Worcester Magazine December 24-30, 2015 by Worcester Magazine

DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2015

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FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE After 15 years, A Loss For Words say goodbye

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Kirk A. Davis President Kathleen Real Publisher x331 Walter Bird Jr. Editor x322 Steven King Photographer x323 Joshua Lyford x325, Tom Quinn x324 Reporters Colin Burdett, Sarah Connell, Brendan Egan, Brian Goslow, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Kara Senecal, Corlyn Vooorhees, Contributing Writers Megan Baynes, Jessica Picard, Jared Zanghi Editorial Interns Don Cloutier Director of Creative Services x141 Kimberly Vasseur Creative Director/Assistant Director of Creative Services x142 Matthew Fatcheric, Becky Gill, Stephanie Mallard, Zac Sawtelle Creative Services Department Helen Linnehan Ad Director x333 Diane Galipeau x335, Rick McGrail x334, Media Consultants Kathryn Connolly Media Coordinator x332 Michelle Purdie Classified Sales Specialist x433 Worcester Magazine is an independent news weekly covering Central Massachusetts. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. The Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement. LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES: Please call 978-728-4302, email sales@centralmassclass.com, or mail to Central Mass Classifieds, P.O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520

DISTRIBUTION: Worcester Magazine is available free of charge at more than 400 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each at Worcester Magazine offices. Unauthorized bulk removal of Worcester Magazine from any public location, or any other tampering with Worcester Magazine’s distribution including unauthorized inserts, is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted under the law. SUBSCRIPTIONS: First class mail, $156 for one year. Send orders and subscription correspondence to Holden Landmark Corporation, 22 West St., Suite 31, Millbury, MA 01527. ADVERTISING: To place an order for display advertising or to inquire, please call 508.749.3166. Worcester Magazine (ISSN 0191-4960) is a weekly publication of The Holden Landmark Corporation. All contents copyright 2015 by The Holden Landmark Corporation. All rights reserved. Worcester Magazine is not liable for typographical errors in advertisements.

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insidestories

met the members of A Loss For Words at least a decade ago. In a past life, I spent 10 months a year touring in a pop punk band myself and we crossed paths early and often. There are stories we could tell about one another that could crack up a room or make us all cringe. In a lot of ways, we watched each other grow up. It was my pleasure to spend the last tour with A Loss For Words, but it was also an uncharacteristically wistful – and a bit sad – experience. Leaving the road behind after 15 years is a tough prospect, but one that many await eagerly. There is a level of fear out there in the unknown as well, however. I remember long Worcester nights after nearly a decade of touring saying to myself, “What the fuck do I do now?” The voice that pushes you forward on tour never really leaves you, you just find different ways to shut it the hell up now and again. I listened to my longtime friends come to terms with those exact PHOTO SUBMITTED/ JEFFREY DEAN prospects. Staring down the middle years of your life after spending so long on one track is not easy. Still, A Loss For Words always did things their way and that is something I will forever respect about them. Fate has a funny way of dealing its hand, but they never once padded the deck. They took their knocks and gave more than their fair share back and, if nothing else, they Joshua Lyford, center, performs with A Loss for Words in Las Vagas can look back on during a stop on their recent tour. their 15 year career and smile knowing they never bent to anyone's will but their own. Rest in Peace AL4W, it was a privilege to be a sentence or two in your powerful story. I look forward to the final show – which, by the way, takes place right here in Worcester at The Palladium, even if I know I might blubber like a baby after a Guinness or two.

– Joshua Lyford, reporter

4 City Desk 8 Worcesteria 10 Editorial 10 Harvey 10 Cover Story 15 Night & Day 20 Krave 22 Film 23 Event Listings 29 Sports Listings 30 Classifieds 39 2 minutes with… About

the cover

Photos by Jeffrey Dean Photo Illustration and Design by Kimberly Vasseur

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

{ citydesk }

December 24 - 30, 2015 n Volume 41, Number 17

For homeless, a “place of last resort” in Worcester Tom Quinn

he walls have to be repainted every three months, and the floor is scuffed beyond recognition after less than three years, the result of heavy traffic at the Greater Worcester Housing Connection Triage and Assessment Center – better known as the only homeless shelter in the Worcester area that accepts people regardless of intoxication, drug addiction or other issues. The South Middlesex Opportunity Council, or SMOC as it is called, runs the shelter, and helps “clients” by offering housing services in a variety of cities and towns in the region. The shelter, according to GWHC Director Jayde Campbell, was just the first step in a larger overall mission. Campbell took a Worcester Magazine reporter and photographer on a tour of the facility at 25 Queen St., during a time of year when cold weather starts to sweep the region and the shelter is flooded with more and more people. “Think of us here as the tip of a larger iceberg,” Campbell said. “We are, at our core, a rapid rehousing program.” Campbell claims a few extraordinary statistics that may contradict what Worcester residents think about the Triage Center. For one, he said, it is rare that someone stays at the shelter for too long – 97.5 percent of people who come in are out within 90 days, he said. “We view homelessness as a housing

crisis that needs to be solved as quickly as possible,” Campbell said. “And we do that. On average, we’re placing people in less than 17 days … We can’t control how many people come to our front door, but what we can do is we can house them as quickly as possible. We view the idea of housing as healthcare.” That quick turnaround time accounts for how SMOC can serve what Campbell estimated as nearly 1,500 annual unique visitors at the Queen Street location. While the rooming house license lists 25 beds, during the winter Campbell and his staff lay out mats and move people into overflow space in the dining area to make sure no one freezes to death. “They’re much more comfortable than they look,” Campbell said of the FEMA-approved sleeping mats. “I saw the mat, and thought it looked thin, so I laid on it for half an hour to make sure it was something I would sleep on.” The shelter is hardly the Ritz, but it is not a warehouse either; and it is a far cry from the former People In Peril shelter on Main Street, which housed more people, but was also viewed as a trouble spot in an area of the city known for drug and other illegal activity. In the new shelter, there is a contained smoking area abutting the dining area for clients who smoke. In addition to men’s and women’s dormitories, there is a separate room for clients who work late and may have to violate the 6 p.m. curfew. A few clients played cards at a dining table while Campbell

Greater Worcester Housing Connection Jayde Campbell. explained what happens during the day. “One of the things that’s constantly a confusion in the community is there’s an assumption we put people out in the morning and don’t let them back until the evening,” Campbell said. That is something clients have told Worcester Magazine in the past.

WOO-TOWN INDE X Not that we want a blizzard, but going through much of December without snow is a real bummer. -3

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 24, 2015

Hockey coming back to Worcester? It’s possible, with a bid to start an EHCL franchise in the city gaining local approval. +3

Holy Cross hires former BU standout Casey Brown as head women’s soccer coach. +1

Triage and Assessment Center Director Each and every client, Campbell said, gets a case manager who helps them to get back to self-sufficiency. “We give everybody a schedule, and say, what are three things you need to do today to end your homeless episode? We want to get people inspired every morning to get continued on page 7

Total for this week:

A weekly quality of life check-in of Worcester

The Force was with local “Star Wars” fans for the opening weekend of Episode VII, especially in Millbury, where theaters were packed for just about every showing. +2

STEVEN KING

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty does the Salvation Army thing at Walmart, proving he’s certainly got bells. +1

There’s something missing from the city when college kids go home for the holidays. -2

The case of a Connecticut man who allegedly obtained human remains from a Worcester cemetery was strange and sick enough – and it keeps getting stranger. -3

Christmas celebration at Hector Reyes as special as it gets for men trying to break free from the grip of drugs. +2

{ citydesk }

Worcester has businesses in a TIF with few other incentives to offer Tom Quinn

ax Increment Financing. Those three words are catnip for developers who want to build a project in Worcester. Even though they have a massive impact on the city, the average resident may not grasp the scope of the deals, or even understand what TIFs are or do. Below is a list of active TIF plans in the city of Worcester as of Dec. 17 – but first, a word of explanation. The city currently has 18 active TIF plans. They range from smaller businesses to multimillion-dollar hotels. Seven have start dates in 2013 or later. In total, the city estimated the value of all the TIFs at the time of their approval to be $21,596,000 – that represents the amount of real estate taxes uncollected in return for the development, at the time of the deal. “A lot of times, it’s hard to get the numbers to work,” City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. said. “By providing a little bit of tax relief, it’s the best of both worlds because the city always gets more tax revenue than you were getting with its previous use, and you get the project done. And a lot of times the project creates jobs or creates activities that are positive for the city.” Expected private investment is an easy concept to grasp – it’s the amount of money the developer will pour into the project. The incremental value is the key incentive for the city to give out TIFs. It represents the increase in value of the property in terms of taxes. If, for example, a property was generating $0 before a TIF plan, and the incremental value was $1 million, the assessed taxes would be at $1 million at the end of the plan.

The total amount of expected private investment for all 18 TIFs is $466,814,000. The total estimated incremental value is $155,975,300. The average length of a Worcester TIF is just under 14 years, while four of the projects are scheduled for 20 years, the maximum allowed by law. Another key component for proponents of TIFs is the jobs developers promise will be created as part of the plan. The total number of jobs to be created from the 18 TIFs totals 1,057, although it is important to note that number is “expected,” not verified and guaranteed. Another important note is there are three projects – Unum, Saint Vincent’s Cancer Center and the planned AC Marriott hotel – in the CitySquare development area. The city lists the values of those TIFs as “tax target,” since revenue from CitySquare goes back into developing the area. The city administration recently proposed an official TIF policy at the request of the City Council, laying out stipulations – mandating the job create full-time jobs for Worcester residents and that the applicant must demonstrate evidence of the required financing to complete the project, for example. That’s a step in the right direction in the eyes of the Worcester Community-Labor Coalition, one of the more vocal voices in any discussion around public money going to private development locally. “We recognize the value of TIFs as an economic development tool to spur growth and create good local jobs and are pleased that Worcester is establishing a TIF policy,” Worcester Interfaith lead organizer and WCLC member Frank Kartheiser said via email.

STEVEN KING

Unum, one of 18 active Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plans currently in Worcester.

“We have long advocated for transparency and a clear schedule. A TIF policy helps with community input and creating certainty for businesses applying for tax relief. “We look forward to the TIF policy discussions and will be advocating for better data collection concerning local jobs created, compliance measures and penalties if the terms of the agreement are not met. Giving millions in tax relief without any clear penalties if the recipient does not follow through with promises is not fair to the Worcester tax payer, who pays their fair share.” Allmerica Financial (now Hanover Insurance) 440 Lincoln St. Length: 7/1/02 to 6/30/16 (14 years) Expected jobs created: 225 Expected private investment: $194.2 million

Incremental value: $3.5 million Average exemption: 5 percent Value of TIF at approval: $85,000 Universal Metals Corp. 345 Shrewsbury St. Length: 7/1/03 to 6/30/23 (20 years) Expected jobs created: 5 Expected private investment: $1 million Incremental value: $33.6 million Average exemption: 64 percent Value of TIF at approval: $134,000 Fargo Management (Hilton Garden Inn) 35 Major Taylor Boulevard Length: 7/1/2004 to 6/30/24 (20 years) Expected jobs created: 100 Expected private investment: $20 million Incremental value: $9 million continued on page 7

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{ citydesk } SMOC continued from page 4

doing this,” he said. “If something is on their schedule and they’re not doing it, we’ll say, hey, you have to do this, what’s the barrier? It’s a way for us to have a quick feedback loop.” Unlike other shelters in the area — and the Ritz — there are no requirements to stay at the Triage Center, aside from obvious behavioral expectations. Assaulting other clients or staff will get someone kicked out, but since the Triage Center is a “wet shelter” it takes everyone who comes. A sign referencing “K2” synthetic marijuana hung on a door to a room for holding medication and cash, things that are not allowed into the dormitories at large. Drug paraphernalia is confiscated, but for an intoxicated resident, the Triage Center is the only place in town where he or she will be welcomed with a warm bed. The restrictions by other shelters, Campbell said, have even caused the demographics of the Triage Center to change. “The opiate crisis is an equal opportunity crisis for gender,” Campbell, who has worked for SMOC since 2006 and was the director of the PIP shelter as well starting in 2011, said. “Frankly, the eligibility requirements for family shelters have been tightened. We’re seeing people we wouldn’t normally see. For example, pregnant women are here more often.” “Our historical average is about 80 percent men and 20 percent women,” he continued. “There has been an increasing amount of women as a proportion of our entire population over the last two or three years. The 30-plus years of data we had [from the PIP shelter] said it would be around 17 percent. Right now it’s between 30 and 40 percent.” The percent of shelter clients under the age of 25 is also increasing. “That represents between 10 and 11 percent of our population,” Campbell said. “That’s dramatically higher than three or five years ago. If we saw someone come in that was under 25 at [the PIP shelter], we would be like,

‘Oh my goodness, how do we get them out of this environment as quickly as possible?’” The Triage Center serves three meals per day, 365 days per year. Campbell said 40 percent of that food comes from food banks, and the rest comes from restaurant donations or from his modest budget. Still, residents have some gripes. One of the biggest is their entire life must fit in one bin in a closet. For some, who could be coming from eviction or foreclosure rather than a life on the street, that can be an issue, but Campbell said there is nothing his staff can do. “We don’t have enough space here to have people bring in lots of items,” Campbell said. “When people come in, we assign them a bin. We can’t store somebody’s apartment.” Other details people in the community may not know about the Triage Center? While half the people coming in have no cash income, even the average income of between $303 and $760 per month — which could combine welfare payments and social security — is not enough to afford monthly rent in Worcester, which could be more than $500, leaving very little for food and other expenses. Although Campbell keeps abreast of incidents such as fires in the community, he said the shelter often does not see people from those events until weeks or months after they lose their home, and half his clients leave within seven days. “Because of perceptions in the community, because people are social animals who have connections with family and friends, what we see is those people use and exhaust those resources before they come here,” Campbell said. “We’re really the place of last resort, when people have run out of every other social connection, every other fiscal connection, that’s when people come in.” Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@ worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

Some facts and figures about the Greater Worcester Housing Connection Triage and Assessment Center (source: Jayde Campbell, GWHC director)

• 97.5 percent of clients leave within 90 days to some other living situation • The Queen Street facility hosts nearly 1,500 unique visitors annually • The percentage of female clients has increased to 30-40 percent • 40 percent of the food served at the shelter comes from restaurant donations or the shelter budget

50 Prescott Street, LLC (Gateway Park) Length: 7/1/11 to 6/30/27 (16 years) Expected jobs created: 20 Expected private investment: $22 million Incremental value: $17.8 million Average exemption: 47 percent Value of TIF at approval: $4.4 million

TIF continued from page 5

Average exemption: 50 percent Value of TIF at approval: $2.6 million IBS Commodities, Inc. 722 Plantation St. Length: 7/1/07 to 6/30/27 (20 years) Expected jobs created: 5 Expected private investment: $795,000 Incremental value: $535,400 Average exemption: 40 percent Value of TIF at approval: $108,000

Saint Vincent Cancer Center 1 Eaton Place Length: 7/1/13 to 6/30/28 (15 years) Expected jobs created: 22 Expected private investment: $22 million Incremental value: $13 million Average exemption: Tax target Value of TIF at approval: Tax target

184 Main Street Associates Length: 7/1/09 to 6/30/19 (10 years) Expected jobs created: 1 Expected private investment: $3.6 million Incremental value: $994,200 Average exemption: 50 percent Value of TIF at approval: $130,000

New Garden Park (20 Franklin St.) Length: 7/1/14 to 6/30/34 (20 years) Expected jobs created: 46 Expected private investment: $32 million Incremental value: $4.8 million Average exemption: 50 percent Value of TIF at approval: $1.6 million

Saint Gobain Performance Plastics 717 Plantation St. Length: 7/1/09 to 6/30/24 (15 years) Expected jobs created: 41 Expected private investment: $31.8 million Incremental value: $5.3 million Average exemption: 62 percent Value of TIF at approval: $303,000

Dennison Lubricants/Oilzum 692-694 Millbury St. Length: 7/1/14 to 6/30/21 (7 years) Expected jobs created: 20 Expected private investment: $4.2 million Incremental value: $2 million Average exemption: 40 percent Value of TIF at approval: $181,000

Angel Guard Products, Inc. 120 Goddard Memorial Drive Length: 7/1/09 to 6/30/16 (7 years) Expected jobs created: 2 Expected private investment: $2.5 million Incremental value: $389,100 Average exemption: 15 percent Value of TIF at approval: $12,000 Beechwood Hotel 363 Plantation Street Length: 7/1/10 to 6/30/25 (15 years) Expected jobs created: 21 Expected private investment: $17.3 million Incremental value: $4.7 million Average exemption: 50 percent Value of TIF at approval: $286,000 Unum 1 Mercantile St. Length: 7/1/10 to 6/30/25 Expected jobs created: 50 Expected private investment: $25 million Incremental value: $29.5 million Average exemption: Tax target Value of TIF at approval: Tax target 180 Main Street Associates Length: 7/1/11 to 6/30/21 (10 years) Expected jobs created: 1 Expected private investment: $3.5 million Incremental value: $3.3 million Average exemption: 50 percent Value of TIF at approval: $552,000

Oasis at Dodge Park/KMRN Investment 102 Randolph Road Length: 7/1/14 to 6/30/26 (12 years) Expected jobs created: 78 Expected private investment: $14.7 million Incremental value: $11 million Average exemption: 40 percent Value of TIF at approval: $1.9 million SXC Prescott Street Hotel, LLC (Hampton Inn) Length: 7/1/15 to 6/30/22 (7 years) Expected jobs created: 30 Expected private investment: $10.2 million Incremental value: $10 million Average exemption: 35 percent Value of TIF at approval: $806,000 Worcester Trumbull Street Hotel, LLC (AC Marriott) Length: 7/1/16 to 6/30/26 (10 years) Expected jobs created: 90 Expected private investment: $36 million Incremental value: $19 million Average exemption: Tax target Value of TIF at approval: $2.9 million 150 Blackstone River Road, LLC Length: 7/1/17 to 6/30/32 (15 years) Expected jobs created: 300 Expected private investment: $26 million Incremental value: $21.2 million Average exemption: 44 percent Value of TIF at approval: $5.5 million

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{ worcesteria }

Tom Quinn

A LEICESTER CURVEBALL:

Not this again. Leicester, the alleged partner of the city of Worcester on a planned regional dispatch center, has signed an amended agreement where Worcester will pay $25,000 per month to defray salary and benefit costs for Leicester dispatchers, according to the Telegrampa. The reason Worcester needs to pony up the dough? The $4.2 million joint center was supposed to be up and running by now, but it is not, and Leicester – which had been expecting to use money saved from merging services to hire staff at the police station – is left in the lurch. Again. As many as 10 towns were once interested in the project, but they all dropped like flies as the process dragged on. Now only two remain. The whole thing started in 2010, and has boasted expected completion dates in September 2014, January 2015, November and December 2015, and the latest promised opening – June 6, 2016. That’s almost a year from when the people you put in political office met on Coppage Drive, the proposed site, and held a “groundbreaking,” making the December 2015 claim that was so quickly left by the wayside. At that event, the executive director of the state’s 911 department, Frank Pozniak, made the point that “It’s a slow process … it’s not a stick approach, it’s a carrot approach.” Time to throw away that produce and get out the baseball bats, methinks. Or, let’s just go all the way with this thing – I want Worcester to be able to hire 911 dispatchers who weren’t yet born when a bunch of politicians first clutched their ceremonial shovels and stared gormlessly at the media cameras, as if moving one shovelful of dirt one inch to the side actually accomplished anything, or indeed, if press conferences in general actually mean anything. Leicester’s revised agreement actually runs through Oct. 1, 2016, probably because someone over there realized that there’s no way in hell this thing will actually get done by June. If it takes five years to get to this point, who knows how long the actual construction part will take.

FRIENDLY FELINES: So now

that Worcester is (probably) going to reclaim a professional hockey team, the question on everyone’s mind has to be – what is the name going to be? The Sharks thing ran its course when that team moved back to the San Jose area, and Worcester IceCats — which would make sense right off the bat for the nostalgia factor — is apparently still trademarked. Credit to office hockey fan Joshua Lyford for coming up with a subtle, yet distinctly hilarious way to still coast off the IceCats goodwill – the Worcester NiceCats. Make it happen, (potential owner) Cliff Rucker. It’d be a way to stick out in the ECHL, where the existing team names range from the unforgivably standard – Thunder, Royals, Grizzlies, Eagles, Thunder (yes, there are two teams named the Thunder, at this point they aren’t even trying), to the slow-clap creative – the Florida Everblades and the Toledo Walleye. Then there are the head-scratchers – the Evansville IceMen? At least we’re guaranteed not to have the worst team name in the league. Talk of the Worcester Whitehawks has been circulating, but Rucker said he isn’t married to anything yet. Of course, he could call them the Worcester Yankees and the team would probably still do well – by almost all accounts, the Sharks leaving had nothing to do with attendance, and the absence of a pro team has only made fans’ hearts grow fonder. The ECHL Board of Governors will have to meet and approve the expansion. It’d be nice to have a name to pitch to them along with the DCU Center (Go NiceCats).

NPWAW: A few straight weeks

in the national spotlight is doing Worcester good, as the Huffington Post lines up to become the latest pusher of the Heart of the Commonwealth. South High School principal Maureen Binienda gets the star treatment in the popular online media outlet’s “No Walls, No Limits.” OK, it’s on the blog section, but it’s still going to get a lot more eyeballs on South than the glowing articles from your local outlets. Author Stacey Alcorn apparently took to heart the old journalism trick of leading off a piece with a movie reference, in this case The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, a real-life woman who adopted a poor black boy who grew up to play football for the Baltimore Ravens. “I recently met the Worcester, Massachusetts version of Leigh Anne Tuohy, times one thousand,” is a line from the article’s first paragraph. “She’s literally changing the world by positively impacting the lives of thousands of students (many of them homeless) each year.” As the title indicates, the main focus of the article is about how South’s weird “open classroom” setup – there are no real rooms with walls, just oversized cubicles – is representative to kids being able to do anything without any limits, knocking down

{ worcesteria } Happy Holidays! any walls in their life. The food pantry, daycare, and clothing pantry Andy’s Attic also get special mention. If Binienda gets tapped to become superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, her successor at South will have some big shoes to fill.

IN THE HEART OF THE C-SPAN: So we know everyone was glued to C-SPAN this

weekend, as usual, but if you decided to catch up on Meet the Press or watching paint dry, you missed out on the Worcester Weekend. C-SPAN was in Worcester a little while ago filming for their 2015 Local Content Vehicles Tour. The full episode featured Robert Goddard (the father of modern rocketry, welcome to Worcester), the Worcester Revolution of 1774, Abby Kelley Foster, Harvey Ball and the Smiley Face, Mechanics Hall and an interview with school president Laurie Leshin at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The full episode is available on C-SPAN’s website, and contains all of the channel’s usual riveting action, along with the ability to say, “hey, I’ve been there!” The next cities on the tour will have a tough act to follow. Your move, Oakland and Hartford. FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING

NOVICKANE: The last School Committee meeting for three-

term member Tracy O’Connell Novick (pictured) and oneterm member Hilda Ramirez went off without a hitch last week, as colleagues who in previous meetings had sparred over policy specifics joined together in agreeing that yes, losing the two hardworking members would be a loss for the committee. Novick was even recognized for winning the Massachusetts Association of School Committees’ urban division All-State 2015 award at the same meeting where she said goodbye to the body she served on for six years. She left with a comparison to Southbridge Public Schools. “The thing that has caused them to go into disarray is really a lack of leadership in their School Committee,” Novick said. “They have done things that aren’t their job, like tried to micromanage where staffing was, and dabbled in where account balances were, and they’ve been unwilling to carry out a full public superintendent search for about seven years, and have had a series of churn there. And it became clear that the lack of leadership from the School Committee led to lack of leadership in the superintendency, and that led to principals and teachers … there is a job here that needs to be done, and that School Committee doing it appropriately and statutorily can really make a difference.” That’s what we like about Novick – getting into specifics, offering advice and not being afraid to address tough issues. Incoming members Donna Colorio and Molly McCullough should be taking notes – and might have been, as the two women were up in the gallery for at least a portion of the meeting. As for Ramirez, when asked if she had a last statement, she declined. That is how political careers usually end – not with a bang, but a whimper. A high school teacher learned me that line.

FINGER GUNS: As of Dec. 22, three people have been charged in connection with the Nov.

14 theft of assault rifles and handguns from the Worcester Army Reserve armory – James Walker Morales, a former reservist who actually did the stealing, and two Dorchester residents accused of helping to sell the 16 weapons. Masslive caught up with a friend of Tyrone James, the latest person charged, last week, and “Gianni” had this to say about the case - “I think a lot of people caught up in this are pointing fingers.” We’ll add what Masslive forgot to write in the article – no kidding, Gianni, that’s what happens after a crime happens. Someone points a finger, someone else makes an arrest, and someone else hands down a sentence. Perhaps while pointing a finger, although that would be a little dramatic. James is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and lying to investigators. Investigators reportedly found messages on his phone relating to selling weapons, although we’ll have to take them at their word on that one. “Bro hit me if u no anyone lookin for hammers,” reads one message. I don’t know, sounds like he’s just asking if anyone needs help finding tools to finish their home improvement project. Throw the case out, stop pointing fingers, and let’s concentrate on finding the rest of the dangerous killing machines. As of press time, 10 of the 16 weapons have been recovered. That’s a pretty good batting average, but when it comes to guns, 100 percent completion would be nice. There’s a $15,000 reward for information.

As we approach the end of 2015, we want to take this opportunity to thank all of our valued members and extend our best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

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Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. DECEMBER 24, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Editorial

Last-minute gifts

Harvey

Ho Ho ... Oh, No You Didn’t

ear Santa, We at Worcester Magazine have the privilege and honor of chronicling in print and via electronic media the goings- Janice Harvey on in the second-largest state in Massachusetts. We reach thousands of people every week, hopefully giving them food for he year is nearly over, and with a backward glance at thought, ideas, a few laughs and reason to get involved. the deeds and shenanigans perpetrated by mankind in the past 12 months, I’ve compiled an abbreviated We try not to take ourselves too seriously, though, Santa. In that vein, naughty ’n nice list. If the jolly fat guy who sits in judgment we would like to humbly suggest a few last-minute gift ideas for some folks on our naughty or nice list. We’ll leave it up to you decide of our behavior for 364 days a year took a hard look and stopped relying on the hearsay of overworked elves, many of which list to put them on. Hope you receive this in time for your us would open our stockings to find the apples stuffed with annual sleigh ride around the globe. razor blades left over from Halloween. Ed Augustus Jr.: An authenticated, signed-by-the-editor copy Seeing where this is a time for gentler thoughts, I’ll pass of InCity Times out my Aunt Mae’s fruitcakes, instead. Swallowing a razor studded apple would probably be safer. Joe Petty: Mike Gaffney bed sheets, with his choice of Gaffney Let’s start with a couple of Naughties who walk among us. Facebook photos from the campaign trail Kanye and Kim Kardashian West, for naming their kid Mike Gaffney: An orange suit Saint. This is particularly fruitcake-worthy when you figure Konnie Lukes: Another two years sitting aside colleague Mother Theresa is under consideration for sainthood. All Sarai Rivera hope for redemption is not lost, however. West and his freakishly misshapen bride can slide over to the “Nice” Sarai Rivera: A mirror to practice her facial expressions in column if they go away next year. By “away” I mean the Council chambers planet Pluto, now that it’s been reestablished as an existing Phil Palmieri: A new track suit and a tryout with the Worcester orb. Bravehearts Also eligible for the fruitcake? The detestable Martin Shkreli, the slimy drug company CEO who jacked the price Rick Rushton: All the time in the world to learn about the Titanic of Daraprim from $13.50 to $750 a pill and smiled for the with his son cameras while doing it. Bernie Sanders’ spokesman was Moe Bergman: A pair of scissors to cut the ribbon on the first correct when he called Shkreli the “poster boy for drug metal detector in Worcester Public Schools company greed.” It’s Marty’s arrogance and cold heart that earn him a bite of the cake. Gary Rosen: A bigger audience for “Rosen’s Roundtable” Locally, I have a few fruitcakes to deliver. Tony Economou: A list of registered voters throughout the city for A 10-pound Auntie Mae special goes into the stocking when he runs at-large of lame duck School Committee person Tracy Novick for sticking to the notion that a police presence in our schools George Russell: Two tickets to the new “Star Wars” movie – if he agrees to take Jim Polito

Kate Toomey: A badge reading: “Kate Toomey, Councilor-At-Large” Candy Mero-Carlson: A memo in her Council desk drawer reminding her of the $2 billion invested in District 2 under Phil Palmieri’s watch Khrystian King: No more reminders that he is the first black man elected to Worcester City Council since the 1930s – after this one, of course. And the others sure to follow. Tracy O’Connell Novick: Her own reserved seat in the audience at School Committee meetings from where she can continue to live blog Marco Rodrigues: We’re pretty sure you know what he wants, Santa Tim Murray: A new curtain for his Oz chamber Jim McGovern: Flights to Cuba from Worcester Regional Airport Mosaic: Lots of people suffering from hypertension Dianne Williamson: Tickets to an Adele concert Clive McFarlane: An autographed copy of “The Art of the Deal” All our staff, readers and advertisers: A very, Merry Christmas!

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2015

would lead to “armed encampment.” The only thing it led to was her ouster at the polls. A 20-pounder lands in the stocking of professional protester Gordon T. Davis for continuing to stir that pot simply because he’s not on the WPD Christmas card list. I’ll recommend candy canes for a handful of do-gooders who did the right thing: a big sticky one goes to Dr. Melinda Boone for accepting a job 1,172 miles away. A slightly smaller peppermint stick goes to former WPS Human Resources director Stacy DeBoise Luster for taking her special talents elsewhere. A box of Junior Mints goes to the voters of Worcester who made a dent, albeit a small one, in the City Hall and Irving Street line-ups. I’ll upgrade them to candy canes if they continue to make changes next election. T&G columnist Clive McFarlane gets an Auntie Mae fruitcake for consistently playing the race card when ideas dry up. The paper’s other columnist, the usually on-themoney Dianne Williamson, might have to choke down some fruitcake along with crow after ridiculing that icon of the brokenhearted: Adele. I could have told her how sensitive readers can be. I still break out in a cold sweat when encountering tattooed women. A York peppermint patty goes to Worcester school teacher Michael P. Lyons for working like one of Santa’s elves every year to put kids in coats. Order another patty for South High principal Maureen Binienda, for filling kids’ bellies with her food pantry. Santa, I’ll recommend one more fruitcake - one big enough to require a dolly for delivery - to the Trump supporters who attended his DCU rally. They bring a different meaning to the word “fruitcake.”

A CALL TO PERFORMERS, VENUES AND EXHIBITORS

orcester Magazine’s annual Spring Arts Preview hits the streets Thursday, March 24. While it may seem a while off, it will be here before you know it, and if you want your event to be featured, we encourage early responses. If you are a band, museum, artist, performance or film venue, theatre, author, bookstore or similar group or individual, we ask you to submit your listings of events happening from March 24 through May 31. We comb past issues and web sites looking for the most up to date information, but the best source is you! Your listing should include the name of venue/ performer/event/etc, the date and time, address, web

site and social media information and a brief, but explanatory description of the event. Feel free to include a high-quality, high-res photograph, which we may use if needed. Or you can reach out to our photographer, Steven King, at sking@worcestermag.com to arrange a photograph. All information should be emailed to the editor at wbird@worcestermagazine.com, Subject Line: SPRING ARTS PREVIEW. For more details, call 508-749-3166, ext 322 or email the editor. We look forward to including you in this special, yearly edition!

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FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE After 15 years, A Loss For Words say goodbye Joshua Lyford

assachusetts was largely an open book in the late ’90s and early 2000s, at least musically.

Genre-bending bands were relatively common, insofar as it wasn’t quite absurd for a pop punk band to perform alongside aggressive hardcore acts with some regularity. Mixed bills were common, in comparison to the cut-and-paste lineups on the digitallyprepared flyers of today. Still, when five kids from the South Shore — largely from Abington — got together to play music, it is unlikely they realized their town 20 miles south of Boston would be home to a sort of mini-revolution in the selfprescribed fervor that would follow A Loss For Words throughout their lifespan. Through lineup changes, a multitude of record labels

and as many highs as lows, A Loss For Words started out in the same manner they would close the book: on their own terms. It took 15 years for the members of A Loss For Words to decide it was time to take the final sentence of their story into their own hands and call it a day. With a final tour wrapped up (and another canceled for reasons beyond their control), the boys have just one show left before the lid is propped up on the coffin and nailed shut. It will occur at what is perhaps the likeliest of places: The Palladium in Worcester, a venue that has served as a sort of second home for the pop punk stalwarts over their nearly two-decade career. Surrounded by friends and family, the show will kick them off into whatever lies on the other side of the road for the individual members. A Loss For Words took their share of bumps and bruises — literally and figuratively — along the way, but in the end, they always fought for what they believed in and did it their way.

NO REST FOR THE WEARY

he plan was to meet up with A Loss For Words in California, but travel logistics, timing and deadlines made the jump to the West Coast difficult. Once settled, it was off to LAX in Los Angeles. The band was in Walnut Creek, performing at a venue called The Red House; it would be nearly a full day before we would meet up. A series of mishaps meant I would spend the evening at a desolate hotel, in sight of the Honda Center, where the Anaheim Ducks play. The next day, the plan was to meet at a bar. The only sports bar in the area was a shockingly Hooters-esque location known as the Tilted Kilt. Thus would begin the 10-daylong voyage. A Loss For Words have never been strangers to touring and have been on the road in some capacity or another since their founding a decade and a half prior. Still,

this was the final hoorah and the desire for the most raucous experience possible was palpable. If the break between a given tour is the calm before the storm, this particular tour was the storm within the storm. A hurricane-eye flurry of debauchery, without the terrifyingly quiet subtlety, everyone on this tour knew this was the end of the road and they were more than prepared to face that reality head on and with a level of aggression known only to those standing on the threshold of their middle years and stiffly defying the end of the line. “A kid told me I was his favorite bass player today,” said the usually sardonic Mikey Adams, the band’s bass player and one of only two members of the band that have been playing since the early days. He was sitting at the far corner of the cramped barroom table. He paused just long enough to make it plain those words meant something to him, but not so long that anyone would get the

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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sense that it meant anything more to a gruff and hilariously self-deprecating Adams. Staring across the table with an overpriced pint in his hand, he added a jovial, “You guys can suck it.” As would become the common theme of the tour, and likely those tours that came before, vocalist Matty Arsenault was not with Adams or the surrogate members of A Loss For Words. He was half a mile away, showering at a friend’s house. As anyone who has ever toured in a van and trailer can attest, showers are a hot commodity and have the ability to make touring artists’ eyes light up as nothing else can, but this day was the beginning, a meet up of the few who made up the band’s final lineup preceding their final show. Arsenault and Adams are the core members of the band who have been there since the beginning, but the additional members hold just as much history in their own right. The group made for a whirlwind of good times. Everyone in the van had toured extensively in the past and egos were left at the door; unlike traditional tours, there wasn’t the van clinger-on that needed to be watched, coddled or taken care of. Everyone knew his role and everyone was working toward the communal interest of having the best time possible, occasionally at the detriment of morning drive comfort (which, in itself, likely culminated in a particular hung-over morning leading to a cascade of projectile vomit inside the van. I wasn’t used to the high-level risk/ reward of pre-drive drinking). Marc Dangora is still considered a lifelong member of the band and continues to help write music, though his career keeps him off the road. Joining Adams and Arsenault onstage this tour was drummer Chris Fernandes, perhaps most well known for his time with the successful Boston post-hardcore outfit, Therefore I Am. Fernandes was living in Los Angeles at the time of the tour, but would depart for one of the Carolinas at the end. The guitar playing duties were shared by two members of current punk/alternative act Major League from New Jersey, Matt Chila and Brian Joyce. Chila and Joyce could not possibly be more different from one another: Chila a boisterous ladies man, Joyce the calmer and quieter of the two. The pair work well together, however, and whatever dynamic they have with one another also anchored the touring A Loss For Words. Rounding out the passenger base in the van were myself and photographer and

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• DECEMBER 24, 2015

PHOTOS SUBMITTED/ JEFFREY DEAN

videographer Jeff Dean. Dean was on hand to join his friends, take photos (that are used extensively throughout this article) as well as continue to film a documentary of the band’s final days, “End of an Error,” which will be released at some distant point in the future. Dean, who will tell you he doesn’t truly have a “home” in the sense of a place he spent the majority of his life (though Ohio is the closest thing to it), currently resides in Austin, Texas, but had bounced around while a member of the United States Army. There were others piled into the rust red and stuttering van on loan for the tour; it wasn’t a particularly large passenger van, and with no trailer, gear, merch, luggage and sleeping gear were stored alongside the human cargo. A veritable revolving door was open to friends who came along for a day or two at a time, from all over the United States. If they were looking to join the fun, they were welcome to pack into the van, sitting on laps or laying between slots on the floor. The journey through the West Coast and into the South bounced back and forth between full-steam-ahead fun and surprisingly wistful moments of selfawareness. The balance was appropriate given the circumstances.

START AS YOU MEAN TO GO ON

he Chain Reaction is a legendary, all-ages punk venue in Anaheim, California. Two bands supported A Loss For Words on this final tour, Forever Came Calling and Seasons Change. It is the eternally-accepted practice to watch fellow tour mates every night in a show of solidarity, and while there were many nights like that, this show was not one of them. This was the introductory period and most were content to say hello (and goodbye) to lifelong friends with a cold beer in one hand, another leaning against the side of the van. “There’s nothing we’ve done that’s been practical,” said Adams in a moment of stoic (and stark) self awareness. “But, there’s also nothing we’ve done that was more important than this.” The ‘this’ is writing and performing. Being a musician was a life Adams and company may have chosen for themselves given the option, but in this case it didn’t give the option – it was a calling of some kind and they just went along for the ride, the urge to create too strong to turn down. “We’ve spent all these nights in a parking lot, having the best time

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of our lives,” he added. The show was a resounding success. The Chain Reaction was boiling over and the heat in the room was a clear indicator of the excitement of the crowd. “Crowd” and “fans” aren’t very accurate terms in the world of punk music, though pop punk may seem only tangentially connected to those early values, a DIY upbringing and continued existence has a tendency to keep one on the right track. The “fans” are always “kids,” or maybe even friends, the stage belongs to everyone and that rule is followed to every possible degree. After the show, the tiny red van was stuffed with people once again and careened off to the house of two friends, a married couple in a place called Ontario. The couple were friendly and everyone showered as their two tiny black dogs (a pug and a Pomeranian) ran amuck throughout the small house. The evening stretched past any possible pretense of “reasonable hour” and no one woke up feeling quite as refreshed as they would have liked. The first order of business was traveling to a sports bar in downtown San Diego. Being from the South Shore, the members of the band are staunch New England Patriots supporters. You would have been forgiven for thinking this was not a group of scruffy punk rockers, but an enthusiastic sports club trolling for drinks. In this case, both points are equally true.

Following an afternoon “tune up,” the farther journey was to a house show in Escondido. “House show” is the colloquial term, but here the show was inside a small detached garage behind a house. In an odd dynamic, the home was inhabited by one tiny dog and two gargantuan cats. It was raining as the band set up and performed. The interior of the garage was incredibly hot and the collective sweat

through the evening’s movements created a sickly smell that could only be appreciated due to its excited creation. Originally, the show was supposed to be held at a music venue, but was cancelled and moved at the last minute. The garage is filled with flyers and posters of band; it is incredibly obvious how much this place means to the local music community. “We started in VFW halls and basements,”

said Arsenault, moments before performing. He is leaning against the exposed wooden walls of the garage. He is speaking quickly as he always does, and finds a way to exude both confidence and concern simultaneously. Matty doesn’t shut down, he is always running hot, it’s just his nature. “In a way, I’m glad the show got cancelled so we can play here. We started from this and it’s nice to end here. I’m 31 years old and I’m playing in a garage. Some people outside of the scene probably think I’m nuts, but I fucking love it.” Onstage, Arsenault and Adams are equal parts standup comedians, motivational speakers and a sort of pop punk ambassadorial stewardship program. Their onstage “persona” is their persona, there is no blur between the two. Arsenault reflects on his years with the band, the moments within the community that matter and about the power of positivity. Adams balances that out with his lightning quick wit that always hovers over self-deprecation and nearly always involves some sort of hilarious — if not occasionally bizarre — tale of past antics. “I played an entire tour in pajamas,” said a smiling Adams to the crowded room. “We had just put a record out and the rest of the band actually said, ‘Come on, you can’t wear pajamas and slippers for an entire tour, we’re professionals.’ I ended up putting pants on

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{ coverstory } continued from page 13

over them, so technically I didn’t give in to what they wanted. All the photos from then, I had frumpy butt.” Staying at a small home in a remote area of California that evening, the morning calm was cut short as a potential crisis developed:

driving in a van with friends through a new place, cracking jokes and smiles that can’t be replicated. There are times when you just want to be back home in bed, but no matter what, it’s always over too soon. Touring makes very little sense in the traditional way. Spending months on end

PHOTO SUBMITTED/ JEFFREY DEAN

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the van was being towed away. Naturally, this would have made touring difficult and some debate and a bit of cash later, the van was off the tow truck and back in a legal parking spot. It was off to Las Vegas, Nevada for what was shaping up to be two days of pure debauchery.

LOOSELY CONTROLLED CHAOS

he Excalibur Hotel and Casino became the home base. Outside of that, all bets were off. I was told in no uncertain terms while walking to the room to drop off my luggage, that the time spent in Las Vegas was strictly off the record. Suffice it to say, it was a miracle the van had as many members leaving the hotel than it did when it arrived. A particular realization tends to dawn on you while driving through the scrubby desert leaving Nevada; the joy of tour is in the individual moments. Whether that is taking in a Bruins game at a hooters knock-off in Anaheim, or clinking bottles together at a Patriots rivalry game on San Diego, it’s the smiles in between that make it. Naturally, the shows are important and a huge component of the pleasure derived from the experience, but there is stress there. Will anybody show up? How excited will the crowd be? Do we get drink tickets? There’s something about

away from home, scraping by to make ends meet playing in dingy clubs and moldy basements. The background — the mountains, desert, rivers and expanse of American landscape — is barely noticed while cruising endlessly on an empty highway. As ever, the foreground is more important than the background and for this journey the foreground was a dimly-lit dashboard joined by a soundtrack comprised of Seal, Boyz II Men and various Motown hits. A Loss For Words have literally traveled the world. A multitude of United States and European tours are an obvious component of the rigorous touring schedule, but they have travelled to less traditional areas of the world as well, like Japan, Australia and even Russia. “There are so many different types of success,” said Arsenault at a long-sinceforgotten bar with some beer or another in his hand. “You can make a million dollars or do what you like to do, those are both successes. For me, I never made money, but I’ve done what I love for years. That is success, too.” A Loss For Words was the band from Massachusetts that could. They lived it, in every sense of the word. They were the band that could — and did — but it was never easy. Touring has its own off-the-road toll to pay. Fernandes can’t help but reflect on his days of constant touring with the now defunct (except for a special appearance at the final show at the Palladium) Therefore I Am. Like many who have spent their lives on the road,

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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you dream of the day it comes to an end, but when it does, it can be difficult to adjust. “When I stopped touring, part of me was a little happy that I wouldn’t be touring anymore,” said Fernandes. “My life would finally have some normalcy. I could have friends again, I could maintain relationships and make money. But I was miserable, it sucked. I’ve been to the other side of the world before and now I’m getting talked down to by strangers. Now that I’m back on tour, I was like, ‘This is sick.’ It felt nostalgic. It felt

right. It’s so good to be back.” It was good to be back, but as the road stretched on and the final batch of shows approached, there wasn’t a single person in the van who didn’t feel the crushing weight of finality on their shoulders and everyone was determined to make each moment count.

THE OTHER SIDE

ouring is a hugely fun activity. Being in a band that operates on that level consistently is one of the most rewarding experiences someone can have. There

are sacrifices to be made as well. Spending the majority of your life in a van with your friends comes with a cost. Prior to this final West Coast tour, the band was supposed to embark on an East Coast run with fellow pop punk band, Man Overboard. Unfortunately, the tour was canceled at the FFREY DEAN

BMITTED/ JE

PHOTOS SU

last minute. The reasoning was vague — someone in Man Overboard had some sort of injury — but the result was the same: the tour was off. This was devastating in several ways. First and foremost, the band did not have the time to make arrangements for another East Coast tour before their last show, and perhaps more important, it affected the bottom line in a big way. An East Coast band is expected to draw more and be more successful while touring the East Coast, this tour would have been the money maker to pay for the West Coast

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• DECEMBER 24, 2015

journey. It was not to be, to the detriment of everyone involved. Still, the show must go on and they weren’t about to cancel their last West Coast tour as well. Monetary issues are a big deal to bands, but they are only one component of the occasionally dark whole. It was a late-night desert drive when a very real conversation was sparked by the low yellow glowing lights of the van interior, the headlights bouncing off the even pavement joined in to provide just enough light to create a vague halo around each individual in the van. “One thing about touring that makes me crazy is the paranoia of dying

on the highway,” said a surprisingly somber Arsenault. “It’s hard to explain for people who don’t tour, but it’s always been something in my head.” Everyone in the van nods in silent agreement. It should be unsurprising that those who make their living on the road consider the reality of a life on the highway in such a darkly realistic manner. The van’s inhabitants add in their own story, experience, thoughts and fears. “When you’ve had those experiences, you are on high alert in those scenarios,” said Joyce. “Whether that’s icy roads, or when we were driving once and there were power lines hanging out into the middle of the road. They split and they blew a hole in the side of the car behind us. When we got to the car, the husband and wife were covered in blood, they had no lights on. If we hadn’t stopped, we would have never known, nobody would have known.”

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Adams propped himself up from his sleeping position between the two captain chairs to add his thoughts on the subject. “I just accepted that we were probably going to die out here,” he said. “You always hear about those things, bands in awful accidents. This is what we risk for maybe a hundred bucks a night.” As if to prove the dangers of the profession, melodic hardcore band The Ghost Inside were involved in a fatal, bus accident driving from El Paso, Texas, the very route that the rust red van would take A Loss For Words the following day. The bus was struck head on by an 18-wheeler and both drivers were lost. The band members themselves were in tough shape, though each survived the accident.

These specifics are likely lost on the members of the band, too, but this is how a music scene survives and thrives. They all know it’s time to move on to other things, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an incredible reluctance. “This is the only thing I ever want to do,” said Adams on the back patio of his mother’s house in Arizona. She had just watched her son perform for the first time ever. “The only thing I want to do is tour. The only vacation I ever went on was my senior year. My family, we never had money to do that stuff. I got to see the world, tour was the only thing I could do to experience that.” “It’s a bummer man,” he continued. “The reality hasn’t completely sunk in yet. It can’t, we still have more shows. It’s heavy, but I did love that. It’s sad knowing that we’re never going to play here again, but this is exactly what I want a last tour to be like. It’s amazing.”

END OF AN ERA

The next day, Arsenault and company would meet those members of The Ghost Inside who were well enough to stay in a hotel near the hospital, and later visit the hospital to share some positive thoughts. There are very few moments lacking in self-reflection on the road, and in light of the accident, everyone is supremely aware of the reality of tour.

WHAT COUNTS

Loss For Words have released a number of records and EPs over the years, and while the band consists of members who don’t take themselves too seriously, they take the music and lyrics very seriously. There are a few songs that fans take especially personally. One song in particular, “Mt. St.

Joseph,” seems to resonate particularly deeply. The song is an emotional tribute to a friend lost to heroin overdose and a sort of call to arms, or at the very least, a point to focus on for those dealing with that same sort of loss. And I remember that day the scent crept from under your door. They found you three days later, You were buried under your sheets. It was too damn hard to watch As heaven and hell held you down like anchors, And your demons finally lulled you back to sleep. That is a song based on personal experience, but it’s also something many can relate to. While performing in an Eagle Aerie Hall in Henderson, Nevada, a group of young men break down and cry during

the performance. It comes to light later they had experienced that same loss and the song was something of a reflection on that for them. The group takes time after the song to speak with them and hug one another, before starting the set back up. The songs mean a lot to those in attendance, but it’s clear it means just as much to those onstage, as well. “It was intimate,” said Adams after the set, puffing away on a menthol cigarette under the vast southwestern sky. “I was tearing up when that kid cried. There weren’t a lot of people there, but they all really wanted to be there.” The intangibles of A Loss For Words’ impact on the musical landscape they are a part of are important, though it is likely those intangibles specifically will be lost to time. For those who do recall the way that had been paved by bands like A Loss For Words, it meant a lot. “They are one of the most important bands for this scene and this culture,” said Joseph Candelaria, vocalist and guitarist of Forever Came Calling, prior to the A Loss For Words set. “They did this all by themselves when no one else was there to do it and they paved the way. I know we’ve played places that didn’t even have shows before A Loss For Words came through years ago.”

efore anyone had any real chance to prepare for it, the end of the tour had arrived. There was little fanfare - the final night was spent ensuring a sick and uncomfortable flight back to Boston - but, perhaps purposely, the event wasn’t made to feel final. It was the end, but maybe if you didn’t look straight at it, it wasn’t over yet. “Me and Mikey started this band when we were in high school,” said Arsenault. “That was 15 years ago. We’ve had a lot of amazing memories. It’s been amazing, but it’s time. We’re not really breaking up, we’re retiring. It’s just time to do something else.” The obviousness of that statement doesn’t make it any easier to swallow while waiting in a bustling Dallas-Fort Worth Airport terminal. All that’s left now is one final show at the Worcester Palladium. In the end, they said goodbye in the only way they knew how: on their own terms and in their own way. A Loss For Words left the scene in proper fashion and anything else would have been, frankly, disingenuous. In Worcester on Sunday, Dec. 27, two days after Christmas in one of the most iconic music venues in Central Mass, the band will step on stage and play live one final time. As is the nature of such a deeply invested and communicative music, someone else will pick up the torch, probably sooner rather than later. It’s entirely possible this new champion of independent music may never even know that they owe A Loss For Words a debt of gratitude for paving the way — in their own way — and never settling for someone else’s concept of a job well done. Reporter Joshua Lyford can be reached at 508-749-3166, ext. 325, or by email at Jlyford@worcestermagazine.com. Follow Josh on Twitter @Joshachusetts.

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

night day &

art | dining | nightlife | December 24 - 30, 2015

Local teens give nearly $25k to CMass nonprofits through youth program PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY MOSHER BERRY AND YOUTH FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT

Joshua Lyford

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Youth for Community Improvement program started in 1999 and is now headed into its 17th year. In that time, more than 180 teens from across Central Massachusetts have come together within the youth grant making committee to make informed, well-reasoned and hard-fought decisions to establish grant making opportunities for area nonprofits. This year has been no different, with 18 area students distributing $23,814 to seven different organizations. “This is based on urgent community needs and existing opportunities in the arts, health or human services,” said Greater Worcester Community Foundation CEO Ann Lisi. “We began this program after learning from other communities and gauging need. We enable them to decide who receives the granting support of funds.” Since the program’s inception, Youth for Community Improvement has awarded in excess of $285,000 to more than 70 Worcester County nonprofits. Involved students represent a vast swath of the makeup of Central Massachusetts, with participants from area high schools including Doherty, North, Burncoat, Saint John’s and the Robert Goddard Academy and Auburn, Sutton, West Boylston and Shrewsbury high schools. “They learn so many skills,” said Amy Mosher Berry, the program coordinator for Youth for Community Improvement. “This really needs to be a nationwide model, I think. We need inspiring, uplifting leadership opportunities for these kids. They leave with a newfound sense of confidence in themselves and belief in themselves as leaders, they are able to see themselves as agents of change in the world. Their thoughts and opinions matter, their voices make a difference.” The participants come together to establish ground rules, such as being respectful while another student is speaking and speaking one at a time, and then join one another in debating the pros and cons of each grant proposition they receive. It is the only non-school-led youth grant making committee in the county, according to Berry, and while there is adult supervision, youth-led means youth-led, and the ultimate decision making comes from within.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

“It’s an absolutely inspiring group of teenagers,” said Berry. “They make my world. They brighten it up. I tend to tune into headlines and say, ‘what are we creating here,’ and this group of young people are totally transforming what we know about teenagers and what they can create.” While having a youth-led program like Youth for Community Improvement is a huge opportunity for area students, it is also a significant help in getting a youth perspective to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. “This is a bridge to a generation who isn’t always in our daily life,” said Lisi. “We don’t run a school. It brings a voice of the young people to our foundation which informs us how we think differently. It’s encouraging. These are future members of our community being engaged.” This year, the program received 21 grant applications totaling $83,172 in funding requests. Project budgets must not exceed $25,000, and the focus this year was on • DECEMBER 24, 2015

mental health, including alcohol and drug abuse, domestic abuse, depression and suicide prevention, access to economic opportunity and diversity and cultural awareness. “They are trained in looking for what our community needs,” said Berry. “It took some heated debate, but they came up with their own funding decisions.” This year, Youth for Community Improvement awarded $4,000 to the Southeast Asian Coalition’s Youth Diversity and Cultural Awareness program, $4,000 to Straight Ahead Ministries’ Straight2Work Employment Readiness program, $4,000 to Worcester Interfaith’s Youth Jobs Pipeline, $4,000 to Rachel’s Table’s Summer Produce Program, $4,000 to the Worcester State Foundation/WSU’s Teen Circle, YWCA of Central MA’s Young Women’s Leadership Program and $1,814 to Andy’s Attic. “They get to take that skill set, that knowledge and confidence,” said Berry. “It’s intangible, but it’s priceless. They have many more

doors open to them after getting this little nudge from the program. They realize adults want to hear from them. The adults trust them to make big, important decisions. It’s a big thing to have such a unique experience at a young age.” While the Youth for Community Improvement program has just announced the chosen recipients for its $23,814 in mini-grants up to $4,000 for this year, the group will be gearing up again for 2016. To sign up as a participant, give money to the program, send a grant proposal or discover more on Youth for Community Improvement and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation in general, head to Greaterworcester.org.

Reporter Joshua Lyford can be reached at 508-749-3166, ext. 325, or by email at Jlyford@worcestermagazine.com. Follow Josh on Twitter @Joshachusetts.

night day &

{ arts } Not quite in net, but hockey could skate back into Worcester’s DCU Center FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING

Joshua Lyford

(Editor’s Note: A longer version of this story, broken by Worcester Magazine, first appeared online at worcestermagazine.com

While many are still reeling from the loss of the Worcester Sharks last season (and even more will never stop reeling from the loss of the IceCats before that), area hockey fans can exhale, at least a bit, as some positive new steps have been taken toward a return to DCU-based professional hockey.

By now, everyone has heard some swirling rumor or another in regards to a new hockey franchise downtown, but until recently, there were very few solid facts to accompany them. Now, we have a bit more information and it is beginning to look very positive for Central Massachusetts hockey enthusiasts. First of all, the ECHL AA, formerly the East Coast Hockey League, is looking to expand, so there is certainly room for an additional team. “The goal of our Board of Governors is to expand to include 30 teams,” ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. “It would align us with the number of teams in the NHL and the AHL at this point. We don’t require affiliation, but it would certainly be helpful for each of our teams to have the possibility for affiliation.” Eastern Mass businessman, Cliff Rucker, president of Beverly-based NFS Leasing, Inc. is the man behind the potential team. He started down the path toward a Worcester pro team over a year ago. “I’ve been working with the city — the city manager, the Office of Economic Development, the Chamber of Commerce, the mayor and the SMG Management Group for a long time,” said Rucker. “Probably over a year, maybe even 18 months. It started as an inquiry on my part, and about four or five months ago we started to get into what the business terms would look like. There was an interest on both sides. I was interested in bringing a team here and they were interested in having a team. At face value, that was a good marriage, but you have to work through the business terms. You can’t do this on intent alone.” A five-year lease has been signed between the DCU and Rucker. Immediately following the approval, an application package was sent off to the ECHL. We will have to wait until Feb. 4-5 to find out if it is approved, when

both the ECHL’s Executive Board of Governors and full board will meet in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Following presentations from Rucker, the board will ultimately decide the fate of ECHL hockey in downtown Worcester. “I hope to review the application next week,” said McKenna. “We’re excited about the opportunity. We know that Cliff has worked very hard over the last several months both in market research, business planning and work on the lease. We’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen and we’re excited for the opportunity.” Rucker made reference to the hotels and apartments coming to downtown, as well as the news about incoming and potentiallyincoming youth ice hockey rinks in the city as a plus for a potential team. That residents have already been receptive to professional hockey hasn’t been lost on the hopeful owner, either. “I got a tremendous amount of unsolicited emails,” said Rucker. “I read every one of them. It seems like there is a very staunch fan base.” There are a significant number of hurdles

left to overcome: the February approval process and, pending approval, a 12-monthperiod to prove business execution. “It needs to be very clear: I am making the application on behalf of myself and Worcester,” said Rucker. “It’s not a blind trust. This really is a ‘we.’ Worcester and myself have a very good case, assuming I get the approval, there are further hurdles. I have to execute over the next 12 months. I have to prove I’m a good business owner, I have to staff up, I have to hire a president, I have to prove that I can sell tickets and get corporate sponsorship. The ECHL has the right to reevaluate the application for 12 months. I have to prove to the league that I have the ability to execute.” Still, Rucker is a passionate hockey fan, and unlike the AHL Sharks, now based in San Jose, would be local ownership. He has already come forward to say a community focused approach is a major part of his plan. Perhaps just as important, he has an interest in winning. “This is a Worcester-based hockey team and it will fail or succeed based on the level

of support that I get from Worcester,” he said. “An AHL team cannot win, it can be an abject failure, but if they’re providing prospects that move up, like an R&D environment for an NHL club, then that would be considered a success. “The ECHL works very differently. That’s not to say that I don’t want players to step up and achieve their dreams, many have. There is a lot of movement, but it’s different to the extent that this will be based in the city and locally-owned. I want to be a part of the community and I want to win. I’d venture to guess, though I haven’t asked any, that the owner of an AHL team, their primary goal is to move players through the farm system. I’d like this to be a very different feel. It’s up to the community to tell me if my intent becomes the reality.” The biggest questions on the minds of area hockey fans is big and bad and starts with a spoked, capital “B.” Don’t worry, it is something Rucker has thought about in depth, but now is simply not the time to discuss. “It’s very difficult for me, and in some respects disingenuous of me, to comment on a Bruins affiliation,” explained Rucker. “I don’t have the capacity to make a decision on behalf of the Bruins. That is their decision. If the question is, ‘Would I like to be affiliated with them?’ The answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ If the question is, ‘Is this a requirement?’ The answer is a resounding ‘no.’ I built the plan to be an independent Worcester hockey team, but my goal would be to have an affiliation because it makes sense for the fans and for the players.” February cannot come soon enough for Worcester hockey fans and a lot rides on the ECHL’s decision; however, Rucker seems to appreciate the city’s need for not only hockey satisfaction, but hyper-focused local community outreach. “There are two cornerstones for this business,” explained Rucker. “One is being a big part of the community. The other is winning. That’s it, I have only two. If I can’t execute on those two, then I’m not a good business owner.” For now, it seems, we will have to be satisfied with a lease agreement, some good will and the promise that we might just see professional hockey back in Worcester for the 2017-18 season. To read the full story, head to Worcestermagazine.com.

Reporter Joshua Lyford can be reached at 508-749-3166, ext. 325, or by email at Jlyford@worcestermagazine.com. Follow Josh on Twitter @Joshachusetts. D E C E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 • W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M 19

krave

night day

Maxwell-Silverman’s Toolhouse FOOD HHH AMBIENCE HH SERVICE H1/2

{ dining}

VALUE HH1/2

Lincoln Square, Worcester • 508-755-1200 • maxwellmaxine.com

A Sunday brunch in need of service Emma Smith

Maxwell Silverman’s Toolhouse, located in Worcester’s Lincoln Square, occupies what once housed the Porter Last Company and later the Henry L. Hanson Company. Maxwell’s opened in 1979; based on the decor on the fifth floor, I don’t think much has changed in the last 35 years. The wood trim, brass accents and large mirrors and dated framed art left a lot to be desired as far as ambiance goes. As Alex and I arrived just before noon for Sunday brunch, we rode up in the elevator

to the fifth floor with two very pleasant women who had been to brunch before, and assured us that we’d enjoy our meal. Once on the fifth floor, we approached the hostess and were told it would be a 15-minute wait. Approximately 10 minutes later, the women who rode the elevator with us were seated, and moments later, the hostess motioned to a table we could seat ourselves at. The dining area is wide open with high ceilings and a couple small rooms off to the side for private parties. Before us laid a good 20 feet of fresh juices, fruits, salads, meats, entrées, along with a made-to-order omelet station, carving station and desserts. After waiting about 10 minutes for a server to come by for coffee or tea, or the complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary mentioned on the website, we finally decided to start ourselves and proceeded to the buffet. Alex started with roast beef, bacon,

STEVEN KING

potatoes and a dinner roll, while I tried much of the same as well as eggs Benedict. The roast beef was well-seasoned, but could have been warmer; the bacon was crispy, but the potatoes were over-seasoned. The Eggs Benedict was good, but the chaffing dish had made the English muffin a bit soggy over time. For my second trip I decided to go for a made-to-order omelet with mushroom, spinach and cheese. Not only was the chef pleasant and courteous, my omelet was delicious. I also tried some fresh pineapple and cantaloupe, as well as a danish. Alex tried a mini bagel and some french toast, but both were nothing more than average. Not once did a server stop by our table other than to take a dirty plate. The hostess dropped off the bill midway through our meal, with nothing more than, “Is everything OK?” in mid-bite, to which we could only nod. The bill came to $44.83, which we left $50 on the table an walked out. The highlight of the meal was the pleasant service by the gentlemen working the omelet station and the carving station, as well as the pleasant women in the elevator. I hope they had a more enjoyable experience than we did.

Wexford House Restaurant

Where Good Friends Meet for Food & Drink

Fresh Seafood • Chicken Dishes Great Steaks • Homemade Italian Allen’s Specialty: Middle Eastern Food Daily Luncheon Specials Salads, 8oz Burgers, Lobster Rolls Everyone at the “Wex” wishes our Customers a Happy Holiday Season! Open Friday January 1, 2016 New Years Day Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30am-10:00pm

508-757-8982 Located at the corner of Shrewsbury Street and Route 9 in Worcester

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2015

EVODINING.COM 50 8.459.4240 234 Chandler St. Worcester

Eat. Drink. Stay

Oli’s

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Dine In • Take-Out • Catering • OlisEatery.com • 508-854-1500 339 West Boylston St. (Rte. 12), West Boylston • in Gerardo’s Plaza

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SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: Mon-Thur 11am-9pm • Fri-Sat 11am-10pm • Sun 12-8pm • Liquor License DECEMBER 24, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

DINING • CATERING • PIZZA CIAO La Cucina Italiana is a marriage of passion, food, family, and culture. We use only the freshest and finest ingredients to create not only a delicious meal, but an experience of who we are. We welcome you from our family to yours. -The Panarelli Family

LA CUCINA ITALIANA 294 Hamilton St., Worcester Dine-In • Take-Out • BYOB • 508-797-3354

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81 Hope Avenue, Worcester • 508.983.2988 Supporting Programs at Seven Hills Foundation

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2015

night day &

{ film }

Starry, starry knight Jim Keogh

Here’s what it was like to sit among a throng of true believers at opening night of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

When the first notes of John Williams’ score burst from the speakers, they cheered. When the Millennium Falcon made its first appearance, they applauded. When the dramatic final image filled the screen before cutting to the end credits, they cheered, applauded, and a few probably swooned. I am not of the “Star Wars” tribe. I’ve enjoyed the movies — the first two and a half anyway — but they have never altered my life in the slightest fashion. Yet I can understand and appreciate the joyous fan reaction at all of the above junctures, because watching “The Force Awakens” 10 years after the last “Star Wars” chapter does feel like welcoming back an old friend. It’s also one hell of a fun movie. The story unfolds 30 years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, which has reconstituted itself into the First Order. The Death Star is long gone, but the void left by Darth Vader has been filled by the mysterious Kylo Ren, who in black cloak and helmet (of course) and with eerily amplified voice and seemingly supernatural powers is a worthy, if callow, successor. Ren’s obsession: find and destroy the missing Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi knight whose mere existence threatens Ren’s dark ambitions of domination. Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger on the forlorn planet Jakku, accidentally comes into possession of a BB-8 rolling droid (sort of an over-sized volleyball with personality) that carries a map leading to Luke’s location. Accompanied by Finn (John Boyega), an AWOL Stormtrooper with a conscience, Rey powers up the Millennium Falcon, abandoned in the desert a generation ago, to bring BB-8 to the Resistance, led by General Leia (Carrie Fisher, remember her?).

By recruiting new faces to join the veterans, director J.J. Abrams and his cowriters Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Arndt deftly advance the “Star Wars” mythos in in a way that will thrill the faithful and entertain the less obsessive — they do a terrific job connecting the first trilogy to this one in ways momentous and minute. (That second trilogy? Just a bad dream.) It’s heartening to see Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) remain the Abbott and Costello of the space generation, and the Stormtroopers are still the worst marksmen in the universe. There are echoes of the famous cantina scene here, New Order rallies that recall Nuremburg, and so many Daddy issues at play it’s unclear whether our heroes are invoking the Force or Freud. The beauty of “The Force Awakens” is found both in what it adds and what it subtracts to the franchise. In the appropriate places the film piles on the spectacle, employing sophisticated effects that were only a glimmer in George Lucas’ eye when he imagined this galaxy far, far away. The movie is a feast of the fantastical, including in its quieter moments when strange creatures pass by as part of the everyday landscape and you realize you’ve never seen anything quite like them. Lucas’ lack of involvement since he sold “Star Wars” to Disney also means the movie benefits from the loss of his tin-ear. The man’s brilliance for creating an imagined universe was tempered by his knack for writing dialogue that bordered on the ridiculous and forced the actors to ad lib some of their best lines. Abrams and crew bring a welcome sharpness and humor to the script, particularly in the relationship between Rey and Finn, which rests in the early stages of its evolution. “The Force Awakens” contains several significant payoffs and twists, and I’ll leave it at that. But this I will acknowledge. I left the theater saying something I haven’t said about a “Star Wars” movie in a long time: I can’t wait til the next one.

night day &

music

Karaoke & Dance Party. DJ & Dancing 12:30am - 2am Free. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Speakers Night Club, 19 Weed St., Marlborough. 508439-9314. >Thursday 24 Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Black Sheep Tavern, 261 Leominster Live Acoustic. 8-11 p.m. Banner Pub, The, 112 Green St. 508Road, Sterling. 978-422-8484. 755-0879. Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Billy’s Pub, 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury. Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Black Sheep Tavern, 261 Leominster 508-425-3353. Road, Sterling. 978-422-8484. Live Bands. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Thursday Open Mic Night. Now the frost is on the pumpkin, Gardner. 978-669-0122. it’s the time for guitar plunkin...Join a decades old tradition of sharing DJ. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Jillian’s - Worcester, 315 Grove St. 508-793-0900. and musical camaraderie in an old-fashioned fun roadhouse! P.A. Dj Darren & Double D. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central and support of all sorts provided, be part of the fun...Hosted by Ed St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. Sheridan. 8-11 p.m. Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main St., Holden. 508Karaoke. Karaoke by DJ Nancy of Star Sound Entertainment 9 829-4566. p.m.-1:30 a.m. Danger Zone Saloon, 948 Main St., Warren. 413Audio Wasabi. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., 436-7115. Gardner. 978-669-0122. Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. Xmas Eve with Andy Cummings! 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar 978-345-5051. and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Lavender Restaurant Karaoke. Join Magic Mike Entertainment Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. DJ’s for Karaoke Night every Friday & Saturday Night! Free. 9:30 978-345-5051. p.m.-1 a.m. Lavender Restaurant, 519 Boston Post Road, Sudbury. Karaoke w/ Royal Crown. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 magicmikeentertainment.com Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, You don’t have much time left to catch “Transitions: A 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. Metamorphosis, A Passage” in the Lamar Soutter Library at DJ Tec Threat. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and UMass Medical School, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester. The Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. exhibit runs through Dec. 29, 5-7 p.m. For more information, email shfevents@sevenhills.org. >Friday 25 Bill McCarthy Every Friday at Barbers Crossing North. Now catch Bill McCarthy playing his heart out every Friday at Barbers North (Sterling, MA) @6:30pm Visit: BillMcCarthyMusic.com for info. Free! 6:30-9:30 p.m. Barbers Crossing (North), 175 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8438. Christian Music Cafe Night. Our Friday nights feature a host of artists, both regional and national, sharing the Grace and Love of God! Oct 2 - Open Mic (come share your gifts & talents) Oct 9 - Kira Ministry kiraministry.com Oct 16 - Chris Schact - “Songs to & from the King ... Songs of Sovereignty & Proximity” Oct 23 - Risen East - Christian band from New Mexico Oct 30 - Fire in the Spirit - A night of music and ministry in the Holy Spirit with Rev Tom Rosso Nov 6 - Rich O’Reilly - reverbnation.com/richoreilly Nov 13 - Saved By Scarlet/Youth Night - Young Christian Rock band will lead us in praise and worship Nov 20 - The Cashmans - National recording artists thecashmans.org/ Nov 27 - Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday Dec 4 - The Sky Family - Celtic Christian from Prince Edward Island - theskys.org/ Dec 11 - Raging Grace - Dynamic Blues & Rock with a message of Gods Grace raginggrace.com/ Dec 18 - Mill Christmas Special - Paul Lesperance and family bring tidings of comfort and joy Dec 25 - Closed for Christmas Holiday Free. 7-10 p.m. Mill Church Cafe, 45 River St., Millbury. 508-360-6050 or millchurch.org Merry Christmas! We’re open at 7pm! 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. DJ One 3. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. DJ’s. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Banner Pub, The, 112 Green St. 508-755-0879.

>Saturday 26

Brian Chaffee Duo. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Sqare, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

“It’s the Liquor Talking” Radio Show & Podcast!

Broadcasting LIVE from Julio's Liquors

Saturday 11am - 1pm!

Listen on WCRN AM830 or stop by Julio’s and join the fun! No Radio, No problem!

Open Mic. Open to musicians, poets, comedians or anyone with a talent! Hosted by Stephen Wright. 6-9 p.m. Nu Cafe, 335 Chandler St. 508-926-8800 or nucafe.com Brett Brumby. Come down to the Canal for some live music played by the talented Bret Brumby! N/A. 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St., 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. Outrageous Greg’s Crazy Karaoke. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Martys pub. three little birds. Come take a load off after the holidays in a great setting and fantastic food while we share our favorite songs with you. We’re an acoustic trio and cover a range of music including rock, folk, reggae, and country. Free! 7-11 p.m. Guiseppe’s Grille, 35 Solomon Pond Road, Northborough. 508-393-4405. Hip Swayers Deluxe. Join us for some apres ski hip swayin’! 8-10 p.m. Coppertop Lounge/Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton. 978-464-2300. Karaoke with Outrageous Greg. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Marty’s Pub, 225 Cantebury St. 508-754-0033. Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Black Sheep Tavern, 261 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8484. Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Billy’s Pub, 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury. 508-425-3353. Steve Agnellis. 8-11 p.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585. Usual Suspects. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Bolton Street Tavern, 587 Bolton St., Marlborough. 508-485-4416. Live Bands. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122. Saturday Night Live Jazz. 8:30 p.m.-midnight Pho Dakao, 593 Park Ave. 617-803-5016 or phodakao.com The Shaggers. No cover. Great food and pizza. C’mon out and dance off that Christmas dinner. 8:30-11:30 p.m. Black Sheep Tavern, 261 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8484. Backseat Zero. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750. Best - Live Bands. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Speakers Night Club, 19 Weed St., Marlborough. 508-439-9314. Bruce & Charlie..Jeff Mack. Join Bruce & Charlie as they “Keep the Blues Alive”..Then welcome Jeff Mack for a serious jam session. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877. Clam Diggers. $5. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. DJ. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Jillian’s - Worcester, 315 Grove St. 508-7930900. DJ Pete Blaze. Dance the night away with DJ Pete blaze every Saturday night. No cost 21+, Drink specials. No cost, 21+. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Drafter’s Sports Cafe, 325 Chase Ave, Dudley. 508671-9053. Flock of Assholes. No Cover! The awesome 80’s come alive with the area’s best 80’s tribute!! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough. 508-842-8420. Jennifer Antkowiak Open Mic Cabaret. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s

{ listings}

Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Jim Perry - Acoustic Rock. 9 p.m.-midnight Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. Karaoke. shangrilarestaurant.net Chinese & Japanese Restaurant 9 p.m.-midnight Shangri La, 50 Front St. 508-798-0888. Live Bands. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg. 978-345-5051. Old School Band. Playing classic rock with some traditional Christmas carols. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 3-G’s Sports Bar, 152 Millbury St. 508-754-3516.

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

night day &

{ listings}

The City Boys. Johnny Romance and Chris “The Captain” Coombs Acoustic Duo, playing all your favorites from the 60’s thru today. 9 p.m.-midnight The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster. loveshackmusic.com Tony Soul Project. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Simple Man Saloon, 119 High St., Clinton. 978-365-1949. Lavender Restaurant Karaoke. Join Magic Mike Entertainment DJ’s for Karaoke Night every Friday & Saturday Night! Free. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Lavender Restaurant, 519 Boston Post Road, Sudbury. magicmikeentertainment.com DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353. DJ Reckless. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263. DJ’s every Saturday. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304-6044. Neon Alley. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035. Worcester Jazz Collective @ Sahara. Worcester Jazz Collective plays Sahara Restaurant every 4th Saturday of the Month! Deconstructed Standards and Originals. Free. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Sahara Cafe & Restaurant, 143 Highland St. 508-798-2181 or worcesterjazzcollective.com

Sunday Dead Night. 21 plus We will be featuring a different Grateful Dead Tribute Band every Sunday! Before the show we will film a Walking Dead episode, starting with the 1st one our first night! 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629.

>Monday 28

Open Mic/Open Decks hosted by Kroma Kode. 21+ with proper ID Sign-up for slots starts at the venue at 7:30 and is first come first serve. Open Mic 8-10 Open Decs 10-1 House equipment for DJs: Numark M3 Mixer Please bring your own equipment! Free. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Legends by Byron Cancelmo Performance at JJ’sHoliday special Free to Guests. Another great event that brings you out of the house...and yes your friends and family can join you too...in fact we encourage it for this special performance… well you are in luck...How does cocktails (or wine or a draft) sound? including world class live performance on Monday, December 28, 7--

>Tuesday 29

Storytime. Join us every week for storytime. Visit bn.com for details. Free. 11-11:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Millbury, 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike, Millbury. 508-865-2801 or bn.com It’s all about Entertainment. Its all about entertainment... Stop in any Tuesday or Wednesday because you never know what we will have going on. Indoor Cornhole boards, Darts, Board games, Cards, Jukebox wars and more. Perfect time to hang with friends or a chance to make new ones. 7-11 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877. Vertigo Trivia Night. Free to play and great prizes! Free. 7-10 p.m. Vintage Grille, 346 Shrewsbury St. 508-752-0558. Tuesday Open Mic Night @ Greendale’s Pub with Bill McCarthy Local Musicians Showcase! To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your

The WCUW Holiday Party is Sunday, Dec. 27, 4-7 p.m., at WCUW headquarters, 910 Main St., Worcester. Catch Grade “A” Fancy (pictured) and The Hip Swayers. Tickets are $5 apiece. For more information, email troy@wcuw.org.

>Sunday 27

Desert Rain with Ed Mann. 21+ with proper ID Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Jazz Brunch. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122. Brunch with Jon Short. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Sqare, Leominster. 978-534-5900. Hip Swayers + Grade “A” Fancy play WCUW Holiday Party. Bring your favorite food dish and beverage, we’ll provide the buffet table, ice and setups ~ $5 Suggested at the door $5 suggested at the door. 4-7 p.m. WCUW 91.3 FM - Worcester’s Community Radio Station, Frontroom, 910 Main St. 508-753-1012 or find them on Facebook. Winter Reimagined Music - The Campbell Sound. 3 siblings: Maia (18) ~ vocals Conway Jr. (16) ~ bass Cameron (14) ~ piano/keyboard free with admission. 4-5 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111. Big Jon Short. 5-8 p.m. Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439. Jim’s Sunday Blues Jam. Every week, Jim Perry hosts the best blues jam around, and brings in very special guest performers. No cover. 6-10 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350. Open Mic Sundays @ Plaza Azteca! To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive – and many are: * Former or Currently Signed Recording Artists * Award-Winning Pro’s or Semi-Pro’s * Regularly Gigging Paid-Performers * Published Songwriters * Recording Studio Owner/ Operators * Combinations of and and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6-9 p.m. Plaza Azteca, 539 Lincoln St. Dancin’ Dead Sundays. 21+ with proper ID Weekly tribute to the Grateful Dead $5. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Andy Cummings! 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Blue Light Bandits. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035. Karaoke w/ Royal Crown. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

9pm at JJ’s Sports Bar ensures that it will give you the change you need to re-energize to do it all over again for New Years. New England and Central Massachusetts/Worcester is fortunate to welcome the voice of Michigan, Byron Cancelmo, who calls Worcester “home” is back for the holidays to provide a fantastic evening of entertainment at JJ’s Sports Bar in Northborough, MA. And as a holiday special the entertainment is complimentary. Byron shares: “My love for the great legends of the 70s and 80s like Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond and so many more have launched me into my new evolution of entertainer...Byron Legacy...A Tribute Spectacular that I would love for my Worcester and Central Mass friends and family to enjoy “ On Monday, December 28, 7--9pm at JJ’s Sports Bar, you now have the chance to hear the legends come alive performed by Byron Cancelmo. Where he will treat you to a magical, musical journey with the songs of our legendary icons, an unforgettable evening where the famous songs of the legends of yesterday will be channeled through Byron for this special event. Byron who grew up in Paxton personally invites you to join him for this legendary evening of fun entertainment. 7-9 p.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough. 774-420-4600 or byroninMotion.com Blue Mondays - Live Blues. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122. Open Mic/Open Decks. Sign up is at 7pm for half hour or less slots. Use our PA system, Mics, controller and sound tech. Anything is welcome! 21plus Free. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629.

• DECEMBER 24, 2015

host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or Currently Signed Recording Artists * Award-Winning Pro’s or Semi-Pro’s * Regularly Gigging Paid-Performers * Published Songwriters * Recording Studio Owner/Operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350 or find them on Facebook. Dam Chick Singer. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. C.U.Next Tuesday! Tunes in the Diner with DJ Poke Smot and Special Guests every Tuesday Night! No cover. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. 508753-9543. Hip Hop Tuesdays. Every Tuesday is different! Check our Facebook page, under events for more details! $5-$15. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629. Open Mic Tuesday w/ Key Performance. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750.

>Wednesday 30

Amanda Cote. Amanda Cote plays a weekly show every Wednesday at The Westender, starting at 5. Open to the public, Free, all ages. Free. 5-8 p.m. The Westender, 493 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough. 508-485-1185 or thewestendermarlboro.com

It’s all about Entertainment. Its all about entertainment... Stop in any Tuesday or Wednesday because you never know what we will have going on. Indoor Cornhole boards, Darts, Board games, Cards, Jukebox wars and more. Perfect time to hang with friends or a chance to make new ones. 7-11 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877. Wednesday Night Open Mic/Local Musicians’ Showcase w/ Bill McCarthy @ Guiseppe’s. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or Currently Signed Recording Artists * Award-Winning Pro’s or Semi-Pro’s * Regularly Gigging Paid-Performers * Published Songwriters * Recording Studio Owner/Operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 7:3010:30 p.m. Guiseppe’s Grille, 35 Solomon Pond Road, Northborough. 508-393-4405 or find them on Facebook. Sean Fullerton ‘Fully’ Acoustic: Every Other Wednesday! Join Sean Fullerton for his ‘Fully’ Acoustic show at Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St in Worcester from 8-11pm Every Other Wednesday! Sean specializes in Acoustic Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis Soul, and Fingerstyle Guitar...originals and covers... using 6 String, 12 String and Resonator guitars, harmonicas, live guitar looping, Bose and UltraSound sound systems. Sean has been a successful musician, singer/songwriter, recording engineer and producer since 1995, and performs in a wide variety of venues and for many weddings, parties, charitable and corporate events throughout New England. Fullerton was voted the 2010 Worcester Music Awards “Best Solo Act”. Since then, he has been nominated for “Best Blues/R&B Act” in 2010 and 2011, “Best Solo Act” in 2012, and “Best Blues/R&B Act” and “Best Solo Act” in 2015. Dinner & Drinks. 8-11 p.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-8233022 or padavanosplace.com Sean Fullerton - Acoustic Rock & Blues. 8-11 p.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022. AriBand! 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030. Karaoke w/ Royal Crown. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750.

arts

ArtsWorcester, “Grayscale: A Members’ Exhibition in Collaboration with the Fitchburg Art Museum” at the Aurora, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Jan. 14; Call For Art: Now! New Works, New Artists!, Through Jan. 15, 2016. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Free. 660 Main St. 508-7555142 or artsworcester.org Asa Waters Mansion, Admission: $3 for guided tour $7-10 for tea. 123 Elm St., Millbury. 508-865-0855 or asawaters.org Assumption College: Emmanuel d’Alzon Library, 500 Salisbury St. 508-767-7272 or assumption.edu Booklovers’ Gourmet, Call to artists - “Small Works” group show, Through Dec. 31. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 55 East Main St., Webster. 508-949-6232 or er3.com Clark University: University Gallery, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon-5 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. 950 Main St. 508-793-7349 or 508-7937113 or clarku.edu Clark’s Cafe and Art On Rotation Gallery, Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday - Saturday. Admission: Free for gallery. 310 High St., Clinton. 978-549-5822 or 978-365-7772 or aorgallery.com College of the Holy Cross: Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday,

Happy Holidays Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday.

From the staff at

DECEMBER 24, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

night day &

{ listings}

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2-5 p.m. Saturday. 1 College St. 508-793-3356 or holycross.edu Danforth Museum of Art, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-5 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 508-620-0050 or danforthmuseum.org EcoTarium, Cool Moves: The Artistry of Motion, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Jan. 10. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday Saturday. Admission: $14.00 adults; $10 for children ages 2-18, college students with IDs & senior citizens. Children under 2 & EcoTarium members free. Additional charges apply for Tree Canopy Walkway, Explorer Express Train, planetarium programs & other special program. 222 Harrington Way. 508-929-2700 or ecotarium.org Fisher Museum Harvard Forest, 324 N. Main St., Petersham. 978-724-3302 or harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu Fitchburg Art Museum, Hours: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, noon-4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. 978-345-4207 or fitchburgartmuseum.org Fitchburg Historical Society, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m.-midnight Wednesday, closed Thursday - Saturday. 50 Grove St., Fitchburg. 978-345-1157 or fitchburghistory.fsc.edu Fitchburg State University: Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. fitchburgstate.edu Framed in Tatnuck, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 1099 Pleasant St. 508-770-1270 or framedintatnuck.com Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. 978-4563924 or fruitlands.org Gallery of African Art, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30

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• DECEMBER 24, 2015

p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Donations accepted. 62 High St., Clinton. 978-265-4345 or 978-598-5000x12 or galleryofafricanart.org Highland Artist Group, 113 Highland St. highlandartistgroup.com Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Hours: 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 414 Massasoit Ave. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org Museum of Russian Icons, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 11-3 a.m. Tuesday - Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 11-3 a.m. Friday, 9-3 a.m. Saturday. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (59 +), $7; Students, $5; Children 3-17, $5; Children <3, Free. 203 Union St., Clinton. 978-598-5000 or 978-598-5000x17 or museumofrussianicons.org Old Sturbridge Village, Kindred Spirits: A.B. Wells, Malcolm Watkins, and the Origins of Old Sturbridge Village, Through Jan. 15, 2016; December School Vacation Week, Saturday - Sunday. Admission: $7 - $20 charged by age. Children under 3 free. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-733-1830 or 508-347-3362 or osv.org Park Hill Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 387 Park Ave. 774-696-0909. Post Road Art Center, Call to Artists: Abstract Exhibit, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Dec. 28 - Jan. 7. Hours: closed Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 1 Boston Post Road, Marlborough. 508-485-2580 or postroadartcenter.com Preservation Worcester, Hours: closed Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 10 Cedar St. 508-754-8760 or preservationworcester.org Prints and Potter Gallery: American Arts and Crafts Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 142 Highland St. 508-752-

DecemBer 31 10:00 am – 11:00 Pm Music! Dance! cOMeDY! HanDs-On fun! Great fOOD! Buttons on sale now! $10 until DecemBer 25 $12 after DecemBer 25 $15 at the Door KiDs 7 anD unDer free

night day &

2170 or printsandpotter.com Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts & Humanities, the Arts Center, Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 2-4 p.m. Saturday. 111 Main St., Southbridge. 508-346-3341 or qvcah.org Rollstone Studios, Hours: 11-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. Admission: free. 633 Main St., Fitchburg. 978-348-2781 or rollstoneartists.com Salisbury Mansion, Home for the Holidays at Salisbury Mansion, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Dec. 31. Hours: closed Sunday - Wednesday, 1-8:30 p.m. Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Friday Saturday. 40 Highland St. 508-753-8278 or worcesterhistory.org SAORI Worcester Freestyle Weaving Studio, 18 Winslow St. 508-757-4646 or 508-757-0116 or saoriworcester.com Sprinkler Factory, Concept & Gestation (Open Gallery), Sundays, Saturdays, through Jan. 9. Admission: Free. 38 Harlow St. sprinklerfactory.com Taproot Bookstore, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 1200 West Boylston St. 508-853-5083 or TaprootBookstore.com Tatnuck Bookseller & Cafe, Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday Saturday. 18 Lyman St., Westborough. 508-366-4959 or tatnuck.com The Foster Gallery, 51 Union St. 508-397-7139 or thefostergallery.com Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, Hours: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. 21 Prichard St., Fitchburg. 978-342-2809 or 978-297-4337 or topfunaviation.com Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $12 Adults, $9 Seniors & $7 Youth, free to Members & Children under. 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111 or towerhillbg.org

Come enjoy “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” the quirky, fun film from Tim Burton, Saturday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Shrewsbury Public Library, Temp Site Meeting room 215 Lake St., Shrewsbury. It’s the morning after Christmas, don’t worry about cleaning up. Take the kids to see film – for free! For more information, email dbarbour@cwmars.org. Worcester Art Museum, Static Variations: Blue x 2 by Terri Priest. This Master Series celebrates the work of beloved Worcester artist, Terri Priest (1928-2014). It highlights her painting Static Variations: Blue x 2 (1971-72), a diptych of arrow-shaped fields of blue and alternating black and white stripes, which together create a pulsating visual effect. In its rigorous exploration of optical stimuli, the painting appears to have much in common with Op Art, yet Priest refused her contemporaries’ rejection of content for form. Instead, she saw her artwork as deeply connected to larger social issues. Priest was active in the Civil Rights movement, and paintings such as Static Variations: Blue x 2 emerged from her activism: “My works are politically motivated-that’s not an overstatement,” she explained. “For every white line there was a black line. One plus one is equal to more than two.” Free with Museum admission. Art Since the Mid-20th Century, Through Dec. 31; Hassan Hajjaj: My Rock Stars, Through March 6, 2016; Pierre Bonnard, Dining Room in the Country, Through

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May 1, 2016; Veiled Aleppo, Through June 5, 2016; The Viking Age!, Saturday; Knight’s Tale, Sunday; Sunday Tours, Sundays, through Jan. 24; Animals in Art, Monday; Art Together: Snow Collages, Monday; Comic Art, Monday; Family Fun: Creative Creatures, Monday; It’s all in perspective, Monday; Manga, Monday; Print It!, Monday; Treasure Trove, Monday; What’s the Catch, Monday; Art Together: Hat Tales, Tuesday; Carving Stories, Tuesday; Family Fun: Decorative Arts, Tuesday; Heroes, Villains, and Creatures, Tuesday; Mixed Up Photos, Tuesday; Action Painting, Wednesday; Art together: Focus On, Wednesday; Family Fun: Museum Explorers, Wednesday; Knights of the Round Table, Wednesday; Peter Pan Pirates, Wednesday. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Free for members, $14 adults, $12 seniors, free for youth 17 and under. Free for all first

THIS WEEK AT For the Week of

December 24 - 31 For more information call 978.464.2300 or visit www.wachusett.com

Thursday

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas!

Wachusett will be closed for the day and night sessions, which should give you just enough time to pack your ski bag and get ready for the weekend ahead!

26 Saturday Live in the Coppertop

Join us for an on-mountain scavenger hunt on our beginner terrain then stick around and join the Hip Swayers for some live entertainment in the coppertop from 8-10pm.

27 Sunday

Saturdays of each month, 10am-noon. 55 Salisbury St. 508-7994406 or worcesterart.org Worcester Center for Crafts, The Cup Show, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Dec. 24. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 25 Sagamore Road. 508-753-8183 or worcestercraftcenter.org Worcester Historical Museum, Alden Family Gallery, Through Dec. 31; In Their Shirtsleeves, Through Dec. 31; Stories They Tell, Through Dec. 31. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 30 Elm St. 508-753-8278 or worcesterhistory.org Worcester Public Library, Hours: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, 9

28 Monday Science on the Slopes

(11:00am-1:00pm) Visit the MA Audubon booth to learn how many of the animals found around the mountain stay warm in the winter months.

Wachusett will be open for skiing and riding from 9am to 4pm. Get in those runs before heading out to celebrate!

25 Friday

{ listings}

29 Tuesday

Ski Tuning Clinic

Join Mike Vlass at MTNside Ski & Ride at 7pm for a Ski Tuning Clinic. Learn about edges, wax and more.

Wednesday

Science on the Slopes

(11:00am-1:00pm) Join the New England Aquarium tidepool team to learn about ocean creatures and how they survive the cold water temperatures of a New England winter! Hands on fun with hermit crabs, starfish and more!

Thursday

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Kids’ Games

Join the Wachusett Learning Center for some fun games on the mountain, including a boot toss, spin around a ski pole, movie showings and more!

Join us all evening long as we ski-in the new year! We’ll be open until midnight with live music by Ben Knight, Magician Eddie Raymond, Snow Tubing (weather dependent), Fireworks and a Balloon Drop at midnight!

ONGOINGEvents

January is National Safety Awareness Month: Staying safe on the trails is just as important to us as it is to you! That’s why we’ve teamed up with the National Ski Area’s Association to bring you a full month of safety-related activities, contests and more! Take A Lesson: Regardless if you’re a first timer or a seasoned vet, everyone can benefit from a few tips from a pro! Our ski school has instructors at all levels ready to help you take your game to the next level. facebook.com/WaWaWachusett

Skybox on the Slopes: It’s like a luxury suite at the Stadium only here you can get into the game! Book now for your next special occasion! Call 978-464-2300 x3175! Try Before you Buy: Test out the latest skis and boards at the MTNside Demo Center, located inside the Base Lodge. Full and half day rentals available! Reserve exactly what you want online at mtnside.com! twitter.com/Wachusett

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a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday - Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. 3 Salem Square. 508-7991655 or worcpublib.org

theater/ comedy

Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape at Park Grill & Spirits - Fridays, Saturdays, Saturday, September 18 - Sunday, December 31. Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape at Park Grill & Spirits 257 Park Ave Worcester MA Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Clubs Showtimes: Friday 9pm-Saturdays 8pm -$20pp Reservations Recommended at 800-401-2221 Prices: $20 Fri/Sat pp except Special Events Drinks and Appetizers available in the show room Full Dinner Available before Show in Restaurant $5off with College ID and Reservations 2 for 1 Active Military or Veterans and Reservations $4 off with Dinner Receipt and Reservations. Fri Dec 25th-Merry Christmas! No Show Tonight Sat Dec 26th Steve Bjork Dave Lamb and friends Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape at Park Grill & Spirits Great Food and Fun Make Reservations Early at 800-401-2221 or online at beantowncomedy.com. $20 per person except Special Events. 8 p.m.-midnight Park Grill and Spirits, Comedy Room, 257 Park Ave. Call 800-401-2221 or visit beantowncomedy.com Enjoy west coast swing and ballroom dancing Sunday, Dec. 27, 3-7 p.m., at the YMCA Greendale Family Branch, second-floor function room, 75 Shore Drive, Worcester. This is the last dance of the year, so don’t miss it. The cost is $12 per person, $10 for YMCA members, $5 for students under 23 with ID. For more information, email Deborah@sleighmakerinn.com or call 508-836-5546. Sunday Night Cinemageddon! Movies Shown Every Sunday Night in the Diner! - Sundays, Sunday, May 13 Thursday, December 31. Facebook: Ralphs Diner Free. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. Call 508-753-9543. A Christmas Carol - Friday, December 18 - Sunday, December 27. “God Bless us, everyone!” Continue our family tradition and get in the holiday spirit with Troy Siebels’ lavish and innovative adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. You know the story, you love the message of Christmas redemption, and the love for mankind that the season brings. Join us for our 8th annual A Christmas Carol and feel the warmth of The Hanover Theatre experience from the moment you walk in the door. The show is performed to the music of the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, New England’s largest theatre pipe organ containing over 2,400 pipes. The organ offers audience members a unique sound, providing more breadth and variety to the production. Listen to an interview with Tim Evans, Music Director, on Behind The Scenes with The Hanover Theatre and learn how each carol in the show is carefully selected. A Christmas Carol is refined and revised each year to keep the show young and fresh, but it still retains some of its core attributes, which set it apart from other productions. Our production, extravagant scenery and special effects are in line with that of most Broadway national tours. The show features an array of special effects from four different kinds of smoke and fog, to spectacular flying stunts. The makeup and costuming are gorgeous, hear more as costume designer Gail Buckley describe the process and labor of love that goes in to the more than 60 different designs. Full price tickets are $28, $42, and $52, depending on seating location. Members, groups of 10 or more, corporate partners, seniors, WOO Card holders, and AAA members receive a 10% discount. Children and students are 50% off so the whole family can share the experience of a timeless classic come to life before their eyes. Please call the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information. Student matinees are available December 18, 21, and 22 at 10AM. For more information please contact Meghan (Patrick) Montaner, director of education and operations, at meghan@ thehanovertheatre.org or 508.471.1793. Special Performances 12/22 Sensory Friendly Performance 12/23 $75 VIP reception that includes

a ticket to the show, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Worcester Community Action Council. 12/26 ASL interpretation will be offered on the evening performance. Full price tickets are $28, $42, and $52, depending on seating location. Members, groups of 10 or more, corporate partners, seniors, WOO Card holders, and AAA members receive a 10% discount. Children and students are 50% off so the whole family can share. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St. Call 877-571-7469 or visit thehanovertheatre.org

night day &

lectures >Saturday 26

Holidays @ WAM Zip Tour: Adoration of the Kings. Zip tours are fast paced views of one artist or work of art, and last only 20 minutes. Free with Museum admission; Admission free for all the first Saturday of each month between 10am-12noon. Tour begins in Lancaster Lobby. Free with Museum Admission. Noon-12:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

classes family >Saturday 26 >Monday 28 – Thursday 31 Winter Work and Play. Discover the winter way of life for kids in the 1830s. Through this costumed adventure, you will get to experience many cold-weather activities including making candles, sledding, and preparing and enjoying winter foods! Bundle up in period clothing and learn how we stay warm through these cold New England months. OSV Member child: $240, Non-member child: $260. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 8007331830 or osv.org

>Tuesday 29 – Wednesday 30

From Pen to Page. Join us for a two-day, non-costumed exploration of printing and bookbinding in the early 19th century! You will experience how literature and information were produced and shared in the 1830s before the convenience of cellphones and computers. Learn about the printing press, how to make paper and ink, sew booklets, and create your own block print designs. Things might get a little messy, but that’s all part of the fun! OSV Member Child: $120, Non-Member Child: $130. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800733-1830 or osv.org

>Wednesday 30

Skate Swap. Bring a pair of gently used skates and swap for another pair Buy pair of gently worn skates for a low cost! $2 admission, $3 rental fee. Noon-5 p.m. Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St. 508-929-0777 or WorcesterCommonOval.com

Art Carts: Family Fun - Antioch, the Hunt Mosaic & WAM. Ever wonder how our wonderful collection of mosaics got here? How they were made? Where they came from? Where is Antioch? Learn about all this and try your hand at making a mosaic! (All programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 2-3 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Renaissance Court, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

>Monday 28

>Wednesday 30

Photo Composition: Beyond the Selfie. Learn how to take a better photograph with any camera. We will cover “rules” of proper exposure and learn skills to make any camera work for you while you have fun with your photography. Members $40, Nonmembers $50. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Art Studios, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406 or educationreg.worcesterart.org Art Carts: Family Fun - Fun and Games. Discover the past by playing games! Learn to play chess medieval style, checkers with no kings, plus classic games such as Nine Men’s Morris and Mancala!(Programming subject to change) Free with Museum admission. 1-2 p.m., 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Salisbury Hall or Hassan Hajjaj Exhibtion (Contemporary Gallery), 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

college sports hockey

For the adults the day after Christmas brings some great music. Check out The Installers and their Day After Christmas Party Saturday, Dec. 26, 8-11 p.m. at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. Dance off the PostChristmas blues for $16 a ticket, $20 at the door. For tickets, visit tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com/Installers. For more information, email bullrungeorge@gmail.com or call 978-425-4311. of work displayed or performed by participants. Free. 7-9 p.m. Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James St. 508-852-8860.

>Sunday 27

Lego Engineering Fundamentals. Power up your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and tens of thousands of LEGO®! Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as arch bridges, skyscrapers, motorized cars, and the Battletrack! Design and build as never before, and explore your craziest ideas in a supportive environment. An experienced instructor will challenge new and returning students to engineer at the next level. Grades 2-5 $165. 9 a.m.-noon Build Me Up - Play Center, 1141 Stafford St., Rochdale.

WCUW Holiday Party. Bring your favorite food dish and beverage, we’ll provide the buffet table, ice and setups ~ $5 Suggested at the door About Grade “A” Fancy: Savory Crackers gathered this collection of intrepid troubadours with the intention of spreading an infectious new twist to the American Roadhouse songbook. With foot stomping abandon Grade “A” Fancy will have you smiling, singing, dancing, and yes, even yodeling in public in no time. See you at a show soon! Grade “A” Fancy is Savory Crackers, Amazing Dick Lovestick, Don Legs Prange, J. Loose Cannon Gannon, Marty Gras Ayotte and Mr. Bruce “Dikpic” Pierce About The Hip Swayers: The Hip Swayers are a quality, good time, get up and dance band that combine tight rhythms, searing solos and soulful harmonies in an eclectic mix of originals and covers, encompassing straight ahead roots rock with a country flavor. $5. 4-7 p.m. WCUW 91.3 FM - Worcester’s Community Radio Station, 910 Main St. 508-753-1012.

Enhancement. Celebrate the launch of the new book -- Boom Life: A Guide to Life-Enhancement Meet author, Michelle Currie, and hear her practical approach to enhancing your life with easy to understand steps and real life examples to inspire you. Start the New Year with a plan to Enhance your Life Free. 4-7 p.m. Currie Management Consultants, Inc., Upper floors, 292 Lincoln St. 5087529229 or michellebcurrie.com

A Taste of Zentangle. Take a break from the frenzy of the week. Zentangle(r) is a meditative, relaxing and easy to learn artform. Take doodling to the next level. No artistic experience or talent necessary! Zentangle(r) is a simple, step by step method of drawing that is very meditative, relaxing, and most importantly, easy to learn. Develop a relaxing, meditative practice as we focus our attention and center ourselves while creating beautiful art. Learn to break complex patterns into simple steps that can easily be mastered. 37.50. 7-9 p.m. 1835 Old Town Hall, 31 Main St., Sterling. 978-563-9890 or artofthetangle.com Free People’s Artists Workshop. A workshop to discuss all art Men’s media and offer comments and suggestions that will help the creator Holy Cross Dec. 30 Home vs. McGill, 4:05 p.m.

fairs/ festivals >Saturday 26 - Thursday 31

Holiday Vacation: My Place in Space. Making holiday plans? Join us during holiday school vacation, and let your imagination soar into outer space as you learn about space travel, astronauts, remote-controlled rovers, and more! Feed a passion for astronomy and technology, or discover it for the first time. Free with EcoTarium admission ($14 adults, $10 children 2-18, seniors 65+ and students with ID); Free for EcoTarium Members and children under 2. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way. 508-929-2700 or ecotarium.org

{ listings}

>Monday 28 – Thursday 31

>Tuesday 29

Art Together: Hat Tales. Look at the hats, clothes, hair and accessories as you explore the american gallery in the Museum. Move to the studio to create a special hat based on an artwork that inspires you. One adult with one child. $25 members; $30 nonmembers. 10 a.m.-noon Worcester Art Museum, Art Studios, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406 or educationreg.worcesterart.org Drawing for Teens. Learn drawing techniques and work from still-life arrangements, landscapes and clothed figures. The focus is on both exploration of the creative process and developing sound foundational skills. $40 members; $50 nonmembers. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Art Studios, 55 Salisbury St. 508-7994406 or educationreg.worcesterart.org Book Launch for Boom Life: A Guide to Life-

basketball Men’s

Holy Cross Dec. 30 Home vs. Boston University, 7:05 p.m. Clark University Dec. 29 Home vs. Wentworth, Clark Alumni Holiday Basketball Invitational, 12 p.m. Dec. 30 Home vs. Roger Williams University, Clark Alumni Holiday Basketball Invitational, 2 p.m. WPI Dec. 29 @ Bates, Lewiston, Maine, 5:30 p.m. Anna Maria Dec. 30 @ Trinity, Trinity Holiday Invitational, Hartford, Connecticut, 5 p.m. Dec 31 @ Pine Manor/Delaware Valley, Trinity Holiday Invitational, Hartford, Connecticut, 12 p.m. Worcester State Dec. 29 vs. Roger Williams @ Clark University, 2 p.m. Dec. 30 vs. Wentworth @ Clark University, 12 p.m.

Women’s

Holy Cross Dec. 30 @ Boston University, Boston, 2 p.m. Clark University Dec. 30 Home vs. Framingham State, Clark Alumni Holiday Basketball Invitational, 4 p.m. Dec. 31 Home vs. TBA, Clark Alumni Holiday Basketball Invitational, TBA. Assumption Dec. 30 @ LIU Post, Brookville, New York, 5 p.m. Anna Maria Dec. 30 vs. Southern Maine @ Clark Holiday Tournament, 6 p.m. Dec. 31vs. Clark/Framingham State, @ Clark Holiday Tournament, 12 p.m. Worcester State Dec. 29 vs. Keene State @ Phoenix, Arizona, 12 p.m. Dec. 30 vs. Eastern Conn. State @ Phoenix, Arizona, 12 p.m.

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Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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Last week's solution

ÂŠ2015 Jonesinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) Reference puzzle #759

Run your four line ad for FREE for two weeks and then you have to the option to run your ad until it sells for $20! Or you may run your ad from the beginning until it sells for $20 (no refund if the item sells within the two weeks) $2015 FOR FREE! SUBMIT ITEMS UNDER $2014 Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all you need to do! 3 ways to submit... 1. Mail completed form to Central Mass Classifieds, P.O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520 2. OR FAX the completed form to 508-829-0670 3. OR Email the info with name/address/phone number to sales@centralmassclass.com

NO PHONE ORDERS ACCEPTED FOR FREE ADS PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY... We are not liable for misinformation due to ad being illegible: Have you advertised in the Central Mass ClassiďŹ eds before? Please check one. ___ Yes ___ No Name _______________________________________________ Phone _______________________ Address _____________________________________Town _________________ Zip ____________ Email Address (optional) ______________________________________________________________ Ad Text: (approx 28 characters per line includes letters, spaces, numbers, punctuation) _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

HD=9K= J=9< KM:EAKKAGF JMD=K2 Maximum 4 lines (approx. 28 characters per line). We reserve the right to edit if ads come in that are too long. NO phone orders accepted. See ways to submit above. Merchandise Ads Only - NO autos, snowmobiles, RVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, trailers, boats, ATVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, etc. We have a special rate for these ads ($20 till it sells). NO business Ads accepted for this section. If we suspect the ads are being sent in by a business, we reserve the right to refuse. Limit 1 ad per name/address/ phone number every 2 weeks. Free Ads will run for 2 weeks. If you choose to run your ad until it sells for $20, no refund will be given if it sells within the ďŹ rst two weeks. Limit 1 item per ad (group of items OK if one price for all and under $2,014). $2015). Price must be listed in ad. NO Cemetery Plots

Sudoku Puzzle Solution on last page of ClassiďŹ eds D E C E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5 â&#x20AC;˘ W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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SNOW PROFESSIONALS DIRECTORY

DON’T GET SNOWED IN THIS WINTER... Call a Professional!

DRIVING INSTRUCTION

Your keys to successful driving!

SAFE ROADS DRIVING ACADEMY www.SafeRoadsDrivingAcademy.com

COMPREHENSIVE DRIVER EDUCATION

600.00

978-345-6200 19 Prichard Street, Fitchburg MA 01420 HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING

~ Since 1965 ~

SNOW PLOWING TREE TRIMMING BRUSH CHIPPING Residential & Commercial SERVING THE HOLDEN AREA

508.829.3809

Residential & Commercial Snow Removal/Plowing

Snow removal and sanding. Shoveling and snow blowing. 978-464-5942

FLOORING/CARPETING

GLASS

C & S Carpet Mills Carpet & Linoleum 30 Sq. Yds. $589 Installed with Pad. Free Metal Incl’d. Berber, Plush or Commercial. Call Tom: 800-861-5445 or 508-886-2624

Central Glass Co. A Complete Line of Glass. Automotive-Residential. Window Glass Repairs, Screen Repairs/Pet Screens, Tub & Shower Glass Enclosures, Table Tops, Mirrors & More. Family Owned Over 50 Years. 127 Mechanic St. Leominster 978-537-3962 M-F 8-4

Creative Floors, Inc. Ceramic-Carpet-Vinyl Marble- Granite- Laminate Wallpaper Pre-finished Hardwood Sales-Design- Installation Residential & Commercial Free Estimates. Carpet Binding Financing Available Come visit our showroom! 508-829-7444 www.creativefloorsinc.com

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Rutland Heating & A/C SERVICE & INSTALLATION "We cater to the independent oil customer!" Rutland, MA Call 774-234-0306 HOME IMPROVEMENT C&R, Remodeling, additions, & all home improvements, 25yrs exp. new & historic, David, 508-829-4581 HOME REPAIR/ RESTORATION Need it Fixed? General Home & Small Business Repairs Light Construction No Job Too Small Call Bob at 978-422-8632 or 978-790-8727 CELL email: fixit@callbobhill.com www.callbobhill.com

HEATING & PLUMBING SCOTT BOSTEK PLUMBING & HEATING Small Jobs Is What We Do Residential Repair Specialist Water Heaters-DisposalsFrozen Pipes-Remodels & AdditionsDrain Cleaning-Faucets Ins. MPL 11965 Free Estimates 25 yrs Exp. Reliable 774-696-6078

• D E C E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5

MULCH & LOAM

MASONRY Donald F. Mercurio BULKHEADS Repaired & Replaced Foundation Repairs Brick*Block*Stone Basement Waterproofing 508-835-4729/West Boylston Owner Operator Insured A Lorusso Masonry and Tile Foundation Repair, Stone Brick, Tile Backsplashes, Floors, Walls, Tub Surrounds, etc. Call 508-523-9628

INCLUDES: • 30 Hours Classroom • 12 Hours Behind the Wheel • 6 Hours Observation • 2 Hour Parent Class • Drivers Education Manual • Registry Drivers Education Certiﬁcate

PAINT/WALLPAPER

WELLS

Jack Wasgatt Painting Interior painting and wallpapering, wall and ceiling repairs, extremely meticulous, one man operation (no crews or subs), 33 years experience, Holden resident, fully insured Call 508-852-0271

NO WATER? Stop wishing for it! A&W Welltech Corp. WELL & PUMP Installation & Filtration Service 978-422-7471 24hr Emergency Service 877-816-2642 Mobile 978-815-3188

PLUMBING JOSH SHEA PLUMBING

LAWN & GARDEN LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE

Specializing in plumbing service and repairs.18+ years of experience. Licensed & Insured Master Plumber #13680 joshsheaplumbing.com 508-868-5730 ROOFING Mark R. O’Donnell, Inc. Roofing Experts Licensed & Insured Residential, Commercial & Industrial Specialize in Shingle, Flat Rubber & Metal Roofs Prices as Low as $2 per Square Foot! Free Estimates 978-534-3307 modonnell@mrogc.com www.mrogc.com

RUBBISH REMOVAL Lee Skoglund Services 10, 15, 20-yard container service. Yard & building materials. Office equipment & materials. Attics, cellars & estates cleaned, guaranteed by your closing date! Free estimates. Lee Skoglund 508-757-4209

A.R.I Grounds Maintenance Snow Plowing A.R.I Grounds Maintenance is offering snow plowing and removal services. Call now to schedule your free quote. We have the right equipment to get your job done at a GREAT price! 978-514-4403 Sterling, MA Dave’s Tree & Landscaping Enhancing the view from your home. Custom & Ornamental Pruning. Mulching. Planting. Lawn Mowing. Tree Removal. Certified Arborist. Call for consultation & free estimate. (508)829-6803. davestreeandlandscaping.com Burnham Maintenance Clean-ups. Lawn Maintenance. Shrub Pruning. Bark Mulch, Screened Loam & Compost. Patios & Walkways. Fertilization Programs. Deliveries Available. Please call 508-829-3809

Sterling Peat Inc. Quality Screened Loam. Mulches. Compost- w/Loam Mix. 2"-Gravel, Fill. Fieldstone. 978-422-8294

EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED LOCAL School bus driver wanted Sutton Public Schools. Immediate opening. Will train to get license. Call Susan Rothermich 508-581-1651. Hiring 7D School Bus Van Drivers for Fitchburg & Leominster. Split shift, $14/hr. Willing to train! We pay for training and holidays, and snow days. We offer 40 hours earned sick time. For more information call 508-582-5020 or email elizabeth.uceta @transprollc.com Millbury Public Schools Substitute Cafeteria Workers 3 Hours a day call Mary Leslie, Food Service Director @ 508-865-2929 Sterling COA is looking for a part time van driver to drive seniors to and from appointments. The job is for Thursdays from 7:30 - 3:30, with opportunities to cover vacations and illness. Please contact the Sterling Senior Center at 978-422-3032 or kphillips@sterling-ma.gov EEO/AA Full & Part Time Direct Care!

Advocates supports adults with brain injuries. Entry level, apply at www.advocates.org

www.centralmassclass.com HELP WANTED LOCAL

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JOB POSTING TOWN OF PRINCETON HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT The Town of Princeton is accepting applications for the full time position of HIGHWAY DEPT. TRUCK DRIVER/HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR. Min. qualiďŹ cations include: high school diploma or GED, Mass. CDL Class B driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, Hoisting Engineer License or ability to obtain w/in 1 year, three yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in highway construction and maintenance activities, experience with repair and maintenance of automotive and heavy-duty construction equipment preferred. Three to ďŹ ve yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in all aspects of snow removal. Snow and ice overtime required. May be required to work nights and/or weekends. Full job descriptions and applications available online at www.town.princeton.ma.us or in Town Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday and must be submitted to the Town Administrator, 6 Town Hall Drive, Princeton, MA 01541 or by email at townadministrator@town.princeton.ma.us by 4:00 PM on Thursday, January 31st, 2016. The Town of Princeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MERCHANDISE

CEMETERY PLOTS

Worc. County Memorial Park Paxton. Garden of Faith, 2 plots, Section #347-A 1&2. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost is $3,900.00 for both. Asking $1,500.00 total for both. Call 508-882-3421 or 909-714-0064

Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA 2 lots in Heritage II w/vaults. $2,500.00 for both. Call Rick at 508-450-7470

FOSTER PARENTS

Yard Sale & Flea Market Directory

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kee Flea Market Yan1311 Park Street (rt. 20) 2 miles off exit 8 Mass Turnpike Palmer, MA â&#x20AC;˘ 413-283-4910

Huge 9000 sq. ft. indoor ďŹ&#x201A;ea market open 6 days a week with over 130 dealers. Yankee Flea Market is the place to shop whether it be antiques, collectibles or just household furnishings. We also buy (and sell) complete or partial estates as well as furniture, gas & oil memorabilia, vintage beer signs and lights and much, much more. Bring your items in for a free valuation. Additional dealer space will soon be availbable as we are expanding, call us for details.

Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10-5, Sunday 11-5, FREE FREE Parking Admission Be sure to check us out on Facebook CEMETERY PLOTS

FOR SALE

Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, MA, Garden of the Cross Premier Location Lot 31D Value $5250 Asking $4800 Call Patti at 508-799-5678

Piano Mohogany, upright, w/ bench. 1st flr., easy move. Perfect for aspiring musicians. $300 OBO 508-865-4032

Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA Garden of Heritage II. 2 Lots w/vaults. Current value $8300.00 Asking $3950.00 for both or B/O. Call Jim 508-769-8107 Worc. County Memorial Park Paxton, MA Grave sites. 2 lots, Good Shepherd. Plot 147, graves 3 & 4. $5000.00 each. B/O Call Kris 508-735-9996 Worcester County Memorial Park Two cemetery lots. Chose your own resting spot in Serenity. $1000 for both. Call 774-345-4440.

Over eighty movie DVDs $40. 413-967-7932 55 Gallon Fish Tank Includes tank, metal stand, top and light. $85. 508-752-1172

Thule Truck Racks $300. 508755-0888* Organ with bench. Pd. $2700, asking $300 or best offer. 508331-3468 Golf clubs, bag, cart (used) Asking $250. 508-865-5726*

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688 Main Street, Holden, MA Toll Free (877) 446-3305

www.devereuxma.org FURNITURE

OTHER

Corner Hutch Solid pine - 4 doors - 48" x 76". Accommodates 42" television. $250. Photo available. 508-829-6792

NOVENAS

WOOD FOR SALE FIREWOOD Seasoned 100% hardwood cut and split. Free delivery on 2 cords (128 cu. ft.) orders. Call or text Cami for more info. 508-918-0767. ANTIQUES

JOTUL woodstove 14"w x 28"l x 14"h, in good condition. $300 or b.o. Call Maryanne 978-464-2776.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh My Goshâ&#x20AC;? Antiques & Collectibles Found at The Cider Mill

Used Bld Materials Evernew decking, pvc trim, lumber, doors, shutters, etc. $100 OBO. 508-852-7176 Craftsman Single Stage Snowblower Never used. $250 or best offer. 413-9677932

FOR SALE Brand New Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Oven Cooks 15lb turkey in 50 min. Cooks bread in 30 min. Saves 70% electricity. Can be used as conventional oven. Call 508461-7206. Leave message, Asking $200.00. Webster, MA

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Complete whiskey making kit. Sells for $40.99 asking $25.00 or best offer. 508 8299240 XBox 360 Kinect Excellent Condition. 250GB HD, Adventures Game Incl. $150 obo. Call Annette @ 978-400-5850 FURNITURE Brand New Sleeper Sofa Light brown, beautiful fabric. Call 508-461-7206 Leave message, Webster MA. Comes apart for easy transport. Asking $300.00

15 Waushacum Ave., Sterling 978-422-8675 Open 7 Days a Week 11 am to 5 pm Thursdays 11 am to 8 pm

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

REAL ESTATE CONDOMINIUM FOR SALE 55+ NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS

PETS & ANIMALS CATS/KITTENS FOR SALE Ragdoll cat Beautiful markings, male, neutered. Born 12/14. $450. 508-797-6068

RANCH-STYLE 2br/2ba condos off Salisbury St. Open floor plan, 4 season room, marble, granite, h/w. Beautiful community. New clubhouse coming Dec 2015. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Wait to enjoy the EasyLiving Lifestyle! 10 Primmett Lane Berkshire Realty Group 508-414-2011

D E C E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5 â&#x20AC;˘ W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

www.centralmassclass.com REAL ESTATE

AUTOS

CAMPERS/TRAILERS

Over 40 Acres! Over 3000 Vehicles!

2010 Honda Civic 32K miles, very good cond. Front wheel drive. Automatic. A/C, power s t e e r i n g /b r a k e s /w i n d o w s / locks. $9,950 Hubbardston, MA 978-870-3291

2003 Volkswagen Beetle One owner. Dark blue. 102,000 miles. Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual. Excellent condition. 5 speed, disc music, title. Call 508-829-3752 $3,500

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1985 Cadillac Eldorado 74K miles. Never been in snow. Mint condition. Gray w/landau top. Bonus 2 Free Air tickets & 5 star condo for a week in FL. $5,000.00 Oakham 407-3753917

2012 Cadillac CTS AWD, 21,800 miles. Crystal red. Heated black leather seats. Panoramic roof. Dealer maintained. Under warranty. $24,500.00 978-534-8860

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Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notice All real estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, the Massachusetts Anti Discrimination Act and the Boston & Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinances which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age, children, marital status, sexual orientation, veterans status or source of income or any intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free at 1-800-827-5005. For the NE area call HUD at 617-994-8300. The toll free number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275 or 617-565-5453

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508-799-9969

AUTOMOTIVE AUTO/MOTORCYCLE 1999 Road King Under 8,000 miles. Too many extras to list. Always stored in room temperature. $13,000 obo 978-4645525 or 781-879-8275 cell 978 -464-5525

We buy vintage vehicles & antique auto related garage contents. ROTHERS BROOKS

2007 Suzuki Boulevard Cruising Motorcycle C90T; 1474cc; 6300 miles, 1 owner, perfect cond. accessories and new battery. Garaged, covered & serviced. $6,000 508-8498635 2008 Honda Metropolitan Scooter Black and gray. Mint cond. 469 miles. Asking $1650.00. Includes helmet. 207-289-9362 OR 207-450-1492. 2001 Suzuki Intruder 1500cc, showroom condition, lots of chrome, Vehix pipes. $4000. Call John at 978-466-6043. AUTO/VAN 2008 Ford E250 Extended Van 3dr, A-T/AC, Power package. Roof racks. Int. shelving, tow package, 6 rims, 8 tires in good cond. Exc. overall cond. 57K miles. $14,999.00 508-829-2907

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

USED AUTO PARTS

508-792-6211 Worcester, MA

AUTOS

2005 Buick LeSabre Sedan 65000 miles. Silver ext/Silver int $5500 Well maintained, new battery 978-464-5457

2002 Chevrolet Corvette 39,000 miles Red with black interior. Car is in excellent condition! $26,000 or best offer. Call: 774-823-0466.

2009 Mazda CX-7 Blackcherry with gray & black interior. 48,000 miles $9,500. 774-8230466

1988 MercedesBenz 300 SEL 6 cylinder gas. Very good cond. Runs exc. $3200.00 195k miles. Located in Sutton, MA 774-287-0777 2009 Mazda CX-7 Blackcherry with gray & black interior. 48,000 miles $9,500. 774-8230466

â&#x20AC;˘ D E C E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5

1992 Mercedes 300E 200,000 miles. Black w/grey interior. A nice ride, a head turner. 978-464-2895 2008 Ford Mustang 8 cyl, 300HP. 21K miles. Never driven during winter. Always garaged. Perfect cond. $21,900 negotiable. 508-865-3528 after 3pm.

2006 Toyota Corolla 84K miles. Good condition. Light green. $5,000.00 Leominster 978-257-3299 978227-5111 1998 Mercury Mystique Only 85,400 original miles. Maroon ext. with tan int. Very clean, no dents. Moving south, would like to sell by 11/15. Asking $1,750 OBO. 508-829-9882 1999 Pontiac Grand Am 6 Cylinder, automatic, needs work or use for parts. 159,903 miles. $675. 978-422-8084 2002 Ford Taurus Wagon SEL Auto., 6 cyl., leather seats, clean. 70,800 miles. $2195 OBO. 508-243-8399.

BOATS 25 HP Suzuki (Like New) with Boat & Trailer with Bonus 2 Free Air Tickets to Orlando and 5 star condo for a week. Disney anyone? Pete 407-3753917 $4,000 CAMPERS/TRAILERS Truck Camper 1985 Bought new in 1991. Real Life brand. Bathroom, shower, self contained. 8ft truck bed. $2900.00 B/O 774-287-0777

â&#x20AC;˘ Class A, B, C Motor Homes â&#x20AC;˘ Trailers Parts â&#x20AC;˘ Propane â&#x20AC;˘ Service Transportation â&#x20AC;˘ Temporary Housing

Fuller RV Rentals & Sales 150 Shrewsbury St., Boylston 508-869-2905 www.fullerrv.com BBB Accredited A+ Rating 2001 Layton 40 Ft. Park Model Trailer. Bedroom has over sized bed. Kitchen complete with stove, refrigerator, and dining set. Living room area has two sleep sofas. Full attached deck, with screen room and hard top roof. Trailer is located in Wells, ME. Must be removed from site. Reason for selling moving to Florida. Price $5,000. Call 413-433-3646

3 Horse Trailer 2002 Exiss XT/ 300 Gooseneck. Great condition. All alum. S.S. nose. On craigslist pics. $9,000. Paxton. Call Robert at 508-757-0887*

Rent Quality

Rent Toomeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

S pecial Events vents D irectory For the Perfect Wedding

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D E C E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5 • W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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STORAGE HARVEST STORAGE Lots of Outside Storage space. Inside storage. Secure Storage. Autos, Boats, Motorcycles, Campers. Hubbardston, MA. 978-928-3866

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Millbury Planning Board In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Millbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2016, at 7:15 p.m., at the Municipal Ofﬁce Building, 127 Elm Street, Millbury, MA, on the application of Wide World of Indoor Sports, 621 Pound Hill Road, North Smithﬁeld, RI, for a Special Permit to apply Route 146 Highway Corridor Overlay District under Section 48 of the Millbury Zoning Bylaws. The Applicant wants to construct a 76,715 square foot indoor sports center, 204 parking spaces and a roadway to serve said facility off of Worcester Providence Turnpike. Plans are available for inspection in the Planning Department during normal business hours. Anyone wishing to be heard on this application should appear at the time and place designated above. Richard Gosselin, Chairman

SUTTON PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE In accordance with the provisions of Section VI.H of the Sutton Zoning Bylaw, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of Magill Associates of Grafton, MA. The applicant seeks to permit a retreat lot with 5.57 acres and 50’ of road frontage at 6 Burnap Road. The hearing on this application will be held in the third floor meeting room at the Town Hall on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 7:20 P.M. A copy of the plan and application can be inspected in the office of the Town Clerk during normal office hours. Miriam Sanderson, Chairman Published December 17 & 24, 2015

LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (SEAL) LAND COURT DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT 2015 SM 010551 ORDER OF NOTICE To: David Hartford A/K/A David W. Hartford and to all persons entitled to the benefit of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. App. § 501 et seq.: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. claiming to have an interest in a Mortgage covering real property in Sutton (Manchaug), numbered 13 Darling Lane, given by David Hartford and Patricia Hartford to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., dated February 5, 2007, and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds at Book 40754, Page 189, and now held by the Plaintiff by assignment has/have filed with this court a complaint for determination of Defendant’s/Defendants’ Servicemembers status. If you now are, or recently have been, in the active military service of the United States of America, then you may be entitled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil ReliefAct. If you object to a foreclosure of the above-mentioned property on that basis, then you or your attorney must file a written appearance and answer in this court at Three Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 on or before January 25, 2016 or you will be forever barred from claiming that you are entitled to the benefits of said Act. Witness, JUDITH C. CUTLER, Chief Justice of this Court on December 9, 2015 Attest: Deborah J. Patterson, Recorder 201501-0437-YEL Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Division INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. WO15P3992EA Estate of: Dionissios Drakodaidis Date of Death: December 9, 2014 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Bessie Drakodaidis of Worcester, Ma. Bessie Drakodaidis of Worcester, Ma has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. 12/31/15 WM

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• D E C E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5

TO ALL INTERESTED INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF SUTTON In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Ch. 40A, §11, the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at the Sutton Town Hall on January 7, 2016 at 7:30pm on the petition of Stephen Chabot. The petitioner requests a determination from MGL ch.40A §6 for the proposed extension of the second story of the residence. The property that is the subject of this petition is located at 18 Tuttle Road, Sutton MA on Assessors Map #16, Parcel #24. The property is located in the R-1 Zoning District. A copy of the petition may be inspected during normal ofﬁce hours in the Town Clerk’s Ofﬁce located in the Town Hall. Any person interested or wishing to be heard on this variance petition should appear at the time and place designated. Brittanie Reinold Board of Appeals Clerk

WORCESTER HOUSING AUTHORITY 40 BELMONT STREET, WORCESTER, MA 01605 Tel: (508) 635-3300 Fax: (508) 635-3190 Telephone Device for the hearing impaired (508) 798-4530 PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Effective January 1, 2016, the Worcester Housing Authority (“WHA”) will open its State Public Housing Family (“SPHF”) 3 bedroom waiting list priorities 1-4 only. The WHA provides reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities.

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (SEAL) LAND COURT DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT 2015 SM 010537 ORDER OF NOTICE To: Michael Manners Sr. and to all persons entitled to the benefit of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. App. § 501 et seq.: Santander Bank, N.A. formerly known as Sovereign Bank, N.A. formerly known as Sovereign Bank claiming to have an interest in a Mortgage covering real property in MILLBURY, numbered 24 UPTON STREET, given by Michael Manners Sr. to Sovereign Bank, dated October 25, 2004, and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds at Book 34952, Page 110, has/have filed with this court a complaint for determination of Defendant’s/Defendants’ Servicemembers status. If you now are, or recently have been, in the active military service of the UnitedStates of America, then you may be entitled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. If you object to a foreclosure of the above-mentioned property on that basis, then you or your attorney must file a written appearance and answer in this court at Three Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 on or before January 25, 2016 or you will be forever barred from claiming that you are entitled to the benefits of said Act. Witness, JUDITH C. CUTLER, Chief Justice of this Court on December 9, 2015 Attest Deborah J. Patterson Recorder 201511-0160-PRP

NOTICE OF MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE Premises: 1482 Grafton Road, Millbury, Massachusetts By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain mortgage given by Antoinette M. Bernier to Southbridge Savings Bank and now held by Nationstar Mortgage LLC, said mortgage dated June 30, 2008, and recorded in the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds, in Book 43066 at Page 240, as affected by an Assignment of Mortgage dated June 30, 2008, and recorded with said Deeds in Book 43066 at Page 250, as affected by an Assignment of Mortgage dated July 11, 2008, and recorded with said Deeds in Book 43212 at Page 17, as affected by an Assignment of Mortgage dated October 9, 2014, and recorded with said Deeds in Book 52911 at Page 270, and as affected by an Affidavit of Correction Assignment of Mortgage dated January 7, 2015, and recorded with said Deeds in Book 53247 at Page 111, of which mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions in said mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction on January 14, 2016, at 3:00 PM Local Time upon the premises, all and singular the premises described in said mortgage, to wit: The land in Millbury, Massachusetts, bounded and described as follows: A certain tract or parcel of land situated on the southerly side of Grafton Street, in the Town of Millbury, being part of lot #70 on “Plan of City Line Farms” Millbury, MA, by Buttrick and Pratt, Civil Engineers dated 1900, and recorded with Worcester restrict Deeds in Book 1692, Page 601, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point oil the southerly line of Grafton Street at the northeasterly corner of Lot #64 on said plan; THENCE S. 8 degrees 15’ W. by land now or formerly of Elva LeBlond, ninety-one and 14/100 (91.14) feet to a hinge nail in a tar walk; THENCE S. 11 degrees 25’ W. still by land of said LeBlond, sixty-one and 60/100 (61.60) feet to a stake; THENCE N. 78 degrees 45’ W. five (5) feet to ail iron pipe; thence S. II degrees 25’ W. by lot #65 on said plan, sixty-eight and 80/100 (68.83) feet to a point; THENCE S, 78 degrees 35’ £, sixty (60) feet to a point; THENCE N. 11 degrees 25’ E. one hundred ninety-four and 67/100 (194.67) feel to the southerly line or said Grafton Street; THENCE Northwesterly by said southerly tine of Grafton Street, sixty-two and 28/100 (62.28) feet to the point of beginning. Together with any right, title and interest within the location of the line of Grafton Street between the east and west lines of said lot extended. The description of the property contained in the mortgage shall control in the event of a typographical error in this publication. For Mortgagor’s Title, see Deed dated November 12, 1985, and recorded in Book 9059 at Page 208 with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds. TERMS OF SALE: Said premises will be sold and conveyed subject to all liens, encumbrances, unpaid taxes, tax titles, municipal liens and assessments, if any, which take precedence over the said mortgage above described. TEN THOUSAND ($10,000.00) Dollars of the purchase price must be paid in cash, certified check, bank treasurer’s or cashier’s check at the time and place of the sale by the purchaser. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid in cash, certified check, bank treasurer’s or cashier’s check within thirty (30) days after the date of sale. Other terms to be announced at the sale. Marinosci Law Group, P.C. 275 West Natick Road, Suite 500 Warwick, RI 02886 Attorney for Nationstar Mortgage LLC Present Holder of the Mortgage Telephone: (401) 234-9200 MLG File No.: 14-04554 A-4555599 12/24/2015, 12/31/2015, 01/07/2016

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LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES

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Two minutes with...

Danielle Montgomery

STEVEN KING

There’s a new coloring book in town, “Worcester: A Coloring Adventure” by Danielle Montgomery. The artist, singer, cat lover and Worcester newbie with only three years logged in the city talked to us recently about her first book. Montgomery a middle school music teacher shares an apartment with her cat Maggie. You’re not originally from Worcester. What prompted you to create a coloring adventure book of our city? A year ago, I began

creating artwork of some of my favorite things around Worcester and posting them on my Instagram. Jessica Walsh of Worcester Wares took notice of my city seal design, and sent me a message asking to collaborate. I was ecstatic that she wanted to work with me and it was clear after our first meeting that she felt the same. A few months later the idea bloomed out of a conversation over coffee at Nu Cafe. Jess and I were talking about new design ideas for The Montgomery Line at Worcester Wares. I showed her doodles of Worcester word art and a set of three triple-deckers that I had created. The sketches were colored in, because they just didn’t look complete without it. Honestly, I can’t remember who said it out loud first, but once the words “coloring book” were muttered ideas began to explode. I remember the energy both of us had that first night, it was the same energy we felt holding the finished book in our hands.

Do you think it’s easier to put together a book like this if you haven’t grown up in the community? I do think that moving here

as a young adult has given me a unique perspective of Worcester that natives may not have. I grew up in a military family, which has meant a good amount of moving around. Each time I have relocated to a new area I have had to rebuild my life starting from scratch; new friends, new school or job, new home, new places to go. When I moved to Worcester I was totally on my own. I knew nothing about the city or anyone that lived close by. I

started off learning about Worcester by walking. I love being outside and really enjoy photography, so once it was warm enough I started walking everywhere. Each walk would stretch a little farther. I made it my personal mission to uncover as many interesting places as possible. The more I saw of Worcester the more I loved it. Searching through the streets for hidden gems was half the fun!

Is this the first Worcester coloring book? In

the midst of creating the book I did learn that there had been another Worcester coloring book made back in the ’70s. It was made by a teacher to be used in the public schools for students to learn more about Worcester. I think that is such a great idea and the book itself is really interesting. I was thrilled to hear that the artist of the first one was excited about our new book.

Is there a specific age group you’re targeting? “Worcester: A Coloring

Adventure” is perfect for a wide range of audiences. As I was creating it I imagined all sorts of people young and old coloring in it. My main hope is that no matter your age the book will spark conversations about Worcester, give someone a new perspective of a forgotten place, or prompt them to get out in the community and engage in the exciting things our city has to offer.

Talk about the process of creating the book.

Once the idea of a coloring book emerged I started creating art for it whenever I had free time. I made a huge list of ideas to include in the book and would check things off as I drew them. I asked my Worcester friends for ideas and used my

own experiences as a guide. You could sometimes spot me drawing designs while sipping a latte at a local café or enjoying the fresh air at a park. I took my drawings everywhere with me, even on my flights during vacation. I did a lot of drawing outside my apartment, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit a good portion was drawn while binge watching shows on Netflix. The whole book contains 37 illustrated pages, which took about nine months to complete (insert baby joke here). It was a lot of fun to create the artwork, but I had a hard time resisting coloring in the pages. After the illustrations were complete I turned them over to Jess, who worked with me to develop the layout for the book and did all of the editing before the book was printed. I’m so thankful to Jess for her help, she was crucial in making this crazy idea happen. After the books were edited we sent them to the printer. Waiting for them to arrive was the longest week of my life, it felt like perpetual Christmas Eve. But the wait was worth it when we tore open the boxes and finally got to hold the coloring book.

What was the most interesting Worcester fact you learned from your research? One

thing that really surprised me during my research is that there are over 30 parks in Worcester. Until looking up information

for the parks page I had no idea just how many there were.

Talk about some of the activities you’ve included like the ultimate scavenger hunt.

I’m very excited about the scavenger hunt. Even in my personal life I enjoy creating fanciful scavenger hunts or setting out to explore new places. This one was inspired by many of the fun things I have done while exploring Worcester. Here are some highlights: Visit 3 Worcester murals (then create your own below). Go to the Sprinkler Factory to see art and try to spot Mama Cat. Have a picnic at Bancroft Tower. Eat at one of the Worcester Diners you haven’t been to. There are so many other fun ones, but I won’t spoil them all.

What’s your next project? Have you found a new niche? There are a few different

things in the works that I’m really looking forward to. I’ll still be designing for The Montgomery Line at Worcester Wares, so stay tuned for new designs and products that continue to celebrate our awesome city. - Steven King

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 24, 2015

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