seats, win, SR, CD/ MP3 ready, leather, heat/cool seats, new tires/brakes. Must see. 508-853-3085 or lawtonspecs@yahoo.com

Contact Sales at

1988 MercedesBenz 300 SEL 6 cylinder gas. Very good cond. Runs exc. $3200.00 195k miles. Located in Sutton, MA 774-287-0777

+VEJXSR ;SVGIWXIV 7XVIIX ,SPHIR 1EMR 7XVIIX ;SVGIWXIV 1MPPFVSSO 7XVIIX

87 +% 5,'

AUTOS

67 :( 721 /6 %2<

AUTOS

Be SEEN in Print & Online...

8E\ 6IXYVRW -RHMZMHYEPW Â&#x2C6; 'SVTSVEXMSRW Â&#x2C6; 2SRTVSÂ˝ XW

$BMM #&'03& ZPV HFU B EVNQTUFS PS EJTDBSE BOZUIJOH

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

CLASSIFIED ADS

Vintage Salvage

508-892-5211

JUNK CARS

your

Blue Collar 468 Auburn St., Leicester, MA

Truck Camper 1985 Bought new in 1991. Real Life brand. Bathroom, shower, self contained. 8ft truck bed. $2900.00 B/O 774-287-0777

:(67%252

with any of your questions or to start booking your ClassiďŹ ed Ads today!

Real Estate â&#x20AC;˘ Jobs â&#x20AC;˘ Auto â&#x20AC;˘ Services

Central Mass

CL ASSIFIEDS

sales@centralmassclass.com www.centralmassclass.com

to have your business listed here!

F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16 â&#x20AC;˘ W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

www.centralmassclass.com LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester, ss. SUPERIOR COURT DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT CIVIL ACTION No. 16-0184C To John A. Seaver of the Town of Sutton, County of Worcester AND TO ALL PERSONS ENTITLED TO THE BENEFIT OF THE SOLDIERS’ AND SAILORS’ CIVIL RELIEF ACT OF 1940 AS AMENDED: Millbury Federal Credit Union, a banking institution with a usual place of business in Millbury, County of Worcester claiming to be the holder of a mortgage covering property situated 78 McClellan Rd., Sutton, MA. given by John A. Seaver to Millbury Federal Credit Union, dated September 2, 2008 recorded in Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Book 43276, Page 286, has filed with said court a Complaint for authority to foreclose said mortgage in the manner following: by entry on and possession of the premises therein described and by exercise of the power of sale contained in said mortgage. If you are entitled to the benefits of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940 as amended, and you object to such foreclosure you or your attorney should file a written appearance and answer in said court at Worcester in said County on or before the twentyfourth day of March, next or you may be forever barred from claiming that such foreclosure is invalid under said Act. Witness, Judith Fabricant, Esquire, Administrative Justice of said Court this eleventh day of February 2016. Dennis P. McManus, Clerk 02/25/2016 MS

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16

MILLBURY PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Millbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 14, 2016, at 8:30 p.m. at the Municipal Office Building, 127 Elm Street, Millbury, MA on proposed amendments to the Millbury Zoning Bylaws, Article 1, Section 12.45 by modifying site plan review design requirements for buildings, signs, landscaping, parking, curbing, pedestrian accessibility, and outdoor lighting, or take any action thereon. The complete text of proposed amendments are available for public viewing in the Planning Office at the Municipal Office Building, 127 Elm St., Millbury, MA during regular office hours. Anyone wishing to be heard on these amendments should appear at the time and place designated above. Richard Gosselin Chairman 02/25/16 & 03/03/16 TOWN OF SUTTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Sutton Finance & Warrant Advisory Committee will hold public hearings on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, Wednesday, March 23, 2016 and Tuesday, March 29, 2016 all at 6:30 pm at the Sutton Town Hall regarding the FY17 budget and warrant articles for the Spring Town Meeting, Monday, May 9, 2016. Any citizen interested is invited to attend this public hearing.

ANSWERS TO TODAY’S PUZZLE

CITATION ON PETITION FOR ORDER OF COMPLETE SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Docket No. WO15P1091EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 508-831-2200 Estate of: Mark Frank Ferrandino Date of Death: 01/02/2015 To all interested persons: A Petition has been filed by: Beverly A. Nichols of Millbury MA requesting that an Order of Complete Settlement of the estate issue including to approve an accounting and other such relief as may be requested in the Petition. You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before 10:00 a.m. on 03/08/2016. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you. WITNESS, Hon. Leilah A Keamy, First Justice of this Court. Date: February 17, 2016 Stephanie K. Fattman, Register of Probate 2/25/16 MS

Public Hearing Notice Sutton Planning Board In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41, Sections 81T and 81U, M.G.L., the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of Pina and Joe Conte, 137 Olean Street, Worcester, MA. The application is for a definitive subdivision plan entitled “Manchaug Estates” prepared by Graves Engineering, Worcester, MA showing a new private road with two (2) proposed lots at 295 Manchaug Road. The hearing will take place on the third floor of the Sutton Town Hall on March 7, 2016 at 7:05 PM. A copy of the plan and application can be inspected in the Office of the Town Clerk during normal office hours. Any person interested, or wishing to be heard on the proposed plan, should appear at the time and place designated. Miriam Sanderson, Chair Published February 18 and 25, 2016

Sutton Planning Board Public Hearing Notice In accordance with the provisions of Section III.A. – Use Table and VII.A.2. Special Permits, of the Sutton Zoning Bylaw, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of Source International, 545 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA for property owned by Ijan-MA, LLC, Armonk, NY. The applicant intends to utilize approximately 90,000 square feet of the existing facility at 17 Gilmore Drive (CARQUEST Bldg), for warehousing, manufacturing and distribution of contract seating. This hearing will be held in the third floor meeting room at the Town Hall on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. A copy of the application and plan can be inspected in the office of the Town Clerk during normal office hours. Miriam Sanderson, Chairman Published 2/18 & 2/25, 2016

MILLBURY PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Millbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 14, 2016, at 8:00 p.m., in the Municipal Ofﬁce Building, 127 Elm Street, Millbury, MA, on the application of Direct Network Services, properties located at 40 Elmwood Street and 58 Elmwood Street, Millbury, MA for Wireless Communication Facilities Special Permits under Article 1, Section 14.11(o) of the Millbury Zoning Bylaws. Applicant proposes to install a forty foot bracketed tower at 40 Elmwood Street and install a twenty foot extension to an existing twenty foot tower at 58 Elmwood Street. Application is available for review in the Planning Department during normal business hours. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should appear at the time and place speciﬁed above. Richard Gosselin Chairman 02/25/16 & 03/03/16

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE ANYTIME, 24/7.

www.centralmassclass.com

(Excludes free ads, legals & Service Directory ads)

Two minutes with...

Paula Poundstone

MICHAEL SCHWARTZ

In the late ’80s, and into the ’90s, Paula Poundstone was as much a part of the national comedy scene as anybody. She came in on the wings of giants like Robin Williams, and carved out her own niche in an often unforgiving business. She was a staple on HBO, with a series of specials, and was also a political commentator in the 1992 election. Personal problems, however, seemed to sidetrack her career. Comedy being her true love, however, Poundstone has not disappeared. She will be in Worcester at Hanover Theatre Thursday, March 3, where fans will no doubt be treated to her take on the current presidential campaign (hint: she is no fan of Donald Trump). This week, we spend some time talking with Poundstone about the early days of her career, the loss of one of the comedy greats and a lot more. You celebrated a birthday recently, congratulations. Is it true that everything gets better with age? I think, yeah, some

things do. It depends on what the age is, probably. I’ve been doing this job for 37 years. Yes, I think think there’s something to be said for experience. I have a friend in her late 80s who is in much better shape than I.

You dropped out of high school. Is it hard to tell kids stay in school or you won’t be successful when you’ve quite obviously been so successful? I finished high school. I

ended up in a program for screwed up kids. We had gardening class that you could get credit for. We weeded once. I got a “B.” I was not successful in high school. I got a diploma, just later.

When did you know you wanted to be a comic? The fact that I got to do this job

was so serendipitous in so many ways. I don’t know how to do anything else. I had wanted to be a comic my entire life. I had no idea what path to take to get there. I lived in Boston and was busing tables when I was 19. Someone started a comedy club and started doing open mic nights. Had that not happened, I don’t know what I would have done.

I read you once traveled cross-country by Greyhound bus. Is that true? Yeah, a few

times, trying to see what clubs were like in different cities. I would almost never get off the bus. If I had more time, I would still do that. I loved looking out the window seat.

I talked recently with Lenny Clarke about the comedy scene in the ’80s. What was it like back then? Boston comedy was very

much centered around Lenny Clarke. He was fun and hosted the most popular night of the week for open mic. Those were crazy nights, at the Ding Ho. There was something experimental about some of what the people did. There might be 30 comedians a night, some nights. You got five minutes, maybe. As an audience member, you could see a wide range of quality. A lot of the audience that came were friends of Lenny’s. A lot of comics actually started to sound a little like him.

How crazy was Lenny? He rented a house once. A bunch of comics, his brother, they went there. One night, I wasn’t there, but I was told they rented a helium tank one night. They stayed up all night inhaling helium, speaking in that voice. Who the hell would think of that? Robin Williams got you a gig on “Saturday Night Live” years ago. What can you tell us about him that’s fit to print? He was a great

guy. Everybody my age and younger owes a huge debt of gratitude to Robin Williams. Robin was already a big, huge star. He pretty much single-handedly re-ignited audience interest in stand-up comedy. People’s interest ebbed and flowed over the years. People came out (to San Francisco) because they were hoping to see Robin. The funny thing is, anywhere in the country they might see Robin. The guy was the Tasmanian Devil. He was

everywhere in the country. People came out to see Robin and they saw us, too.

How hard did it hit the comedy scene when he died? Did you see it coming? I don’t

think anybody did. I think what he was suffering from, it was not common and it was undiagnosed. I think the loss of Robin was a loss for the whole world. He was a really fun, wonderful, nice guy. He just had this sense of fun and whimsy. He always had a very youthful way about him.

Politics is always good fodder for comedians. What is your take on the 2016 presidential race? I think most of us would say it

certainly is going to give and keep on giving to us as comics. But we’d be glad to make shit up. I keep telling people [Donald Trump] was the Danny Kaye of politics. I don’t know when that changed, probably sometime in the fall. Then it was not so funny. If Trump becomes president, comedians will build a wall.

Do you think he might actually win? He’s not going to be president. We’re not that stupid. Still, it saddens me that so many people say he says what other people think, but don’t say. History affords us many examples of blaming one group for all our ills. We already know where that gets us. Plus, he’s creepy. He looks like a

diabolical goldfish.

Donald Trump or Ted Cruz, forced to choose, who would you pick? Get your passport out.

That’s not going to happen. I feel the Bern. I really do. But I do believe, economically, what happened with the banks … they are now four times bigger than they were.

You’ve been pretty up front in the past about your personal troubles. You’ve attributed some of them to alcohol. Have you beaten those demons? I don’t know if that

ever occurs. I don’t drink anymore. It’s amazing how much better you feel. I think I’m in a fairly good place, I guess. I’m very lucky in the job I do. I consider myself a proud member of the endorphin-producing industry.

After all this time, is it still special when you perform on stage? It’s like magic. A group

of people comes out to laugh for a night. That’s magical to begin with. I have 30 years of material, and my favorite part of the night is finding the stuff that’s only there that night. I use that to set my sail. Probably one-third of the night is unique to that night. Walter Bird Jr. is editor of Worcester Magazine. Call him at 508-749-3166 or email wbird@worcestermag.com. Follow Walter on Twitter @walterbirdjr. FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

New In Town Virtually Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal!

FREE TREATMENT

Exclusive Soprano Ice Laser More Than 60,000 Treatments Worldwide Distinctive Spa-Like Atmosphere Free Consultations

One Time Opening Offer!

Valid for one treatment of any preferred body area Expires 3-1-2016 1 Kelley Square, Worcester

www.care-laser.com/free-treatment 48

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Bring this coupon to the center at your visit

COUPON

    

   



Stop Wasting Time Shaving and Waxing! CARE Laser, is open in Kelly Square, Worcester. To celebrate we would like to offer you a FREE Laser Hair Removal Treatment in our new center.

Boston  Newton Worcester North Andover

774-317-7551