Worcester Magazine June 14 - 20, 2018

JUNE 14 - 20, 2018 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Preservationists sue to halt Notre Dame demolition: A group of residents has filed for a preliminary injunction against Hanover Insurance to halt the demolition of the historic Notre Dame church. 4

in this issue J U N E 14 - 20, 2018 • V O L U M E 43 I S S U E 42

the cover

Racquel Jean-Luis (Charlotte) and Jake Blakeslee (Wilbur) during a dress rehersal of The Charlotte’s Web Experience at Old Sturbridge Village. The Charlotte’s Web Experience runs Wednesdays-Sundays, July 5-Aug. 26.

Story on page 12

Make Music Day returns to Worcester: A celebration of making music and the summer solstice. 22

Photo by Elizabeth Brooks, Design by Kimberly Vasseur

In Ralph’s, no one can hear you scream: Ralph’s Diner is hosting the indie punk trio, Screaming Females, from New Jersey on July 8. 26

27

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Find us on Facebook.com/worcestermag Twitter @worcestermag Instagram: Worcestermag

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news

Preservationists sue to halt Notre Dame demolition BILL SHANER

A

group of residents have filed for a preliminary injunction against Hanover Insurance to halt the demolition of the historic Notre Dame church.

The group filed the action Tuesday, according to a statement. The group, composed of members of the Save Notre Dame Alliance, is claiming Hanover Insurance did not go through the proper process for demolition review with the state historical commission, as outlined in the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act. The group alleges Hanover, via the CitySquare II development group, did not file proper notice with the state Historical Commission or the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, according to the statement.

A hearing on the lawsuit is set for Thursday at the Worcester Courthouse, 2 p.m.

Ted Conna, a plaintiff in the lawsuit and organizer of the Save Notre Dame Alliance, said the lawsuit would halt demolition. It is the group’s hope, he said, that the legal process will lead to alternatives to demolition.

“If that happens, Notre Dame will add both economic and cultural value to everything around it,” he said. “But even if the review process does not produce any new solution to save Notre Dame, we felt it was important on principle to defend the law - in this case, the law that says when state agencies and state funding are involved, the state’s historic assets cannot be demolished without proper review.”

A spokeswoman for CitySquare, the subsidiary of Hanover that owns Notre Dame, said the company is reviewing the suit and “will comment at the appropriate time.”

The lawsuit comes just a day after the City Council declined to act on petitions filed by the SNDA for the city to take ownership of the building. The air in the City Council chamber Tuesday night was heavy when, after more than an hour of spirited comments from both advocates and councilors on the value and also the burden of the historic Notre Dame church, Mayor Joe Petty brought it to a close.

He did so after filing three citizen petitions

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Council to take ownership of the former Notre Dame Church.

BILL SHANER

to have the city take on the building from Hanover Insurance. The Council did not vote on the items, despite requests from the crowd, and decided to drop one motion that would have had the city manager explore temporary ownership to allow independent consultants to evaluate the building.

With the wrecking ball weeks or even days away, it may have been the last time the Save Notre Dame Alliance comes in force to City Council meetings, as they have so often over

J U N E 14 - 20, 2018

the past few months. The push to get the city to take over the historic building died with a whimper, not a bang, as Petty concluded the meeting.

“I guess that concludes the night on this item,” he said as the room emptied out. “I know no one is happy with it.”

After dozens of advocates urged the City Council to take action, Petty was the first to address the crowd, saying he spent three weeks investigating the prospect of taking city

ownership of the church before ultimately announcing last week that he wouldn’t.

“At the end of the day, I thought this was the right decision,” he said. “I would like to save the church, but I don’t own it, and I have so many other problems.”

Taking on the church, even to just leave it vacant as it has been, would cost about $3 million, by Petty’s estimate (though that figure was contested by some advocates), and renoC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 7

news

Punches as police practice called into question after viral videos W BILL SHANER AND WALTER BIRD JR.

hen cell phone videos of Worcester police officers restraining two men outside a nightclub surfaced on social media, they quickly went viral, and ushered in a spirited debate on the question of what, exactly, constitutes unreasonable force.

One moment in the two relatively short clips (a combined 20 seconds) appeared to inspire the hottest debate – when the officers had already taken one of the men to the ground, a third came in and quickly landed five punches to the man’s head, an uppercut then four undercuts. The blows had come

after another officer had already punched the man.

Many people voiced horror at the exchange, that the officers would hit a man so many times after he was already down, but others, including the Worcester Police Department, defended the punches as necessary steps to restrain a suspect that was resisting arrest and had, at one point, grabbed for an officer’s safety belt, where he carried his gun.

When asked to comment on the practice of throwing punches in general, Police Department spokesman Kerry Hazelhurst called blows to the head a “distraction technique,” and one that is allowed if an officer faces the risk of personal injury, or loss of limb or life.

“If an officer is being assaulted, especially in a choke hold or if someone is going after their duty belt, the officer is allowed to use force that is necessary to effect an arrest,” Hazelhurst said.

But others question the necessity of throwing punches, especially in a situation, such as the one in question, where officers outnumber the suspects.

Howard Friedman, a prominent Massachusetts civil rights attorney who specializes in police misconduct, watched the video on his computer while on the phone with Worcester Magazine. As he got to the moment of the punches, audibly recognizable over the phone line due to the comments of bystanders, he

let out a long sigh.

“Most people, regular people, would say that’s unreasonable,” he said. “But what seems to happen is police departments have decided in their policies that that’s OK.” To him, he said, the punches looked like unreasonable force, and weren’t necessary to restrain the hands of the man, who was already on the ground.

The Police Department disagrees. In a statement released after the video had gone viral, the department said the use of force shown falls within departmental guidelines.

The department also revealed more details about the encounter between police and the

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news NOTRE DAME

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4

vating it could cost up to $20 million. With the Memorial Auditorium sitting vacant down the street, and the Burncoat High School project on the horizon, he said he felt it wasn’t the responsible decision to take the building on.

“The harder vote tonight is to not take the building over,” he said. “That’s my opinion.”

As they have for months, members of the SNDA crowded the City Hall Chamber Tuesday night. The dozens who spoke argued Notre Dame is an invaluable architectural resource.

The city, they said, needs to do everything it can to preserve the structure.

Barbara Haller, an organizer of the group and former city councilor, argued that taking Notre Dame would be in line with other historic preservation moves the city has made, especially the old Worcester Courthouse in Lincoln Square. When the city sold that building to a developer for apartments, they saved Lincoln Square, she said. She argued the same could be done for downtown.

“Take this building,” she said. “We can save this building.”

Others focused on making sure the Council actually took a vote on whether or not to acquire the building from Hanover, which, ultimately, they didn’t.

“You are all elected. All of those voters have every right in the world for a roll call vote to see if you agree with economics to be our paramount concern or whether you agree with our own culture to be a paramount concern,” said SNDA member Randy Feldman. “So please, stand up to that responsibility and take a vote.”

But later in the meeting, when Councilor-AtLarge Moe Bergman spoke, he pushed back on the idea a roll call vote was responsible. He said he and others on the Council have worked for years to try to find a solution for the church.

“There is a lot more here than a lot of you good folks are aware of. We feel badly, almost mournful for what’s at stake,” he said. “But what we are being asked to do is beyond our limits.”

He said he wished Hanover felt differently about what it could do with the old church, but Hanover owns it, and the city’s hands are tied.

A roll call vote — which would have likely gone unanimously against acquiring the church — would only serve to make enemies of the council and the preservationists, he said.

“Let me share with you that before tonight and after tonight, before this building goes down, you will feel no worse than we will feel,” he said.

Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-749-316 x324 or at wshaner@worcestermag.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner.

POLICE

release, “both brothers were actively fighting and there were still only two officers on scene. An officer was able to place one two men, who were brothers, outside the handcuff on Mitchell, who continued fighting Riviera Show Club at 241 Southbridge St. The with his other hand.” incident started around 1:50 a.m. Sunday, More officers arrived at the club as both when a police officer working a paid detail at brothers were on the ground,. At that point, the club was “drawn to a commotion in the Zachary Lugo punched one of the officers parking lot,” according to the department’s and grabbed for his duty belt while on the release. At the same time, another police ground, police said, officer driving on Southbridge Street also saw “In an attempt to stop the assault and the commotion and stopped. Both officers protect his gear,” the press release stated, “the saw a fight in progress and broke it up. officer delivered a closed-fist strike to ZachSeveral people told police a man, later ary’s face. An arriving officer was running up to the scene and saw Zachary’s attempt to grab an officer’s belt, and delivered multiple quick strikes to Zachary’s face. Officers continued to arrive and were eventually able to place both men in handcuffs.”

The “duty belt” reasoning for use of force is one Friedman said he often sees departments use.

“It’s one of the things they’ll say often. We have to punch them because the cop has the gun,” he said. “That’s going to be true, I suppose, in every case.”

He said duty belts are designed so that a weapon cannot be easily pulled from the holster, except by the person wearing the belt. Plus, it’s an especially hard excuse to disprove.

“The problem I have with the belt thing is they can say that all the time and how can you prove otherwise?” he said.

Police are still reviewing the incident internally, under the Bureau of Professional Standards. Chief Steven Sargent said the department is still gathering information “When we conduct these investigations, we gather as much A still of the video depicting Worcester police officers that went viral this weekend. information and as many facts as possible. Our members of the identified as 23-year-old Mitchell Lugo of with him. Mitchell Lugo had hooked his arm Bureau of Professional Standards then review Spencer, attacked them for no reason. Ofaround the officer’s head, police said. The the circumstances, level and the degree to ficers told Lugo and his brother, Zachary officer then took him to the ground, at which which force was used,” he said. “The initial Lugo, 27, of Rutland, to leave the area. The point Mitchell Lugo tried to grab him by the review indicates that the use of force falls two brothers continued to swear at the group neck. At that point, according to police, the within the parameters of policy and training with whom they had been fighting, and were officer started punching the suspect. standards under the circumstances.” “flailing their arms and screaming” in an atAt that same time, police said, other oftempt to escalate the situation, police said. ficers arrived on scene and tried to arrest The two men had been involved in “mulZachary Lugo, who fought with them before Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-749-3166 tiple incidents” throughout the night. Police being taken to the ground near his brother. x324 at wshaner@worcestermag.com. Follow did not specify the nature of those incidents, “At this point,” according to the press him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5

police said. Attempts to reach the Riviera Club for comment and details were not successful this week.

At one point, one of the officers started to walk Zachary Lugo from the area. Lugo “squared up with the officer and took a combative stance,” according to police.

The officer’s attention was drawn to “an intense struggle” between Lugo’s brother and the second officer, and he left to assist his colleague, police said.

The detail officer, at that point, was attempting to arrest Mitchell Lugo, according to police, and was standing up and struggling

J U N E 14 - 20, 2018

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worcesteria

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A BUDGET: That’s right, the much-maligned budget hearings – loathed by myself, City Hall staff who can’t say so publicly, and, increasingly, the councilors themselves – is over. The Council made no cuts to the $649-million budget put forward by the city manager, and the document was approved quietly, without comment, at the tail end of a meeting dominated by the ongoing Notre Dame saga Tuesday. What the Council didn’t vote on, though CouncilorAt-Large Konnie Lukes so badly wanted them to, was a series of motions she put forward to make the budget hearings next year less of what she called a “vague, disappointing process.” She wanted a vote on a motion to have City Hall staff provide the revenue side of the budget and the capital budget to City Council much earlier in the year, in April if possible, and she wanted to formalize the process by which city councilors dictate budget priorities to the city manager. She made the motions and asked for a vote, but Mayor Joe Petty decided instead to send them to the Municipal Operations subcommittee for review. Lukes, who rarely minces words, made her displeasure with the mayor’s suggestion known. “Oh,” she said, “so we’re going to kill it, then.” I’ll be looking for those proposals (which are pretty good ideas, honestly) to come back out of subcommittee for a vote when I see a big, fat pig gracefully soaring between Worcester’s seven hills.

WHO WEARS SHORT SHORTS: The Worcester Public School dress code is sexist. I mean, I

could cushion that claim with an attribution or a disclaimer, but I’m not going to bother. I’ll say it again – the dress code, like pretty much every dress code, is sexist in design and, especially, in enforcement. I am heartened to see a group of students and School Committee member Molly McCollough make this an issue (as they did at the last School Committee meeting, last week), because my time in public schools has completely disillusioned me to the idea that a dress code is anything but a tool to selectively punish students administrators already wanted to punish.

At particular issue in Worcester is the rule governing the length of shorts. As it stands, anyone wearing shorts shorter than the length of the longest finger when fully extended can be “dress coded,” as one student put it. That means they get taken out of class and are forced to change before they return. Who do you think this rule impacts? Literally any young woman who wears shorts in the style of the moment is in violation of this rule. So they either wear pants, risk the consequences of wearing perfectly normal clothing, or wear out-of-style clothing. Which do you think a kid is really going to do? It’s no good, leads to all sorts of selective enforcement issues, and it should change. Thus a request goes to the Superintendent’s Office, but with an extremely tone-deaf amendment. Before McCullough’s order went off to the superintendent, School Committee Member Brian O’Connell stood up and made the “friendly amendment” that the administration also look into allowing school principals to create “voluntary school uniforms.” Oi.

AND ONE MORE THING: Good for School Committee Member Dante Comparetto for forcing the issue of school suspensions, especially among Latino students, in Worcester Public Schools. He did so at the same meeting as the dress code discussion, and did so by asking for more data on suspensions the demographics of students suspended. That data, when we get it, will be very interesting. And yes, I know, this isn’t an issue that the school and city administration aren’t aware of and aren’t working on. The mayor has a task force on it, and Superintendent Maureen Binienda said it is something administrators are consciously working on. But still, if you have an elected position in city politics and you’re not constantly hammering at the administration on your priorities, what are you even doing?

THE BUZZ IS BIO: Everyone in the state, it seems, wants to cash in on the booming industry of biomanufacturing, which employs all sorts of scientists and advanced manufacturers to do stuff I don’t quite understand. Biotech, biomanufacturing, are all anyone in the economic development world can talk about it seems. So Worcester probably made the rest of the state pine with envy when it landed a big biomanufacturing fish, and all the way from China. WuXi Biologics, a Chinese biotech company, will open a $60-million facility, bringing with it 150 potential jobs for Worcester-area folk, at the old Worcester State Hospital, which is being marketed by the Worcester Business Development Corporation as a biotech hub. What makes this pretty cool is that this is only the third site for WuXi outside China, and the first in America. Plus, it has that “Wu.” And, let’s be real, we’re all gigantic homers here. I don’t know or care what “Wu” actually means. It means Worcester.

Bill Shaner, reporter wshaner@worcestermag.com Twitter: @Bill_Shaner

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In an effort to get Worcester kids reading throughout the summer,

school officials have launched the annual Reading In Our City Week. The effort, led

by School Committee Member John Monfredo, includes distribution of thousands of books collected in a driver earlier this spring, as well as special reading programs featuring the Worcester Public Library and the Worcester Railers.

A longstanding case between the parents of a Southboro student and the Fay Boarding School, claiming

the child was poisoned by WiFi signal in the classroom, has been resolved. A federal district court judge ruled in favor of the school, rejecting the family’s claim that the school did not do enough to accommodate a condition called Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome.

A police officer from Portland, Maine has resigned this week after she was arrested at the Ja Rule and Ashanti concert at the Palladium in January. At the show, she was charged with assault and battery, resisting arrest and other charges, and had been on paid administrate leave until she resigned this Sunday.

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entered into two more community host agreements with interested recreational marijuana businesses, bringing the total number of interested parties up to five for the small town to Worcester’s south.

ExxonMobil Corp. swung by Charlton earlier this week

MAY 17 - 23, 2018 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Qunsigamond Community College will launch a police

academy in the fall. The program will allow participants to become reserve or intermittent police officers with the campus police department. The program will take 50 applicants for its first class. Quinsigamond is the first community college in the state to put on such a program, according to organizers, and they’re anticipating a lot of interest.

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editorial

opinion

Time for cameras on police

A

s if almost on cue, Worcester got a hard lesson recently on why it should arm its police officers with cameras sooner rather than later.

The wild arrest of two brothers outside an adult nightclub, part of which was captured on video and splashed onto social media, is but an example of why police should wear cameras on the uniforms. It is controversial, for sure, and not an easy policy to implement. Union gripes no doubt are contributing to the holdup in Worcester.

Meanwhile, the police department finds itself smack in the middle of a controversy that perhaps could have been settled rather quickly — one way or the other — were body cameras in use.

The incident took place early Sunday morning, June 10, outside the Riviera Show Club. Two brothers, Mitchell and Zachary Lugo, were arrested by police only after a violent scuffle that was captured, ironically enough, on the cell phone cameras of civilians. Two women nearby videotaped some of the action and posted it to Facebook. That footage appeared to show the Lugo brothers on the ground, being punched repeatedly by police.

The department is saying there is more to the story - that one of the brothers grabbed for an officer’s duty belt, where he carries his gun, during attempts to arrest him, and that both brothers uttered racial slurs and threats to an Asian-American officer.

The video footage shot by the two onlookers reveals none of that. Were one or all of the officers wearing body cameras, it is possible — likely, even — that more details

72 Shrewsbury St. Worcester, MA 01604 worcestermagazine.com Editorial 508.749.3166 x322 editor@worcestermagazine.com Sales 508.749.3166 x333 sales@worcestermagazine.com President Paul M. Provost Publisher Kathleen Real-Benoit x331 Editor Walter Bird Jr. x322 Culture Editor Joshua Lyford x325

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Letters to the Editor Policy

would have been captured.

There are, of course, arguments to be made against body cameras on police. In theory, the cameras should lend a stronger sense of security for both officer and civilian.

After all, why would someone act improperly if they know they are being filmed? Social media, however, is rife with examples that, even when they know their actions are being recorded, ordinary citizens and police aren’t always inclined to modify their behavior. In addition, according to a study cited by the Washington Post in October 2017, police officers in Washington, D.C. wearing body cameras reported using force about as often as those who didn’t wear them.

A pilot program would help determine whether that is the case here. We’ve heard talk about such a program for years, and last year City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. told Worcester Magazine, “... we’ve made progress and we’ll be coming out with some announcements.” That was in January 2017. A pilot program could have — and should have — already been rolled out. It should have, in fact, started under the previous chief of police.

It would be misguided to think cameras on police is a panacea, that any and all abuses of power will disappear, or that some folks won’t still antagonize or instigate police. But one would be hard-pressed to think of a better case in point than what happened outside the Riviera Club as to why — for both police and civilians — body cameras are at least worth a shot.

Letters to the editor are a great way to share your thoughts and opinions with thousands of readers and online viewers each week. We reserve the right to edit for length, so brevity is your friend. If handwritten, write legibly. A full name and town or city of residence are required. Please include an email address or phone number for verifica-

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Please note that letters will run as space allows. Send them to Worcester Magazine, 72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA 01604 or by email to editor@worcestermag.com.

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feature The Charlotte’s Web Experience JOSHUA LYFORD

W

hen Old Sturbridge Village debuted its immersive theatrical experience, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” back in 2016, they opened the door to an entirely new way to enjoy the living history museum. Since then, OSV has produced several theatrical experiences that buck trends, from the Quinebaug River-starring “Big River,” to the rascallish audience interaction of “Midwinter Mischief.”

This summer, OSV will again incorporate its property, animals and costumed historians with a beloved story to create something unique — and unpredictable — in Central Mass.

From July 5-Aug. 26, Wednesday-Sundays, Old Sturbridge Village will play host to “The Charlotte’s Web Experience,” presented by Brian Clowdus, the director of many of their past immersive experiences and founder of the Serenbe Playhouse, a groundbreaking professional theatre company based out of Chattahoochee Hills, Ga. The tale of the unlikely friendship formed between a loving barn spider and an exuberant pig was written by E.B. White back in the early 1950s and has been reimagined numerous times in the decades since, but it is unlikely fans have ever seen a show quite like this.

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ld Sturbridge Village opened in 1946, just Jake Blakeslee a few short years plays Wilbur. before the writing of “Charlotte’s Web.” It has delighted fans of history ever since and the nature of a living, breathing interactive historical museum means that no two visits are ever the same and, similarly, no two theatrical productions are ever exactly alike.

Entering through the main entrance, visitors make their way to the opposite end of the park to Freeman Farm, where the production will

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take place. The walk serves as an immersion technique, transporting visitors to the late1700 to early-1800 period on display.

With this re-imagining of E.B. White’s timeless story, the 1950’s theme is swapped for a historical museum period-appropriate one.

A horse-drawn carriage moseys past museum attendees, crunching gravel on its slow crawl to distant points of OSV. Costumed historians work tirelessly on either side of the trail; a piggery is being built adjacent to a sheep farm in correlation to the play. The work is slow, as its is being reconstructed in the original 1830’s method. The piglets that will call the space home arrive in late June. Further ahead, adult pigs lounge in the late-morning sun.

A flock of chickens cross with confidence in front of the entrance to the Freeman Farm as Clowdus and his cast rearrange hay bales in an impromptu set. Behind them, set builders hang a massive spider web that will serve as a partial backdrop for the production, shared with the neighboring forest and a group of ornery steer demanding a share of attention.

“We’re really trying to make sure that this ‘Charlotte’s Web’ lives in Old Sturbridge Village,” said Clowdus, hands crossed and seated on one of two benches that serve as the front row of what will be a much larger seating area.

Props are being arranged and period-specific (and oft-used) farm tools are arranged accordingly. The actors chat briefly before rehearsals begin. Clowdus himself chose the location of the production.

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 15

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audience, though. The more the merrier. Pull them all out here.”

Clowdus’ request would soon be filled as more and more guests begin to arrive and appear at the Freeman Farm throughout the day, but elsewhere in the park, the unpredictable nature of OSV would be proven, as a baby sheep escapes through a nearby fence and plays keep away with a group of costumed historians, its adult compatriots baying their approval.

“We have about five songs in the show and I’m trying to pull from that,” said DeLeo, seemingly unaware of the two entwined snakes basking in the sun to her right. “Brian will say, “When you see the web, when you see the ‘Just play something,’ site, it feels like ‘Charlotte’s Web’ was always and I try to pull from supposed to happen here,” he said. “There’s chords in the show. many key lines and morals in the story you Sometimes it works, hear. When you hear Wilbur, you think ‘Charsometimes it doesn’t. It lotte’s Web.’” just depends. Usually, The role of Wilbur is filled by Jake Blakeslee, I can pull something who played Tom Sawyer in OSV’s production from the show, but of “Big River.” As school children begin to enter sometimes I just make the space from their museum field trip, Wilbur it up.” flops down onto a smattering of dry hay and Max Kile plays the smiles, shielding his eyes from the sun. role of narrator as well While rehearsal is serious business and the as being part of both cast doesn’t have much time left to prepare the ensemble cast and for the show proper, they have fun with one a musician. another. Cast, crew and director are all acutely “The songs in aware of the anything-can-happen nature of uring a brief break in rehearsal, the show are great a production taking place on-site and filled Sophia DeLeo, who plays Fern in moments,” said Kile. with attendees that are willing to be interacted Max Kile is the narrator Racquel Jean-Luis plays the production, is leaning against “They’re great to emphaand part of the ensemble. with.

Charlotte. a nearby stonewall. A steer stares size on the themes of “I think it’s helpful. For me it is helpful,” intently at the celery she is snacking on. Wasps the show, or to pick up said Clowdus, speaking of the tourists and “Misty hopeful or hopeful woohoo?” she the mood when Charlotte’s decaying. Let’s pick school children that meander in and out of the buzz about her head, though she seems unruffled by the experience. asked the director, before strumming a few it up, so we’re not all sad the whole time.” production’s daily rehearsal. “It gives the cast Earlier in the day, DeLeo, who both sings appropriate chords. energy and it gives them obstacles. I love an C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 17 C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 12

and plays guitar as a part of the production’s ensemble cast, was tasked by Clowdus with providing backing music to a particularly weighty scene between Charlotte and Wilbur.

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 15

While Kile is no stranger to similar roles, the setting of the play is a new experience for the actor.

“The last show I did was in a super small black box,” he said. “I’m still trying to get out of that mode, of being able to whisper and still be heard by everyone in the audience. It’s more difficult to be outdoors with no microphone and having to project. There’s going to be a lot of benches out here. It’s definitely going to be a lot of work, but it’s going to be really rewarding.”

The cast shares stories of their experience at Old Sturbridge Village, and already the on-set experience is likely a stark contrast to more traditional theater locales. Just the day before, they explain, a group of cows broke down a gate and escaped. Luckily, they just wanted a snack, which they found in the adjacent field and were happy to return to their quarters once fully satisfied. Throughout rehearsal, they moo their suggestions and criticisms to cast and crew.

“They’re very good audience members,” laughed Kile.

WE’RE BORN, WE LIVE A LITTLE WHILE, WE DIE

R

acquel Jean-Luis takes on the role of Charlotte the barn spider. JeanLuis previously performed in OSV’s “Big River.”

While the cast is largely in comfortable rehearsal clothes, well-prepared for a long day in the sun, Jean-Luis has the addition of a black box-skirt, which likely hints at how the team will portray her role as the matriarchal spider.

“Charlotte’s Web” has long been a favorite for children, but that is not to say the themes contained are diluted. It is a fun story and the production has many moments forcing even the most reluctant audience members to smile, but it is also equal parts hopeful and heart-breaking. It is not a children’s tale that shies away from the concept of death as an inevitability.

Charlotte herself faces the reality of her difficult desire: bearing children of her own, while knowing she will not survive long enough to see the fruits of her labor.

pig’s life. The story, accord“I’m not a mother,” Jeaning to Jean-Luis and the Luis said. “I think it’s hard to cast, holds an important wrap your mind around the message for young viewfact that you know someers. thing is going to take your “They run through here life, but you do it because and they’re just like Wilyou love someone so much bur,” Jean-Luis explained that you would literally give of the children watching your own life for someone rehearsal. “They’re inelse to live. To wrap your mind around that was a nocent little minds and it’s hurdle. I talked to my own our jobs as older people mom about it and she said to mold and shape and if anything were to happen create a better space for to me, she’d happily giver our future and our future her life. kids. In the state that our Sophia DeLeo fills the roll “To think about that, you government is in now, I of Fern and is part of the see someone and you take the feel like there isn’t enough ensemble. task of being their caregiver space for love. I think that because you love them so putting a show on like this, much and I want them to live and I think they especially when kids are here, shows, ‘Let’s deserve to live. Everyone deserves to live, make this world a better place where there is a especially someone with as beautiful of a spirit space for love.’ We would all be happy enough as Wilbur.” to give our lives for our fellow human beings Wilbur is reluctant to befriend Charlotte, and fellow animals.” who, early on in the story, he calls “bloodWhile Jean-Luis takes on the role of a proud thirsty and ruthless,” but the pair become close C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 18 and Charlotte is instrumental in saving the

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 17

and hopeful barn spider in Charlotte, the woman beneath the costume is very much a human being and one, it so happens, that is more than a bit reluctant to befriend the spider associates dangling from the onset barn.

“I was scared of them at first,” she laughed.

“But I feel like that is such a message, too. Wilbur is scared of Charlotte at first. Most of the animals are, because she doesn’t look like them.

It’s a message of even though some things may seem scary, even though some people may not be exactly what you are, or look exactly the same, or act the same way that you do, there is room for love. Going through that with the intention of loving someone because you’re on this earth with me is a great message. I hope that the adults get that as well.”

Racquel Jean-Luis (Charlotte) and Jake Blakeslee (Wilbur) during a dress rehersal of The Charlotte’s Web Experience at Old Sturbridge Village.

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feature Charlotte makes her way toward the Freeman Farm before shooing a fly and turning around.

“The bugs are definitely hard to work with,” she smiled. “They like to come near your ears and fly into your mouth while you’re speaking or singing. They like to get into the show as well.”

SOME PIG

F

warbles as they escape a leap over the wooden fence by Templeton the Rat, played by Philip Lopez.

“I think this is different in that every show here will be completely different,” Clowdus continued, unphased. “I’m leaving them a road map and a skeleton to play within, but based on how the audience acts or how the livestock acts, it will be a different show every day. It will have that improvisational feel to it, where the actors are allowed to make decisions on the fly, as long as they are hitting those key moments. Feel like you can improv, but don’t add a whole new scene.”

rom the moment you step beyond the main entrance of Old Sturbridge Village, it is obvious “Charlotte’s Web” is unlike any other version of the story you’ve seen, heard or read before. The nature of immersive theatre dictates that it must be so, and to include a living history museum that does not shut off only adds to the excitement. Rehearsals for “Charlotte’s Web” reflect that unpredictable nature.

“When directors or actors map out their Philip Lopez performs as shows before rehears- Lauren Berg performs as the sheep and the enTempleton and as part of als, I think that puts the ensemble. you at a disadvantage, semble. because you’re not following your impulses and thinking thinking The Charlotte’s Web Experience, presented by about what’s happening in the moment,” said Brian Clowdus, run Wednesday-Sunday, July 5 Clowdus. “You’re going to be inspired by a cow, through Aug. 26, with two shows each day at 11 or air, or an actual apple orchard. I think it’s a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The 11 a.m. show is $12 per dangerous to plan things too much because person and the 1:30 p.m. show is $14 a person. then you’re not in the moment creating.”

A general admission ticket is required to see the As of the animals that call OSV home wish performance. For more information, head to to emphasize the point. The flock of chickens Osv.org.

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Who has The Bravest Heart?

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Hank Von Hellion, managing program director of the Worcester PopUp and a member of the Worcester Arts Council, who put on the event.

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Make Music Day returns to Worcester JOSHUA LYFORD

W

hile Make Music Day debuted in Worcester last year, its international origins go back much further. Now in its second year, Worcester’s Make Music Day has only gained momentum. In a dual celebration of making music and the summer solstice, area musicians, aficionados, novices and

Hellion, managing program director of the Worcester PopUp and a member of the Worcester Arts Council, who put on the event. “It began in France, it is a celebration of both music and the summer solstice. It’s essentially a glorified celebration of busking. It’s an opportunity for folks to be creative and enjoy that process. It’s an opportunity to come together and do something interesting and creative and bond over that. Get to know your neighbors that you’ve never seen before, even though you share a wall.”

Make Music Day comes at a time when the city of Worcester as a whole is beginning to embrace its artistic roots - roots that have grown deep through years of effort and production. With events around the city such as POW! WOW!, Worcester Windows and longstanding efforts like Art in the Park, stART on the Street and more, the city with a capital “C” is catching up to the artistic boots on the ground.

“This works for the same reason I think a lot of the same other creative endeavors work in Worcester,” said Von Hellion. “Because the idea of Worcester being a creative city isn’t new, but the idea of branding it as that is new. The same

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Neighborhood Strings, a community-based program of the Worcester Chamber Music Society, performs in University Park for Make Music Worcester last year.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

those that are just a bit curious come together Thursday, June 21 for something unique – and global.

Make Music Day got its start in France back in 1982. Known there as Fête de la Musique, now the day of combined musical experiences takes place in 750 cities across 120 different countries.

“Make Music day has been around for a number of years, for decades,” said Hank Von

people that make music, the same people that make art are the same people that have been doing it for decades. It’s about embracing that aspect of it. We live in a time now that people want to celebrate the stuff that’s been going on anyway.”

Last year’s debut was a success, in that there were participating artists and those seeking engagement, this year, however, marks an increase

culture

Worcester Men of Song sings in Elm Park for Make Music Worcester day last summer.

Worcester’s Post Road Chorus, The Sweet Adelines, perform in Christoforo Colombo Park for Make Music Worcester last year.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

in both.

“One of the issues with this, or any new creative venture in Worcester, is that people are rightfully skeptical,” said Von Hellion. “There’s always this idea, this feeling, that these talents are being used to promote something that you don’t care about, or promote someone else’s brand. Last year was a little tough to get people involved, but now people understand that it is a really selfless act to be a part of this and celebrate

talent and creativity. That was a hard sell last year. This year, I think people are starting to figure out that this is just a really cool thing to do.

We don’t have an angle, we just want to put on an amazing event.”

In its debut year, all of the money put up for the event was spent by the Worcester Arts Council. This year, the team has put together a Gofundme page at Gofundme.com/make-musicday-worcester, to hopefully help alleviate some of

What’s for dinner?

ELIZABETH BROOKS

the burden.

“Last year we did everything for free, in terms of doing everything at no or very little cost,” Von Hellion aid. “We ended up using most of our arts council budget that we had left. That was OK, but that’s not what we wanted. This year, it’s a bigger festival, it’s a little more in-depth, so we started a Gofundme page to try and offset those costs.”

The Make Music Day Worcester team is still looking for volunteers and participating musi-

cians. Those interested can sign up online at Makemusicday.org/worcester.

“You get the people interested in music, that volunteer because their son or cousin or neighbor is performing,” said Von Hellion. “A lot of times we’ve had people that volunteered because they just like Worcester. I hear it all the time, ‘I love what’s going on in Worcester and I just want to help out.’”

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culture

Bourbon Street Bash serves as fundraiser for autism services SAMANTHA BRATKON

dents from Central Mass., but others travel across the state and even from neighboring states to take part in the school’s services.

The Bourbon Street Bash is 21-plus, so no students of the school will be able to partake in the activities.

“It’s really trying to get the community awareness out there, community involvement, having a nice event for our parents and staff and others to join in,” Summit Inc. Executive Director Dan Dimezza said.

Summit Inc. is partnered with Worcesterbased charity Diamond Is the Sky, which is co-hosting the Bourbon Street Bash. DITS president and co-founder Sean Daley said something unique about their program is that it is all inclusive. While activities are aimed at individuals with ASD and other disabilities, everyone is invited to partake. The “Bourbon Street Bash” showcases that mentaily.

“The more money the event makes, the more we can continue to do for people in our community,” Daley said. “We’re an all-volunteer organization, meaning Diamond Is the Sky, which means no one is getting paid to do it. We don’t charge our participants much, if anything, because we want everyone to be able to afford it, and we don’t get any public funding, so these types of fundraising events are really important to Diamond Is the Sky and also by extension Summit Incorporated.”

The headliner, who had previously attended events at the venue and has fond memories, supports the event’s purpose.

“I think that’s a great cause,” Sugar Ray said in an interview, adding he has performed under the name for 45 years and describing his music as traditional blues featuring electrified harmonica, bass and drums. “Actually, my piano player’s son is autistic.

General admission tickets for the Bourbon Street Bash are $35. Casino tickets are $75, Texas Hold’em tournament, $135 and Riverboat VIP tickets are $150. Flash sale tickets are available Thursday, June 14. General admission tickets are reduced to $20 and casino tickets are reduced to $50.

P

sychics, jugglers, beads and live blues.

Indian Ranch gets a taste of Mardi Gras as Summit Inc. hosts a fundraising casino night, “Bourbon Street Bash.”

This New Orleans-themed party on Friday, June 15, 5-10 p.m., will be headlined by Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, with Little Charlie Baty and Worcester act The Midnight Taxi Blues. Patrons can watch magicians and jugglers perform in the street. The casino includes games, a silent auction and a poker tournament. There will be no actual gambling, however. Play money and chips can be exchanged for raffle tickets. Texas Hold’em winners will receive gift certificates. The night ends with a parade of costumes, jazz music and dancing down Bourbon Street.

The venue on Webster Lake will serve as a mock Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ “French Quarter.” Indian Ranch’s replica 19th-century riverboat, “The Indian Princess,” will help set the scene with two cruises on the lake.

Proceeds will go to to Summit Inc., a nonprofit out of Worcester’s Summit Academy, which offers specialized academic and behavioral services for high-functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Summit Inc. is currently expanding its program with outpatient clinical services, social skill groups, independent living skills, therapeutic activities and in-home services. They are also partnering with local colleges and universities to bring services on campus. The programs are set to launch in August.

Some of the money raised at the Bourbon Street Bash will also go toward tuition scholarships for students.

“Not a lot of people are aware that there is the option for kids who are in special education in public schools to be placed out into private special ed schools if it is deemed necessary and appropriate for them,” said Amanda Panikian, the program director at Summit Academy who has been with the school since its inception 11 years ago.

Summit Academy is populated mainly by stu-

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OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE Early Bird Savings Ends Tomorrow - June 15 Get Your Tickets Today!

July 5 – August 26 www.osv.org

Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 am and 1:30 pm Tickets and general admission required

Written by Joseph Robinette, based on the book by E.B. White

This summer, let your family rekindle the joy and wonder of this timeless children’s classic with a live performance featuring talented musicians and skilled storytellers in the unparalleled setting of the Freeman Farm at Old Sturbridge Village.

The Summer of Charlotte’s Web Presented by Beyond the play, experience the summer of Charlotte’s Web in the Village: see our costumed historians working to reconstruct the Allen Piggery, help out with farm and garden chores, listen to 19th-century children’s stories, see daily hand milking demonstrations and meet our all of our farm animals—especially PIGLETS!

Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Woodstock, Illinois | Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus

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Meet The Charlotte’s Web Experience Cast!

Jake Blakeslee Wilbur

Racquel Jean-Louis Charlotte

Sophia DeLeo Fern/Ensemble

Philip Lopez Templeton/Ensemble

Lauren Berg Sheep/Ensemble

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Max Kile Narrator/Ensemble

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Lyford Files JOSHUA LYFORD

I’M AFRAID I’VE GOT SOME B-A-A-A-D NEWS: Al-

right, I can’t help but be pumped about this subhead, it combines two things that have absolutely no business working together: previously-released WWE Superstar Bad News Barrett (Wade Barrett and his eponymous tagline) and, well, sheep. Last week I got to spend a day at Old Sturbridge Village digesting their incoming immersive theatrical production, “The Charlotte’s Web Experience” (which you can read all about in this week’s cover story), and I caught one of the most hilarious incidents I’ve ever seen. Leaving rehearsals, photographer Elizabeth Brooks and I caught sight of a family desperately attempting to herd a baby sheep back into its pen. The little rascal escaped through a small opening in the fence and the family tried desperately to corral it. The sheep proved to be a difficult escapee and the rest of the sheep in the pen were baying loudly, prodding it to run further and further away. Eventually, two costumed historians struggled themselves to recapture the sheep.

We never saw whether or not the capture was a successful one, but it was impossible not to laugh at the antics. Congratulations little sheep, may you forever retain your mischievous nature.

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You may recall a recent cover story I wrote about a trip to Paso Robles, Calif. with Julio’s Liquors to sample some of their delectable wines. While I had a blast, I believe the chief take away from the journey for my circle of friends is that I know swirl wine at parties, rather than Busch Light (at least sometimes). That wasn’t the only worthwhile experience, however, as Midnight Cellars quickly became one of my personal favorites. Yes, the wine is great, but more importantly (to me, a sophisticate), winemaker and owner Rich Hartenberger was one of the most hilarious personalities I’ve ever encountered. A kindred spirit in karaoke appreciation, you can now experience his brand of hilarity. Hartenberger will bring Midnight Cellars to Massachusetts Thursday, June 28 with a tasting event at Julio’s in Westborough. Called “Crazy Eights,” eight Midnight wines will be brown-bagged and attendees will be tasked with guessing the grape. While that is fun in its own right, sharing an evening with Hartenberger is most certainly going to be the highlight. RSVP online and find out more at Juliosliquors.com.

IN RALPH’S, NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM: Well, unless your upstairs and Sound Guy Steve has the PA system cranked. If you are unfamiliar, this is a quote from the 1979 classic “Alien” and I have never actually looked into whether or not screams can be heard in space. Frankly, I hope never to find out from personal experience. Still, unless Elon Musk decides that us plebeians will get to join the billionaire class in their escape from a dying Earth, it is unlikely that I’ll ever get the chance to know. I digress. Ralph’s Diner is hosting Screaming Females from New Jersey on July 8. The indie punk trio just released their seventh studio album, All at Once, and are touring in support of it. Ralph’s seems like a great fit and they will be supported by New Jersey’s Spowder, and Worcester lords of nnnph, Goddard.

POLYTHEISM AND ME: Alright, so I kinda mailed in this subhead, OK? Whatever, fine, I got a few good ones in here at least. Anyways, I wasn’t raised religiously, so I don’t really know what it’s all about, but I have to say, studying Greek and Roman mythology was a favorite subject of mine as a wee one and damn, polytheistic religions just seemed like a fun way to approach theology. Having a bunch of hyper-confident omnipotent braggards duking it out now and then seemed pretty exciting. With that in mind, the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton is holding their first ever Greek and Byzantine-exclusive iconography exhibition, opening on June 22 and running through Oct. 21. It is called Icons of the Hellenic World and, according to a press release, the “exhibit will delve deeply into the links and the continuity of Greek art and culture from Late Antiquity, through Byzantium, to the present.” That sounds like fun, and while it is Roman and not Greek (but we had to study both and be able to name each), I would like to apologize to my eighth-grade Latin teacher. You were right, I wasn’t itching my nose, I thought I was craftily Joshua Lyford giving you the middle finger and, sure, I deserved Culture editor the suspension. Apparently I am a disciple of Atë, @Joshachusetts the Greek goddess of mischief.

culture

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On Saturday, June 16, 2-4:00 p.m., Julio’s Liquors in Westborough will host a free Gin Rummy tastThe Muse hosted a distilled spirits course with ing event with over 100 rums and gins available Heaven Hill last week. Richard Fiorillo tasted to sample. The event will take place downstairs participants through his portfolio, quelling the in the Metro Station, which has been outfitted to curiosity of Worcester’s most passionate hobresemble an urban transportation hub. Food will byists. Once again, millennials are pushing the in- be provided by the Mandarin Westborough. dustry and subsequently obliging bars to broaden their spirit selections. The event was organized Duel Commandments

by Worcester’s chapter of the United States New England Dueling Pianos will be in Bartenders’ Guild, an increasingly active group town on Tuesday, June 19 as part of Sonoma in the city’s growing hospitality scene. In 2018 Restaurant’s Summer Music Series. The show promises lots of energy, sing alongs and “highoctane comedy” featuring songs by Tom Petty, Disney, Bruno Mars, Metallica, Madonna, Elvis and Ed Sheeran.

The event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are available for $15. Upcoming shows in Sonoma’s Summer Music Series also include the Russo Brothers Jazz Quintet on June 15 and Little Black Dress on July 6.

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•Baked Stuffed Haddock •Filet Mignon Appetizers ••Salads ••Entrees • Appetizers Steamers • Clams • Mussels • Lobster Salads Entrees

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The UXLocale, 510 Hartford Ave. W, Uxbridge, should have a place on Co-owner of the Muse, John Rinaldo, mixes up a your summer bucket list boulevardier at last week’s spirits course with this year. Along with sunHeaven Hill Distillery. set views, this establishSARAH CONNELL ment offers an unparallelled commitment to local thus far, 19 new liquor licenses have already been and sustainable sourcing in southern Worcester approved by Worcester’s License Commission. County. Their summer tasting series kicked off (Speaking of which, how’s that Brew Garden this week with an Allagash tap takeover and five coming? Summer is upon us.) paired courses including a parma prosciutto and chevre crostini topped with pistachios as well Brewletics as fettuccine alla pera served with a gorgonzola Craft Beer Night with the Worcester Bravepear cream sauce. Future events include a taste hearts will take place on Thursday, June 14 of France with Andrew Cadrin of Ruby Wines at Fitton Field under a tent situated adjacent in July and ‘Savor J. Lohr’ to the game. Tickets are $25 and will gain you with Erin Foley in Auaccess to special brews from Newburyport gust. Space is limited and Brewing Co., Greater Good Imperial Brewing tickets are available for Company and Wachusett Brewing Company. just $55 per person.

Wachusett announced their Brew Yard this week in conjunction with another Worcester sports team, The Railers. The Wachusett Brew Yard will also open on Thursday, June 14, with the brewery’s signature Airstream Trailer parked at 90 Commercial St. The Brew Yard will open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with live music and easy access to Railers Sports Tavern. (I guess Sarah Connell Brew Garden can wait, after all. We’ve got a Brew contributing writer Yard to tide us over.)

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dined at Wicked Wing Co. on three separate occasions for this review – a double date on a Tuesday evening, a party of 12 late night on a Thursday, and finally, as a simple two-top at the bar on a Sunday afternoon. Our server was unchanging. This is not a metaphor for the sort of individual who Wicked Wing Co. employs.

I am being quite literal. Like Wilson of “Home Improvement,” or Mr. Feeny of “Boy Meets World,” the same gentleman just kept popping up. At all hours of the day and sections of the restaurant, there he was. By our final visit, I felt like I had gotten to know him well enough that I could ask him a burning question which had plagued me for some time.

“What is the difference between a boneless wing, a chicken tender and a chicken nugget?” I queried.

For a moment, I thought I had stumped him.

We could all agree that nuggets consist of ground meat, but the other two were trickier to delineate.

In the end, he estimated that tenders are served dry and breaded, while boneless wings arrive presauced. My date and I could live with that.

“What should we order?” I asked our perpetual server.

“I recommend the chicken,” he replied.

By now, we’ve tried everything but the ghost peppers. I know better. Evil buffalo, mango habañero, Jamaican jerk, Asian sweet chili, maple bacon, bourbon bbq, hoisin teriyaki, honey mustard. Bone in. Bone out. Wicked BBQ and Wicked Buffalo.

The descriptor “wicked,” as it is used in New England, equates to “really,” “awfully” or “terribly.”

It is believed that this expression dates back to the Salem Witch Trials. A sign near the bar reads: “Something wicked this way comes.” On one visit, I watched a grown woman cry after eating a single hot honey sriracha wing and I began to understand the term’s parentage. Wicked Wing Co. will show you your limits.

As for the meat itself, the late-legend Anthony Bourdain said it best, “Chicken always tastes like chicken.” These are not pasture raised birds fed on dandelions and winter wheat. (Slathered in enough wicked secret sauce, you’ll scarcely know the difference.) Boneless are cheaper, starting at $8.99 for three quarters of a pound, but bone in

On one visit, I watched a grown woman cry after eating a single hot honey sriracha wing. are less ambiguous and it’s worth the $9.99 for eight dressed wings. You’ll find that the combo plates are robust, taking up the width of a regulation throw pillow or a newborn polar bear.

With the purchase of a pint of Wormtown from 8 p.m. to close on Thursday through Sunday, you’ll receive a half-priced appetizer. Order the wicked smash sliders ($8.99) consisting of a platter of three baby smash burgers prepared in the same style popularized by giants like In-N-Out. Black Angus patties are flattened on a griddle, then simmered in their own fat until they possess the signature smashburger crunch. Sliders come topped with layers of melty American cheese, neon green pickles, and the wicked secret sauce spread on a shiny potato bun. They’re not west coast worthy, but Wicked Wing Co.’s smash sliders will do in a pinch. The same shoulder shrug of approval goes for the fries. I am partial to their chipotle ketchup.

Wicked Wing Co.’s cobb salad ($11.99) tastes fresh and crisp, but I’m not suggesting the greens hail from anywhere in the radius. Jalapeño bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, blue cheese and grilled chicken will fill a large plastic bowl with a side of blue cheese dressing that circumvents any brownie points you were expecting when you decided to spring for the salad. No one comes to Wicked Wing Co. on a wellness kick. That said, you’ll find a healthy crop of rock climbers most nights crowding the dining room.

The decor is appealing. Distressed wood panels cover the walls and superb masonry provides distinct character to the bar area. There’s a post-and-beam aesthetic, though I’m not sure it’s authentic. Patio tables line the street facing exterior of the restaurant.

There’s nothing tender about Wicked Wing Co. This team offers brisk service, comic relief and feverish sauces. If you’re fixing to reenact Portlandia’s “Is the chicken local?” scene in real time, then this is not the spot for you. Come hungry and carefree or don’t come at all.

On our last visit, my date and I spent $42.77.

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

culture Things that go bump in your brain JIM KEOGH

A

h, mothers of troubled children. What would the horror genre be without them?

From “The Exorcist” to “The Babadook,” moms have bravely battled the demons who would overwhelm their children, while questioning whether their own sanity is a casualty.

“Hereditary” soldiers on in this fine tradition, with Toni Collette delivering an Oscar-worthy performance as a grieving mother who loses family members, perspective, and, quite possibly, her mind. This is the creepiest film of the year, one that reinforces then subverts the notion of family as the vanguard against the world’s threats by asking: What if your most sinister enemy is living under your roof, or maybe even inside your head?

Collette plays Annie, an artist, who special-

izes in creating dioramas that depict personal, sometimes disturbing, episodes from her life. She has a loving husband, Steve (Gabriel Byrne), a high school-age son, Peter (Alex Wolff), and a 13-year-old daughter named Charlie (Milly Shapiro), who appears to be friendless, and who does interesting things like cut the head off a dead pigeon and stuff it in her pocket. No red flags there.

The movie opens with the death of Annie’s mother. Though the two were estranged, Annie’s indifference bothers her, and she seeks answers in a support group. Weeks later, the family endures a tragedy that sends Annie into an abyss of despair punctuated by fits of rage. During dinner, she explodes at Peter — “I can’t accept, and I can’t forgive!” — a scene that feels so chillingly true you’re left wondering how

the actors recovered once the camera was turned off.

Collette is remarkable. She has put herself in line for an Academy Award nomination, just as she did playing the tortured mother of the “I see dead people” kid in “The Sixth Sense.” In real life, Collette has two children. That’s called a leap of faith.

Strange things begin happening. Peter hears the signature clucking noises his sister made with her tongue.

Annie meets a woman who insists she can train Annie to “talk” to the dead through do-it-yourself seances. The only person remaining at a distance from the domestic turbulence is skeptical Steve — a great husband and father, a man not inclined to entertain the possibility of the supernatural, a guy who thinks his family might be going mad.

And maybe they are. The power of “Hereditary” lies in the cat-and-mouse game it plays with the viewer — we can’t be sure if the bump-in-the-

J U N E 14 - 20, 2018

night frights (most of them bloodless) are the product of Peter and Annie’s fevered brains or of some otherworldly force infiltrating their home.

Writer-director Ari Aster keeps you guessing about the metaphorical possibilities, even as mother and son appear to interact with the Other Side in real time.

“Hereditary” is two-thirds brilliant. I enjoyed most of it — the escalating familial tension, the eerie Lynchian touches (as a coffin is lowered, the camera follows it below ground). But Aster then decides to go traditional, cranking the volume to 11 after a creepy Muzak-like buildup. The director appears to have experienced misgivings about the original premise and slow-burn approach, so decided to insert a full-on commercial ending like something pulled from a bad Netflix movie. I knew it was over when a frantic Annie begins sifting through her mother’s books on sorcery.

This mom’s life is tough enough. She doesn’t need ancient curses to muck it up.

Jim Keogh contributing writer

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culture Thursday, June 14 Hot Dog! A Stand Up Sideshow!

Sunday, June 17 Rumble on the Docks Live at the Worcester MCL

George’s Coney Island, 158 Southbridge St. Featuring stand-up comedy, hot dogs, beer and a spinning wheel? Laugh at comedians Jimmy Cash, Nate Davis, Anne Diaz, Allison Dick, Mairéad Dickinson, Doug Guertin, Schott McLaughlin, Josh Ramirez and Aaron “Tiny” Smith.

Worcester MCL, 181 Lake Ave. No ring, no-holds-barred, live wrestling match between Anthony Greene and Josh Briggs at the MCL? Fantastic. Starts at 5:30 p.m., with WWE’s Money in the Bank PPV played from 7-11 p.m. immediately after. Beer and pizza available for purchase.

Thursday, June 14 The Mass of the Oracle Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St. Experimental electronic and spiritual musicians, The Oracle, return to Ralph’s with Banshee and Limousine.

Friday, June 15 Sixth Annual ArtsWorcester “One” Member Exhibition Opening Aurora Gallery, ArtsWorcester, 660 Main St. From 6-9 p.m., the sixth annual “One” member exhibition opens at the Aurora Gallery. With $500 in prizes up for grabs and more than 170 pieces to be displayed, the free event will not be one to miss. The final member exhibition before ArtsWorcester moves into the Printers Building.

Come in and get your fix before we go on vacation! Closed July 3-12, reopening Friday, July 13.

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J U N E 14 - 20, 2018

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culture Friday, June 15 Hogan’s Goat

Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St. Nashville-based stoner/hard rock band perform at Ralph’s with The Beacon Project, Set Fire and Three Parts Dead. For fans of Black Sabbath, Queens of the Stone Age and Guns N’ Roses.

Thursday, June 21 Make Music Day 2018

Worcester, MA All across the city, music will be made and those interested can join in the fun. Make Music Day began in France decades ago, but Worcester is now hosting year two.

More than 750 cities across 120 countries participate, so join the fun. For more info and event listings, head to Makemusicday. org/worcester.

Wednesday, June 27 Under the Highway: Blackstone River Landscapes

Franklin Square Salon Gallery, Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St. The opening event for James Hunts’ solo photography exhibition. Hunts’ narrative series reflects the human and industrial impact on a three-mile stretch of the Blackstone River in Worcester and Millbury, now reclaimed as a Bikeway.

Prime Rib The Park View Room, 230 Park Ave. served every The Worcester premiere of newly-released and critically-acclaimed “The Heart of Nuba,” the story of an American doctor working tireFriday & lessly in the Nuba Mountains. The film will be paired with authentic cuisine from Wooden Noodles restaurant. Tickets are $7.50.

Saturday Saturday, June 23 The Heart of Nuba

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Our upper level deck and lower level patio ARE OPEN! Free Valet Friday & Saturday WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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sports p Bravehearts’ Cheli keeps an even keel on diamond WALTER BIRD JR.

Mack Cheli takes a swing for the Worcester Bravehearts during a home game earlier this week.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

I

n their first four years in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, the Worcester Bravehearts have set the bar for themselves about as high as it can get. They have appeared in the championship series every year, winning it all their first two seasons. That must make it daunting for a new player, knowing there is pressure to C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E

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not just win games, but be there in the end when it matters most, right?

“You can’t play with fear. You won’t play the same way,” first-year Braveheart Mack Cheli said recently. “Baseball is honestly a game of failure. If you’re thinking of failing already, when you don’t need to, it’s just not a winning equation.”

Asked to elaborate, Cheli, who resides in Los Altos, Calif. and will be a sophomore this fall at Division 3 Chapman University in Orange, Calif., where he transferred from Saint Mary’s College of California, made a good point.

“I mean Major League-wise, if you hit .300 you’re an allstar,” the 19-year-old said. “So you’re failing seven out of 10 times. There’s no other sport where you fail seven times and you have a chance to make the Hall of Fame.”

It is that ability to keep things in perspective that has impressed his coach early on this season – and it may be what is helping him play so well.

Over the Bravehearts’ first 10 games, as of Sunday, June 10, Cheli was hitting .297 (just under the .300 mark he mentioned), with 11 hits in 38 at bats. He swatted three home runs and two doubles over that time and knocked in eight runs. Those numbers make him somewhat of a power hitter, but Cheli hasn’t choked on strikeouts, which is often a byproduct of hitting for power. He whiffed 11 times over the first 10 games, or just shy of 30 percent of the time.

All in all, not unlike his personality, a pretty good balance.

“I would say hitting is a big aspect of my game,” said Cheli, the older brother to two sisters, Emma and Morgan.

“I think I have a natural gift with power. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to have that extra power set. I’m just trying to be as well-rounded a hitter as possible, while letting that power take over when it can.”

A three-position player, Cheli can catch and play first and third base, although he is listed on the roster as a catcher.

Over the first 10 games, he hadn’t caught a game, yet, with Brett Coffel doing much of the catching and Cheli’s housemate, Derek Adamson (the two are staying with a host family in Holden), seeing some time behind the plate.

Being a good catcher and productive hitter can be challenging, especially with the strain placed on a catcher’s legs.

“Players in the Major Leagues like Salvador Perez and Buster Posey, catching those games and hitting is remarkable,” Cheli said of the Kansas City Royals’ and San Francisco Giants’ sluggers, respectively. “Catching does take a different toll on your body than playing other positions.

The mental focus you need to be able to catch, as well as hit and maintain what you’re doing, it’s almost like a give and take, where you have to figure out that balance and do well at both.”

Cheli, at least so far, appears to have found a good middle ground. He has certainly impressed head coach J.P. Pyne, both with his overall personality and work ethic.

For home games, Cheli often gets to Hanover Insurance Park early, part of a game-day routine that sees him stretch, throw, field grounders and take batting practice before the game starts. Even with his early-season success at the plate, Cheli typically hits the cages with assistant coach Alex Dion. It has not gone unnoticed.

“We like to talk about the Braveheart Way,” Pyne said. “... In the early stages of the season, he’s shown he exemplifies what it means to be a Braveheart and do things the Braveheart Way.” And he usually does it with a smile.

“He’s always got a smile on his face,” Pyne said of Cheli.

“We had a tough loss the other day, six errors. We were down, 3-1, and went up, 5-3. [Cheli] made a tough error, fielded a bunt, went to throw to first and threw it down the right field line.

“I don’t want to say he was laughing about it, but … he looked at me and said, ‘I’ve got to make that play.’”

“When you can find a personality like him that is very content, easygoing, it goes a long way,” Pyne added. “When you are basically playing 60 games over 70 days, naturally it takes its toll. Whenever you can have a guy who never is going to get too up or too down, that serves as a good example.”

That, said Cheli, is simply his demeanor. Call it laid back or what you will.

“I’m one of those people, I always have a smile on my face,” said Cheli, who already lists his brief time on the Bravehearts near the top of his baseball experiences. “I’m usually always happy, just trying to make the most out of everything and seeing the best qualities of just life in general.”

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The Score

Worcester Bravehearts June 6 The Bravehearts broke their all-time attendance record, with 4,439 fans showing up to Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field. The team, however, lost, 6-5, to the Bristol Blues.

June 8 The Bravehearts went on the road, falling, 5-2, to the Pittsfield Suns.

June 9 Returning to Worcester to take on the Pittsfield Suns, and in the midst of a threegame losing streak, the Bravehearts, paced by two home runs from catcher Brett Coffel, came from behind to win, 6-4.

June 10 The Bravehearts lost a lead and could not recover, falling, 9-7, to the visiting Martha’s Vineyard Sharks.

June 11 Climbing above .500 (6-5), the Bravehearts downed the Brockton Rox, 8-2, at home. The Rox fell to 7-4 on the season.

June 12 The Bravehearts lost to the Bristol Blues, 5-3.

(Upcoming: The Bravehearts were scheduled to play the Nashua Silver Knights on the road Wednesday night. On Thursday night, the team hosts the Bristol Blues at 6:30. On Friday and Saturday, June 15-16, the Bravehearts have a home-and-home with the Pittsfield Suns, hosting the Suns at 7 p.m. Friday and playing them on the road at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The team stays on the road Sunday, June 17 to do battle with the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks at 6:30 p.m., before returning home to take on the Silver Knights Monday, June 18 and the Blues Tuesday, June 19. The team has an off-day Wednesday, June 20.)

Massachusetts Pirates (Upcoming: The Pirates take on the Columbus Lions at home Saturday, June 16, 7 p.m., at the DCU Center.)

Worcester Smiles June 9 The Smiles fell to 1-4 in their inaugural season with a 2-0 road loss to the New Jersey Copa FC. (Upcoming: The Smiles stay on the road to take on the New York Surf Saturday, June 16 at SUNY Maritime College.)

Round-Up This doesn’t happen every day: The wives of two Bravehearts coaches gave birth on the same day this week. Head coach J.P. Pyne and his wife, Sarah, welcomed Brennan Michael Pyne on Monday. Assistant coach Casey Cummins and his wife, Laura, meanwhile, welcomed Kyle Timothy Cummins. According to J.P. Pyne, the two babies were born 16 minutes apart at UMass Memorial Hospital.

What’s in a name? The Worcester Bravehearts have had players with names seemingly tailor-made to jazz up the fans: Zack Tower (Tower of Power) and Matt Diesel come to mind. You can add John Thrasher to the mix. He hails from the University of Hartford and plays centerfield.

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Adoption option 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.

This lovely girl is Jojo. She is affectionate and adores attention from people. So much so, that she prefers to be your only pet. Jojo enjoys walks, playtime, and of course, snuggle time. So, if you are looking for a fun, lovable companion Jojo’s your gal. Jojo was a WARL adoptee in 2016 and had to be brought back due to a move.

In her previous home Jojo has gained some weight. She is currently on a diet and a walking schedule here with staff. We are looking for her new family to continue this journey with her. If you have no other animals and are looking to add a new family member, ask to meet Jojo today! She is bursting with personality and will be sure to steal your heart.

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games “Triple 8”--fittingly for the 888th Jonesin’ Crossword.

by Matt Jones

JONESIN’ Across 1 6 10 14

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!

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Came up Minor argument Die spots Cholesterol drug with the generic version Simvastatin 15 Animal in two constellations 16 Mental concoction 17 One-eighty 18 Boxing Day baby, astrologically 20 Defunct newspaper from North Carolina’s state capital 22 Pencil end 23 ___ el hanout (North African spice mix) 24 Distorted 27 Leb. neighbor 28 Greek column style 31 You, to Shakespeare 32 Crankcase component for engine fluids 34 Get a little froggy?

35 Certain Winter Olympics squad, as spelled in some countries 38 City with a Witch Museum 39 The great outdoors 40 “Toy Story” kid 41 Try to buy 42 Work at a grocery store, perhaps 45 Music collection often stored in a tower 46 Directional suffix 47 Place to change before swimming 50 Compare pros and cons 53 Easy swimming target, slangily 56 Word before paper or metal 57 Charismatic glow 58 Reverberation 59 City between Jacksonville and Tampa 60 Seasonal employee 61 Put a halt to 62 Pied ___ (“Silicon Valley” company) Down 1 Sky-blue shades 2 Hub traffic circle 3 Eye-related

4 5

Tender spots Basement apartment resident at 123 Sesame Street 6 “No ___ luck!”

7 Backside before a fall?

8 Having as a goal 9 Airport runway 10 “___ or it didn’t happen!”

11 Altar-ed statement?

12 Part of MPG 13 ___ Jacinto 19 -y, pluralized 21 Bobby Flay’s milieu 24 Exclamation often misspelled with the second letter at the end 25 Be nomadic 26 ___ it up 29 Show starter 30 Water nymph, in mythology 31 Yew, for example 32 Mind 33 Philosopher’s suffix 34 Midpoint, for short 35 Group in the pit 36 Carmaker Ransom 37 Intuition 38 Alveolus, e.g.

41 Pays off J U N E 14 - 20, 2018

42 43 44 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Undeserved reputation “Hurry up!,” in Spanish He brought the frankincense Startled sound Storyteller with morals Italian lawn bowling Make a present presentable? “___! Cherry-O” (kids’ board game) Corvette roof option Took a load off Shade Robotic factory piece

Last week's solution

©2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) Reference puzzle #888

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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – HIGHWAY DIVISION NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING Project File No. 603251 A Design Public Hearing will be held by MassDOT to discuss the proposed Signal and Intersection Improvements at Holden Street, Drummond Avenue and Shore Drive project in Worcester, MA. WHERE: Worcester City Hall, Levi Lincoln Jr. Chambers, 3rd Floor 455 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 WHEN: Monday, June 18, 2018 @ 7:00PM PURPOSE: The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed traffic signal and intersection improvement project. All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.

PROPOSAL: The proposed improvement project consists of installation of traffic signals and making geometric improvements to provide safety and operational improvements at the intersection of Holden Street, Drummond Avenue and Shore Drive. The proposed construction will consist of installing traffic signal equipment, including but not limited to: mast arms, traffic signal heads, vehicle detection, emergency vehicle preemption, pedestrian push buttons and signage, pedestrian signal heads, and Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). Roadway modifications will include the realignment of Shore Drive and minor roadway widening to accommodate 5’ wide shoulders through the intersection and repaving approximately 1,500 feet of roadway. The project also includes the reconstruction of existing sidewalk and construction of new sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, new drainage structures, relocation of utilities, and new signage and pavement markings.

A secure right-of-way is necessary for this project. Acquisitions in fee and permanent or temporary easements may be required. The city is responsible for acquiring all needed rights in private or public lands. MassDOT’s policy concerning land acquisitions will be discussed at this hearing.

Written views received by MassDOT subsequent to the date of this notice and up to five (5) days prior to the date of the hearing shall be displayed for public inspection and copying at the time and date listed above. Plans will be on display one-half hour before the hearing begins, with an engineer in attendance to answer questions regarding this project. A project handout will be made available on the MassDOT website listed below.

Written statements and other exhibits in place of, or in addition to, oral statements made at the Public Hearing regarding the proposed undertaking are to be submitted to Patricia A. Leavenworth, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassDOT, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: Roadway Project Management, Project File No. 603251. Such submissions will also be accepted at the hearing. Mailed statements and exhibits intended for inclusion in the public hearing transcript must be postmarked within ten (10) business days of this Public Hearing. Project inquiries may be emailed to dot.feedback. highway@state.ma.us This location is accessible to people with disabilities. MassDOT provides reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance free of charge upon request (including but not limited to interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, open or closed captioning for videos, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats, such as audio tapes, Braille and large print), as available. For accommodation or language assistance, please contact MassDOT’s Chief Diversity and Civil Rights Officer by phone (857-368-8580), fax (857-368-0602), TTD/TTY (857-368-0603) or by email (MassDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us). Requests should be made as soon as possible prior to the meeting, and for more difficult to arrange services including sign-language, CART or language translation or interpretation, requests should be made at least ten (10) business days before the meeting.

In case of inclement weather, hearing cancellation announcements will be posted on the internet at http://www. massdot.state.ma.us/Highway/ JONATHAN GULLIVER PATRICIA A. LEAVENWORTH, P.E. HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR CHIEF ENGINEER

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last call Kelley Urella reconstructor K

elley Urella bought her first income property in Worcester in 2002 and has been renovating Central Mass. homes ever since.

What is your history with Central Mass? I grew up in Auburn and graduated from Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton. I attended real estate school and obtained a real estate license in Worcester in 2006. I earned a bachelor’s degree at Assumption College in Worcester in 2011. Before that, I joined a figure skating school in Worcester called Central Mass Skating School and went on to become a four-time silver and gold medalist for the United States Figure Skating Association at the U.S. Adult Nationals in 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2001. From 2002-2004, I made the Boston Bruins’ Ice Girl team and skated at the Fleet Center for several games, sharing the same ice as the Boston Bruins players.

Can you describe your career trajectory?

I inherently possess a strong work ethic. My father is a U.S. Marine; therefore, he taught me from a young age to work hard in order to receive what I want and to achieve independence. This has allowed me to give to others who are in need as well. I have discovered my passion and honed skills such as land development, buying, selling and permitting in real estate, and now the reconstruction of homes.

I look for homes that need renovation and have potential to be brought back to life and restored to the balance of the truest periodcorrect time frame in combination with modernizing certain features for today’s demands. Through my experience in construction knowledge, it is my hope to be a leader for other women who aspire to work with house reconstruction through motivational speaking on media outlets or events with organizations in Worcester such as NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction.)

How do you make your voice heard in a male-dominated profession? Well, it’s a little easier if they are working for me, versus me, a woman, working for them. There can definitely be a myriad of obstacles, regardless.

Conservatively, over the course of all my projects — hiring contractors, tradesmen, police

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details and dealing with inspectors — approximately 40 percent of the men I interact with for the first time are somewhat skeptical and, frankly, unsure how to deal with a woman as a leader on a renovation/construction environment. Over the course of my career in home renovations, I’ve definitely had bumps in the road, but after years of experience, I now have a select group of tradesmen I work closely with. These are professionals who respect me and my knowledge of the trades and the direction of the project we work on together as a team to set a goal of completing the home on time and on budget. It takes a high degree of perceptive communication skills to portray and speak the language of each individual tradesmen I’m meeting with by respecting their skills as well as appreciating their talents and results. Once I’ve leveled that playing field with my previous knowledge and skills, they realize I am an equal, and the discussion shifts to achieve a much more smooth, positive and productive outcome.

Is there a particular project you are passionate about right now? Yes, a gorgeous house in Auburn, built circa 1900. This property had been abandoned for a few years.

Upon entering for the first time, I knew immediately that I wanted to restore this beauty back to life. Usually, I start by predicting who and how many people may end up living in the house. Subsequently, I begin coming up with a solid reconstruction plan. This particular home had five bedrooms with lots of open space, so I specifically re-designed the home to accommodate a large family – including relocation of the laundry upstairs, much larger and more functional bathrooms, and a full modernized kitchen for family entertaining. I was mindful of an open kitchen with child-friendly appliances such as an island J U N E 14 - 20, 2018

microwave and refrigerator with water/ice dispenser. These details are the key for a successful project. Sometimes it comes down to the last 5 percent of the work that will make the difference on whether your business or reputation is at its full potential for success.

Help women use their strengths to overcome obstacles they may face while gaining skill and knowledge.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face when rehabbing New England homes from the turn of the century? At my What advice do you have for new business company, Ten Hats Construction, safety and code is always paramount with every project. owners? Be bold and take risks. Any trials In the beginning stages of a ELIZABETH BROOKS house renovation project, complicated challenges may occur.

I’ve encountered asbestos and/ or vermiculite during the tear down process. The house really cannot be worked on or insulated properly until all of the hazardous materials known are removed. Therefore, you need to acquire a permit as well as hire a state-licensed contractor who specializes in removal of these exposed materials according to the state code law and safety.

Other types of trials are knob and tube electrical wiring or fuses in the electrical panel. My philosophy is to do things once and do them right. You simply cannot pass on such antiquated technology to the new owners.

All electrical panels need to be safe and up to code with circuit breakers. On this Auburn home project, I needed to special order five panel doors, brass hardware and replicate and re-mill original “belly” molding planks to exact match existing craftsmanship. and errors are merely building blocks for future success. Be passionate and driven about When you aren’t rolling your sleeves up, what type of business you are in and what you where is your favorite place to spend time in Central Mass? I am most content when I love to do. Your business is not necessarily am working on a project. If I have free time, a choice, but more of your discovery of what I’ve been known to still figure skate on ocmakes you tick. Be an expert in your field. casion at North Star Figure Skating Club in Read, learn, listen. In all facets of your life be Westboro or at the new Worcester Ice Center extremely organized: finances, paperwork, on Harding Street. I also have skied at Wachugoal setting. Work hard. Get up early and go sett Mountain in Princeton. I enjoy the fun to bed late. (I’ve interior painted at midnight shows at Hanover Theatre with my family. because I had to get it done.) Lastly, be an advocate for support groups/organizations — Sarah Connell in your field and build strong relationships.

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13TH ANNUAL STAND DOWN

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