Worcester Magazine December 24 - 30, 2021

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | CULTURE § ARTS § DINING § VOICES

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Worcester Magazine 100 Front St., Fifth Floor Worcester, MA 01608 worcestermag.com Editorial (508) 767.9535 WMeditor@gatehousemedia.com Sales (508) 767.9530 WMSales@gatehousemedia.com VP, Sales & Strategy Andrew Chernoff Executive Editor David Nordman Editor Nancy Campbell Content Editor Victor D. Infante Reporters Richard Duckett, Veer Mudambi Contributing Writers Stephanie Campbell, Sarah Connell Sanders, Gari De Ramos, Robert Duguay, Liz Fay, Jason Greenough, Janice Harvey, Barbara Houle, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Craig S. Semon, Matthew Tota Multi Media Sales Executives Deirdre Baldwin, Debbie Bilodeau, Kate Carr, Diane Galipeau, Sammi Iacovone, Kathy Puffer, Jody Ryan, Regina Stillings Sales Support Jackie Buck, Yanet Ramirez Senior Operations Manager Gary Barth Operations Manager John Cofske Worcester Magazine is a news weekly covering Central Massachusetts. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. The Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement.

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Cover Story.........................................................................4 Featured ............................................................................14 City Voices ........................................................................17 Next Draft .........................................................................23 Listen Up...........................................................................24 Adoption Option.............................................................28 Classifi eds ........................................................................29 Games................................................................................30 Last Call .............................................................................31

On the cover Some of Worcester's Women to Watch in ‘22 gathered at Green Hill Municipal golf course for a photo shoot.

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COVER STORY

WORCESTER’S WOMEN TO WATCH IN 2022 Sarah Connell Sanders Special to Worcester Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK

18 women who are helping shape the city’s future

The year 2021 was full of victories for women across the nation. Vice President Kamala Harris became the fi rst woman sworn into the White House. Sarah Thomas became the fi rst female referee to offi ciate the Super Bowl. Sarah McBride became our fi rst openly transgender state senator. Simone Biles became the fi rst woman to complete a Yurchenko double pike vault in competition. Despite a tremendous year of progress, women still faced a host of institutional barriers resulting in an embarrassing gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and housing insecurity caused by domestic violence. h In Worcester, we look to the fresh faces in our community who are doing the hard work of pushing back against bias. Some of them are fresh in the sense that they have stepped into a new role or reached new professional heights this year. Others are brand new to Worcester altogether. All of them are women for us to watch and learn from in 2022. See WOMEN, Page 5

Clockwise from top: Jennifer Davis CAREY MATT WRIGHT Carrie Peck, Liz Wambui, Valerie Zolozzzi Wyndham, and Janjay Innis. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE Sophia Laura. SUBMITTED PHOTO Katie Oliver, Nadine James and Bree DiBella. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE Jermoh Kamara. RICK CINCLAIR/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE Olivia Scanlon and Ale Przemielewski. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE Heidi Cooper, Rachel Lake and Emily Day. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE Thu Ly. SUBMITTED PHOTO Sue Mailman, left, and Kim Miner. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

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Women Continued from Page 4

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Name: Jennifer Davis Carey Organization and Title: Artist and Executive Director of the Worcester Education Collaborative Worcester History: Davis Carey and her family moved to Worcester in 1988 as a result of her husband’s job at UMassMemorial. “I love Worcester for its broad diversity, its thriving creative community and the way in which residents support each other,” said Davis Carey.

“We are a city of villages.”

Why We’re Watching: In 2021, ArtsWorcester hosted Davis Carey’s fi rst solo exhibition, called “Redemption,” for which she received well-deserved praise and attention from The Boston Globe. The exhibition was a re-visioning of a series of daguerreotypes of enslaved people commissioned by Harvard Professor Louis Agassiz in the 1850s. “I’m looking forward to 2022 and another show at ArtsWorcester where my project inspired by African textiles will be featured,” shared Davis Carey.

Name: Sophia Laura Organization and Title: Singer-songwriter and Business Consultant Worcester History: Laura grew up in Framingham. She has always been a massive hiphop fan. “One of my big motivational examples is Joyner Lucas,” she said. “The music scene in Worcester is underrated, but I have so much love for the 508.”

Why We’re Watching: Laura is more than just a brilliant Brazilian singer and songwriter. “I try to fi nd synergy between what I do, and what my community needs, and then adapt my strategy,” she explained. “For example, this summer, when I had a cool performance at Redemption Rock Brewery’s ‘Rock The Block’ par-

The 22 Women to Watch in 2022 gathered at Green Hill Municipal golf course on Dec. 12 for a photo shoot.

CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

ty, I also set up a yard sale and mini-backyard concert, where we donated all the items not sold, and allowed neighbors to come sell their items as well.”

Name: Ale Przemielewski Organization and Title: Owner of Beauty Avenue Aesthetics Worcester History: Przemielewski splits her time between New York City and Worcester. She is thrilled to contribute to the momentum of the Canal District in the city she calls home.

Why We’re Watching: Beauty Avenue Aesthetics is known for its advanced technological capabilities, particularly in paramedical tattoos.

Przemielewski off ers 3D areola tattoos, mostly focusing on reconstructive work for breast cancer survivors for those who See WOMEN, Page 9

Olivia Scanlon, left, and Ale Przemielewski. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

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Women Continued from Page 5

have had mastectomies. Her family history with breast cancer continues to motivate and inspire her work. Other paramedical tattooing services offered are scalp micropigmentation for people who are experiencing hair loss, brow restoration for those experiencing alopecia and similar skin conditions that hinder hair growth in that area, as well as lip tattooing for those who suff er from lip distortion or irregularity due to accidents or congenital disorders.

Name: Livy Scanlon Organization and Title: Managing Director, Worcester BrickBox Theater; Artistic Director, The Hanover Theatre Repertory; Lecturer in Acting, WPI; co-owner, Canal District Wines Worcester History: Scanlon was raised in Connecticut.

She fi rst moved to Massachusetts as an Amherst College lacrosse recruit where she went on to play for the Division 3 National Championship team. As an undergrad, she fell in love with the physicality of theater and later obtained her Master of Fine Arts from Brown University/Trinity Rep. Scanlon founded the Bridge Repertory Theater in Boston in 2013 at which time she began teaching acting classes at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Scanlon met Rachel Scanlon, a Clark alumna, and soon discovered all that Worcester had to off er. The couple was married at the White Room and as, Scanlon puts it, “the rest is history.”

Why We’re Watching: Whether supporting creatives at the BrickBox Theater, creating her own work with The Hanover Theatre Repertory, or teaching the fi rst-ever acting classes at WPI, Scanlon is growing a professional theatre culture in Worcester. Over the summer, Scanlon directed and performed in The Hanover

From left, Carrie Peck, Liz Wambui, Valerie Zolozzzi Wyndham and Janjay Innis. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Theatre Repertory’s production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, which played free and open to the public on the Worcester Common to great acclaim. “Of all the things I’ve done so far in theater, that show felt like the most important,” said Scanlon. “Not because it was Shakespeare, but because it made Downtown Worcester a destination and a place that excited the imagination.” Under Scanlon’s management, Worcester’s BrickBox Theater continues to fl ourish as a fl exible live performance venue for hosting audiences of up to 290. Her latest endeavor, Canal District Wines, is a welcome addition to the eclectic off erings of the Worcester Public Market.

ACCESS EQUITY AND INCLUSION Name: Janjay Innis

Organization and Title: Communications Content Specialist for Diversity and Inclusion at UMass Chan Medical School Worcester History: Innis grew up in Worcester, attending both Sullivan Middle School and South High. She earned her graduate degree from Boston University in 2013, before embarking on professional journeys in Tacoma, Washington, and Atlanta, Georgia. Innis said her experiences outside of Worcester led her “to become a bottom-up, rather than a top-down leader.”

Innis watched in 2020 as racial justice protests unfolded across the country surrounding the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd. She felt compelled to come home. “I moved back to Worcester with all my skill sets,” she recalled, “ready to partake in the shift that ensures power is shared and ac-

cess is available to all.”

Why We’re Watching: “As we continue to lean into candid conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion through institutional commitments, I want to be part of facilitating a shift in this city where our engagement with diversity, equity and inclusion doesn’t start and end with a display of culture by way of festivals and parties, but it includes intentional conversations where we: listen to and amplify the voices and stories of unrepresented communities; uplift the gifts and insights they bring to our shared communities; name the disparities they face so that together we can address them and celebrate gains that will be benefi cial to all of us,” Innis explained. She is particularly invested in UMass Chan Medical School’s recent conversations with the Nipmuc nation, the indigenous people of Worcester

County. “An initial sign towards that collaboration is a land acknowledgment that recognizes them as the original stewards of the land we now occupy,” said Innis. “I have been tasked with writing that document. I am excited to hear it read at public gatherings for the Medical School beginning 2022 and honored to contribute something that offi cially marks a working relationship between the UMass Chan and the Nipmuc nation.”

Name: Carrie Peck Organization and Title: Public Health Administrator and COVID Response Director at College of the Holy Cross Worcester History: Peck is a treasured member of the Worcester community, writing grants for Living in Freedom Together, donating graphic design services to the Regional See WOMEN, Page 10

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Women Continued from Page 9

Environmental Council, and serving on the Vaccine Corps at UMass Medical School. She is also a positive force in Worcester’s running scene.

Why We’re Watching: Peck earned her Masters of Global and Community Health from Clark University in 2020 and quickly ascended from her longtime role in library science at Holy Cross to fulfi ll the growing pandemic needs on campus. She has played an integral role in fulfi lling a twice perweek testing policy for oncampus students and staff , along with enforcing strict mask mandates, contact tracing and disinfecting protocols.

Name: Elizabeth Wambui Organization and Title: Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Impact at Fontaine Bros.

Worcester History: Wambui grew up in Worcester and is a proud graduate of North High School. “I considered moving away after graduating from Holy Cross,” said Wambui, “but ultimately I decided to stay and I’m really glad I did.”

Why We’re Watching: Wambui is thrilled to see a lot of new momentum in the construction industry around diversity and inclusion. “Along with our subcontractors and other partners, we are committed to engage a workforce that is representative of the diverse population of our city,” Wambui said. “We want to do our part to help provide opportunities to individuals from underrepresented populations who have been historically left out of the industry.” Workforce development is a key focus for Wambui in 2022. “I’m excited to deepen our community connections to help diversify this industry.”

Her work centers around fostering environments where everyone feels a sense of value and belonging regardless of their gender identity, race or ethnic background, sexual ori-

Rachel Lake, Heidi Cooper and Emily Day are pictured at Green Hill Municipal golf course on Dec. 12.

CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

entation etc. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across all sectors and others in our community to make Worcester the representative and inclusive city that we all know it can be,” Wambui said.

Name: Valerie ZolezziWyndham Organization and Title: Founder and CEO of Promoting Good and Board Chair of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center Worcester History: Zolezzi-Wyndham served as the managing attorney of Community Legal Aid in Worcester from 2011 to 2017 at which time she became involved with Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center. “I am a Mexican immigrant from Mexico City,” she shared. “I became a patient of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center six years

ago. As somebody who misses home, it’s nice to go into a building where there are people speaking tons of diff erent languages and feel like you’re in a space that is refl ective of the world population. My mom moved here from Mexico during COVID and she’s now a patient of the health center as well.”

Why We’re Watching: Zolezzi-Wyndham founded Promoting Good in 2017 to create transformational equity and change. “We help leaders and organizations to move from the good intentions that they have to be equitable and inclusive — to actually doing things and changing practices and policies so that they’re moving equity forward,” she explained. “We work with a range of organizations across healthcare, philanthropy and nonprofi ts.

We’ve also started to dabble a little bit in the fi nancial services industry, building accountable strategies.” As the Board Chair of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Zolezzi-Wyndham set to work transforming the board to be more representative of the diverse patient base. “We have worked really hard to bring on talented and gifted people,” she said, adding, “Diversity is not about bringing people on who don’t have the skill sets, it’s about thinking of the skill sets that you need and then fi nding people with those skills who come from the communities we serve.” During COVID, ZolezziWydham began to feel as if many Latinos in Worcester were feeling invisible “There was really important and necessary attention on the oppression that Black and Asian

Americans were facing. But, the Latino community who was having a really hard time during COVID was not feeling present.” Along with six other amazing Latino leaders, Zolezzi-Wydham planned and executed a large-scale Día de Muertos community celebration. “We raised $35,000 and we commissioned a beautiful mural, three off erings, and a sculpture — the City Manager gave us permission to keep it on display at City Hall for a year,” she gushed.

GREEN SPACE AND AGRITOURISM Name: Heidi Cooper Organization and Title: General Manager of Lilac Hedge Farm and President of See WOMEN, Page 11

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Women Continued from Page 10

Worcester County Farm Bureau Worcester History: A decade ago, Cooper left the corporate world to dedicate her career to supporting the agricultural community in Central Mass. “I found forty hours a week at a desk job draining, but an eighty hour week in agriculture is something I love and will continue to do for the rest of my life,” Cooper explained.

Why We’re Watching: As a pivotal member of Lilac Hedge, Cooper manages the culinary team and coordinates with produce farm partners to acquire hard-to-fi nd local fruits and veggies for Lilac Hedge customers. The 350-acre farm has set a new standard for pastureraised livestock, apparent through Cooper’s strong commitment to working in harmony with the natural environment. The Rutland farm has become a local destination for Worcester residents hoping to commune with nature, just 12 miles outside of city limits. “For me, it’s all about making local food more accessible as well as putting jobs on the market,” said Cooper. “I want to provide a destination to take you out of the hustle and bustle of the city — somewhere you can take a break, relax, and have fun with your family to leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.” You can fi nd Cooper on the farm getting her hands dirty, along with her children and husband, Jimmy. Thank her personally on your next visit to Lilac Hedge while you enjoy live music, farm fare and a local brew.

Name: Emily Day Organization and Title: Owner, Farmer, and Florist of Bell Brook Farm and Floral Design Studio Worcester History: “I love the cross pollination of rural and city living in Worcester County,” Day said. “In many ways our city supports its neighboring farms and small businesses within, but visiting

Sue Mailman and Kim Miner are pictured at Green Hill Municipal golf course during a photo shoot on Dec. 12.

CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

an orchard, vineyard, brewery, or farm stand directly is an easy drive for our city of commuters.”

Why We’re Watching: “Buying farmland didn’t feel like a fi nancial possibility until another woman farmer listed this property and refused multiple cash off ers to allow us to fi nance it under asking price,” shared Day. “Seeing it farmed by another woman was a priority for their family.” She has great admiration for the farming community in Central Massachusetts. “I will continue to remind people through the voice of my own small business, that the most beautiful, most delicious, most interesting, and most impactful purchases can be made locally, directly from the producers, growers, artists and small business owners,” said Day. Name: Rachel Lake Organization and Title: Assistant Director of External Aff airs at Rose Kennedy GreenSee WOMEN, Page 12

Jermoh Kamara. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Women Continued from Page 11

way Worcester History: Lake is a pandemic-transplant who took to Worcester immediately, engaging in all of the cultural opportunities and sporting events the city has to off er.

Raised on the Cape, she spent the last 10 years in and around Boston.

Why We’re Watching: Lake has played a huge role in the growth and development of Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway, a hotbed of horticulture, community programming and public art. Aside from off ering an oasis of greenspace and stunning landscape architecture, The Greenway is known for its food trucks, fountains, beer and wine gardens, and a signature hand-carved carousel. “My work in local and state government and open spaces has allowed me this direct connection in the past,” said Lake.

“I hope to continue to fi nd ways to stay involved through volunteer work moving forward.” We can’t wait to see what she brings to Worcester, a city with more than 60 unique parks of its own.

UPLIFTING WORCESTER’S YOUTH Name: Jermoh Kamara Organization and Title: Director of Wellness and Health Equity at YWCA, Founder and President of HVK Children’s Foundation, and School Committee Elect — 2022-2024 Worcester History: Kamara grew up in Worcester beginning at age 11. “I came out here with my family from the country of Liberia,” she recalled. “I went to Canterbury Street School, Sullivan Middle, and South High.” Today, Kamara works as the Director of Wellness and Health Equity at YWCA and serves as a non-tenured public health educator at Clark University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She was re-

From left, Katie Oliver, Nadine James and Bree DiBella. CHRISTINE PETERSON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

cently elected to the School Committee for the 2022-2024 term.

Why We’re Watching: Kamara’s nonprofi t, HVK Children’s Foundation, came about after completing training in Ghana to construct microfl ush latrines and implement solarpowered educational library systems. She resigned to launch a similar project for schools in Liberia, which she has done faithfully since 2016.

As a new member of the School Committee, Kamara pledges to enhance technology access, expand STEAM education, modernize health and sex education, diversify hiring for school teachers and staff , and expand community partnerships.

Name: Kim Miner Organization and Title: Executive Vice President/General Counsel for the Worcester Red Sox; Clerk and Director for the WooSox Foundation

Worcester History: Miner grew up driving through Worcester to Uxbridge every week on her way to softball practice, but her knowledge of the city was limited. “When our small PawSox group did our fi rst site tour in the Canal District in 2017, I was amazed by all the changes and by the energy in the area,” said Miner. “I’m still exploring new places and especially enjoy trying out the city’s many coff ee shops and bakeries.”

Why We’re Watching: Miner feels very fortunate that she and her team have been welcomed by the Worcester community with warmth and grace. “Our job as an organization, which I take personally, is to make sure that we contribute positively to this community that we proudly call home,” explained Miner. “My commitment to that promise takes the form of supporting the many

incredible organizations that are already doing great work in the Worcester area, serving alongside many of my colleagues as a Big Sister through a new partnership between the WooSox and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass and Metrowest, and growing our own WooSox Foundation, which just completed its inaugural Holiday Caravan in the area.” The WooSox Foundation’s four pillars are education, social justice, conquering cancer, and diamond sport. “In addition to our WooSox Scholars program, Most Valuable Teacher program in partnership with Country Bank, Holiday Caravan, and other eff orts, I’m especially excited about a new program that we’ll be unveiling in the new year, which will be the centerpiece of our social justice eff orts,” Miner said, adding, “Stay tuned!”

Name: Sue Mailman

Organization and Title: Owner and President of Coghlin Electrical Contractors, and School Committee Elect — 2022-2024 Worcester History: Sue Mailman has lived in Central Massachusetts for her entire life. “Our family business was founded in the city in 1885,” she explained. “I believe Worcester is exactly the right size to accomplish great things. We are diverse and proud of our strong immigrant community. We are growing. We have dedicated residents and businesses and amazing higher education partners, a strong, dedicated nonprofi t system and we know each other and reach out to each other.”

Why We’re Watching: Mailman is a newly elected member of the Worcester School Committee. “There are See WOMEN, Page 13

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Women Continued from Page 12

many important issues before the School Committee this year,” she said. “At the top of the list is always: improving student achievement for all students.” Mailman also brings extensive hiring experience to the search for the next Worcester superintendent. “There are signifi cant federal dollars on the table and additional state funding coming to the city,” observed Mailman. “That may be off set by declining enrollment and I will bring my fi nance and operational experience to the table to help determine best use for these funds.”

WORCESTER’S CELEBRATION SPECIALISTS Name: Breanna DiBella Organization and Title: Principal, Creative Director of Studio DiBella Worcester History: DiBella was born in Worcester — one of her favorite childhood memories is learning to ice skate at Elm Park. “When it came time to buy a home, the combination of familial ties and aff ordability led my husband and I back to Worcester,” said DiBella.

“When I started Studio DiBella in 2019, my hope was to reconnect with and give back to a community that helped foster my sense of curiosity, creativity, open-mindedness and ambition.” She works to off er employment opportunities to grow the city’s creative sector as well as mentorship to support young people who choose to express themselves through creativity and entrepreneurship.

Why We’re Watching: DiBella owes huge gratitude to her clients including Main IDEA (where she also serves on the board), Discover Central MA, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Worcester Art Museum, and Worcester District Medical Society. “I sin-

Thu Ly (center). SUBMITTED PHOTO

cerely appreciate their trust and collaboration,” she said.

“We have a shared interest in elevating Worcester’s image, and I contribute to this through my strategic and creative work, especially with what I do for Discover Central MA, our region’s destination marketing organization.” DiBella is positioning the city to alter any lingering misperceptions and paint an accurate picture of everything we have to off er.

Name: Nadine James Organization and Title: Owner of Unique Cafe Worcester History: James was born in Jamaica as the youngest of 12 siblings. She moved to Worcester nearly three decades ago, and as a mother of four, she has stayed busy cooking nutritious food ever since. “I came to Worcester in hopes to create roots that would position myself, along with my children in a setting where we would be able to learn, grow, and establish our-

selves, aiming to pave a way for generations to come,” said James.

Why We’re Watching: In 2019, James began her entrepreneurship journey by participating in the Worcester Food Hub’s Launching Diverse Food Entrepreneurs in Worcester.

During the pandemic, she worked with CoCaSha (Connect, Care, Share), a company dedicated to paying minority women business owners to lead virtual cooking classes. In February of 2021, James opened Unique Cafe on Millbury Street. “I helped Millbury street by introducing a healthy way of eating with a Jamaican twist,” said James. “Building relationships has allowed Unique Cafe to give back to the community, off ering food to the homeless, off ering a helping hand and partnering with different organizations to push the mission of Worcester forward.” Contact her for all of your catering needs in the new

year.

Name: Thu Ly Organization and Title: Imperial Lion Dance Team CoPresident and Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Marketing and Communications Manager for Simmons University Worcester History: Ly is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees seeking a better life in the United States. She was born in a refugee camp in Malaysia.

Her family moved to Worcester in 1999 when she was 5 years old. She has lived in Worcester ever since. “As a true city of immigrants, Worcester provides tremendous opportunities,” said Ly. “If you work hard, your work will be recognized.”

Why We’re Watching: Ly manages marketing for the Imperial Lion Dance Team in Worcester. Her design team is responsible for branding, creating logos, maintaining the website and curating social media accounts, as well as co-

ordinating photo shoots and producing marketing videos.

Due to her eff orts, the Imperial Lion Dance team is one of the most recognized and premier Lion Dance teams in the country. Under Ly’s guidance, not only has online engagement grown, but sales have increased by 80% thanks to her instrumental rebranding efforts. Inquire with Ly about a performance for your next event or celebration.

Name: Katie Oliver Organization and Title: Manager of Special Events at Polar Park Worcester History: Oliver is a proud Worcester native.

She attended Johnson & Wales University before jump starting her career at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. “I was very happy to come back to Massachusetts earlier this year in the midst of Worcester’s exciting revitalization for my position with the WooSox,” said Oliver.

“There are an abundance of small businesses to support, the growing arts scene has truly enhanced all of the diff erent neighborhoods, and everyone is always willing to come together to help the people around them.”

Why We’re Watching: Oliver’s new position grants her a massive platform to host events that can serve the Worcester community. “Being able to open the doors of Polar Park to welcome the public to special, community-driven events is a remarkable feeling that makes getting out of bed and coming to work every day even more enjoyable,” Oliver said. “I’ve also joined a few committees this past year, including the United Way’s Women’s Initiative and the Young Professional Women’s Association, where I intend to bring my knowledge and love for Worcester to help serve among other incredible women in the city.”

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Is there someone you want to see featured in a future article? Find me on Instagram @sarah_connell.

14 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEATURED

Art museum woodblock exhibit to eye fi refi ghters of feudal Japan Veer Mudambi Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

When most people think of feudal Japan, samurai are often the fi rst thing that come to mind. So it’s no surprise that’s what Rachel Parikh, curator of Asian Art at Worcester Art Museum, was researching this past spring. What is unusual is that the resulting exhibition, planned for fall 2023, will not be featuring samurai swords and armor. Instead, over the last year, WAM has been busy collecting a set of 12 Japanese woodblock prints depicting fi refi ghters from the Edo period (1615-1868).

Parikh’s specialization is South Asian art from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan as well as non-Western arms and armor. When studying samurai helmets, she stumbled on an image of an Edo-era fi refi ghter helmet, which was in fact infl uenced by samurai armor, a similarity that can still be seen today. “I ended up falling down this fascinating rabbit hole of looking at fi refi ghters,” she said.

Worcester has a special connection with fi refi ghting. Dec. 3 was the 22nd anniversary of the Worcester Cold Storage &

Warehouse fi re, one of the most devastating days in the city’s history, which claimed the lives of six fi refi ghters, dubbed “The Worcester Six.” The annual ceremony was canceled last year due to COVID-19 but took place this year at the Franklin Street Fire Station, which was built on the site of the Cold Storage building.

Parikh said “the Worcester Six was the impetus” for an exhibition which will run from October 2023 to January 2024.

They will off er free admission to fi refi ghters and their families during the weekend of the Worcester Six memorial. She is hoping to include a section about the earlier history of fi refi ghting in Worcester as well, being one of the earliest volunteer fi refi ghting brigades in the country, offi cially established in 1835.

The prints refl ect an important and dynamic aspect of Japanese culture — fi refi ghters from the city of Edo, which was renamed Tokyo in 1868. The city, with wood and bamboo housing, was prone to fi res and earthquakes. Parikh said that historical accounts say as many as 1,000 fi res occurred during the Edo period. In fact, See EXHIBIT, Page 15

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Japanese, 1832-1892, The Fireman’s Wife, from Fuzoku sanjuniso (Thirty-two aspects of customs and manners) series. Publisher: Tsunashima Kamekichi, Meiji 21 1888, woodblock print, 37 x 25.5 cm. WORCESTER ART MUSEUM

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 15

Exhibit Continued from Page 14

according to her, they had the use of large water drums that were placed throughout Edo (pre-modern fi re hydrants).

They also used Tobiguchi, or axes like those of modern-day fi refi ghters, so “you see these really interesting overlaps between Japanese and modern American fi refi ghters.”

The axes were used to tear down nearby buildings to prevent fi re spreading, something that is still done today. Parikh was struck by “that intersection of time, space, geography between 17th-century Edo and 21st-century America — even the equipment and uniforms are similar.”

Firefi ghters, Parikh explained, occupied a unique position in Japanese culture during the Edo period — both a hero and anti-hero role. “They were seen by the urban population as courageous latter day Samurai but also feared because of their rebellious bravado — while they took on a de facto law enforcement role, they were very rebellious.”

Fights often broke out between brigades over territory, what fi re fell under which group’s jurisdiction and the resulting reward from the municipalities. “They would mark a fi re with large standards called matoi marked with the brigade’s insignia to show which brigade was combating a fi re.”

Each of Edo’s 48 districts had their own brigade and those that could aff ord it would have their own fi refi ghters.

WAM has also acquired a stunning map by Utagawa Yoshisuna — a rare map of Edo, that shows where all 48 brigades are stationed as well as their individual standards.

One of Parikh’s favorites, a woodblock print by the famous 19th-century Japanese artist, Yoshitoshi, depicts a woman waiting for her fi refi ghter husband to return. “Her pose, her

facial expression, all convey this impatience yet trepidation,” and has been skillfully rendered by the artist.

While the “majority of the fi refi ghter prints showcase bravery and bravado, this upends that conventional narrative and actually focuses on the sacrifi ces that fi refi ghters and their families made.” Much like in the modern day.

The woodblock medium is a collaborative eff ort between designer, publisher and print block artist; the three of them worked together in producing a print, layering colors from lightest to darkest.

“You have to keep printing over the same page to build on those layers and have the accuracy to line up blocks with paper, which is incredibly impressive,” Parikh said. In this way, the team would mass produce each piece. Creating these staggering works of art is a process similar to that of “inking a handheld rubber stamp which is then pressed against a blank sheet of paper,” only in this case it involves a complete set of intricately carved cherry woodblocks, a separate one required for each natural colored dye used.

The technique was very widespread during the lateEdo (early 1800s) and Meiji (1868-1912) periods but nearly disappeared at the turn of the last century, as new mechanical printing methods became popular.

The art form barely stayed alive but a second re-fl ourishing of print production occurred during the 1920s through the 1950s. Unfortunately, few carvers and printers remain in existence today but there are still some contemporary Japanese artists who practice woodblock printing.

Fire has been an integral part of our society for all of human history — and fi refi ghters almost as long as there have been cities. These woodblock prints illustrate similarities not only in appearance and equipment but in how they have been viewed the world over.

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16 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Four Year Strong’s holiday show is returning to the Palladium. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Four Year Strong holiday show makes its return to Palladium Jason Greenough Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

It’s been 14 years since Four Year Strong curated their very fi rst hometown holiday show, and while 14 may not be a common “milestone” number, this year’s return to the madness of a live setting is giving everyone even more of a reason to celebrate.

Finding their way back to the show’s rightful setting of the Palladium on Dec. 30, the boys in the band are gearing up for another go on what is arguably their most wonderfully chaotic night, year after year. But after having to reroute their annual eff orts to a livestream setting last year because of the pandemic, it’s no stretch or exaggeration to claim that guitarist Dan O’Connor and his band of brothers may be more excited to take the stage this year than any other of the

show’s past annual bacchanalias.

“Last year, we obviously tried to make the best of it with the holiday show livestream, which was a pretty extreme thing for us to take on, because we did most of it ourselves,” says O’Connor. “The idea of being able to come back and play the Palladium again, with an amazing lineup, in front of our hometown crowd is what we’ve been dreaming of this whole time, so we’re very stoked on it.”

As long-standing as the holiday tradition itself is the band’s desire (and subsequent execution) of constructing a powerful lineup to complement the mayhem they unleash every year. This year, of course, is no exception as Ontario-based Counterparts, hardcore supergroup END, and Inspirit (the new project founded by the original lineup of local legends Vanna) are starting things off . Also, in a move uncharacteristic of

the holiday show, Northeast genresprawling quintet Keep Flying will return to the show after garnering an enthusiastic reaction at the show’s 2018 outing.

The show will off er many sounds and creative infl uences, but one thing that O’Connor says will tie everything together as one will be the fact that it’s going to be a heavy night no matter what, given the fact that it will also be the fi rst full show back in Worcester where the band will have the chance to play more songs off of their most recent album, “Brain Pain.”

“It’s still a new record for us. We’ve only done one tour on it now after that run with State Champs, so we’re still chomping at the bit to play a lot of these songs,” says O’Connor. “It’s crazy to think that we debuted the title track at the last live holiday show we had, so we couldn’t be more excited to get back up

there and give Worcester hell this year, that’s for sure.”

It won’t be the fi rst hometown reintroduction they’ve had this year, but after a raucously received set at Sad Summer Fest back in September, the boys are eager to get back in front of a Palladium crowd to pop off in classic fashion.

Quite frankly, it’s the only way they know how to do it when it comes to Yuletide chaos, and this year’s return is sure to be titanic in the spirit of making up for lost time.

“We put more and more thought into this show every year,” says O’Connor.

“There’s an expectation that we have and that our fans have, and it’s our hometown, so we always want to make sure we give everything we’ve got that night. We’re just trying to make this the craziest one, especially since we missed last year, so we have to make sure it’s extra crazy.”

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 17

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FIRST PERSON

‘Our schlepping deserves to be taken into account’ Richard Klayman Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

We did not want this to occur, who would, but that is what happened, when COVID-19 took over the world, when 5.27 million people died worldwide, and more than 800,000 people died in the United States.

Surely, it has greatly diminished American ambitions.

But it has uplifted the purpose of our government and made it better to help people, particularly those struggling to survive, those in need of a resolute and dependable government.

This is how we must act.

First, improve the life for families and children from a host of challenges aimed at working families. Lower childcare costs, paid leave, and a slew of other, time honed programs that can change America life. This would be a revolution in appreciating how our society succeeds, and how we measure success, and it is worthy of us to do this. Now. Surely, Biden’s support for universal aff ordable health coverage is essential, another change our society desperately needs, as well as lowering the costs of medical and prescriptions drug charges. Clearly, another revolution is in our See KLAYMAN, Page 19

Santa Claus tells a passing television camera “You better watch out” during the Festival of Lights at Worcester Common. ALLAN JUNG/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Not dreaming of a White Christmas in ’21 Victor D. Infante Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE’S NOT FRIGHTFUL: A couple of weeks ago, my mother-in-law mentioned that she was hoping for a white Christmas. As I type this, it is nearly 60 degrees outside, so I’m doubtful that will happen.

Looking ahead, it appears there’s not much precipitation in our near future, certainly not enough to coat the ground

in that picturesque New England postcard way. I know this is a symptom of global warming, but, uhm, I’m not complaining. Every day is made better by not having to shovel snow out of my driveway. Does that selfi shness put me on Santa’s naughty list? I’m not sure. Giving out coal probably does more environmental damage than my delight in the absence of blizzards.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT: I think I may have been the only holiday slacker this season. Evi-

dently, everybody else took the warnings to get your holiday shopping done and your presents shipped early, because of pandemic-related slowdowns.

The end result? It’s a week until Christmas Eve, and a trip to the post offi ce felt like … a trip to the post offi ce. I mean, there were people there, but pretty much the usual amount. The same’s felt true just about everywhere, really, whether it be Target or the shops in the See CHRISTMAS, Page 20

18 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

HARVEY

Cough it up, Worcester — These are tough times to be a teacher Janice Harvey Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Ask yourself honestly: if you could choose any career right now, today, despite your age or current employment, would teaching be at the top of your list? I didn’t think so.

Why would you, why would anyone, want to enter the minefi eld that was once a classroom? The profession that makes all other professions possible has taken more hits than a game of Whack-a-Mole, and yet those teachers willing to stick it out keep popping back up for more. Go fi gure. I’m writing this column on the day when a TikTok threat nearly paralyzed our schools nationwide. Between school shootings, school board sieges over theories totally misunderstood by half-wits, and colossal pandemic mismanagement, teaching has all the appeal of expired milk. Take a swig — I dare you.

Rude, violence-prone students and parents who think teachers are trying to brainwash their kids with — God forbid! — truth about our nation’s history are only two of the migraine headaches that begin a teacher’s workday.

“I just want to be able to teach,” is a common refrain heard from frustrated educators drowning in administrative interference and pressure from up above. One sad trend I recognized after 30 years in the schoolhouse and 25 years as a teachers union representative is the weird metamorphosis that occurs when teachers leave behind teaching for administrative positions. Amnesia sets in. All of the disrespect they suff ered as underlings at

Why would anyone want to enter the minefi eld that was once a classroom? GETTY IMAGES

the hands of ill-suited principals and other micromanaging higher-ups is forgotten in a poof! of power.

I’m particularly saddened by women who for eons were held back from such positions, suddenly using the same bully tactics they endured as teachers.

Lest I be accused of painting with a broad brush, let me add that not all women seeking administrative positions in education swing mighty hammers, but just enough of them to make life miserable for many.

Let me me clear: This is not exclusive to Worcester. I’ve heard a similar lament echoed in towns.

The teacher evaluation system put in place by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is nothing short of insulting. Evidence

binders, MCAS scores, observations and walk-throughs designed to label a teacher as profi cient, exemplary or “not on target” can be useful — or used as a way to drum out a teacher who simply rubs administration the wrong way. If you think it doesn’t happen, think again.

Every profession has its share of petty higher-ups — education is no exception. A person’s livelihood can hinge on a personality clash. Let me reiterate: This is not exclusive to Worcester. DESE spends way too much time devising gotcha games and way too little time addressing real matters.

That said, Worcester gets bad grades when it comes to the needs of its teachers by withholding retro pay. A contract settlement was reached on Aug. 26, 2021, between the

teachers and the Worcester Public Schools, and a 2% increase has yet to be paid out.

Classroom teachers, librarians, principals and assistant principals are still waiting for payment, which won’t arrive before the holidays. The promise of seeing those checks in the mail within 60 days of the settlement turned into 90 days, which has now morphed into the last day of 2021. The city’s concern is underwhelming.

Instructional assistants will wait even longer, since their contract was settled a month after the teachers’ agreement — yet another slap in the face to some of the city’s hardestworking, underpaid and overutilized employees. Don’t get me started on that subject. Before I was a teacher I was an IA, and a single mom with two kids

to feed. My tax preparer looked at my W-2 and asked: “How do you people eat?”

I fervently hope we return to the days when teaching was considered a noble profession, respected by all — a calling, really. The trend toward disdain for educators and education in general is a frightening reminder of how democracies erode. Respect for teachers begins at the top. When teachers aren’t tip-toeing around administration, they’re busy trying to engage kids tethered to their phones, tolerate parents who want to whitewash American history, dodge a lingering pandemic and sweat out random Internet threats to their safety.

They shouldn’t have to wait for money they’ve already earned.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 19

Klayman Continued from Page 17

sights.

Yes, the Biden plan is bigger than all this but now is the time to explain this domestic “marshall” plan.

We will always have obligations for our medical care and dental care and other specialized services, but we need a break: my mother made weekly trip to pay my dentist for working on me, one of four children, sometimes several trips a week, and we were grateful for the dentist’s skill. But she schlepped and schlepped to make that happen, to pay off her bills because it was her goal and my goal to make that happen, and we did. She schlepped, mostly unknowing where all her eff orts lay, without a

knowledge or sense of justifi cation that all this mattered, but that was the basis of her doing it.

We need something else, something more than this, too.

Sure, there were other bills that restrained us, that prevented us from enjoying the good or bad of life, but our survival mattered and it still matters, now.

Build back better is a beginning, but it is our start.

Sure, something holds us back, whittling us along.

But forget the Peaceable Kingdom. (We are a long way away from that.) But we can better deal with all the intangibles of an infringed world suffering from ill suited social and educational opportunity’s, long before we enter the fi rst grade! We can do better. That barren world must end. The “schlepping” may never go away, it is part of our anatomy,

part of our philosophy, but it can all be done absent the certitude that we could or should attest to our life, on the planet, now.

That control should belong to us.

Applaud Biden for talking to Russia about Ukraine.

Applaud Biden for objecting to the Beijing Olympics. (There is some justice out there.)

But it is not so much with the “bigger” world that we all inhabit, but the tiny world each of us dwells in. That is what schlepping really tells us.

This deserves to be done.

Our schlepping deserves to be taken into account, now.

Richard Klayman, PhD. is the author of “America Abandoned: JohnSingleton Copley’s American Years, 1738-1774” (1983) and “The First Jew:Prejudice and Politics in an American Community, 1900-1932.”

(1985)

President Joe Biden speaks with Raylie Hall, 12, Dec. 15 as he surveys storm damage from tornadoes and extreme weather in Dawson Springs, Ky. ANDREW HARNIK/AP

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20 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

WoMag looking for marijuana scene columnist From Staff Reports Worcester Telegram & Gazette USA TODAY NETWORK

Worcester Magazine is seeking a freelance columnist to cover the Central Massachusetts Marijuana Scene.

The column is expected to cover the subject from every angle. The ideal candidate will have experience with covering the subject from either a political and/or business standpoint, and the ability to change gears and approach the subject

from a cultural, lifestyle or health perspective. Although this is a freelance position, someone with newsroom experience is preferred.

It’s not essential that the candidate live in Worcester County, but they must be able to familiarize themselves with the major players in the Central Massachusetts Cannabis Community, including dispensaries in Worcester and around the county, and to be able to cover at least some events in person.

While this is not an op-ed

column, the hope is that it will have a distinct voice and point of view. A sense of humor never hurts, either.

The column will run weekly in print Fridays in Worcester Magazine, and online earlier in the week.

To apply, email a pitch detailing your experience and how you’d like to approach the column, along with three clips, to wmeditor@gatehousemedia.com. Please put the words “Marijuana Columnist” in the subject line.

A man prepares marijuana for smoking in Worcester.

CYRUS MOULTON/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

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Crompton Collective. Certainly, there have been shoppers, but it’s not had the usual frenetic holiday quality we’d normally expect this time of year.

Am I just being lucky?

MAKING POLITICAL WAVES: It was fascinating to see incumbent Worcester City Council members Thu Nguyen and Etel Haxhiaj being listed in Boston Globe Magazine’s “Bostonians to Watch” issue, under the feature, “These 4 elected offi cials are reshaping politics in Boston and Worcester,” alongside newly elected Boston City Council members Tania Fernandes Anderson and Ruthzee Louijeune. The attention is well-deserved.

Nguyen is the fi rst openly nonbinary person to take offi ce in the state, and Haxhiaj is the fi rst Muslim-American elected to the Worcester City Council.

Considering how rarely Worcester elections get noticed outside of Worcester (and, judging from the usual turnout, inside of Worcester), it’s notable just how much attention Nguyen and Haxhiaj’s victories commanded. It’s too early to make predictions, but

it does feel like something’s shifted in the air, and there’s some sort of energy at work in Worcester. “My mom cried,” said Haxhiaj, when asked about being featured. “Super proud to have Worcester be paid attention to, and I dedicate this to all the people who blazed the trail and all the families I serve that inspire me to do this work.”

HECKLING POLITICIANS AND OTHER FINE AMERICAN TRADITIONS: Speaking of local politics, if you’re one of those people who would like to watch the Worcester City Council meetings, but the thought of actually doing so evokes in you a sense of existential dread, tedium and anxiety, there’s fi nally an online option for you: “Worcester City Council 3000.” Done in the style of the great TV show, “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” comedian Bryan O’Donnell, political wonk Brendan Melican (or “508: A Show About Worcester”) and renegade journalist Bill Shaner both heckle the meeting live and off er insights and commentary. It’s irreverent, a little vulgar, and pretty dang funny.

The show is on the Wootenannycomedy Twitch channel, and previous installments are still online.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 21

POETRY TOWN

‘Twas the Day after Christmas’ Lorraine Metivier Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

DECEMBER 31ST

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house There was wall to wall mess, no place for a mouse

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The new toys are scattered, in every which way Trains, dolls and games, just everything to play The stockings that were hung, by the chimney with care Are now on the floor, full of dog hair The dear little children, from short ones to tall This day after Christmas, are fed Pepto Bismol

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“Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house/There was wall to wall mess, no place for a mouse.”

For their tummies are PHOTO COURTESY TANTETATI stuffed, with all kinds of things Like candy and peanuts, and pineapple rings The children are cranky, from not enough sleep They fight over toys, two boys and one jeep?

Timmy can’t find, the wheels to his small model car How on earth did they get, in the baby’s food jar?

Sis is still crying; her eyes are all red Our puppy has chewed off, her Barbie doll’s head Poor Mom is trying, with vacuum and broom To organize the house, or at least just one room

And Dad with his tools, grunts and just trembles He gets madder and madder, with each toy he assembles Just when Mom and Dad, try to sit down and relax Here comes more company, Aunt Flo and Uncle Max Dad has a drink with them, just to be polite Like he did with the others, it’s his tenth drink tonight

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Poor Dad has a headache, his eyes are all red He sure looks funny, with the lampshade on his head They all settle down, from puppy to Dad The children thank the Lord, for the Christmas they had Twas the day after Christmas, in their beds they all lay They must get their rest, to face New Years day!

Submitted by Paul R. Barrette of Worcester. The poem was written several years ago by his late sister, Lorraine Metivier.

See more at mohegansun.com or call 1.888.MOHEGAN. Must be 21 or older to attend shows in Comix and Wolf Den. Before your visit, see list of Arena safety protocols at mohegansun.com/arena-policies. Select Arena events may require masks, negative COVID tests and/or proof of vaccination status to attend. Please check mohegansun.com or tour’s website for the latest updates.

22 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

CITY LIVING TABLE HOPPIN’

For new chef at Samuel Slater’s, cooking is more than just a job Barbara M. Houle Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Joshua (Josh) Brown, new executive chef at Samuel Slater’s Restaurant in Webster, has deep roots in the Massachusetts restaurant scene, bringing more than two decades of dining experience to the picturesque Webster lake property at Indian Ranch.

The former executive chef at Prezo Grille & Bar in Milford, Brown has been at Samuel Slater’s and Indian Ranch since August.

Originally from Natick, Brown grew up around food.

His family owned a kosher deli in Stoughton and he shares fond memories of his grandmother’s cooking and cites it as the inspiration behind his decision to become a chef.

He’s a laid-back, hard-working chef who fi rmly believes in teamwork and being on the line in the restaurant kitchen. He couldn’t recall when he wasn’t passionate about cooking and didn’t crack a smile when he said, “Did I want to try to play for the Boston Red Sox or become a chef? I guess we know the answer.”

Brown fi rst worked in a professional kitchen when he was 14 years old. After high school, he got an associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences at Massachusetts Bay Community College and attended Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, where he received a Professional Chef Certifi cation in Cu-

linary Arts/Chef Training. His career path led him to jobs at Alta Strada, owned by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schlow; chef and restaurateur Todd English’s Figs; The Barking Crab in Boston and Newport, where he was culinary director; banquet chef at Harvard Law School.

He also worked with Tony Bettencourt and Justin Melnick, former chefs at Tomasso Trattoria in Southboro. Brown was executive chef at Tomasso under the original owners. He said his culinary mentor is Cliff Roy, who he fi rst worked for at Tanglewood in Lenox. Roy currently is senior culinary and marketing manager at Sodexo Waltham.

Brown fi rst heard about the position at Samuel Slater’s while on the golf course at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston. “This guy and I got talking about food and restaurants,” he said. “After golf, we had a few beers and he told me about Samuel Slater’s and Indian Ranch and invited me to take a tour.” The “guy” just happened to be Josh Suprenant, director of hospitality at Samuel Slater’s. The rest is history.

Brown said the Webster restaurant and Indian Ranch are a good fi t, off ering him an opportunity to establish his own culinary niche. He recently introduced a new menu that is guest friendly and approachable.

“Someone once told me that my food is rustic chic,” said Brown.

See CHEF, Page 25

Chef Joshua Brown outside Samuel Slater’s Restaurant at Indian Ranch in Webster.

RICK CINCLAIR/TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 23

THE NEXT DRAFT

A beer lover’s guide to last-minute gifts Matthew Tota Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Not long ago, I promised myself to never again battle the hordes of frantic shoppers hunting presents during Christmas week.

I made the pledge after a revelation: Beer and beer-related things make for wonderful lastminute gifts. And with a few exceptions, you’ll fi nd breweries and bottle shops free from the mall and shopping plaza throngs.

If I gift you a four-pack with Dec. 24 stamped on the bottom of the cans, of course, it’s proof I waited until the very last second to buy it. That’s one way to look at it. But I’d argue the evidence works in my favor: Because I love and respect you so much, I bought the freshest beer possible.

You’ve probably shopped for your wine-loving friend before, shelling out the extra money for a pricey Italian red. For beer drinkers, too, pulling out a rare bottle of barley wine or barrelaged stout from a gift bag is as pleasing a sight as a Barolo or Brunello.

And then there are those various mix-packs out there that will blow away any kind of garment you planned to give.

Just don’t go for the Advent calendar-themed ones – way too late to give someone one of those.

To make it easier for you to buy something for the craft beer fan in your life, I’ve put together a few ideas here. No need to thank me, your readership is my gift.

Mix it up – you can’t go wrong Why get someone one pack of the same beer when you can get them a curated medley?

Mix-packs can be hit or miss,

Wormtown Brewery has the perfect stocking stuffer at its Shrewsbury Street taproom: its own barrel-aged maple syrup. WORMTOWN BREWERY Searching for a last-minute gift? You can't go wrong with a mix-pack like this one from the 75-year-old Belgian brewery St. Bernardus.

MATTHEW TOTA PHOTO

but breweries tend to up their game around the holidays.

My favorite currently on the retail shelves is a gift pack from the 75-year-old Belgian brewery St. Bernardus. The smiling monk on the package invites you to try four of the brewery’s

best ales, the magnifi cent “Abt 12,” a robust quad, among them.

The $19.99 pack also comes with a St. Bernardus chalice.

Tree House Brewing Co. assembles its variety packs with as much care as the table layout at a wedding, even going as far

as giving them catchy names for the season, such as “Three Cheers for Christmas Beers,” “Yule Lager” and “Christmas sHOPping.”

Go for one of the 24-packs that mix the classic Tree House IPAs like “Julius” and “Haze” with newer numbers like “JJJuice Project” or “King Julius.” Consider going all out by delivering the beer inside a new YETI cooler.

Go straight to the source, but not just for beer Think of breweries as retail stores without the threat of banging into shopping carts and unfl attering fl uorescent light. Instead you’re inside a softly-lit taproom browsing, beer in hand.

Breweries off er a lot of op-

tions other than beer. Buy some, of course, but add in a hat, shirt or dog calendar. Maybe some beer soap or a brewery-themed puzzle, too.

Wormtown Brewery now stocks its own barrel-aged maple syrup in the taproom on Shrewsbury Street.

In Marlboro, Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Co. has house-roasted coff ee to add into a coff ee- and beer-themed gift bag. You could also give a weekly or monthly coff ee subscription.

Redemption Rock Brewing Co. just released its 2022 Taproom Dog Calendar, which would look great alongside a stuff ed stocking. A portion of the sales goes to NEADS, a local nonprofi t that provide worldclass service dogs to people with disabilities, veterans and more.

I’ve already professed my love for Samuel Adams’ “Old Fezziwig Ale,” and you can get the festive, nostalgia-inducing ale in candle form, while supplies last.

Sam Adams teamed with The Greg Hill Foundation and Shop the Cue to release a limited-edition Old Fezziwig candle. The candle is a gift with a $40 minimum donation to the fund. Along with the sales from the candle, Sam Adams is donating $10,000 to The Restaurant Strong Fund.

Beer lovers can never have too many glasses Ornate beer glasses are smart gifts for craft beer fans.

And they can never have too many. Despite owning a cabinet fi lled with more than a dozen diff erent beer glasses, I never pass up the opportunity to buy another if I feel it would improve my collection (much to my fi ancé’s chagrin).

See DRAFT, Page 25

24 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

LISTEN UP

Joyner Lucas pulls emperor card on hip-hop game in 2021 Liz Fay Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Joyner Lucas is his prevailing ability to be unapologetically over-thetop, a quality refl ected in his 2021 release.

Lucas went on a rampage this past year, with the release of seven records in collaboration with hip-hop icons: J. Cole, Lil Baby, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil TJay and Lil Durk. Summing up the year with upward of 30 million listeners and nearly 500 million streams on Spotify, even before dropping “Rambo,” featuring Lil Durk, and his most recent single, “My Escape,” which was released Dec. 17.

Streaming numbers like these certainly legitimize Lucas’ reign in the music industry — an idea the artist quite literally reps around his neck with his oftenworn emperor tarot card chain.

While Lucas dished out a well-diversifi ed variety of themes over the course of the year, his main focus seems to revolve around marking his legacy, as noted in a slew of verses from “Duck Duck Goose,” “Rambo,” “My Escape” and “Ramen & OJ,” along with selecting “Legend,” from his 2020 “Evolution” album, as his encore performance this past September at Joyner Fest at the Palladium.

Of the seven songs released throughout the year, my favorite is “Duck Duck Goose.” Ruthless and determined, Lucas sarcastically pours out his most authentic self, spitting “Don’t give me advice go read on Wikipedia, huh,” something I can vividly picture him saying to my face right before angrily speeding off on his four-wheeler, chanting “Duck duck goose I am the goose!” in continuation of his triumphant fi t, as seen in the video.

When talking about legacy, “Ramen and OJ” is probably Lucas’ best work, somehow spinning his autobiography into a song in under three minutes and thirty-eight seconds with verses such as, “I dreamed about it since I was a jit,”

Joyner Lucas headlined Joyner Fest Sept. 5 at the Palladium, his fi rst local concert in about fi ve years. JASON GREENOUGH/FILE

“came from the bottom and got me a check” and “I done did (expletive) you couldn’t imagine, leveled up and then bought me a mansion, I can never go back to a has-been, I can never go back to the old days, no way, back to walking to work on a cold day, back to thinking my ex was my soulmate.”

“Rambo” complements the rapperevolved-businessman’s claim to his throne well with references to Lucas’ ever-growing music management app, Tully, and his recent dabbling into the world of investing through verses like “I’ve been on my (expletive) business way, talkin’ like a (expletive) business man” and “fully-loaded won’t run out of ammo, ain’t no problem that I couldn’t handle” while at the same time leading us to Lucas’ second most popular theme this year; the glorifi cation of his shadow self.

“I’m a player so I keep a bitch where I’m at” Lucas says confi dently in “Ram-

bo,” “My money long only thing short is my temper” and “I ain’t perfect might’ve made a few mistake, might’ve cheated on my (sexist expletive) but I knew she would’ve stayed,” Lucas says unapologetically in “My Escape.” But it’s in his collab with J. Cole, “Your Heart” — which trended number one in the world for weeks after its debut — where Lucas portrays a very raw and transparent persona of the man he’s owned being in relationships.

In the “Your Heart” music video costarring J. Cole — who initially reached out to Lucas asking him to direct the fi lm —Lucas is witnessed sitting back calmly, watching as his signifi cant other rips apart their house, stabs and shreds his personal belongings, and sets his car on fi re in a fi t of hysteria after fi nding out he cheated on her. I can’t say I know what it’s like to live in Lucas’ head, but I can imagine it’s very dramatic. Nonetheless, the music video felt pretty relatable

coming from a woman’s perspective.

Lucas gets right to the point in the intro with his verse “I broke your heart, huh, you knew I was a (expletive) (racial expletive) from the start, huh, you should’ve listened when they said I was a dawg, huh, you should’ve listened to your head when you had thoughts, huh” before J. Cole responds with what Lucas refers to as “big homie talk,” saying, “I hate a (expletive) (expletive) used to be a (expletive) (racial expletive), couldn’t even blame her if she did (expletive) (racial expletive),” “you run your (sexist expletive) through the mud you deserve that so you can feel it for yourself where it hurt at,” and “what used to be the dynamic duo’s in fl ames, and you too proud to see that you hold the blame, from all that playin’ (racial expletive) we too old for games, mayne.”

Out of left fi eld came “Late to the Party,” featuring Ty Dolla Sign. An actual “literally, what?” moment, this release surprised fans the most, since partying and night crawling aren’t topics Lucas typically runs to. This is proven by his “Dreams Unfold” video, a hilarious yet important attempt made by Lucas to express his concerns regarding the industry’s toxic marketing of drugs, violence and sex to minors — an issue Lucas is very passionate about, considering his reaction to the music video with Lil TJay being removed from the internet just a day after its debut. “They’ll put millions in $$$ behind what they wanna brainwash us and our kids with,” Lucas tweeted on Aug. 26.

Lucas’ natural penchant for vivid story-telling are why I’ve always considered him to be a music critic’s rapper.

However, I fi nd it harder to get the full Joyner Lucas experience without an album. But even without, Lucas successfully tapped into multiple layers of his character over the course of nine separate records while walking his listeners through a rollercoaster of emotions: anger, hostility, relief, accountability, pride, celebration and fun.

In 2021, all sides of Joyner Lucas were present.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 25

Chef Continued from Page 22

“I sometimes describe it that same way.”

The chef, who supports the farm-to-table movement, said restaurant-goers today look for more variety and food quality.

COVID-19 forever changed the restaurant industry, he said.

“Take-out, curbside pickup and delivery defi nitely became more important for owners and their customers.” Samuel Slater’s off ers seasonal dockside food pickup.

From the restaurant’s raw bar to menu openers and main stage, there’s variety. A sampling: Pan roasted duck, Portuguese steak, seared scallops,

Draft Continued from Page 23

When buying beer glasses, look for the modern styles like Willi Beecher and Teku. They are essential beer vessels and most if not all of your favorite breweries carry their own version.

Other than at the breweries themselves, antique stores are excellent places to fi nd beer glasses. I’ve grabbed many a dusty gem from behind some weird looking stuff ed animal or old tome.

short rib shepherd’s pie, southern fried chicken and the chef ’s signature cioppino, a spicy Italian seafood stew. The “Smokehouse” lists barbecue meats and chicken prepared on the restaurant’s outdoor smoker.

Choose from the Nashville Plate, Opryland Plate or Graceland, accompanied by sauces made on premise. The B-Sides include smokehouse baked beans, pickled shishito peppers and the popular American comfort food tater tots, also available as Tater Tochos, tater tots drizzled with house made beer cheese, BBQ sauce, jalapenos and chives.

Other items: Burgers, salads, sandwiches, such as Duck This Grilled Cheese (duck confi t piled on grilled Hawaiian bread with cheddar cheese cranberry

A gift card isn’t a cop-out Finally, if you don’t want to commit to buying something specifi c, go the safe route: purchase a gift card to their favorite brewery.

Craft beer people know what they like and often would rather get it themselves.

A gift card isn’t just a couple of four-packs of beer; it’s an outing and an invitation to support a local brewery.

Before going last-minute gift shopping this week, be sure to check online for updated brewery hours.

sauce, caramelized onions, apple rings and bleu cheese aioli) and a few kids’ favorites.

Samuel Slater’s Restaurant, 200 Gore Road, Webster (www.samuelslaters.com) is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins welcome. The restaurant follows COVID protocols for guest safety. Telephone: (508) 9431639. Check social media as holidays will aff ect restaurant hours. The website lists several 2022 events that include an Elvis Presley Birthday Party with Fellowship of the King scheduled Jan. 8. Elvis Presley-inspired recipes on the menu?

Brown, 41, recently moved to Douglas to be closer to the restaurant. Earlier this month he created a fi ve-course menu for a Holiday Feast wine dinner.

Seafood, venison (osso bucco) and seasonal vegetables paired perfectly with wines. The restaurant looks to host a beer dinner with a local brewer in the

new year.

Brown has competed in Worcester’s Best Chef, representing Prezo Grille & Bar in 2020. He won the 2015 Rhode Island Chowder Cook-Off and has New England Clam Chowda on Samuel Slater’s menu.

Teaching is a key part of Brown’s job and clearly something he likes to do. “As chefs we learn every single day,” he said. In his introduction on LinkedIn, Brown wrote, “You love what you do for a living, and never work a day in your life. I have been living my dream for the last 26 years and I still love what I do.”

His career advice for culinary students and young cooks is to “chase the dream, not the money. Never stop learning.”

Wayland Winter Farmers Market opens Jan. 8 The 2022 Wayland Winter Farmers Market at Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston Post

Road, Wayland opens Jan. 8.

The Saturday market operates from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through March 12. The winter market has expanded the number of vendors participating this year to include 50 each week. There will be 25 vendors outdoors in tents; 25 inside the unheated greenhouses. Shoppers and vendors will be required to wear masks indoors, no matter what vaccination status. Masks are not required (but encouraged) for shopping outdoors. There will be outdoor seating if you want to enjoy a bite to eat, or sip on a hot or cold beverage. No eating or drinks indoors. More information about the market and vendors is available on the Russell’s Garden E-newsletter. Visit www.russellsgardencenter.com.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282.

Send email tohoulefood@gmail.com.

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26 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

5 THINGS TO DO

PNB ROCK AND WAYS TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE Victor D. Infante Worcester Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK PnB Rock will perform at the Palladium.

VIRGILIO VALENCIA/FOR PDN

Comedian Jimmy Cash will perform New Year's Eve at The BrickBox Theater at the JMAC. PHOTO/DYLAN AZARI

Up For a Laugh

Still on ‘Fleek’ Coming to prominence with the songs “Fleek” and “Selfish,” rapper PnB Rock delivers a smooth and confident hip-hop sound, riding the genre’s R&B strain to create a sort of languid heat in his songs. Oddly, it’s perhaps his collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Chance the Rapper, “Cross Me,” that puts that skill in focus: “Anything she needs, she can call me,” raps PnB on the track, “Don’t worry ‘bout her, that’s my seed, yup, that’s all me/Just know, if you cross her, then you cross me.” He skims across the top of complex emotional content in a way that makes it all feel genuine.

What: PnB Rock When: 7 p.m. Dec. 29 Where: The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester How much: $30-$295

There’s no denying that Worcester’s own “Janitor With Stamina,” Jimmy Cash, has become one of the hottest acts in New England comedy, hot on the heels of his viral “Janitor’s Parade” YouTube video, and a series of hilarious live performances. If you think that saying goodbye to 2021 – a year best described as, “at least it wasn’t 2020” – is definitely a laughing matter, then this is a good way to start 2022 with a laugh.

What: New Year’s Eve With Jimmy Cash When: 8 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: The BrickBox Theater at the JMAC, 20B Franklin St., Worcester How much: $25

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 27

New Year’s Blues It’s hard to resist the full, upbeat boogie-woogie sound that Roomful of Blues purveys, with horns blaring and red hot piano jangling. Songs such as “Boogie Woogie Country Girl,” “Lower on Your List of Priorities” and “What Can I Do?” positively demand that the listener cut a rug, and honestly, it’s hard to think of a better way to ring in the New Year than doing it with joy and dancing.

What: New Year’s Eve 2021 with Roomful of Blues When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley How much: $120 for dinner and show

Roomful of Blues will perform New Year's Eve at Bull Run Restaurant. PHOTO COURTESY ANDY SMITH

Jazzing Things Up

How much: $15

The Russo Brothers have long been among Worcester’s favorite and most talented jazz performers, so swinging in the New Year with them at a vintagethemed party at Nick’s Bar and Restaurant definitely sounds like a good time. In keeping with the theme, “Mad Men” attire is encouraged.

Black-Tie and Dance Grooves

What: Swinging in the New Year with the Russo Brothers When: 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester

The Russo Brothers will perform New Year's Eve at Nick's Bar and Restaurant. FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING

Are you looking for a classy, formal way to spend New Year’s Eve, but you also want to thrash? Then you definitely want to spend New Year’s Eve at Drafter’s, where a formal-attireonly dinner will be followed by music from popular local DJ Massappeal, spinning dance, EDM, Reggaetón music and more. It might be a study in contrasts, but it also promises

DJ Massappeal will provide the music New year's Eve at Drafter's. PROMOTIONAL IMAGE to be a lot of fun.

What: The Timeless Gala NYE 2021 When: 6 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m.

Where: Drafter’s Sports Café and Events Hall, 1017 Riverside Dr., North Grosvenor Dale, Conn, How much: $60

28 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

ADOPTION OPTION

WARL gives thanks for support On behalf of the mutts, meows and critters at the Worcester Animal Rescue League, thank you for your friendship and support in 2021.

Many animals still need help. Please consider making a year-end donation to help the most vulnerable animals in Central Massachusetts. Donate today at https://worcesterarl.org/donate/.

Many thanks for your kindness, your caring and your generosity.

Happy Holidays!

Montana is one of the animals that’s been helped by WARL. PHOTO COURTESY SARA MCCLURE

Stewie is one of the animals that’s been helped by WARL. ANJIE COATES/FURRY TAILS

Waffles and her sister Strudela were two of the animals that have been helped by WARL. PHOTO COURTESY MELISSA SCHER

Lightfoot is one of the animals that has been helped

by WARL. EAST DOUGLAS PHOTO

Maggie is one of the animals that’s been helped by WARL. PHOTO COURTESY SARA MCCLURE

Ethan Allen is one of the animals that’s been helped

by WARL. PHOTO COURTESY WARL

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 29

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“Something Strange”--it’s their calling.

by Matt Jones

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Enjoy Fun By The Numbers puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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Across 1 “The Lord of the Rings” army members 5 Hosp. employee 8 “First Blood” figure 13 Spring’s opposite, in tides 14 “I’m onto your scheme, forwards and backwards!”

15 “The Miracle Worker” subject 16 Vesuvius’s Sicilian counterpart 17 Mix-and-match 19 City where the Demon Deacons play home games 21 Wine bouquet 22 “SNL” cast member who plays Dionne Warwick 26 Strong longing 27 Okra unit 29 Grammy winner Erykah 30 Prepare eggs, in a way 32 Title words preceding “Cooking,” “Painting,” and “Missing Out” 33 Prokofiev orchestral work often played at children’s concerts 38 Angelic instruments 39 Slander counterpart 40 Fabric or liquid finisher?

41 Acronym for a drone-like robotic unit used for underwater research 42 Far from outgoing 45 Reason for optimism 50 Lauder of cosmetics fame 52 Movie (with a 2021 sequel) that features the characters in the circles 54 Burpee item that may yield a bunch 57 Can’t pay up 58 Perfect examples 59 Bollywood actress Aishwarya ___ 60 Get higher 61 “The Silence of the Lambs” director Jonathan 62 Causes of some EMT calls 63 Piano layout Down 1 Like many downtown streets, directionally 2 Leave some work?

3 “1812 Overture” sound effect 4 Hiccup, for example

5 6

7

Totally unhinged Did with minimal effort, so to speak Disclaimer for some seasoning blends 8 Get more InStyle, e.g.

9 Game scheduled for December 29, 2021 (Ducks vs. Sooners) 10 Orioles’ org.

11 Actress Powley of “The King of Staten Island” 12 ___-Ida (Tater Tots maker) 15 Potter’s appliance 18 Chinese dumpling, or a 2018 Pixar short named for one 20 Becomes narrower 23 “Banana Boat Song” shout 24 Object of devotion 25 Hand-warming tube 28 Plant gametes 30 Restore from brainwashing 31 The “bad” cholesterol, for short 32 Valet in P.G. Wodehouse novels 33 “___ Lap” (1983 racehorse film set in Australia) 34 “I’m hungry enough to ___ horse!”

35 Hall of Fame QB Aikman 36 Edge that sits on a car wheel 37 “And Just Like That ...” network

42 Cartoon kid who says “What the deuce?”

43 Doctrinal rejection 44 Affirmative votes 46 Violin aperture shaped like a curvy letter 47 Red-___ (cinnamon candies) 48 CIA forerunner during WWII 49 Prefix with dactyl 51 Long-legged bird 53 Big name in gluten-free bread 54 El ___ (Spanish national hero) 55 Suffix with lime 56 “Orange Crush” band

Last week's solution

©2021 Matt Jones (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) Reference puzzle #1072

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | 31

LAST CALL

Jay Calderin, professor of Fashion History Veer Mudambi Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

This past October, Worcester Historical Museum unveiled the new exhibit, “Pretty Powerful: 100 Years of Voting and Style,” which, through the lens of fashion, examined the last century since women won the right to vote. Jay Calderin, a professor in the Fashion Design department of Boston’s Mass Art, specializing in fashion history, was contacted by WHM to give a companion presentation. The founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week and author of “The Fashion Design Reference and Specifi cation Book,” Calderin gave a virtual talk in collaboration with the museum and Tidepool Bookshop on Dec. 16, providing his take on this historical period. His book was fi rst published in 2009 under “Form, Fit, Fashion,” and reissued in 2013 with its current title, and has been translated into multiple languages, most recently French. Calderin sat down with Last Call to discuss fashion as a tool of historical research, medium of societal expression and looking beyond the runway.

How does your book tie into the exhibit?

The book is a primer to the fashion industry — introduction for students or anyone who is entering the industry. For instance, chapter three is all about fashion history and there is a natural tie-in there and the importance of research and seeing what’s been done before but also the context of fashion and those periods. I treat fashion like a legacy that we all inherit. This collection, in particular, is fun because it talks about how women’s rights are expressed through clothing over the last hundred years.

What really struck you

Jay Calderin, professor of Fashion Design at Boston’s MassArt. MASSART

about the exhibit in the context of your research?

There were some very interesting pieces but what I liked the most is that the curator did some great storytelling, in terms of how it was grouped.

One of the earliest times when women were entering the workforce in large numbers after World War I, the pantsuit became symbolic.

That’s something we see repeated over and over in fashion history since this period. There’s also the power of clothes to express yourself and that has its own section, but also using clothes as a communication tool. The fi nal [section] tied into politics, in a way, and how it refl ects in that part of society. In particular, what I liked was that they

featured a white suit because that ties into the origins of this conversation for the suff ragette movement.

Those were three things that I thought were really strong — for a fashion student or anyone who’s interested, it’s a great way to learn it because if you don’t have it in context, it’s just another garment. But most museums are now collecting fashion because it captures a moment in time and speaks to the people who lived in those clothes and what they were dealing with as well.

Would you say that collecting clothes is a relatively new thing?

Yes, it wasn’t until around the ‘80s that garments were being shown for their cultural im-

pact. Usually, before that, garments were collected by museums for the textiles (materials used) because that’s what they considered important.

Eventually they put that in context of when they were made, who wore them and ever since then, museums have started to collect and grow those departments and build their collections.

Similar to how art talks about a certain time?

In that, it’s a documentation but it’s not just in ink but something we put on our bodies and how someone wanted to infl uence others and express themselves in their day to day lives, so in a way it tells us even more.

What would you say to a student of history about studying a time period’s clothes?

It makes it personal. You can look at the story of the human being who wore it. When I see the pantsuit I think of my grandmother — growing up she always wore skirts and dresses and one day she came home in a pantsuit and my grandfather lost his mind about his wife wearing pants. From that point on, she only wore pants — it was a declaration of independence. I always tell my students to think about how this relates to you or even going that extra mile to put themselves in that time period to see what people were going through. What people chose to wear showed how they were dealing with what they were going through or living through. We are always saying something even when we are being anti-fashion, wearing simple clothes like T-shirts and jeans, we are saying something about how we want to be perceived.

What do you hope people took away from the talk?

I hope they feel like they have access or give themselves permission to say that this can

be a part of their world as well.

A lot of people go “oh that’s fashion, it’s nice but not part of my life,” and I hope that more people realize that is part of their lives and they can have a lot of fun with it. The book has the same message — trying to make the industry accessible.

How were you fi rst drawn into this fi eld?

It started when I was applying to high schools — art and music schools — and I got into the ones I wanted but the high school of fashion industry offered a scholarship and we didn’t have a lot of money for art supplies so I thought I’d give it a try. Then I fell in love with it because it incorporated everything I loved — graphic design, theatrics, the engineering, the draping — I just fell in love with all of it.

How do you see our current times refl ected in the industry?

Fashion designers in general are a lot more sensitive and incorporate things that they care about in terms of causes and charities, into everything that they do. Brands today have to stand for something and designers are fi nding ways to express that in their work. That’s the most obvious way — we see the fashion industry coming out in support of all these different issues. Stella McCartney focusing on sustainability, she’s a great example, her creative process automatically includes those. I see students entering the industry with all the things they are incredibly passionate about, and they are thinking that way from the minute they start school. That means their clothes will not only have an aesthetic impact but a social impact as well.

“Pretty Powerful: 100 Years of Voting and Style” is on exhibit through March 31, 2022, at the Worcester Historical Museum.

32 | DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM