Worcester Magazine April 22 - 28, 2021 by Worcester Magazine

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | CULTURE § ARTS § DINING § VOICES

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IN THIS ISSUE

Worcester Magazine 100 Front St., Fifth Floor Worcester, MA 01608 worcestermag.com Editorial (508) 767.9535 WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com Sales (508) 767.9530 WMSales@gatehousemedia.com VP, Sales & Strategy Andrew Chernoff Executive Editor David Nordman Editor Nancy Campbell Content Editor Victor D. Infante Reporters Richard Duckett, Veer Mudambi Contributing Writers Stephanie Campbell, Sarah Connell Sanders, Gari De Ramos, Robert Duguay, Liz Fay, Jason Greenough, Janice Harvey, Barbara Houle, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Craig S. Semon, Matthew Tota Multi Media Sales Executives Deirdre Baldwin, Debbie Bilodeau, Kate Carr, Diane Galipeau, Sammi Iacovone, Kathy Puffer, Jody Ryan, Regina Stillings Sales Support Jackie Buck, Yanet Ramirez Senior Operations Manager Gary Barth Operations Manager John Cofske Worcester Magazine is a 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 888-254-3466, email classifieds@gatehousemedia.com, or mail to Central Mass Classifieds, 100 Front St., 5th Floor, Worcester, MA 01608 Distribution Worcester Magazine is inserted into the Telegram & Gazette on Thursdays and is also available for free at more than 400 locations in the Worcester area. Unauthorized 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. Subscriptions First class mail, $156 for one year. Send orders and subscription correspondence to GateHouse Media, 100 Front St., Worcester, MA 01608. Advertising To place an order for display advertising or to inquire, please call (508) 767.9530. Worcester Magazine (ISSN 0191-4960) is a weekly publication of Gannett. All contents copyright 2021 by Gannett. All rights reserved. Worcester Magazine is not liable for typographical errors in advertisements.

Featured ..............................................................................7 City Voices.........................................................................11 Cover Story.......................................................................13 Next Draft .........................................................................21 Artist Spotlight ...............................................................23 Screen Time .....................................................................26 Adoption Option.............................................................28 Classiﬁ eds ........................................................................29 Games................................................................................30 Last Call .............................................................................31

On the cover Thu Nguyen, who is running for an at-large seat on the Worcester City Council, beside a mural in downtown Worcester. ASHLEY GREEN/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

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FEATURED

Kellz Da Cheefa makes moves with ‘Block Pain’ EP

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Liz Fay Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Worcester native Mykel Deleo, professionally known as Kellz Da Cheefa, gets personal in his long awaited EP “Block Pain,” dropping April 20. Over the course of six tracks, the 24year-old rapper is making a splash as he dives deeply into some heavy personal experiences growing up in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood. “Block Pain” is Deleo’s fi rst project to release since moving his music career to Los Angeles a year ago — time and space away from home being the medicine Deleo needed to overcome a creative drought. “All that pain over there with dark clouds over my head, I don’t gotta deal with the same pain over here. My whole tape is called ‘Block Pain’ and I lived like that every day. I had to live with intense stuff , dealing with cops, all this nonsense every day. It’s hard to build a future and a career around that. So as soon as I moved, it made it 10 times easier to fi nd myself and fi nd what I want to do, like making beats and making my own cover art. There’s just so much more to this than music. I’m now on the third drop from my clothing brand. I would’ve never thought like this if I didn’t make the move.” Deleo says that the fi rst track, “508 Gunsparks,” “summarizes the entire picture of what I’m talking about in this project.” Discussing the hardships faced while residing in Main South, Deleo says, “I had to deal

Rapper Kellz Da Cheefa records in July at at Paramount studios in Los Angeles. SUBMITTED PHOTO

with losing a lot of family, friends and loved ones to gun violence at a young age, so I remember at 16, 17, 18, having friends getting shot, going to the hospital, and having friends dying and that’s what I’m talking about in ‘508 Gun Sparks.’” He opens the song rapping “508 the city that I’m from! Lose so much it’s hard to have a heart! Young’ins grow up fast they dodgin’ gun sparks! Couldn’t call my dawg it made me fall apart! When I lost my dawg I swear it made me fall apart!” He says the second track, “Touchdown,” is “his personal favorite. “I feel like I really See EP, Page 8D

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Samantha Valletta getting the messages out

female artists across all mediums based in Boston whose mission is to “uplift artists and to provide a platform for all communities and cultures to share their stories.” “Art has always had the power to help heal, especially during these trying times,” said Valletta. “Using the power of ﬁ lm and multimedia, GBAC looks forward to creating a piece dedicated to the communities hit hardest by the virus. Our goal is to encourage everyone to come together for this last push, allowing us all to come out on the other side safer, refreshed and renewed.” The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is a regional planning agency serving 101 cities and towns of Greater Boston, including Bolton, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlboro and Milford. The

scope of the public health COVID vaccination message initiative runs further, with other grant recipients including Chelvanaya Gabriel, a multimedia art activist/storyteller and resilience facilitator based in Western Massachusetts. Once completed, MAPC will make the artworks available for digital download and sharing. Valletta said GBAC will create videos to be shared across all social media platforms. GBAC will start by making a video at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury showing its work in getting people vaccinated. But GBAC could go across the state, “as many neighborhoods as we can,” including to the Central Community Branch YMCA of Central Massachusetts, 766 Main St., Worcester, to “showcase their eﬀ orts” with vaccination, Valletta said. “I’m hoping to. I know the area pretty well,” she said. Indeed, she said her ﬁ rst job was at the Central Community Branch YMCA, working with its after-school child care program. “Readily available vaccine communication resources are not always resonating with communities of color that have been treated unjustly by medical systems,” said MAPC arts and culture director Jennifer Sien Erickson. “Many materials also aren’t designed to reach communities speaking languages other than English. We are excited to partner with this diverse team of local artists to promote equity in community access to the vaccines.” All of this came before the recent pause of distributing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. MAPC gave priority in awarding

grants to projects that engage diverse ethnic, cultural and BIPOC communities, and many of the completed projects will be available in multiple languages. Valletta said, “This has GBAC working with activists in the Black and brown communities. It’s a nice thing to do despite the diffi cult subject matter.” Besides Valletta, GBAC includes Gisell Builes, Karen Elisa Garcia and Jennifer Medrano. “We’re producing and directing it all together. I’m the lead on the project, but it’s a collaboration with the four of us,” Valletta said The goal is to create “something super simple that people can share. Get this COVID vaccine message out. We want to make it very human. That’s what our focus is.” The team has been working with MAPC to fi nalize visual and concepts, and hopes to be fi lming this week, and into the next week. “And hopefully get the project done in a couple of weeks,” Valletta said. “It’s just a really powerful time to get to work with an organization like the MAPC specializing with communities that have been hit the hardest with health inequalities in the state.” Valletta graduated from the then Holy Name Central Catholic High School in Worcester and was a dance student at Jo Ann Warren Studio in Worcester. She was also working at the YMCA. “I tell people I slept in Sutton and spent my whole days in Worcester,” Valletta said. She comes from “a very large Italian family,” and also helping to keep her

wards explaining the same thing and what these kids are going through.” While Deleo’s new life in California led to his successfully ﬁ nishing the EP, Deleo still considers Worcester home, and plans to return full time down the road. “I miss the culture. The culture is closer over in Worcester. I miss the community, small businesses, the studios, you know, that’s where I’m from. But from L.A. I plan to move to New York and do the same thing. I want to see how far I

can get and then come back to Worcester.” Upon Deleo’s return home, he hopes to come back to a city better than he left it. “I want to see the growth. And I want my supporters, my friends, and my family to see the growth. In addition to “Block Pain,” Deleo says he is dropping a surprise for his fans on his birthday, May 17. Speaking from his own life experiences and career milestones, Deleo

shares a few words of wisdom for aspiring artists. “Take that step. You just gotta take it. Find your passion, never quit, and never let your environment or your surroundings stop you from where you’re going, because anyone can do anything. Anyone can do anything.” Kellz Da Cheefa is available on all music platforms. Follow him on Instagram @kellzda.cheefa and shop his merchandise line @lovemadness.apparel.

Richard Duckett Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Samantha Valletta is part of small team of artists who will be trying to reach underserved communities with creative COVID-related public health messages, including the importance of getting vaccinated, as part of an initiative by The Metropolitan Area Planning Council. For Valletta, a Worcester native who grew up in Sutton and now lives in the North End of Boston, it’s part of “working in the arts and staying in touch with reality.” Valletta is a ﬁ lmmaker, actor, writer, dancer, choreographer and, as she describes herself on Instagram, an “Earth & Human Activist.” She said she has “long been fascinated by the human experience depicted through the written word and moving image. I have tunnel vision for introspection.” She’s also “a ﬁ rm believer in collaboration over competition.” In February, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council invited artists, designers and creatives to pitch concepts to inspire safe and healthy behaviors and then chose nine individuals/teams to share $45,000 in grant funding. It is looking for “posters, videos, postcards, public art, comic strips and other accessible artworks that can be used by health agencies, municipalities and community groups to spread the word about COVID-related public health advice,” MAPC said in an announcement. Valletta is one of four members of the The Greater Boston Artist Collective, one of the chosen teams, a collective of

EP Continued from Page 7D

poured a lot out in that one, I explained a lot of how I feel, all these years of trials and tribulations, losing people, I put the lyrics in a relative perspective for the kids in similar situations to relate to. All the songs have diﬀ erent vibes and feelings, each song means something else but they’re really just all put together to-

Samantha Valletta SUBMITTED PHOTO

See VALLETTA, Page 9D

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Valletta Continued from Page 8D

grounded has been the social awareness she sees in her parents. Her mother, Amy Valletta, is a lawyer who has also been a nurse. As a lawyer she has often represented children. Her father, Steven Valletta, as a utilization reviewer for the UMass Memorial Medical Center working with patients in rehabilitation. “My parents have had a huge impact on my activism,” Samantha Valletta said. “They’re not self-seeking. It was never about numbers, money. They just led with their hearts and it defi nitely inspired me.” Valletta studied communications and graduated from Curry College in Milton, where she acted in several theater productions. Then, “I did the whole New York acting school and theater circuit. I quickly realized it was not for me,” she said. “When I moved to New York I was naively hoping for the artistic world. Unless you have money, it’s not going to happen.” She came back to Massachusetts. “Boston and Worcester are really fi lled with genuine artists, and those are the kind of people that inspire me and the ones I want to collaborate with,” she said. “I’ve become an activist in the community for so many fi ghts. Acting and activism go hand in hand, so it’s really cool to take two of my passions and make a project together.” She recalled making a video for a Black Lives Matter project. “I put it on Instagram and the reaction was amazing,” she said. “It opened my eyes about the connection between my love of fi lm and my love of activism.” Along with that, “Over the past four years I’ve been a fulltime actor and fi lmmaker, and that’s how I support myself. I spent many a year just eating peanut butter for dinner, but it

paid off . It takes a village,” Valletta said. As an actor she has appeared in movies (including “Dilettantes” about four friends navigating the transition from school to adulthood in Boston), television, theater, industrial fi lms and commercials, and done modeling work. She is signed with the Andrew Wilson Agency of Boston and New York. “I’m the National Floors Direct chick you see every morning and night on (Channel) 7 news,” Valletta said. “I’ve worked so many years to put myself in the professional position I am in,” she said. “I’ve understood the privileges I’ve had along the way, I remember with grace the tremendous struggles I’ve endured as well, and I honor the friends and family who’ve continuously supported me. I’m very proud of where I stand, but not because of personal success, but because of the opportunities I have been able to bring to other people.” Meanwhile, Worcester “means so much to me,” she said, and she likes to return often when she can. GBAC is shooting a music video about social injustice at The Bridge in Worcester May 1 and 2. Valletta is aware of the struggles of The Bridge to stay open. “We’re excited to use the resource. You still need to have the resource for artists,” she said. For the fall, Valletta is planning “a big climate change event,” which will include the screening of a satire she has made titled “Earth Day.” The event will also feature “leading climate change scientists, and other fi lmmakers who couldn’t show their work at fi lm festivals because of COVID,” she said. Meanwhile, “I’m so excited MAPC is doing this for fi lmmakers,” she said of the COVID project. “The avalanche of change 2020 kickstarted changed our world forever,” she said. “I’m ready for life to go to the new normal.”

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‘Unwelcome Matt’ ﬁ lls the post-Trump ire void Janice Harvey Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Thank goodness for Matt Gaetz. I say this because I was saddened by Donald Trump’s banishment from Twitter. Though I’m fairly certain Trump never saw a single tweet I sent his way, there was satisfaction in airing my spleen over his inﬂ ammatory nonsense. The same goes for his eldest child, DJT Jr. (Admittedly, throwing verbal grenades at both Dad and Junior was akin to shooting blow darts at a caged parakeet, but simple pleasures are the best.) After Trump Sr. was muzzled, I still enjoyed dropping what I perceived as clever word bombs on the kid, but nothing was as satisfying as going after the paterfamilias. Just as I was lamenting how bland social media was without Twitter Trump, along came Florida’s Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz — or as I like to think of him, Unwelcome Matt. Gaetz has been an endless source of twisted amusement from the get-go, with his Conway Twitty hairdo and his pathetic boot-licking of Trump. Resembling a cross between “Family Guy’s” lecherous Quagmire, and MTV’s long-forgotten “Max Headroom,” Gaetz demanded attention just by showing up. Amazingly, he’s trying to remain in the spotlight even as he faces a federal investigation into whether he broke sex trafﬁ cking laws and “slept” with a 17-year-old girl. Matt Gaetz loves center stage almost as much as his idol, which is why he had the unmitigated gall to speak at Trump National Doral golf resort, addressing the “save America Summit” held by — hold on to your hats — Women for America First. Imitating

his golden calf ’s penchant for windbaggery, Gaetz blustered about his innocence and announced that he “has not yet begun to fi ght,” at which point 18th-century naval hero John Paul Jones’s ghost performed a triple lutz without ice skates. Once upon a time, even a whiff of a rumor of impropriety would be enough to sink a politician for good. Not so, postTrump. Learning about a federal investigation into his possible connection to sex traffi cking hasn’t deterred Floridian Quagmire. Becoming the best punchline of the week for latenight TV hosts and the delight of “Saturday Night Live’s” joke writers hasn’t stopped Gaetz from visiting FOX “News.” Tucker Carlson’s goofy mug was frozen quizzically for 48 hours after a weird interview with Matty. Gaetz threw out some lame story about extortion, yada yada, and held his pompadour high. One problem here: Matt Gaetz is no Donald Trump. He may think he’s heir apparent to the Throne of Stupid, but he’s wrong. Despite my intense loathing of the twice-impeached 45th president, I have to admit that Trump pushes some bizarre button in his needy and befuddled cult members that Gaetz can’t fi nd with a compass. Most thinking adults have been onto #45 since he fi rst began strutting his stuff , spewing nonsense about Obama’s birth certifi cate. Such blatant racism would’ve sunk any other personality, but Former Guy had that “Thing” — that ability to inspire loyalty despite his most egregious behavior. He tested the waters with the birther bull, and in recognizing there was an appetite for his worst shtick, he won the hearts of the hateful. Matt Gaetz can try, but he will See HARVEY, Page 11D

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CITY VOICES WORCESTERIA

Harvey Work continues on the Polar Park sign on March 31 in Worcester. ASHLEY GREEN/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Everybody’s talking about Polar Park Victor D. Infante Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: Here’s a headline we never thought we’d see in the Boston Globe: “Is this heaven? No, it’s Worcester.” Needless to say, these are not the tones we’re used to Boston media taking with us, so any good Worcesterite is right to be suspicious, as there are only a few subjects which gain that eﬀ usive coo from our sort-of former stepsibling paper, and Polar Park is one of them. The article is by Rhode Island reporter Dan McGowan, and it’s really more about taking a stick to the Rhode Island state government for letting the Paw Sox go than it is singing Wormtown’s praise, although he does do a

little of that: “Really, the place is great. For starters, the seats, most of which are expected to run from between $8 and $20, are right on top of the ﬁ eld, which has the same intimate feeling of Fenway but with nothing to obstruct your view.” Which? Fair enough. I’ve only seen the inside in photos and from perched up on Ash Street, and I have to say, the insides do look nice, and as we all know, it’s what’s on the inside that matters. The outside though? Oof. Iconic former WoMag editor Walter Crockett probably said it best on Facebook where he observed, “It’s good to know the city didn’t waste any money on architects for Polar Park. They just copied that formerly abandoned building on Hammond Street. Great architecture never dies.”

THAT OLD RAZZLE-DAZZLE: The fact is, Polar Park is a bit of Rorschach test and for many people, if you love the idea, then everything about it is good, and if you don’t, everything about it is terrible. But if you don’t feel the need to indulge in Manichean thinking, it’s OK to admit that you’re looking forward to aspects of it, even while you have real concerns. Indeed, such concerns were raised by GBH in the article, “Worcester Spent More Than $100 Million Building Polar Park. Minority Companies Got Peanuts,” by Carrie Saldo. It’s a dense article, the gist of which is that minorityowned businesses only got about a single percent of the pie. But in a feat of political See PARK, Page 12D

Continued from Page 10D

never be Donald. Donald’s kids can’t come close, either, even with his DNA to bolster their dreams. Only Donald can get away with lying with every breath, denying the obvious in the face of evidence, and still climb out of the muck after concocting outlandish excuses as lame as “The dog ate my homework, Miss Landers.” No one believes Matt Gaetz on any subject. What’s worse for him, no one cares what happens to him. There are no rallies for the guy who Venmo’ed payments for sex. The guy who took a passionate stand for Britney Spears? That guy? When he fumbled his explanation for why a young man has been his housemate since prepubescence, he raised the eyebrow of many a Trump supporter, especially the males who strap on AK-15s for a trip to ChickFil-A. The Qanon crowd that stormed the Capitol on January 6 has been awfully silent, considering their ﬁ erce determination to end sex traﬃ cking. Unwelcome Matt is left with two political oddballs to back

him: Marjorie Taylor Greene and Jim Jordan. That’s like using Woody Allen as a personal reference on a childcare application. Marjorie is pushing the formation of the “America First Caucus,” a platform so backward and racist it promotes “Anglo-Saxon political traditions.” Eager to discuss something other than the time he showed nude pics of girls to colleagues on the House fl oor, Matt has declared himself “proud to join” Greene. That should help his cause. The seven-page document that introduces us to this nuttiness is chock full of ideas that would have George Wallace dancing without a wheelchair. It occurred to me that I haven’t heard the term “AngloSaxon” since Mr. Hulbert’s history class in 1974. I’m sure many a FOX viewer grabbed their Merriam-Websters in the hope that “Anglo-Saxon” means “white supremacist,” relieved to fi nd it doesn’t mean they’d have to learn how to play the saxophone to remain members of the Grand Old Party. Ah, but I don’t take anything for granted. I can stick a fork in Matt Gaetz, but I might fi nd that he’s not done. These days, anything is possible.

12 | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Park Continued from Page 11D

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spin that was absolutely dizzying in its deftness, City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. went on Hank Stoltz’s “Talk of the Commonwealth” radio show to answer the article’s points, afﬁ rming its point, while countering with a positive. It was a Master Class in RazzleDazzle. The article points out that the 20% goal for womenowned or minority-owned businesses wasn’t met, and Augustus rightly counters with the city beating the goal for percentage of minority workers hired, then admits, “Unfortunately, here, Polar Park we’re consistent with where the state and Boston and most public construction projects are.” The percentage of contracts was 17%, which on the surface sounds close, but the diﬀ erential on who got paid what is self-evident, seeing as those 17% only got 1% of the cash. “It just shows,” says Augustus, “that there’s a lot more to be done across Massachusetts to build the capacity to have minority-owned businesses, particularly in the construction-owned businesses, that are able to bid on public projects, to win those bids and do that work. There are a lot of barriers that sometimes preclude minority business even competing on those contracts,” saying that there’s more to be done on that front. Which? Yeah. That’s what this whole benchmark system was about. Augustus also addressed the assertion that the lead contractor, Gilbane/Hunt, was reporting higher amounts paid to minority-owned business to the WRA than were actually paid. Basically, the numbers reported were estimates, and the lower amounts were the actual cost. Augustus rightly asserts that there’s often a disparity between estimates and actual costs, but, uhm, when has that disparity ever been consistently lower?

THE GANG’S ALL HERE: Augustus balks at the idea that Gilbane never had any intention of living up to the agreement and hiring a higher percentage of minority contractors. Augustus says, “I don’t think that would be true, because I don’t see what the incentive would be not to hire.” He’s probably not wrong about that, as far as it goes, but it only takes a small amount of Googling to ﬁ gure out that the main reason fewer minority contractors were hired was the same reason only ﬁ ve Worcester contractors were hired out of the 50 contracts given: Everything else being equal, people go with what they know, and Gilbane has worked with at least some of these companies before. For example, they’ve worked with Tight Line Construction, who was contracted for “drywall and general trades,” before at projects including the TD Garden 2019 Renovation & Expansion and the Logan Airport Terminal C-E Connector. Could a Worcester company have done that job? I’m sure there’s one, but one can never underestimate that edge that prior relationships give in contracting. It’s not even insidious: It’s a known quantity. Ditto for the OSCO Construction Group, which Gilbane has worked with before and whose subsidiary Strescon Limited was one of the Polar Park contractors. Gilbane’s also worked with Front Line Inc., Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, Greenwood Industries, EDM Construction and John W. Egan Company, and one of the subcontractors, GO Services, is a subsidiary of Gilbane itself. This isn’t secret information. This is just Googling. Nor is it a sign of a nefarious conspiracy. What it is a sign of is that the pool of the construction world is small, and making inroads into it is hard, and being already in that circle is a sort of privilege, the sort that it’s hard for outsiders to overcome without serious carrots and/or sticks.

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COVER STORY

AC R O S S G E N E R AT I O N S Worcester’s Vietnamese community ﬁ nding its voice Veer Mudambi Worcester Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK

When Thu Nguyen went to Ferguson, Missouri, as a street medic during the Black Lives Matter protests, to say their parents were worried would be an understatement. “They thought I was insane,” said Nguyen, who identiﬁ es as non-binary and who is running for an at-large seat on the Worcester City Council. h After the slaying of Michael Brown in 2014, Nguyen did a great deal of work with BLM and remembers their parents trying hard to discourage involvement in protests, saying it was not worth the risk. h “They didn’t quite see it as ‘our issue,’” said Nguyen, “which for me is problematic.” The injustice of the situation is not lost on Vietnamese immigrants of that generation, Nguyen explained, but they viewed it as separate from the Vietnamese or even the larger Asian community, and preferred their children not get involved. That mindset is understandable, said Nguyen, “it’s how we survive as immigrants and refugees.” Those labels come with a deep-rooted sense of indebtedness to America for opening its doors, leading to an intense reluctance to criticize their adopted country. It’s an issue that cuts across a multitude of demographics but is particularly prevalent in Asian communities. Culturally, many Asian folk are silent, explained Nguyen. “My parents were indebted to America because they came here as refugees. How can we complain and bring up issues when this is better than where we left — it’s a silence we hold and carry as a burden.” However, that sense of obligation should not come at the expense of a community’s voice. As racism escalates in this country for all minorities, especially the policing crisis which disproportionately aﬀ ects the Black community, ICE targeting Latinx, and most recently the anti-Asian violence, there is an imperative need to lift up everyone. Nguyen is unequivocal about it: “If we look left and right, all of us are being really attacked at this mo-

ment.” Nguyen, who had begun social justice work in college to support undocumented immigrants and inner city youth, disagreed with their parents saying it was just wrong to stay on the sidelines. “We have to be in solidarity and push for change for all of us.” Indeed, for youth, there is much internal healing work that needs to be done as many of them are in the midst of learning where they are on the spectrum of social justice. Anh Vu Sawyer Sawyer, executive director at the Southeast Asian Coalition of Massachusetts, is of a similar generation to Nguyen’s parents, and understands the hesitancy of the older Vietnamese community toward activism and protest. “I have all of that background of being silent and how being invisible is very important to us, so we won’t be ‘in trouble.’” However, Sawyer made sure to emphasize that trying to avoid drawing unwanted attention did not mean acceptance or lack of resistance. She pointed

Thu Nguyen is an at-large candidate for the Worcester City Council. ASHLEY GREEN/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

to the historical fact that Vietnam was dominated by outside powers for numerous years — China, France, Japan. “But we are a very strong people and none of them could change Vietnamese culture and language — even the war did not turn us into an Americanized or westernized country.”” The war between South and North Vietnam, though fought against each other, was in actuality between two of the world superpowers at the time, the Soviet Union and the United States — a proxy

war. “We were kind of like a chess game,” she said. She believes the same strength that sustained them under foreign rule will see them through now in spite of all of the present anti-Asian sentiment and the resulting racism as well as cultural barriers; the Vietnamese are resilient, in spirit as well as determination. “The escalation is really tied to the past administration — Kung Flu, China Virus, WuSee VOICE, Page 14D

14 | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Co Anh Sawyer, left, and Thu Nguyen walking in Boston in May 2020.

Voice Continued from Page 13D

han virus. From the start of the pandemic, we’ve had to counter the racist rhetoric that Trump was amplifying. Being Asian isn’t a virus.” Sawyer was more receptive to the idea of taking a stand alongside the youth of the wider Asian American community, allowing her to bridge the elder and younger viewpoints. That is not to say she does not understand or sympathize with the older generation when they feel that life in their new land will be simpler if they don’t create trouble. But she also believes in the younger generation who feels that if they don’t take a stand and take action by protesting, the system will never improve. “I want to be there for Thu’s parents but also be a support for Thu’s generation — after all, it is the same issue, but how they deal with it is different.” Her fi rst protest was four years ago at the fi rst women’s March in Washington. “I didn’t dare tell my family or staff because I didn’t want to get them in trouble with the authorities,”

she said, explaining it was an ingrained precaution from growing up in Vietnam. She was inspired by seeing a sea of women of all diff erent colors. “We came together and we realized we have to be there for all of the incidents that happen to every woman in every corner of the world.” In the same way that all minorities should support BLM, because what happens to them could happen to anyone. Sawyer has struggled at times with when to speak and when not to. “I am old enough to know that when I speak up, if it is not received, it is not worth it. I have to preserve my energy to keep fi ghting, the survival mode is built in.” So what does it take for her to fi nd the balance between taking a stand but making it eff ective and not dissipating her energies? The answer lies in one critical fact — whether she can inspire an action or a reaction. One of the areas close to her heart, where she hopes her support and leadership will bear fruit, is the issue of AsianAmerican representation in Worcester city government. She wholeheartedly believes that more representation in city government would help

Nguyen, center, attends the St. Vincent’s nurses’ strike.

provide a signal that Asian Americans are committed to public service in America and may even go a long way to resolve animosity towards the community. “We have such a huge Vietnamese and Southeast Asian population in the city, and there’s still no representation in decision-making and that is very problematic.” As far as SEACMA is concerned, she said, “When I leave, young people will be leading. I’m sure the old folks will say, no they’re too young, but they’re going to be the ones to change the world.” Totally committed to making sure that young people have a place at the table to make decisions, Sawyer has no reservations about the leadership they will provide for the organization. Both Sawyer and Nguyen have worked to bring around the older generation of Asian American immigrants and refugees. Honoring the community’s lived experience is one way to do that — as Nguyen points out, “I can’t take away how grateful they feel to America, but it’s really about having the conversations on history.” Discussions on historical factors leading to the Vietnam war, how it was really an interven-

Nguyen, second from left, and Sawyer, third from left, attend a Black Lives Matter Protest. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

tion, can help to counter the sense of indebtedness in older generations of refugees and immigrants. While Nguyen’s parents did not really understand the need for multiracial support for social justice, and had pinned their hopes for Nguyen’s future on a college graduation and a job, over the years they have grown in understanding Nguyen’s work. Now they get the nuances of the subject — that one can be grateful for America and also protest against the injustices that are part of society. By around 2015, after Nguyen participated in a

protest blocking a highway in Boston, they had come around. “There is hope for us to meet our parents halfway,” Nguyen said. It has taken some intense conversations and challenging of deeply held notions, but now Nguyen’s mother has said she is proud of them but might not ever be the type to protest herself. Speaking out and appreciating the opportunities as immigrants should not be mutually exclusive, said Sawyer. “This country gave us a place to live and shelter,” she said, “but it cannot own us, it cannot lord over us.”

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | 15

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TABLE HOPPIN’

Mortgage options to make your spring even brighter.

Assistant Mattie Vance and food and nutrition services manager Maura Stevens in the kitchen at Abby's House. ASHLEY GREEN/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Abby’s House oﬀ ers a delicious fundraiser Barbara M. Houle Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Abby’s House Spring-Tacular fundraiser is a seven-day virtual celebration that begins next month, guaranteed to bring plenty of fun surprises. This year’s 8th Spring-Tacular is presented by the Counseling & Assessment Clinic of Worcester LLC. The event reconnects Abby’s House with local restaurants and businesses, “lighting the way for safety, healing and new beginnings for 45 years,” according to Colleen McGoldrick, development and communications specialist at Abby’s House. The virtual celebration and online auction begin May 7, closing on May 13 with a virtual program at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.abbyshouse.org for more info and updates. “In previous years, the annual Spring-Tacular fundraiser has been an evening where staﬀ , volunteers, sponsors and supporters gather in-person and sample delicious food and

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beverage tastings from area businesses and restaurants, bid on items in a silent auction and listen to the ways in which their generosity lifts up the women of Abby’s House,” said McGoldrick. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Abby’s House pivoted last year’s event to be virtual, keeping elements of the evening alive by featuring an online auction and virtual speaking program, allowing for safe participation from the community. “During this year’s event, Abby’s House will once again feature an online auction and virtual speaking program, but wanted a way to honor the local businesses and restaurants who were so important to the in-person event, and who have faced many challenges throughout the last year,” added McGoldrick. To highlight some of the restaurants and to further engage with the Abby’s House community, “Celebration Treat Boxes” will be available See HOPPIN’, Page 20D

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to the ﬁ rst 200 Spring-Tacular donors who make a gift of $100 or more by May 6. Qualifying donors will be contacted by Abby’s House to arrange pick-up time for the boxes on May 13. Donate on the Abby’s House website. Vendors who have generously oﬀ ered products and coupon deals for the treat boxes: Worcester: Chef/owner Elizabeth Casey of On the Rise Baking in Worcester, one of the bakery’s popular cupcakes; chef Leslie Lofgren, owner of Deliah Handmade Chocolates (online site soon to be launched), a chocolate turtle: Chef/owner Casey Griswold of European Bakery & Pastry, signature sour cream cookies; the Culinary Arts Department at Worcester Technical High School, scratch made cupcake;

Maura Stevens, Food and Nutrition Services Manager at Abby’s House, granola with dried fruit and nuts. Also, Anthony Surabian, owner of Froze Zone in West Boylston, oﬀ ers a coupon for one free small gelato; co-owners Albie Alvarez-Cote and chef Roy Caceser of Che! Empanada in Worcester, coupon for empanada three-pack. Oriola Koci and chef Enton Mehillaj, owners of Altea’s Eatery and Livia’s Dish in Worcester, plan to oﬀ er a drink special the week of Spring-Tacular, donating $2 from each sale of the drink to Abby’s House. More info to be announced. “We are excited to have an opportunity for local restaurants to be part of our virtual Spring-Tacular this year,” said Stephanie Page, executive director of Abby’s House. “Our local restaurants have been an important part of Spring-Tacular’s success since its beginning. We had a great response from new restaurants who

Casey Griswold and Leslie Lofgren at European Bakery & Pastry. RICK CINCLAIR/ TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

wanted to join in on this year’s celebration. They have donated items to the online auction. It is our hope that people will celebrate Abby’s House during Spring-Tacular while enjoying treat boxes or bidding on an auction item, and also value our restaurants and their generosity to help women and chil-

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Castle open for patio dining The Castle Restaurant in Leicester is open for patio dining overlooking Lake Sargent (weather permitting), in addition to limited and distanced seating in three inside dining rooms. Spring hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday through Thursday. Reservations, call (508) 892-9090; visit www.castlerestaurant.com. The restaurant has scheduled a wine tasting event, “Old wines of the Rhone Valley,” at 1 p.m. April 25. Limited seating is available. Call or send email to info@castlerestaurant.com.

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dren in need, especially during a diﬃ cult pandemic.” FYI: Abby’s House has set a goal to raise $100,000 to support increased need for shelter, housing and advocacy programs for women and children at Abby’s House. To help reach its goal, an anonymous donor has proposed a “giving challenge.” From now through May 13, all Spring-Tacular designated donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000, according to Abby’s House. Your gift deﬁ nitely will make an impact.

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The Vin Bin in Marlboro has scheduled a virtual wine tasting (Episode 9) “Spring Picnic” at 5 p.m. April 30. Join Aaron Aykanian, Vin Bin Wine Specialist, for this tasting, paired with cheeses that help bring this stay-athome event to another level. The virtual tasting will beneﬁ t the music program at Marlboro Public Schools, with the Vin Bin donating $10 from each bundle purchased to the MPSMA. The bundle will include: 1 bottle 2019 Carmel Road Chardonnay Monterey County; 1 bottle 2019 Domaine de Maubet Rose Cotes de Gasconge; 1 bottle 2010 Copertino Reserva Rosso Puglia; 1⁄ 4 pound Cots-

wold Cheese, Great Britain; 1⁄ 4 pound Drunken Goat Cheese, Spain; 1 bar locally crafted dark chocolate bar; 1 box gourmet crackers; 1 jar Divina Olives. Cost is $75. All bundles will be available for in-store pickup April 29. Delivery available, fees may apply. Visit www.thevinbin.com to order. “The Vin Bin is committed to the well-being of our communities, and we are pleased to help the Marlboro Public Schools Music Association raise funds to support the programs and missions of the students and faculty,” said Vin Bin owner Rick Lombardi. “As traditional fundraising eﬀ orts are impacted by COVID restrictions, events such as these will go a long way in keeping the programs active,” he said.

Peppers offers weekend dinner takeout Weekend Dinner Takeout, April 23-24, is available from Peppers Artful Events in Northboro, with April 22 as deadline for online ordering. Visit www.peppersartfulevents.com for more info. Food pickup will be from 3 to 5 p.m. April 23; 10 a.m. to noon, April 24 at Peppers. Menu options: Starters: Spinach and Feta Filo Pastries (two per order); Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewer (two per order)’ Entrée options: Grilled Polenta Cake, served with sautéed artichokes, shitake mushrooms, blistered grape tomatoes and pesto cream sauce; Chicken Shawarma, with warm Mediterranean orzo salad, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, sheep’s milk feta and roasted honey glazed carrots; Beef Wellington, with garlic butter Parmesan, smashed red potato with chives and grilled asparagus spears. Sweets for two: Chocolate Lava Cake with Strawberry Coulis; Lemon Raspberry Mouse Cups; Assorted French Macaroons (6 pieces). If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | 21

THE NEXT DRAFT

Talking about Armsby Abbey’s reopening with Alec Lopez Matthew Tota Special to Worcester Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK

Uncork your fi nest lambic and celebrate, because for the fi rst time in over a year, Armsby Abbey will have people dining inside again. h Armsby reopens this week after hibernating for more than 300 days. The restaurant has not hosted diners since March 15, 2020, and while it remained open for take-out until June, the experience never felt the same. Order slips fi lled the top of the bar, not tulips or cocktail glasses. There were no legendary brunches or beer festivals on the calendar. h Owners Alec Lopez and Sherri Sadowski kept the quarantine meal service going for as long as they could, then they — and all of their staff , family and friends — needed a break. h I recently spoke with Lopez by phone about life sans the grind of keeping Armsby running: how he and his family spent the summer whiling away the newly formed chasm in their schedule. h Of course, we talked about beer, too, and Lopez’s eff orts to once again compile the most envious draft list in the state. Three hundred days. What have you been up to? It’s been a long time — it feels like an eternity. For Sherri and I to shut down from work mode was not easy. We’ve been in this industry our entire adult lives. To take time off and not travel, it was a hard thing. I played guitar. We found our own spaces, exercised a lot. We had other projects that had been fl oating in our head. We got our ideas organized, spent a lot of time with our son. He was not remote (at school). If he was, we would have hit the road. We were really stuck. But at the same time, we got to real-

Alec Lopez is the owner and executive chef of Armsby Abbey in Worcester. RICK CINCLAIR/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE FIL

ly enjoy our house this summer. We got to live all summer without working. It was a taste of retirement. But there was that looming echo of all that had to be done. We had our entire team to think about and making sure that Armsby was good. What has shifting your focus back to Armsby meant? We’re getting back to working the hardest we ever worked again. We get this fresh start. Before, shutting down Armsby to reﬁ nish the bar ﬂ oors was impossible. But we got to do all those things. Every inch of See LOPEZ, Page 22D

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22 | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Lopez Continued from Page 21D

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Armsby has been repainted, refi nished, all new equipment behind the bar. I pulled and gutted and replaced the entire draft system. The storefront will get lit. And why is now the right time to reopen? Two main factors: Our primary concern is the team and their comfort level and safety. We are reopening when everyone on the crew is vaccinated. That gives the team the confi dence to face the public. That same confi dence is spreading all around us and people are heading back out. During Armsby’s hiatus, what happened to all that glorious beer? It’s crazy how many people asked me that. It was strange that the world would think somehow there would be this pile of beer that was lost. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I was very calculated. The amount of beer we were selling between March and June, it was mind boggling. I can’t even quantify it. In the end, let’s say I lost maybe two kegs that I chose to lose. The breweries were willing to take them back for credit, and I chose to not give them back. That’s it. The other beer is beer that was aging intentionally. There are maybe a dozen kegs between some items for Stout Fest and the Zwanze Day that’s never coming. They will continue to age, and I will release them as needed. What’s your plan for assembling the draft list? It’s no diff erent than what I’ve always done. My relationship is with the breweries not the distributors. A lot of breweries have not sent beer out into the world, but they will for me. Fox Farm, Hill Farmstead, Trillium, Brick and Feather, Kent Falls — they are all fi lling and sending what I need for Armsby. Can you give me a preview of list?

Right now, we have Mary (German-style pilsner, Hill Farmstead) and Marie (unfi ltered German-style helles, Hill Farmstead), which have been lagering since November. I’ve had saisons conditioning since before the pandemic, and some nice vintage Hill Farmstead saisons in kegs. The hoppy beers will come maybe by mid-May. The opening draft list will have for certain Hill Farmstead, Fox Farm and Kent Falls. Do you still plan to package beer to-go? Certainly, for the near future. I’m sure we will be allowed to for quite some time. Historically, if you look at all the attempts to get beverages to go, it’s always been met with a ton of resistance from off premise and other parts of the industry. Their main arguments were somewhere between public safety and alcohol in the hands of minors. I’m pretty sure this last year has shown the most of those arguments are not even worth having anymore. I don’t how much it’s benefi ted on premise at the end of the day. I personally don’t like beer to-go, don’t like the idea of fi lling growlers and sending them out into the world. Most brewers don’t want their beer going out from restaurants. All the beer I sold via growler was done after fi rst having a conversation with the brewer and asking permission. After you guys announced the reopening, how many requests did you get about reservations? I can’t even quantify it — hundreds of DMs in my Instagram account from people wanting to make a reservation. But also, people looking to say they are excited. Armsby hopes to begin taking reservations, which will be stressed rather than required, in the next couple of days. However, with so many moving pieces, it’s best to check the restaurant’s website and social media for the most accurate information on the offi cial opening date.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | 23

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Mona Stratos Mona Stratos

Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Artist Mona Stratos was born in Massachusetts, went to the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and lived many years in New York City and Westchester County, rich with the history of the Hudson River School. For the past 20 years she has lived in Woodstock, Connecticut, landscape painting, traveling to the shores of the Cape to her beloved Provincetown, home to generations of ancestors who ﬁ shed from schooners

that traveled to the Grand Banks, to the rugged coast of Maine and the mountains of New Hampshire. Her primary medium is oil. She has won awards for her paintings from the Cape Cod Art Association where she was an elected artist to Lyme Art Association placing ﬁ rst for New England Landscape show juried by Don Demers. She has exhibited in many juried shows from Connecticut Plein Air Painters and the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts. These days Mona can mostly be found working in her studio on large format works of still lives as well as the landscapes of New England.

“Red Skies at Night”

“White Pine” IMAGES COURTESY OF MONA STRATOS

“Laundry Day”

24 | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

LISTEN UP

‘Stanton Capitol Presents’ a rich and soulful showcase for Worcester rappers Victor Infante Columnist Telegram & Gazette USA TODAY NETWORK

If there’s a central thesis the local hip-hop collaboration, “Stanton Capitol Records Presents: Vol. 1,” it’s delivered by Worcester rapper K’Nen, in the album’s second song, “Figure it Out.” “I gotta fi gure it out,” raps K’Nen with a melodic fl ow. “Swear we seen so much just wanna change ya thoughts/ Can we fi gure it out/I know that time hard and left us out to starve but we fi gured it out/ Now it’s time to tell outside

grab ya hearts and close your eyes while we ﬁ gure it out.” What SCR – which comprises rappers K’Nen, Jafet Muzic and Danny Fantom, along with featured rapper Giankno and a handful of other artists – accomplishes here is the portrait of a world that’s primed to change, that absolutely needs to change, but which is stuck in a sort of stasis. Personal lives, social issues, hip-hop itself are portrayed in media res, each song’s personas standing on the precipice of choices and bristling with potential energy. It’s a smart, soulful album, one with a few rough edges but which still manages to sidestep cli-

chés and stereotypes. The album begins with “Second Sight,” featuring raps by Muzic and Fantom, and a beat by K’Nen, wherein Muzic shares his ﬁ rst impressions of the other artists and how those moments led to this album, noting, “took years of preparation, traded tears for dedication/Still they acting like it happened over night though we’ve been patient.” Fantom chimes in with lyrics in both English and Spanish, rapping that they’re a “band of brothers” and “A diamond in the rough in old brown shoes/In the dark at 4 a.m. like there ain’t nothing to prove.” There’s a lot happening, and

a lot of it is textural. “Heaven’s Above,” which features a beat by producer 8-Bza and a hook by Dj Erex, had a sort of ethereal feel at times, as though the song were vanishing at its edges, whereas “Marble,” with a beat by Big ES, seems to deepen with each verse, creating a sense of density in the song. The diﬀ erence in tone brings out the contrasts in the individual rappers’ styles. As each song unfolds, the voices remain distinct, even as the themes intersect. On “February,” for example, K’Nen laments that, “They never showed us how to mold ourselves with passion it seems/ They show gold but it’s more heavy on the crown of a king.”

When his verse comes around, Fantom talks about the need to leave the streets, how he has a son for whom he’s responsible. Muzic takes the hook, rapping, “I don’t want to feel this pain no more/If it rains its’ gon’ pour/ Just make sure that my fam feels the pain no more.” Each artist examines that need to change, but they sketch the moment with what feels like honesty, instead of the urban romanticism and pointless braggadocio that blights so much contemporary hip-hop. From there, the album takes a more overt sociopolitical turn, with “Danger” and “Rich See STANTON, Page 25D

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | 25

CONNELL SANDERS

Musings from a puppy stage mother

because he’s some sort of canine wizard. “So handsome!” they said. “Clean up in aisle seven!” they said. Once we realized how gifted and talented he was, we tried to

make a concerted eﬀ ort not to treat him diﬀ erently than an ordinary dog. Despite his persistent pleas, I refused to make him his own Instagram handle. We are very aware that child stars face plenty of scrutiny, so

we have done everything in our power to keep him grounded. We even eat dinner together around the table every night, just like a regular family. “You know he’s not a human, right?” my husband keeps asking me. “Of course, honey,” I assure him, mostly because I need to butter him up before I inform him I’ve been letting the dog sleep in our bed when he leaves for work. I think he’ll come around when I show him the dog-sized thousand thread count sheets I bought. Speaking of butter, Wennington has very sophisticated tastes. In fact, just the other day, he jumped up on the kitchen counter and snatched a whole stick of unsalted Land O Lakes all for himself. Talk about a rich palate. You’ve never met a dog named Wennington? Me either, but I think it sounds sort of regal. The truth is, he’s named for the mediocre Canadian basketball center, Bill Wennington. My husband is a big sports fan and insists we should tell him the truth about

from the streets to prison. The song burns at a slow simmer, never really quite exploding. Indeed, the album conveys a sense of tight control throughout, never really blowing oﬀ its energy in a giant catharsis, but rather letting it steam unexpectedly at moments, such as on the chorus of “Ruﬀ base,” sung by Tati Carrion, in a song that has each rapper contemplating their complicated relationships with women, from ex-lovers to their own mothers. On a similar tack, the rappers explore relationships with brothers on “Lonnie,” with Fantom rapping, “Abuela watching from above/I ain’t forgotten

what it does to be the keeper of my/brother that my brother never was.” Nothing’s really easy here, nor should it be. Even music itself has a shadow over it, as K’Nen and Muzic demonstrate with “Mysterious Maiden.” “The industry is run by the puppeteers,” raps Muzic, “t’s a love aﬀ air/couple of co-signs and some gold shine your in the upper tier/Less to do with talent when connected like drug career.” The contempt with which the rappers hold the music industry is self-evident, spitting out in their refrain, “We do this (expletive) for hip-hop.” And therein is where the al-

bum’s real charm lies: In its odd balance between eyes-wideopen pragmatism and an almost unbelievably pure idealism. The rappers ﬁ nd strength in their music, in the families and neighborhood, in each other. There’s an ambition driving the album, certainly, but also a sense of priorities. “Although there’s overwhelming pain that I’m holding within,” raps Fantom, in “It’ll All Be Over,” “Before it’s all over, I just hope we all win/Cuz we gotta save this world that’s corrupted with sin.” The album comes full-circle with “S.O.S,” wherein the rappers reconﬁ rm their bond and

Sarah Connell Sanders Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

“When did I realize my dog was exceptional,” you might ask after fi ve minutes in his princely presence. It was almost immediately. Almost, I say, because the fi rst week we got him I noticed he had a taste for rocks. Small pebbles, mostly. My husband was “concerned” that he was eating them, but I knew better. No sooner had I cleaned out his crate than I found a collection of perfect orbs lined up against the sill, like a sea otter in the wild or Andy Dufresne in “Shawshank Redemption.” “Our little rock collector,” I called him. “I have a bad feeling about this,” my husband said. Next, I became astutely aware of his magnetism. Children, the elderly, and Home Depot employees fl ocked to him like teachers to a sale at Eileen Fisher. Maybe it was because he was relieving himself smack dab in the middle of the lumber department or maybe it was

Stanton Continued from Page 24D

Man, Poor Man.” In the former song, Muzic raps, “streets get dangerous when poverty grows/property’s sold to white monopolies with lottery doe/ turned the hood into a loft space oﬀ a Hollywood show/ We cant aﬀ ord it economically so how do we grow.” While this is a universal sentiment, its relevance to contemporary Worcester gives it an immediate, visceral resonance, one which stings more as he raps about police feeding a pipeline

We are very aware that child stars face plenty of scrutiny, so we have done everything in our power to keep our most exceptional puppy grounded. PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

his namesake. “When he’s older,” I promised. For now, Wennington thinks he’s a descendant of the British Monarchy. As for his future career plans, I know what you’re thinking and my answer is, “No, no, no.” He is too smart to be a model. But, you’re right, it would be such a waste if we deprived the world of his good looks. Maybe he can just pursue entertainment on the side because I’m telling you — this dog is an intellectual. I have this feeling that he alone will deﬁ ne the future of humanity. If you see us around Worcester, please don’t be afraid to come over and give him a pat. Despite his celebrity, he has remained truly humble. If he’s not in a rush, he’ll probably even agree to a selﬁ e. No autographs though. You hear me? It’s hard to set boundaries as both his mother and his manager, but I’m doing my best not to foist fame upon little Wennington. He’s his own man. I mean, dog. Dog help me.

shared vision. “I see more than just the friends,” raps Muzic, “Ya’ll my family/abandoned and abused, left stranded with the blues … I’ve sacriﬁ ced invested so someday I’m protected/Much more than expected it’s projected on these records.” It could easily feel hollow – such declarations usually are – but here it feels immensely earned. The album has brought the rappers through a journey, and demonstrated their perspectives on the world and each other throughout. When you get to the end, you feel like you know them, and you ﬁ nd their bond easy to believe.

26 | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

SCREEN TIME

Is ‘Nomadland’ destined for Oscars victories? Jim Keogh Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

I didn’t want to do it — predict the Academy Award winners. Last week I noted that I’ve generally lost interest in performing this particular chore, not because I’ve been at it for so long (which I have) but because the movie industry seems to be groping for its late-COVID identity, and until that gets ﬁ rmly established this all feels less, y’know, fun. I’ve reconsidered. While this year has been a supremely weird year in countless ways, there is something comforting about having an Academy Awards ceremony, with all its winners-and-losers mini-dramas and streaming service-

Frances McDormand stars in “Nomadland.” SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

vs.-traditional studio rivalries. Here’s how I think it may go: Best Picture Winner: Nomadland The Great Recession’s casualties include the majority of this cast, who are true-life nomads. They’ve turned their economic untethering into a

perpetual journey — literal and spiritual — that keeps them on the move, working seasonal jobs, honing survival skills and accepting their physical deprivations while building a special community. The wanderer’s existence is not for the faint of heart, or any other major organ

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for that matter (proper health care is an issue), and “Nomadland” wonderfully captures the resourcefulness and resilience of these displaced souls. Otherwise, “Mank” leads the fi eld with 10 total nominations, and Hollywood does adore a good story about itself (the making of “Citizen Kane” is the gift that keeps giving), but I don’t think it’s got the juice for anything more than awards in the writing and technical categories. A “Minari” victory would make for the night’s best story: The second consecutive Best Picture winner by a writerdirector of South Korean heritage (Lee Isaac Chung), following last year’s “Parasite.” Best Actor Winner: Chadwick Boseman “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was Boseman’s last fi lm before his untimely death from colon cancer, and it will the third Oscar awarded to an actor posthumously (the others were Best Actor to Peter Finch in “Network,” 1976, and Best Supporting Actor to Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight,” 2008). Boseman’s stirring performance as the ambitious trumpeter Levee has earned him frontrunner status, and the tragedy of his passing surely only adds to his chances. The voters will be honoring Boseman’s work while also mourning the loss of all the fi ne performances he never got to deliver. Best Actress Winner: Frances McDormand Is Frances McDormand acting or is she just being? I’ve seen enough interviews with McDormand — as well as awards acceptance speeches — to know her characters are sprinkled with her unique DNA, so that even the humblest, like Fern in “Nomadland,” are uncommonly strongwilled, either quietly or loudly bold (for loud, think of her fi re-

bombing the police station in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”) and bluntly, unapologetically, individualistic. She has some terrifi c challengers with the likes of Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) and Carey Mulligan (“Promising Young Woman”), but as I said last week, when McDormand is on her game she is unassailable. Best Supporting Actor Winner: Daniel Kaluuya This is as unscientifi c a pick as I have on this list, since I haven’t yet seen the movie. Kaluuya’s performance as Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Messiah” has generated terrifi c buzz — that amorphous blend of media attention and word-ofmouth. My one reservation about this selection is co-star Lakeith Stanfi eld has also been nominated here, which could split the vote. Still, I think appreciation for Kaluuya’s body of work will help propel him. Last note on this category: I enjoyed Sacha Baron Cohen’s portrayal of Abbie Hoff man in “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” except for the faux Boston accent. Did no one tell him Abbie was from Worcester? Best Supporting Actress Winner: Maria Bakalova The pride of Bulgaria is a long shot as Borat’s prankster daughter in “Borat Subsequent Moviefi lm” — but she’s my sentimental favorite because she made me laugh. With rare exception (Marisa Tomei in “My Cousin Vinnie,” Kevin Kline in “A Fish Called Wanda”) comic performances are generally overlooked by the Academy, which leads me to believe Amanda Seyfried (“Mank”) and Yuh-jung Youn (“Minari”) are the likely frontrunners. Of course, Hollywood may reward Bakalova simply for the feat of surviving a lecherous, and supine, Rudy Giuliani in a lonely hotel room.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | 27

FIVE THINGS TO DO

Chamber Music, mountain lions and more On the ‘Horizons’ The title of the Worcester Chamber Music Society’s concert “Horizons,” premiering online at 4 p.m. April 25, came about because each piece on the program reﬂ ects a change in time or place. Samuel Barber set Matthew Arnold’s haunting poem “Dover Beach” to music in 1931, between the two World Wars. Aaron Engebreth is guest baritone. Composed in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains where she now lives, Hilary Tann’s “Lelf ” evokes her childhood home in Wales from the distance of both age and place. Beethoven played the “Archduke” piano trio – his last and arguably his best – in his ﬁ nal performance, after which his deafness precluded further public appearances. The WCMS performance also celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday. The concert was pre-recorded at Mechanics Hall. A live virtual reception will follow the April 25 performance. (RD) What: Worcester Chamber Music Society — “Horizons” When: Premiering 4 p.m. April 25. The concert will be On Demand April 26 to June 30. How much: $20 adults; $10 students; $38 household; youth, free. www.worcesterchambermusic.org.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) Head down to Timberyard Brewing Company this Friday for some wagging beer cocktails. For National Adopt a Shelter Dog Day, visitors can order from a specialty menu with a portion of the proceeds going to Worcester Animal Rescue League and Second Chance Animal Services. Enjoy your drink with your four-footed best friend in the dog-friendly beer garden. There will also be a raffl e with 100% of the proceeds donated to the shelters. The prize will be announced soon so keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page to fi nd out. (VM) What: National Adopt a Shelter Dog Day When: 4 to 6 p.m. April 30 Where: Timberyard Brewing Company, 555 East Main Street, East Brookfi eld How much: Free admission

Getting Wild Salton and Freyja are ready for guests again as The EcoTarium museum of science and nature reopens its outdoor exhibits, trails and grounds to the public on April 23 after being closed for over seven months. The popular brother-and-sister mountain lions are at the EcoTarium’s Wild Cat Station. To kick oﬀ the April 23 reopening, there will be full day of family activities and Earth Day celebrations. Food and beverages will be available from Edible Creations by Gerry. For people who prefer to be at home, live Facebook “pop-up educator- and zoo-led programs” will be held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (RD)

Worcester Chamber Music Society will premier its upcoming “Horizons” concert, recorded from the stage of Mechanics Hall in Worcester, at 4 p.m. April 25. COURTESY PHOTO

National Adopt a Shelter Dog Day at Timberyard Brewing Co. TIMBERYARD BREWING CO.

What: EcoTarium outdoor exhibits, trails and grounds Where: 222 Harrington Way, Worcester When: Regular hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays How much: Regular ticket prices (nonmembers) $19 adults; $14 children and students; $15 seniors. All tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance, with the exception of those using free or reciprocal passes. No tickets will be sold onsite. All visitors over

Salton and Freyja are set to welcome visitors back to the EcoTarium. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

the age of 2 must wear face masks. Visitors must keep 6 feet socially distanced onsite unless with family. Outdoor bathrooms are open. For more information and to get tickets, visit www.ecotarium.org. See TO DO, Page 28D

28 | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

To do

WARL ADOPTION OPTION

Meet Lily 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. Meet Lily. Lily was surrendered to us after her family was homeless and unable to care for their two dogs any longer. Lily is a shy and nervous girl who is looking for a quiet and understanding home. Lily weighs a little more than 40 pounds and, given her breed mix and age, she has a lot of energy. She loves to be outside on walks and would enjoy hikes and trails. We would not recommend a home with children for Lily. Lily will guard her food and treats by growling and snapping. She lived with another dog in her previous home and she enjoys playing with other dogs. If you have another dog and are interested in Lily, preventive measures would need to be taken for them to be separate at all times when food was around. When walking, Lily goes after small animals, so we do not think living with a cat or small critters would be a good idea for her. Lily is a sweet and playful girl who has a lot to off er a family. If you would like more information about Lily or you would like to make an appointment to meet her, please contact the shelter today. 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 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

Continued from Page 27D

‘Wicked Funny’ Comedian Katie Arroyo wants her parent friends to know that their single friends have bills, too. “They’re called bar tabs,” she quips. Whether she’s joking about dating apps or how close she and her boyfriend have become during quarantine, Arroyo — cohost of the podcasts “The Wicked Funny Podcast” and “Pinky Promise: A Podcast About Growing Up” — is hilarious and fearlessly oﬀ -color. (VI) What: Comedian Katie Arroyo When: 8 p.m. April 23 & 24 Where: The Comedy Attic at Park Grill, 257 Park Ave., Worcester How much: $20, visit https://thecomedyattic.club/ for tickets.

Films for Thought

Lily is available for through WARL's animal adoption program. PHOTO COURTESY SARA MCCLURE

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-to-face 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.

The 14th Central Mass International Jewish Film Festival presented by the Worcester JCC in collaboraComedian Katie tion with the JCC of the Arroyo North Shore’s 8th InternaPROMOTIONAL IMAGE tional Jewish Film Festival concludes with two thought-provoking and dramatic fi lms, “Winter Journey” (April 23) and “The Crossing” (April 25). In “Winter Journey,” Martin Goldsmith never knew what happened to his parents before they escaped from Germany in 1941. Over a weekend, he confronts his father and the fi lm goes back to the 1930s when the parents were young, Jewish musicians playing in the Jewish Cultural League orchestra supervised by the Nazis. Bruno Ganz has his fi nal screen role as the father. “The Crossing” is a drama from Norway set in World War II where the parents of 10-year-old Gerda and her brother, Otto, are arrested by the Nazis for being in the Norwegian resistance. Gerda and Otto discover two Jewish children, Sarah and Daniel, hidden in a secret cupboard in their basement at home. The four set out to cross to neutral Sweden. (RD) What: Central Mass International Jewish Film Festival - “Winter Journey,” April 23; “The Crossing,” April 25 Where/How much: The fi lms become available on the designated day at 7 p.m. People will have 72 hours to start watching. Once they begin, they will have 48 hours to fi nish watching. Individual tickets to the online screenings are $15. Eventive is the box offi ce and virtual screening platform. You must have a (free) Eventive account to purchase tickets and watch the fi lms. For complete information, visit www.jccns.org/fi lm-festival.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | 29

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Hematology-Oncology Physician (Worcester, Hematology-Oncology Hematology-Oncology Physician Physician (Worcester, (Worcester, Commonwealth ofof Commonwealth Commonwealth of MA) sought byby UMass Memorial Medical Group, MA) sought UMass Memorial Medical Group, MA) sought by UMass Memorial Medical Group, Massachusetts The Trial Court Massachusetts Massachusetts The The Trial Trial Court Court Inc.Inc. to to provide specialty services in in Hematologyspecialty services HematologyInc. toprovide provide specialty services in HematologyOncology to to patients at at the University Campus Oncology patients the University Campus Oncology to patients at the University Campus Probate and Family Court Probate Probate and and Family Family Court Court Division of of Hematology-Oncology and at Health Division Hematology-Oncology and at Health Division of Hematology-Oncology and at Health Hospital located in in Worcester and Alliance Hospital located Worcester and Alliance Hospital located in Worcester and Docket No. Docket Docket No. No.WO21P1259GD WO21P1259GD WO21P1259GD Alliance Fitchburg, MA. Must have MAMA Medical License; Fitchburg, MA. Must have Medical License; Fitchburg, MA. Must have MA Medical License; Worcester Probate and Family Worcester Worcester Probate Probate and and Family Family BC/BE in in Hematology-Oncology. Apply to to Leigh BC/BE Hematology-Oncology. Apply Leigh BC/BE in Hematology-Oncology. Apply to Leigh M.M. Corl, Leigh Corl, HRHR Business Partner, UMass Leigh Corl, Business Partner, UMass M.Corl, Corl, Leigh Corl, HR Business Partner, UMass Court 225 Main St. Court Court 225 225 Main Main St. St. Memorial HR,HR, HB-791, 5555 Lake Ave. North, Memorial HB-791, Lake Ave. North, Memorial HR, HB-791, 55 Lake Ave. North, Worcester, MAMA 01655. NoNo phone calls. Worcester, MA 01608 Worcester, 01655. phone calls. Worcester, MA 01655. No phone calls. Worcester, Worcester, MA MA 01608 01608 CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PECITATION CITATION GIVING GIVING NOTICE NOTICE OF OF PEPETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF TITION TITION FOR FOR APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT OF OF GUARDIAN FOR INCAPACITATGUARDIAN GUARDIAN FOR FOR INCAPACITATINCAPACITATED PERSON PURSUANT TO G.L. ED ED PERSON PERSON PURSUANT PURSUANT TO TO G.L. G.L. c.c. 190B, §5-304 c. 190B, 190B, §5-304 §5-304 InIn the matter of: Paola In the the matter matter of: of: Paola Paola Rodriguez-Delgado Rodriguez-Delgado Rodriguez-Delgado Of: MA Of: Of:Southbridge, Southbridge, Southbridge, MA MARESPONDRESPONDRESPONDENT Person ENT ENTAlleged Alleged AllegedIncapacitated Incapacitated Incapacitated Person Person ToTo Respondent and allall Tothe the thenamed named named Respondent Respondent and and all other interested persons, a apetition other other interested interested persons, persons, apetition petition has been filed byby Department ofofDehas has been been filed filed by Department Department ofDeDevelopmental Services ofofof Worcester, velopmental velopmental Services Services Worcester, Worcester, MA inin the above captioned matter MA MA in the the above above captioned captioned matter matter alleging alleging allegingthat that thatPaola Paola Paola RodriguezRodriguezRodriguezDelgado isisis ininin need ofofof a aGuardian Delgado Delgado need need aGuardian Guardian and Maria dede los and andrequesting requesting requestingthat that that Maria Maria de los los Angeles Delgado-Lopez Angeles Angeles Delgado-Lopez Delgado-Lopez ofofof Woonsocket, Woonsocket, Woonsocket, RIRIRI and and and Luis Luis Luis Hernandez-Martinez ofof Southbridge, Hernandez-Martinez Hernandez-Martinez of Southbridge, Southbridge, MA (or(or some other suitable person) MA MA (or some some other other suitable suitable person) person) bebe appointed asas Guardian tototo serve be appointed appointed as Guardian Guardian serve serve Without onon the bond. The Without WithoutSurety Surety Surety on the the bond. bond. The The petition asks the court toto determine petition petition asks asks the the court court to determine determine that the Respondent isisis incapacitatthat that the the Respondent Respondent incapacitatincapacitated, ed, ed,that that thatthe the theappointment appointment appointmentofofofa aa Guardian isisis necessary, and that the Guardian Guardian necessary, necessary, and and that that the the proposed appropriate. proposed proposedGuardian Guardian Guardianisisis appropriate. appropriate. The petition isison file with this court The The petition petition ison on file file with with this this court court and may contain a arequest for cerand and may may contain contain a request request for for cercertain specific authority. have tain tain specific specific authority. authority.You You You have have the right toto object toto this prothe the right right to object object to this this proproceeding. If Ifyou wish toto dodo so, you ceeding. ceeding. If you you wish wish to do so, so, you you oror your attorney must file a awritten or your your attorney attorney must must file file awritten written appearance atat this court onon ororor beappearance appearance at this this court court on bebefore 10:00 A.M. onon the return date fore fore 10:00 10:00 A.M. A.M. on the the return return date date ofof 05/11/2021. This day isisNOT a aa of 05/11/2021. 05/11/2021. This This day day isNOT NOT hearing date, but a adeadline date byby hearing hearing date, date, but but adeadline deadline date date by which you have toto file the written which which you you have have to file file the the written written appearance if ifyou object toto the petiappearance appearance ifyou you object object to the the petipetition. If Ifyou fail toto file the written aption. tion. If you you fail fail to file file the the written written apappearance byby the return date, action pearance pearance by the the return return date, date, action action may bebe taken ininin this matter without may may be taken taken this this matter matter without without further notice toto you. InInIn addition tototo further further notice notice to you. you. addition addition filing the written appearance you ororor filing filing the the written written appearance appearance you you your attorney must file a awritten af-afyour your attorney attorney must must file file awritten written affidavit stating the specific facts and fidavit fidavit stating stating the the specific specific facts facts and and grounds ofof your objection within 3030 grounds grounds of your your objection objection within within 30 days after the return date. IMPORdays days after after the the return return date. date. IMPORIMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome ofofof this TANT TANT NOTICE NOTICE The The outcome outcome this this proceeding may limit oror completely proceeding proceeding may may limit limit or completely completely take pertake takeaway away awaythe the theabove-named above-named above-named perperson’s right toto make decisions about son’s son’s right right to make make decisions decisions about about personal oror financial affairs personal personalaffairs affairs affairs or financial financial affairs affairs oror above-named person orboth. both. both.The The The above-named above-named person person has toto ask for a alawyer. has hasthe the theright right right to ask ask for for a lawyer. lawyer. Anyone may make this request onon Anyone Anyone may may make make this this request request on behalf ofof the above-named person. behalf behalf of the the above-named above-named person. person. If IfIfthe person cannot the theabove-named above-named above-named person person cannot cannot afford may bebe apafford afforda aalawyer, lawyer, lawyer,one one one may may be apappointed atat State expense. WITNESS, pointed pointed at State State expense. expense. WITNESS, WITNESS, Hon. Leilah A AKeamy, First Justice ofofof Hon. Hon. Leilah Leilah AKeamy, Keamy, First First Justice Justice this Court. Date: April 12, 2021 this this Court. Court. Date: Date: April April 12, 12, 2021 2021 Stephanie Register ofofof Stephanie StephanieK.K. K.Fattman, Fattman, Fattman, Register Register Probate 04/22/21 WM Probate Probate 04/22/21 04/22/21 WM WM

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Sudoku Answers

30 | APRIL 22 - 28, 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 “We’re calling with an urgent message about your car’s warranty,” e.g. 5 Creator of Pudd’nhead Wilson 10 “Right now” 13 Care Bear ___ 14 “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” band 15 Debtor’s letters 16 Hotel heiress who popularized “That’s hot” 18 Hurricane heading, sometimes 19 Affirmative vote 20 It may be doffed 21 Bad movie rating 23 Actress Seehorn of “Better Call Saul” 25 Torn ___ (athlete’s knee injury) 27 Crafty 28 Gear seen frequently in 1980s court matches 33 Districts 34 Organization 35 Australian outlaw Kelly 36 Satirical “Prize” given by the Annals of Improbable Research 39 Patty Hearst’s kidnappers, for short 42 Californie et Colorado 43 Septet plus one 45 He plays Thor 49 French islands 50 Truth, in Chinese philosophy 51 39-Down, for one 52 Roommate of Frylock and Master Shake on “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” 56 John’s “The Office” character 58 “Groove Is in the Heart” DJ/producer Towa ___ 59 Bud 60 Title for the Pope or the Dalai Lama 63 Rhinitis-treating M.D. 64 “Damn Yankees” composer Richard 65 Big name in thesauruses

“Well, Sorta”--partway there. by Matt Jones

66 Suffix meaning “sorta” (found in the theme answers) 67 Conditions’ partner 68 English horn’s cousin Down 1 “Don’t move” 2 Lurched and swerved 3 Former White House press secretary Fleischer 4 Fit snugly 5 Ninja’s platform 6 Actor/blogger Wheaton 7 Choral voice range 8 Graphic representation 9 Not a bit 10 Cobbler’s container 11 Scrooge’s nephew 12 Search engine input 13 Austere 17 “Witness” actor Lukas 22 Bartering result 24 “SNL” alum Gasteyer 26 Millennium Falcon in 7,500 pieces, e.g. 29 “Lord, ___?” (Last Supper question) 30 NYSE trader 31 Anonymous Jane 32 Claus von ___ (“Reversal of Fortune” character)

37 Station’s supply 38 To the ___ degree 39 It’s played on a 10x10 board 40 “Hmmm ...” 41 One beyond belief? 42 Lead-in to “while” 44 Gear component 45 Disinfects 46 Wellness 47 University focuses 48 Garden store supply 49 Louvre Pyramid architect 53 “Beg pardon?” 54 Delegation member 55 High-end camera type 57 Artist Joan 61 Bottom of a pant leg 62 San Francisco’s ___ Hill

Last week's solution

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | 31

LAST CALL

Yasmin Goris, artist and arts educator Sarah Connell Sanders Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Yasmin Goris works in the biotech industry by day and dominates the Worcester art scene by night. Her youth workshops have become increasingly popular with off erings such as neon acrylic pour parties, Bob Ross-inspired paint nights, and art-centric birthday celebrations. Goris is also an active member on the Worcester Arts Council. How did you end up in Worcester? I moved to Worcester from Brooklyn, New York, when I was 10 years old. I went to East Middle and then Worcester Voke. I am an import, but I basically grew up my entire adult life here. What sort of art is your specialty or your passion? I use more of a fl uid acrylic; I’m focused on abstract art. My greatest passion is teaching. Education is my number one. Anytime I learn a new technique, I try to put a workshop together so I can tap into my community. I feel like, one: my workshops can be a little bit pricey and I really want to give kids the opportunities that I didn’t have when I was growing up. And, two: I have such a strong tie to Worcester and building up this community has become my biggest focus as I move forward and expand my business. Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of supporting and creating solid relationships with the creatives from El Salon and Sidenote that have helped cultivate amazing programing and community at The Bridge. It’s important for our diverse community to have a place that is refl ective of their interests, empowering them to truly explore and express themselves in a way that many organizations have failed at. I know there have been some concerns about the safety of the building for youth programming, but the community they’ve built is so strong. Although the future of a permanent location is still unknown, the community that has been built will continue to be fortifi ed. They are a resilient bunch and have inspired an entire community to fi ght for what they believe in. How did you get involved with the Worcester Arts Council? I did a lot of volunteer work in the arts community when I was living in Boston. When I moved back to Worcester, I really wanted to start connecting with the art community here and I started looking for volunteer opportunities. I saw a post, inquired, and ended up serving on the board of this organization, which is fantastic. It was a great start for me to really tap into Worcester through an outlet that can be extremely impactful. Are there a lot of parallels between your day job in the biotech industry and your life as an artist? I’ve been in the biotech industry for 13 years. I’m a

Yasmin Goris stands outside of “The Bridge” located at 300 Southbridge St., Worcester. PHOTO BY DYLAN AZARI

supervisor for one of the discovery teams of Charles River Laboratories. There is some creativity that is absolutely necessary in the world of science, right? Because most of the work starts with a hypothesis and you’re trying to get to a conclusion. My approach with my art is very experimental. I use my materials to set the tone and the direction. I am very free and very fl uid, but I have some structure behind the process. Setting rules for myself and following certain guidelines allows me to be more free in the art world. Are you completely self-taught or have you had mentors along the way? Well, no. At least, not as a kid. I think that’s the reason why I’ve had some hesitation in regards to my approach with the arts, because I never saw anyone growing up who was working in this fi eld. It’s just not something that I was exposed to. When I became an adult and I began connecting with other creatives, I think that was the opportunity for me to see things in a diff erent light and really use the energy from other creatives to collaborate and move my ideas forward. I think that has been the most instrumental part of my progress — tapping into the collective, because I am open to feedback and I genuinely care about what this community wants and needs. The younger generation is my strongest inspiration. I try to seek out what they’re looking for and what their struggles are, and bridge the gap between education and the arts. Also, art therapy. People often think, “If you’re not an artist, you’re not a creative.” I’m here to show them that you

can be a creative without being an artist. How did you continue to showcase your art and conduct workshops throughout the pandemic? I was really lucky that I have a great support system which allowed me to continue my workshops through private connections. Giving people who I love an art experience during a time of crisis made me ultra-happy. As far as my role on the Worcester Arts Council, in some ways, COVID aided in the grant process and allowed us to streamline certain resources. Facilitating communication and conversations with new applicants became easier in a way that we will continue to implement long after the pandemic. We really did our due diligence to make sure that we reassessed our expectations. As a group, we’re the number one fans of supporting the arts. We know that the artists are struggling right now. We felt we had to go above and beyond. What are your goals for the future? My path is to continue hosting workshops and offering experiences, especially within Worcester, and collaborating regularly with other artists. I keep asking, “How can I work with other creatives to form a community where people can feel encouraged to participate?” And “How can we bring more exposure to elements of the arts that might not be as accessible to the people who need it the most?” Where can we ﬁ nd you on the internet? My website is www.guzangi.com and I’m on Instagram at @guzangiartstudios.

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