Worcester Magazine December 5 - 11, 2019

DECEMBER 5 - 11 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CULTURE • ARTS • DINING • VOICES

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ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FANTASY Cirque du Soleil brings ‘AXEL’ to the DCU Center

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D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019 • V O L U M E 45 I S S U E 15 Find us on Facebook.com/worcestermag Twitter @worcestermag Instagram: Worcestermag

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Featured ......................................................................................4 City Voices...................................................................................8 In Case You Missed It ... .......................................................10 Cover Story ...............................................................................11 Artist Spotlight .......................................................................17 Lifestyle......................................................................................18 Listen Up....................................................................................19 Dining Review..........................................................................20 Table Hoppin’ ..........................................................................20 Film .............................................................................................22 Film Capsules ..........................................................................23 Calendar ....................................................................................24 Adoption Option ....................................................................28 Games .........................................................................................29 Classifieds .................................................................................30 Last Call .....................................................................................31

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Cirque du Soleil brings ‘AXEL’ to the DCU Center Story on page 11 Photo by Marie-Andree-Lemire Design by Kimberly Vasseur

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the cover

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FEATURED

Passed bill is prelude

Student Opportunity Act win sets stage for big school district decisions BILL SHANER

house passed similar bills, and last week, Baker signed a compromise bill just before Thanksgiving. windfall of state money Many in Worcester were active dedicated to historically in the fight to secure more school underfunded school disfunding. Mayor Joe Petty was one of tricts is on its way, and the several mayors around the state who Worcester Public Schools is one of worked to pressure the state govthe districts set to benefit the most. ernment with threats of a lawsuit, Governor Charlie Baker signed and that pressure was matched by into law a bill that promises an adothers in the school administration, ditional $1.5 billion in school funding on the school committee and in over the next seven years. The Stuthe community. Perhaps one of the most vocal and tireless advocates for funding reform in the state, Tracy O’ Connell Novick, warns that the need for advocacy is not over, but rather comes back home.

Novick, a School Committee member elect, education blogger and representative of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, said it’s now on local officials to make sure they spend the money in ways that actually narrow funding and achievement gaps.

“We have to do this right,” she said. “We need to make sure we don’t screw this up.”

Like Foley, she called the funding bill “our generation’s shot” to fix the problems that have beleaguered the Worcester Public Schools. The district has been functioning for so long on such an austere budget that educators and students alike have Tracy O’Connell Novick answers questions from the panel during the gotten used to working with a lack School Committee debate at Mechanics Hall in October. of supplies in run-down classrooms.

ASHLEY GREEN Some things have been broken so long, she said, they don’t even bother dent Opportunity Act delivers more much as $100 million — is supposed to mention it anymore. Novick money to both large urban school believes money should also go to to be a democratic one. As required districts and small rural ones to adby law, the committee will hold pub- services for first generation students dress funding inequities which have disadvantaged those school districts lic meetings over the coming months applying to college, as well as social and emotional support services to get input on where the money for years. and professional development for Higher costs for special education, should go. Districts are required to get a report back on how they spend teachers.

English language services, teacher But, as the district kicks off the the money in 2020. health care, transportation and Foley and others have called for a process of figuring out how to services for low-income students spend the money, Novick said it is strategic approach, mapping out all were for years not properly covered important to keep in mind how long seven years of education funding to in a state formula for doling out overdue this money actually is. Four education funding. The funding gaps invest in services, extra-curricular classes have graduated since the activities and more ambitious acaresulted in classroom conditions Foundation Budget Review Comthat might be familiar for Worcester demic offerings.

In 2015, a state commission found mission found there was an inequity, teachers and students: high class sizes, backlogged maintenance, bare- that public schools in Massachusetts and the inequities existed for long before that. were being shorted more than $1 bones rosters of support staff and a “That class of kids who graduated billion annually. The finding of the lack of classroom supplies. last year, we didn’t do right by them Foundation Budget Review ComFor large urban districts like Worcester, the bill promises the first mission led to a long and protracted and we didn’t do right by the class of kids before them,” she said. “Because fight in the Statehouse. Last year, a real infusion of new money since a similar education reform bill in 1993. similar bill collapsed in the last min- we let this slide as long as we did. We need to be thoughtful about that and utes of the 2018 legislative session.

“It is a generational opportunity,” make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

But in October, both the senate and said Jack Foley, School Committee

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member. Foley is not alone in feeling this way. The money will allow the district, for the first time in a long time, to invest in personnel and programs that make the district stronger. First year, Foley said, he’d like to see classroom sizes cut down and more mental health counselors brought on to help kids instead of suspend them.

But the choice of where to spend the new money — which could be as

Above, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker addresses an audience in 2018.

AP PHOTO/STEVEN SENNE

Below, Jack Foley answers a question from the panel during the School Committee debate.

ASHLEY GREEN

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FEATURED

Woobituary:

Daniel Wesson b. 1825. d.1906 STEVE SIDDLE

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Wesson family, too, was in the trade.

His father made plows, Daniel made guns.

When Daniel began manufacturing pistols – mostly used for target practice – relatively few families owned firearms. Eventually, Wesson’s inventions and innovative designs would help change the way

ficient to the stern father of the girl he loved. Unable to secure blessings from their elders, the young couple chose to elope. Cynthia insisted her bright young husband follow his dreams.

After a series of failures and personal setbacks, Daniel’s date with destiny was sealed when he

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orcester was a city known for tools.

Wrenches, hammers, grinding wheels and barbed wire were among some of the useful things we produced. The

Americans felt about guns. But as a young man in the mid 1800s, success seemed unsure to Daniel Wesson.

When Daniel first met Cynthia Marie Hawes in the summer of 1847 he was instantly smitten. Life for a gunsmith, however, seemed insuf-

FEATURED

befriended Horace Smith, a manufacturer from Springfield. Finally, partnered with a man who matched his vision, the two formed Smith & Wesson Revolver Company in 1856.

Success came with the Smith & Wesson “Volcanic,” the world’s first repeating rifle. Soon after that the company’s new revolver hit the streets. What made the “model one” remarkable was the rimfire cartridge that the pistol fired. Bullets became self-contained.

But it’s the infamous “38. Special” that made Smith & Wesson famous and made Daniel a very, very rich man. Compact, powerful and as easy to load as to shoot, the “38.

Special” would become one of the world’s most ubiquitous weapons. It is still in production today, though the name has changed.

Daniel and Cynthia poured their enormous wealth into 13 extravagant mansions, the most famous of which was White Cliffs. Originally conceived as a summer house, White Cliffs was built in Northboro in 1886. A sprawling, 32-room mansion with 17 bathrooms and indoor plumbing, White Cliffs was a mansion meant to compete with those

of Newport. (Woobit readers may remember the White Cliffs function hall and restaurant where many a wedding was held in the 1980s and ’90s.) It was there the Wesson family had some of their happiest days.

Daniel never moved back to the city in which he was born and chose instead to make his home in Springfield, where Smith & Wesson headquarters remain. Worcester was left behind when Daniel found fame and fortune.

It as impossible to imagine what Daniel (by all accounts a Christian, God-fearing man) would think of his company’s legacy. Guns were mere tools to Daniel Wesson and he envisioned their role in our society as a relatively benign one.

How could anyone, from the viewpoint of 19th-century Worcester, have ever imagined the divisive, often destructive ways in which guns would impact the lives of Americans?

Once again we see how, sometimes in unexpected ways, Worcester and the people who came from here, have played a pivotal role in the story of America.

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CITY VOICES

FIRST PERSON

artists

Face-to-Face Job Interview JOE FUSCO JR.

of an actor and

inging Aimee ghout her upbr a ballerina. Throu , New York. Musicians, ac- e Kent

hter in to creat small town of ée is the daug that Colette took her life in the Colette Aim in and out of of the influencesSUNY New Paltz in New York, of art flowing l at crats were many

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s as well as art schoo and aristo had all kinds lf going on to in gallery shows and event creative poets, painters e found herse of try tors, dancers, over the coun herself with the same types she is today. Aime now shows all the artist that und BFA in 2006. She als. She continues to surro surrealistic world. being that receiving her c and arts festiv ous colors of her quin, a magical ul and at various musi re her to paint the lumin with the idea of the Harle playf l, sexua inspi working own to Harlequins are people which now she has beensurrounds it. These esoteric daries of our world and their years al For sever that boun and the world ling beyond the can change itself us in their thoughts of trave ing events: . or at the follow 13-15 in Greenfield. ee sometimes devio elastic points of views tteaim usly .com/cole val: Sept. reach tremendo of her work at rawartists Aug. 24, Wormtown Festi Check out more town Spencer: t Party in down Spencer Stree

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WORCESTER MAGAZINE’S LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

CITY LIF E

19 5 - 21, 20 AUGUST 1

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od, I hate this BS! It’s 90 degrees and I’m stuffed inside a grey pinstriped suit whose pants were a perfect fit ten years ago.

“Dress for Success ... dressed to sweat!

Another god-damn job audition. Dance, monkey, Dance!

I assure my two interviewers that I am a team player, will kick in step with the other Rockettes, there’s no ‘I’ in team.

There’s no ‘you’ in team either.

Otherwise, I’d be interviewing in my pajama shorts, Hawaiian shirt, and flip-flops, replying like the old wise-ass I am to these inane STAR questions.

STAR … Situation or Task, Action, Result. The bellwether of most Talent Acquisition Managers’ repertoire.

“So, Mr. Fusco, give us an example of a job situation you’ve been in that involved conflict, what actions you took, and the outcome.”

I mull then answer: “There was a vendor who brought in pallets of his 2-Liter soda into our store, way too much product. I told him to credit it out by the next day or I

would toss the pallets of soda off our dock. He called my bluff so the next morning a sea of carbonated beverages surrounded our receiving area. A multitude of seagulls were attracted to the sweetness and one of them, a very large seagull, swooped in and grabbed a small child out of a customer’s carriage in the parking lot then flew away before finally depositing the unfortunate child about a half mile down the road at the town beach, unharmed. The vendor never had a problem with excessive inventory again.”

Did I just say that or imagine it?

I hope that I assured my two interviewers that I’m an experienced, knowledgeable, rational applicant who will do my utmost to sell their beverage, even though it tastes like dung, to the ill-informed masses.

God, I hate this BS! But, I’m too lonely to retire.

I shake hands with both interviewers who promise to get back to me soon.

I’ve heard this line before but thank them for their time, walk to my car, drive to the beach, read some Chekhov, then spill some soda.

wanted

CITY VOICES

WORCESTERIA

Different definitions of ‘affordable’ BILL SHANER

LUKES’ LAST STAND: Remember last week, when I half-jokingly set the stage for outgoing City Councilor Konnie Lukes to make one last, big splash with the Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation? Send a proposal for fare-free WRTA straight to the full council? Well, that turned out to be a complete dud. The only thing on Lukes’ agenda was a backlog of five or six petitions to get street lights put in, and the meeting was canceled because of the snow, anyway. It is unclear whether the committee will meet again under Lukes’ leadership, and even more unclear what, if anything, they will do. If Lukes is going to make a last stand, this ain’t it. But she’s running out of time. It’s less than two months until a new council is inaugurated.

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THE SMILEY: I have nothing good or bad to say about the decision to name the Worcester Red Sox the WooSox or to make the team logo the smiley face. Both solid, sound choices, and though I was personally rooting for the Worcester Worcesters, I can’t knock it. I would like to mention, however, that I discovered a nugget of information about Harvey Ball’s smiley face which has completely changed my perception about it. The face was originally commissioned by the company that would become Hanover Insurance to boost employee morale. Why, you ask, was employee morale so low? Well, they were going through a corporate merger, as then State Mutual sought to acquire an Ohio company. Mergers and acquisitions, I know firsthand, almost always mean layoffs, job reshuffling and generally being made to do the work of more people with less support. Imagine, you’re going to work every day unsure of whether it will be your last, and if it is your last how are you going to keep up with your mortgage and your kids are dependent on your employer-provided health insurance and the car needs a new timing belt yesterday. And your boss comes over and hands you a smiley face pin, makes you put it on, and tells you, you know, you should smile more, don’t forget to smile. Pure evil. That this is the genesis of the symbol, and it went on to be such an international success … gotta be honest, it puts me in a real dark place.

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

WHAT IS AFFORDABLE: Last week, I criticized aspects of the city’s new Worcester Housing Now initiative in an effort to make the case for rent control. My criticism rankled city officials. They pointed out, rightly, that I failed to mention that the triple decker rehabilitation dollars come with affordability restrictions on what developers can rent them for. Sorry for the omission, but this provides us the perfect opportunity to talk about how the word “affordable” is used in Massachusetts; i.e. it is diffuse to the point of being meaningless. Let’s take a look at the affordability restrictions built into the Worcester Housing Now initiative vis-a-vis the triple decker rehab program: one-bedroom units (of which there are close to none in Worcester, especially in the sort of housing stock that needs rehabilitation) capped at $946; two-bedroom capped at $1,202; threebedroom capped at $1,506; four-bedroom capped at $1,632. These are, at best, market rate for the city’s current housing stock. In 10 years, which is when the cap is lifted, that might be a deal, but really these are the kind of rates people are already struggling to pay. Just go on Zillow quickly.

Sixteen-hundred dollars for a four-bed is completely standard. Fifteenhundred dollars for a three-bed is honestly a little steep. When I say “affordable” is a diffuse word in Massachusetts, this is what I mean. I get that city officials were upset that I didn’t mention affordability requirements in my last post, but I’d ask them to in turn consider whether these affordability requirements are really affordable at all.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

John Brazile of Worcester performs during open mic night.

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Anne Brazile, 13, tunes her guitar before performing.

Laurie McGuiness of Worcester performs on the ukulele.

Mark Belanger of Grafton.

Open Mic at Funky Murphys The Monday night open mic at Funky Murphys on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, run by musician Rick Hammel, has a strong, enthusiastic following and is something of an incubator for local developing musical talent. A recent visit had Laurie McGuiness performing on the ukulele, 13-year-old Anne Brazile playing guitar and musicians John Brazile and Mark Belanger each stepping up to the mic for a tune.

Photos by Rick Cinclair

COVER STORY

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FANTASY

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

RICHARD DUCKETT

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

Cirque du Soleil brings ‘AXEL’ to the DCU Center

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COVER STORY

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Jayden Sierra) and up-and-coming rock star on the stage, where he comes to life as a singer. But he also has a more introverted side and uses a sketch book to write and draws characters and dreams of super heroes. Through “a suite of vignettes,” “AXEL” moves back and forth between both worlds as he falls in love and undertakes a high-speed chase for love and self-realization.

But a Cirque du Soleil show is sometimes less about the nuances of plot and more about atmosphere and mood.

To put it another way for this show, “AXEL” is a visual and sound

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t’s sunrise for a new Cirque du Soleil creation, “Cirque du Soleil AXEL,” which comes to the DCU Center for six performances Dec. 5 to 8.

For Fabrice Lemire, artistic director overseeing the show on its tour, this is another opportunity to be part of the collaboration that he said is at the heart of the creative processes of the Montreal-based “Circus of the Sun.” Meanwhile, “AXEL” is artist Alex Woo’s first Cirque show and a dream come true.

“AXEL” is the second time Cirque du Soleil has put on a show on ice.

“Crystal,” which came here in 2017,

Jayden Sierra stars as “AXEL.” followed a troubled young woman who helps find her place in the world with the help of her “Reflection” and featured acrobatics and ice skating.

Cirque du Soleil decided to do a second show with the same platform, “but not to repeat,” Lemire said.

AXEL is a young man (played by

MARIE-ANDREE-LEMIRE

treat, Lemire said. “They came up with a concept, including the element of the ice, visuals, projections, the lighting, the big stages,” he said of the show’s creators.

AXEL will front a rock band with well-known songs including Radiohead’s “Creep,” Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” The Bee Gees’ “You Should Be

COVER STORY

Dancing” and House of Pain’s “Jump.”

The numbers have been specially arranged and adapted by Québécois musician, composer and producer Philippe Brault, who has also composed the original score for “AXEL.” Like “Crystal,” there will be skaters and acrobats, and “the acrobatic element on ice.”

The show is fantasy, Lemire said.

“You go to a theater to escape your reality, and you can do that (with ‘AXEL’).”

Lemire, who is originally from France, was also artistic director for “Crystal.” In the capacity as artistic director for a Cirque du Soleil show he has input during the initial creative process but his main role is to shape and look after the production once it hits the road.

“It’s like being the adopted parent of a newborn child. It’s yours, but it’s not yours from birth. But you continue to give the child the best,” he said.

With “AXEL,” Lemire oversees 41 artists, including band singers, acrobats and skaters.

“I’m traveling with the show to continue to have the show evolve and look great and look after the well being of the performers,” he said. “I’m a facilitator between the perform-

The character Lei. ers going on stage and the artistic direction.”

With that, Cirque du Soleil is a place where “you always continue to challenge yourself. It’s important to take risks,” he said.

“AXEL” opened Oct. 4 in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, and Worcester is the penultimate stop before the show has its official world premiere Dec. 19 at Bell Centre in Montreal.

MARIE-ANDREE-LEMIRE

The show will run there through Dec. 29 then hit the road again for what will be a two-year tour, with “a map” of four to five years, Lemire said.

“Like any production, we are learning about the challenges and opportunities to make it grow. This is the whole beauty of live entertainment. It continues to evolve. We have a good show. It’s always a work in progress from my end,” Lemire said.

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In that respect, the “AXEL” at the DCU Center will be different from the show that opened in Cornwall, and in turn will have evolved some more by the time it opens in Montreal, Lemire said.

Similarly, with the performers, “it’s always changing. Performers at first they follow the lead of the director.

(Then) at some point you are holding the horse by the hairs. It will continue to Worcester, it will continue after Worcester. This is the beauty of the job.”

Alex Woo is not an acrobat, ice skater, dancer or singer. He’s a martial artist, but there is a place for him in the Cirque Du Soleil universe.

Woo said he plays Axel’s best friend, a teacher of martial arts who helps him get ready for a battle later in the show. Woo has his own number which he performs with weapons that include a single sword, double sword and a staff. It’s probably just as well Woo doesn’t have to play that out on ice. He said he performs his number on “a dry, circular platform.”

Born in Boston, Woo grew up in Winthrop and Natick and said, “I was eight years old when my dad got me into the whole martial arts thing ... I practiced kung fu for maybe 18

years.” He was in a lot of competitions. However, “I had set Cirque du Soleil as my main goal in life.”

When Woo was around 11 he was taken to see the Cirque show “Kà” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

A huge coming of age story of a young man and a young woman, the production has battles and features martial arts.

Woo said he told his father during the show, “ ‘That’s what I want to do when I grow up.’ The show had a lot of martial arts. Watching that really motivated me.”

He first auditioned for Cirque du Soleil in 2015. “I kept on training,” Woo said. He was working as a security guard at Tufts Medical Center in Boston when he auditioned again last year. “They contacted me for this show (‘AXEL’).”

For his solo spot he said he showed the creators and artistic director his moves “and from there they shaped it into a number. It was a collaboration.”

“AXEL” was in Roanoke, Virginia, when Woo was talking on the phone recently. “It’s been going great. It’s a totally new experience for me. The touring life is really nice. I can’t wait to continue it for the next two years,”

COVER STORY

MARIE-ANDREE-LEMIRE

Woo said. “I’m definitely happy. It’s definitely a dream come true and then some.”

The show’s visit to the DCU Center will be its closest to Woo’s home for a while.

“My whole family — mom’s side, dad’s side, all of them are going to come and watch the show,” Woo said. Also, co-workers from Tufts and many friends “are all going to come and see it.”

Cirque du Soleil has come a long way since some street performers in the town of Baie-SaintPaul, Quebec, staged a festival in 1982. “Cirque du Soleil AXEL” is the company’s 48th original production. The company’s shows have been seen around the world under tents and/or in huge arenas and many are either still active whether touring or in residency at places such as Las Vegas. When Cirque du Soleil started as a “human circus” in the 1980s, it was somewhat unique in being a circus with no animals. Now there is no more parade of elephants outside

the DCU Center when Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to town. Indeed, there is no more Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Lemire started out as a dancer in Paris and moved to the United States when he was 23, “now more than half my life.” Moving from dancer to choreographer and now artistic director,

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COVER STORY

he “found a nice for myself,” he said.

He has been involved with six Cirque du Soleil productions, five of them as artistic director.

“What I love about every one of them, the whole process has been different ... It’s important to take risks and get out of our comfort zone as a company,” he said.

“I’m not a loner when it comes to ideas. I love the collective. Being involved with others.”

Does he see himself traveling with “AXEL” for the next two years - or longer?

“I don’t plan, I just follow my journey.

I don’t stand still,” he said.

“At one point it will be important for me to bow (out) and (let them) bring a fresher concept, and important to me to go back to a new start,” he said.

Maybe on to another Cirque du Soleil dawn.

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What: Cirque du Soleil “AXEL” When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 6; 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 Where: DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester How much: Tickets starting at $25

MARIE-ANDREE-LEMIRE

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

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Dina Martinelli is an artist and art educator, currently teaching in Marlborough and living in Boston. She graduated in 2016 with a BFA in Painting and an MA in Art Education from BU. Martinelli is highly driven by color theory, using whimsical shapes and subjects in her work, and stressing the edges between forms. Her work has been exhibited at Davis Art Gallery in Worcester, Kathryn Schultz Gallery in Cambridge, 808 Gallery in Boston and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York. To see more of her work and get in touch, visit dinamartinelli.com.

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CITY LIFE

LIFESTYLE

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D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

I Went to the Greendale Mall on Black Friday Mall, might insult him. In the end, he surveyed the scene, set a few ground rules, and then offered to turn on the arcade for us. I think we made his morning.

The whole crew cooled down with a speedwalked lap around the mall’s interior. DSW and Bath and Body Works employees pressed their noses up against the glass, looking for signs of life. We were the only ones there.

Everyone met for coffee at Crust Artisan Bakeshop after the workout.

There was a line stretching down the block from Sweet Jane’s Designer Consignment where a 70% off sale had drawn an enormous 7 a.m. crowd. That’s when I spotted the Dolce & Gabbana loafers — brown calfskin leather with gold heels and scarlet trim. There was nothing else like them in the store.

While I waited in line, I examined the lightly worn soles and wondered about their first-life. Had they borne witness to the shopping mall at its zenith? Would they ever see a shopping mall again? Not on my watch, I decided, and I forked over my credit card to the small business owner in front of me.

SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

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he Greendale Mall opened in 1987, the same year I was born. At age 32, our bones are still solid. Our minds are still sharp. Our intentions are (mostly) altruistic. And, we do our best to keep up with the trends.

Then again, if I’m being honest, it has been years since I shopped at Greendale Mall.

It’s not what you think. I’m not mindlessly ordering Dolce & Gabbana loafers on Amazon. My friends and I partake in regular clothing swaps. I love consignment stores.

And, when I have a fancy event to attend, I Rent the Runway. I seek sustainability in retail, which may very well be a part of the shopping mall problem.

It’s not just Greendale Mall; the American shopping mall is dead.

Don’t believe me? Take a gander at the photos that surface when you search for “#deadmalls” on Instagram. The results are postapocalyptic.

Malls and mega-malls were built at an astounding rate during the 1980s. Architectural authorities like the Getty Center set the life expectancy of these buildings at roughly 60 years. According to a 2017 report

by Credit Suisse, 20% to 25% of malls will close by 2022. This means, many of America’s malls will become abandoned by middle age.

While plenty of the bygone factories in Worcester have found second lives as antique shops, art galleries, and loft apartments, our malls offer some unique challenges. For one

thing, they lack windows.

Last year, I wrote a STEM curriculum for fifth-graders asking them to “remix” the mall. They came up with a lot of strong ideas — an indoor skatepark chief among them.

But, realistically, most malls become doctors offices, elderly housing, or both.

My decision to work out in the rear parking garage of Greendale Mall at 6 a.m. on Black Friday was not solely my own. I was meeting up with November Project, the free fitness group that has made a point of activating spaces across the city using early morning pop-ups.

At one point, a security guard got terse with us in the empty lot.

It hadn’t occurred to me that our cheeky workout, complete with ’90s-era floor maps of the Greendale

CITY LIFE

LISTEN UP

Danny Fantom opens up ‘Pandora’s Box’ VICTOR D. INFANTE

rap swagger at points throughout the album, particularly on “Ron Burgandy,” named for the boisterousanny Fantom’s recent but dim-witted Will Ferrell character release, “Pandora’s Box,” is aptly named, seeing as it lets from “Anchorman.” When he raps, the Worcester rapper’s inner “Let’s hold a toast to the lonely ghost/playin’ the homie role/Single demons loose. It’s an exceedingly personal album, bolstered by a mod- father rollin’ holy smokes/Go to bed around one or dos/just to wake up, icum of swagger and a ribald sense of humor. But make no mistake: The and scroll a feed fulla phony posts,” gist of the album comes from a place the effect reflects a sort of sadness.

That ability to wrap self-effacing moof vulnerability.

Fantom puts that all upfront with ments up with humor and bravado a prologue, “Make Or Take Interlude,” is one of Fantom’s best gifts as a lyricist: His character here is both a where he ponders deaths that have hit close to him — “2 years since my cartoon of a rapper at times and a best friend, 5 since my cousin” — and his wife throwing “my (expletive) out in the cold/and I don’t blame her.” And amid all of that, the rapper’s attention turns to his young son, who becomes a touchstone throughout the album. “I hope my son don’t never see me like Darth Vader/ashamed of who I became.” He winds up the song saying, “I stay composed but the pain run deep/type of (expletive) to make a grown man weep.”

That faultline of pain underscores the whole album, even when he pivots to more whimsical subject matter, such as on real, flawed persona at others, and “.MOOD,” where he talks about look- he never makes the two roles fight.

They’re both real in their way. ing at pictures of women on social In a lot of ways, Fantom’s delivery media sites, and finding his own is conversational. He approaches lasciviousness reflected in “thirsty his rhymes with a sort of casualness, dudes in the comments,” and then later, when a woman “slides into my sometimes almost devolving to spoken word. Likewise, the production DMs,” or direct messages. “That’s cool. I’m flattered, but I’m not some brings layers to songs such as “Black piece of meat.” The turned tables are Minks,” where a full-scale R&B backing score highlights the raps as the played for laughs, but it finds itself reflected in “Not Yet,” where both the persona dwells on his mistakes, “the type of woman that saves you/can’t rapper’s persona and his romantic believe how I betrayed you.” Likeinterest both go back and forth on whether they want to have sex, with wise, the deep bass beat on “Frozen the hook seemingly sliding between in Time” lends some depth to what’s otherwise a straightforward blast of each voice: “I just wanna chill right swagger. now/I just wanna find out how you Ultimately, the album shines feel right now/I just wanna see you keep it real right now/I don’t wanna brightest when it puts honest emotion at the forefront, whether (expletive) right now.” The album’s it be the ode to his grandmother, persona, presumably still scarred from a failed marriage, is ambivalent “Thinking of Her,” or “Rise, interlude,” where he mulls again his fear of his about relationships, and it causes a son being scarred by his failures. crack in his swagger, which makes They make the album human, and room for the listener to see past the that humanity burns underneath braggadocio. the beat.

Indeed, Fantom seems to indict

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CITY LIFE

DINING

Grill 352 Delivers 352 Shrewsbury St., Worcester • grill352togo.com • (774) 420-7225 SANDRA RAIN

T

he man behind the counter at Grill 352 wore a folded paper cap and an apron like the keeper of an old-fashioned soda shop. He asked if I was an American almost immediately.

When I said yes, he told me, “You need to try the chicken marsala.”

I responded in the most basic fashion, saying, “No, no. Don’t give me what an American would order. I want to eat what you would order.”

He shook his head as if I had fallen head first into a vat of missed opportunity and we turned to examine the photo illustrations on the menu. Soon, he was excited enough to tell me about the chicken chapli that I felt certain we had moved beyond my Americanness. But, before I turned to take a seat at one of the dark cherry tables by the window, he said, “I’ll bring you some of the marsala anyways. It’s complimentary.

You have to try it.”

“That’s too kind,” I told him.

“Do you like things spicy?” he responded.

“Yes,” I said.

“Give me 10 to 15 minutes.” He disappeared into the kitchen.

The skylight coupled with a full wall of street-facing windows made for a dazzling shower of natural sunshine. A small circular table had been portioned off in the corner beneath a five-foot rendering of the lush countryside. Tapestries depicting a bullfighter distracted from simpler decor like the drop ceiling and fluorescent lights. Faux brick and wood paneling framed the dining space.

I had come on a day when most other restaurants in the city were closed. In fact, it was the third place on Shrewsbury Street where I had tugged hopefully on the front door that afternoon.

When my tray arrived, the marsala wasn’t at all like the ItalianAmerican chicken cutlets I had been expecting. This was chicken tikka marsala — a bowl of orange colored curry and roasted chicken. The curry possessed a certain buoyancy, allowing it to hover weightlessly on my tongue and impart rich, full-bodied doses of paprika and coriander.

When the chicken was gone, I took

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TABLE HOPPIN’

to dipping hunks of naan into my bowl to soak up the remainder of the sauce. The bread, topped with little black caraway seeds, tasted dry on its own, clearly destined to absorb the rich pool of curry before me.

Despite the humble disposable plates and silverware at Grill 352, every detail had been attended to. A crisp salad of pickled onions, black olives, lettuce, and cucumbers was dressed to a tee with a homemade vinaigrette. The spicy rice formed a striking mosaic of red, pink and yellow grains, dotted with little green chilli peppers that tickled my nose and enlivened my senses.

I could hear my host singing in the kitchen.

The chicken chapli made a divine patty, held together by wheat flour, onions and more green chillies.

I speared the chapli beside bits of cucumber and long grain rice; the whole thing snapped in my mouth with a marvelous little pop. I emerged from my reverie to find the man in the paper cap staring at me from behind the counter.

“You liked the marsala?” he asked.

“Very much,” I told him. I prom-

ised I’d be back.

On my last solo lunch at Grill 352, I often struggle when it comes to my total came to $11.77. great delivery in this city; Grill 352 is now at the top of my list. My only Explanation of Stars: Ratings are criticism of Grill 352 as a carry-out from zero to five. Zero is not recomjoint is that the menu includes 68 mended. One is poor. Two is fair. Three items. I think there are dishes that is satisfactory. Four is good. Five is could be removed in order to stream- excellent. line their brand. What’s the use of French fries, onion rings, double Food: HHH1/2 cheeseburgers or fried fish sandAmbience: HH wiches on a menu that does kebabs Service: HHH and curries so well?

Value: HHH

Gourmet pretzel makers blown away by ‘Oprah effect’ BARBARA M. HOULE

I

t was like winning the lottery when partners of the Bostonbased Eastern Standard Provisions got the news that the company’s pretzel line launched this year had made it on the list of Oprah’s Favorite Things 2019.

“We were ecstatic,” said Grafton resident Mark Dimond and William “Bill” Deacon, who grew up in Gardner, company co-founders with Garrett Harker, Lauren Moran and Mark Howell.

Eastern Standard Provisions Gourmet Soft Pretzel Gift Box was one of 79 gifts that Oprah Winfrey selected as perfect holiday presents. “We were ready and a bit overwhelmed at the same time,” said Dimond about the experience. “Once Oprah’s list aired on ‘GMA’ (‘Good Morning America’), we received thousands of orders every hour and

it never stopped,” added Deacon, who explained how calls came in waves, depending on where in the country “GMA” was being telecast at the time. The company also received orders before the TV appearance, he said.

Deacon said owners had talked to previous winners on Oprah’s gift list, which really helped in preparing for the high volume of orders. “We were given really good advice,” said Deacon. “It would have been a disaster if we weren’t ready. I can’t imagine it.”

Oprah Winfrey has featured Bill Deacon and Mark Dimond are two of the cofounders of Eastern Standard Provisions. The company’s Gourmet Soft Pretzel Gift Box was one of 79 gifts that Oprah Winfrey selected as perfect holiday presents.

ASHLEY GREEN

CITY LIFE

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Paired, Poured & Plated, 290 W. Main St., Northboro, has scheduled holiday tasting events.

Vendors will join owners Jean Killeen and husband David Tiberii for a Holiday Tasting Event from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Special gift selections will be featured.

A “Night Tasting with the Wine Elves!” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m.

Dec. 19.

“The event will be a wonderful

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Tasting events in December

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

Oprah’s Favorite Things annually since it first appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show from the 1990s to 2008 and 2010 and on Rachael Ray in 2017. The 2019 list is featured in the December issue of O, The Oprah Magazine and on OprahMag.com.

Editors of O, the magazine, notify the winners prior to the “big announcement” in November, according to Deacon and Dimond.

“We had enough time to talk to our vendors to ensure product shipping,” said Dimond. “Everyone had to be in agreement, and we had eight weeks to get our website ready. We were all onboard.”

I met Deacon, Dimond and Joshua Milne of Joshua Milne PR (West Newton) in Worcester before Thanksgiving. Milne represents Eastern Standard Provisions and he’s the guy who originally sent product to O’s magazine editors. He said owners took a gamble and told him, “‘Let’s do it. It’s a go.’” Oprah’s picks go through several elimination rounds leading up to the final list, according to Milne.

The popularity of the Eastern Standard Provisions gift box increased even more when it aired a second time last month on “GMA’s” Deals and Steals, along with several other winners. “When Adam Glassman (creative director of O magazine) said it was one of his favorite things and ‘GMA’ host Michael Strahan began eating a pretzel sprinkling it with our truffle salt, the lines went crazy,” said Dimond. “It was unbelievable.”

It’s no secret that Oprah Winfrey has a truffle obsession, and it just so happens that Eastern Standard Provisions gift box is packed not only with the brand’s one-of-akind artisanal soft pretzels and buns but also a variety of “artfully” blended flavored salts, including White Truffle, Chili Lime, Lemon Rosemary and Honeycomb Everything Spice. Note: The gift box contains two Wheelhouse soft pretzels, six SlidePiece soft pretzel buns, 12 Turnbuckle soft pretzel sticks and salt packets. The cost is $59.99, excluding special coupons and promotions. The Bavarian-style pretzels made with all-natural ingredients are baked and shipped ready to heat or freeze.

Visit the company’s website, https:// esprovisions.com, or Eastern Standard Provisions on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

FYI: The website offers 15% off

your next pretzel order if you enter your email. The gift box also can be purchased in the Oprah’s Favorite Things storefront on Amazon at amazon.com/oprah.

The dish: Deacon, CEO of Eastern Standard Provisions, and Dimond, chief revenue officer, met as students at Middlebury College in Vermont and have remained friends for more than 20 years. Dimond and his family moved to Grafton in 2005; Deacon, a Gardner High School grad, resides in Maine.

Garrett Harker is a restaurateur and James Beard Award semifinalist. Lauren Moran is a master baker and owner of the bakery café Honeycomb in Hamilton. She studied under culinary icon Jacques Pepin. Howell brings national retail sales and marketing experience to the company.

A strong supporter of the pretzel company has been the Market Basket chain, according to Dimond and Deacon. One of company’s pretzels is featured in Market Basket’s Grab and Go section.

“Market Basket has been with us from the very beginning, and we are proud to be in the majority of Market Basket stores,” said Deacon. Eastern Standard Provisions also does business with numerous restaurants and 100 breweries.

“Selected as one of this year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things has been the most fun I have ever had in business,” said Deacon.

“You fantasize about winning when the process begins,” added Dimond. “When you do win, you realize just how incredible the Oprah effect is.”

As for future plans, Eastern Standard Provisions looks to developing gluten-free pretzels as well as promoting its homemade sauces that include Maui Onion Mustard.

A bonus for shoppers: “We demo products in supermarkets,” said Dimond.

CITY LIFE

FILM

Portrait of the mobster as an old man JIM KEOGH

W

hen I was a student at Holy Cross, I took a course on the Irish author James Joyce that concluded with his most famous work, “Ulysses.” If you’ve read “Ulysses” (or subjected yourself to Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake,” his equivalent of literary waterboarding) you know Joyce does not go easy on his readers. His stream-of-consciousness style first assumes a base of knowledge (Greek mythology will help) then cross-pollinates it with a host of allusions, puns, and arcane references that to the soggy mind of a college student made as much sense as a Mad Lib. Fortunately, we had an expert guide in Professor Edward Callahan, our Sherpa to the summit of all things Joyce. Professor Callahan decoded the seeming chaos, providing us actual flow charts to connect the physical steps of the novel’s protagonist, Harold Bloom, with his metaphorical progress through Dublin circa June 16, 1904. By course’s end, I sort of got it.

Watching “The Irishman” felt

like a Joycean experience — Martin Scorsese and screenwriter Steve Zaillian lead us on a journey filled with echoes and emanations of Scorsese’s early films, especially “Goodfellas.”

Scorsese launches his “The Irishman” with a tracking shot through a nursing home, the camera weaving through corridors and waiting rooms lined with weary bodies until it settles on the elderly form of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro). Nearly 30 years earlier in “Goodfellas,” Scorsese used the tracking technique to capture the illicit joy of mobster Henry Hill escorting his girlfriend Karen through the bowels of the Copacabana, the blissful couple practically floating their way to the main floor, where they’re treated like royalty.

Now, only the camera moves.

The Goodfellas-in-winter reminders keep coming. There is, of course, the familiar casting of De Niro and Joe Pesci as gangster buddies who nurture a decades-long friendship.

But some lesser-known actors also appear in both films. Paul Herman played Henry Hill’s drug/guns dealer from Pittsburgh, who laughs off Henry’s concern he’s being tailed

by a police helicopter (Herman’s character promises his cocaine will have Henry seeing helicopters). In “The Irishman,” Herman is Whispers, a local thug and “business owner” who convinces Frank to firebomb a competing laundromat.

It’s also fun to see Welker White.

The actress played Henry Hill’s babysitter/drug smuggler who insisted she wouldn’t fly to Pittsburgh with a stash taped to her body until she’d retrieved her lucky hat. Here, she’s Jo Hoffa, the devoted wife of Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), the flamboyant and cocksure union chief. The kid with the hat is now a matron.

Scorsese has carried forward a powerful motif from “Goodfellas” into his new film: When you enter a house expecting to find a party and the house is empty, look out.

Pesci’s volatile Tommy in “Goodfellas” walked into a room believing he was about to become a “made” man and only had time to utter “Oh, no” before the bullet vaporized his brain.

A similar sequence plays out in “The Irishman” — the truly savvy person in this grim universe knows the danger of unoccupied couches.

A few more random dots from

lessons in kindness to Matthew Rhys’ jaded journalist. (1:48) PG. “Charlie’s Angels” — Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska are the titular trio in writerdirector-co-star Elizabeth Banks’ reboot of the action franchise based on the 1970s TV series. (1:59) PG-13.

“Countdown” — A mysterious phone app claims to predict the moment a person will die. With Elizabeth Lail, Jordan Calloway. (1:30) PG-13.

“Doctor Sleep” — Forty years after the events of “The Shining,” the nowgrown Danny Torrance joins forces with a similarly gifted teen to battle dark forces. With Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson.

“Downton Abbey” — The Crawleys and their staff prepare for a royal visit in this big-screen adaptation of the beloved British TV series. (2:02) PG. “Ford v Ferrari” — Matt Damon is American car designer Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale is British racer Ken Miles in this fact-based drama about the duo’s efforts to challenge Italian automotive legend Enzo Ferrari.

(2:32) PG-13.

“Frozen II” — Anna, Kristoff, Olaf

and Sven join Elsa as she searches for the truth behind her powers in this sequel to the blockbuster 2013 animated musical. With the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel. (1:43) PG. “The Good Liar” — Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren square off as an elegant if elderly grifter and his notso-easy mark in this suspense thriller.

(1:49) R. “Harriet” — Cynthia Erivo portrays Harriet Tubman, the 19th century African American woman who escaped from slavery and then led hundreds of others to freedom. (2:05) PG-13.

“The Irishman” — Its possibly true story of the life and crimes of a Mafia hit man, starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, is a revelation, as intoxicating a film as the year has seen. R. “Jojo Rabbit” — A young boy in Nazi Germany discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in the attic in writer-director Taika Waititi’s satirical fable. With Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Waititi. (1:48) PG-13.

“Joker” — Joaquin Phoenix takes on the role of Gotham’s notorious mad

“The Irishman” worth connecting: • Fans of locally shot movies will remember a 2008 short written by Worcester’s Tommy Henrickson called “Third Date,” which starred Billy Smith as a romantically challenged guy hunting for his true love.

Watch for Smith as an FBI agent who interrogates Frank Sheeran.

• At one point, Frank interacts with a man named David Ferrie (Louis Vanaria), known for his

distinctive red hair and painted-on eyebrows. Ferrie was a real person who was publicly accused of conspiring to assassinate John F. Kennedy.

Pesci played Ferrie in “JFK.” • Finally, “The Irishman” features a spirited discussion about the purchase, delivery and odor of a fish. As “The Godfather” reminded us, doing anything with “the fishes” isn’t healthy, especially sleeping with them.

clown in this standalone character study/origin story. With Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Marc Maron, Shea Whigham. (2:02) R. “Judy” — Renée Zellweger portrays Judy Garland during the legendary entertainer’s run of sold-out stage shows in 1968 London. (1:58) NR. “Knives Out” — Writer-director Rian Johnson rounds up a stellar group of suspects for this whodunit about the murder of a famous crime novelist.

With Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Christopher Plummer. (2:10) PG-13.

“Last Christmas” — In a holiday romantic comedy inspired by the music of George Michael, a young Londoner meets a guy who seems too good to be true. With Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Emma Thompson.

“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. “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” — Angelina Jolie reprises her role as the Disney villainess in this sequel

to the 2014 fantasy tale. With Elle Fanning, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ed Skrein, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville, Michelle Pfeiffer. (1:58) PG. “Midway” — The story of the critical World War II Pacific Theater battle between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy in June 1942.

“Motherless Brooklyn” — Writerdirector Edward Norton stars as a lonely private eye with Tourette’s syndrome tracking his mentor’s killer in 1950s New York. (2:24) R. “Parasite” — Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, Bong Joon Ho’s deviously entertaining thriller about two very different families. (J.C.) R. “The Peanut Butter Falcon” — A young man with Down syndrome chases his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. With Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson. (1:33) PG13.

“Playing With Fire” — Firefighters find their lives turned upside down when they rescue three siblings but can’t find the kids’ parents.

“Queen & Slim” — An African American couple on their first date become fugitives after a traffic stop

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FILM CAPSULES “21 Bridges” — “Black Panther’s” Chadwick Boseman plays an NYPD detective leading a manhunt for a pair of cop killers. With Sienna Miller, Stephan James, Keith David, Taylor Kitsch, J.K. Simmons. (1:39) R. “Abominable” — Three friends try to reunite a young Yeti with his family in the Himalayas in this animated adventure. With the voices of Chloe Bennet, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Albert Tsai, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson. (1:32) PG-13.

“The Addams Family” — Cartoonist Charles Addams’ creepy, kooky clan returns to the big screen in animated form. Voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard. (1:45) PG. “Arctic Dogs” — An Arctic fox who dreams of becoming a canine courier uncovers a villainous walrus’ dastardly plot in this animated tale.

With the voices of Jeremy Renner, Heidi Klum, James Franco, Alec Baldwin, John Cleese, Anjelica Huston. (1:33) PG. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — Tom Hanks slips on the friendly cardigan of children’s TV show host Fred Rogers to dispense

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opportunity to finish your holiday gift list or find something different or special for yourself,” according to Killeen, who said the “mischievous wine elves” have fun plans for guests.

Mark your calendar!

Visit www.bgood.com for more info and restaurant locations that include The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley in Millbury and White City Shopping Center in Shrewsbury.

December specials at Bertucci’s

Jenkins Inn to close restaurant at end of 2020

Bertucci’s chain restaurants currently offer December promotions.

Every Wednesday is Kids’ Day at Bertucci’s. Adults enjoy dinner News from The Jenkins Inn, 7 while the kids eat free.

West St., Route 122, Barre, is that In addition, families can enjoy owners David Ward and Joe Perrin are thinking about “semi retirement” an Early Bird special menu from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. and have decided to close the restaurant part of the business at the Begin with a soup or salad, choose an entrée and finish off with a mini end of next year. cannoli for dessert, all for $9.99. Both In 2020, the restaurant will open promotions are dining-in-store only. on Friday and Saturday evenings by Visit https://www.bertucis.com reservation only. In a recent email, the owners encouraged anyone with for store locations. gift cards or gift certificates to use Seed Swap Dec. 7 them in coming months. Call (978) 355-6444 to make a reservation; visit Local gardeners are invited to a www.jenkinsinn.com.

“Seed Swap” from noon to 3 p.m.

The Jenkins Inn will continue to Dec. 7 in the library at Tower Hill operate as a bed and breakfast “for Botanic Garden in Boylston. years to come and will continue to “Swap with other gardeners to offer breakfast for overnight guests,” your heart’s content!” Free with according to the owners, who sent Tower Hill admission. a special thank you for continued Visit www.towerhillbg.org for support of The Jenkins Inn. other December events, including a Snow Globe Workshop from 10:30 B.Good matching a.m. to noon Dec. 7.

donations to FoodCorps

latest chapter of the time-bending cyborg franchise. With Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, Diego Boneta. (2:08) R. “Zombieland: Double Tap” — Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin and Emma Stone reunite to dispatch even more of the undead in this sequel to the 2009 horror comedy. (1:33) R.

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gone tragically wrong. With Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloe Sevigny. Written by Lena Waithe. (2:12) R. “Terminator: Dark Fate” — Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger are baack in the

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

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Reminder: The First Congregational Church of Sutton hosts the annual “Lake Ripple Roast Beef Holiday Dinner” from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the church.

The dinner is $13 per person for adults; $6, children ages 6 to 12; Free for children 5 and under. The event is just one of the events planned in the Sutton Chain of Lights Celebration on Dec. 7. Visit https:// suttonchainoflights.weebly.com.

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

The restaurant chain B.Good is encouraging guests to make a difference this holiday season.

B.Good will match all $1 customer donations to FoodCorps — either in-store or through a donation feature on the B.Good app — through Dec. 31. Customers also will receive a coupon for a free side, shake or smoothie that can be put toward their next order. Guests who make a $15+ gift purchase get the same deal.

FoodCorps is a nonprofit with the mission to work with communities to “connect kids to healthy food in school.”

Holiday dinner in Sutton

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO Thursday, Dec. 5 An Afternoon with Robert Frost: 3-4 p.m. Dec. 5, Boylston Town House, Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars. orge. Actor Stephen Collins will entertain the audience with selections from Robert Frost’s well-known poems.

1+1 Poetry Reading featuring Tony Brown and Storey Campbell: 6:308 p.m. Dec. 5, Sutton Free Public Library, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton.

For information: (508) 797-4770, wcpaboard@yahoo.com.

2019 Choral Premiere: 7-9:30 p.m.

Dec. 5, Notre Dame Church, 446 Main Street, Southbridge. Cost: $5.

The Yo Daddy Doe Variety Show: hosted by CoffeeHouse Craig, 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg.

Worcester Chamber Music Society – A Seasonal Offering: 7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 5, Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm St., Worcester.

For information: (508) 217-4450,

tracy@worcesterchambermusic. org. Sold out.

“Cirque du Soleil’s AXEL”: 7:3011:30 p.m. Dec. 5, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $48$93.

Rosebud Baker: 8-11 p.m. Dec. 5, The WooHaHa Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester.

For information: info@ thewoohahaclub.com. $20.

Secret Rhythm Project with Toast: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 5, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

Beyond Wrestling: Uncharted Territory: 8-11 p.m. Dec. 5, The White Eagle, 116-120 Green Street, Worcester. For information: info@beyondwrestlingonline.com.

Secret Rhythm Project with Toast: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 5, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

Friday, Dec. 6 Worcester State University’s Música! Latin American Jazz — Dec. 6: 12-12:30 p.m. Dec.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

‘Chasing the Ghost’ at FSU Ashley Lauren Rogers says her new play “Chasing the Ghost” is “for people who like complicated and dark stories. It’s my way to talk about abuse and how game culture can feel toxic and why.” The piece takes on difficult subject matters, but is also full of humor with paranormal podcasters and an outrageous YouTuber as a ghost haunts a marriage. “You’ll be laughing one moment and then shocked the next,” said Samantha deManbey, who is directing The Forge Theater Lab production of “Chasing the Ghost” at Fitchburg State University Dec. 7 to 14. Rogers graduated from FSU in 2006 and lives in New York City. Her plays have been performed around the country. The cast of “Chasing the Ghost” includes Noah Dawson, Leeann Monat, Charles Amaral, Amy DeMar-DuBois, Brittany Messuri, Austin Swallowe and Cheyenne Winley.

The play is not recommended for children under 14 because of profanity and disturbing situations. Learn more about The Forge Theater Lab at www. theforge.ink What: “Chasing the Ghost” by Ashley Lauren Rogers - presented by Forge Theater Lab When: 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 13 and 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 8; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 Where: Wallace Theater in the McKay Building, Fitchburg State University, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg How much: $15; $5 students and seniors. Dec. 12 is “Pay What You Can” night

Ringing endorsements There will be plenty of ringing in for the holidays going on Saturday with handbell concerts by the Merrimack Valley Ringers and the New England Ringers. The Merrimack Valley Ringers will present their 10th annual holiday concert “We Need A Little Christmas” Dec. 7 in First Congregational Church of Marlboro. The 16-member handbell ensemble will perform seasonal full group selections and as quartets with their “infectious joy, gusto, and warmth.” They will also be at the Worcester Art Museum 2 p.m. Dec. 15. The New England Ringers, performing “Christmas Around the World” Dec. 7 in First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, is a 15-member handbell ensemble whose repertoire includes classical transcriptions, familiar favorites, and original compositions. The performance is part of the Arts on the Green concert series.

What:/When/Where/How much: “We Need A Little Christmas” — The Merrimack Valley Ringers, 7 p.m. Dec. 7, First Congregational Church of Marlboro, 37 High St. Marlboro. Free “Christmas Around the World” — The New England Ringers, 7 p.m. Dec. 7, First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Road, Shrewsbury. Free admission with donations welcomed (suggested donation $10 adult; $20 family)

6, Worcester State University, Sheehan POD, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 929-8145, VPAMusic@ worcester.edu. Carlos Odria leads Worcester State University musicians in WSU’s own Latin American music ensemble. Free.

Festival of Lights Weekend: 4:30-9 p.m. Dec. 6, The Worcester Common Oval, Front St Front St., Worcester. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 799-1175, oval@worcesterma.gov. Headlined by singer Nicole Michelle, along with performances by Worcester Public Schools Choral groups, a preview of the The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts production of “A Christmas Carol,” ice skating, a visit from Santa, tree lighting and more.

Gary Hoare — The Worcester Review Artist Exhibit: 5-9 p.m.

Dec. 6, Worcester County Poetry Association, 38 Harlow Street, 2nd floor of the Sprinkler Factory, Worcester. For information: (508) 797-4770, wcpaboard@yahoo. com. In conjunction with the Sprinkler Factory’s Friday Night Art Bazaar & Holiday Party.

All Night Art Bazaar: 5-10 p.m. Dec. 6, Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow Street, Worcester.

For information: info@ sprinklerfactory.com, Bill Kirchen: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 6, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. For information: info@ bullrunrestaurant.com. $32.

Saving Abel: 6 p.m. Dec. 6, Moonshiners, 105 Water Street, Worcester.

Festival of (Giving) Trees Friday Night Lights 2019: 6:30-11 p.m. Dec. 6, LaSalle Reception Center, 444 Main Street, Southbridge. Cost: $20. Featuring entertainment by Noah Lis and a live auction with Rich Merrill.

Holiday Songfest: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 6, The Big Stone Church (Gilbertville Trinitarian Congregational Church, First Congregational Society), 283 Main Street, Hardwick.

For information: events@ friendsofthestonechurch.org.

Featuring vocalists Jennifer Fijal Brevik and Daniel Brevik, pianist J. Clifton Noble Jr. and bassist Kara Noble.

Deep Thoughts Poetry Open Mic: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 6, Bedlam Book Cafe, 138 Green St., Worcester.

For information: (508) 459-1400, bedlambookcafe@gmail.com.

The Grants: 7-10 p.m. Dec. 6, Specialty Sandwich Co, 624 Main St., Holden.

In Flames with Red and Arrival of Autumn: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, the Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $30-$150.

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6, DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester. Cost: $25-$130.

Boston Pops: 8 p.m. Dec. 6, Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. $59-$129.

Comedian Rosebud Baker: 8-11 p.m. Dec. 6, The WooHaHa Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. For information: info@ thewoohahaclub.com. $20.

Gold Star Blvd: 8-11 p.m. Dec. 6, Beatnik’s, 433 Park Avenue, Worcester.

Young Man Winter: 8 p.m.midnight Dec. 6, Hotel Vernon, 16 Kelley Square, Worcester.

Comedian Rob Pierce: 8 p.m. Dec. 6, The Comedy Attic at Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester. $15.

Dream a Dream Can you hear the people sing? Well, you can at the screenings of “Les Miserables – The Staged Concert,” at the Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux in Millbury. Sure, my opening joke was corny, but it worked because a goodly number of people got the reference to “Les Mis’” iconic song, as they would “I Dream A Dream” or many others. This is a staged concert, not a full-scale production, but it’s still a good chance to lose one’s self in one of today’s most immersive musicals.

What: ‘Les Miserables – The Staged Concert’ When: 1 p.m. Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Dec. 11 Where: Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux, 70 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Millbury How much: $20

CITY LIFE

Bluegrass holiday tradition It’s Christmas at its “roots.” Bluegrass musicians from around the region are putting on their annual “Christmas in New England” concert tour that includes a visit on Saturday to Grass Roots Coffeehouse at Rockdale Congregational Church in Northbridge. The show features a seasonal blend of traditional, contemporary and original Christmas music performed with acoustic instruments and vocals. Among the cast of performers are Amy Gallatin, Karen Lincoln Wilber, Dave Dick, Roger Williams, Ken Taylor, Krissy Dick, Bob Dick and Rick Lang. Hot food, soups and sandwiches are available for purchase before the show and during intermission. Also at intermission will be the “Christmas Cookie Walk” where people can buy a box and fill it with homemade cookies baked by volunteers from the church. Proceeds from the concert, food sales, and cookie walk go to benefit the church.

What: “Christmas in New England” When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

Where: Grass Roots Coffee House, Rockdale Congregational Church, 42 Fowler Road, Northbridge

Not From New Hampshire If you’re listening to a song such as “Shake It Out,” you might come to a snap judgement about what Georgia indie rock band Manchester Orchestra does. And you’d be right, but it also does a lot more. The band has an inquisitive artistic mind and a broad musical palette, with straight-up rockers such as this, and other songs, such as “The Gold” and “The Silence,” which feel more connected to American roots music. It makes for a surprising and unpredictable and highly enjoyable listening experience.

What: Manchester Orchestra with Foxing and Oso Oso When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 Where: The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester How much: $28-448

A Worcester tradition for over 120 years, the Worcester Chorus’ annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” returns for the holiday season Dec. 7 in Mechanics Hall.

Handel’s contemplative work about the story of Jesus Christ has great dramatic and emotional movement as the music unfolds, including the glorious affirmation of the “Hallelujah” chorus. Soloists are Kendra Colton, soprano; Ryland Angel, counter-tenor; Jack Pott, tenor; and Thomas Jones, baritone. Christopher Shepard conducts, with Mark Mummert, organ and harpsichord.

Presented by Music Worcester.

What: Handel’s ‘Messiah’ When: 8 p.m. Dec. 7 Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester How much: $55, $49, $39; $17:50 students; $7.50 youth. www.musicworcester.org

Selections will include traditional carols as well as novelty pieces such as “Jingle Bell Swing.”

Annual Family Holiday Concert: 4-7 p.m. Dec. 8, Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester.

Cost: $5-$52. For information: (508) 281-9976, tickets@ worcesteryouthorchestras.org.

Featuring the WY Symphony Orchestra, WY Philharmonic, WY Wind Ensemble & WY Jazz Band

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Open Mic Poetry Share: 2-4 p.m.

Dec. 7, Booklovers’ Gourmet, 55 East Main Street, Suite A, Webster.

Cost: Free. For information: (508) 949-6232, deb@ bookloversgourmet.com.

Amahl and the Night Visitors: 2-3 p.m. Dec. 7, Belmont A.M.E. Zion Church, 55 Illinois St., Worcester. For information: voxnewengland@gmail.com.

The Life of an Author — Keri Singleton: Screening of documentary “Live To Tell: My Story,” followed by Q&A, 2:30-

stART at the Station: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 8, Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worcester.

For information: (774) 633-1207, info@startonthestreet.org.

Ralph’s Diner Holiday Craft Show: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove Street, Worcester.

Artist event with handmade crafts from local artists that are unique and unusual. All table space fees to be donated to Sherry’s House of Worcester that helps families with children with cancer.

21st Annual Millbury Chain of Lights: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8, Main Street, Main St Main Street, Millbury. For information: htrudell@keenantrudell.com.

Showcase Cinemas presents “Les Miserables – The Staged Concert”: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 8, Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux, 70 WorcesterProvidence Turnpike, Millbury.

Cost: $20.

“Cirque du Soleil’s AXEL”: 1-5 p.m. Dec. 8, DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester. Cost: $48-$93.

Anna Maria’s Annual Christmas Festival Concert: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 8, Christ the King Catholic Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester.

For information: msullivan@ oneillandassoc.com. Featuring performances by the Anna Maria College Music Department and guest choir Burncoat Middle School with winter songs by Ola Gjeilo J.S. Bach, Victoria and other holiday favorites. Free.

“A Worcester Holiday” with the Worcester Children’s Chorus: 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester. Cost: $15. For information: (508) 767-7077, wccprogram@gmail.com.

Worcester Chorus performs ‘Messiah’

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Saturday, Dec. 7

4 p.m. Dec. 7, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, Worcester.

For information: (508) 799-1655, wplref@mywpl.org.

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL: 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 7, DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester. Cost: $25-$130.

Kingsmen: 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Raven Music Hall, 258 Pleasant St., Worcester. $10.

Where’s My Roy Cohn?: screening, 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Park View Room, 230 Park Ave, Worcester. Cost: $8.50-$10.

The Excrementals Ex-Mas Splattacular Toy Drive: also featuring The Hangovers, Damnation, the frenzy of tongs, Marianne Toilet and The Runs, Time Out Timmy, Dirty Walter and the Smelltones and GingerWulf, 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Drafter’s Sports Cafe, 35 Chase Ave., Dudley. $7 or free admission with an unwrapped toy.

Whammer Jammer — A Tribute To The J. Geils Band: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Dec. 7, Beer Garden Worcester, 64 Franklin St., Worcester. Cost: $12$15.

Comedian Rosebud Baker: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 7, The WooHaHa Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St.,

Sunday, Dec. 8

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

A Night of Dark Music with Black Beach, Gloss Goddess, Variable Man and DJ Life Insurance: 9 p.m.2 a.m. Dec. 6, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

(Expletive)faced Stand-up: 9-11:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 Temple St., Worcester. For information: info@ nikiluparelli.com. Loosely hosted

by Worcester’s Sweetheart, Niki Luparelli. $15 Advance, $20 at the Door Or buy your own private table that seats up to 10 for $120

Worcester. For information: info@ thewoohahaclub.com. $20.

Amahl and the Night Visitors: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Joy of Music Program, Joseph & Jordan Shapiro Concert Hall, 1 Gorham St., Worcester. For information: voxnewengland@gmail.com.

Featuring soprano Jessica Jacobs.

Where’s My Roy Cohn?: screening, 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Park View Room, 230 Park Ave, Worcester. Cost: $8.50-$10.

Mass State Police Boxing Team presents — The Donnybrook in December: 7-11 p.m. Dec. 7, Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, 366 Main Street, Sturbridge. Cost: $30.

JAZZED UP with Mauro DePasquale: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Dec. 7, Cheng Du Restaurant, 157 Turnpike Road, Westborough. Cost: Free.

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Cost: $25-$130.

Tom Rush: 8-10 p.m. Dec. 7, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. For information: info@ bullrunrestaurant.com. $50.

Comedian Rob Pierce: 8 p.m. Dec. 7, The Comedy Attic at Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcesgter. $15.

Drive South: 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Dec. 7, Wheelock inn, 82 Wheelock Avenue, Millbury.

Sapling, Lockette, Bad Larrys and Ex-Temper: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 7, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

“Magic Mike XXL”: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Dec. 7, Bull Mansion, 55 Pearl Street, Worcester. Cost: $12.50$25.

Bon Jersey (Bon Jovi Tribute): 10 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 7, Rascals, 70 James St., Worcester.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO WCLOC presents ‘Drowsy Chaperone’

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Monday, Dec. 9 Worcester Youth Orchestra Auditions: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 9, Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 281-9976, info@ worcesteryouthorchestras.org.

For students Grades 12 and under who play string, brass, wind, percussion or keyboard instruments to audition for one of our many ensembles.

The Dirty Gerund Poetry Seriesi: 9 p.m. Dec. 9, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. Free, donations requested to help pay the performers.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

The Death Penalty in Fact & Fiction with Author Michael Ponsor: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. For information: (978) 829-1780, fplref@cwmars. org. Retired U.S. District Court Judge and best-selling author Michael Ponsor discusses his books and career.

Showcase Cinemas presents “Les Miserables — The Staged Concert”: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 11, Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux, 70 WorcesterWhat: ‘The Drowsy Providence Turnpike, Millbury.

Chaperone’ Cost: $20. For information: When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, kcourchesne@360pr.plus.

7, 13 and 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 Matt Brodeur: 7 p.m. Dec. 11, Tuesday, Dec. 10 Where: Worcester County Light Opera Theatre Co., 21 Grandview Ave., Art’s Diner, 541 W. Boylston St., Worcester Worcester Children’s Chorus 2019- Worcester.

How much: $25; $20 students and seniors. www.wcloc.org Comedy on the Lawn: ft. Jimmy 2020 Mid-Season Auditions: 5-7 Blair, Shaun Connolly, Mairéad p.m. Dec. 10, Assumption College, with a special mystery guest Connolly, Brian Glowacki, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester. conductor.

Josh Ramirez, 8 p.m. Dec. 11, Cost: $15. For information: (508) “Cirque du Soleil’s AXEL”: 5-9 Redemption Rock Brewing, 333 767-7077, wccprogram@gmail. p.m. Dec. 8, DCU Center, 50 Foster Shrewsbury St., Worcester. com Street, Worcester. Cost: $48-$93.

Southside Talent Showcase: Worcester State University’s Fall Lewis Black: 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Hanover Mosaic of Music: 7-9 p.m. Dec. open mic, 8:15 p.m. Dec. 11, The Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Southside Grille and Margarita 10, Worcester State University, Worcester. $25-$75.

Factory, 242 W. Broadway, Gardner.

Fuller Theater, 486 Chandler Listen! A Poetry Reading: hosted Wacky Wednesday Jam: 8:30 p.m.

St., Worcester. Cost: Free. For

by Dave Macpherson, 7 p.m., Nov. Dec. 11, Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. information: (508) 929-8145, Dec. 8, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, Boylston St, Worcester.

VPAMusic@worcester.edu.

124 Millbury St., Worcester.

The Cobra Kings: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Duncan Arsenault and Friends: 9 The Jimmys: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dec. p.m. Dec. 11, Vincent’s 49 Suffolk Greendale’s Pub, 404 W. Boylston 8, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great St., Worcester.

St, Worcester.

Road, Shirley. For information: Tone-Deaf Tuesdays: hosted by info@bullrunrestaurant.com.

Poise’N Envy and Harley Queen, Thursday, Dec. 12 Manchester Orchestra with Foxing 9 p.m. Dec. 10, Electric Haze, 26 and Oso Oso: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, the Millbury St., Worcester Worcester’s Got African Talent!: Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester.

6 p.m. Dec. 12, Crocodile River $28-$48.

Music, 44 Portland St., Worcester.

Free.

U. S. Holocaust Museum Historian Discusses New Book: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12, Worcester JCC, 633 Salisbury St., Worcester. For information: ngreenberg@worcesterjcc.org.

The JCC’s Author Series features Rebecca Erbelding, discussing her award-winning book, “Rescue Board: The Untold Story of America’s Efforts to Save the Jews of Europe.” Free.

Brimfield Bells Winter Handbell Concert: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12, First Congregational Church, Brimfield.

For information: brimfielducc@ gmail.com. Freewill donations accepted.

The Yo Daddy Doe Variety Show: hosted by CoffeeHouse Craig, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg.

Hot Dog! A Comedy Sideshow: A forgotten Jazz Age musical comes to life in the living room of a diehard theater fan in the delightful Tony Award-winning “The Drowsy Chaperone” being presented by the Worcester County Light Opera Theatre Co. Dec. 6-15.

As a fizzy vintage show suddenly appears, exploding with song, dance and pure entertainment, the Man In Chair fan fills in the plot as the narrator. Sally Holden directs, Lenny McGuire is musical director, and Christine Seger is choreographer.

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‘Holly Days’ in Westboro The Westborough Community Chorus Inc. will be right at home for the holidays as it performs its 47th annual holiday show “Holly Days At Home” Dec. 6-8. A musical play, “Santa Has A Sister,” will be performed in the middle section of the show starring Santa himself. Written by chorus director Kelly Hodge, the play is a musical comedy geared to children. After the play, the children in the audience will be invited by the elves to come on stage and sing a tune with Santa. The chorus was formed in 1971 and has been performing two shows each year in May and December ever since.

What: “Holly Days At Home” — Westborough Community Chorus When: 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7; 2 p.m.

Dec. 8 Where: Sarah Gibbons Middle School, 20 Fisher St., Westboro How much: $12; $10 children under 12/senior citizens. Tickets available at the door. www.westborochorus.com

8-9 p.m. Dec. 12, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury Street, Worcester. For information: (508) 8268496, woocomedyweek@ gmail.com. Featuring Kathleen DeMarle, John Flagg, Katie McCarthy, Nick Ortolani, Brandon Vallee and Andrew Vickers. Free.

Unity Femcee Showcase: showcase of female artist, 8 p.m. Dec. 12, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $10.

WXLO’s Almost Acoustic Christmas featuring Adam Lambert: with John K and Cara Brindisi, 8 p.m.

Dec. 12, Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester. $49-$69.

Stage “The Wolves”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7, Go-Go Theater, GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Northbridge.

Tickets are $20 for general

CITY LIFE

Art Attack Before the Sprinkler Factory hunkers down into winter hibernation, it’s offering one last bash with its All Night Art Bazaar, a chance to support the local arts scenes and pick up handmade crafts, fine paintings and sundry curiosities for that perfect holiday gift. Of particular interest is a solo exhibition being offered concurrently at the offices of the Worcester County Poetry Association, also located in the factory. Gary Hoare is best known as a poet, but his abstract art work is viscerally emotive, and his photographs are stark and striking. He’s a multi-talented artist, and if you needed an extra push to check out this event, then seeing his work collected is a good incentive.

What: All Night Art Bazaar When: 5-10 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester How much: Free

p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. Worcester County Light Opera Company, Grandview Playhouse, 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester. $25, $20 for seniors and students. wcloc.org.

“Miracle on 34th Street”: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22. The Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Conn. thebradleyplayhouse.org “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings”: Presented by Barre Players.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 13, 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15. Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. barreplayerstheater.com.

“Chasing the Ghost”: Presented by the Forge Theater Lab. 8 P.m.

Dec. 7, 13 and 14, 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, the Forge Theater Lab, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg. $15 general admission, $5 students and seniors.

Dec. 12 is “pay what you can.” theforgetheaterlab.org.

The best way to get a handle on what the Jimmys is all about is probably to listen to the band’s 2015 live album, “Live From Transylvania.” It’s a big blues album, with massive amounts of sound and heart. Songs such as “Jacqui Juice,” “I Wonder” and “You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore” bristle with soul, and the horns particularly are electric.

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What: The Jimmys When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $18

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Big Blues

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

admission. $15 for ages 65 and older and for ages 16 and under.

For groups of ten or more, $16 per ticket. Call (774) 287-8374 to reserve. Tickets can also be purchased at the door with no reservation.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical”: 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 7; 2 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8. Theatre at the Mount, Mount Wachusett Community College, 444, Green St., Gardner. mwcc.edu/ tam. $15-$22.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some)”: 2 p.m.Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15; 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13. $20; seniors and students, $18; youth 11 and younger, $10. 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. $25, $20 for seniors and students. Calliope Productions, 150 Main St., Boylston. calliopeproductions.org.

“The Drowsy Chaperone”: 7:30

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.

Meet Mystique! Mystique had quite an

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

adventure. Somewhere in Worcester she hopped into a truck. The driver was startled to discover her in the back of his truck at one of his stops.

She’s a pretty kitten with gold eyes. She was adopted and returned after a month. Mystique got along with the male cat but attacked the female cat. We think that’s her way of saying she wants to be your one-and-only pet.

GAMES

J O N E S I N’

“Save IT Till the End”--those last two.

by Matt Jones

Across 1 6 9 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 25 28

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45 46 48 53 56 57 59 60

63 64 65 66 67 68

Down

Last week's solution

©2019 Matt Jones (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) Reference puzzle #965

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1 “___ Whoopee” 2 Menzel of “Frozen 2” 3 Bygone documentaries

41 Court judge 45 Evil computer system in “The Terminator” 46 Dagger holder 47 “Big-ticket” thing 48 Jiggly dessert 49 Aquafina competitor 50 Leary of the “Ice Age” series 51 “Fame” actress Cara 52 Goofy smiles 54 “It’s ___!” (“I’ll see you then”) 55 Hotel postings 58 Alfa Romeo rival 61 “Paper Planes” rapper 62 “Last Week Tonight” airer

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4 “Thrilla in Manila” victor 5 “Bring the Funny” judge Foxworthy 6 “Lord of the Rings” villain 7 Get on up 8 “Addams Family” cousin 9 Eighth note, in the U.K. 10 “The Last of the Mohicans” character 11 “___ kettle of fish” 12 Baseball Hall of Famer Ralph 13 Are real 18 Boil over 24 Reunion group 26 “Field of Dreams” state 27 “The Burning Giraffe” painter 29 Acronymic 1992 single by The Shamen (from “Boss Drum”) 31 “That feels good!”

32 “Can’t Fight This Feeling” band ___ Speedwagon 33 Feel unwell 34 Petty arguments 35 Great series of wins 36 “___ you kidding me?”

37 ___ Dew (PepsiCo product) 39 Grammatical subject 40 Welsh stand-up comedian Pritchard-McLean

D E C E M B E R E 5 - 11, 2019

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

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

30 31 33 34 38 42 43 44

“Anaconda” singer Nicki Bot. or ecol.

Earth-shaking event Singer with three albums named after ages PC key beside the space bar Detach Salad ingredient that’s fuzzy on the outside ___ di pepe (tiny pasta variety) Shoo-___ (favorites) Raise crops Barn-roof adornments Drug buster, for short Much of Mongolia Titular host of NBC’s “Game of Games” It can cause a row Geometry calculations Belt loop puncher False pretense Busy spot for Finnish travel “Bonanza” role Linseed product “I have ___ / the plums ...” (poem line spoofed in memes) Big ___, California De-lumps, as flour Obi-Wan or Luke, e.g.

It’s got 14 points on Malaysia’s flag Not just some Aquatic barrier Nutritional amt.

Anniversary gift before wood Dwyane Wade’s team for most of his career Singer Cleo or Frankie 1099-___ (bank-issued tax form) Decline slowly Beginning “Evil Dead” hero Puff pieces?

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D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

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LAST CALL

Iris Delgado Adelante Worcester I

ris Delgado is the Youth Services Manager at Worcester Public Library. She is also an integral member of Adelante Worcester, an organization dedicated to empowering the Latino/ Hispanic community of Greater Worcester. Adelante will celebrate its 10th Anniversary Gala, Fiesta Navideña, Dec. 13 at Mechanics Hall from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are still available on Eventbrite.

Medical School, Fidelity Bank, Vocero Hispano and La Mega.

What is the most important thing for our readers to know about Adelante?

When you help one ethnic group, you are really helping the whole city. We’re Latinos, but any other organization can do the same by bringing people together. We’re

here for the whole community.

We’re a nonprofit and we’re not out to make any money. As a matter of fact, a lot of times we’ve had to dip into our own pockets to be able to do this. Most of all, we want to thank the city for their support along with all of our sponsors.

– Sarah Connell Sanders

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Who is providing the entertainment?

Fabián Torres. He is the winner of “Objectivo Fama La Despedida,” which is a lot like “The Voice.” He made Billboard’s list of Top Latin Tropical Albums this year. He

is from Puerto Rico. He’s going places. We thought we’d bring someone who would really excite the public because we wanted to go big this year. That is why we chose Mechanics Hall, and they are actually presenting the program with us. We consider them a huge sponsor along with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Bay State Savings Bank, Unum, UMass

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

When did you find Adelante Worcester and what is its mission?

I always knew I wanted to give back to the community because I felt like I got so much from the community when I went back to school. I was working in the children’s room and a woman came to ask for a certain book. The next thing you know, we were talking

What is the big event you have coming up?

Fiesta Navideña. We thought Christmas would be the best time to get together with the whole community. There’s no party in Worcester like this one. It is at Mechanics Hall. We want to make sure that this celebration is a fiesta, a party, for socializing. But, it’s also an opportunity for networking. We usually get between two and three hundred people who attend. We’ve had a lot of political personalities come through as well. The mayor will definitely be there.

DYLAN AZARI

D E C M B E R 5 - 11, 2019

How did you get involved with the Worcester Public Library?

When I was 18 years old, I graduated from North High School and I asked my guidance counselor to help me find a summer job.

I said, “I know I just graduated and I’m not sure what to do yet.”

I had registered for some classes at the Art Museum at the time in hopes of completing some type of certificate program. He said to me, “You know what? I think that they’re hiring at the library for a clerk typist.” (Nobody even knows what that is anymore.) I said, “Wow! I think I’ll get the job because I just finished clerk typist training at North High.” I didn’t get the job. But, a week later, they brought me on as an alternative because the person they hired didn’t work out. That was 38 years ago and everything happens for a reason. The library has definitely been like my second home. The library has helped me develop into the person that I am today. I’ve learned to love library books. I’ve moved up the ladder. Most of my career here has involved working with children and families. I eventually pursued my education after many years; it took me about 12 years, but I did end up going to library school and graduating with my master’s degree.

about her organization. That organization was Adelante Worcester, but at the time it wasn’t even called that. It was just a group of people meeting at home over wine to discuss issues that were affecting the Latino population in Worcester. Some of the leaders of that group were Hilda Ramirez, Miguel Lopez, Maritza Cruz, Gladys Rodriguez and Agnes Rivera.

I just kind of squeezed myself in there and I loved it because they were all about working with the community and helping the community. Long story short, Adelante Worcester started that way.

When we started meeting, we had a lot of high expectations for ourselves. The current mission states: We aim to promote and empower the Latino/Hispanic community.

We do that by offering networking events to bring the community together. We find that people are often looking for professional development. The organization itself is not just for Latinos. We’ve had many different people come and join us. We mostly speak and run our meetings and networking events in English even though we all speak Spanish. We are definitely open to everyone who wants to empower and promote this community.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C E M B E R 5 - 11, 2019