Worcester Magazine April 8 - 14, 2021

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | CULTURE § ARTS § DINING § VOICES

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Featured ..............................................................................4 City Voices ..........................................................................8 Cover Story .......................................................................11 Next Draft .........................................................................16 Artist Spotlight................................................................17 Screen Time......................................................................19 Adoption Option.............................................................20 Games ................................................................................21 Classifi eds ........................................................................22 Last Call.............................................................................23

On the cover Dante Babb is the owner of HHiL recording studio in Worcester.

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4 | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEATURED

WAM solves the museum merch puzzle Veer Mudambi Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

When the Worcester Art Museum shop came under Sandra Polanik last summer, the museum itself was closed due to the pandemic. Rather than an obstacle, she saw the closure as an opportunity to prepare new souvenirs at the shop, for when visitors eventually returned.

“We took this time of pause to ensure we had merchandise that had a tangible connection to the museum,” she explained. Souvenirs such as puzzles, calendars and even masks, are now featuring artwork from the museum’s own collection.

But as Polanik, manager of events and hospitality, soon found out, reproducing artwork in any form can be a puzzle all its own. “The public would be surprised to learn what goes into reproducing a piece of artwork,” she said.

There’s more to creating a puzzle than choosing a painting and sending a copy to the manufacturer, the fi rst such barrier being a single dreaded word — copyright. “Just because we own the work doesn’t mean we own the rights to the work,” said Sarah Gillis of collection documentation. This means she has the fi nal say on what can and cannot be reproduced and sold.

In the case of living artists, there could be royalties involved. So for now, Polanik and Gillis have stayed with works that are currently in public domain. A good rule of thumb for Gillis — the work of anyone who died before 1951 is assumed to be in the public domain, 70 years after the death of the artist.

“Our plan is to broaden the variety of puzzles that we off er to ensure cultural diversity,” Gillis said, “but for now we’re focusing on works that we can defi nitely use.”

Even before the copyright cull, of which Polanik said they’re lucky to get two works out of a list of 30, art pieces must pass inspection from Danielle Waseleski. As a guest service representative, she has the best idea of what guests request to see the most or what

A team of three women are working on creating merchandise based on art in the Worcester Art Museum’s collection. The team consists of Sandra Polinack, Sarah Gillis and Danielle Waseleski. PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GREEN/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

may be a current crowd favorite.

For Waseleski, a big part of her job is simply doing what she loves. “I’m a very big museum goer — my Instagram is all following museums.” Naturally, she has also accumulated a large collection of art reproductions, and has lately begun moving from prints to puzzles. “Having tangible souvenirs that I can do something with is very important to me,” she said. “Because I’m running out of wall space.”

Waseleski also plays another key role in the museum’s souvenir triumvirate.

“Danielle is like the person between us for the voice of sanity and reason,” said Polanik. “I have all the crazy ideas and Sarah has all the red pens.”

The fi nal step is arguably the most important but is not up to them. While they want to make sure the popular pieces that people are coming to see are represented in merchandise, said Gillis, it’s also a question of what translates well to puzzles. That last part is up to the puzzle manufacturers.

The group has been stymied at this point before in which a piece has passed all three members’ criteria, only to be

blocked at the fi nish line. One such case was a puzzle based on the popular Higgins armory collection. The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection includes more than 1,500 items from multiple eras, but is best known for its armor dating back to medieval and Renaissance Europe.

When Waseleski submitted an image of a suit of armor to the puzzle company, they rejected it out of hand because of the white background. None of them view this as any kind of loss though — rather it’s a learning experience and a source for new ideas, and the Higgins collection is now being featured in a museum calendar series. Polanik had already been looking to bring wall calendars into the mix, having seen their wide customer appeal. The Higgins Collection, with its own base of followers, provided the opening she had been looking for.

Of the puzzle ideas that did make it, four are now on sale in the shop — “Venus at the Forge of Vulcan” by Jan Brueghal the Elder, “Cranes” by Hoitsu Sakai, “The Peaceable Kingdom” by Edward Hicks, and “Flower Still Life” by

Face masks are among the new merchandise at the Worcester Art Museum.

Kimono clips based on pieces in the WAM collection are on display in the museum's gift shop.

Gerard van Spaendonck. With the popularity of puzzles during the pandemic, manufacturing them is taking longer, See MERCH, Page 5D

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 5

A team of three women are working on creating merchandise based on art in the museum’s collection, including these face masks. The team consists of Danielle Waseleski, Sandra Polinack and Sarah Gillis. ASHLEY GREEN/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Merch Continued from Page 4D

explained Polanick, so getting these fi rst four products on the shelves was the priority but more are in the works.

“We look at what would translate into a puzzle — depth, color, how detail is spread out over the print,” she said. While the goal is to capture the image in the best possible light, said Gillis, that doesn’t necessarily mean the puzzle will be a oneto-one copy. For “Venus at the Forge of Vulcan,” Waseleski added, the puzzle image is zoomed in so the focus is on the pile of magically crafted items at the center of the forge.

Three of the four puzzles are 1,000 pieces — the group had initially planned that to be the case for all four. However, “Cranes” was scaled down by half on the puzzle maker’s recommendation because of its unusual shape. With a square shape, as opposed to the usual rectangle of most puzzles, “they said it would work better as a 500-piece rather than 1,000,” said Polanick.

More than puzzles and calendars, which have been staples at museum stores for ages, masks were new territory for WAM. The fi rst batch had 12 styles of masks, three of which

had variations of the WAM logo with the others displaying images of museum artwork. Their source is a book of public domain wallpaper designs, which Waseleski found “absolutely perfect for masks,” and just what she would want to see as a visitor. “Obscure, pretty and in the collection, good for triggering a conversation,” she said.

Even more so than puzzles, masks are in demand, so production is taking much longer than normal. The initial process is a matter of sending images back and forth among the group, said Polanik, which takes a few weeks to come to an agreement before the design is sent to the manufacturer. After about a week they receive a sample. “Depending on where it’s coming from,” she said, “it’s two weeks from when we approve the proof to when the products are sent to our door.”

Despite the long and winding road from conception to product for museum merchandise, Polanik is clear on one thing. “The fl oodgates are open and yes, we are looking at every avenue now.” It appears that the merchandising eff ort is now in full fl ight with masks, puzzles and calendars. For a long cherished Worcester institution, it has been a long time coming but it has now come into its own … its own merchandise.

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A record of the times and youth, ‘HopeVid-2020’ Richard Duckett Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Nydia Colon, director of creative leadership, Samuel N. Martin executive director and Dante Kibicki, member of the Worcester Youth Center holding Martin’s dog Esther, March 31.

CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

I TRIED MAKING MY FAMOUS CHICKEN RECIPE, BUT CONFUSED THE STEPS.

One of the fi rst images in the Worcester Youth Center’s recently released “HopeVid-2020” multimedia project video is a shot of a deserted looking Worcester Youth Center. No one is there. The phone announcement says, “Hello, please leave a message after the tone.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has struck.

Maybe feeling stuck in their respective homes or frustrated by restrictions, a drawing by Joshua P., 16, has a square with the words “Stuck Inside” while at the same time a poem by Frene O., 16, begins with the word “Restricted.” A short video/song reverberates with “We want our summer back.”

Devon “Dee Dee” M.’s poem reads “Diff erent things like this are crazy/I hate being in the house lazy/ Somebody please save me.”

In “HopeVid-2020,” an array of thoughts and feelings are ex-

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pressed in words, rap, poetry (including Haiku), dance, music and song by participants such as Donate M., Luna K., and Lady M. One voice exhorts, “Believe in those that believe in you, because this is bigger than me and you.”

“It really is a record of how they felt. It was a really, really good emotional record of their reactions to the pandemic,” said Nydia Colon, director of creative leadership at the Worcester Youth Center, about the “HopeVid-2020” video.

The center physically closed over a year ago in March 2020, as the pandemic hit locally, but it stayed open online for various activities including wellness check-ins and the “HopeVid-2020” project.

The idea was to let youth center members creatively express and record for posterity how they were feeling during the pandemic in word, song, music and art as a time/capsule historical record.

The video is 17 minutes, 49 seconds, and a distillation of many hours that the 25 participants worked together via Zoom in various groups and workshops.

The youths involved were not just Youth Center members. “I didn’t think it belonged to the Worcester Youth Center,” Colon said. “It belongs to the community as a whole.”

You can see the video at worcesteryouthcenter.org.

“It turned out I think even better than I expected,” Colon said. “Because of the positive reaction of the kids, they took something they loved and applied it to the concepts we gave them.”

Staff and volunteers helped with mixing and editing, including producer and fi lmmaker Cyrus Alexander.

“What we did we kind of edited it together as a story, almost as a narrative. One piece See RECORD, Page 7D

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 7

Record Continued from Page 6D

led to the next to create this emotional narrative,” Colon said.

“I think it’s a mixture of all that frustration, hope, and at the end of the day, as the piece is constructed, the mood is ‘We’re in this together.’ As as long as we stay connected to the importance of the community, we can overcome the challenges presented to us,” Colon said.

“A lot of this is about not being able to do the things we were accustomed to. A lot of kids were in the middle of milestones, graduations and such.

But the visuals show a lot of the good that came from the pandemic — helping each other, staying in touch with each other. So I think the piece rides this roller coaster and touches down on ‘Together we can see this through.’”

The project was done in partnership with the Worcester Historical Museum, where the video will be kept as an archive and historical record of the times we have been going through.

“It was nice that they recognized the importance of having the voices on fi le. For years to come, if a researcher says, ‘How did the youth in Worcester react to the pandemic?’ they can get to go to the Youth Center (archive), so that is something I’m really proud of,” Colon said.

An online Zoom launch party for the “HopeVid-2020” video was attended virtually by Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr., state Rep. Mary S. Keefe and David Connor, community engagement director of the Worcester Historical Museum.

“They spoke of the importance of having the voices recorded for eternity,” Colon said.

Meanwhile, “Our kids are very excited to see themselves represented in the piece.”

The Worcester Youth Center, located at 326 Chandler St., of-

fers a number of services, activities and programs to youths ages 14 to 24.

“We’ve actually been open virtually the whole time. ‘HopeVid’ was one of the fi rst projects,” said the center’s executive director Samuel N. Martin.

“I thought it was great,” he said of the video. “I thought it combined a lot of the diff erent feelings and really knitted well together.”

Worcester Youth Center member Dante Kubicki, 18, composed and put together an atmospheric and quite haunting instrumental piece titled “Trilogy” with the intent that it would be knitted into the video as a background for some visuals. He mixed diff erent instruments visually on his computer. He can play several instruments, including cello, string bass, electric bass and some guitar. He has been a member of a jazz band and has played rock and R&B. The time alone during the pandemic has further enhanced his creativity and adaptability, he said.

If “HopeVid” is a time capsule and he could look back one day in the future, how would he feel?

“Honestly, I wouldn’t be too sure. I would feel I’ve learned a lot in terms of isolation, adapting and being adaptable,” he said.

“Just a lot’s happened in general. Not being able to play basketball. Just learning to deal with these obstacles will give me ease in overcoming future obstacles.”

Kubicki joined the Worcester Youth Center as soon as he could at 14 just after he had moved to Worcester with his family (father, step-mother and “baby” sister) from New York.

“It was my spot. It was always like my go-to spot,” said.

He is a senior at Doherty Memorial High School with graduation in sight, and has a job at Walgreen’s Pharmacy.

Last year he completed basic training to become a member of the Army Reserves, specializing as an auto mechanic. His

current commitment is for one weekend a month at Fort Devens.

“I’m keeping as busy as I can during COVID,” he said.

But also from the start of the pandemic, “I’ve been online ever since,” Kubicki observed.

At the time of this interview, Doherty high school had just off ered students a hybrid option where they could combine going there in-person with online, but Kubicki felt that was too late for him to go there and the few days he would be at school wouldn’t be worth it.

“I would have begged for it at the start of the (school) year, but at this point I decided not to. I didn’t see a real reason to engage in that,” he said. “I think it’s a lot harder to be engaged personally. It doesn’t feel much like school a year behind the computer screen.”

At home he’s physically there a lot more than he would have been without the pandemic, he said. “You just con-

nect way more with the people who are closest.”

As for plans after graduating, “It’s up in the air right now,” he said. One possibility is Lincoln Technical Institute in Somerville where he could get more auto mechanic training.

“Or a four-year college. I just don’t know what path I’m going to take yet. I would love to do cars the rest of my life, but I’d love to get that educational diploma under my belt. I’m not going to go active duty. Not yet at least.”

Although he’s been busy on a number of levels, the Worcester Youth Center is still Kubicki’s “spot.”

“I checked in the other day. I try and stay in touch with them as possible,” he said.

Of course, the pandemic is far from over and the Worcester Youth Center has been engaging its members with new projects and activities.

“We’re doing a lot more digital media and a campaign —

‘Violence Is Not Normal,’ “ Colon said.

“Violence Is Not Normal” is in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention Program.

With that, the campaign is about eradicating all types of violence, Martin said. People can go on to the Youth Center’s website and “Take The Pledge” that “Yes, I promise not to engage in violence as it does not solve any problems.”

“We want a communitywide eff ort,” Martin said. He noted that the campaign coincides with the uptick of violence nationwide last summer.

The same creative approach by youths that was employed for “HopeVid-2020” is now being harnessed for “Violence Is Not Normal,” said Colon.

“We’ve noticed the pandemic has brought this (issue) to the surface,” she said. So far, See RECORD, Page 23D

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8 | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CITY VOICES HARVEY

WORCESTERIA

Noone joins pantheon of local authors with ‘Spooner’ Janice Harvey Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

In my living a room, there’s a shelf devoted to local writers.

When I was teaching English I kept this collection on display in my classroom to inspire young authors. Included are the works of Jack O’Connell, Stanley Kunitz, John Dufresne, Kevin Harvey, Elizabeth Bishop, Ray Slater, Paul Della Valle, Joe Fusco, Jr., Robert Benchley — and now, Andrew Noone.

I met Andrew Noone in the third grade at Columbus Park elementary school. Instantly I was teased in the schoolyard when little girls recognized that we were both rather skinny and freckle-faced. “Andrew Noone is your boyfriend!” they sang as they danced around me. Andrew Noone never was my boyfriend, and he was not amused, though we were classmates through the 8th grade. Andrew went on to earn graduate degrees in musicology and art history as a Florence Fellow with Syracuse University, and became a music teacher in the Worcester Public Schools. Along the way, he became a historian of note, and a docent with Preservation Worcester. He married and settled into a home that borders Green Hill Park, and it was there that his interest in Bathsheba Spooner was born.

Noone is the author of the newly published “Bathsheba See NOONE, Page 10D

FIRST PERSON Dan Ford is the building manager of The Bridge, and is engaged in an effort to buy it and renovate it into a full-fledged community center and center for the arts.

CHRISTINE PETERSON/T&G FILE

As Bridge struggle deepens, keep the focus on kids Veer Mudambi and Victor D. Infante Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

BUILDINGS & BRIDGES: Eff orts to save The Bridge Academy and Community Center have continued even as the situation grows more complex: There has been an agreement for the building to be sold, but the identity of that buyer – mostly believed to be an investment group of some sort – is currently unknown. Moreover, Bridge property manager Dan Ford confi rmed in a brief phone conversation that, as of this

writing, they have not received an eviction notice. But as much as the Bridge’s future is in limbo, fundraising eff orts have continued, which is important, because there are really only two ways this situation can land, and the Bridge will need money in either outcome.

The fi rst possibility is that, against all odds, The Bridge wins its fi ght to stay in its home. Being a fan of scrappy underdogs, we’ll root for this scenario. This would mean that not only would the Bridge have to come up with the capSee BRIDGE, Page 9D

Memos from Governor #MeToo Pope Markus

Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Very recently, the deep state, QAnon and Antifa all paid large sums to Nosey Maids Cleaning Service, who had removed drafts of personal ads from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s wastebasket, which was kept just to the left of his very large desk. I received these drafts because of my high status in the deep state, QAnon and Antifa.

While the charges against Governor Cuomo are being investigated, please do not share these with anyone else as some may be used as evidence in a court of law. h Roses are red /Violets are blue /If you’re 22/Give me a call. (Ask for Andy). (212) 555-4580. h My face may look like an intimate gathering of crocodiles, but inside I’m really

tough. Do you want to see how tough? Are you 22? I can be reached through Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Offi ce. Ask for my top aides and use the code name: Softy. h 45? 50? 63? Divorced?

Fuhgeddaboudit. If you’re between 18 and 22, please call the Governor’s offi ce at your earliest convenience. Andrew’s the name, monstrously objectifying young women is my game. h Do you like being called Honey or Sweetheart? To be honest it avoids a lot of confusion to use pet names. If you’re cool with Doll Face or Pretty Penny, and you are 22ish, call the Governor’s Offi ce and ask for Andy. h I don’t have COVID. Are you 22? Call the Governor’s Offi ce. My top aides will put you through. h Do you like pornography … I mean photography. … and See MEMOS, Page 10D

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 9

Bridge Continued from Page 8D

ital to buy the building, it would also need to invest in repairs and renovations. They would have to, as the kids say, go legit.

Some informed speculation about the total cost of the process adds as much as $4 million to that price tag. Worth it at twice the price, but not an inconsiderable price tag. Once you move from off -the-grid to on-the-grid, there’s no going back.

The second possibility is that they lose, which in no way eliminates the need to address the void that the Bridge fi lls. In conversations when the situation fi rst fl ared, some city leaders were quick to suggest fi nding the Bridge a new home, which is not unreasonable thought. But activist Deb Powers, in a conversation on Facebook, made a point that’s been sticking with me: “I fear that the changes that build a stronger, more sustainable plan and organization may be exactly the changes that freeze out the youth The Bridge currently serves.”

We got to this place because kids were falling through the cracks. The arts and other initiatives in the building are important and deeply vital, but at the end of the day, the Bridge’s most important service is teaching neighborhood kids skills which they might not otherwise have the resources to

learn, such as repairing cars.

There’s so much happening at the Bridge that it’s easy to get distracted, but don’t get it twisted: Taking resources, even informal ones, out of the hands of kids who desperately need them can do irreparable damage. It’s never an even trade: The Bridge emerged where and when it did because that was the time and place it was needed. It’s imperative that any moves from here on out keep that reality fi rmly in sight. (VI) FINDING A VOICE: Have you heard of the “Amanda effect?” It’s the name for the rising interest in poetry around the country since the stirring recital by Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman at the presidential inauguration. As we enter National Poetry Month, the Worcester Public Library has noticed a spike in requests for books of poetry, with greater attention on state and city poet laureates as well. “They’re being seen more as leaders in the community,” said Yaff a Fain of the Worcester Cultural Development Offi ce.

On April 14, in collaboration with the Worcester Public Library, the WCDO will be running a writing workshop led by the city’s own poet laureates, Juan Matos and Amina Mohammed. The fi rst half of the program will focus on Matos and Mohammed’s own work regarding Worcester, with the second letting attendees get inSee BRIDGE, Page 10D

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Memos Continued from Page 8D

walks on the beach? Also, are you also between the ages of 17 and 23? Call Andrew at (212) 555-4580. Offi ce of the Governor of the State of New York. h I’m older, but don’t have the old man smell yet. R U Fresh?

You call me directly at the Offi ce of the Governor of the State of New York. Ask for Andy. h When’s the last time you had a real, boomba, bada bing bada bang NY hug? If you are 22, send pics to: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s offi ce. h Me: Governor of the state of New York. You: 22. Call Andrew Cuomo’s offi ce and ask for one of my top aides. No experience

Bridge Continued from Page 9D

volved through writing prompts provided by a facilitator and share their responses.

For Matos, the workshop and similar programs have been a long time coming, put on hold

Noone Continued from Page 8D

Spooner: A Revolutionary Murder Conspiracy,” a meticulously researched account of a most sensational crime, circa 1778.

Bathsheba was one wicked dame, and Noone has written an engrossing book that follows Spooner to her unmarked resting place, somewhere within the boundaries of Green Hill.

Bathsheba Ruggles Spooner held the dubious distinction of being the fi rst woman executed in the United States, hanged right here in Worcester. Her story has all the elements of an episode of ID Discovery’s “Deadly

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has come under fi re in light of multiple accusations of sexual harassment. BRENDAN MCDERMID/AP

necessary. h I’m 63 and with your help I will never, ever be put in a nurs-

ing home. If you are between the ages of 18 and 22, and like New Jersey motels, call the offi ce of

Governor Andrew Cuomo and ask for one of my top aides. h I have not reached my sell by date yet. You don’t even know what that means, which qualifi es you for a job in my offi ce. Call Governor Cuomo’s Offi ce. h Do you want a Make-Loveto-the-Boss kind of job? Call Andy. (212) 555-4580. h Did you feel sorry for Tony Soprano? Does Scarface turn you on? I can be reached through Governor Andrew Cuomo’s top aides. h Harassment? Hey, New York, Call the Governor’s Offi ce for the real (expletive) meaning, OK? You got that? (212) 5554580 Pope Markus is a musician and a high ranking member of the deep state, QAnon, and Antifa.

for the last year due to the pandemic. As we slowly return to a semblance of normalcy through the vaccine, Matos aims to draw attention to those still facing diffi culties — be it the nurses at St. Vincent’s or students trying to get their education back on track. “All of those components aff ect us,” he said. “We are not apart as poets and writers, our

role is to echo those voices that sometimes are voiceless.”

While Matos looks to the future, Mohammed ensures we do not forget the past. The Youth Poet Laureate draws on what she calls “old Worcester ” for her work in the face of the city’s rapid development with high-profi le initiatives such as Polar Park. “Let’s not get so caught up

with all these amazing projects that we forget why we are Worcester,” she said. “Let’s not throw away our past and history.” “Poets of Worcester Present: A Writing Workshop with Worcester’s Poet Laureates” will be on April 14 at 7 p.m. Register soon because space is limited.

(VM)

Women,” complete with an arranged marriage, several illicit love aff airs and a murder committed by a hapless bunch of suckers taken in by Spooner.

Bathsheba could make Lizzie Borden fl inch. Noone began researching her tawdry tale, and knew immediately that he wanted to write about her.

When asked if he had any feelings of empathy for his subject, Noone said: “I can’t say that I had any definite feelings toward her when I started the research.”

He spent seven years digging into the facts, and completed the book nine years later. He got to know his protagonist as well as one might know a murderess.

“Once into it, and granting

that playing armchair psychologist from a 243-year distance is a bit tenuous, I came to see her extremely erratic behavior as evidence of a personality disorder.”

Indeed, she was one for the shrink’s couch. Instead, she met the hangman in Worcester’s Washington Square, despite her lawyer’s assertion that she had a “disordered mind.” Not to mention the heart of a coldblooded killer.

As for the author, the kid from Columbus Park is also an accomplished artist. When not teaching music to elementary school students, Andrew Noone is creating impressive watercolor paintings, some of which have been exhibited at the

Sprinkler Factory on Harlow Street. An exhibit of his work was shelved due to COVID-19, but he hopes to be able show his watercolors again soon.

Retirement from teaching is around the corner, and Andrew Noone — the skinny kid with the freckles and strawberry blond curls — now sports a full beard of white. His days of leisure will likely be fi lled with the exploration and honing of his considerable creative talents. Readers of his account of what was described by one observer as “A Most Horrid Piece of Villainy” will revel in the details, and surely hope that Andrew Noone won’t make them wait another nine years for his next tantalizing tale to unfold.

Worcester Magazine’s Letters To The Editor Policy Letters to the editor are a great way to share your thoughts and opinions with thousands of readers and online viewers each week. There is no word limit, but we reserve the right to edit for length, so brevity is your friend.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 11

COVER STORY

Talent and ambition on display at Worcester’s music studios Liz Fay Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

At his HHiL recording studio, Dante Babb has had a front row seat to both the talent and ambition of Worcester’s music community. As the owner and chief audio enginner at HHiL, Babb is a popular go-to among current artists, particularly for creatives coming up in the hiphop and pop genres.

As a result of his reputation for musical integrity, Babb has worked with a variety of celebrity artists, including Worcester success story Joyner Lucas, who describes Babb as “a stand-up guy who I record with as much as possible,” so much so that Lucas has recorded 50 plus songs with Babb.

Along with Lucas, Babb has worked with notable artists such as Fatman Scoop, Chris Brown and most recently hiphop legend Peedi Crakk.

Among the great talent that passes through HHiL studios is Worcester’s own is Tyb Chachi, who frequents the recording studio. Babb describes Tyb Chachi as “a stand-out modern and new age artist, with an effortlessly unique melodic style and sound.” Her unique sound is what Babb believes sets her apart from the increasingly crowded territory of Worcester music.

As a central contributor to the Worcester music scene, Babb is introducing Worcester to high-profi le clientele by attracting major artists from around the country to his studio on Madison Street.

Babb describes the rapidly

Dante Babb, owner of HHiL recording studio, has a canvas signed by many area artists in his studio.

growing Worcester music community as “defi nitely having its own culture. Worcester has its own type of vibe and sound just like any other city in the music game, you know, like Atlanta or Los Angeles, but here it’s also very diverse. What I’m noticing here in Worcester is that our sound is very modern, there’s a lot more young people creating.

I see the younger generations are increasingly making a lot of music right now. But it’s cool, because with age diff erences I’m seeing the contrast in the types of music that’s being created. You know, with my older clients I see a lot more acoustic,

Michael Harmon, seen March 24, is owner and engineer of Wachusett Recording Company.

PHOTOS BY RICK CINCLAIR/ TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

instruments and guitars, things of that sort. Older clients are more into making country or rock music here. But I do see a lot of old school and new school hip-hop and underground hip hop, too. In Worcester specifi cally, I fi nd we are now seeing a lot more of meloSee STUDIOS, Page 12D

12 | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Studios Continued from Page 11D

dic rap, and Tyb Chachi is a strong catalyst of that.”

But no matter how much musical talent the city uncovers, Babb sees a lack of unity developing between local artists.

“I wouldn’t say the music community is unifi ed in Worcester right now,” Babb says. “It’s a bit separated by the diff erent areas of the city, diff erent neighborhoods. They each have their own style and sound, but they’re all dope and unique. For example Main South might have a grimier, street sound whereas the East side might lean towards themes of getting money and being successful or something like that.”

Local music veteran Roger Lavallee says that if increasing ambition has led to noticeable divides between creatives within Worcester’s music community, it’s something new out of his 30 years of involvement.

Lavallee has long been a key player in Worcester’s evolving music scene, emerging as the singer-guitarist for the iconic Worcester band, The Curtain Society, and then pivoting into a career as an in-demand record producer, fi rst at his own studio, Tremolo Lounge recording studio in West Boylston, and now as a co-owner of Wachusett Recording, with Grain Thief bassist Michael Harmon.

“There’d never been a sense of competition at least not among the people I know. It was never really one man for himself,” says Lavallee. “it’s always been one for all, all for one. That has always been my experience and I’m proud of that. I’m proud that we seemed to have that here when other cities don’t seem to have that sense of community, but I had always seen that here. I’m very proud of the amount of talent that we’ve always had here.“ As of late, many Worcester artists are hungrily climbing their way up in the music game, which has resulted in a fl urry of activity at locally-based recording studios. Lavallee says Wachusett Recording has been booked solid lately, but he still remembers a time when Worcester-based artists of all genres and walks of life would come together for regular music festivals, particularly the Green Street Music Series, which took place every six months from 2003-2008 at The Lucky Dog Music Hall, which later became The Cove Mu-

Roger Lavallee at the Tremolo Lounge recording studio in West Boylston in 2002. SEAN DOUGHERTY/FILE PHOTO

sic Hall. Lavallee, a former organizer of the event, said, “We would choose a theme, band or artist for a night and we would reach out to forty singers from every genre or band in the city. We were inclusive of everybody from every scene, and we would do the Beatles or Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen or the Police etc. and we would bring together 40 guest singers or bands for the night, and I think that’s how people from different genres would get to meet each other and want to perform together and check each other out.”

Community is important to the team at Wachusett Recording — which has been a primary attraction for mostly rock and bluegrass artists — and it’s described as “The Peoples Studio” and “a music community and launching platform for all” willing and eager to accept musicians of all levels and all genres.”

“You walk in here and our studio has the retro musician feel, so you know, that naturally draws in the roots music, and rock bands to us,” says Harmon. He has also noticed a change since his earlier days of recording Worcester legendary pop-punk band Four Year Strong during their breakout in the mid 2000s.

“What I care about most is the musical integrity of any song or artist,” says Harmon. “Good music is good music.

For me, it’s more about the story the artist has to tell through their music.”

In the last year Harmon has witnessed an increase in singers and song-

Tom Nutile is an on-air host, left, and David Ginsburg is general manager at WICN. RICK CINCLAIR/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Studio space at Wachusett Recording Company. RICK CINCLAIR/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

writers in the area. “People in the last year alone have been writing music at home, singers and songwriters, those are the people that have turned up in the past year. This has been the one of the best years of business for us. Artists have been bored the past year, so they’re at home writing more.

“More people are being creative and wanting to push the envelope,” he says.

“It’s a weird time for original music for sure, but people are still recording a lot.”

As Worcester continues to fl ourish as an increasingly reputable city within See STUDIOS, Page 13D

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 13

Guitars on the wall at Wachusett Recording.

RICK CINCLAIR/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Studios Continued from Page 12D

the music business, studio owners are noticing the drastic increase in ambitious and new artists with raw talent.

“Over the last fi ve years, since about when I opened in 2015, I’ve noticed the amount of artists in Worcester has grown a lot.” said Babb. “Honestly, I think it’s because they’re being given more of an outlet, and because a lot of these artists are new they need to be able to work with someone who can fi nd a sound for them to be successful as an artist. So what I’m doing here is taking my 15 years of experience in the industry and giving it to them, and not just for the major artists who come through here but for everybody to make sure they have a chance to

You’ve worked hard to keep your customers safe and your business going strong.

take their music beyond the city as well. So I think there’s been a chain reaction you know, once other people started seeing more artists doing their thing and putting their music out, that triggered other artists who have things to say, feelings to express, and meaningful lyrics to put on music. So over the past fi ve years, a lot of new artists have emerged. I’m meeting and working with new artists every week, some are completely brand new to making music” Contributing to Worcester’s increasing musical populations seems to be the growing amount of resources there are for local artists to create.

Worcester-based actor and artist Tierre Diaz says, “I like that there are options. Man oh man are there options. Need a recording studio? Plenty.

See STUDIOS, Page 14D

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But on the down side, there’s “way, way more competition.

Very saturated, but that’s music and entertainment in general.” but as for Worcester’s music scene, Tierre claims “lots of talent, skill, and drive no doubt.”

Worcester, being the musically well-rounded, also off ers a springboard for local jazz musicians, due in great part to Worcester community radio station WICN. Primarily a jazz community, WICN also welcomes folk, soul, bluegrass, country and blues music while satisfying the tastes of Worcester’s more mature music audience.

“We’ve done a number of recording sessions over the past year, varying from jazz, rock, podcasts, and even audio books,” according to WICN studio general manager David Ginsberg. “We’ve done a lot of livestream concerts as well; we did a show in August with Kala Farnham who is a rising singer and songwriter in the area.”

The studio has also recently worked with recent “American Idol” season 19 contestant Chloe Belsito, a vocalist from Sutton.

Music is more than business, and Worcester is more than brick and mortar. The city’s music scene has always been a shared source of community and expression. With the infl ux of talent and opportunity for local musicians and producers, Worcester appears to be on a course to become a musical powerhouse.

“All the rules are out the window and in many ways, that’s a great thing,” says Lavallee. “There are still a lot of people taking the traditional rock band route, but it’s defi nitely not the only path to take. People need an outlet and music is a great way to express yourself. Some people need to do it for their sanity.

They fi ght their demons and relieve their anxieties by creating something. In that case, it’s magic.”

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16 | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CITY LIVING TABLE HOPPIN’

THE NEXT DRAFT

Sam Adams-Wormtown collab showcases brewer’s local roots But she would learn even more at her fi rst brewery job.

USA TODAY NETWORK For new brewers cracking into the industry in the early 2000s, there was no better place to cut your Sometimes, a certain kind of success in the craft teeth than Cambridge Brewing Co. Parisi joined CBC in 2004, working under brewmaster Will Meyers until beer business can bring criticism.

Brewers putting out millions of barrels of beer get 2011, otherwise known as a masterclass in how to accused of growing out of the so-called craft category. brew beer.

After CBC, Parisi moved to Washington, D.C., to For producing at such a massive scale, they are serve as head brewer for Blue Jacket lumped in with the big commercial Brewery and help open its taproom guys — accused of losing the indeand restaurant in the historic Navy pendence that propelled their Yard neighborhood. achievements in the fi rst place.

Parisi returned to New England I have often been such a critic, three years later, taking a job as head perpetuating this narrative. But brewer for Wormtown Brewery. It lately, I’ve found myself treating would be a brief stay in Worcester, some mega-craft brewers like Bosbut an impactful one, as she oversaw ton Beer Co. unfairly, forgetting that Wormtown’s move from Park Avebehind the billions of dollars, teams nue to Shrewsbury Street. of lawyers, corporate boardrooms Just a year later, Parisi joined Sam and massive mechanized Adams, helming its research and debrewhouses exists a core group of velopment brewery in Boston. As local people. much as she wanted to remain at People like Megan Parisi, head Wormtown — making a lifelong brewer at Sam Adams Boston Tapfriend in co-founder Ben Roesch — room on State Street.

Parisi said the opportunity at Sam Parisi’s connection to Worcester Adams was one she could not turn was the inspiration for Sam Adams’ down. fi rst collaboration with Wormtown Megan Parisi, head brewer at “I wasn’t looking to leave WormBrewery: a rye lager they call “Your Sam Adams Boston Taproom. town,” she said. “My fi rst thought Brewer’s Favorite,” available exclu- SUBMITTED PHOTO was, ‘That’s too bad: I’ve got a job I sively at the Sam Adams taproom, 60 State St., starting Thursday. More on the beer later. like, with people I like.’ Then a couple people said you First, I want to tell you about Parisi and her extraor- really have to check it (Sam Adams) out. You would dinary career in craft beer, one that has spanned more feel foolish for not checking it out. And Ben was like, than two decades and has seen her playing key roles ‘Of course you will.’ I was happy and excited, but sad to leave, because we had just opened up this pretty in opening taprooms for three diff erent breweries.

Like so many brewers before her, Parisi took up amazing spot.”

Boston Beer Co. boasts three gigantic breweries in brewing initially as a hobby while pursuing another career. She was a professional musician for about fi ve Boston, Cincinnati and Lehigh, Pennsylvania, that toyears, playing in The United States Navy Band, in- gether produce more than 3 million barrels of beer a cluding performances for a president and heads of year. The research and development brewery where Parisi tinkered with new Sam Adams beers is infi nistate.

“What I realized homebrewing for 10 years was I tesimal by comparison. She developed new recipes didn’t know anything about making a beer that some- that in some cases would never be released, along with testing ingredients for Sam Adams’ regular one will pay me money for,” Parisi said.

So she went back to school to learn the science of brews.

One of Parisi’s biggest projects involved creating brewing. Her brewing education would come via London’s Institute of Brewing & Distilling, UC Davis, and the Siebel Institute of Technology.

See DRAFT, Page 17D Matthew Tota

Special to Worcester Magazine

Bobby Flay will give a virtual lesson April 8 for Williams Sonoma. PROMOTIONAL PHOTO

Online food shopping options skyrocketing Barbara M. Houle Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

News reports that online shopping skyrocketed last year came as no surprise to most of us who probably all were on the same websites clicking away.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced earlier this year that Americans spent $791.7 billion online last year, up 32.4% from 2019.

The pandemic and national lockdowns not only added growth opportunities for brands, but also new reasons for businesses to create fun, surprise mailorder food gifts and packages.

A quick look: New England-based Pastene recently added the Pastene Campus Survival Kit to an assortment of gift boxes listed on its website (https://www.Pastene.com). The newest kit is perfect to send to students to make their own homecooked meal in their dorm or off -campus housing, especially during fi nals, or to anyone for that matter, said Sharyn Frankel of Tilson PR representing Pastene. Frankel said she often sends gift packages to her parents in Florida. “People like myself who grew up eating food made by companies like Pastene love being surprised with these packages,” she said.

See TABLE, Page 18D

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 17

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Lily O’Brien Lily O’Brien Special to Worcester Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK

Lily O’Brien is from Charlton. She is an avid oil painter and student at Tantasqua Regional High School. She loves painting, screenwriting and poetry, and hopes to one day have a professional art career. Visit her on Instagram @radical.light.art

Draft Continued from Page 16D

Sam Adams’ fi rst hazy IPA. “That was 16 months of work,” she said, adding, “It started in the nano-brewery where I was working … really nailing everything down. I could do 10 or 12 variations at a time. We fi nally released it locally maybe February or March of 2018.”

In 2019, Sam Adams tapped Parisi as head brewer for its new taproom and brewery in downtown Boston, which opened last January. The taproom near Quincy Market was open all of six weeks before Sam Adams decided to close it because of the pandemic.

As Parisi prepared to reopen the taproom, she started planning a new series of collaboration beers to drive home the local roots and connections all breweries share, no matter how big or how small.

“With the reopening, we really wanted to weave that into the fabric of our existence here, highlight that we are a local taproom, a local brand, born in Boston, this our neighborhood, these are friends and neighbors,” she said.

Her fi rst call was to Wormtown. “I loved the idea of making a beer with Ben again,” she said.

Now they just had to settle on the beer they wanted to brew. That part was easy, said Wormtown head brewer Scott Drake.

“Her goal of the collab was to bring together the brewers she worked with at Wormtown to craft something we all would enjoy drinking together,” Drake said in an email. “We decided on a 5% Rye Lager.”

The brewers used a variety of rye called Danko supplied by Massachusetts maltster Valley Mat in Hadley. Danko, originally from Poland, gives a beer a nice balance of bready, spicey

fl avors throughout.

Parisi loves brewing and drinking everything from sours to boozy barrel-aged stouts.

But a lager, she said, off ers a true test of a brewer’s skills.

“It’s complex, but not complicated,” she said. “There’s complexity to the malt and to all of it, but it’s not complicated. It becomes really evident if you don’t know what you’re doing.”

You can taste Your Brewer’s Favorite starting Thursday at the Sam Adams Boston Taproom.

Wormtown plans to brew its version on April 13 with the yeast Parisi used.

And while it will be the same beer, Wormtown’s edition will not taste the same, she said.

“It should be exactly the same beer, but it won’t be — different systems, diff erent water, everything that shows the locality of it,” Parisi said. “Where you make it still maters. It’s still local.”

“Surrealist Landscape #1,” photographed by Kayden Lebouef IMAGES COURTESY OF LILY O’BRIEN

“Guardians,” photographed by Kayden Lebouef

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18 | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Table

Bread is the ultimate addition to elevate everything from your favorite cold cut sandwiches to perfect Panini melts, and we’re proud to bring this unique off ering to our lineup.”

Visit www.calisebakery.com for more information; Follow Calise Bakery on Facebook and Instagram.

Note: Calise Bakery founded in 1908 by the Calise family “lives by The Calise Way – an unwavering commitment to the highest quality products, food safety, competitive prices and excellent customer service.” The company off ers more than 140 authentic varieties of baked, par-baked and frozen breads, pockets and wraps.

Continued from Page 16D

“With Pastene, there are so many food options to choose from.”

The $24.99 Pastene Campus Survival Kit, for example, contains some of Pastene’s go-to items: Basil Pesto, Parmesan cheese, one pound each Bucatine, Spaghetti and Rigatoni, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz.), Pizza Sauce (15 oz.), Tomato Basil Sauce (24.5 oz.) and Tonno (3 oz.)

Other packages include Pastene’s Specialty Gift Box, Gluten Free Gift Box, Chateau Gift Box, Fiesta Gift Box (if you like a little spice in life), Tailgate Gift Box, Date Night Gift Box and Pizza Gift Box, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $39.99. Customers also can mix and match creating their own custom case of Pastene products. Note: The Chateau Gift Box is a team eff ort between the Tosi family (Pastene owners) and the Nocera family, owners of eight Chateau Restaurants located in Massachusetts. The Chateau family business was founded in 1933 in Waltham.

The Pastene story began in 1848 with a produceladen pushcart in Boston’s North End, and today the company’s products are sold nationally in neighborhood markets, select supermarket chains and by national e-tailers such as Amazon and Walmart.

As shoppers we sometimes have no clue to the extensive product line from companies such as Pastene, which sells Italian delicacies that include everything from tomatoes to tuna, beans to breadcrumbs, pasta to peppers and hard-to-fi nd varieties of olives and pignoli nuts and imported Giardiniera and artichoke bottoms.

Mark Tosi, Pastene president, and his brother Chris Tosi, Pastene CEO, represent the sixth generation of Pastene descendants, the 146-year-old family-owned company and importer.

Check out the company website for more information, off ers and promotions and great recipe ideas that include gluten-free and weeknight meals. Sauces, too.

Think about sending a food gift package for any special occasion, or just for fun!

Caribbean takeout at Peppers Chefs at Peppers Artful Events in Northboro have prepared a Caribbean-themed weekend dinner takeout menu for April 9-10.

Orders must be placed by April 8; Pick up is from 3 to 5 p.m. April 9 and 10 a.m. to noon, April 10. Visit https://www.peppersartfulevents.com.

Colorful and delicious Caribbean fl avors to choose: Starters: shrimp fritters with pineapple slaw, mango aioli; Jerk chicken wings with cucumber mint yogurt dipping sauce; butter lettuce salad with mandarin oranges, sweet peppers and grilled sweet potato dressed with honey lime vinaigrette. Entrees include: panseared red snapper with toasted coconut rice, grilled plantains and papaya black bean salsa; Caribbean vegetable stir-fry, pumpkins, plantains, green beans, carrots, cabbage and sweet peppers, served with coconut noodles and cashews. For a sweet ending, dessert

New Mezze Dips Pastene’s Campus Survival Kit. PROMOTIONAL PHOTO

choices include Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie, Vanilla Bean and Mango Panna Cotta and Strawberry Coconut Macaroons.

Accompany the meal with your favorite tropical drink, or order beer or wine from Peppers.

Any interest in cranberry-gravy combo?

Two iconic brands Heinz and Ocean Spray last week offi cially called on the public via a Twitter poll @HeinzTweets to gauge interest in “Cravy,” a potential cranberry sauce-gravy combo.

Here’s the catch. H.J. Heinz brand is requiring 250,000 “indeed” votes on its social medial poll before a deal.

An Ocean Spray representative reported that Heinz called Ocean Spray on April 1 (no joke) about a possible collaboration after a Tweet about an accidental spillage of cranberry sauce splashed onto a spoon of gravy, with the message ending, Marvelous!

Ocean Spray’s answer, “We’re obsessed with this!

Cran-Gravy has a nice ring to it … or … Cravy?!”

“Sometimes, genius happens by accident” is the word from Ocean Spray.

Can’t wait to hear more about this fun collaboration.

Cran-Gravy next Thanksgiving?

Sourdough from Calise Calise Bakery recently rolled out its new Sourdough Italian Round Bread to retailers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The freshly baked bread takes on the sweet tang of sourdough with a soft and chewy crust and light and airy texture. It’s dairy and egg-free; suggested retail is $3.69 for a 20-ounce package (approximately 18 slices). Available in local grocery stores including Stop & Shop, Shaw’s, Shop Rite, Market Basket, Roche Brothers, Big Y, Walmart and Price Rite.

“We’re excited to expand our line of innovative and authentic bread and rolls with this superior sandwich essential,” said Michael R. Calise, president of Calise Bakery, based in Lincoln, R.I. “For over four generations, Calise has brought the freshest, best-tasting rolls to the family table. Our Sourdough Italian Round

Tribe Mezze Dips is the newest line from Lakeview Farms, manufacturer of refrigerated dips, spreads, desserts and specialty products.

Kosher certifi ed with no artifi cial preservatives and gluten-free, Tribe Mezze Dips include: Feta-based Red Pepper, Roasted Garlic and Spicy Tomato; Original Style Tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, cucumber and dill; Mediterranean Layered Dip made with hummus, Tzatziki, red peppers and herbs.

Brand manager Nate Everett said the Mezze Dip line was developed in response to “increasing consumer demand for the Mediterranean style of eating and features an authentic and fl avorful variety to ready-toserve refrigerated deli dips and spreads.”

Consumers will fi nd the refrigerated products available in local supermarkets with a suggested retail price of $4.99 to $5.99. Also, look for Tribe’s popular hummus items that have been produced since 1993. Visit www.tribehummus.com for company deals, recipes, etc.

UNO touts deep dish pizza The celebration of National Deep Dish Pizza Day took place earlier this week (April 5), but you still can enjoy artisan deep dish pizzas at local UNO Pizzeria & Grill locations.

Deep dish pizza is an integral part of UNO’s legacy.

The pizzeria invented deep dish in Chicago in 1943. The company reports that each restaurant makes their dough fresh each morning, shreds 40-pound blocks of mozzarella, chops all produce and roasts all vegetables. “If you know UNO, you know that deep dish pizza is extremely important to us,” said UNO’s Chief Executive Offi cer Erik Frederick. “Yes, deep dish takes a little extra time to cook, a lot of extra eff ort, and it’s more expensive to make,” said Frederick. “At the end of the day, we wouldn’t be UNO without deep dish and deep dish wouldn’t be deep dish without UNO.” You’ll fi nd local UNO’s in Worcester, Millbury, Leominster, Sturbridge and Westboro. Visit https:// www.unos.com for more menu information, promotions, etc.

Cooking with Williams Sonoma Looking to learn a few new cooking tips and reciSee TABLE, Page 19D

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 19

SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

SCREEN TIME

‘I took a bat to a big screen and it felt so, so good’

‘Operation Varsity Blues’ depicts shady college scandal

Sarah Connell Sanders

“There’s something extra cathartic about decimating a computer after a year of excruciating Zoom calls.”

Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Joey Ceccarelli has operated a safety training company for more than two decades with his sister Darcy Cook, but it’s not their only gig. Ceccarelli and Cook are also the co-founders of Smashit2 on Canterbury Street in Worcester.

When I ask Ceccarelli about Smashit #1, he laughs and tells me I’m looking at it.

“Just plain www.smashit.com cost two grand on GoDaddy,” he explains, “Turns out it’s owned by an adult fi lm company.” The Smashit2 URL, on the other hand, came in at a cool $12. Ceccarelli was sold.

Rage rooms like Smashit2 have grown in popularity across the country to help alleviate the stress of a global pandemic. Guests are invited to book sessions ranging from 15 minutes to an hour and destroy the contents of an industriallooking room by wielding sledgehammers and baseball bats.

Ceccarelli thought he had seen it all while working in the safety industry, but Smashit2 is full of surprises. For one thing, the rules have evolved since opening in July of 2020 to include specifi c regulations like, “No standing on the tables.”

Table Continued from Page 18D

pes?

Williams Sonoma off ers virtual events this month and next, beginning with Bobby Flay Live at 8 p.m. April 8. Flay in his home kitchen will introduce viewers to Williams Sonoma’s new GreenPan Premiere Cookware, sharing a

PHOTO COURTESY SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

“The table rule was a result of these six women in their forties from Franklin who came in to let off steam. They all looked so unassuming in their stretch pants and North Faces,” he remembers. “Next thing I know, this one woman is telling me it’s a good thing I don’t resemble her husband and she’s up on the table with a sledgehammer.”

The group signed the wall, “Franklin Mafi a,” a daily reminder to Ceccarelli not to judge a guest by her manicure.

He asks us what kind of music we’d like to listen to and we decide on ‘90s hip-hop. “I always ask people what gets them fi red up,” he says, recalling, “One time, this guy listened to Oasis’ greatest hits for an hour while he went crazy on

a big screen TV.” Items are tagged with goading spray-painted messages like “SMASH ME,” “HIT” and “BAM.” I fi nd the big-screen TV surprisingly resilient. My hot pink construction hat glows under the blacklight and I make a mental note to wear white next time for the full effect. One of my friends is smashing a wooden chair against the wall and another one is going haywire on a laptop. There’s something extra cathartic about decimating a computer after a year of excruciating Zoom calls. I frisbee a few porcelain teacups into the air before discovering my true passion — smashing glass window panes with a resilient little baseball that I throw over and over again until shards of glass

simple brunch menu including Individual Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Rolled Omelets and Classic Hash Browns.

All proceeds from general admission to the virtual events, which include book launch parties, benefi t No Kid Hungry in its fi ght to end childhood hunger in America. Visit www.williams.sonoma.com for a complete rundown of events.

Williams Sonoma Coff ee Club is scheduled at 9 a.m.

April 10. Presented by Breville, the course is recommended for anyone who is interested in starting a coff ee and espresso journey or would like to learn more about the science and art of the craft.

It’s Always Freezer Season Live with chef Ashley Christensen and cookbook author Kaitlyn Goalen will be held at 7 p.m. April 13. Learn how the home freezer can easily become the most important tool

blanket the concrete fl oor.

Most of the smashables come from donations, but when supplies run low, Ceccarelli and his crew go get a haul from the local ministry thrift store. The inventory is constantly changing, but if you have something specifi c you’d like to smash, you can arrange to BYOB — bring your own box.

“More than one Play Station has met its end here,” Ceccarelli tells me. He estimates that a lot more women have come through Smashit2 than men.

“We even have smash-yoga classes and smash-art classes,” he says. “They usually end with wine.”

When our group’s session is over, Ceccarelli hands us all fl uorescent markers and invites us to commemorate the experience by signing our names. Tagging the wall eases me down from my high of destruction. When the next reservation walks in for their session, we stick around to watch them have at it. Ceccarelli laughs at all of our faces pressed up against the window and says, “Who would have thought it was a spectator sport?”

A petite blonde picks up a crystal vase and plows it into the far wall, then lets out a satisfying shriek of excitement. I cannot look away.

in your kitchen.

A Mother’s Day Celebration with Trisha Yearwood is scheduled for May 6.

Yearwood and her sister Beth Bernard not only will celebrate Mother’s Day, but also will launch a new tabletop collection honoring their mother, Gwendolyn. Reserve early!

If you have a tidbit for the column. Call (508) 868-5282.

Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

Jim Keogh Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

We all know what a backdoor deal is. When getting something done legitimately is impossible, you fi gure out a way to circumvent the rules by using any connection at your disposal — so you avoid having the big oak front door with the gold-plated knocker slammed in your face by sneaking in through the unlocked screen door out back.

(We’ve all done it. As a teenager in Rhode Island, I bought my motor vehicle inspection sticker from a guy-whoknew-a-guy because my wreck of a car was destined for rejection. A Rhode Islander was always two degrees of separation from “a guy.”)

After watching the Netfl ix documentary “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal,” I am also keenly acquainted with the “side door” deal.

The side door is how mastermind Rick Singer described his devious method to procure admittance for the undeserving children of the wealthy into prestigious colleges and universities. The most dramatic result was actresses Felicity Huff man and Lori Loughlin doing perp walks after they were caught paying off Singer on behalf of their daughters, but it’s Singer who was the star of this scam.

Want to feel outraged? Listen to the conversations reenacted in “Operation Varsity Blues” between Singer and See BLUES, Page 20D

20 | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

WARL ADOPTION OPTION

you are interested in adoption, please visit our website worcesterarl.org/ adopt/ to learn more about our available animals then call us at (508) 853-0030 ext.0 or email us at info@worcesterarl. org to schedule an appointment. h CASUAL VISITS TO THE SHELTER are prohibited. We will strictly enforce this in order to keep our animal care team protected while still maintaining the most essential function of our operation ...

fi nding homes for animals in need. h ANIMAL SURRENDERS: Our business practice for surrendering a pet remains the same. All pet owners must contact WARL in advance of surrendering a pet. Please call (508) 853-0030. h SPAY/NEUTER CLINICS: All scheduled appointments will be honored. If you have a scheduled appointment, we will be contacting you to discuss changes to our drop off /

pick up procedures. h DONATIONS ACCEPTED except for open bags of food. h Pet food, cat litter, and other shelter supplies will be essential in continuing to provide for our animals and to assist community members in need. To avoid unnecessary travel and exposure, items can be purchased online from our Amazon Wishlist - https:// www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3AX342JIL73M0 h Weekly training classes are going on for adopters. h The WARL Volunteer Program is temporarily suspended. All regular volunteer shifts are on hold. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we can. We have many animals in our care who depend on us to stay healthy and well. The above measures help to protect our staff and community from the spread of COVID - 19 by minimizing face-toface interactions while continuing to operate only core essential services. Please continue to follow our Facebook page for additional updates.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the shelter at (508) 853-0030 or info@ worcesterarl.org.

Matthew Modine as Rick Singer in a scene from the Netflix fi lm “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal.”

future was being engineered by Mom and Dad). When a nervous father asks Singer, “Is this going to be a front-page story?”

I shouted, “Yes it is! Sucker!”

Singer had accomplices, including unscrupulous coaches who for a hefty payout “recruited” rich, non-athletic kids into phantom positions on their teams (the Yale soccer coach took home $800K). Singer typically cut checks from a bogus foundation to cash-strapped small sports programs, like water polo and crew, under the guise of helping them stay solvent. Talk about rigging an already rigged game.

Most of the coaches pocketed the proceeds — but not all.

One of the fi lm’s few good guys is Stanford sailing coach John Vandemoer, who naively be-

lieved Singer was making a legitimate gift to the sailing team and who used the money to improve the program. The coach pleaded guilty rather than risk a lengthy trial, yet the judge declined to give him jail time, recognizing that he’d been scammed.

My other hero is the unnamed guidance counselor who blew the whistle on Loughlin’s daughters, questioning why they had been admitted as coxswains on the USC crew team when neither had participated in the sport in high school. The counselor was subjected to a tongue-lashing by Loughlin’s designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, for revealing the truth, but he had the last laugh. Giannulli served fi ve months.

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

Fuzzy came from a large group of guinea pigs who were surrendered since their family did not have the time to spend with them. Fuzzy and the other male guinea pigs in the home were not getting along, so Fuzzy will be adopted as an only guinea pig. Potential adopters who would like to try to bond Fuzzy to another male guinea pig will need to do the appropriate research to accomplish this. Otherwise, plan to provide Fuzzy his own housing.

Fuzzy's foster mom has this to say about Fuzzy: "Fuzzy enjoys being in his cage and popcorns (jumps) around it. He does not

like to be held but enjoys being petted when you sit with him and loves to greet you by standing on top of his igloo." Fuzzy is pee pad trained (only pees on pee pads) and is very vocal. As a special consideration when adopting Fuzzy, be aware that he is quite dominant, wants to be the boss guinea pig. Potential adopters should be aware of the cleaning and health needs of male guinea pigs. Proof of homeownership or landlord approval is required to adopt.

Prior guinea pig experience is preferred.

WARL COVID-19 Procedures As of Nov. 9, 2020 As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we want to share with you some changes we have implemented so that we can continue to serve the pets and people of our community while keeping our team protected. h ADOPTIONS: At this time, adoptions are being held

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. If

Blues Continued from Page 19D

the cheating parents who paid him six fi gures — he earned $25 million total — to secure their kids seats at high-end schools such as Yale, USC and Stanford.

The dialogue is taken verbatim from FBI wiretaps, and it will make your skin crawl. Responding to a parent concerned about her child’s ability to score highly on a standardized test, Singer chuckles, “The score will be whatever we want it to be.”

To fulfi ll his pledge, he hires someone to take the test for the girl.

The Varsity Blues scandal feels like it was eons ago rather than a couple of years, so I’d

Fuzzy is available for adoption through WARL. MELISSA SWISHER RICHARDSON

NETFLIX

forgotten the sheer brazenness of what went down. In the fi lm, Singer is portrayed by Matthew Modine as someone who regards his crimes with casual indiff erence. He’s almost robotic

in his sales pitch to the parents, delivering marketing come-ons and calm reassurances that they’ll never get caught, not even by their own children (some had no clue their college

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 21

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thority invites bids Housing for CANOPY DEMOThesealed Worcester Authority invites sealed bids for CANOPY DEMONT TOWERLITION, APARTMENTS, BelmontTOWER Street, APARTMENTS, 40 Belmont Street, MA12-12 40 BELMONT 5; WHA Job No. 2019-06, in accordance with Worcester, MA 01605-2655; WHA Job No. 2019-06, in accordance with by the Architect, DIXON SALO ARCHITECTS, the documents prepared by the Architect, DIXON SALO ARCHITECTS, d to cost $140,000.

INC. The work is estimated to cost $140,000. not limitedProject to: demolition front en- to: demolition of existing front enconsists of existing but is not limited ter Housingtrance Authority’s TowerHousing Apart- Authority’s Belmont Tower ApartcanopyBelmont at Worcester specifications and as drawings. ments described in the specifications and drawings. ed until 2:00 p.m. Bids on Wednesday, April 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, General will be received until 21, ousing Authority, Department of Modernization, 2021 at the Worcester Housing Authority, Department of Modernization, ter, MA 01605 at which time Worcester, and place all 81 Tacoma Street, MAbids 01605 at which time and place all bids arding Authority. due to ongoing will be Please openednote: by the Awarding Authority. Please note: due to ongoing ids will be COVID-19 opened and recorded all without public restrictions, bids will be opened and recorded without public l be distributed shortly thereafter. attendance.

The results will be distributed shortly thereafter. be held at 10:00 a.m.Conference on Wednesday, April 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 7, A Pre-bid will be held at 7, partments,2021 40 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 40 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA at Belmont Tower Apartments, bby at which time bidders willfront be invited to which visit time bidders will be invited to visit 01605-2655 in the lobby at resentativethe of project the Architect anda the Worcester of the Architect and the Worcester site with representative ntative. Failure to attend or representative. visit the premises Housing Authority Failure to attend or visit the premises ure to perform terms. All attendees are shallcontract be no defense in failure to perform contract terms. All attendees are D-19 State and Localto Guidelines. required follow all COVID-19 State and Local Guidelines. c149 §44A-JBids andare Davis Bacon well and Davis Bacon wage rates as well subject to wage M.G.L.rates c149as §44A-J as other applicable laws. cuments will made available onDocuments the WorcesBidbe forms and Contract will be made available on the Worcesat no at no //www.worcesterha.org/currentbids.html) ter Housing Website (http://www.worcesterha.org/currentbids.html) cost. copies will be available on March 31, 2021 at the Worcesade available onHard March 31, 2021 at made the WorcesHousing Authority Department of Modernization, 81 Tacoma Street, partment ofterModernization, 81 Tacoma Street, Worcester, and8:00 thereafter, Monday thru Friday 8:00 A.M. d thereafter, MondayMA thru01605 Friday A.M. through 4:30 P.M.may Copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained by of the Contract Documents be obtained by $50.00 in the form of company check, made payable to the depositing orm of a company check, made payable to athe Housing so Authority, for each set of documents so obtained. ty, for eachWorcester set of documents obtained.

General Bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Manageertified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance in the following category of work: GENCAMM) in the following category of(DCAMM) work: GENUCTION. ERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. regarding this 72 project shall oject shall Questions be submitted in writing hours pri-be submitted in writing 72 hours prior to opening and Reference the WHA Job Numemailed to Mod-Bids@worcesterha.org.

Reference the WHA Job Numrcesterha.org. subject line. ber: 2019-06 only in the subject line.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

508-839-1164 www.sneadebrothers windowandsiding.com

22 | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

J O N E S I N’

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

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Across 1 Dental degree 4 “Pygmalion” author’s initials 7 Big name in keyboards and motorcycles 13 Green Day, for one 14 Key on either side of the space bar 15 Lack of interest 16 Song activity #1 18 Senator Kyrsten 19 Linguistic suffix with “morph” or “phon” 20 Admit, as a guest 22 Director Grosbard with a palindromic name 23 Song activity #2 28 Filipino dish 29 Dock workers, at times 30 Actress Daly of “Judging Amy” 31 Capital in the Andes 34 Harry Potter sidekick 35 Song activity #3 38 ___ de los Muertos 41 Gently prods 42 Rough file 46 Integrated set that allows you to browse the Internet, e.g.

48 Seasonal gift giver 49 Song activity #4 53 Play a part 54 Knock it off 55 Aussie hopper 56 Difference in a close ballgame 59 Song-based trick wherein the things the singer’s “never gonna” do to you describe the theme answers, in order 61 Extremely ___ (addicted to Twitter, say) 62 “Thrilla in Manila” result, for short 63 “Black Swan” actress Kunis 64 World leader whose name is repeated in Dead Kennedys’ “Holiday in Cambodia” 65 “___ alors!”

66 ‘60s activist gp.

Down 1 Serious-and-funny show 2 Had for supper 3 Landscaping purchase

“Never Say Never”--just click the link, I promise.

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4 ___ damn (cared) 5 “Expletive deleted” sound 6 Runway 7 “___ queen!”

8 Bee-fix?

9 The Red Devils of the Premier League, when abbreviated (the team uses this as their website) 10 Artist’s workshop 11 Author better known as Saki 12 “You’re the Worst” star Cash 13 Casey’s place, in a poem 17 ___ buco (veal dish) 21 2010 Eminem song featuring Lil Wayne 24 “___ to differ!”

25 Greek vowels 26 Indian restaurant basketful 27 Channel that airs frequent reruns of “Family Feud” 31 “Arrested Development” surname 32 Venerable London theater 33 Band booking 36 Poker dues 37 Abbr. on folk music lyrics 38 Broadband internet alternative 39 Unequivocal refusal 40 Very small power source 43 Mobile phone choice 44 Leisurely walks

45 ‘50s music scandal cause 47 Vacation while stationed in parks, perhaps 48 Canine : “doggo” :: serpentine : “___” 50 “The Neighbors” actress Jami 51 17-syllable verse 52 Neckwear worn by Fred on “Scooby-Doo” 56 Alley-___ (basketball maneuver) 57 Card game with four main colors 58 Badminton divider 60 Abbr. in a rental ad

Last week's solution

©2021 Matt Jones (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) Reference puzzle #1035

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | 23

LAST CALL

Tyler Lussier and Brandon Forsyth of Image Custom Designs

typical job, but it sounds like maybe there isn’t one.

BF: Our fi rst “new” project was when we started doing acrylic work. We just got off doing acrylic for Virgin, carving cases for their DJs. We fi gured, what the hell — let’s lean into acrylic work because we’re certainly not making things for trade shows or concerts for the foreseeable future. We just continued getting more and more creative. We had a lot of other friends with relatively new businesses and we wanted to fi gure out how we could help

them.

Tyler, can you tell me more about the evolution of your family business?

TL: We are a comprehensive manufacturer of the Airline Transport Association and it has really spiraled into specializing in road cases for the touring industry. My dad worked at United Metal, right down the road, all through his teenage years. He learned how to weld and fabricate, then taught me.

He would never buy us stuff , he would force us to make whatever we wanted. I learned how

to fi x cars and got really handy from a young age. I’ve been welding and fabricating for 28 years.

BF: We’ve gotten super into the classic car scene, so we build old VW Buses and Bugs.

We’ve talked about how that can become more of a commercial thing for us as pop-ups get more and more popular. If nothing else, it’s how we like to spend our free time because we’re just addicted to it.

What has been your favorite manufacturing project now that you guys are

branching out?

BF: Our favorite project is always the next one. Solon Kelleher down at Coney Island just asked us to do their sign for Polar Park. We’ve really enjoyed collaborating with our friends like Susie and Joe Skrzek of Glazy Susan and my cousin Justin Pitz from Axe to Grind. I like when somebody comes in and says, “Hey, I have this crazy idea.” And then, they give it to us and we make it even crazier.

We love participating in building a new brand. The unpredictability of the last year has really aff orded us to do more of that. One of the coolest things is that Tyler was always set up to do this for Worcester because his family is so ingrained here. His grandpa was one of the best hand sign painters in the country.

TL: He painted most of the signs around here for 40 years.

BF: Plus, Tyler’s uncle is one of the best neon guys in the country. Their knowledge and skills are at our disposal, which has been amazing. It’s in his blood.

Do you have any goals for the future?

BF: We want to be the catalyst for making creative ideas a reality. We’ll come up with concepts and fi nd these really cool projects, then discuss if we want to be involved and how it might happen. We connect the skilled people who we know can make it happen. We are a melting pot.

hold a “Violence Is Not Normal” two-minute/short fi lm festival city-wide, Colon said.

“How is the pandemic affecting violence in our neighborhoods? We decided to gear it up and have a conversation with youth in the city, hoping youth will tell us what we can do to curtail violence in the city of Worcester,” she said.

It’s also a way the Youth Center can keep its members engaged.

Through the time it has been physically closed due to the pandemic, “I do have some people who have drifted away.

But with the new activity, we’ve been able to attract new blood, new members,” Colon said.

“Everything that we have

done has been remotely. We do go in the center for administrative work once in a while.”

Martin said that the youth center will soon likely be open on an appointment-only basis.

Then gradually in May and June there will be a hybrid of virtual days and days when the center is open.

“There will be a lot of out-

door activities when we’re open. Recreational stuff will be outside. And we’ll see what the summer brings. We’ll do what we can to open up,” Martin said.

Kubicki is willing to lend a hand.

“There might be a little bit of time for me to go in and set up,” he said.

Sarah Connell Sanders Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Image Custom Cases director of design Tyler Lussier and vice president Brandon Forsyth are building on their shop’s trusted legacy by expanding the business to include Image Custom Designs. In a year where touring, conventions and concerts have come to a halt, Lussier and Forsyth have parlayed their skills into creating custom acrylic pieces along with wide format printing like commercial car wraps and decals. Lussier’s craftsmanship combined with Forsyth’s marketing prowess makes for a versatile and highly eff ective team.

Are you from the area?

BF: I grew up near here. I live out in Barre now. I actually came into the business to help Tyler’s family drum up some interest through marketing. We wanted to build a forecast and a plan. His father owns Image Production and he was doing a whole bunch of things all at once. I took on an ownership role about a month before COVID hit when we were honestly just busy manufacturing for productions, trade shows and concerts. With the pandemic, it was like, “Now what do we do?”

We were constantly pivoting and we naturally became this creativity factory, which has been a total blessing.

I was going to ask about a

Record Continued from Page 7D

the Youth Center has made a public service announcement and members have made some two-minute fi lms.

There will be more, and this summer, the Youth Center will

Brandon Forsyth, left, and Tyler Lussier of Image Custom Designs. PHOTO/DYLAN AZARI

WM-0000462614-03

24 | APRIL 8 - 14, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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