Worcester Magazine May 30 - June 5, 2019

MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NEWS • ARTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE

FREE

BURNCOAT DANCE

“A Gem ” y t i C e h t Within

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M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

in this issue M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019 • V O L U M E 44 I S S U E 40

the cover

Burncoat Dance Department: “A Gem Within the City” Burncoat High senior Jennyfer Amparo dances the part of “Jasmine” during a performance of “1001 Arabian Nights The Tale of Aladdin” during the Burncoat Dance Department Evening of Dance at the Hanover Theatre on May 14.

Story on page 10 Photo by Matthew Healey, Design by Kimberly Vasseur

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news

Can a fare-free bus system work in Worcester?

BILL SHANER

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W

hen the Worcester Regional Research Bureau dropped a report last week advocating for the Worcester Regional Transit Authority to move to a fare-free system, the idea seemed to take hold in the community.

Shared widely online and endorsed by transit advocates, the report explores the implications of making the WRTA free to ride.

The WRRB concluded that getting rid of fares would make buses more efficient on their routes and increase ridership without placing all that much of a financial burden on the WRTA. Only 14 percent of the WRTA’s budget comes from fare revenue, about $3 million, per the WRRB report. In order to collect the $3 million, the WRTA spends about $850,000. So getting rid of the whole business of collecting fares would set the transit company back just $2.2 million or thereabout.

Meanwhile, the WRRB argues, ridership is in a free-falling decline. Between 2016 and 2018, ridership dipped 23 percent as fares went up by 25 cents. From 1998 to 2018, ridership declined from 5 million rides a year to just above 3 million.

“Low ridership is concerning because of the benefits of public transit,” the report reads.

“Buses are efficient, moving large numbers of people in one vehicle. Fewer cars on the road means less congestion on city streets, cutting down on traffic and greenhouse gases.”

A healthy bus system also benefits the economy, as it aids commuters and patrons of area businesses and generally helps those either too young, too old or

WRTA bus driver Lori Mayotte merges into traffic on Foster Street leaving the Central Hub. FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH BROOKS

news culture

less system would fly. The WRTA, like other regional transit authorities, is bound by a series of regulations outlined in state law. Going fareless could cost the authority state or federal money, and it’s possible it could take a state law change. On the municipal side, he said the prospect of towns coming up with more money to fund a fareless system is unlikely.

“I’m sure there would be a tremendous amount of pushback,” Lipka said.

The prospect of drastically increasing ridership due to a fareless system is also an aspect the WRTA needs to study more closely, Lipka said. The change would certainly increase the number of rides existing customers take, but he said he’s unsure it would bring in new riders.

“Whether you would increase the number of people using transit, that remains to be seen,” he said.

There are other issues besides the cost preventing the WRTA from bringing in new riders, he said, like confusion about the system and a network that does not cover long commutes.

But that’s not to say the WRTA isn’t considering it. Lipka said he appreciated the report as a global overview of the advantages, and it remains one of several directions the authority could move as it aims to replace its fare system.

“The devil’s in the details,” Lipka said. “The obvious advantages are relatively easy to recognize. The operational details to make it happen and make it happen efficiently – that gets very complicated very quickly.”

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Let us feature your artwork in Worcester Magazine’s Artist spotlight!

Contact Bill Shaner at wshaner@gatehousemedia.com for more information!

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Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-767-9535 or at wshaner@ gatehousemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner.

ight

Artist spotl

M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

too poor to get around otherwise, according to the report.

“Cities with good public transit options score high in quality of life metrics, attracting new residents and investment,” the report reads.

But while the report was well received both locally and around the state, it met some resistance from the most critical eye – the administration of the WRTA. The bus company would like to make some changes to its fare system, said Dennis Lipka, WRTA administrator, but they’re not convinced fare free is the way to go. It’s one of several options the company is considering, alongside several more modern, app-based fare collection approaches.

From Lipka’s perspective, the problems with the current system identified in the report and the potential advantages of a fareless system are well articulated. How to pay for it, though, is another story.

“It doesn’t go through any detailed recommendations about how to replace the revenue,” said Lipka.

The WRTA already runs a tight ship. By law, the budget is required to be balanced, or revenue neutral. Last year, the bus system faced a possible $500,000 budget shortfall, and was considering a number of route cuts, changes and route frequency reductions.

The state ended up making up most of that shortfall, but if the WRTA was considering cuts for a half a million, the consideration for $3 million would be more severe.

“I would have to find some place to make up $3 million,” said Lipka.

The WRTA is funded partially by towns through which the buses go, and by the state and federal government. On the state level, Lipka said he’s unsure how a fare-

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news

worcesteria

THE SPACE AUD: Really love what I’m reading about the high-tech redevelopment plans for the Memorial Auditorium. Per a memo from Chief Development Officer Mike Traynor, the old Aud is set to be transformed into a “forum for state-of-the-art commercial entertainment,” including a 2,000 occupant auditorium, a 300 occupant iMax-style theater in the old Little Theater, as well as many rooms for maker spaces and other such high tech things. What they’re driving at here is e-sports (professional video games) which is honestly one of the smartest decisions they can make. The entirety of Gen Z does nothing but watch people game on Twitch and follow Soundcloud rappers destroy themselves in real time on Instagram. E-sports are set to really blow up once these little nightmare creatures start making their own money. Becker College, already something of a national front-runner in the e-sports game, will take over the operations, per a memo from the Architectural Heritage Foundation. AHF is slated to buy the building for $450,000 from the city. This could really be something cool for Worcester. Color me shocked, but I have nothing bad to say about it. Let’s make Worcester the Fortnite capital of the world. But it’s not a done deal. For now, this proposal is going to a joint review with the economic development subcommittee of the City Council and the Auditorium Board of Trustees.

SOME GOODBYES: You’ll notice in this paper two goodbye columns,

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one from arts editor Josh Lyford and one from the big guy, Walter Bird, Jr. They were both laid off last week by Gatehouse Media, leaving me as the sole editorial staffer. In all, our editorial staff has been cut by 75 percent since Gatehouse assumed ownership – from four to one, as our photographer Liz Brooks got the axe earlier this year. It’s been my pleasure to call all three coworkers and friends. Together I think we did some damn fine work. Now, it’s me and Kim Vasseur, our page designer, and a group of dedicated freelancers. There is a lot I could say about this situation but I won’t. For now, it’s not in my best interest. Instead, I just want to say thank you to the dozens of people who have reached out since the layoffs to offer editing help, get on the freelance list, or otherwise make sure the WoMag train can keep chugging along. You all are the best, and it’s heartening to see the community rally around this institution in what is likely its darkest hour.

C’MON GARY: All right, enough with the sappy BS and back to business.

Per the above item, I did not have time to go to the City Council meeting this week, but I saw on the agenda that Councilor At-Large Gary Rosen is making another attempt to delete the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. He’s requesting the city “hold a public hearing(s) to discuss whether the inefficient, under-utilized, taxpayer-subsidized and possibly obsolete WRTA is serving the public transportation needs of Worcester residents.” Obviously, everyone by now should know the city bus is not working right. Years of austerity have made the system anything but useful to anyone besides those without another choice. But the implication here — and I don’t think I’m even reading between the lines, given the use of the word “obsolete” — is that the city should just close it down. From an environmental standpoint, from the perspective of city planning, in regards to traffic congestion, and related to the health of civic life in Worcester, that is 100 percent the opposite of what we should be doing. We need more robust public transportation, and unless Worcester is going to suddenly build out light rail infrastructure, that means the bus. Uber is not public transportation, don’t even say it. The irony here is that Rosen is fighting against his own self interest. On the March 19 City Council meeting, Rosen filed an order requesting the city look at long-range planning to “help lessen the city’s nightmarish traffic congestion at rush hour.”

Hm. Seems like a well-functioning bus system is exactly the sort of thing Bill Shaner, reporter that would help with Twitter: @Bill_Shaner that.

news

the beat

The Kelley Square Improvement Project now has a construction timeline. The remaking of the square will start in October,

and is expected to take 13 months. The plan does not involve closing the square outright, nor does it involve closing any major streets for extended periods of time. Rather, roads will be down to one-way status for periods of times as crews dig out the current features of Kelley Square and replace it with the “peanut” roundabout. State officials said they plan to do most of the work at night.

The aging former Boys Club building across Grove Street from the old Worcester Memorial Auditorium was headed for a major renovation. The building was to be turned into a full, live-in school for autistic children. But, it seems, that plan has folded.

Summit Academy, a school for autistic children, has apparently pulled out of the deal for need of more time to complete a transition. City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. confirmed in a statement last week that WinnCompanies, the property owner, is looking for a new tenant.

Governor Charlie Baker will be in town today. The 29th annual “Gather-

ing with the Governor” legislative event takes place this afternoon at the AC Marriott Hotel on Front Street at 2:30 p.m.. The event will focus on the issues facing people with disabilities in the workforce.

A hit-and-run leaves one seriously injured.

On Sunday night around 10:30 p.m. on Orient Street and Plantation Street, 53-year-old William Gonsorcik was hit while out jogging. The Worcester Police Department is looking for anyone with information.

It’s graduation week. As the month of

At Memorial Day celebrations in Worcester and across the region

Wachusett Brewing Co. has announced that it will open up shop in the new Worcester Public Market, the Allen Fletcher

development along Kelley Square, come fall. Although based in Westminster, the brewery has considered Worcester its home city and the owners said they are excited to open up the first taproom in Worcester’s Canal District.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

those who made the ultimate sacrifice were honored. In Worcester officials held a ceremony at Hope Cemetery on Monday and paid special respect to Sgt. Thomas Plunkett, a Worcester man awarded the medal of honor for his service in the Civil War.

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May wraps up, the graduating class of 2019 from almost all Worcester universities celebrate the end of their college career. Notable commencement speakers included Renee King Diaz, owner of The Queen’s Cups, at Worcester State University and Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, at Clark University.

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opinion editorial

Goodbye and thank you, Worcester Magazine

Brittany Durgin, as editor. In my opinion, the smartest move they oughly seven years ago, in could make. early 2012, I was offered My first full-time reporting the editor’s position of a gig came in 1998, just after the weekly newspaper, The birth of my first son, for a weekly Landmark, for which I had been with Stonebridge Press Inc. Over freelancing. I had just started the next 10-plus years, I worked as a contract employee with my way up from weekly rean online-only publication in porter for the Blackstone Valley Worcester. I had been unemTribune in Whitinsville, to daily ployed since late summer 2010 reporter, to weekly editor, to and my benefits were about to weekly-editor-at-large overseeexpire. I didn’t quite know what ing the other weekly editors to do, but the online publication in our company, and finally to seemed appealing at the time, executive editor overseeing all so I turned down the HLC offer. of Stonebridge’s weeklies and Things didn’t quite work out their daily paper. Along the way, with the online publication, so I helped launch six newspapers one day I did what I hadn’t done from scratch. since I was probably in my late When I left in 2010, I knew teens — I got up and walked I’d be starting over at some out on a job. A short while later, point. Worcester Magazine gave I learned both the editor and me the chance to go back to reporter for Worcester Magazine my roots as a reporter, and I were leaving. I tucked my tail loved every minute of it. I was between my legs and asked for a covering City Council meetings, second chance.

School Committee meetings, I ended up getting the gig politics, crime, and everything as a reporter on a trial basis, in between. I was also working as I recall. If things worked out, for who I thought were the two maybe I’d get the full-time job. best people anyone could work Well, things worked out (a thank for. Durgin was tough, fair, and you to former Publisher Gareth thoroughly up for everything I Charter for the opportunity). threw at her. Yes, I could be a I ended up settling into the difficult employee. And Publisher full-time role in October 2012.

Kathy Real, who came on shortly They picked another employee, WALTER BIRD, JR.

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Editor Walter Bird Jr. Culture Editor Joshua Lyford Reporter Bill Shaner 100 Front St., Fifth Floor Worcester, MA 01608 worcestermag.com Editorial 508.767.9527 WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com Sales 508.767.9530 WMSales@gatehousemedia.com President Paul M. Provost VP Multi-Media Sales Michelle Marquis Ad Director Kathleen Real-Benoit Sales Managers David Singer, Jeremy Wardwell

Contributing Writers Stephanie Campbell, Sarah Connell, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Kristina Reardon Creative Director Kimberly Vasseur Multi Media Sales Executives Deirdre Baldwin, Debbie Bilodeau, Anne Blake, Kate Carr, Laura Cryan, Diane Galipeau, Ted Genkos, Mia Haringstad, Sammi Iacovone, Bob Kusz, Helen Linnehan, Patrick O’Hara, Diane Parker, David Prendiville, Kathy Puffer, Jody Ryan, Henry Rosenthal,

after I was hired, well, I don’t know what I could say here that could properly convey what she means to me. All I know is, when Durgin finally left, in late 2014, I felt like it was worth trying to slide back into the editor’s chair again. My publisher and the man who owned Worcester Magazine at the time, Kirk Davis, gave me that chance.

Perhaps most importantly, during my time here I grew as a person. I went through some challenging times, made mistakes, and believe me, I learned from them. For the past fourplus years, I have been blessed to have the most amazing woman I’ve ever known by my side. I thank her for her unwavering devotion and support.

I have been blessed to work with some great colleagues and deal with folks from just about every corner of Worcester on a daily basis. I had the opportunity of a lifetime in following a story all the way to Liberia in West Africa. I was twice honored by my peers as weekly reporter of the year in New England. I’m even happier to say many of my colleagues during that time also were recognized as among the best at what they do.

Durgin. Real. Steven King, for

my money the best photographer in New England (he’s got an award to back that up). Kim Vasseur, the backbone really of everything we do at Worcester Magazine. Josh Lyford and Bill Shaner, who helped reshape my vision of what an alt weekly could be. Tom Quinn. Tom Matthews. Elizabeth Brooks. A slew of contributing writers such as Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Sarah Connell, Stephanie Campbell, and Jim Perry, to name some.

A number of interns I’d like to think learned a little something about journalism during their time with us. There are and were many others I simply don’t have the time or space to acknowledge, but please know you all had an impact on me.

I want to thank each and every one of those I’ve mentioned, and those I haven’t, for all you have done for Worcester Magazine. Thank you also to our readers — the ones who love us, the ones who hate us — for letting us know every day and every week, through letters, telephone calls and on social media, exactly what was on your mind, for better or worse. Thank you to every single person I ever had the pleasure of writing about or talking with for a story. That’s

what this has been about for me, and I suspect for all the writers that have come before me (and hopefully long after): telling your stories.

With a mighty round of layoffs last week, this chapter has come to a close. There’s a whole lot left to be written, and who knows what the future will bring. I know this: Worcester and Central Mass deserve great journalism and people like the amazing folks who, for even the slightest bit of time over the past 40-plus years, toiled in some capacity for Worcester Magazine. They deserve the passionate people who work for other publications in our company, who do so for the love of their craft and their commitment to the communities in which they live and work.

I’m just one of them, and I’m going nowhere. Worcester is my home. What my next job will be remains to be seen, but the ride isn’t over by a long shot. And so far, for all the bumps, detours, twists and turns, and all the life lessons – my, what a ride it has been.

Thank you.

Regina Stillings, Randy Weissman Sales Support Jackie Buck, Kayla Kinney

Distribution WORCESTER MAGAZINE is available free of charge at more than 400 locations, limited to one copy per reader. 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.

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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 GateHouse Media. All contents copyright 2019 by GateHouse Media.

All rights reserved.

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opinion

letter

Nothing wrong with ‘WooSox’ team nickname To the Editor: I feel a need to lament long and loudly about the news that the Red Sox baseball organization has filed for trademarks on the names “Ruby Legs,” “Wicked Worm” and “Worcesters” for the coming team.

What’s wrong with “WooSox?” The city residents have embraced “Woo” in so many ways, including not only WooSox, but WooCity,

WooCards, etc. “Woo” represents a proud identification with the city.

If the organization proceeds with these abominable potential names, they will make this city a laughingstock. Just say the words out loud and you will see my point.

Their actions only serve to increase my deep skepticism that they care one whit about the good of the city, and are far more interested in their bottom line than the city of Worcester.

As a final note, I wish to point out that their actions stand in stark contrast to those of the Worcester Bravehearts organization, which put a huge amount of time and effort into naming their team, and came up with one that honored not only the city, but our firefighters as well.

Alex Pasino Worcester

Letters to the editor are a great way to share your thoughts and opinions with thousands of readers and online viewers each week.

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A full name and town or city of residence are required. Please include an email address or phone number for verification purposes only. That information will not be published. Make sure your letter makes it into Worcester Magazine in a timely fashion — send it in by the Monday of the next issue. Please note that letters will run as space allows. Send them to Worcester Magazine, 100 Front St., 5th Floor, Worcester, MA 01608 or by email to WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com.

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In our May 9 cover story titled “’A Public Health Emergency’: Helping victims of sexual assault on college campuses,” the number of oncampus rapes at Quinsigamond Community College for 2015 was incorrectly reported as 9. There were no such incidents that year.

Worcester Magazine apologizes for the inaccurate information.

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Saturday, June 22, 9:30am-5:30pm

Correction

feature Burncoat Dance Department

“A Gem Within the City” STEPHANIE JARVIS CAMPBELL

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al and then later the performance of their annual production, it’s clear that even though they are in middle and high school, they could be well on their way.

Some of the students have had years of dance training at private

studios, while for others, stepping into the studio at Burncoat Arts Magnet is the first time they’ve ever put on a pair of ballet or jazz shoes. For some, the stage is just one of many on which they’ve danced or competed; for oth-

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“And everyone here has a minor in dance.”

t’s a line from the Broadway version of the song “Arabian Nights,” and as students from the Burncoat Dance Department chassé and chaîné across the stage for dress rehears-

Kellie Shea, director of the Burncoat Dance Department, with her students during a rehearsal for the upcoming Burncoat Dance Department Evening of Dance.

MATTHEW HEALEY

ers, The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, where the annual production is held, is an experience in and of itself. But by graduation, they all share one thing – each and every one of them loves to dance. And, in the process, they

feature have learned valuable lessons about the art form and its history, themselves and the students they share Room H15 with, all through a program that has successfully merged academics and arts for more than three decades.

“We’re a very unique school.

We’re a magnet school and we’re very lucky,” said Kellie Shea, who has served as the Burncoat Dance Department director for the last five years.

The dance program is just one of five fine arts at the school – music, theater, media arts and visual arts are the others. A six-year track, it begins in seventh grade at Burncoat Middle and continues at the high school through 12th grade. Regular academic classes are integrated with courses in the field of study, and in the dance magnet, 50 percent of the final grade is based on students’ work in the studio and 50 percent is on their classwork, such as tests and homework, according to Shea.

The students take two periods of dance a day, whether it’s ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary,

music theater, improvisation and choreography, or practice for the annual “An Evening of Dance,” which this year was “1001 Arabian Nights – The Tale of Aladdin.”

“It teaches them everything they need,” Shea said of the program. “Even if they’re not going to be a professional dancer, it prepares them for college.”

Currently, about 125 students are involved in the magnet program across all six grades.

Students do have to audition for the program, but admittance is not based on technique and experience. For every student who has had extensive training from a young age at a private studio, there is another who has never danced before. Because of that, the staff considers work ethic, effort, attitude and trainability, Shea said, and then, once the school year begins, the students are placed into dance classes based on their technical levels.

“The most important thing is, is this kid coachable?” she explained.

Despite their different levels of

training, by the time the students graduate, they have a vast knowledge of dance history, repertoire, vocabulary and technique, and it is often difficult to tell who danced from an early age and who didn’t start training until middle or high school through the program, Shea said. Many graduates have attended prestigious dance college programs, worked on Broadway, performed in music videos and for concerts, and danced with the Celtics and New England Patriots.

“It’s an all-encompassing program, from the beginner to the one who’s looking to go to college for dance,” Shea said.

“You can come in with no dance experience and leave as one of the best dancers,” said Emma Jalbert, 13. She had already danced prior to coming to Burncoat, but loves the new opportunities the program brings her.

Christina Reece, 16, added, “For a new person coming in, remember hard work beats talent. If you’ve never danced before, don’t get discouraged if your leg doesn’t

go as high as everyone else’s.”

The magnet program’s roots go back more than 30 years. In 1980, Dr. James Garvey was asked to take over as principal of what was then Burncoat Junior High, and he proposed creating an arts magnet program. “Burncoat was having problems. It was known as a troubled school,” he recalled. “I had to do a lot of things to change the atmosphere of the school.”

His idea was to launch a program that would link the arts to academics, and in 1985, he received approval. “I wanted to attract kids from all over the city to come to Burncoat because, at the time, it was a school you didn’t want to go to,” Garvey said.

For the dance program, Garvey asked Joan Sheary, who owned a successful dance studio in Worcester, to write the curriculum and serve as its director. Sheary would go on to direct the program for 30 years, even while running her own studio, which she didn’t close until 1999; Garvey would work to expand the arts magnet to Burncoat High School and

eventually to St. Nicholas Avenue School, which would later become Worcester Arts Magnet School for pre-kindergarten through grade six. In 1989, he would become principal of South High School and later, from 1993 to 1999, the superintendent of Worcester Public Schools.

Sheary, who trained in New York as a young girl and became a Radio City Rockette at age 16 for four years, was the sole teacher for both the Burncoat middle and high schools for much of the beginning stages of the program.

Later, the program gained a parttime assistant, called a dance consultant, and Shea, herself a student of Sheary’s growing up, joined in 2005 when the consultant at the time was leaving. There are now two full-time teachers — Shea, who took over as director five years ago when Sheary retired, and Ann Marie Keane, who teaches at the middle school — plus two consultants, Jacqueline Head and Nia Nelson. They all have extensive dance experience: Shea is director of Central Mass

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Dance Academy, Keane teaches at PZ Dance Academy, Head has been a teacher and choreographer at Charlotte Klein Dance Centers for 20 years, and Nelson is a graduate of the Burncoat program and former professional dancer with the Massachusetts Pirates Dance Team.

But even though the program’s enrollment and staff have increased, the studio space and classrooms, which are located in the middle school, have not, Shea said. “As the program grows, we’re running out of physical space,” she noted.

It is similar to how the program began – Sheary recalled having a “shoestring budget” and no classroom in the beginning, but said that with time and patience, it evolved.

“We started in the foyer in the entrance of the middle school.

Sometimes we had to hold classes in the cafeteria between lunches.

Finally, they gave me one classroom. It was probably 20 years into the program that I got the second classroom.”

Even the annual performance originally didn’t exist; the students only did demonstrations at

Barbara Copithorne, director of the documentary about the Burncoat Dance team, at the Burncoat Dance Department Evening of Dance, “1001 Arabian Nights - The Tale of Aladdin” at the Hanover Theatre on May 14.

MATTHEW HEALEY

first, and a traveling cast helped draw more attention to the dance program. But, when the enrollment expanded, Sheary began the tradition of the end-of-year performances, which were held in any number of places – the Burncoat stage or gym and the old Worcester technical high

school, which they also eventually outgrew.

“The people were literally sitting in the aisles because we didn’t have any more seats,” Sheary recalled.

Because of the magnet program’s success, Garvey said, Burncoat became a school that “people wanted to be at – and stay at,” and more than three decades after its creation, it continues to draw large numbers. The dance program, in fact, has a waiting list of students who want to get into the program, according to Shea.

“When I was here with Joan, it was always called the best-kept secret,” said Shea. “It’s like a gem within the city.”

It still is – not only has it brought in students from outside the Burncoat district, it has attracted some from beyond Worcester’s borders and public schools. One of the program’s dancers is from Shrewsbury, and Reece went to the private Notre Dame Academy as a freshman and then transferred to Burncoat for her sophomore year.

After shadowing a student in the program, it was an easy decision, said Reece, who was dancing with the In Da Zone team at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester and continues to do so.

Because the arts magnet programs are open to all students in the Worcester district, it draws students from other city neighborhoods as well. Seventeenyear-old Jennyfer Amparo, who would have attended South High, decided four years ago to attend

feature the Burncoat program. She has danced since she was 10 and recently left her studio to focus on her senior year – but she continues to dance every day at school.

This year, she was cast as Jasmine in the “1001 Arabian Nights” production.

“It was a hard decision,” she said of leaving the studio. But, she added, the Burncoat program has been “very important because I’ve been able to do what I love and continue to improve.”

Other students, like Rumney Villatico and Dave Nubour, both 16, didn’t have the opportunity to dance before coming to Burncoat.

They both joined the program as seventh-graders.

For those who already live in the Burncoat neighborhood, it gives those who are interested in the arts an incentive to stay in the district, like Caitlyn Parks, 13, who originally was going to enroll in the theater magnet until she attended the dance open house.

“I was excited to be here,” she said of the school. “It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, I have to go here.’”

The program isn’t all roses and tutus, though – “these kids work hard,” Shea said. “We brag about them, but they’re more than the average high school student.”

To stay in the program, the students have to maintain at least a B in their dance classes, and their academic grades have to be a

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBARA COPITHORNE

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certain average as well. If they are struggling with school and grades, Shea and her staff work with the students to help and encourage them. “First and foremost, they’re here for their education. It encourages the children to get extra help so they can stay in the program,” Shea said.

“They’re on an audition based on the day they start in the program,” she said. “It keeps them accountable, and they want to do better academically – it’s like an incentive. We preach it from the beginning – your attitude, your work ethic and your behavior in and out of the classroom.”

And there are, for sure, rules inside the studio as well – such as dress code, timed locker runs and some all-around tough love.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

“I danced in my basement,” Nubour said, adding that if he wasn’t at Burncoat, “I’d still be dancing in my basement.”

Villatico said that even though she had never danced before and didn’t know anyone in the program, everyone welcomed her. “If you didn’t know a step, you always had someone to ask. If you were going through stuff, dance was the place to forget it,” she said.

Like many others, Elsie Fuakye, 16, came to Burncoat specifically for the program. Although she didn’t have any previous formal training, she did take some dance classes when she was a student at Worcester Arts Magnet School.

“When it was time to sign up for middle school, I knew what I wanted to do,” she said.

M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

Joan Sheary, who trained in New York as a young girl and became a Radio City Rockette, served as the director of the program for 30 years, and was the sole teacher for both the Burncoat middle and high schools for much of the beginning stages of the program.

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But, Amparo said, “It’s good, tough love. They just want to push us to motivate us. They’re very supportive, not only in the dance room, but outside the room.”

“If I didn’t have Miss Shea, I don’t think I would have straight

and other activities.

Not only do the students dance in school, but they dance after school as well, with numerous community performances and appearances. Because the school doesn’t have a cheerleading squad, the fall dance team per-

Cassandra Cutler, senior at Burncoat High, rehearses her part as ‘Aladdin’ for “1001 Arabian Nights - The Tale of Aladdin.”

MATTHEW HEALEY

As. They train us well,” Parks said.

Many of the upperclassmen belong to the National Honor Society, as well as the school’s new chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, which is overseen by the National Dance Education Organization and allows students who have a 3.0 or above grade point average and an average of 85 or above in dance to apply. They also have to document points earned for participation in dance class hours, along with community service

forms at football games and the winter team is at the basketball games. The winter dance team also competes at Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association (MSSAA) events and has won state champion titles five times – in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The fall team will also begin competing at MSSAAsanctioned events this year. All of the practices for the dance team are after school — not during regular classes — and the students often give up vacation time

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Students prepare for the Burncoat Dance Department Evening of Dance titled “1001 Arabian Nights - The Tale of Aladdin” at the Hanover Theatre. From top: Jennyfer Amparo, a senior, rehearses her part as “Jasmine.” Naa Odjidja, a junior, rehearses her part as “Sultan.” Abigail Reardon applies makeup for her part as ‘“Abu.” MATTHEW HEALEY

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ing, besides academics, to keep kids in school and achieve and do their best, was to look at athletics and arts to keep them involved and excited about their education. The goal was to have a link between academic and arts.”

Over the years, Garvey said, the arts have “tragically” been deemed not as important, in “answer to the city/state/nation on how well you do in math, science, social studies, which isn’t wrong, but it shouldn’t be to the exclusion of arts or physical education or enhanced enrichment subjects.”

Current Superintendent of Schools Maureen Binienda agreed, saying, “Students stay in school and programs that are engaging. This is a very engaging program and very unique.”

Although in the past cuts were made to arts programs in schools because of a “stressful” budget, Binienda said times and attitudes have shifted. “This will be the first year we’re not looking at cutting teachers,” she said. “Since 1997 on, there’s been budget cuts. You can’t expand a program if you can’t pay for the teachers.”

This year, however, the dance program will benefit from the addition of a third full-time teacher, to be shared between both Burncoat schools, Binienda said.

Calling the Burncoat dance magnet a strong, successful program, Binienda said it helps kids see dance as a lifelong recreational activity, particularly for those who were never exposed to the art form before, and it helps students form strong bonds with their coaches and teachers.

“Those relationships are important,” she said.

“I wonder how many people really know the extent of quality of professional training these kids are getting. I think that’s the absolute uniqueness of it. And it’s happening as part of your school day,” Binienda said. “It’s really showcasing our public schools in a nice way.”

It’s a subject that Barbara Copithorne has immense interest in – so much so that she has made a documentary, “Toe the Line,” about arts in education and specifically focusing on the Burncoat program when Sheary was director.

“This is a model that should be replicated, duplicated, adapted, adopted,” she said.

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teamwork and environment in the room,” said Emily White, 17, who came to her home school of Burncoat in the seventh grade.

Rachael Delapara, 16, agreed, saying, “It’s a very family-like atmosphere. We all have one thing in common – we all love to dance.”

That’s particularly important, said Delapara, “especially if you’re a person who’s not good at talking about things. You can put what you want to say through movement.”

Through the years of the program, no matter who has led it and no matter where practice has been held, that has always been one constant – “I taught them to leave your problems at the door,” Sheary said.

“So many of them come into school angry. When you step into that room, I tried to explain to them, this is where you become a different person. It’s not just about learning dance,” Sheary said.

“For a lot of them, it became the reason they came to school. It had a purpose.”

Shea follows the same philosophy in her teaching, as well. “The whole mantra is whatever is going on outside this classroom, leave it at the door. Dance is their outlet.

Just come in and dance; it makes you feel better.”

Through this, the students also learn acceptance of each other and everyone’s differences. “We have a lot of different people here,” Naa Odjidja, 16, said. “You have to learn how to work with them and accept them for who they are.”

Those were all the very goals that the program had from the start, beginning with Sheary, who inspired her students but demanded hard work. “They’re not just going to learn dance — they’re going to learn self-esteem, discipline, organization — all those attributes. I would get so many emails that said, ‘Now I understand, Miss Sheary, why you would insist on this or that,’” she said of her graduates. “You’re not just training a dancer – you’re also training a young lady or a gentleman for the rest of their lives. That’s what this program is about.”

It’s why proponents of arts education believe the program is needed and essential to a wellrounded education. “Originally I started my career as a physical education teacher,” Garvey recalled. “One of the things I quickly learned when I first started teach-

M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

to rehearse as well, Shea said.

“Pretty much throughout the school year, they’re here after school three days a week,” she said.

During this time of year, the students also have intense rehearsals for the annual “An Evening of Dance,” which is always a dance version of a themed show; this year’s is based on the Broadway musical “Aladdin.” Full-run rehearsals begin in March every year, and some of the larger numbers are done during after-school time. And, because the dance magnet is tied to academics, so is the performance – the students learn about themes in the show and how those can relate back to their own lives. Past musicals have included “Frozen,” “Cats,” “The Wiz,” “Peter Pan,” “Seussical” and the American musical songbook based on all shows from the 1920s onward.

Some of the students also participate in sports or continue to dance at their private studios, like Maighen Laferriere, 17, who spends her free time at Greendale Dance.

“Here, I dance during the day and go home for an hour and go right back to dance,” she said, calling it the “best of both worlds.

Anything dance, I’m part of.”

Even though Laferriere has danced since the age of 2, she always knew she wanted to attend Burncoat. “It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much more than dance,” she said. “It’s been a huge honor to be part of this program.”

Other students in the program echoed Laferriere’s sentiments, saying not only have they learned about dance, they also have received invaluable experience in time management and prioritization, teamwork, communication, acceptance of critiques and more – and, in the process, have gained a supportive dance family, both from their teachers and the students.

“We all really support each other. If we fall — and we fall all the time — we just clap it out,” Laferriere said. “It’s dance – nobody’s perfect. You have to be willing to make some mistakes in order to improve.”

Students called the studio a safe environment, one where they’re not afraid to try a new step or dance in front of their peers.

“You’re supported by everyone in the classroom. You can feel the

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In 1999, Copithorne’s daughter took a summer dance program in Maine, at which Sheary was a teacher. Her daughter had always loved to dance, but returned home with a new passion and confidence that Copithorne found amazing for a 9 year old. Years later, after a career as a book and magazine editor, Copithorne enrolled in BU film school, and for her associate’s degree project, she had to create a five-minute documentary about someone inspirational. Knowing the impact Sheary had on her daughter’s life, Copithorne asked to step inside the teacher’s public school classroom.

“This five-minute thing became a feature-length documentary,” Copithorne recalled.

“Toe the Line: Arts Education for Life” (toethelinemovie.com) follows several students through their years in the program as well

you can’t be a lady or a gentleman, if you don’t have class, you can’t be a dancer.’”

From 450 hours of footage beginning in March 2009, Copithorne created a 76-minute documentary that showcases the importance of having arts in school as an outlet for students.

“It’s about getting kids to be successful and stay in school,” she said. “It addresses the dropout rate; it addresses teamwork.”

“Toe the Line” has truly been a labor of love for Copithorne. A resident of Newton for 27 years, she moved to Los Angeles in 2017 but returns to the Worcester area to keep up with the program and promote her documentary. She recently was in the city to watch this year’s production of “1001 Arabian Nights.” And although she has put thousands of her own money into the filming of “Toe the Line,” it isn’t enough to see it to

Copithorne has started a GoFundMe and also sells copies of “Toe the Line: Lessons of a Lifelong Dance Teacher,” a book filled with Sheary’s words of wisdom and daily teachers, as well as illustrations using photos and footage from filming the documentary.

Once the documentary is completely finished, Copithorne’s goal is to have a viewing party in Worcester. “This was never about making money. I just want everyone to see it,” she said, adding, “I want kids in school, I want colleges, I want people nationwide to see this. This program is so key and instrumental to Worcester.”

Although the students in “Toe the Line” have all graduated, the documentary could easily be focused on the current dancers in the program. The film version is what happens in her classroom today, said Shea, who is also featured in the documentary.

Students in the Burncoat Dance Magnet program, from left, Naa Odjidja, Rachael Delapara, Christina Reece, Dave Nubour, Elsie Fuakye and Rumney Villatico.

all, Worcester has a graduation rate of 83.5 percent for four-year programs and 87.1 percent for five-year programs, which include special education and ESL, Binienda said.

“I think arts are so important in the lives of children,” Shea said.

“They might not be a straight A student, but they might be a very good drawer or an amazing dancer.”

Some of the students, she said, have tough home lives and have worked so hard to finish the program – without it, “they might not have made it through school.”

The day after “An Evening of Dance,” the students gather in their classroom to talk about the performance. But there is still work to be done, of course. They will perform a condensed version at the middle school’s spring concert and take a traveling version on the road. There are academic and dance finals, plus their regular technique classes and the solo showcase, when each student performs their original choreograFrom left, students Cassandra Cutler as “Aladdin,” Jennyfer Amparo as “Jasmine” and phy in class.

Emily White as “Genie” during the Burncoat Dance Department Evening of Dance, Over the years, the department tries to record all the perfor“1001 Arabian Nights - The Tale of Aladdin” at the Hanover Theatre on May 14. mances to put in portfolios for MATTHEW HEALEY the seniors, so if they are going to college for dance, they can use the “We make it work – in the completion. Copithorne said she as for five years after graduation, videos as part of their audition middle of an urban environment, needs an additional $50,000 for along with an up-close and perprocess, or just to keep to look scoring, sound design and editing, the success rate is there,” Shea sonal look into Sheary’s teaching back on down the road. said.

TV viewing compression, color methods and lessons.

“They can see their growth as Of all the students who enroll correction, big-screen surround “She wasn’t just a teacher to a dancer, and usually the growth in and complete the dance these kids. She was a mentor,” Co- sound that is required for film they see is huge,” Shea said. pithorne said, adding that Sheary festival screenings, promotion and magnet at Burncoat, 100 percent “To watch somebody who’s graduate, according to Shea. Overwould always tell her students, “‘If marketing. never danced get on the stage and

STEPHANIE JARVIS CAMPBELL

be the star or be the leader — or maybe they were the shy kid in the corner, and now they’re doing things they never thought they’d be doing — then you’re like, ‘This is why I do it,’” Shea said.

For the six students who are graduating from the program and Burncoat, Shea said, they are realizing that their lives are about to change dramatically. And it’s hard for the teachers, too – “I’m known for being tough and not showing much emotion, but a little piece of my heart chips away when someone leaves,” said Shea.

Of the six seniors, some want to pursue dance as a career; others have different aspirations but aren’t ready to pack away their shoes just yet. After all, as Sheary said, “Once dance — or any art — is in you, it’s there to stay.”

White has been accepted to Dean College’s Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance as a double major in business and dance; she wants to concentrate on choreography and studio management.

Amparo will attend UMass Lowell as a biology major, with aspirations of becoming a physician, although she plans to participate in the university’s dance team.

“This is honestly a great program. If there’s one thing I’m going to miss about high school, it’s the dance program,” Amparo said.

“I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had. It’s so awesome to be part of the program.”

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See more at: Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/KiraBeaudoin Facebook: @KiraBeaudoinArtist Twitter: @KiraBeaudoin Instagram: kira_beaudoin

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who works predominantly in the medium of painting and drawing. Most of her pieces are extremely colorful and expressive. This dramatic result is often achieved through the use of silhouetted objects, words, phrases or just simple illustrations.

There are a few subjects she paints quite a bit, including trees, skylines and birds. Acrylic paint is her favorite medium to use and she also loves drawing with pencil and ink pens. The most indispensable item in her studio is her rubber roller that she uses to mix and spread out the different color paints to create the backgrounds of all her paintings. Beaudoin works full-time as Production Director at Worcester Business Journal. When she’s not busy being creative, she likes to eat pizza and fangirl over TV shows and comic books.

M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

Kira Beaudoin is an artist from Central Massachusetts

culture Lyford Files Goodbye

Lifestyle SARAH CONNELL

City Bar & Grille

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M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

JOSHUA LYFORD

I wrote my first article for Worcester Magazine in 2011. It was about an awful band that I won’t name.

I doubt they’re still active. The editor at the time was Doreen Manning and I owe her quite a lot for being the first serious editor to give me a chance. I would write stories about bands consistently for the next several years as my freelance network grew. I was writing robotic copy about the world of business and the Wachusett region for the Telegram & Gazette while getting to flex my weirdo muscles through Worcester Magazine. I always looked forward to those assignments.

Even all those years ago, Worcester Magazine felt like home.

Later, Brittany Durgin would become editor of this alt weekly and she trusted me to stretch my wings a little bit more. I got to write some features and – gasp – had the chance to write about bands that weren’t so terrible. I remember Brittany asking why I was interested in writing these stories and I answered then the way I would answer now: I am a writer, I want to write.

Before I started writing “professionally,” I spent years touring the world in the band Four Year Strong.

If you are interested, there are plenty of embarrassing photos and videos of me and my ginger beard on the internet. When interviewed back then, it was always about writing. I would publish horror fiction on my website Does a Wolf Shave its Tail and every once in a while had the opportunity to contribute tour blogs and other musician nonsense to music magazines. Those silly articles would later be the backbone to my resume while trying to dupe local editors into giving me a shot.

I spent a long time figuring out what was important to me when the band and I went our separate ways and I always appreciated a note I left for myself, written in bold black marker and tacked to the back of my desk: You are a writer, so be a fucking writer. That became my mantra, just write. For whoever, whenever, at every opportunity. In January of 2015, I got my real shot. Brittany was leaving as editor and Walter Bird Jr. was stepping into the role. Her parting gift was a meeting between the three of us where I was offered and accepted a full time role at the paper. I don’t think I could ever convey how proud I was that day and for the many days to come.

I didn’t go to college for writing and I’m sure to the grammar-minded of you that fact is obvious every time you read one of my stories. I actually didn’t go to college at all. When I had the opportunity to speak at schools about my career in journalism, I always said that Tolkien is to blame for the path I took. He is also probably to blame for my love of rambling, flowery nonsense.

I took my job more seriously than I think is apparent in my column. One of the first things I set out to do when I took on the role was inject more art into the paper. Bands were fine and they were still my bread and butter, but I really wanted to write as much about art as I could. I think in that I succeeded.

There were a lot of pet projects that I started working toward and a lot of stories I’m immensely proud of.

No amount of NENPA (New England Newspaper and Press Association) awards can equal a single email saying “thanks.”

Through all the hate mail, threats of violence (and actual violence), late nights and early mornings.

Through the missed bills and bounced checks. Through the coffee mug-hurling arguments and tears after some piece of particularly difficult coverage. I was proud to work for the little alt-weekly that could.

I am sad that this is my final column and sadder still that there isn’t much of a state of journalism out there to look forward to. There is much more I want to say here, about how limp this ending is and how it didn’t have to be, but it’s more important to me that this goodbye gets published than it is to be upset with the factors that led to this.

So, thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for putting up with my weird brand of chaos. Thank you to all the communities that welcomed me in, thank you to every editor that ever gave me a shot.

I’m not sure where this path is going to take me, but I’m a Joshua Lyford writer, so I guess I’ll just be a fucking writer. @Joshachusetts

Local buttermilk blinis with Smith Country gouda and grilled ramp aioli at City Bar & Grille.

SARAH CONNELL

City Bar & Grille has been open for three months and Chef Al Soto is not backing down. Soto was instrumental in launching Beacon Hill Hotel in addition to contributing to the success of both Troquet and the East Coast Tavern Group. After nearly two decades of commuting to Boston from Central Mass., he decided to open his own restaurant on Worcester’s west side. Behold a bounty of local buttermilk blini, handmade gnocchi and farm-fresh chicken. Keep an eye out for future cocktail dinners or stop by on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a $13 burger and beer combo.

I am eager to return this summer to experience the privacy of City Bar & Grille’s unique side-patio.

Raising the Bar with Tim Kennedy

Local bartender Tim Kennedy is participating in The Great Cycle Challenge next month to support the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. “Right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week,” said Kennedy.

He has pledged to ride 400 miles over the course of June to raise awareness and funds for the cause. If you frequent deadhorse hill, you’ve probably experienced TK’s strength of purpose behind the bar. Help him take his tenacity one step further by making a donation at greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/TimKennedy.

Spread Those Wings

POW! WOW! Worcester and November Project are teaming up for a workout at Clark Street School on May 31st. This pop up is inspired by Scott Walker’s wall, one of the many murals featuring birds throughout the city. The POW! WOW! Worcester workout will mark the end of National Physical Fitness Month and help November Project’s free fitness motto take flight across new sectors of the city. Local graphic designer Travis Duda has created a special tag for the occasion. The fun starts at 6:20 a.m. That’s a verbal; I vow to see you there.

Free Girl

I’m feeling the Ryan Reynolds delerium just like everyone else, although most of the allure has more to do with his wife. Blake, are you out there? You are an inspiration. I thought the wardrobe in “A Simple Favor” was radical. Jodie Comer is also in Worcester this week. I haven’t determined whether I will shriek with joy or terror when we collide at Crust on a cold brew run. Her portrayal of Villanelle in BBC’s “Killing Eve” is as seditious as it is captivating.

You scare me Jodie, and I like it. Let’s go to Sweet Jane’s and shop for Armani shearling jackets together.

Sarah Connell Better yet, what are you doing on Friday at 6:20 a.m.? contributing writer

culture

Reframing Mexicali 225 Shrewsbury St., Worcester • 508-926-8811 mexicalicantinagrill.com SANDRA RAIN

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here’s only one restaurant on Shrewsbury Street that beckons to passersby with a billowing windsock powered by a purring air compressor – Mexicali Cantina Grill.

Mexicali opened its doors in February and has stayed relatively busy ever since. This may come as a surprise to those who witnessed the demise in quick succession of Coral Seafood followed by The Urban Kitchen and finally British Beer Company. Once a former car dealership, the spatial layout of the dining room was always odd. Mexicali’s new nooks and crannies, along with a central bar, seem to have cracked the code. By god, people are finally filling the open air windows with smiling faces. Vibrant tiling and a punchy color palate have reframed my impression of 225 Shrewsbury St. Mexicali and Redemption Rock Brewery benefit from their close proximity. Both establishments opened within two weeks and three blocks of one another. A natural pilgrimage appears to take place

Monster Mash JIM KEOGH

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nother Godzilla movie? This is what the world is clamoring for?

I’d forgotten that in the upcoming “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” the giant lizard is being resurrected for the second time in five years to … well, to do what?

Godzilla serves no apparent function other than to lumber through major cities and level major buildings like a scaly atomic bomb. He’s got no personality, no inner life, and he’s not misunderstood. He’s simply the blob who joins the party and doesn’t know when to leave.

The original “Godzilla,” released less than a decade after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,

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I can already tell I will dine at Mexicali hundreds of times. Make no mistake, they have not set out to help Worcester understand the sophisticated nuance of an underappreciated cuisine. Their popularity is on account of convenience and simple pleasures.

On my last dinner date at Mexicali, our total came to $50.

Explanation of Stars: Ratings are from zero to five. Zero is not recommended.

One is poor. Two is fair. Three is satisfactory. Four is good. Five is excellent.

created. Watch the 1998 version of “Godzilla” with Matthew Broderick and you’ll see filmmakers struggling, and often failing, to make rational use of the wondrous tech available to them. Their Godzilla could be as tall as a mid-sized Manhattan building in one scene, and in another he could be hiding out in the New York City subway tunnels, the apparent beneficiary of some miraculous shape-shifting.

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” which opens Friday, will reunite Godzilla with several of his legendary enemies: Mothra, Rodan (your basic mutant pterodactyl), and the threeheaded King Gidorah. In the 2014 version of “Godzilla” these towering creatures were tagged as Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms (MUTOs), and the MUTOs undoubtedly will wage a war for world supremacy.

But that’s not what interests me.

I’m more fascinated by the return of the Scientists of Pessimistic Utterances (SOPUs), Ken Watanabe and Sally Hawkins. In the 2014 movie,

they played cryptozoologists who recommended bringing Godzilla out of hibernation to beat back the MUTOs-gone-wild. In my review, I cited Watanabe’s solemn observation: “The arrogance of man is thinking Nature is in our control and not the other way around.” Paging Jeff Goldblum.

If Godzilla and the MUTOs want to tear it up again, there’s very little humankind can do about it. Thank goodness the SOPUs will be on hand to make it all sound even worse.

Food: HHH Ambience: HHHH Service: HHH Value: HHH1/2

Jim Keogh contributing writer

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acted as a cautionary tale about the dire consequences of the Atomic Age and was a cathartic purge of old ghosts for the Japanese. The film was almost endearing for its primitive special effects — a man in a rubber suit stomps through a balsa-wood

Tokyo — and was even more impressive for Raymond Burr’s acting job.

He managed to convince the viewing audience of two things: That he was legitimately terrorized by Godzilla, and that he wasn’t secretly terrified he was pissing away his acting career.

The early Godzilla movies had a funhouse joy to them, especially when our anti-hero battled other atomic-born titans, like Mothra (because everyone knows humanity’s deepest fear is death by moth) and Gamera the flying turtle (wife of Gamera actor as he leaves for work: “Honey, don’t forget your shell!”). My old friend Matt Dolan and I watched these movies on his basement TV, and even as kids we knew they were hokey. In fact, hokeyness was their crowning glory.

The advent of CGI changed the rules and turned the monsters bloodless. They became pieces of code, products of the technology makers of the 1954 “Godzilla” would have regarded as much a figment of science fiction as the monster they

Mexicali Cantina Grill's Worcester location has been open on Shrewsbury Street since February.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

black beans and a generous side of ranch dressing.

The tacos and burritos would benefit from fresh tortillas, but I am sympathetic to the volume Mexicali deals with on any given afternoon.

The tacos al pastor ($13.50) are tasty and can be made with spit-grilled pork, steak, or chicken marinated in red chile with pineapple and spices.

I recommend the pork. Three tacos arrive topped with shredded cabbage, cilantro, onions and tomatillo sauce. I have also enjoyed the baja fish tacos ($15). They can be made with grilled or hand-battered fried cod. Fried is better because it provides a sharp textural contrast to the dish’s shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and jalapeño cilantro sauce.

The best part of Mexicali’s street burrito ($13) is the side of queso, a rich and spicy cheese dip of the gods. The burrito itself contains whole pinto beans, rice, guacamole, cheddar cheese, sour cream and pico de gallo. Go for the barbacoa, a simple rendition of pulled pork.

A bundle of cabbage arrives on the side, though I wish it came wrapped up with more pinto beans and half as much rice.

M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

between the two locales whenever the sun is shining.

This is not Mexicali’s first go around. The local chain has nearby branches in Holden, Spencer, Webster and Ware. Even so, they have had to learn a few lessons the hard way in our beautiful city. Take for example, the fire alarm’s initial tendency to go off when guests ordered the fajitas trio ($18). Or, the assertion that they have Bohemia bottles on the menu that never seem to be behind the bar.

The food is fun. The service means business. The beverages are extra large.

Order the spicy jalapeño margarita ($11) to sip with your complimentary chips and salsa. Guacamole fresco is made to order with avocados, serrano chiles, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime. Portions are designed to suit the size of your party; a serving for two is $8 while a serving for three or more will cost you $11.

The ranchero avocado salad with grilled chicken ($12) has amassed a cult following. Washed lettuce is tossed with salty cotija cheese, sliced tomatoes, chopped avocado,

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Adoption option

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W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

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 Sophie. This sweetheart was brought to the shelter by her heartbroken owner who was moving and could not bring her along. Sophie is almost 12 years old, but you would never know by watching her. She loves to run, play and jump.

Sophie has a smile that can light up the room and her zest for life is commendable, especially with all she has going on.

Sophie has some allergies that has left her bald on her chest and stomach. Her allergies are currently controlled by a diet and daily medication. Her new owners will need to keep up with both of these to ensure Sophie lives out the rest of her life in comfort. Her previous owner said she gets along with some dogs, but prefers to be the only pet and loves people of all ages.

This wonderful senior needs someone to help her live out the rest of her golden years with plenty of love and walks. If you would like more information about Sophie or would like to meet her, please ask staff today.

calendar

Thursday, May 30 Worcester Bravehearts vs Nashua Silver Knights

Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, 1 College St. Bravehearts are back! 6:35 p.m.

Friday-Sunday, May 31 - June 2 Albanian Festival

St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St. Rain or shine under a massive tent, live music and entertainment. Authentic Albanian food; lamb, Albanian sausages and pastries, lakror, baklava and more. Church tours, kids' carnival, cooking demonstrations, dancing, and celebrating!

Sunday, June 2 Cartoon Takeover!

Live Action Escapes, 1 Exchange St. This 30 minute escape room game experience incorporates aspects of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), and perfect for kids ages 5-9.

games “That’s Awful” — well, shucks.

by Matt Jones

J O N E S I N’

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45 “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer 46 “On to the ___” (2009 Jay-Z song) 47 Dreyer’s ice cream partner 50 Tattered threads 51 Cherry leftovers 54 Tosses down 56 Casts forth 59 “Clueless” catchphrase 60 Neck region 61 Out of the office 62 “My Fair Lady” professor, to Eliza 65 Chicago-based cable superstation

Last week's solution

©2019 Matt Jones (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) Reference puzzle #938

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Down 1 Cool, 30 years ago 2 Magazine publishing info 3 Rumbled 4 Louisiana Territory state

12 14 18

The green Teletubby Smoke an e-cig Like some whiskey Succotash ingredient Sculpture piece Jinxes Reveals the celebrity dressed as the Poodle, Deer or Hippo, e.g.

Time off between classes?

Little giggle Defeated without mercy, in leetspeak Cause of aberrant weather Sleeve tattoo spot Dandy sort Only country name in the NATO phonetic alphabet Wayne Shorter’s instrument Egg, for openers Only named character in “Green Eggs and [40-Across]” “All I Do Is ___” Ref. book set “The Genius” of the WuTang Clan Ecological abode 1921 Literature Nobelist France Somehow, first lady after Michelle

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M AY 30 - J U N E 5, 2019

Fun By The Numbers. Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Across 1 Beyond zealous 6 Household appliance, for short 9 ___ Life (Tupac tattoo) 13 Deft 15 In the past 16 She played Talisa on “Game of Thrones” 17 Sketch a habanero?

19 Runaway win 20 Midweek time for floods?

22 N.L. East team 23 Kyoto cash 24 Like some change 25 Aquatic barrier 27 His record for patents was surpassed by a Japanese inventor in 2003 31 Masi of “Heroes” 32 Obsolete PC operating system 34 Language spoken in “Avatar” 35 Tajikistan, once (abbr.)

36 Intersection where pet feet meet?

40 See 33-Down 43 British subcompact 44 Triatomic form of oxygen 48 Suffix for prop or meth 49 Gary Numan lyric after “It’s the only way to live” 52 Beat easily 53 Model plane material 55 Had some hummus 57 Skin care brand 58 Tweety’s guide to business planning?

63 “Beloved” novelist Morrison 64 Cuts through a small fish?

66 Satirical HBO interviewer, once 67 Bar brew, briefly 68 Like some coffee 69 Coffee alternatives 70 “30 Rock” star Tina 71 “Enchanting”-sounding book in the Septimus Heap series

classifieds LEGAL Invitation For Bids The Worcester Housing Authority invites sealed bids for 46G RICHARDS STREET, FIRE REPAIR MA12-17 SOUTHWEST GARDENS, 46G Richards Street, Worcester, MA 01605- 2655; WHA Job No. 2019-02 in accordance with the documents prepared by the Architect, DIXON SALO ARCHITECTS, INC. The work is estimated to cost $188,430.

Project consists of but is not limited to: Removal and replacement of damaged roof trusses, plywood roof sheathing, and asphalt roof shingles, new gypsum board ceilings in areas where ceilings have been removed, removal and replacement of existing vinyl tile flooring (abatement required), removal and replacement of vinyl cove base, replacement of certain doors, removal and replacement of existing kitchen cabinets, countertop, and appliances, painting, plumbing, ventilation, electrical work, and fire alarm work, all as indicated on the Contract Documents.

WHA Job No. 2019-02

Release Date 5/29/19

Project Title 46G Richards St. Fire Repair Pre-Bid Conference @ 46G Richards Street, Worcester, MA 01605 Gen. Bid Opening @ Modernization Dep. 81 Tacoma St. Worcester, MA 01605

Bid Surety

5%

Important dates & time 10:00 AM 2:00 PM

6/5/19 6/19/19

General Bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in the GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION category of work.

Bids are subject to M.G.L. c149 ยง44A-J and Davis Bacon wage rates as well as other applicable laws.

Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be made available on the Worcester Housing Authority website (http://www.worcesterha.org/currentbids.html) Questions regarding this project shall be submitted in writing 72 hours prior to opening and emailed to ModBids@worcesterha.org. Reference the WHA Job Number: 2019-02 only in the subject line.

WHA reserves the right to reject any or all responses, in whole or in part, deemed to be in their best interest.

Award of all contracts is subject to the approval of the WHA Executive Director or Board of Commissioners. The Operating Agency shall indemnify and hold harmless the WHA and its officers or agents from any and all third party claims arising from activities under these agreements as set forth in MCL c.258, section 2 as amendment.

Worcester Housing Authority, Joseph P. Carlson, Chairperson

Call 978-728-4302 or email cmaclassifieds@ gatehousemedia.com today to place your ad here!

NOVENA Prayer to the Blessed Virgin (Never known to fail) O most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity, O Star of the Sea, help me and show me where you are my mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity, (make request). There are none that can withstand your power, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and you must publish it and your request will be granted to you.

DMH

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Sudoku Answers

YARD SALE

WORCESTER: Yard/Estate Sale 22 Clive St. Sat. & Sun. 6/8 & 6/9 10am-4pm rain or shine. Clothing, furniture, household items & more must be sold, so come down and take home something nice at a great price!

last call Organizers of the 2019 Albanian Festival

T

he Albanian Festival held at St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church in Worcester is the largest event of its kind. This week, I sat down with organizers: Greg Steffon, Carol Laska, Klevis Naqe, Effie Qeleshi, Vera Halilaj, and Mark Baker.

The festival will take place on Friday, May 31 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday, June 1 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday, June 2 from 12-6 p.m. Admission is $2 with free parking at Assumption College.

DYLAN AZARI

We welcome over 300 volunteers and maintain about 30 people on the committee. We’re always trying to come up with something new or different because we don’t want it to grow stale. This year we’ve got a bunch of restaurants participating. Mezé is making moussaka, Joey’s is making a traditional Albanian meatball and onion dish, Altea’s is making lamb shank for a Friday night dinner special, Casta Diva is making stuffed peppers, and Nuovo is making a pastitsio and a northern meatball dish. The snack shack is where we will have our Albanian street food.

Do people have to pay a fee to get into the festival?

GS: Two Bucks. That’s it.

What sort of entertainment do you have planned beyond the food?

FZ: In regards to the entertainment, we’ve been striving to bring you the best to Worcester from Albania. Last festival we had The Prifti Brothers. This year we have another well known Albanian singer, Eli Fara. She happens to be from the same village that Greg’s family immigrated from in 1905. Local singers come up and perform. We have people come in groups from Chicago, New York, and Connecticut. Our dance group performs traditional folk dancing. For the past 12 years, a choreographer has come every Wednesday from Boston to teach our kids.

GS: This year, we’re going to do a little kids pie eating contest and a teenager pie eating contest.

We’ll charge a small entrance fee.

All the money that we raise will be donated to the five charities that we’ve designated. It costs us a lot of money to put this thing on. The admission doesn’t even cover a quarter of our costs. But, we’re trying to also give back to the community because the community has been very good to us. We’ve designated Flagg Street School as one of the schools that’s going to get a donation as well as Hanover Theater, Friendly House, and the Veterans’ Shelter. We feel that the Albanian festival should not be about taking; it is about giving.

– Sarah Connell

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It sounds like you’ve experienced a lot of growth. Does someone mind giving me a brief history of the festival?

GS: We started in 1983. It was the first Albanian festival in the country of its size. It was a three day festival under the tent. It’s been going ever since, every other year. This will be our 18th time doing this. We plan the festival for months in advance. We have a whole bunch of new individuals who joined in the late 1990’s, so that infused a new group of people who have taken on a lot of different roles. We have old families that have been here for 110 years.

And then we have new families that have only been here 20 years or less. We’ve even got people who have been here a couple of weeks.

From left, Klevis Naqe, Festival Co-Chair Greg Steffon, Effie Qeleshia, Vera Halilaj, Carol Laska, Mark Baker and Festival Co-Chair Franklin Zdruli.

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Wow. Sounds like you’re getting more efficient as time goes on.

GS: Well, that’s the plan.

FZ: The attendance has gone up

What is your anticipated attendance for this year?

FZ: We expect 15,000 people.

That’s conservative over the three days.

GS: There’s a lot of food and effort and energy that goes into this.

About 2,000 pieces of baklava are going to sell out in a day and a half thanks to Effie’s hard work.

EQ: I never say, like, ‘Oh my God, I’m so tired.’ I am just happy to do this for my community. We are proud. We have a really good group right here.

GS: We used to rely on a big group of volunteers to make everything.

This church hall would be filled with people on Memorial Day lined up and we’d have individual skewers to put lamb pieces on with an onion and a pepper. We’d have to grill them. Now, we’ve got a rotisserie machine so we just cut up a couple of thousand pounds or Shish Kebab and put them on the rotisserie. We can use bigger pieces so they don’t dry out. We’re trying to work smarter, not harder. Right?

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Do you mind introducing yourselves?

MB: My name is Mark Baker. I run the beer and wine truck and I bake – that’s why my name is Baker.

EQ: My name is Effie Qeleshia.

I’ll be running the snack bar. This year, I donated 60 trays of baklava. Today, I’m making the syrup and chopping the nuts and then on Friday, I’m going to pack it. I’ve made and donated the baklava for four festivals. I also own the Coffee Mug restaurant in Auburn.

VH: I’m Vera Halilaj and I make the pies. We will make 200 leek and spinach pies in total. The pies arrive from Demetria Delights in Grafton and we tweak the recipe to make them more traditional.

GS: I’m Greg Steffon. To give you some background on Vera’s contributions, you have to understand that we used to be here for weeks and weeks making pies in an assembly line by hand right here on these tables. All the ladies would be rolling out the dough.

We’d bring them by truck over to a warehouse and freeze them. It would be weeks and weeks and weeks of work. Now, it takes Vera one day.

throughout the years. We need a lot of pie!

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