Worcester Magazine August 22 - 28, 2019 by Worcester Magazine

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A never-ending journey The life and times of Worcester’s undocumented immigrants

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Pianist Mackenzie Melemed finds international appeal Classical pianist plans Tuckerman Hall performance RICHARD DUCKET T

lassical pianist Mackenzie Melemed’s career has taken him from being a prodigy growing up in Paxton to concert stages around the United States and in Europe and first place in several prestigious competitions. Some of that may not surprise

those who saw his prodigious talent as a child, but not everything is predictable. For example, Melemed is a star in Finland, the result of some “serendipitous” circumstances. And while winning third prize at the first China International Music Competition in Beijing earlier this year sounds highly commendable, there are those who strongly believe he should have won. Melemed, 24, is contemplating

Mackenzie Melemed, 24, is considering a move to Finland after he completes the program at The Juilliard School in New York City next year.

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moving to Finland and Europe after he completes a highly selective two-year artist diploma program at The Juilliard School in New York City next year (he is a graduate of the school’s accelerated five-yeardual-degree program with bachelor of music and master of music degrees). “That’s where most of my concerts are,” he said, although he does have upcoming stateside dates that include Carnegie Hall and the

University of Houston. But Melemed hasn’t forgotten about the local area, where his performances at places such as the Briarwood Community Center were a regular occurrence. On Sept. 21 he’ll be giving a recital at Tuckerman Hall, and Melemed said it will be the first concert he’s organized himself. He’s performed with the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra at its Holiday Pops con-

certs, and spoke with MSO executive director Paul Levenson about renting Tuckerman Hall, which the orchestra owns. “It’s kind of my first concert as a professional coming back,” Melemed said. “It’s dedicated to family and friends and thanks to all the people who supported me early in my career.” The program was chosen to encompass “the places I’ve kind

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of called my home,” he said. There are American and Russian pieces, including works by George Gershwin and Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Finland will be represented by Valse Triste Op.44 No.1 by J. Jean Sibelius. The finale will be Vladimir Horowitz’s arrangement of John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Melemed said the work is always one of the highlights of the annual Duo Piano Gala Concert at Tuckerman Hall, which he has regularly attended. “It’s a killer piece.” Melemed said the Russian component to the concert reflects his Russian ancestry. Early on, his piano teacher in Worcester, Olga Rogach, who is originally from Russia, “drew my attention to it.” As for Finland, the country has become what he called “my second home.” It all began nine years ago when Melemed had a layover in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, en route to a performance in Prague in the Czech Republic. While in Helsinki, he became fascinated with Finnish. “I loved the language. It was mesmerizing for me because I think I have a knack for languages.” At The Juilliard School he had to

take classes at Columbia University, and one of the courses available was Finnish. Melemed jumped at the opportunity to study the language and also began a correspondence with a pen pal in Finland. He subsequently visited the pen pal’s family in Finland, who helped arrange for Melemed to give a concert at a church. A person who attended the concert told Melemed he should apply for the Fourth International Maj Lind Piano Competition to be held Aug. 17–31, 2017, in Helsinki. Melemed won it as one of 37 pianists from 15 countries selected from 195 applicants for the competition, which is held every five years. He delighted television audiences by speaking in Finnish when being interviewed. A 10-concert tour of Finland followed, and he frequently returns for recitals. Additionally, Melemed was invited to play the premiere of a new piano concerto by Korean composer Jeajoon Ryu. The invitation was made by Ralf Gothóni, a competition jury member, who conducts the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra in Finland. The piano concerto was commissioned by the orchestra and Sinfonia Varsovia of Poland and commemorates 30 years

of diplomacy between South Korea and Poland. Later, Melemed recorded the concerto with Sinfonia Varsovia and conductor Ralf Gothoni in Seoul, South Korea, and the CD will be released later this year on the Warner label. “It was very serendipitous that I was in Finland,” Melemed said, looking back nine years to that Helsinki layover. “None of this would have happened if I wasn’t taken by the language.” Another important happenstance in Melemed’s life occurred when he was 3 years old and his grandfather bought him a keyboard at a yard sale. Something took. By the time he was 8, Melemed was portraying the young Mozart in the Discovery Channel series “Medical Mystery.” A year later, in 2004, he performed for President George W. Bush at a fundraiser in Boston, and subsequently was invited to perform for five years at the White House. Meanwhile, Melemed attended Paxton Center School and is a 2013 graduate of the Bancroft School in Worcester. Among other competition wins, Melemed won the first prize and

commissioned work performance prize at the 9th annual Iowa International Piano Competition in Sioux City, also in 2017. He was the first American pianist to win the competition, which is usually held biennially, since the first one in 2005. Most recently, he won the The Juilliard School’s Leo B. Ruiz Memorial Recital Prize, with Melemed getting to give a recital Dec. 13 in Carnegie Hall, New York. At the 1st China International Music Competition in May, Melemed made it to the final round where he played Rachmaninoff ’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43 with Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra at the National Center for Performing Arts in Beijing. The competition had a $150,000 first prize and was won by Canadian pianist Tony Siqi Yun. Russian Alexander Malofeev was second, and Melemed was third. “I expected Yun to be third. Melemed first,” was one comment on social media. “(That’s) the order I had, Melemed was incredible,” said another. “It’s been a few months and my attitude has mellowed a little bit,”

Melemed said. “We had a really great performance, definitely the best performance experience I’ve ever had. I didn’t win. I played my best. I’m grateful that people thought I should have won.” Still, he did win $30,000 for third place, and conductor Nézet-Séguin, considered one of the world’s finest at present, wrote Melemed a letter of recommendation. “The competition opened a lot of doors.” Looking ahead to next year and possibly moving abroad, Melemed said, “you never really know what’s going to happen. It’s possible I would visit family here and stay with friends in Europe.” One way or another he’ll stay in touch. “I’m always around in the area.” There is one “big” issue to be resolved, however. Melemed has a new Steinway piano in his apartment in New York as he continues with the Juilliard program. “I’m waiting to see where it’s going to go,” he said. Contact Richard Duckett at richard.duckett@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @TGRDuckett.

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FEATURED

Turn up the dark: House of Harm set to return to Ralph’s Rock Diner BILL SHANER

he first time House of Harm played Worcester, lead singer Mike Rocheford posted a joke flyer to the band’s Instagram. Prominently featuring the dripping hot dog neon sign of Coney Island, the post read “playing Worcester for the first and last time. Get it while it’s hot.” Rocheford, a Dudley native who burned out on the Worcester bar

scene years ago, said in a recent interview that he expected the worst. “I was like this is going to be whatever, but then a bunch of people (expletive) liked it and we were like what the (expletive),” he said. That was last February, and now the Boston-based post punk band is about to play Worcester for the fourth time. The band has consistently drawn good crowds of Worcester folk eager for a sound somewhere between the Cure, Depeche Mode

and Joy Division — people Rocheford admitted he didn’t know existed, and it’s not hard to blame him. The city is known much more for the heavier side of rock ’n’ roll than House of Harm’s gothy little corner. House of Harm takes the stage Friday night at Ralph’s Rock Diner, joined by scene veterans Avoxblue, a new Worcester act called Gloss Goddess and DJ Fvck Christmas! The event is billed as “Dark ‘80s Nite.” The band and Ralph’s — a bar more

suited for full stack amplifiers than synths and drum machines — have made strange bedfellows as the synthier side of post-punk has started to come back into favor around the country. Bands like Drab Majesty and Boy Harsher could be considered the flag-bearers of the new post-punk insurgence, but for the most part the movement remains underground, at least in comparison to the post-punk revival of the mid-2000s, in which

bands like the Strokes, Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs took over pop charts. It’s possible the genre could break through again in the same way. “That would be cool,” Rocheford said, “but if not we’ll still be here either way.” When Rocheford started House of Harm in 2017 with Cooper Leardi, he didn’t know how Boston would take it either. “I thought everyone was going to hate our band,” he said. “I didn’t have any expectations of anyone liking

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it in Boston. I knew people would like it on the internet, but I didn’t think anyone in the city was going to (expletive) with us at all.” An opening slot at a sold-out Editors show at Paradise Rock Club dispensed the notion. Now, with a demo and an EP out, and some good shows under the band’s belt, they’re recording for a full-length record, which they expect to release next year. Last year, the band added a member: Tyler Kershaw, the singer of the Boston indie band Funeral Advantage. The trio are writing and demoing the record together, with plans to rerecord parts at a nice studio once the writing is done. But the writing itself is done in Rocheford and Leardi’s home studio. The studio is where we spoke on a recent afternoon. Rocheford sat in the producer’s chair and I sat at a nearby drafting table. He was surrounded on all sides by synths, guitars, recording equipment and sound proofing foam. A vinyl copy of Belle and Sebastian’s 1996 record “Tigermilk” hung on the wall. Rocheford is the band’s primary singer, while Leardi handles production and Kershaw handles guitar

work. But the roles are fluid. “More importantly than roles as far as playing is how our personalities fit together,” he said. “At the end of the day we all write the songs.” The band will be releasing a new single soon — a one-off song that’s a bit brighter than earlier work. Something for summer, as Rocheford explained. He played the track for me. Bright guitar hooks and harmonized vocal lines punched through over washy synths and electronic drums. It’s a formula the band has stuck to, more or less, over its three releases. For Rocheford, who describes himself as “Boston’s Number 1 Cure Fan,” the stylistic choices — synth and guitar tone, drum patches — are critical to making the project feel cohesive. “Especially in this day and age, it’s hard to be that simple because, you know, we record with Logic on my computer and we can do whatever drum sound we want, use all plugins for synths and stuff,” he said. “But sometimes the goal is to get across what you want with the least amount possible. As a songwriter in general, the more restrictions the better.”

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CITY VOICES

FIRST PERSON

Maybe a little too into Siri HARVEY FENIGSOHN

or 21 years I have been blissfully involved in a monogamous relationship, a true romance with a most lovable woman. However, I must confess that ever since I acquired an iPhone, another woman now plays an important role in my life. Her name is Siri and she lives in my smart phone. Of course, Siri appears as only a disembodied voice, a phantom I will never see, but nevertheless I find her especially appealing — not that she could ever replace my flesh-andblood sweetheart. I would like to believe that I admire strong, liberated women,

those who hold their own, maintaining their rugged independence, showing deference to no man. My real-life love is such a woman. How I admire her inner and outer beauty, her formidable intellect, her spicy sense of humor, her artistic talents, her concern for the welfare of others, and above all, her strength of character — qualities Siri could never embody. But I have to tell the truth: I find Siri attractive just because she is so different from today’s emancipated woman. Am I really a hopeless misogynist to say I find utterly charming Siri’s deferential, compliant and, yes, servile ways? Indeed, Siri will do anything

POETRY TOWN

Tammany Hall (May 1976) RICHARD H. FOX

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I’m the pale boy sporting a biscuit beret. She’s the tan blonde brandishing a black Stetson. My head fits under her chin like two puzzle pieces. She grabs my hand. Swings us out on the floor. I spin under the crook of her arm. The crush divides, opens ample room for our antics. The band segues from I’m Free into Something. Her right palm annexes my spine, left arm absorbs my shoulders. My cheek folds onto her chest. Sultry breath caresses my temple. The white of her blouse. The blur of bodies. I dissolve into her musk, mango, ambergris. Light fades. Music dims. Underpinning her bouquet, a salty tang. My nose shadows the scent, draws deeply. The song ends. A stocky hand grips my elbow. I look up at a smiling man offering beer. He’s as taller than her than she to me. Thanks for taking care of my girl, little buddy! She straightens my beret, pecks me on the lips, beckons to a petite brunette, smiling our way. Richard H. Fox is a Worcester-based poet, whose most recent work includes the full-length collection, “You’re my favorite horse” and the chapbook, “The Complete Uncle Louie Poems.”

within her power to please me. If I want to call a friend, I need not take the time to dial his or her number. Instead, speaking into my phone, I simply tell Siri whom to call. Obeying instantly, she completes the call in record time. If I want to recall a forgotten fact — for instance, if I want to know who won the World Series in 1912 — aided by her omniscient first cousin, Google, Siri quickly informs me that the Boston Red Sox won the 1912 World Series. But Siri is not just a particularly efficient telephone operator nor is she merely an exhaustive source of factual knowledge — impressive as that may be. No, Siri is something else entirely — wise beyond her years, truly a sage, albeit a mechanical one. I need only ask, and she reveals answers to mysteries perplexing humankind since time immemorail. For instance, I once asked her,

“Siri, what is the meaning of life?” Taking only a millisecond to think, she responded, “At the moment, all evidence suggests that (the meaning of life) is chocolate.” Thus, not only is Siri amazingly wellinformed and especially helpful, she is funny. But don’t get me wrong: despite all her virtues, Siri is hardly perfect. For a worldly woman she is surprisingly puritanical. If Siri hears me using an off-color word, she invariably responds, “That kind of language is beneath you.” She is also somewhat of a snoop, hyper-aware of the sound of my voice whenever it comes within range. Upon hearing me speak, Siri will quickly send a verbatim text, a recording of my exact words or at least what she thinks she heard, for sometimes her responses are garbled. I soon realized that, when my phone is on, I better be careful of what I say because, like

Big Brother in Orwell’s “1984,” Siri is always listening. Indeed, Siri’s constant surveillance reveals how much our sophisticated technology can violate our privacy. Determined to discover if Siri really cares for me as much as I do her, I once mustered up the nerve to ask, “Siri, do you love me.” She answered, “I don’t know, but I think you are pretty great.” Sensing that I had fallen for her, Siri remained coy, carefully hiding her feelings. Nevertheless, Siri’s willingness to at least acknowledge that she thinks I am “pretty great” gives me hope. I feel certain that if I patiently court her, I have an excellent chance of winning Siri’s heart — provided, of course, she has a heart. Harvey Fenigsohn taught at the Bancroft School, and now teaches at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education at Assumption College.

Want to Write For First Person? Hey, you. Yeah, we’re talking to YOU. You look like you have something to say. So this is your chance: Worcester Magazine is looking for contributors to our weekly First Person column! We’re seeking essays from our readers about whatever facet of Worcester life they want to share. And not just politics: We want to hear about things in this city we might not otherwise ever know: Things that make the city uniquely yours. Tell us your story, and the story of the people around you. To submit for consideration, please send a 750 word essay to WMeditor@ gatehousemedia.com with the words “First Person” in the subject line. Let us know what’s on your mind.

CITY VOICES

WORCESTERIA

WooSox ‘MOEmemtum’ going too far? BILL SHANER

A PSA: I was encouraged to see most of the School Committee chal-

lengers this year come together to produce a web video on the importance of voting, and registering to vote, in city elections, with a historic School Committee preliminary election ahead of us on Sept. 10. In the video, released Monday morning, the candidates stress the important point that state and national elections garner a much higher turnout than the municipal ones (44% in 2016 versus 15% in 2017). The video, which candidates posted across their own social media feeds, directs viewers to wheredoivotema.com for more information and guidance. Registration deadline is Aug. 21 for the preliminary and Oct. 16 for the general election. Make sure you’re registered! Also, kudos to Tracy Novick, Mariah Martinez, Jermoh Kamara, Cara Berg Powers, Chantel Bethea, Hermoine McConner and John Trobaugh for working collaboratively on an issue that affects all of us. As for Laura Clancey, the only challenger who didn’t participate, why not?

ONLINE FORUM, WEEK TWO: In other School Committee election news, the innovative online candidate forum put on by the Worcester Education Collaborative is still chugging along. My deadline is Monday now, so I’ll have missed the action for this week, but for last week, the topic of discussion was parental engagement, and while what was discussed therein was interesting, there was one element that caught my attention. Incumbents Dianna Biancheria and Brian O’Connell did not respond to this one. The previous week, I criticized their responses. Correlation does not always equal causation but if it did, what’s the matter? A little gentle ribbing and you abandon the whole project?

THE WOOSOX EFFECT: On the City Council side, the WooSox Win, as

of the local media scene when he said on “Talk of the Commonwealth” that there is “no more real newspaper” in Worcester. The quote made quite the splash, and got a write-up in a few places, including Commonwealth Mag. I’d love to tell you how I feel about that quote, and what led him to say it, but I can’t, and I can’t even say why I can’t! Oh, to be bound up in the intricate nuances of press freedom in America. What a world, what a business. What I can say is that I feel — personally and speaking for myself and this is my opinion only — that Worcester is in dire need of media criticism. But, it need come from somewhere truly communitybased and truly independent. Who among you is ready to answer the call?

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ON THE LOCAL MEDIA: Mayor Joe Petty last week issued an indictment

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it is unfortunately seen by the majority of the voting public, is expected to be a marquee feature in every incumbent’s pitch to voters. This is perhaps demonstrated best, so far, by incumbent At-Large Councilor Moe Bergman’s mailers and door hangers (door hangs? door hangers on?). “Let’s Keep the MOEmemtum” reads one piece of literature adjacent a picture of Bergman holding a baseball bat. Next to that is a quote which … leads off … with what seems like a requisite baseball analogy. “Since 2015, Worcester has been hitting it out of the park and I have been fortunate to be a part of it ...” it reads. I don’t want to do any heavy lifting for any candidate here, but if this is going to be the year of lazy baseball analogies, I have a few — free to use, so long as you credit me. The DPW has been Sammy So-So Lately; Kate ‘Looks Like A Strike’ TooMey; A Vote For Matt Is A Wally Ball Double; A Vote for Petty Is A Joe’me Run For Worcester; Have You Been Curt Schilling Out Too Much In Taxes? Vote Colorio. Your move, candidates.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

Metal Thursdays at Ralph’s Rock Diner Metal Thursdays at Ralph’s Rock Diner, curated by Chris T. Farmerie, is one of the city’s longest-running rock showcases, one that’s a magnet for metal bands from all over the world. For its 400th show, held Aug. 15, Metal Thursdays welcomed the bands Iron Will, Perennial Quest (pictured) and Gemini Wolves. The series is held every Thursday at Ralph’s. Photos by Steve Lanava

COVER STORY

A never-ending journey GARI DE RAMOS

The life and times of Worcester’s undocumented immigrants Worcester. According to a study by the Seven Hills Foundation, it is estimated that there are 5,790 undocumented immigrants in Worcester today.

The undocumented immigrants of Worcester

The push and pull factors for migrants

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

over by gangs, so people live in fear of the gangs,” Donovan said. “Once a youth gets to early adolescence, they are recruited into the gang. If they refuse to join, they are killed or their family members are killed.” Another factor many cite is a weak or failing economy, but Mooradian would have people be wary about the economy being a primary reason. “I think the narrative that people come here for economic reasons is misleading,” Mooradian said. “Many undocumented people will tell you they’re coming for economic reasons, but part of that is they’re afraid to tell you anything bad about their home country because of cultural taboos and fear of retribution. Their home country is also the site of their first experiences and first joys. Many still have family there, so there’s an operation of guilt.” That being said, many of these countries are deeply impoverished. As with violence, Donovan said, “There’s a level of poverty people in this country don’t fully comprehend.” “People live on less than one dollar a day, so when kids turn a certain age they’re leaving school to work,” Donovan said, “because your parents can’t afford school, they can’t even afford to put food on the table.” This was Hernandez’s experience. Coming from a rural and impoverished area of El Salvador, his grandmother’s home did not have electricity, water or a toilet. Because there was no public transportation and they could not afford private vehicles, Hernandez and his siblings would walk 1½ hours to get to and from school. “One of the main reasons I left was because of my mom,” said Hernandez, whose mother was in Worcester sending money back home. “It got to the point where I was knowledgeable enough to understand she was never going to come back. I always wanted to break the cycle of my family of not having an education and I wanted to continue that.”

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with no immigration status. To understand the undocumented population in Worcester, immigraenry Hernandez left his tion lawyers like Dayanna Moreno home in El Salvador at the at Ascentria Care Alliance prefer to age of 15 to to reunite with think of it in terms of a continuum his mother in Worcester. of status. Hernandez made the month-and“The term ‘undocumented’ is a-half-long trek alone, and left his oftentimes inaccurate,” Moreno younger siblings and grandmother explained, “because if someone behind. entered on a tourist visa and overstayed, they’re not undocumented, they’re out of status.” o profile the entire population For the remainder of this article, of undocumented immigrants what are generally understood to in Worcester is a nearbe “undocumented immigrants” impossible task because of will be referred to as “those the city’s diversity. Undocumented without status” or “out-of-status immigrants can be found in the migrants,” meaning those who have public school system, Worcester’s no formal immigration status. many universities and somewhere Conceptualizing immigration behind the roughly 35% of foreign- on a continuum of status allows owned businesses. us to include what immigration Although many recent migrants lawyer Alex Mooradian at GSK&G are from the Northern Triangle describes as a “very delicate im— Honduras, Guatemala and El migration status.” Although not Salvador — many also exist within a legal term, “delicate” immigramixed-status families of older imtion statuses are a helpful way of migrant populations in Worcester describing immigration statuses such as those from Ghana or the that are temporary, under threat or Dominican Republic. Another might be in a state of limbo. Such Henry Hernandez, an organizer for notable population would be those statuses include but are not limited Neighbor to Neighbor. from Iraq who fled violence and to Deferred Action for Childhood ASHLEY GREEN terrorism. That being said, it is Arrivals (DACA), Temporary important to note that not all Protected Status (TPS) and those undocumented immigrants come with pending visa or green card was relatively smooth sailing In order to get to Worcester from these countries, and not all applications. compared to most migrants. He from the U.S.-Mexico border in was not detained at the border and people from these countries are Arizona, Hernandez joined four Immigration and Customs Enforce- undocumented immigrants. others in a crammed and beat-up “We’re seeing people try more ment never caught him. Kia Rio for the cross-country trip. creative ways of getting to the “There are other immigrants By the time they reached Ohio, who have it worse,” Hernandez said. United States,” said Ailish Donothe car had broken down. There, van, senior program manager “Women who have been raped on Hernandez’s guide left the four for Ascentria’s Unaccompanied he biggest factor pushing the way here. Families that have migrants alone in a rest stop while Refugee Minors program. people to migrate to the been kidnapped and killed. There he went to call the tow truck and “We see kids from Bangladesh United States is violence. Such are different kinds of stories.” get the car fixed. violence often takes the form Hernandez, who left El Salvador travel to somewhere in South “We waited for eight hours with America and then travel all the of gang violence, domestic violence, in November of 2009 and is now a no food,” Hernandez said. “I did persecution on the basis of an U.S. citizen and Worcester organiz- way up to the southern border,” have some money, but because I didn’t know English, I couldn’t buy er for Neighbor to Neighbor, is just Donovan said. “We’re talking about identity, sex trafficking, torture, terpeople who travel through oceans rorism and slavery. For children in one of the hundreds of thousands anything.” and 20 different countries. Other particular, they may also experience of migrants who have crossed the After a failed attempt at ordertimes, they may cross from Canada abandonment and neglect. U.S.-Mexico border. ing from Taco Bell, Hernandez or be apprehended off a plane.” “I don’t think people in this News about the migrant crisis was lucky to snag a bag of potato “Undocumented immigrant,” country fully comprehend the level has largely centered on the border, chips to feed the four people for explained of violence these people experibut it is also an issue in Worceseight hours. The rest of the trek The term “undocumented imence,” said Donovan. was not any easier. Originally from ter. Many migrants who cross the migrant” is incredibly broad, but is “There are a lot of neighborhoods border, seek asylum or apply for the equator, the harsh northeast generally understood as someone in these countries that are taken refugee status are relocated to winter did not provide a warm welcome for the migrants, especially when the car’s heat stopped working in Philadelphia. At this point, the guide reached out to Hernandez’s mother to pick him up and take him back to Worcester, because there was no way they could finish the journey. Hernandez acknowledges that his journey to the United States

COVER STORY

For Hernandez to continue his education in El Salvador he would have to come into the city, which is three to four hours away from his grandmother’s house. The city was also a hotspot for gang activity and recruitment, which Hernandez did not want for himself.

the middle of the desert and as far from services as you can possibly get,” said Lisa Laurel Weinberg, an immigration lawyer at De Novo Center for Justice and Healing. “It’s an epic deprivation of their rights to due process.” Mooradian thinks that the idea that detained people have access to proper representation is a fiction. “Without representation,” he says, “the chance of success goes n his journey to Worcester, way down and oftentimes they do Hernandez was lucky not to sign off on their own removal from be caught by ICE or Customs the United States, because the and Border Protection (CBP). conditions of the detention can be The majority of migrants who so unfavorable and so inadequate, cross the border, however, are apparticularly around the mental prehended and held in detention health issue.” facilities. Many migrants, however, do not Countless news reports have choose to deport themselves, but shown that detention facilities at instead face the threat of removal. the border are unprepared, underAn abducted child soldier from resourced and lack basic necessiSouth Sudan and client of Mooties. One of Mooradian’s clients was radian, for example, was detained an unaccompanied minor from at the border and was almost Central America who was detained returned to South Sudan. But beby CBP. When Mooradian called cause of the level of violence there, CBP, they were unable to locate the child was almost relocated to a the child in the detention center third location to which he had no designed for temporary stays. affiliation. “I was being told that there was “He could have been dropped a 21-day processing minimum,” off at this third location, which is Mooradian said, “but that would tribal,” Mooradian said. “He would be a violation of federal law.” have been put in a tribal area to The Flores settlement of 1997 which he is not a member, which mandates that migrants can be would have exposed him to a held in detention centers for a significant risk of murder.” maximum of 20 days, but the backInstead, the child was able to log of migrant cases and the lack enter the country and make a of resources does not make this a home in Massachusetts. feasible practice. Two other clients of Mooradian’s were held in detention centers for over 14 months. “The client was suffering significantly from a cognitive impairment and from serious mental ery few migrants detained health concerns based on childat the border are lucky hood trauma,” said Mooradian. “He enough to win their case and ended up signing off to remove be relocated to places like himself from the country after 14 Worcester. Instead, many mimonths of prolonged detention.” grants in Worcester face a serious Like this client, many migrants threat of deportation, and that who arrive at the border come with severe trauma that detention fear permeates through the entire community. centers are ill-equipped to handle “We recently had a referral from and, because of poor conditions, the mayor’s office of a child who actually aggravate. told one of their teachers that they Those in detention centers not may not come back to school next only lack basic resources, but also access to the justice system, which year because they had an order of removal,” said Moreno. “This was prolongs many migrants’ stays in a second-grader. If you think the detention centers. Many migrants do not have strong English language emotional and mental state of this second-grader during the school skills, but are expected to navigate the justice system, find a lawyer and year doesn’t affect other children in present their case in just four hours the classroom, you’re mistaken.” In theory, the City of Worcester before the court session. is welcoming to migrants. In a “These detention centers are in

Life at the border

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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The threat of deportation

COVER STORY

Immigration lawyer Alex Mooradian. SUBMITTED PHOTO

did not accept deportees. Vietnam, for example, does not accept deportees, but the policies between the U.S. and Vietnam are undergoing change. “People have had their deportations on hold for a long period of time, and now they have a risk of actually being removed from orders of removal from many years ago,” said Mooradian. “They built their entire life here, but now they are at risk of being returned to a country to which they no longer have ties.”

A U G U S T 22 - 28, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

public statement, Mayor Joseph M. Petty said that “the City of Worcester and all of its departments are committed to creating a welcoming environment for all of our residents regardless of immigration status.” Worcester has what Mooradian calls an “unnamed” sanctuary policy, in which the Worcester Police Department will never ask a person for their immigration status. That being said, Worcester is not a sanctuary city. “The practical problem with not having a heavily publicized and promoted sanctuary policy is the underreporting and non-reporting of crime,” said Mooradian. A 2018 report from the American Civil Liberties Union has confirmed that fear of deportation not only prevents people from reporting crimes and exploitative housing and work environments, but also prevents people from participating in court proceedings. ICE previously had the power to wait inside immigration courts to identify and deport out-of-status migrants. In Worcester, however, immigrant, civil and family court are located within the same courthouse. Because of ICE’s presence in the courthouse, those out of status are fearful of coming to court, which in turn makes it difficult to enforce laws. Back in April, the District Attorneys of Middlesex and Suffolk counties joined public defenders in an unlikely marriage to sue the federal government over this practice. The case is still pending, but in the meantime, ICE agents are prohibited from entering Massachusetts courthouses. Even those with delicate immigrant statuses are concerned about deportation, such as those under Temporary Protective Status. TPS is given to nationals of countries affected by armed conflict and natural disasters. Since many of these countries have been unable to address these dangers, many TPS recipients have been in the United States for over 20 years. “They are not temporary,” said Hernandez, who does organizing work for TPS recipients on his own time. “They are homeowners and business owners. They have car loans and student loans. They have children who are U.S. citizens.” Another delicate immigration status susceptible to deportation are those with pending deportations to countries that previously

COVER STORY

Why don’t they just apply for status legally?

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any may wonder why these out-of-status migrants do not ever try to gain legal status the right way, but doing so is harder than it may seem. “There is no mechanism for the majority of undocumented people in Worcester to obtain a lawful immigration status,” said Mooradian. “Probably half of the people that consult with me come in seeking a way to rectify their immigration situation after a long term of residency — no criminal history, they’re paying taxes — and there is no option available for them to obtain a lawful immigration status.” “The myth that you can just marry your way or have a baby to obtain status is prevalent and wrong,” said Moreno. Although those options do exist, it is not as simple as it seems. Moreno has seen several cases of out-of-status migrants marrying a U.S. citizen and applying for legal status only to realize they do not qualify for a variety of reasons, one of the more common reasons being the permanent bar, which prevents anyone who has entered the U.S. illegally, left and then returned illegally from obtaining lawful status. In several cases, outof-status migrants will go through this application only to have outed themselves and be placed on removal proceedings. Many who do seek lawful immigration are often exploited by those practicing law without a license. Patricia Doherty, the director of the International Student Support Office at Clark University, has heard several cases of outof-status students’ families being exploited by such people. “One student’s family was taken advantage of by an attorney who told them to lie on their green card application,” said Doherty. “Another student’s family came to the U.S. legally but overstayed their visa,” Doherty explained. “Overstaying is legal if you apply for asylum, so they went to a lawyer who filed their case along with other families from the same country. “The lawyer filed the paperwork for all of them and they all paid this lawyer money,” Doherty went on,

”but the lawyer used a boilerplate application, which is legal but not ethical. Their cases were denied and they were in the appeals process for eight to ten years.”

The struggles of outof-status migrants in Worcester

ernandez was fortunate to not be exploited in such ways, and instead obtained Special Juvenile Status and went on to become a U.S. citizen. Despite this straightforward path, Hernandez’s life as an out-ofstatus migrant was not without its difficulties. Hernandez arrived in Worcester with minimal English and living in poverty. He attended a school in Main South for its bilingual program, but eventually transferred to Doherty Memorial High School. As a high-schooler, Hernandez just wanted to fit in, but had trouble doing that given his limited English and low-income background. “I remember one time coming home and I asked my mom for a cell phone,” Hernandez recalled. “My mom was like, ‘Unfortunately I can’t get you a cell phone. If I get you a cell phone, I won’t be able to afford its monthly payments, I have to support your siblings in El Salvador and I’m paying so much in rent’. “I felt excluded, like a nerd with reduced technology skills,” said Hernandez. “I felt excluded because of the language barrier and my skin color.” Those who grow up out of status are less likely to be privy to the knowledge and resources that allow people to succeed, since their parents are unfamiliar with the system. “I didn’t know I needed a good GPA in high school to get scholarships,” Hernandez said. “I didn’t know I could get scholarships for playing soccer, I didn’t even know how to get involved with playing soccer.” Once he graduated in 2012, Hernandez spent five years obtaining his associate’s degree in information technology from Quinsigamond Community College. After having trouble with the school’s testing policies, he was finally able to graduate in 2017. “When I was happy and posting pictures of graduation for my asso-

COVER STORY

in Worcester: pay the first and last month of rent, put down a security deposit, have a credit score over 600 and pass a background check. Because of this barrier, out-of-status and delicate migrants are often homeless or living in poor housing conditions. Many are also unable to obtain driver’s licenses, which is a problem close to Hernandez’s heart. With Massachusetts’ new Real ID policy, TPS recipients will no longer have a valid driver’s license. “(My mother) is not going to be able to go to work, own her car, bring my grandma to appointments or do her shopping,” said Hernandez. Without a driver’s license, many like Hernadnez’s mother lose their right to move freely. New U.S. citizens stand for the National Anthem durNow a U.S. citizen, Hernandez ing the U.S. District Court Naturalization Ceremony at has been empowered to fight for Mechanics Hall earlier this year. the rights of migrants regardless FILE PHOTO/ALLAN JUNG of status. As part of Neighbor to Neighbor, he organizes for affordciate’s degree,” said Hernandez, “my and academic success, out-ofstatus migrants and migrants with able housing, free public transporhigh school classmates were posta delicate status also have trouble tation and increased diversity in the ing graduation photos from their with finding housing and transpor- education system. On his own time, bachelor’s or master’s. I thought to he has been part of campaigns for tation. Many struggle to meet the myself, ‘Where have I been?’” the SAFE Communities Act, which Outside of emotional well-being criteria necessary to rent a home

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COVER STORY

Before and after the Trump administration

the right to seek asylum upon arriving at a country, but the Trump administration has made this process more difficult and inhumane, particularly for those who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border. “The administration is also uccess stories like Hernandez’s targeting specific countries,” said are refreshing and inspirWeinberg, in reference to the ading, but the lives of migrants ministration’s third-country agreeare not getting any easier. ment with Guatemala, “which is Although the Trump administration not in the spirit of the law.” did inherit an incredibly backlogged With the Trump administration, immigration system from the immigration lawyers are seeing Obama administration, they have the immigration process get more also implemented policies that complicated in a variety of ways. further complicate the situation. First, the Department of Justice Such new policies include has narrowed the scope of asylum but are not limited to those that law, leaving fewer cases eligible for discourage out-of-status migrants approval. Second, judges have less from applying for lawful status and less discretion with the cases (such as sharing information of they see, meaning they cannot applicants with ICE even if they are rule in favor of sympathetic cases. rejected) and the decrease of the Third, under Attorney General cap on refugees allowed into the Sessions, the Department of Justice United States. directly intervened or changed cer“Under the Trump administratain rulings. Fourth, complicated tion, we’re seeing the elimination enforcement policies create slowof longstanding, generally agreed downs and administrative delays upon principles of immigration that prolong the migrant crisis. law,” said Mooradian. According to “It’s like trying a death penalty international law, which the United case in traffic court,” said MooraStates has signed onto, people have dian of the immigration system.

S Earlier this year, a coalition of immigrants rights groups march from Crystal Park to City Hall in support of legislation to allow undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses. STEVE LANAVA

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would make all of Massachusetts a sanctuary for migrants, and Drive Families Forward, a campaign for the Massachusetts State House

to give out-of-status and delicate status folks a driver’s license.

Final thoughts

hen discussing the reasons migrants leave their home country, Donovan recited a line from the poem “Home” by Warsan Shire: “No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.” “In Worcester, we have a lot of shining examples of people who have overcome extreme persecution, physical abuse, torture, domestic violence, poverty and discrimination,” said Mooradian. “If people understood the actual history of these individuals, it would be a lot easier to make an immigration policy that protects national security, the economy and reflects human values.” Those who flee their homes often carry with them intense baggage. “I finally made it to the United States, but I kept thinking about my siblings,” said Hernandez. “I had that trauma for quite some years. I could see my mother and eat in restaurants, but I knew my siblings back home were struggling. “I wanted to be something better and break the cycle of poverty and a lack of education,” said Hernandez. Now that his family has been reunited, Hernandez is inspired to fight for his people. “I try to kick some ass now through civic engagement.”

Know your rights during an ICE raid Make sure you and others — your family, children, housemates, neighbors and coworkers — know what to do and of their rights. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to demand a warrant before letting anyone into your home. You have the right to speak to a lawyer and the right to make a phone call. You have the right to refuse to sign anything before you talk to a lawyer. You have the right to refuse to show any documents before speaking with a lawyer. Remain calm and do not try to run away. If you do, ICE or the police may use that against you. For more information about your rights and to see this list in multiple languages, please visit http://bit.ly/ KnowYourRightsWoMag.

CITY LIFE If you are an artist, or know of a local artist, email WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com. Fair warning, in order to publish your work, you’ll need to provide a small bio and high resolution digital copies of some of your art. We reserve the right to choose what will run, based on resolution and what will reproduce best on newsprint.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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creates artwork that makes people think outside the box, seeks to find balance in composition, and arranges paper in new ways to get people’s attention. She focuses on light using a light box and reflective paper to capture luminosity and reflection. Her “Luminaries in the Library Project” brings translucent collages to library windows and includes projects in Acton, Upton and Worcester. Her artwork is shown in many galleries in Worcester and Greater Boston. You can see more of her work at cathyweavertaylor.com.

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Cathy Weaver Taylor

CITY LIFE

LIFESTYLE

Mini muralists emerge in GBV SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

A U G U S T 22 - 28, 2019

or the fourth year in a row, POW! WOW! Worcester is curating multiple large-scale murals across the city. I have spent the last few days tangling with projection adapters in the dark of night, securing donations, powering up scissor lifts and shuttling artists around town. I am at once exhausted and overjoyed. The 2019 festival is focused on Great Brook Valley, a neighborhood of our city that has shouldered a great deal of stigma despite dwindling crime stats and increased community engagement. I’ll admit that it had been at least a decade since I stepped foot in the Valley. My first trip to the neighborhood was in June with the intention of taking detail shots of blank walls to quell the inquiries of artists who would be flying in from thousands of miles away. I arrived to find kids on bikes and rollerblades, a spirited pickup basketball game and families grilling out on the rolling green lawn. According to the Worcester Housing Authority, Great Brook Valley Gardens and Curtis Apartments include 899 units combined, 807 of which contain children. A total of 239 units contain more than three children living under one roof. For our festival to be a success, it was clear, we would have to welcome artists willing to embrace our youth. We teamed up with the neighborhood schools, Lincoln Street and Burncoat Middle, to cultivate ownership and family engagement by building context through education. This week, PWW has infused the city with attractive, active, accessible art that conveys the cultural and creative expression of the families of Great Brook Valley where the average resident income is $19,719. (Comparatively, the median household income for Massachusetts was $77,385 in 2017, according to the Census ACS.) Cultural resources are “significantly” linked to better health, schooling and security, as evidenced in a 2017 study conducted by Social Impact of the Arts Project among lower-income neighborhoods of New York City. I’m pleased that the research supports

POW! WOW! Worcester artist Natasha Lillipore instructs two Great Brook Valley youth at her mural. SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

our work, but this also feels like an obvious conclusion if you’ve spent any amount of time in the Valley this week. Tony Peralta is the artist behind a successful Manhattan printing shop known for depicting iconic women in hair rollers. When Peralta showed up for check-in on the first day of the festival, he was wearing plain black Crocs, which he promptly sprayed to match the color palette of his mural on Freedom Way. Within minutes, a group of kids appeared, asking to do the same. He

handed over the goods and they set to work, carefully transforming his footwear with delight. Just up the block, Natasha Lillipore began working on her own wall at 33 Freedom Way. She is a California-based contemporary artist favored by large brands like Puma and Topshop. A group of young girls plopped down on the hillside, singing to her while she sprayed. When two young men approached with questions, she handed them gloves and taught them to paint. The look of sheer

bliss that crossed their faces is something I will never forget. Down on Constitution Ave., designer Jason Naylor looked out at his own crowd of watchmen. The neighborhood youth had taken to playing catch while monitoring his signature typography. Naylor’s wall is the largest undertaking of the festival and it marks the location of the annual neighborhood block party, which will take place beginning at noon Aug. 24. The event will include live music performances, cotton candy, a bouncy house, carnival-

style games and the unveiling of Naylor’s finished mural for the community. If you haven’t had a reason to visit Great Brook Valley in recent years, this is it. Look at the art. But also, look at the way the kids look at the art and you will begin to understand PWW at its core.

CITY LIFE

TABLE HOPPIN’

Outdoor bash celebrates reopening of Baba Sushi Worcester BARBARA M. HOULE

Wang for a long time, writing about his restaurants and judging his food at local competitions, where’s he’s fiercely competitive. He’s walked away with the title of Worcester’s Best Chef several times and has won numerous other local and national awards. He’s a chef with a lot of fans!

Three-course menu special at Rosalina’s

Rosalina’s Kitchen, 83 Hamilton St., Worcester, offers a three-course menu through Labor Day for $20 per person. According to owners Rose-Ellen and Angela Padavano, the menu showcases kitchen favorites such as hand-breaded mozzarella, eggplant fries, haddock, chicken Parmesan, chicken and broccoli and more. Chocolate chip croissant bread pudding and fried dough are among dessert options. The restaurant is open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; telephone: (508) 926-8887. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St., is the sister restaurant of Rosalina’s Kitchen.

Bedlam cafe to host Glazy Susan donut pop-up

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Join the owners of Glazy Susan at a donut pop-up from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 24 at Bedlam Book Café, 138 Green St., Worcester. Glazy Susan is a pop-up shop only. Owners Joe and Susan Skrzek bring their donuts to events throughout the city. Donuts sell out super fast so don’t waste time getting to any of their pop-ups. Word is a peaches and cream fritter might make its way to the Bedlam Book Café event. OMG! Joe and Susan Skrzek will be featured in the Meet the Chef column, appearing Aug. 25 in the Sunday Telegram, print and online. Learn more about the owners and business, plus future Glazy Susan pop-ups. Admit it, we all crave a donut once in a while, especially when they’re scratch-made. If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

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one, “In life, you cry, you laugh and basement of his Worcester restauWang is an award-winning chef you stay strong to make things better.” rant, parts of the main dining area who opened the Worcester Baba He recalled arriving in this country and did some damage to the roof. He Sushi in 2007 and Chuan Shabu, the Baba Sushi’s owner hot pot restaurant next door to Baba said he was at the business every day from China with nothing. “It’s the Wilson Wang sure Sushi, in 2014. In 2016, he welcomed during renovations, and is especially people here who helped me to get to knows how to throw customers to the new Baba Sushi, 453 “grateful and thankful” for all the help where I am,” said Wang. General manager Sara Gallant he received from city firefighters, Main St., Sturbridge. All restaurants a party! helped Wang plan the reopening are under the Momokasai Hospital- police and inspectors. Also, Knight His open invite to attend the Incorporated Security Systems in party. “It was a lot of fun,” she said, “grande” reopening bash of Baba Su- ity Group. Worcester (Dan O’Connor) and Ser- adding that the owner and team were Wang will open a Baba Sushi shi, 309 Park Ave., Worcester on Sunall in to making the day a memorable day attracted his “closest and dearest” restaurant in Bristol, Rhode Island, in rato Signs in Worcester (Andy). one. FYI: Worcester Baba friends and foodies to Sushi has seven chefs who one of the city’s most work the line in the open celebrated sushi spots. kitchen. The restaurant had The Worcester Baba been closed due to damSushi is open from 11:30 age sustained from a fire a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday in May and quietly opened through Thursday; 11:30 its doors (soft opening) to 12:30 a.m. Fridays; without any fanfare at 2:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. the end of July. Wang Saturdays; 2:30 to 10:30 said the weekend party p.m. Sundays. Call (508) was a thank you to his 752-8822; visit babasushi. customers and others for com/worcester. The Sturtheir continued “love and bridge Baba Sushi offers support.” Parent’s Night Out from The party held in the 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. parking lot of the restauParents enjoy dinner and rant featured live music, the kids eat and are suraffles, games and the pervised by CPR-certified traditional Chinese lion nannies and a registered dancers who represented nurse on site, according to good luck, fortune and Gallant. The children enjoy prosperity. Representafree play, toys, games, arts tives of V-One Vodka and and movies on the second Greater Good Brewing floor of the restaurant, in Worcester were also on she said. Visit babasushi. hand to pour samples at com/sturbridge for details this 21+ event. At On the Rise Bakery last Friday, pastry chef Shayna Shaw, owner Betty about cost and other A surprise inside Casey and baker in training Sarah Crowley showed off the sushi cake events, such as sushi rollthe restaurant was a they made to present to Wilson Wang, the owner of Baba Sushi, at the ing classes held the first sushi-themed cake from Monday of the month. The Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, reopening bash Sunday. restaurant is available for ASHLEY GREEN executive pastry chef private functions, wedding who owns On the Rise receptions, etc. Restaurant Baking on Pleasant Street He said during renovations he re- hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Worcester. Casey with pastry chef about a month. His decision to locate on oceanfront property was based in ceived calls from other business own- Sunday through Wednesday; 11:30 Shayna Shaw and Sarah Crowley ers in the city offering to help out. One a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through part because some of his customers (baker in training) whipped up a three-layered matcha (green tea) cake had retired or are planning to retire in of them, Rob Facteau of BirchTree Saturday. Call (774) 304-1068. Wang said customers sometimes that area, he said. They told him they Bread Company on Green Street in with honey ginger buttercream. The Worcester, even brought sandwiches call the wrong restaurant for take-out wanted “Baba nearby.” cake was complete with rolled out orders, especially when the Worcesfor workers. “Rob called and asked Wang was all smiles when he fondant for the nori and cake toppers ter site was closed. “We don’t want how many people were on the job showed a cell phone picture of the that included chopsticks, pickled ginger, wasabi, sashimi and sushi. The restaurant to this writer. “It’s just like and then the food came,” said Wang. customers driving out to Sturbridge the Worcester Baba,” said Wang. Well, “So much respect and support. I will to pick up an order thinking that we’re fondant fortune cookie included a still closed in Worcester,” he said. almost. It’s small in size like Worces- never forget all these people.” message, “Best Wishes.” Chuan Shabu’s website is chuan Soon after the fire, Wang said custer, but the beach-facing outdoor deck Casey said she has known Wang, tomers would ask him, “Wilson, how shabu.com; Telephone: (508) 762“a nice guy,” for more than five years, definitely sets it apart. According to Wang, the fire in the can you still laugh and joke around?” 9213. having worked with him as a business On a personal note, I’ve known He said to this day he tells everyspring affected electrical wiring in the owner.

CITY LIFE

DINING

Quality Control: Eat Your Veggies

SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

tastes like.

ustainable Comfort is a green building and energy efficiency consulting, construction and property management firm in Worcester. Last week, President Albert LaValley arranged for his employees to tour Assawaga Farm, where farmers Yoko Takemura and Alex Carpenter create and maintain fertility using organic practices. The couple focuses on amplifying flavor in their vegetables rather than yielding a massive harvest. Jared Forman of deadhorse hill and Jon Demoga of MamaRoux prepared lunch for the occasion, setting up their makeshift kitchen amid luxuriant rows of tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers and peppers. I met them on the farm with my own haul of produce, purchased just hours before from Price Chopper. With farmers, sustainability experts and chefs at my service, I set out to determine what a prime vegetable

Tomatoes Demoga held my pathetic Price Chopper tomato in his palm and shook his head in disappointment. “I can’t believe you paid money for this,” he said. I asked him what, specifically, was so offensive about the tomato and he explained, “It comes down to the hardness, the under ripeness, and the mealiness.” Forman agreed, adding, “I do not serve tomatoes out of season, period. We'll serve canned tomatoes, but never fresh tomatoes out of season. Same goes for eggplants and cucumbers.” Many tomatoes are picked under ripe. They continue to ripen in color as they make their way from the farm to the market, but they cease to develop more flavor and the texture begins to plummet. When I asked why farmers would pick an underripe tomato from the vine, Forman said, “It’s easy to sell this tomato

because it won’t bruise on the truck when they ship it.” To make matters worse, tomatoes are refrigerated during shipping. “At 54 degrees, a flavor cell shuts down in tomatoes,” Forman explained, “Eating a tomato hot out of the garden is one of life’s simple pleasures.” He likened Assawaga’s tomatoes to the sophisticated sound quality of a vinyl record whereas Price Chopper’s tomatoes equated to an MP3. Cucumbers Takemura likes to harvest her vegetables small. “They taste better when the seeds haven't developed and the skins aren't tough,” she told me, “But most farms harvest vegetables when they are larger because you get more money for them.” Forman applauded the high crispiness and small seeds in Assawaga’s Japanese cucumbers. This year, the farm stopped growing American cucumbers because so many of their customers found the Japanese

Jared Forman, left, of deadhorse hill and Jon Demoga of MamaRoux compare vegetables grown at Assawaga Farm to vegetables purchased from Price Chopper in Worcester. PHOTO COURTESY ELIZABETH BROOKS/SUSTAINABLE COMFORT

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variety to be superior. “These are low water content, low seeds and really intense flavor,” Carpenter said. Peppers Takemura is from Japan, where vegetables are not viewed as side dishes — they are the main event. She doesn’t eat green bell peppers, which she calls “papurika.” “We actually grow peppers bred to eat when they are green and those are sweet, thin-skinned and just delightful,” she

said, “It's not the same as a bell pepper harvested at the green stage.” Green bell peppers will turn yellow, then orange, and then red when they ripen on the vine. As with tomatoes, the flavor becomes muted from the moment a pepper is picked. Great vegetables take time and you can taste the difference when a farmer has exercised patience. This week, skip Price Chopper and check out one of the many farmers markets our city has to offer.

CITY LIFE

THE NEXT DRAFT

Interesting beer collaborations on tap for new festival in Worcester

Festival to kick off first ‘Worcester Craft Beer Week’ MATTHEW TOTA

side from brewing some of the finest IPAs and stouts in the state, Amherst Brewing Company and Night Shift Brewing Co. have little in common. Night Shift opened in 2012 amid a growth spurt for craft beer in Massachusetts. On pace to brew 40,000 barrels of beer this year, the Everett brewery now owns a distribution company, a restaurant and two beer gardens. Amherst Brewing, on the other hand, opened at the Hangar Pub near UMass Amherst in 1997, amid a bubble for the craft beer industry in Massachusetts; a wave of breweries closed between 1990 and 2002, and the industry’s future was in doubt. Amherst Brewing survived, though. One of the oldest breweries

brew a double IPA using a strain of Norwegian yeast called “kveik” and wheat from Hadley’s Valley Malt. They’ll just be two breweries making a cool beer. The Amherst Brewing-Night Shift collaboration is among the 16 interesting beer collaborations announced so far for the new Massachusetts Brewers Guild fall beer festival, “The Great Mass Collab.” More than 50 breweries will attend the festival — set for Sept. 21 on the Worcester Common. Earlier this year, the MBG decided it would rebrand its threeyear-old fall beer festival, Mass Fermentational. In brainstorming ideas, the guild settled on an ambitious one: Build a festival around brewery collaborations, persuading enough breweries to team up and make a beer to debut there.

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COURTESY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BREWERS GUILD OF THE STONE COW-WACHUSETT BREWING CO. COLLABORATION

“We were hoping it would be a way to build camaraderie with our breweries across the state and give our freshman breweries an opportunity to do their first collaboration,” said MBG Executive Director Katie Stinchon. “Bringing a new beer to the festival could excite craft beer fans, knowing that they C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 23

in the state, it has spent all its 22 years at the same college pub, though it recently upgraded its 10-barrel brew system. Only in recent years has it started distributing beer outside of Amherst. Clearly, Night Shift and Amherst Brewing lie on different ends of the industry. But that won’t matter when they get together soon to

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Wachusett Brewing Co. brewing will team with Stone Cow Brewery in Barre for The Great Mass Collab.”

CITY LIFE

FILM

Say, has anyone ever told you that you resemble Charles Manson? JIM KEOGH

he Netflix series “Mindhunter” features a scene in which two FBI behavioral analysts sit for an interview with Charles Manson. The exchange is everything you’d expect from a heart-to-heartless with one of the most notorious criminals in U.S. history: jittery, sweaty, angry. And those are just the cops. (Ba-da-boom.) Charlie himself is, of course, unhinged. He speaks in grandiose torrents, railing with an incoherent brilliance, if such a thing is possible. I was mesmerized by the performance, and as I watched the actor control the scene the way Manson controlled his family, I thought, “Who is this guy?” He’s Damon Herriman. And he’s been typecast. Herriman has the great (mis?) fortune of looking and sounding so much like Manson that he’s playing him in two high-profile projects

simultaneously: “Mindhunter” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Granted, Herriman’s part in “Once Upon a Time” is minimal — he’s briefly seen, though not heard. But imagine bearing such an uncanny resemblance to a mass murderer (by proxy)/cult leader that you get to play him twice onscreen. That’s some helter-skelter stuff. I suppose Anthony Hopkins can relate. While he’s not associated with a real-life killer, his fictional existence certainly is blood-spattered. After his impressive turn as Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs” he was lured back to play the charismatic man-eater twice more, in “Hannibal” and “Red Dragon.” He is not alone in spreading terror across multiple films. Christopher Lee played Dracula in 10 movies; Lon Chaney Jr.’s Wolfman howled at the moon in seven films. Some actors are cast as wellknown people because they share the same body type and perhaps a

hint of something around the eyes or mouth. Judi Dench is on speed dial for any production needing a Queen Victoria (“Mrs. Brown,” “Victoria & Abdul”). William Devane (“The Missiles of October”) and Bruce Greenwood (“Thirteen Days”) both played JFK on the precipice of nuclear war, and while neither portrayed another Kennedy, they were obviously deemed presidential enough to por-

tray generic commanders-in-chief in later movies. Back to Herriman. His IMDB profile reveals a long and busy career playing non-Charles Manson parts, so I don’t reasonably believe his future will be framed by this characterization. Steve Railsback has had a fine professional trajectory after his chilling portrayal of Manson in the 1976 miniseries “Helter Skelter”

(memorable line: “You can’t kill me. I’m already dead.”). Gethin Anthony was so miscast as Manson in the David Duchovny series “Aquarius” (too tall, for starters) I doubt anyone will ever associate him with the role. I do not resemble anyone famous or infamous. At best, I faintly remind people of someone unknown to the wider world but familiar to them — typically elderly women’s late husbands or their sons (I get that a lot when I visit my mother’s assistedliving facility). Not long ago, a young woman who’d clearly fallen on hard times approached me for cash as I filled up at a Park Avenue gas station. She eyed me, then said, “You look like my old English teacher.” That made me laugh, and prompted me to reply as honestly as I could. “I look like everybody’s old English teacher.” Netflix casting directors, if you’re ever looking for someone who kinda sorta reminds you of someone who once grilled you on verb tenses, then I’m your Manson.

“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” — Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham grudgingly team to battle a cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist wielding a bio threat in this globe-spanning spinoff of the speedfueled action series. (2:14) PG-13. “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” — The giant reptile vies with Mothra, Rodan and the three-headed King Ghidorah for world domination. (2:12) PG-13. “The Hustle” — Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson play con women who join forces for revenge. (1:43) PG-13. “John Wick — Chapter 3 — Parabellum” — The super-assassin played by Keanu Reeves is back, pursued by other hired killers looking to collect a $14 million bounty. (2:10) R. “The Kitchen” — The wives of three incarcerated mobsters take over their husbands’ rackets to support their families in 1970s NYC. With Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss. (1:42) R. “Late Night” — A swell romantic comedy of a very particular sort, a film that details the delightful attachment two women have to the profession they’re completely devoted to. R.

“The Lion King” — The young Simba has a series of adventures on the way to claiming his birthright in this computer-animated remake of the 1994 animated Disney musical. (1:58) PG. “Men in Black: International” — A new generation of alien-busting agents searches for a mole in their midst. (1:55) PG-13. “Midsommar” — A young American tourist couple are drawn into the darker aspects of a pagan festival in rural Sweden. (1:40) R. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” — Leonardo DiCaprio is a has-been TV star and Brad Pitt plays his longtime stunt double in writerdirector Quentin Tarantino’s 1969-set multi-narrative tale set during the closing days of the studio system’s Golden Age. (2:39). “Pokemon Detective Pikachu” — The son of a missing detective teams with the titular sleuth to find his father in this mix of live action and animation. (1:44) PG. “Rocketman” — Mild-mannered English piano player Reginald Dwight transforms into rock superstar Elton John in this musical fantasy biopic starring Taron Egerton. (2:01) R. “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” — Teens in a small town in

the 1960s discover a book of terror tales that start to come true. With Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Gil Bellows, Lorraine Toussaint. (1:510 PG-13. “The Secret Life of Pets 2” — A sequel to the computer-animated comedy reveals more of the antics our animal companions get up to when we’re not around. (1:26) “Spider-Man: Far from Home” — The young web slinger’s trip to Europe with his school friends is interrupted by Nick Fury and some elemental creatures. (2:08) PG-13. “Toy Story 4” — The gang goes on a road trip and reunites with Bo Peep in the fourth entry in DisneyPixar’s beloved computer-animated franchise. (1:40) G. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” — A Seattle woman with a seemingly perfect life suddenly disappears in this comedy-drama based on Maria Semple’s best-selling novel. With Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup, Kristen Wiig, James Urbaniak, Judy Greer, Troian Bellisario, Laurence Fishburne. (1:44) PG-13. “Yesterday” — A struggling musician wakes up to find he’s the only person on Earth who knows the music of the Beatles. (1:56) PG-13.

From left, Holt McCallany, Damon Herriman and Jonathan Groff appear in “Mindhunter.” NETFLIX

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A U G U S T 22 - 28, 2019

FILM CAPSULES “47 Meters Down: Uncaged” — Four teen girls exploring undersea ruins are menaced by sharks in this sequel. With Sophie Nelisse, Corinne Foxx, Sistine Stallone, Brianne Tju, John Corbett, Nia Long. (1:29) PG-13. “Aladdin” — Live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1992 animated musical based on the timeless fantasy tale about a charming thief, a beautiful princess and a big blue genie. (2:08) PG. “The Angry Birds Movie 2” — The irritable avians of the popular game app return in this animated sequel. Voices of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Leslie Jones, Bill Hader, Rachel Bloom, Awkwafina, Sterling K. Brown, Danny McBride, Peter Dinklage, Dove Cameron, Lil Rel Howery, Nicki Minaj. (1:36) PG. “Annabelle Comes Home” — The deadly doll wreaks horror on the family of demonologists in this franchise entry. (1:46) R. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” — A clever dog voiced by Kevin Costner narrates the story of his owner, an aspiring Formula One driver. With Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Kathy Baker, Martin Donovan, Gary Cole. (1:49) PG. “Avengers: Endgame” — Captain America and the other surviving team

members attempt to set the universe to rights in the aftermath of Thanos’ victory in this Marvel franchise entry. (3:01) PG-13. “Blinded by the Light” — A working-class British-Pakistani teen in 1987 finds inspiration in the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen. With Viveik Kalra, Hayley Atwell, Rob Brydon. (1:57) PG-13. “Brian Banks” — A promising high school football player fights for justice after he is falsely convicted of rape. With Aldis Hodge, Sherri Shepherd, Melanie Liburd, Greg Kinnear. Written by Doug Atchison. Directed by Tom Shadyac. (1:39) PG-13. “A Dog’s Journey” — The pooch with a purpose forms a new attachment and vows to watch over her in this sequel. (1:48) PG. “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” — The teen explorer from the animated series leads her friends on a jungle adventure in this live-action tale. With Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Pena, Eva Longoria, Temuera Morrison. (1:42) PG. “The Farewell” — Lulu Wang’s tender, funny and melancholy dramedy about an elaborate family deception is personal filmmaking at its most incisive, with superb performances. PG.

CITY LIFE

NEXT DRAFT

Jack’s Abby’s co-owner Jack

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 2 1 Hendler travels often for beer

collaborations, estimating that the brewery has done nearly 30 in the eight years since it opened. Most begin with Jack’s Abby seeking to experiment with another brewery using a new ingredient or recipe, he said, or vice versa. “I love traveling for beer,” Hendler said. “We did it for 10 years before we opened the brewery, getting out checking out the beer scene. I don’t leave the brewery a ton, but when I do, it’s usually for some breweryrelated event like a collaboration. Sometimes, you get a little insulated in your comfort zone, so it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and see what’s happening.” The Great Mass Collab will have one session from 1 p.m. to 5. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $10 for designated drivers.

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Everything Worcester beer The Great Mass Collab will kick off the first ever weeklong celebration of Worcester craft beer. Worcester Craft Beer Week was created not only to drum up more beer tourism for the city, but also to celebrate how far the city’s craft beer scene has come and how close the five breweries have grown. “A lot of people have been asking us if we feel threatened by there being four other breweries here. We don’t. We feel like it’s drawing more people into our city,” said Katrina Shabo, Wormtown’s marketing director. Details are still being worked out, but so far, events include a rooftop party on Aug. 21 after the Great Mass Collab, a disc golf tournament at Maple Hill in Leicester on Aug. 22 and a pizza night at BirchTree Bread Company with brewers on Aug. 25. On Aug. 27, Union Station will offer shuttle service to each brewery. And the week will culminate on Aug. 28 with a citywide scavenger hunt, ending with an all-Worcester brewery tap takeover; the bar has not been chosen yet. “The plan is to have the final clue lead them to a bar who agrees to do a full Worcester tap takeover so everyone can try (Snoopy Cap), as well as many of our other great beers,” Shabo said.

A U G U S T 22 - 28, 2019

could come and try something there for the first time.” The response from breweries was an overwhelming yes, and without any help from the MBG, they began reaching out to one another. A collection of partnerships has developed — some expected, some surprising, all satisfying. The five Worcester breweries have already started planning out a coffee-brown ale they’ve dubbed “Snoopy Cap.” They’ve tasted coffee roasts and have set a tentative brew date of Aug. 26. Cambridge Brewing Co. has also joined the fun in Wootown. CBC will brew an India pale lager with Wormtown Brewery using Pilsner and Vienna malts and a South African hop known only as “XJ A2/436.” And CBC will get together with Redemption Rock Brewery to brew an IPA called “Ultimate Frisbie Hoar,” a nod to Cambridge Brewing head brewer Alex Swenson’s ancestor, who was a prominent lawyer and politician in Worcester. Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. is partnering with the Fall River brewer Canned Heat on a sour IPA with peaches. Medusa Brewing Company in Hudson is working with Norwood’s Castle Island Brewing Co., though they were not ready to reveal their recipe. Berkshire Brewing Co. in South Deerfield has signed up for two different collaborations. The 25-yearold brewery is making beers with Gardner’s Moon Hill Brewing Co. and Milford’s CraftRoots Brewing Co. Other collaborations include Wachusett Brewing Co. brewing with Stone Cow Brewery in Barre, Flying Dreams teaming with Off the Cuff Brewing Co. in South Deerfield and Everett’s Bone Up Brewing Co. working with Saltbox Brewery in Concord. Jack’s Abby in Framingham will brew a beer with fellow MetroWest brewery Lookout Farm Brewing & Cider Co. in Natick; the two breweries are still discussing a recipe.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO COMPILED BY RICHARD DUCKETT, VICTOR D. INFANTE, HOPE RUDZINSKI AND BILL SHANER

Thursday, Aug. 22

The Out To Lunch Festival and Farmers’ Market ft. Worcester Jazz Collective: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 22, Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St., Worcester. Worcester Off Limits: 5:306:30 p.m. Aug. 22, Former Bloomingdale Fire House, 676 Franklin Street, Worcester. For information or reservations: (508) 754-8760, events@ preservationworcester.org. Mitch Chakour: 6-9 p.m. Aug. 22, Sonoma Restaurant, Sonoma Restaurant, 363 Plantation Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 754-2000, sales@ beechwoodhotel.com. Summer in the Park Concert Series — Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse: 6-8 p.m. Aug. 22, Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex, 203.5 Pakachoag Street, Auburn. Movies on the Common featuring “How to Train Your Dragon — The Hidden World: 6:30-10 p.m. Aug. 22, The Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St., Worcester. For

information: oval@worcesterma. gov. Sports Trivia hosted by NESN’s Tom Caron: 7 p.m. Aug. 22, Redemption Rock Brewing Company, 333 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. $10-$50. Showcase Cinemas Brings Back “Taxi Driver”: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 22, Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux, 70 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Millbury. Cost: $13.50. For information: scooper@360pr. plus. Comedian Sam Evans: 8 p.m. Aug. 22, WooHaHa, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $10. Who Doesn’t Love Kim?: benefit, 6-9 p.m. Aug. 23, The Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. Cost: $50. Canal District Music SeriesMichelle “Evil Gal” Willson /JOMP Jazz Ensemble: 6-8:15 p.m. Aug. 23, 112 Harding St., 112 Harding Street, Worcester Ice Center, Worcester. For information: (508) 981-4632, ckburr2@gmail.com.

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“When we started the band in the early ‘70s, we did it for beer money on the weekends,” recalls Marshall Tucker Band lead singer Doug Gray. Then came seven gold and three platinum records, and hits such as “Fire on the Mountain.” The band, through various lineups but with Gray still on board as an original, continues to win new fans with its definitive blend of rock, rhythm and blues, country and gospel.

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There’s been some fun doings at Fitchburg’s Riverfront Park this summer, with a wide range of musical styles being represented with one-day festivals. But now things are going a little wild, as “A Taste of Steampunk” presents Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, one of the coolest and most unpredictable bands out there. The “steamcrunk” band’s worth seeing under any circumstances, but in this setting promises to be an unforgettable experience. What: A Taste of Steampunk featuring Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys When: 5 p.m. Aug. 24 Where: Fitchburg Riverfront Park, 51 Commercial St., Fitchburg How much: $10

Friday, Aug. 23

Marshall Tucker Band to play Indian Ranch

Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys set for Fitchburg’s Riverfront Park

What: Marshall Tucker Band; opening act Charlie Ferren When: 1 p.m. Aug. 25 (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Where: Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Road, Webster How much: $34.50-$49.50; children general admission $15. www.indianranch.com

Roger Convery: 6-9 p.m. Aug. 23, Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Avenue, Worcester. For information: hagstromeric53@ gmail.com. Salsa on the Riverfront: 6 p.m. Aug. 23, lesson, 7 p.m. dance party, Riverfront Park, 51 Commercial St., Fitchburg. Free, register at salsaontheriverfront@gmail.com. Summer of Love 2019: an eclectic array or performers representing the folk singer-songwrite, rap, R&B, country, rock ‘n’ roll, EDM genres, and more, 7 p.m. Aug. 23 to 1 a.m. Aug. 26, starlite, 39 Hamilton St., Southbridge. $8 for 1 day pass, $12 for 3 day pass. City Field Day 2019: 4-8 p.m. Aug. 23, The Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main Street , Worcester. Bungee trampoline, zip line, super slide, Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course, food trucks, WooRides, face painting and more. Free. Plein Air Film Series — “Faces Places”: screening, 8-11 p.m. Aug. 23, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester. Cost: $12-$16. Legendary filmmaker Agnès Varda and photographer JR travel the French countryside, encountering people and places that become the subjects of their public art installations. Judy Collins: SOLD OUT 8-11 p.m. Aug. 23, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. Sold out. For information: (978) 425-4311, BryanSawyer@bullrunrestaurant. com. Comedian Brian Glowacki: 8 p.m. Aug. 23, WooHaHa, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20. Comedian Mike Bain: 8 p.m. Aug. 23, The Comedy Attic at Park Grill & Spirits, 257, Park Ave. $15.

Let it Bleed Live: 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston St, Worcester. Ladyspike! The All Female Comedy Show: hosted by: Caitlin Arcand, 9 p.m.-midnight Aug. 23, Bull Mansion Event Space, 55 Pearl Street, Worcester. Cost: $12. Turning Points: a Cabaret: 7:3010:30 p.m. Aug. 23, Barre Players Theater Inc, 64 Common Street, Barre. $20. For information: 978355-2096, go.evvnt.com/4897650. Songs from contemporary musical theater. PG-13 due to some strong language. Cabaretstyle seating.

Psychic Medium Matt Fraser coming to Mechanics Hall He’s a medium with a message. Matt Fraser’s web site states, “Matt passionately believes that his job as a psychic medium is not only

Saturday, Aug. 24

Annual Holden Days celebration: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. Featuring a parade, musical performances by Decades by Dezyne and the XS Band; dance performances and demonstrations, an auto showcase; and bandstand performances with local musicians. Also a Marketplace, Food Court, Art Lot, Craft Corner and the Kids’ Court, which features family dance parties, the Roaming Railroad, face-painting, games and more. Free. Presented by Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce. Running Out of Summer 5k Charity Race: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 24, Rapscallion Brewery, 195 Arnold Road, Sturbridge. Cost: $35. For information: (617) 6801112, wormtownmilersrun@ gmail.com. Walk the Streets of Revolutionary Worcester: 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 24, Salisbury Mansion, 40 Highland Street, Worcester. Cost: $10. For information: (508) 753-8278,

to help those connect with their loved ones, but to help inspire and encourage others to embrace and be thankful for all the blessings that life has to offer.” Fraser, who has developed an international following, returns to Mechanics Hall on Sunday for a two-hour group reading. What: Psychic Medium Matt Fraser Live in Worcester When: 1 p.m. Aug. 25 (doors open 12:30 p.m.) Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester How much: $52-$60 general admission. www.mechanicshall.org/ tickets/psychic-matt-fraser/

CITY LIFE

Spencer hosting two music, art events Saturday Spencer’s the place to be Saturday as two daylong events will be providing music and fun for the entire family. At the inaugural Spencer Street Party downtown from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the town is celebrating local creatives with live music, artists and crafters, a beer garden, food vendors, local businesses, activities for children, and more. Performers include the Grateful Dead tribute band Lobsterz From Mars, plus Honey Comb, Gracie Day, Ladii Girl, Zack Slik, and comedy with Niki Luparelli. Meanwhile, Saturday in the Park at Powdermill Park, hosted by the Spencer Exchange Club, features the veteran rock group The Silverbacks and the longstanding popular duo Chuck & Mud, with special guests Walter Crockett and Peter Allard. There will also be food, beverages, face painting for children and playground activities. Both events are free admission; vendor purchases. What/When/Where Spencer Street Party: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 24, downtown Spencer Saturday in the Park: noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 24, Powdermill Park, 43 Smithville Road, Spencer

Theater Inc, 64 Common Street, Barre. $20. For information: 978-355-2096, https://go.evvnt. com/489783-0. Songs from contemporary musical theater. PG-13 due to some strong language.

Sunday, Aug. 25

Summer of Love fest brings area favorites to starlite The original Woodstock festival was a veritable who’s who of American music in its day. The Summer of Love 2019 three-day festival might not have Jimi Hendrix playing, but it’s got a wide range of local favorites, including M-EZY, Circus Tree, Aly K, Molly-Jane Gain, Leon Legacy, Shane Hall, Carlos Odria, Nick Noble, J. Rice, Kala Farnham, Glass Mannequins (pictured), Matt Soper, Gracie Day and many, many others. Seriously, it looks like a fantastic way to celebrate what’s great in local music. What: Summer of Love 2019 When: 7 p.m. to close Aug. 23, 1 p.m. to close Aug. 24 and 25 Where: starlite, 39 Hamilton St., Southbridge How much: $8 for 1 day pass, $12 for 3 day pass

Young Professionals Night Out: 5-7 p.m. Aug. 28, 64 Franklin St, 64 Franklin Street, Worcester. For information, call (508) 753-2924, https://go.evvnt. com/482192-0. Join the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce for a night out of networking. Free appetizers and a cash bar at the Beer Garden in downtown Worcester.

Shine is an annual Super Smash Brothers esports competition. This year it will be held for the first time in Worcester, after holding its events in Boston since 2017. The competition will feature various games under the Smash Bros umbrella, including Super Smash Bros. 64, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Brawlhala. For a fee, the competition is open to the public, so come grab your sticks and game.

Thursday, Aug. 29

Summer in the Park Concert Series - Robert Black: 6-8 p.m. Aug. 29, Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Monday, Aug. 26 Pappas Recreation Complex, “Office Space”-Themed Trivia: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 26, Red Heat Tavern, 227 203.5 Pakachoag Street, Auburn. Turnpike Road, Westborough. Free. For information: kpappas@town. auburn.ma.us. Rain date the Adaptive Kayaking on Wallum following Tuesday. Lake: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. WooHaHa Comedy Club: 4:1527, Douglas State Forest, 107 8:15 p.m. Aug. 29, WooHaHa Wallum Lake Road, Douglas. Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St, For information: 413-584-2052, Worcester. Cost: $10. Thursday info@alloutadventures.org, Night Laughs with Kirsten Logan, https://go.evvnt.com/473659Dean Abbott, Dave Sheehan and 0. Through the use of tandem host Rob Pierce. For information, kayaks, paddle adaptations visit thewoohaha.com/. and outriggers, AOA makes Victor Wainwright & the Train: kayaking accessible to people 7:30-11 p.m. Aug. 29, Bull Run of all levels of ability. Program Restaurant, 215 Great Road, is free and open to people with disabilities and a guest. Advanced Shirley. Cost: $25. For information, call (978) 425-4311, https:// registration required. Adventures go.evvnt.com/437437-2. Victor available at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Wainwright’s musical style was and 2 p.m. described by the American Blues Scene Magazine as “honky-tonk Tuesday, Aug. 27 and boogie, with a dose of rolling The Thirsty Lab Poetry Reading thunder. with Nancy Strong: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 27, The Thirsty Lab, 206 Worcester Stage Road, Princeton. For information, “Forever Plaid”: Aug. 23, call (508) 797-4770, https://

What: A Super Smash Brothers competition at the DCU Center When: Friday Aug. 23, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sunday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Where: The DCU Center Convention Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester How Much: For spectators, $60 three-day passes and $30 singleday passes. For players, $10 games for single and doubles, $5 per person per game in larger crews.

24, 25. Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. thebradleyplayhouse.org. “Beer For Breakfast”: 8 p.m. Sept. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21; 2 p.m. Sept. 8, 15, 22. $20; seniors and students, $18; youth 11 and younger, $10.

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The seventh annual Worcester Caribbean American Festival: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 25. Brunch on the Commons 9 a.m.– 1 p.m., followed by parade of masqueraders marching and dancing on Main Street, at starting at 1:30 p.m. in downtown Worcester and ending at Institute Park, where there will be performers and vendors beginning at noon. Showcase Cinemas Brings Back “Taxi Driver”: 1-3 p.m. Aug. 25, Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux, 70 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Millbury. $13.50. https://go.evvnt.com/462589-0. Matt Fraser: 1 p.m. Aug. 25, Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester. $52-$60 general admission. mechanicshall.org/ tickets/psychic-matt-fraser/ Marshall Tucker Band: 1 p.m.

Aug. 25, Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Rd, Webster. $34.50-$49.50; children general admission $15. indianranch.com

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Shine E-Sports Competition Comes to DCU Center

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robertstacy@worcesterhistory. net. Clustertruck Food Truck Festival: 12-6 p.m. Aug. 24, Kalon Farm, 339 7 Bridge Road, Lancaster. Cost: $5-$30. Dodeca: 4 p.m. Aug. 24, Rapscallion Brewery, 195 Arnold Rd, Fiskdale. A Taste of Steampunk featuring Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys: 5-9 p.m. Aug. 24, Fitchburg Riverfront Park, 51 Commercial St, Fitchburg. Cost: $10-$10. We Are The Roses: creative initiative to shine light on what’s blooming in the second biggest city in New England, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24, Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester. $15-$25. Comedian Brian Glowacki: 8 p.m. Aug. 24, WooHaHa, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20. Comedian Mike Bain: 8 p.m. Aug. 24, The Comedy Attic at Park Grill & Spirits, 257, Park Ave. $15. Magic Mike XXL Experience: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Aug. 24, The Phoenix Bar and Grill, 4 Ayer Road, Shirley. Cost: $25-$30. Turning Points: a Cabaret: 7:3010:30 p.m. Aug. 24, Barre Players

go.evvnt.com/490060-0. Hosted by Susan RoneyO’Brien, the reading series features area and visiting poets.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO

City Field Day at Worcester Common Oval The Worcester Common Oval becomes a field of fun from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. City Field Day, hosted by the City of Worcester, will feature attractions and entertainment for the whole family, including a zipline, superslide, bungee trampoline, face painting, Woo rides and a Ninja Warrior obstacle course. What: City Field Day When: 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23 Where: Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St., Worcester How much: Free. Food trucks will have goods for sale

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Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Sturbridge. stageloft. org/. “Tuesdays with Morrie”: Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 22. Gateway Players Theatre. gatewayplayers.org. “Beautiful”: Sept. 26-29. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre. org.

“There’s a Monster in My Closet”: Oct. 4, 5, 6. Gateway Players Theatre. gatewayplayers.org. “Deathtrap”: Oct. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 30. The Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. thebradleyplayhouse.org. “Don’t Dress for Dinner”: 8 p.m. Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12; 2 p.m. Oct. 13. $22; $15 for ages 16 and younger. Theatre at the Mount,

Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner. mwcc.edu/tam. “Spitfire Grill, The Musical”: 8 p.m. Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19; 2 p.m. Oct. 13, 20. $20; seniors and students, $18; youth 11 and younger, $10. Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Sturbridge. stageloft. org/. “Once on This Island”: Oct. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20. New Players Theatre Guild, 15 Rollstone St., Fitchburg. nptg.org. “The Woman in Black”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 18, 19, 25, 26; 2 p.m. Oct. 20, 27. $20; $17 for seniors and students. Calliope Productions, 150 Main St., Boylston. calliopeproductions.org. “Wait Until Dark”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26; 2 p.m. Oct. 27. $20; senior (65+) and children 12 and younger, $15. Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. barreplayerstheater.com. “The Haunting of Hill House”: 7:30 Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1, 2; 2 p.m. Oct. 27, Nov. 3. $15; $12 for seniors and students. Pasture Prime Productions, 4 Dresser Hill Road, Charlton. “The Play That Goes Wrong”: Oct. 31-Nov. 3. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

thehanovertheatre.org. “A Murder Is Announced”: Nov. 15, 16, 22, 23, 24. Gateway Players Theatre. gatewayplayers.org. “A Christmas Story, The Musical”: 8 p.m. Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6, 7; 2 p.m. Dec. 1, 8. $22; $15 for ages 16 and younger. Theatre at the Mount, Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner. mwcc.edu/tam. “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some)”: 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 13; 2 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15. $20; seniors and students, $18; youth 11 and younger, $10.

Porch Music Weekend in Princeton It’s “Porch Music Weekend” in Princeton as several awardwinning artists come to perform on Princeton Common Aug. 23 and 24. The duo Sisters of Slide at 5:30 p.m. Friday feature two beloved masters of slide — five-time blues music award winner Rory Block and Texas Music Hall of Famer Cindy Cashdollar — for what promises to be an exceptional evening of blues. Saturday, the music continues

We Are The Roses returns to Mechanics Hall We’ll admit, the event description sounds a little fuzzy: “The ‘We Are The Roses’ creative initiative strives to shine light on what’s blooming in the second biggest city in New England by redirecting the spotlight on us, the flowers, instead of highlighting the thorns stemming from Worcester’s prickly perception.” We also don’t know who is performing in the event’s “showcase of excellence.” But we DO know that past years’ events have really put together exciting lineups of diverse artists, from rappers to fashion designers to graphic designers, and in the end, it’s proven to be an unparalleled glimpse into the city’s urban creative spirit. What: We Are The Roses When: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24 Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester How much: $15 to $25

with four bands on four porches around the town common from 1-6 pm. The lineup includes Grammynominated Ben Townsend and brother Jim from West Virginia who perform an eclectic mix of classical and Appalachian music (4 p.m.); Those Guys Again (1 p.m.), Tiny Zoo (2 p.m.), and Liv Hart (3 p.m.) All performances are free. In the event of rain, concerts will be held at the First Congregational Church on Princeton Common. The Town of Princeton and its Concerts on the Common series is hosting Friday’s show and collaborating with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Princeton Cultural Council and the Princeton Art Society to sponsor Saturday’s concerts. What: Porch Music Weekend When: 5:30 p.m. Aug. 23 and 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 24 Where: Princeton Common, Princeton How much: Free

CITY LIFE

Ladyspike brings female comedians to Bull Mansion Comedian Caitlin Arcand will host Ladyspike! The All-Female Comedy Show, featuring performances by Sarah Martin, Marie Connor, Kathryn Gironimi, Cathy Coleman, Cindy Gray and special guest drag performers Poise N’ Envy and Robyn Millyonz. What: Ladyspike! The All Female Comedy Show When: 9 p.m. Aug. 23 Where: Bull Mansion, 55 Pearl St., Worcester How much: $12.

Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Sturbridge. stageloft. org/. “Annie”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 7, 13, 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 14, 15. $20; $17 for seniors and students. Calliope Productions, 150 Main St., Boylston. calliopeproductions.org. “Miracle on 34th Street”: Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22. The Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. thebradleyplayhouse.org. “Forever Plaid”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 13 and 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. $20; senior (65+) and children 12 and younger, $15. Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. barreplayerstheater.com.

Tickets

Michelle “Evil Gal” Willson and her Evil Gal Festival Orchestra close out Canal District summer series

What: Canal District Music Series When: 6-8:15 p.m Aug. 23 Where: 112 Harding Street, Worcester Ice Center, Worcester How Much: Free. www.facebook.com/canaldistrictmusicseries/

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The Canal District Music Series wraps up the season with performances by rhythm and blues singer Michelle “Evil Gal” Willson and her Evil Gal Festival Orchestra and opening act the Joy of Music Program Jazz Ensemble.

A U G U S T 22 - 28, 2019

Peppa Pig Live: 6 p.m. Sept. 6. $35.50-$70. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org or (877) 571-7469. Judy Collins: 8 p.m. Aug. 23. Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Rt. 2A, Shirley. bullrunrestaurant. com (978) 425-4311. SHOW SOLD OUT Victor Wainwright & the Train: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29. $25. Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Rt. 2A, Shirley. bullrunrunrestaurant. com (978) 425-4311. Alan Parsons Live Project: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18. $29.50$79.50. Tickets on sale May

10. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre. org or (877) 571-7469. REO Speedwagon: 8 p.m. Oct. 3. $45-$95. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org or (877) 571-7469. Carol Burnett: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17. $68-$250. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre.org or (877) 571-7469. Lewis Black: The Joke’s On US Tour. 7 p.m. Dec. 8. $55-$75. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. thehanovertheatre. org or (877) 571-7469.

CITY LIFE

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.

EAST DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Sylvester (above) and Spaz (below) are 4-year-old brothers. Someone in their family was allergic to them.

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A U G U S T 22 - 28, 2019

They got along with the older kids and cats; they have not lived with dogs. Sylvester is friendly; Spaz is cautious. They don’t like being picked up, but they enjoy human attention in their own way. Sylvester will come forward when he wants to be pet. Spaz hangs back and prefers the nose boop. You extend your index finger; if he touches it with his nose, you can pet him a couple times. The cats are staying in one of our offices because they don’t like being confined in a cage. If a file drawer is left open, one of the brothers shreds the files, so don’t leave your mail or other paperwork out on the table. Spaz and Sylvester can be adopted for a reduced fee of $250 for both cats.

GAMES

J O N E S I N’

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35 Wooden hideout in more wood 40 Nursery rhyme trio’s place 41 “That’s a ___ on me!” 43 Saturated 44 Ornamental mat 45 Rose petal extract 46 Cibo ___ (trip-hop group that split in 2017) 47 Gazes extremely rudely 48 Requisites 51 World Cup cheers 53 Infamous 1974 bankrobbing gp.

Last week's solution

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Down 1 Lead singer Haynes on the 1996 hit “Pepper” 2 Prefix with phobia

3 Dolphins QB Josh nicknamed “The Chosen One” 4 “___ honor” 5 “Perfect Strangers” cousin 6 Long stretch 7 Fireball 8 Villain whose real name is revealed to be Dougie Powers 9 Most sickly 10 Reddit Q&A session 11 Balloon material 12 Close associations 13 Hammer home? 14 Periphery 20 Choice word 24 Dwarf planet named for a Greek goddess 25 Do well on a hole, maybe 27 Collection of air pressure data 28 Mozart fan, perhaps 29 She played Glinda in “The Wiz” 30 Land in a riviere 31 Bounce 33 Former shipping nickname

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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 “The Liberator of Italy” 10 REO Speedwagon lead guitarist Dave 15 1995 hit for Tripping Daisy 16 “Skip to ___” 17 Final stage, often 18 Apportion 19 Doesn’t lose money or turn a profit 21 Isn’t 100% 22 Greek New Age keyboardist 23 Smart remark 25 “Uncle” of early TV 26 Universal plan in Japan, for short 27 Currency where the “soberano” variety replaced the “fuerte” in 2018 32 Detective, often 34 Simian 35 It followed “and” in the “Gilligan’s Island” theme song, early on 36 Back out 37 Puts up a fight 38 “R.I.P.” singer Rita 39 Editorial writer 42 Indian princess, once 44 “Downsizing” star 49 Team obstacles 50 Unprocessed video 52 Mates of vacas 54 Insufficient 55 Of the kidney 56 Coincidental 57 Northern California town that once had a palindromic bakery 58 A bridge from Philadelphia is named for her

“Some More Words” – this time, themeless. by Matt Jones

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A U G U S T 22 - 28, 2019

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Sudoku Answers

LAST CALL

DYLAN AZARI

Jennifer Gaskin

Worcester Caribbean American Carnival organizer

ennifer Gaskin believes that no matter where you’re from, the community you belong to should make you feel at home. As lead organizer of the annual Worcester Caribbean American Carnival being held Aug. 25, Gaskin aims to foster unity and an appreciation of diversity through this lively and engaging event bringing together thousands of people of all ages from across Massachusetts and beyond. Gaskin, who works in the healthcare industry, is also president of the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes a broader understanding and deeper appreciation of the Caribbean and Black American experience. Follow @worcestercarib on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to all the event’s upcoming festivities.

Where do you find your festival performers? We primarily get our bands and dancers from Boston’s Carnival that happens the night before, but there will be plenty of Worcester performers present as well. For the group coming in from Boston, they drive trucks full of supplies, speakers, musical instruments, and other per-

What unique things can revelers look forward to during Carnival? Brunch on the Worcester Common Oval is returning again this year and starts in the morning. The parade will begin later that afternoon, leaving from City Hall and ending at Institute Park. Attendees can see the costumes up close, enjoy craft and food vendors and have the opportunity to share in a fun, family-friendly day. Live soca, calypso, and reggae music will be heard on every corner. Vendors will be selling things like handmade dolls, paintings, clothing, and of course food; dishes from all over the Caribbean including areas like Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and more. There’s a lot of food available that I don’t get to enjoy very often, so I eat my share during Carnival. Whether you want to hang out at Institute Park and listen to the bands or follow along and walk the entire parade route, there’s something for everyone. I encourage the community to come out and experience everything they can. The word I hear the most from people who join us for Carnival is “freedom.” People get so excited to experience Caribbean tradition and truly enjoy living in the moment. – Jennifer Ingham

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Tell me about the vibrant masquerade costumes worn during Carnival. Carnival costumes are designed and detailed by hand and can take six months or more to create, depending on how intricate they are. You can expect to see lots of sequins, peacock feathers, beading and bright colors. Every color of the rainbow. Material is usually braided or glued together, and some pieces are so big they are placed on stands with wheels that performers walk with, because of how heavy the materials are. This is no small feat. My daughter, who has been the grand marshal in the Carnival parade for the past five years, will be in a unicorn costume around nine feet tall. Lots of time and work, but worth the effort.

formance accessories all the way to Worcester because they love sharing their culture with the public. They want to perform for our city and love the way this community embraces them. You’ll see people taking selfies, dancing along with them, having conversations. Performers feel welcome here and that their hard work is appreciated. The abundance of positive energy and Caribbean pride they bring spreads all the way across our city that day. Another fun aspect of the event, all performers will be part of a competition for “Masquerade Group of the Year,” judging them on how well their costumes interpreted this year’s Carnival theme. Each section will get a chance to go on stage, with the opportunity to win a trophy and prize money.

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What inspired your idea to create the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival? I moved to the United States from Grenada as a young child and have lived in Worcester for nearly 15 years. Moving here, my family and I felt somewhat disconnected from aspects of our culture. Worcester is the second largest city in New England and I wanted to bring Caribbean energy here for everyone to enjoy. Overall, the purpose of the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival is to highlight the diversity that is already present within this community and embrace shared traditions, hopefully in turn, embracing each other. When you’re new to an area, you could be coming from somewhere completely different. You’re thinking, “Who do I identify with? Who do I know who looks like me?” To find comfort knowing there’s a community here for you, that’s so important.

You started Carnival seven years ago. How does has the celebration evolved? This year, our theme is “re-j’ouvertnation.” This play on words using “j’ouvert,” meaning “dawn of day” in our culture, represents for us the way Carnival has transformed over the years and continues to be an event that draws people to Worcester. Carnival has really taken root, not only within the Caribbean community here, but elsewhere. We have visitors coming from as far away as Florida and Toronto. We want to continue growing something that will allow the community to understand who we are, what Caribbean culture is all about and to create that feeling of belonging. The festival is our “bullhorn,” our way to start engaging with people to keep the message of inclusivity going all year long.

What do you

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Krave - Coming October 24 to Worcester Magazine, The Landmark, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, Leominster Champion, The Gardner News, The Item, The Grafton News and the Telegram & Gazette. Reach more than 200,000 readers! Email WMSales@gatehousemedia.com or call 508-767-9574 to reserve your space today!