Worcester Magazine December 19 - 26, 2019

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Kansas City busing move excites Worcester advocates

, Y T I C S A S N A K !

E M O C E W E HER

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D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019 • V O L U M E 45 I S S U E 17 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 Table Hoppin’ ..........................................................................19 Dining Review..........................................................................20 The Next Draft..........................................................................20 Film .............................................................................................22 Film Capsules ..........................................................................22 Calendar ....................................................................................24 Adoption Option ....................................................................28 Games .........................................................................................29 Classifieds .................................................................................30 Last Call .....................................................................................31

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the cover

Photo courtesy of The Pitch/Photo by Kelcie McKenney Design by Kimberly Vasseur

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Kansas City, Here we come!

Kansas City busing move excites Worcester advocates Story on page 11

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

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FEATURED

Going Their Own Way

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Worcide skateboarders cheer city park plans, still want a space of their own

The site of the former skate park at the end of Washington Street.

FILE PHOTO/ALLAN JUNG

BILL SHANER

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fter a round of community meetings around plans for a new skatepark at Crompton Park, skateboarders in the city say they are pleased with the plans but do not see them as a replacement for Worcide, the D.I.Y. community skatepark demolished ahead of the Polar Park announcement.

No, it appears the Worcide folks

will not rest until Worcide rises again.

“Once we prove to this city and its residents that it works to source community needs for a huge construction project, we will prove that we can do it for the community by ourselves once our team finally identifies and unveils the new home of Worcide DIY Skatepark. Until then, we will continue to fundraise, and do our best to foster the skateboarding community in Worcester,” John Powers, Worcide member, said in a

statement.

Last week, city officials held two meetings at the Green Island Community Center to get community input on the design of a planned skate park on a corner plot in Crompton Park. The skaters behind the Worcide community skatepark made a strong showing, and gave suggestions to both city officials and representatives of Weston and Samson, the company contracted to design and build park.

“We’re very excited about this

project and see it as a huge opportunity for the city to meet the needs of the community,” said Powers.

The city has consulted the Worcide crew throughout the process of finding and building the park, he said. Most importantly, the city hired a company with skatepark design and build experience.

“We look forward to building a strong consensus with the skateboarding community at large, and as well with the Crompton Park Master Plan executors,” he said. “We

look forward to helping the city and Weston and Samson stay on track to produce a world class skate park worthy of the jewel of Green Island.”

The roughly 14,000-square-foot park is expected to be constructed by 2022 and funding for a second phase of the project remains an issue. Worcide has committed to help with fundraising for the second phase. This year, the city committed $350,000 in the operating budget for the park project.

But the Worcide crew stresses

FEATURED

that the skatepark, which was demolished in July 2018 on a Friday morning without warning, is not something that can be replaced with a city-funded construction project.

The Worcide park was built and maintained slowly over time by a group of dedicated volunteers with shovels and bags of cement. The park was built by and for the people who used it, and as such it went further in creating a community than a skate park on its own could. “We are still determined to see through the replacement of Worcide as a DIY skatepark,� said Powers. The group is currently working to secure a location.

As far as the Crompton Park project goes, the city is still accepting feedback on design and placement online. Comments can be made at www.worcesteropenspace.com.

Adam Kacprzicki and Jamie Dube level the forms for a new ramp at Worcide back in 2014.

FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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FEATURED

Shrewsbury woman ‘Nailed It!’ on Netflix show STEPHANIE JARVIS CAMPBELL

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n Samantha Cruz’s family, anything involving desserts and ovens is left to her twin sister, a professional baker.

But recently, the 21-year-old Cruz decided to put her lack of baking skills to the test by appearing as a contestant on the Netflix reality show, “Nailed It!”

Hosted by comedian and actress Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres, a pastry chef and chocolatier, “Nailed It!” brings together three amateur bakers to recreate intricate cakes and confectionery items for a chance to win $10,000. Cruz’s episode, “A Classic Christmess,” was released on Nov. 22 as part of the “Nailed It! Holiday! 2” series.

A resident of Shrewsbury and a

Above, Samantha Cruz recounts a story of how she made a birthday cake for her dogs, but they refused to eat it.

Left, Samantha Cruz (right), seen here with her sister, Christina Cruz, appeared on the Netflix show “Nailed It!” SUBMIT TED PHOTOS

self-proclaimed bad baker, Cruz is more interested in photography and is currently pursuing a degree in communications arts and Spanish from Framingham State University. Her twin, Christina, who has worked as a baker in Boston and New York, hopes to soon open her own bakery.

Earlier this year, the sisters were watching “Nailed It!” when Cruz was struck with the idea to apply

to be a contestant on the show.

“I think I’m right on the cusp — I know I’m bad at baking, but I think I’m good enough to be on the show,” she recalled herself thinking.

Her two canine friends would most likely agree — “I used to bake birthday cakes for my dogs, and my dogs refused to eat them,” Cruz said.

After she applied and was accepted, she was flown out to Los Angles for filming in May, spending

some time doing interviews that would be edited into the show and a day for the actual competition.

“My sister and I get compared a lot with our baking. She’s a professional baker, and she does these awesome things. My family won’t even let me near the oven,” Cruz says in the episode. “I think being on ‘Nailed It!’ is good because I’ll be able to prove to her and my family I’m not the worst baker out there.”

FEATURED

Cruz competed against Bob Postage, a retired engineer from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Candice Coleman, a stay-at-home mom from Summerville, North Carolina, who eventually won the grand prize. In the first round, “Baker’s Choice,” the three contestants had to create vintage Christmas ornament cakes, which were made out of sculpted cake pops, covered in melted chocolate, painted with cocoa butter and glazed with finishing powder.

“The best of the worst of us wins,” Cruz said.

The three competitors were given the recipes and full access to an ingredient-stocked pantry and the kitchen — and only 45 minutes in the first round to recreate the cake pop examples. After that round, and again after the second round, Byer, Torres and celebrity judge Maya Rudolph tasted and critiqued the contestants’ creations.

“It was supposed to look like a glass ornament for Christmas. Mine did not look like that,” Cruz said.

“They said it was a health hazard because it was slightly undercooked.”

For that reason, Cruz came

in third place for the round and earned an “advantage” for the second round, “Nail It or Fail It,” which allowed her to send her opponents into a snowball fight frenzy for 3 minutes instead of working. That really helped, she said, because for that round, they had to make a complicated and time-consuming “Sit on Santa’s Lap Cake,” which was a fruitcake covered in modeling chocolate and surrounded by fondant-covered presents, during a 90-minute time frame.

“In the second round, I tried to focus more on the decorating,” Cruz said.

Even though she didn’t win that round, either, she did learn a valuable tip — coat the fruit in flour before folding into the batter so the pieces don’t sink to the bottom of the cake. And, “I learned not to

Samantha Cruz, right, seen here with her sister, Christina Cruz, and her nephew, Jaxon Cruz, appeared on the Netflix show “Nailed It!”

undercook cakes. I think that was a big lesson,” she said.

Both recipes were “extremely difficult and there was not enough time,” Cruz said. But, “no matter what the outcome is, everyone is really happy and laughing.”

She added, “I would do it again.

Everyone there was very nice. I already know I’m bad at baking, so I didn’t have any expectations.”

Since filming the episode, Cruz has been continuing her studies, and her sister, who received an associate’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, is currently attending Johnson & Wales and working as a baker for Whole Foods in Shrewsbury. Cruz, meanwhile, has decided to leave all the baking to her sister.

“I actually haven’t baked since I came back. It’s been a little humbling,” Cruz said.

She really doesn’t mind, though — “she’ll make cupcakes,” Cruz said, “and I’ll take pictures of her cupcakes.”

SUBMIT TED PHOTO

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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CITY VOICES

FIRST PERSON

A Christmas Poem LYNN LESLIE

There is this guy, who has an eye, on Christmas Eve this year.

A time of hope, some might elope!, a time of Christmas cheer.

Now this old guy, who wears no tie, surrounds himself instead, With eight tiny reindeer, who pull his tiny sled.

He has a name, known ‘round the world, and no one does forget, That this old man is Santa! But we’ve not ever met!

Still all the milk and cookies, that everyone leaves out,

from the staff of Worcester Magazine

Are gone by Christmas morning, along with lots of shouts, Of “Santa’s come! Oh, all wake up! Oh, Santa has been here!”

And, of course, along with, his eight tiny reindeer.

Lynn Leslie lives in Worcester.

artists of an actor and

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AZINE.CO

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ng, ia.com . Fair warni itor@gatehousemed digital copies artist, email WMed bio and high resolution will e a small or know of a local tion and what need to provid based on resolu If you are an artist, e what will run, h your work, you’ll in order to publis We reserve the right to choos art. of some of your newsprint. on reproduce best

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D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

CITY LIF E

Let us feature your artwork in Worcester Magazine’s Artist spotlight! Email WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com high res samples of your work and a brief bio!

wanted

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CITY VOICES

WORCESTERIA

The robots are coming for your salads!

BILL SHANER

SAYONARA: Mike Lanava has left the building, folks. He stepped down as chair of the Worcester Democratic City Committee recently. I’m told by multiple people of various levels of reliability that he is leaving to work on the Joe Kennedy Senate campaign, which is, in my opinion, an entirely unnecessary and unproductive political maneuver — Kennedy, I mean, not Lanava. I’m sure Lanava is being paid handsomely, so good for him. As for who will assume the top job for Worcester Dems? It is as of yet unclear. The City Committee has been pretty mum on the subject. No posts, only whispers. Whoever does take the job though, they take it at a very interesting time. The Democratic Party is all sorts of fragmented right now as the various splinter factions coalesce around their preferred candidate. Whoever has the top job in Worcester is going to have to deal with that on a local level, and let’s just say I can see that getting catty real fast.

YANG WAS RIGHT: The Worcester Public Schools wants to get a robot

to toss salads. Read that sentence twice and let it wash over you. The Worcester Public Schools. Wants to get a robot. To toss salads. One of my very best sources came across a document buried deep, deep in the wonkery of getting the new Doherty Memorial High School built. And in said document someone from either the WPS or the WPS’ consulting firm is requesting a “robotic salad machine” to provide students with healthy eating choices throughout the day. I mean, you could also just hire someone to do that but hey, if Andrew Yang is right and we’re headed straight for the destruction of labor at the hands of automation, I’m glad WPS is getting into it by way of salad tossing. It’s the little things that help.

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

WALK THIS WAY: I have been meaning to rant about this for weeks, since our first major snow storm, but I keep forgetting. We need to get on these landlords about shoveling their walks. In my neighborhood, it’s like every other house that doesn’t. And a lot of people walk in my neighborhood, so the snow gets packed down into ice real quick and it gets extremely slippery. I know someone who broke their shoulder and is out of work four weeks because of it. I’ve near about fallen into oncoming traffic several times for having the audacity to try to walk around my neighborhood. I know it is an inherently insane system. We have massive public infrastructure for plowing roads but we leave it up to private citizens to shovel the public walks outside their home. That’s a system that works if everyone is a responsible owner occupant, but in Worcester we’re dealing mostly with scumbags who don’t care how many bones you break so long as you get the check in on the first. This system ain’t changing anytime soon so we have to work within the confines of it, and that means being a narc, basically. You have to narc the landlords. You have to be a bit of a cop caller, but on landlords, so don’t feel too bad. Here’s how: call the DPW customer service center at (508) 929-1300 with the address. Or email at dpw@ worcesterma.gov They will send an inspector and issue a $75 per day fine.

Ask for a service request number so you can follow up. Make sure they get fined. The only way we’re going to get these crooks to shovel their walks is by bleeding them out. Report early and often. But also, make sure that the building is owned by a landlord and not an elderly person who can probably barely keep up on property taxes and as such can’t pay for someone to come shovel and certainly shouldn’t be shoveling themselves. In that case, maybe just help them shovel. Again, insane system.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

Line dancing at Rascals Looking for a place to go line dancing? The recently opened Rascals, at 70 James St. in Worcester, is continuing the Friday night country music tradition established at the Dance Ranch, which previously occupied that location. On Dec. 20, just to make it festive, the event will also be an ugly sweater party with raffles and prizes. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., but as with most dance clubs, will likely heat up a bit later in the evening.

Photos by Dylan Azari

COVER STORY

Headed for a free ride?

Kansas City busing move excites Worcester advocates BILL SHANER

FILE PHOTO/STEVE LANAVA

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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COVER STORY

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hen leaders in Kansas City, Missouri, got rid of bus fares earlier this month, they made headlines across the country and the decision was roundly hailed as an innovative investment.

Riders board a Kansas City bus, now fare-free.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PITCH/PHOTO BY KELCIE MCKENNEY

COVER STORY

Though they likely didn’t know it, those leaders also reinvigorated an effort to adopt a similar program in Worcester. Transit advocates in the city are making a renewed push to get rid of fares on Worcester Regional Transit Authority lines. A group of advocates and elected officials, coalescing under the banner the Worcester Fare Free Exploratory Coalition, is rolling out a publicity campaign and is calling on the WRTA leadership to stop any plans to invest in new fare boxes and seriously evaluate a fare-free plan.

“This is obviously a huge breakthrough,” said Brenna Rodeson, co-chair of the Worcester Fare

Free Exploratory Coalition, of the decision in Kansas City.

“It’s showing that if Worcester can get on the bandwagon with this, we would be on the cutting edge.”

The Fare Free Exploratory Coalition is a group of advocates and elected officials pushing for fare free transit in Worcester. City Councilor Gary Rosen, who made headlines earlier this year for criticizing the WRTA as “possibly obsolete,” has come around to wholeheartedly embracing and advocating for the plan. In an email to supporters last week, Rosen even included a revised version of the old folktune “M.T.A.”

FILE PHOTO/ASHLEY GREEN

Well, let me tell you of the story of a man named Charlie

He put ten cents in his pocket (SHOULD HAVE BEEN FARE-FREE), kissed his wife and family Went to ride on the WRTA Well, did he ever return?

No he never returned and his fate is still unlearned (what a pity) He may ride forever ‘neath the streets of WORCESTER.

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He’s the man who never returned

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

On a tragic and fateful day

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

Riders board buses at the WRTA Hub

COVER STORY

Fare-free transit is an idea that has gained significant traction in recent years. Advocates see it as a way to reverse trends of declining ridership and lack of investment in transit systems while also making it easier to get around cities without a car. Increasing bus ridership has roundly been proven to reduce traffic congestion, which in turn reduces car pollution.

In Worcester, bus ridership

FILE PHOTO/ALLAN JUNG

has been on a steady decline, as a lack of investment from the state in the RTA network and bare minimum contributions from participating cities and towns has led to route cuts and less frequent trips. From 1998 to 2018, ridership declined from 5 million trips per year to just over 3 million.

In May, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau put out a report examining the impact that mov-

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D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

ing to a fare-free system could have on the WRTA and Worcester as a whole. The report made a splash at the time, and received

significant press attention. Since, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of a three-year pilot

program. While there has been no formal plan out of City Hall, the move does enjoy the support of a fair number of city councilors.

COVER STORY

Like the transportation advocates, the Research Bureau also sees the news out of Kansas City as significant for Worcester.

“As our report pointed out, at least 39 transit agencies across the country do not charge fares, so there is precedent for Worces-

the city budget. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority annually brings in $8 to $9 million in fare collection from $1.50 bus fees and $50 monthly passes. In casting their votes, councilors cited the economic impact and equity the move would bring that

“... if Worcester can get on the bandwagon with this, we would be on the cutting edge.”

- Brenna Rodeson, co-chair of the Worcester Fare Free Exploratory Coalition ter’s ongoing conversation and Kansas City’s decision to move forward with fare-free busing,” said Paul Matthews, executive director.

Earlier this month, the Kansas City City Council voted unanimously to instruct the city manager to fund the program with up to $8 million from elsewhere in

outweighs the upfront cost. When they did so, Kansas City became the first major United States City to move to fare-free busing.

The move to make buses free is one of several major investments in transportation in the Missouri city. In 2015, leaders there implemented a downtown streetcar to bring passengers along the city’s

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COVER STORY

main urban corridor. The streetcar program was expanded earlier this year. It is both popular and seen as a booster of millions in economic activity along its route.

Kansas City is not the only city in the country to adopt fare-free busing. In fact, around 40 smaller city and regional bus networks have some version of fare-free transit. In some, the move has

fiscal year. In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the bus system saw roughly 700,000 rides. The city pays for the bus system through a small tax on utility bills and a fee on college student tuition payments. Olympia, Washington, appears poised to follow suit. The city will make bus rides free starting Jan. 1.

In Europe, fare-free busing is more common, especially in

Above, the WRTA Hub on Foster Street.

FILE PHOTO/ALLAN JUNG

Belove, the WRTA Maintenance and Operations Center, 85 Quinsigamond Ave.

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FILE PHOTO/STEVE LANAVA

drastically increased ridership.

Corvallis, Oregon, home of Oregon State University, is a city about a third the size of Worcester and home to a substantial college student population. It eliminated fares on its bus network in 2011.

Since, the system has seen a roughly 40 percent increase in ridership, reaching a peak of 1.1 million rides in the 2014-2015

Poland and France. The nation of Estonia recently set into motion a plan to make transit free nationwide. Leaders in Paris are examining the idea of abolishing fares on metros and buses.

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 19 - 25, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

John Gaumond of Worcester is a poet, photographer, gardener, and professor emeritus at Fitchburg State University. He led a poetry writing workshop at Borders Bookstore for five years. His poetry has been published in Poets in the Galleries, The Connecticut River Review, Sahara, Worcester Magazine, The Longfellow Society Journal, The Leaflet, the Lancaster Times, The Issue, Ballard Street Poetry Journal, The Worcester Telegram & Gazette and The Worcester Review. He received The Jacob Knight Poetry Award in 2006. His photographs have appeared in The Worcester Review, Diner, Ballard Street Poetry Journal, The River Valley Current, The Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Worcester Magazine. His photograph "Flower Pots, Siena III" was selected for the 2014 Art in the City program.

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CITY LIFE

LIFESTYLE

10 gifts the teens want for Christmas SARAH CONNELL SANDERS

than a flatscreen? Our peripheral vision. A curved monitor plays into the round shape of the human eye to provide an immersive visual that pops.

I

asked 35 Worcester teens about their ultimate holiday wish lists.

The prompt went something like: “Imagine if you found out Billie Eilish was your long lost cousin and she wanted to buy you a present.

What would you ask for?” Some of the results were surprisingly reasonable; others left me in a Zoomer haze.

Fortnite V-Bucks

AirPods Estimated price tag: $159 for Apple AirPods or $249 for Apple AirPods Pro. Before I received a pair of AirPods, I viewed the wireless headphones as nothing but a status symbol. All it took was one run with my spaceage earbuds to help me understand the liberation of coming untethered.

AirPods are stored in a cute little charging capsule, covers for which are also a coveted gift this season.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

Anime & Manga Estimated price tag: Most Manga paperbacks will set you back less than $10. A library card is free.

Anime are Japanese-style animated TV shows or movies while manga are Japanese-style comic books or graphic novels. This year, School Library Journal recommends Akiko Higashimura’s “Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey,” an art-

AirPods are a big ticket item this holiday season. ist’s memoir about a sword-wielding sensei.

Canada Goose Jacket Estimated price tag: The best selling Rossclair Parka is normally priced at $995.

Canada Goose Jackets found fame and fortune beyond arctic woodsmen when CEO Dani Reiss began distributing them to celebrities during the early twenty-tens.

Kate Upton famously wore a Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber ($895) on the cover of Sports Illustrated

in 2013 and the lifestyle implications were lasting. The coats are still widely viewed as an ostentatious flex; however, this holiday season, department stores are marking down their prices. The company offers a lifetime warranty, but there’s no guarantee they’ll stay in style for much longer.

Curved TV Estimated price tag: At Best Buy, the Samsung 55” Curved TV is $479.99.

What makes a curved TV better

Estimated price tag: $25 for 2800 V-Bucks.

I kind of thought Fortnite was over. Apparently, I was wrong because V-Bucks made multiple appearances in my survey results. VBucks are the in-game currency used for purchasing outfits, pickaxes and “Emotes” (emotional animations that include both dancing and taunting one’s competitors.) V-Bucks don’t give you a competitive advantage, although there is an intimidation factor to be gained by dressing for success.

Fuzzy Socks Estimated price tag: Under $10.

One response read simply: “Boys want fuzzy socks. Girls want money.”

I’m still working through the psychological subtext of this bold claim.

Regardless, fuzzy socks are never a bad idea for anyone on your shopping list. iPhone11 Estimated price tag: Starting at $699 for 64 GB. (With a trade in, your investment drops to a hearty $399.)

The new iPhone offers an ultra wide camera lens, impressive battery life, a liquid retina display and water resistance. Just don’t go deeper than 2 meters or you’ll find yourself back in queue at the Verizon Store.

Peridot Gemstones

Estimated price tag: Raw peridot rings are available on Etsy for less than $50.

Crystals have become increasingly popular in recent years. Early civilizations believed that peridot could drive out the forces of darkness, sorcery and evil. This eye-catching olive-green gem is the birthstone for August babies.

PS4 Estimated price tag: Consoles retail for $249.99.

PlayStation 4 can be used for gaming and streaming. The system is slimmer than past iterations, making it a posh companion for your new curved TV. Thanks, cousin Billie!

Time with Friends and Family Estimated Price Tag: Free.

A surprising number of the teens shared heartfelt responses about wanting nothing more this holiday season than quality time with their friends and family. I think they might be onto something.

Jimmy ‘2 Suits’ Capone brings holiday blues to Chan's JIM PERRY

J

immy Capone just wants to have fun. It is of paramount importance to him. But make no mistake, the music is the thing.

And the musicians that Capone has gathered together for his shows constitute the crème de la crème of the New England blues scene.

Called Jimmy "2 Suits" Capone and the All-Star Chan Clan Band, the show rolls into Chan’s Restaurant in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Dec. 21.

From the early ’90s through 2011, Capone was a member of the legendary swing blues band, Bellevue Cadillac. Throughout those years,

the group developed a holiday tradition at the Rhode Island restaurant, Chan’s, which became a popular annual sellout.

After Bellevue Cadillac dissipated, Capone spoke with John Chan, and asked if he could take over the holiday show himself. Chan said sure, and Capone teamed up with the great blues-belter, Diane Blue.

Capone and Blue had a nice run, but she was already itching to explore her own career, which Capone fully endorsed. “I told her, if you want to book something on your own, please go ahead.” Her career has taken off since then.

Meanwhile, Capone had a plan.

As he tells it, an all-star band is

what he wanted.

“My original idea was to do this ‘Rat Pack’ type of show,” recalls Capone, referring to the moniker that was employed by Frank Sinatra and his gang of entertainers back in the ’60s and ’70s. The spirit of it is to give everyone in the group a chance to come up front and shine. “I wanted it to be an ‘everything’ show, not one person, but everybody.”

“The concept was to give each member of the band a chance to do a few songs back to back, and then move it onto the next guy. When I call your name, we’ll do a round robin, think of what you wanna do, shout out the key, and we’ll do it.

“My thing is, we’re not gonna

Jimmy "2 Suits" Capone SUBMIT TED PHOTO

rehearse. And they’ll ask me ‘what’s the set list?,’ and I say ‘I don’t know, we’ll make it up as we go along.’”

Longtime member trombonist Bobby “Breeze” Holfelder likens it to a scary dream. “If you think about it, it's the kind of thing you could have nightmares about. A room full of people who have paid good money to see a show, and you have absolutely nothing prepared. It always turns out great, though.”

But that’s just the point, says Capone.

Because of the skills and experience of the lineup, Capone can get away with just having everyone show up, and sketch up a show right C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E

CITY LIFE

'2 S U I T S '

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 18

Chef Chris O’Harra joins Worcester Tech culinary team BARBARA M. HOULE

C

The culinary team at Worcester Technical High School includes, from left, Kevin Layton, Betty Casey, Christopher O’Harra, Kim Youkstetter and Brian McNally. O’Harra replaces the recently retired Michael Fournier as chef instructor.

RICK CINCLAIR

in corporate catering during his career. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Judges’ Choice Award at Worcester’s Best Chef Competition. When at the Flying Rhino, O’Harra also was instrumental in the “Flying Rhino Restaurant Takeover,” an event that featured culinary students at Worcester Technical High School working side-by-side with the chef and his staff. A similar event may return in the next school year, according to Kevin Layton.

Chef instructors at the school Layton, Betty Casey, Brian McNally and Kimberly Youkstetter recently organized and worked a pancake breakfast fundraiser at the school for injured Worcester firefighter Christopher Pace, a graduate of Worcester Technical High School. More than 500 people attended the schoolwide event.

Note: The students in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality and Tourism Management programs, assisted by instructors, operate Skyline Bistro

at the school, which is open to the public. Great food!

Foodies wish Fournier and O’Harra the best in their journey.

Peter Eco named Sonoma executive chef

Peter Eco of Shrewsbury is new executive chef at Sonoma at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester.

The chef currently is “fine tuning” Sonoma’s menu, with plans to introduce a new menu in the spring, inspired by his appreciation and love of good food.

Sonoma will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to Eco, who will present a celebratory menu at Sonoma on New Year’s Eve. Guests will have the opportunity to experience Eco’s cuisine at these holiday events.

Visit www.sonomaatthebeechwood.com for information; telephone: (508) 754-2000.

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 21

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added Fournier. “Staff and students pitch in as a team with a positive and professional attitude. I would say to people thinking of coming into the industry that if you don’t have the passion or what it really takes to be a chef, then do something else. The job can be fun, but it’s never easy.”

Outside of the classroom, Fournier has worked the restaurant scene on Martha’s Vineyard and at Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield and the former White Cliffs in Northboro, to name a few. He also at one time was partner in a catering business.

In his retirement, Fournier plans to do “more fishing and hunting.”

When summer rolls around, he said, he might take a part-time job working with food or do volunteer work.

“Being a chef is part of my DNA,” said Fournier.

Chris O’Harra looks forward to new challenges as a culinary instructor. “I’m really excited to work with the students and the other chefs,” said O’Harra, who also has worked

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

hefs on the move in and around the city include Michael Fournier of Worcester who recently retired after 50 years in the industry. Fournier was a chef instructor in the Culinary Arts Department at Worcester Technical High School, working more than 30 years in the city’s public school system.

Christopher O’Harra, former executive chef at the Flying Rhino Café & Watering Hole and Maddi’s Cookery and TapHouse, both in Worcester, was hired this month as a chef instructor at Worcester Technical High School, filling the job vacancy left by Fournier.

The dish: Kevin Layton, department head of Culinary Arts at Worcester Technical High School, described Fournier as a chef who not only shared his expertise and passion with students, but also was instrumental in helping many of them land their first job after graduation.

“He’s a great guy, and we all wish him the very best in his retirement,” said Layton.

Fournier has many fond memories when he reflects on his path as a chef. He started working in restaurants when he was 16 and went to the David Hale Fanning Trade School in Worcester. The vocational school at one time was known as “Trade” or Worcester Boys’ Trade High School, with different city locations.

“I’ve had an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career, watching graduates go on to build successful careers in the food business,” said Fournier.

“Timmy Russo is one of them,” referring to executive chef Tim Russo of Lock 50 in Worcester.

“As chef instructors at the high school we are part of an extended family,” said Fournier. “We listen to the kids and help them out whenever we can. Students and parents sign a contract at the beginning of the school year and students have to stick to it. They know the drill about cleanliness, ironed uniforms, etc. We prepare them for the real world ahead. It’s more than just food preparation.

“Our culinary students are hard working and embrace what they do,”

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

on the spot.

As he formulated this group of stars in his head, it all started with keyboardist Johnny Juxo, and trumpet player Johnny Blue Horn. They are both first-rate performers that make audiences smile. Capone then added drummer Eddie Scheer, and bassist Randy Bramwell, both from the legendary Love Dogs. Scheer is a great entertainer in his own right.

Rounding out the horns since the inception is Holfelder, a fun-loving entertainer, as well as a world-class trombonist.

At first, Capone rotated different guitarists, before settling on Jack Ward for a while. Nowadays, the guitar chair is occupied by the great Willie J Laws.

As if that wasn’t enough, singer Toni Lynn Washington, a true legend of Boston blues, joined the lineup.

All the band members are thrilled to be a part of the magic.

“I think I've been on the gig from the beginning, circa 2012,” says Johnny Blue Horn. “There's an added comfort level onstage when the assembled musicians are also friends.

I'm thrilled beyond description every time I step up on stage with this bunch.”

Eddie Scheer concurs. “I look forward to playing with these guys every time. By the end of the gig my face hurts from smiling!”

Johnny Juxo describes the lineup as “a multitude of band leaders all in one band, and all with a great sense of humor,” adding, “we don't rehearse, but, we ALL bring our own song ideas to the table and we hash it out while we partake in our preshow Chan's house buffet!”

Holfelder puts it this way. “The people in this show are all funny, smart, worldly, talented and fearless.

The audience gets a taste of everybody's personality, and a window into how musicians communicate and interact with each other to create collectively. I think it's a unique experience, and it's always tons of fun.”

Jimmy "2 Suits" Capone has his dream lineup, and is certainly enjoying the experience. “We laugh and we joke and have so much fun,” he says. “At the end of the day, I want the audience to go home saying, gee that was great music, but boy, were we entertained! And it’s equally important to me that the guys go home saying, man, did I have a good time.”

TABLE HOPPIN’

CITY LIFE

DINING

Take a date to Taqueria La Estrella 134 S. Main St., Milford; (508) 282-5900 SANDRA RAIN

E

veryone from Vox to BBC has covered the prevalence of tacos in the world of online dating. The general consensus is that tacos are universally beloved, they signify some sense of cultural proficiency, and there’s an emoji to boot. “Taco Tinder” is a thing.

Alas, there are so few great taco spots across Central Massachusetts.

Before you dare write a tagline like: “Looking for a partner in crime who brakes for tacos!” Let’s figure out which tacos are worth your time.

(No guarantees on the accompanying love interest.)

Taqueria La Estrella in Milford is operated by a group of friends and family from Jalisco, Mexico, who share a passion for street-style tacos.

The fast-casual counter is swift and efficient for take-out orders, but plenty of guests choose to dine in with tableside service.

The dining room is painted in eyepopping shades of cobalt blue and flaxen yellow. Dark trim and arched

brick doorways lend dimension to the space. Real live hanging plants pepper every corner of the room along with hand-painted renderings of Jalisco and a three-dimensional crescent moon.

Baskets of warm chips and carafes of freshly made salsa arrive im-

mediately. Order a side of Estrella’s thick guacamole made from ripe avocados, chopped raw onions and a copious dose of lime juice. The staff won’t rush you, so take your time wading through the concise offerings and getting to know your date.

Lime availability is imperative to

fully appreciate and enjoy Mexican cuisine. Limes are medicinal, they’re good for your skin, and they brighten the rich and salty characteristics of nearly every dish on the menu — especially the tacos. At Taqueria La Estrella, tacos are served with a literal pile of lime wedges and radishes.

The dry griddled corn tortillas are double stacked to form a supple and toasty base for diced onion, cilantro and your choice of lengua, pastor, suadero, shrimp, white fish, chorizo, chicken or steak.

The suadero offers a melting and smoky cut of thinly sliced beef. The chorizo showcases a spiced sausage heightened by splashes of Estrella’s homemade hot sauces, appearing at the table in shades of matte red and glossy green. The al pastor boasts a spit-grilled pork with deeply embedded flavors of cumin, garlic and peppercorn. This isn’t light or dainty fare, but savory taco snobs will rejoice.

Once you’ve whet your appetite, order an entrée to share with your date. The carne asada is made with charbroiled sirloin seeped in a

distinctly nutty and sweet marinade.

The steak fajita proves a sizzling showstopper, served with buttery cuts of flank steak, caramelized onions and sharp bell peppers.

Taqueria La Estrella will impress your taco Tinder date as long as you remember not to fill up on chips. I should also note that despite being adjacent to a liquor store, it is not BYOB and does not sell booze of its own. Sip a Jarritos or a creamy cup of horchata and then grab a beer at PINZ after dinner while you show off your bowling prowess.

On my last visit to Taqueria La Estrella, dinner for three came to a total of $56.52.

Explanation of Stars: Ratings are from zero to five. Zero is not recommended. One is poor. Two is fair. Three is satisfactory. Four is good. Five is excellent.

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

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D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

THE NEXT DRAFT

Treasures from the Dive Medusa puts bar’s glassware collection on sale for charity MATTHEW TOTA

month, owners Alec Lopez and Sherri Sadowski were preparing to leave behind their impressive glassware pile of dusty boxes in the basement of Medusa Brewing collection. A close friend, Sutter Co. hold the fragile remains of stepped in to save them from the Dumpster. a Worcester institution.

Last week, Sutter and Medusa’s Tom Sutter, one of Medusa’s three founders, was searching through them other founders put the many tulips, last week with a childlike enthusiasm, goblets and flutes out for sale, along looking for specific glasses from Duvel with tap handles and signs from the Dive, raising a little over $1,400 for Moortgat Brewery. the UMass Cancer Walk and Run, He is a self-described beer glass a fundraiser Lopez and Sadowski geek, with a particular interest support each year. in Belgian glassware. “It’s a rare Those who bought glasses were collection,” he said of the Duvel proud to call themselves former Dive glasses. “Each glass was done by Bar patrons, walking away with pieces different artists, and I think there are of a bar that introduced them to the maybe only six or eight in the series. culture of craft beer.

I’ve got three of them now.”

Sutter will never forget his first Those glasses, along with visit. thousands more, belonged to The “I looked at the tap board, and it Dive Bar, once the most influential was all these Belgian beers, and my craft beer bar in Worcester, if not the entire state. After the Dive closed last mouth just dropped open,” he said. “I

A

used to travel the world a lot for my job and spent a lot of time in Belgium and Europe in general. Alec and I would talk about Belgian beers, and I’d bring him beer back from Belgium.

It was a very personal thing for me; that’s actually what started this whole Medusa Brewing thing, too. It was launched from there, and Alec’s support through the whole thing.”

Medusa co-founder Keith Sullivan had a similar reaction during his introductory visit to the Dive. “One of my first experiences in craft beer was at The Dive Bar,” Sullivan said.

He was taking a break from helping haul boxes from the basement, an overwhelming task given the number of glasses Lopez and Sadowski owned.

“We’ve only gone through about a quarter or third of it,” Sullivan said, then only about a half-hour into the sale. “We just have to keep bringing C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E

Tom Sutter, Medusa Brewing Co. co-founder, inherited thousands of glasses from The Dive Bar. Sutter, a beer glass geek, was close friends with owners Alec Lopez and Sherri Sadowski.

MATTHEW TOTA

CITY LIFE

THE NEXT DRAFT

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 20

them up; there are hundreds and hundreds of boxes with six, seven glasses, and 12 glasses in each. It’s in the thousands, it has to be. A lot of it is special, and most of it you can’t just go buy anywhere.”

The Dive collected a vast trove of glassware over the years because it served beer the right way: different glasses for different styles. You drink a Kölsch in a tall, slender stange, a delicate glass for a delicate beer.

A snifter excels in capturing the powerful aromas of dark ales and stouts. Goblets were designed specifically to maintain the frothy head on Belgian ales — Dubbels, Quads and Tripels.

“People may not realize, but a lot of these glasses have these shapes for particular reasons,” said Kyle Sherwood, Medusa’s head of business development. “Styles go in different

Medusa Brewing Co. in Hudson had a charity sale last week of glasses from The Dive Bar, Worcester’s fabled craft beer bar. The sale raised about $1,400 for the UMass Cancer Walk and Run. MATTHEW TOTA

glasses for different reasons. You get a lot of history of the beer and of the places these beers come from just by the shape of the glass.”

Sherwood drove with Sutter in a van to pick up the glasses from the Dive, a trip that took longer than expected because they found themselves stopping several times to peer inside the boxes. A Dive regular, Sherwood loved that the bar’s atmosphere, clientele and music were all as varied as its tap list.

“It was this place where you could try beers you never had and get an education from the bartenders and the staff,” he said. “And it was just a cool intersection of people. You go out onto the patio on a Friday night, and you’re liable to see everyone from older couples coming from date night, to kids that just turned 21, to the dregs of society like my friends and I. It was always a cool place where everyone just found their own groove.”

Perusing a table of Belgian

glasses, Matt Rudzinski and Jared Lindros remember The Dive Bar as a pioneer in Worcester’s craft beer scene. They both started frequenting the bar in the mid-2000s.

“I was just getting into craft beer, and there wasn’t much out there,” Lindros said. “Nobody really had anything. You could find Sam Adams, maybe Magic Hat, but that was it. Then I found out about The Dive Bar, where there were a bunch of cool craft beers, and I could go in and try out new styles.”

Ruzinski left the sale with a small box of glasses. He expects that whenever he drinks from them, he’ll think about the dimly-lit Dive, bringing feelings of joy and melancholy.

“You look back on the fond memories of the place, because you know there’s really not going to be something like it again,” he said. “You can’t bottle that up and replicate it, you can’t do it. You look back and reminisce a little bit.”

TA B L E H O P P I N'

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 19

(978) 537-7111 or visit www.chefbradys.com.

The restaurant will open around 9 a.m. this month for gift card purchases only. Brady compared the restaurant’s opening to a “homecoming.” He said he has met so many people that he hadn’t seen in years, including former Leominster

classmates. “It has been unbelievable,” he said.

The executive/chef owner not only welcomes guests, but he’s also rattling the pots and pans on the kitchen line!

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

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Brady’s, 37 Mechanic St., Leominster, is open with the official ribbon cutting scheduled in January, according to owner Bill Brady.

Restaurant hours are 4 to 10 p.m.

Monday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Telephone

FILE PHOTO/TOM RETTIG

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Brady’s open in Leominster

Chef Peter Eco has been named executive chef at Sonoma at the Beechwood Hotel.

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

Eco has more than 25 years experience and worked as executive chef for celebrity chef Tom Colicchio when he opened Craftsteak at MGM Grand Foxwoods. He also was executive chef at 41 North in Newport, Worcester Country Club and the Fay Club in Fitchburg and has worked the Boston hotel scene. He has cooked by invitation on several occasions at the James Beard House in New York City and is a member of the Les Amis d’Escoffier Society. Eco has “led two restaurant teams to the prestigious Mobil Four Diamond Award” and will be on the judges’ panel at the 2020 Worcester’s Best Chef competition on Jan. 26 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. It will be Eco’s sixth time as a judge.

We should note that 18 years ago, Eco worked as chef at the Beechwood Hotel. This time around, he plans to bring a “high quality, fresh seasonal and healthy concept” to the table, and as chef looks forward to participating in community events.

Amazing food and charismatic chef !

CITY LIFE

FILM

‘Santa freaked me out’

JIM KEOGH

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

I

never sat on Santa’s lap.

No, that’s not the opening line of my memoir, nor is it a rationalization for committing a string of heinous crimes (if I had). It’s just a sad fact.

I was about 5 years old when my parents took my sisters and me to visit the big man at the Ann & Hope department store in Warwick, Rhode Island. Lisa and Mary nonchalantly approached his throne, hopped up, delivered their wish lists, and hopped down.

My own interaction proved more problematic. In short, Santa freaked me out.

Yes, I’d seen him in print and on television specials. He was laughing and likable, and I was enamored by what he could accomplish on Christmas Eve. In my child’s brain, the only dent in his cheery persona was his abysmal treatment of Rudolph and the elves in the Rankin/Bass version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The miserable old bastard was redeemed only by his late-stage retrieval of the misfit toys from their lonely island. (Of course, the toys were unceremoniously parachuted from his sleigh at an altitude high enough to involve clouds. Did they land softly inside a warm home populated by a child longing for a

Charlie in the Box or a cowboy atop an ostrich? Or were they smashed to bits on impact?)

Despite his unsavory behavior toward Rudolph, I was a card-carrying member of Team Santa. So the chance to meet him, well, I wanted this.

But when we got to Ann & Hope that day, I did not see the jovial figure of yuletide myth. Instead I saw a man in a chair in a cheap red-velvet suit who scared the crap out of me. While my brave sisters were ticking off the goodies they expected to find under the Christmas tree, I cowered behind my parents, refusing an audience with the Pope of Presents, the King of the North Pole. Mom and Dad urged me forward, but I resisted. I turned away. I shook. I wept. The shame.

Future Christmases went by without me getting another opportunity to sit in the famous lap. There’s no reason, really. My parents were hard-working people, a teacher and a nurse, and I think they were just tired, especially after my third sister was born.

My own kids were always more composed around Santa than their father ever was. Their closest approximation to my childhood experience occurred on our family trip to Disney World, when the evil witch from “Snow White” approached our table during breakfast and my petri-

“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” Peter Billingsley, right, and Jeff Gillen appear in “A Christmas Story.”

WARNER BROS.

fied 4-year-old son practically left a 4-year-old-boy-shaped hole in the wall when he lunged to escape.

The frequent holiday airings of “A Christmas Story” rekindle memories of my Santa non-visit. The scene where Ralphie and his kid brother Randy meet a department store Santa ends with Randy in hysterics

and Ralphie stunned into speechlessness. The pressure is too much — something’s got to give. And for Ralphie and Randy, and the many children who freeze in their climactic moment (hand raised here), that “something” is any semblance of emotional stability.

So what’s the takeaway from this

column? Is it that Santa, despite his pure intention to spread joy and happiness can also inspire fear and dread? That a visit to Santa can quickly escalate from treat to threat in a child’s mind? That our enduring traumas can involve the most harmless of entities?

Yes. Yes it is.

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, 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, 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. “The Aeronauts” — Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) reunite as a daring balloon pilot and a meteorologist conducting high-altitude research in the 1860s. (1:40) PG-13.

From left, Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Daisy Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn in a scene from "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." opening this week.

DISNEY/LUCASFILM

“After Class” — Campus controversy shadows a NYC professor as he spends a week reconnecting with his family. With Justin Long, Kate Berlant, Fran Drescher, Richard Schiff. (1:33) NR. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — Tom Hanks slips on the friendly cardigan of children’s TV show host Fred Rogers to dispense 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.

“Dark Waters” — Mark Ruffalo stars as a crusading attorney who uncovers a deadly truth about a large chemical company. With Anne Hathaway, Tim C O N T I N U E D O N N E XT PA G E

CITY LIFE

FILM CAPSULES

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 22

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Robbins, Bill Camp, Victor Garber, Mare Winningham, Bill Pullman.

(2:06) 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. (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.

“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 clown in this standalone character study/origin story. With Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Marc Maron. (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. (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.

“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, Michelle Pfeiffer.

(1:58) PG. “The Mandela Effect” — A man begins to question reality when he realizes he can recall facts and events that others can’t. With Charlie Hofheimer, Aleksa Palladino, Robin Lord Taylor. (1:20) NR. “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.

“Playmobil: The Movie” — A sister and brother join a British secret agent to help stop a global conspiracy in this computer-animated action comedy based on the kids toy line. With the voices of Daniel Radcliffe, Meghan Trainor, Kenan Thompson, Adam Lambert. (1:39) PG. “Queen & Slim” — An African American couple on their first date become fugitives after a traffic stop 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 latest chapter of the time-bending cyborg franchise (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. “Waves” — Kelvin Harrison Jr., Taylor Russell, Sterling K. Brown and Renée Elise Goldsberry play a South Florida family weathering tragedy in this emotionally turbulent, formally astonishing drama. R. Limited “The Wolf Hour” — A former counterculture celebrity grows increasingly paranoid as she hunkers down in a stifling apartment in the Bronx in summer 1977. With Naomi Watts, Jennifer Ehle, Emory Cohen.

(1:39) R.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO Thursday, Dec. 19 Story Time — Terrific 2’s & 3’s: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 19, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main St., Boylston. For information: (508) 869-2371, llstretton@cwmars.org.

Registration Required.

Gingerbread Houses: 4-5 p.m.

Dec. 19, Worcester Public Library Goddard Branch, 526 Burncoat St., Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl.org.

Thursday Book Club: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Boylston Public Library, 695 Main St., Boylston.

For information: (508) 869-2371, efurse@cwmars.org. This week’s selection is “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. T

Holiday Visit

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

It will be picture perfect. Visit with Santa in the Worcester Art Museum’s art-filled surroundings from Saturday, and don’t forget your camera. The event is part of the museum’s “Deck the Halls at WAM” programming which includes artfully decorated trees on display through Jan. 5.

What: Visit with St. Nick at WAM When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 21 Where: Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester How much: Free with museum admission. www.worcesterart.org

The Yo Daddy Doe Variety Show: hosted by CoffeeHouse Craig, 7 p.m. Dec. 19, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg.

Sip + Paint A Holiday Mug: 7 p.m.

Dec. 19, Brew on the Grid, 56 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

The Everly Brothers Christmas Experience with The Zmed Brothers: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $30.

“InValidated” by Kara Emily Krantz — a staged reading: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, hosted by Calliope Productions, 150 Main St., Boylston. Free.

Wicked Pissah Show’s Ugly Xmas Sweater Party and Open Mic Comedy Chaos: 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 19, Marty’s Pub, 225 Canterbury St., Worcester. For information: wickedpissahshow@gmail.com.

Metal Thursday with North Star The Wanderer, Hazzard Hawk and Blatch: 9 p.m. Dec. 19, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. $8.

Friday, Dec. 20 Movie Matinee: 2:30-4 p.m. Dec. 20, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester. For information: (508) 799-1655, wplref@mywpl.org. Screening of “Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like,” a PBS retrospective hosted by Oscar nominee Michael Keaton.

Gingerbread Houses: 4-5 p.m.

Dec. 20, Worcester Public Library Tatnuck Magnet Branch, 1083 Pleasant St., Worcester. For information: lsheldon@mywpl. org.

Jonny Taylor: 7-10 p.m. Dec. 20, The Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St., Worcester.

Dan Kirouac: 7-10 p.m. Dec. 20, Specialty Sandwich Co, 624 Main Street, Holden.

Sing: Quiet Corner Song Swap: 7 p.m. Dec. 20, The Vanilla Bean Cafe, 450 Deerfield Road, Pomfret, Connecticut. Free.

The Red Rabbits Nightmarket: 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 20, Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, 366 Main St., Sturbridge. Cost: $10. A night of community and non-denominational celebration for the Red Rabbit and the larger LARP community.

Party for a Cause I mean, does anybody REALLY need an excuse to put on a onesie and dance to a wildly eclectic array of experimental music? Well, if you need a little prompting to do such a thing, you could do worse than the Onesies For Funzies Charity Concert, which is raising money for Polaris, an organization dedicated to eradicating modern slavery. Participating artists include with SubSequence, Josh Teed, Immortal Jellyfish, Whalom Park, Nefu, Earthmark, MeToUrRite & Fermented Beats, 767 Audio powered by Hennessey Sound Design, and Actualize and V.Kash.

What: Onesies For Funzies Charity Concert When: 6 p.m. Dec. 27 Where: Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester How much: $15 in advance, $20 day of sale

Comedian Jim Colliton: 8 p.m. Dec. 20, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Headliners Comedy Series ft.

Rob Steen: 8 p.m. Dec. 20, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $18.

Comedian Dan Crohn: 8 p.m. Dec. 20, The Comedy Attic, Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester. $15.

Sean Ryan: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 20, Days End Tavern, 287 Main St., Oxford.

Macy & Gerrits: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Dec. 20, Dark Rose Saloon, 274 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.

A Zeppelin Xmas: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Dec. 20, Rock Bar, 81 Water Street, Worcester. For information: rockbarworcester@gmail.com.

Featuring a performance by A Night of Zeppelin.

9Teen: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 20, Firefly’s BBQ, 350 East Main St., Marlborough. The Nightmare Before Queermas: Airspray dance party, featuring DJ Patrick Allen, 10 p.m. Dec. 20, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester.

Saturday, Dec. 21 It’s All Relative: 9:15-10:45 a.m.

Dec. 21, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, Worcester. Cost: Free.

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

Visit with St. Nick at Worcester Art Museum: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dec. 21, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester.

For information: information@ worcesterart.org, https://go.evvnt. com/562736-0. Free with Museum admission. Part of our Deck the Halls at WAM programming from November 29, 2019 to January 5, 2020. Deck the Halls at WAM is sponsored by Interstate Specialty Products. Media Partner: WICN

A Little Validation Before Worcester playwright Kara Emily Krantz’s play “inValidated” heads to be produced at the Hollywood Fringe in June, you have a chance to catch a staged reading of the tale of a broken family and personal reinvention at the Calliope Performance Center, read by local actors, including Vivian Eliza Nichols, Ian Dowell, Aaron Littlefield, Lorraine Hruska and Michelle Truax.

What: Staged reading of ‘inValidated’ When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 Where: Calliope Performance Center, 150 Main St., Boylston How much: Free

CITY LIFE

Easy Laughs Dan Crohn has a low-key delivery style that builds slowly, the jokes sort of sneaking up on you.

Whether he’s talking about his family or his former career as a teacher, there’s a relatability to his work that finds the listener snickering easily.

What: Comedian Dan Crohn When: 8 p.m. Dec. 20 Where: The Comedy Attic, Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., Worcester How much: $15

deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Holiday-Themed Art Tour: 2-3 p.m.

Dec. 21, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. For information: information@ worcesterart.org.

Dirty Laundry and Memory Lame: 7 p.m. Dec. 21, Hotel Vernon, 16 Kelley Square, Worcester.

Admission: Bring an unwrapped toy or money for art supplies for a underprivileged child.

4th Annual NEJ Jungle Bells: ft.

Meszenjah, Terraphorm, Mulligan, Veloci I and Biclops, hosted by MC Elijah Divine and DJ Dig-Doug, 7 p.m. Dec. 21, Electric Haze, 26

‘Renaissance’ Man

What: Glenn Hillard When: 2 p.m. Dec. 22 Where: Renaissance Court, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester How much: Free with museum admission. www.worcesterart.org

It continues to be a beautiful day in the neighborhood. A PBS retrospective hosted by Michael Keaton features memorable segments from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” including visits with Koko the Gorilla and the iconic trip to the Crayola crayon factory. Also, Whoopi Goldberg, John Lithgow and Caroll Spinney share their favorite memories of Fred Rogers. Shown as part of the Worcester Public Library’s Movie Matinee series.

What: “Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like” When: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20 Where: Computer Lab, Third Floor, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester.

How much: Free. www.mywpl.org

Sunday, Dec. 22 2019 Brunch with Santa at the Worcester.

Monday, Dec. 23 Open Mic: hosted by Rick Hamel, 6:30p.m. Dec. 16, Funky Murphys, 305 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.

Free.

2019 Christmas At Connect: 7-6 p.m. Dec. 23, Connect Church, 280 Pleasant St., Ashland. Free.

“The Office” Christmas Themed Trivia: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 23, Red Heat Tavern, 227 Turnpike Road, Westborough. Free.

Twas the Night Before, The Night Before Christmas: featuring Chloe Belsito, Sean Ryder, Michael David, Donald Prange, Rich Leufstedt, Jeff Thomas, Lynn Turick Gerrits, Bob Moon, Brett Brumby, The Hip Swayers and Stomp N’ Holler, 7 p.m. Dec. 23, Dark Rose Saloon, 274 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. $10, benefits the Worcester County Food Bank.

The Dirty Gerund Poetry Series: 9

25

Beechwood Hotel: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 22, Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation St., Worcester. $44.95 for adults, children 6-12, $19.95.

The L-Jays: 2 p.m. Dec. 22, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Holiday Concert — Glenn Hilliard: 2-3 p.m. Dec. 22, Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. For information: information@worcesterart. org.

Listen! A Poetry Reading: hosted by Dave Macpherson, 7 p.m., Nov. Dec. 22, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Winter Solstice Mini Fest with Matt Flinner & Low Lily: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $18.

The Duende Project: 9-11:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Nicks Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St.,

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

You could call Glenn Hillard a “Renaissance” man. For one thing, the singersongwriter and piano player will be performing at the Worcester Art Museum’s Renaissance Court Dec. 22. Hillard specializes in New Orleans-style vintage jazz, ragtime blues, gospel music and songs that encourage and uplift the spirit. He also includes some storytelling and sing-along music that the audience can participate with. Originally from Cincinnati, Hillard moved to New England in 1984 and worked 10 years as a mental health rehabilitation counselor. He started teaching piano and music full time in 1995 and has performed extensively at different area venues.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

This project is also funded in part by the Booth Family Fund for Education and Outreach at the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the Christian A. Johnson Discovery Fund.

Santa!: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 21, Worcester Public Library Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St., Worcester.

For information: lsheldon@ mywpl.org. Free.

“Signs of Spirit Book” signing Event with Roland Comtois: 12:30-2 p.m. Dec. 21, Booklovers’ Gourmet, 55 East Main St., Webster. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 949-6232,

Millbury St., Worcester. $10.

Dan Kirouac: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 21, Unitarian Universalist Society of Gardner, 66 Elm Street, Gardner.

Cactus: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 21, Halligan’s Bar And Function Hall, 889 Southbridge St., Auburn.

Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds: 8 p.m. Dec. 21, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $32.

The Kennedys Rockin’ Holiday Show: 8 p.m. Dec. 21, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $18.

Death Ray Vision, Dissolve, Galvanized and Swarm of Eyes: 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 21, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

Boogie Chillin’ Solstice Celebration: 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Dec. 21, WCUW, 910 Main Street, Worcester. $10.

Hot Acoustics: 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 21, Firefly’s BBQ, 350 East Main St., Marlborough. Cost: $10.

Tony Soul Project: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Dec. 21, Rascals, 70 James St., Worcester.

CITY LIFE

THINGS TO DO Family Guy Comedian Jim Colliton’s routine pulls from his life as a husband and father, sidetracking along to way to other subjects, such as Vermont’s vendetta against gluten. He trains an unsentimental eye toward domestic life, which is hilarious. For instance, talking about the concept of soul mates, he jokes, “I’ve been married 17 years and I’ve realized my soul? Not that important.”

Elsewhere, he discusses the transition from, as a young married couple, his wife liked to be able to hear his heart when they slept, to 16 years later, wanting him to roll over because he’s breathing on her. “I could pass away in the night and you wouldn’t even know about it.” Her reply? “I’ll live with myself, roll over.”

What: Comedian Jim Colliton When: 8 p.m. Dec. 20, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 21 Where: WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester How much: $20

p.m. Dec. 16, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester. Free, donations requested to help pay the performers.

Tuesday, Dec. 24 Shrewsbury Toastmasters Invitation: 6:45-8:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 258 Walnut St., 258 Walnut St., Shrewsbury. Cost: Free.

Poetry Open Mic: 7 p.m. Dec. 24, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. Free.

In the Groove There’s an undeniable power in Savoy Brown’s groove, one which permeates the band’s 2019 album, “City Night.” Driven by a heavy, driving bass and a rock guitar sense of cool, the album takes the classic blues feel and pushes it to its extremes. Songs such as “City Night,” “Walking on Hot Stones” and “Don’t Hang Me Out to Dry” are infectious and cathartic, the sort of blues that seeps into your skin and washes your cares away.

What: Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds When: 8 p.m. Dec. 21 Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $32

Wednesday, Dec. 25

and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

Friday, Dec. 27 Thursday, Dec. 26 Dark Desert Eagles: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $40.

Karaoke in the Cabaret: with DJ Matt R., 8 p.m. Dec. 26, Nick’s Bar

Hawk Watching Hazzard Hawk’s 2014 album, “Arcanum,” is a surprisingly lovely piece of work, marrying a blistering rock to a sort of wistful undertow that gives an emotional weight to songs such as “Second Sons,” “Paper Girl” and “Satellite.” There are moments of sheer beauty, but also unfettered rock, and the dichotomy makes for a great listening experience.

What: Metal Thursday with North Star The Wanderer, Hazzard Hawk and Blatch When: 9 p.m. Dec. 19 Where: Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester How much: $8

Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat: 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 27, Nick’s Bar and restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Shabbat Chanukah with Creative Latke Contest: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 27, Temple Emanuel Sinai, 661 Salisbury St., Worcester. For information: (508) 755-1257, amayou@emanuelsinai.org.

Shabbat evening services begin at 6:30 pm.

Onesies For Funzies Charity Concert: with SubSequence, Josh Teed, Immortal Jellyfish, Whalom Park, Nefu, Earthmark, MeToUrRite & Fermented Beats, 767 Audio powered by Hennessey Sound Design, and Actualize and V.Kash, 6 p.m. Dec. 27, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $15 in advance, $20 day of sale. Proceeds benefit Polaris, an organization dedicated to eradicating modern slavery.

Delta Generators: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $18.

Ben Cosgrove: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg. $5-$10 donation.

Comedian Jon Fisch: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Steve & Steve Duo: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, Days End Tavern, 287 Main St., Oxford.

Gypsy Cowboys: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, Halligan’s Bar And Function Hall, 889 Southbridge St., Auburn.

FM Live!: 8-11 p.m. Dec. 27, Baba Sushi Sturbridge, 453 Main St., Sturbridge.

Memory Lame, Neon Velvet and Comrade Nixon: 8 p.m. Dec. 27, Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave., Worcester. $7.

Auntie Trainwreck: 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 27, Greendale’s Pub, 404 West Boylston St., Worcester.

Three Little Birds: 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Dec. 27, Barbers Crossing Road House, 861 Main St., Leicester.

Kevin Shields: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Quinns irish Pub, 715 West Boylston St., Worcester.

Abraxas (Santana Tribute Band): 9 p.m.-midnight, Dec. 27, Rock Bar, 81 Water St., Worcester.

Decks and Drums: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

CITY LIFE

Back to the Roots In a lot of ways, bluegrass mandolinist Matt Flinner and Americana trio Low Lilly have only superficial similarities.

While both are grounded in American roots music, the former finds his strength in high-spirited, lively music that’s sometimes achingly heartfelt, while the latter puts the weight of their songs on gorgeous vocal harmonies. Still, the combination should make for an unforgettable and compelling show.

What: Winter Solstice Mini Fest with Matt Flinner & Low Lily When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $18

Saturday, Dec. 28

Stage “A Christmas Carol”: 2 p.m. Dec. 21; 7 p.m. Dec. 19, 21, 23; 2 p.m.

Dec. 21; and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Dec. 22. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. $28$56. thehanovertheatre.org “The Hip Hop Nutcracker”: 7 p.m.

Dec. 29. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. $42.50-$62.50. thehanovertheatre.org.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Introduction to Google Drive: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 28, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem S., Worcester. Cost: Free. For information: (508) 799-1655, wplref@mywpl.org.

Children’s Concert with Margaret McCandless: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 28, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. For information: thbg@towerhillbg. org.

Editing with Pixlr X: 2:30-4 p.m.

Dec. 28, Worcester Public Library,

Millbury St., Worcester.

Strange Machines with SixFoxWhiskey & Groovin’ confusion: 9 p.m. Dec. 28, Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester. $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

Dec. 27, Firefly’s BBQ, 350 East Main Street, Marlborough.

Tar, Shapethrower, Alley Trash and Ego Death: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester.

The Curtis Mayflower: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk St., Worcester.

Carlos Odria Trio: 9 p.m. Dec. 27, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Doctor Robert: 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 27, Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange St., Worcester.

Aquanett’s Pre-New Years Eve Bash: 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 27, Drafter’s Sports Cafe, 35 Chase Avenue, Dudley.

3 Salem St., Worcester. Cost: Free.

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

Lynsey Bunny Moon: 3 p.m. Dec. 28, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

Four Year Strong with Citizen, Bearings and Bloom: 7 p.m. Dec. 28, The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester. $10-$55.

Comedian Jon Fisch: 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Dec. 28, WooHaHa! Comedy Club, 50 Franklin St., Worcester. $20.

Dan Kirouac: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 28, The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar, 99 Route 13, Brookline.

Worcester Railers vs. Maine Mariners: 7:05 p.m. Dec. 28, DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester.

Cost: $15-$36.

Nilserver, Beige and Lean: 8 p.m.

Dec. 28, Strong Style Coffee, 13 Cushing St., Fitchburg.

The Giles Robson/Bruce Katz Show: 8 p.m. Dec. 28, Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. $25.

The Ed Sullivans: 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Dec. 28, Halligan’s Bar And Function Hall, 889 Southbridge St., Auburn. Cost: $10.

Everybody Wants Some (Van Halen Tribute): 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 28, Marine Corps League, 181 Lake Ave., Worcester.

We & The Dawg with Johnny Blue Horn: 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 28, The White Eagle, 116-120 Green Street, Worcester.

The Royal Furs: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 28, Whiskey On Water, 97 Water St., Worcester.

The Jake Ash Band: 9 p.m.midnight, Dec. 28, Rascals, 70 James Street, Worcester. Cost: $10.

Joan Cleary & Co: 9 p.m. Dec. 28, Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124

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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.

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D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 2019

Meet Spadie! A woman surrendered her cats when she lost her home. Bulldawg and Spadie are bonded. Initially, we put them in separate cages across from one another. As soon as we reunited them, they curled up in a bed together. Bulldawg is more outgoing.

He loves playing with feathers and fetching toys. Spadie is reserved and sweet. Bulldawg and Spadie must be adopted together for a reduced adoption fee of $250 for both cats.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Here are some of WARL’s regular needs: Pet Supplies: Dog and cat food (both canned and dry). Purina brand preferred. Please no grainfree; Non-clumping kitty litter; Bedding, comforters, blankets and towels (not pillows & sheets); Kuranda Beds; martingale collars.

against; For dogs: Kongs, Ruff Wear, Jolly Balls, Tuffies, tennis balls.

Office Supplies: Copy paper (white and colors), postage stamps, pink and blue post-its, etc. Staples gift cards are always welcomed!

Pet Toys – For cats: furry mice and balls with bells, stuffed animals for orphaned kittens to snuggle

Computers, Laptops, Printers: Newer models or gently used models are welcomed.

Medical Supplies: Latex gloves, gauze, anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, popsicle sticks, Dixie cups, One Touch Test Strips.

depend on the heartfelt outpouring of people like you. Donations can be given online, mailed, or given in person at WARL.

Monetary Donations: WARL is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your donations of money, time, supplies, homes, and love are vital to our cause and the lives of the animals in our care. The animals

Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels, 33-gallon trash bags, sponges, bleach, dish soap, “HE” (high efficiency) laundry detergent, Lemon Joy soap.

Amazon Wish List: Can’t stop in?

Do you like the ease of shopping online? Visit our Amazon Wish List, and the items will be shipped directly to WARL!

GAMES

J O N E S I N’

“Alphabet Run” — the quick part of the song.

by Matt Jones

Across

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

8 9 10 11 12 13 19 21 25 27 28 30 32 33

40 High-end 44 Two-ended tile 45 De Niro’s wife in “Meet the Parents” 47 Smallest possible quantities 48 Bordeaux red wine 49 Aplenty 51 “American Chopper” network 53 Hulkamania figure 54 “Mean Girls” actress Lindsay 56 “Trouble’s in store” 57 “Mambo King” Puente 58 “Happy Birthday” writer 59 Indy 500 month Last week's solution

©2019 Matt Jones (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) Reference puzzle #966

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35 36 37 38 39

Has no love for Tesla CEO Musk Airmailed Pub quiz round format, maybe “A Streetcar Named Desire” shout Four-time Masters champion It’s between the knee and the ankle 2020, for one Goes beyond “Oy ___!”

Summer cookout leftover Aperture setting on a camera 9-to-5 grind “Threepenny Opera” star Lotte “Baudolino” author Umberto Creator of Piglet and Pooh Driver’s license agcy.

“The King and I” star Brynner “___ Miserables” Hematite and pyrite Close, as a jacket Exhibit site 10% of MXX

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Down 1 Apartment renter 2 Become invalid 3 Irascibility

4 5 6 7

D E C E M B E R 19 - 25, 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!

1 Tres ___ cake 7 Dangerous reptiles 11 Indicted Giuliani associate Parnas 14 Breathe out 15 Monument Valley state 16 Windows file extension 17 100% correct 18 It may be an acquired taste 20 Comment about a loud blockbuster after thinking it was a Chaplin movie?

22 “___ Tu” (1974 hit song) 23 Shoe bottom 24 “Nailed It!” host Nicole 26 Mountain suffix 27 Permit 29 “Beefy” Trogdor feature 31 Academic URL ender 32 Fake device 34 “Where did ___ leave off?”

36 Phrase you won’t hear from me or other solvers?

39 Winding 41 Den-izens?

42 Planned Airbnb event in 2020 43 Throw in 46 “A Dream Within a Dream” writer 47 “Charlie’s Angels” director, 2000 50 “That ___ funny” 52 Island with Pearl Harbor 54 Country singer McCann 55 Like the most lenient newspaper ever?

59 Word before band or papers 60 2001 A.L. MVP Suzuki 61 Pint at a pub 62 Service rank 63 Home-___ (local athlete) 64 “That’s it” 65 Steering wheel adjunct 66 Finely decorated

CLASSIFIEDS

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Sudoku Answers

LAST CALL

Dave Howland founder 3cross Fermentation Cooperative 3

cross Fermentation Cooperative is a 5,500-square-foot nano-brewery on Cambridge Street in Worcester. Brewer Dave Howland has continued production despite a plumbing issue that closed the taproom for most of the year. With the necessary repairs completed, the taproom will re-open to the public Jan. 10 from 4 to 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy a dozen offerings from 3cross in addition to the popular ramen bowls of Wooden Noodles.

As Massachusetts’ first community-owned brewery, 3cross Fermentation Cooperative is run by and for its members. A cooperative differs from a corporation in that each member has an equal vote regardless of the amount of their capital investment.

Has there been a silver lining to the closure?

I mean we’re definitely tackling some construction projects while we’re shut down. We’re scraping the ceiling. We’re going to repaint.

We installed some new lighting.

Those are all things that wouldn’t really have been practical when we were open to the public.

When did you make the switch to a cooperative?

Officially, it was the beginning of 2018.

Was it a big shift?

Actually, it changed less than I would’ve expected. It’s sort of a codified way for our regulars to be more involved than they were before. The people who joined the co-op are the same people we tend to see here every weekend anyway.

Where have they been going to find 3cross on tap in the interim?

The Boynton is one place where we’re always on. BirchTree Bread Co. definitely keeps us on regular rotation. With the switch to distribution through Atlas last spring, we felt like we found a partner to get the beer out there. It just wasn’t feasible to do it ourselves.

What is your flagship beer?

Brevet, our IPA, is the one you can find most frequently. I keep going back and forth about whether I want to move away from that.

My initial thought, which was always to have a constant rotation, doesn’t work quite as well as imagined when the focus is on distribution.

Are you from Worcester?

I grew up in Charlton. I went to school in Worcester beginning in middle school.

What industry did you work in before you became a brewer?

I worked a ton of different jobs. I did a fair amount of stuff in the tech sector.

Did 3cross begin as a homebrewing operation?

I was a homebrewer for seven or eight years before this came to fruition. I definitely fall into that

camp of homebrewer turned pro.

What is the most challenging beer for you to brew?

Definitely hoppy beers. You’re putting in so much plant material that tends to clog things up. It’s starting to get a little easier with the new equipment upgrades but it’s always a struggle to get really hoppy beers through the system.

Will the bike motif continue when you reopen?

Oh yeah, that’s not going anywhere. “Three cross” is a cycling

reference to the classic spoke lacing pattern for a bicycle wheel.

Are you still an avid cyclist?

Yeah, I still ride a fair amount.

Definitely not as much as I used to because I’m keeping this place going. But, I try to get out as much as I can.

Do you have any goals for 2020?

I’m just trying to strike a balance between tap room business and distribution.

– Sarah Connell Sanders

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It’s a fine line because part of the 3cross charm is your industrial look. Will you be able to

Under the coop model, have all of your owners had an opportunity to chime in?

Our co-op consists of 150 people, so while we’ve had some input from the larger group, the big decisions are made by our board of directors.

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How big is the system you’re brewing with right now?

Currently, I’m still brewing on my little one and a half barrel system that I have been using for the past few years. I finally have plans to get the new five-barrel system installed that we bought about a year and a half ago.

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How long has the taproom been closed?

Since February of 2019. We are doing some reorganizing. The plumbing repairs took place under the floor of the production space.

We’re making the taproom a little bit smaller. The eventual plan is to have a larger room that we can close off during the week and open up for events.

maintain that vibe?

Yeah, I mean, it will definitely still be an industrial space. We’re not going crazy; we’re just trying to draw your attention away from the chaos. We will still have good lighting. It’s part of the plan to maintain a well-lit space. It’s not going to be a dungeon by any stretch, but the fluorescent lights we had before were a little harsh.

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