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Kirk A. Davis President Kathleen Real-Benoit Publisher x331 Walter Bird Jr. Editor x322 Steven King Photographer x323 Joshua Lyford x325, Tom Quinn x324 Reporters Tom Matthews Reporter and Social Media Coordinator Sarah Connell, Brendan Egan, Brian Goslow, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Jessica Picard, Corlyn Vooorhees, Contributing Writers Lillian Cohen, Zach Martucelli, Cassidy Wang, Victoria Whelan 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, David Rand Creative Services Department Helen Linnehan Ad Director x333 Diane Galipeau x335, Rick McGrail x334, Ryan Prashad x336, Media Consultants Lucy Higgins 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 2016 by The Holden Landmark Corporation. All rights reserved. Worcester Magazine is not liable for typographical errors in advertisements.
table of contents Chanukah 101: A Jewish tradition explained.....................................6 Why shop local: By thinking small, you’re going big.........................8 The locavore’s guide to a homemade holiday..................................10 Going homemade for the holidays....................................................14 Celebrating Turkey Day out on the town.........................................16 Create holiday joy with kids one paintbrush at a time....................18 Craft Fairs & Festivals.........................................................................24 Holiday Performances.........................................................................28
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Chanukah 101: A Jewish tradition explained accepting Hellenization was a no-brainer with their lives on the line. But to an old priest named Matthias, things had hanukah this year will begin , gone too far when Greeks came into his Dec. 24 and end Jan. 1, and village of Modi’in, set up an altar and many Jews and non-Jews alike commanded the Jews to sacrifice a pig. find meaning in the imagery of This set off a guerrilla war against the holiday. But in spite of the ubiquity the Greeks, and after Matthias’ death of menorah lightings, latkes,and the one he passed on his leadership to Judah of televised Chanukah special that turns up Maccabee, who led a series of guerrilla every year (thank you, “Rugrats”), many campaigns against the Greeks, eventually don’t fully know or understand the story of the holiday, or its significance to Jewish liberating Jerusalem and reclaiming the temple. people. While reclaiming the temple, the PHOTO SUBMITTED Maccabees found a sealed cruse of oil, enough for one night, which, due to a miracle, lasted for eight. “It’s a feel-good underdog winning story with enough suspense, drama, and allure to remain engaging,” said Rabbi Aviva Fellman, who leads Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester. “At the same time, the miracle and the values of perseverance and endurance are important for every day.”
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take upon themselves the observance of more mitzvot.” Additionally, Fogelman and Chabad Lubavitch of Worcester have hosted a city-wide menorah lighting with the Worcester Jewish community in Newton Square the past four decades, an event that PHOTO SUBMITTED
CHANUKAH AND MITZVOT
Rabbi Mendel Fogelman is the director of Chabad Lubavitch of Central Massachusetts, a local offshoot of the Hasidic Chabad Lubavitch movement. He loves Chanukah, in part because it allows him to encourage Jews and give them the opportunity to fulfill mitzvot, or commandments for Jews in the Torah. On Chanukah, it is a mitzvah to light THE STORY OF CHANUKAH the menorah, and menorah lightings The year is 167 BCE, and Israel have become an icon of the holiday. To has been under control of the Seleucid Fogelman and the Chabad movement, it Dynasty since the death of Alexander is important to provide menorahs to Jews the Great (which led Alexander’s empire who might not have them, and thus might to split apart.) The Seleucid king, Antiochus Epiphanes, has decided to force not have the opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah. Jews under his control to “Hellenize.” “Every flight going to and from Florida Hellenization banned the practice of the at the Worcester area [during Chanukah,] Jewish religion: Jewish worship was banned, and instead the worship of Greek we give them chocolate coins and, if they want, a menorah,” said Fogelman. gods became mandatory. Rituals such as “Every Mitzvah that we do is a good start. observing the Sabbath became illegal. Anything can start anyone on the path to For many Jews, the choice between
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has become popular not just with Jews in Worcester, but with non-Jews as well, Fogelman said he regularly gets letters at Chabad from non-Jews excited about the next menorah lighting. Fogelman said the menorah lighting has such resonance because, “it’s a simple, pure commemoration of a miracle. It’s a little light dispelling the darkness in the world.” Chanukah’s growing role in society, something Fogelman credits, in part, to the work and influence of the Chabad movement, has become controversial, and is seen to have both positives and negatives. “All winter holidays tend to share some of the themes of light, warmth, and family,” said Fellman, who believes what many object to is not the associations between Chanukah and Christmas, but the
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commercialization of both holidays, and even that can be complicated. “To some extent,” Fellman added, “if the commercialization of Chanukah means more people celebrate Chanukah, I’m not sure it’s a bad thing.” At the same time, she said, it is better that commercial associations do not form the only connection to the holiday. Rabbi Valerie Cohen, who leads Temple Emanuel Sinai in Worcester, is a bit more skeptical of commercialization. “Chanukah is not a big deal,” she said. “it’s only a big deal because mass marketing made it a big deal.” The message of the holiday is often forgotten due to marketing, Cohen said. “We get caught up in the miracle of the oil and the light and the presents and it falling right around Christmas,” she said. “But it’s about freedom, it’s about a small number of Jews who rebelled and had self-rule.” Said Fellman: “It’s a rich story that doesn’t get due justice in terms of the historical significance of it.”
Latke Recipe 1 pound potatoes ½ cup finely chopped onion 1 medium-large sized egg, lightly beaten ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup olive oil Sour cream Apple sauce
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Peel and grate potatoes Mix with onion, egg and salt in a bowl Heat oil in a frying pan Fry latkes in lumps of 1 tablespoon, 3-5 minutes each side Keep overnight in fridge, reheat 5 minutes in 375-degree oven when ready to eat.
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Why shop local: By thinking small, you’re going big STEVEN KING
Walter Bird Jr.
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wo of the most frequent talking points in our cities and towns are how to boost the local economy and lower taxes. Hint: you don’t do it by shopping online or at big box stores. This holiday, think small. It’s a great way to have a big impact on your community. It may not be the first choice that pops into your head, particularly in this day and age of technology and convenience shopping, but before you go ahead and place that Amazon order, try one of any number of local shops throughout the region, Christina Andreoli, president of Discover Central Massachusetts, said. “I’m not dismissing the need for Target or national chain stores, but especially gifts for the holiday, gifts for loved ones, people are looking for something special, something different, and a lot of time you can find that in one of your local stores,” Andreoli said. Right now, she said, there is a “hidden gem” mentality, when it comes to local stores. The aim, Andreoli said, is to “get the word out” about the different stores in and around Worcester that may well satisfy your shopping needs. Places like Joe’s Albums, which recently relocated to Mechanics Hall on Main Street from Pleasant Street in Worcester, or C C Lowell, which moved from Park Ave to Pleasant Street, across from Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace.
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C.A.S. Handmade co-owner Cara Desjardins in her Shrewsbury Street store. If it’s jewelry you’re looking for, try M. Pope & Co. Fine Jewelers at 490 Shrewsbury St., or Sharfmans on Glennie Street. Looking for kids’ clothing or toys? Button Tree Kids, 1102 Pleasant St., in Tatnuck Square could do the trick.
If half the employed population spent $50 each month at a locally-owned, independent business, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue
Fine leather? C.A.S. Handmade at 174 Shrewsbury St. is worth checking out. Or, if you live outside Worcester and want to keep it local, try checking out the “hidden gems” in your town. But why shop local? You could fill a store shelf with reasons why. Here are some of the top reasons, according to the American Independent Business Alliance: Build community: You’ll establish relationships with local business owners and other customers Strengthen the local economy: Every dollar you spend at an independently-owned business brings
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Lower taxes: This is one we all can get on board with, right? Local businesses generate more tax revenue per tax dollar. Another plus: more efficient land use and more central locations mean local businesses put less demand on roads, sewers and safety services.
STEVEN KING
Jobs: This works in a couple ways. First, local, independent businesses employ more people directly per revenue dollar (and are more likely to hire local employees). Second, the businesses themselves are customers to other local businesses, like farms. That, in turn, creates opportunity for area entrepreneurs.
back three times more to the local economy that one spent at a chain – and almost 50 times more than buying from an online retail giant Shape the character: Local businesses help give your community is distinct personality
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The locavore’s guide to a homemade holiday Sarah Connell
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ho needs grocery store ingredients from far-off lands when farm fresh alternatives are right around the corner? Get to know a few local purveyors who take their homemade holidays seriously. Red Fire Farm “Kohlrabi Mashed Potatoes” Red Fire Farm is a certified organic farm in Granby. You can enjoy Red Fire’s produce all winter long by subscribing to
their Worcester CSA. Try this homemade recipe from farmers, Ryan and Sarah Voiland, at your next holiday gathering. Kohlrabi Mashed Potatoes 2-3 pounds potatoes 2-3 kohlrabi, peeled ½ stick butter salt and pepper to taste Boil up potatoes and kohlrabi. When soft, pour off liquid and reserve for later. Add the half stick of butter and enough of the liquid back into the pot to mash into desired consistency. (You may want to food process if the kohlrabi doesn’t mash well). Add salt and pepper to taste.
The kohlrabi adds a nice sweetness to the mashed potatoes. Try the water you boiled them in—it’s super sweet too! Lilac Hedge Farm Turkey Lilac Hedge Farm is owned and operated by Tom Corbett and Ryan MacKay, both experienced farmers at just 26 years of age. The duo started their farming journey with five separate properties spread out across the state, and have since condensed the operation to one unique, 350-acre livestock farm located in the town of Holden. Corbett and MacKay raise traditional, broad-breasted
Molly Steven-Dubois and her father Phil Stevens co-owners of the Carter and Steven Dairy Farm, farm store and brewery with some of there Fall produce.
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white birds as well as heritage bronze, all free range without the use of added antibiotics or steroids. Lilac Hedge turkeys are sold fresh, never frozen, the week before Thanksgiving in a variety of sizes ranging from 8-30-plus pounds. The farm’s chef also offers quarts of gravy from homemade turkey stock. You can place your holiday turkey order at www.lilachedgefarm.com. Carter & Stevens “Farm Fresh Ginger & Cranberry Apple Crisp” Carter & Stevens Farm is a model of agricultural, environmental and economic success, noted for maximizing its land to minimize its carbon footprint while welcoming ample opportunities for agritourism. Carter & Stevens’ “farm to foam” operation, Stone Cow Brewery, along with its thriving Farm Store, has allowed for cultivation of relationships with other local farmers, as evidenced by farm employee, Danielle Killay’s, holiday recipe for Ginger and Cranberry Apple Crisp. Farm Fresh Ginger and Cranberry Apple Crisp Inspired by the local produce currently on hand in the store, we whipped up this ruby gem yesterday and she’s just too good to keep to ourselves. This recipe features a mix of soft and firm baking apples from Carlson Orchards in Harvard, fresh cranberries from Clover Hill Farm in Hardwick, and fresh young ginger from Old Friends Farm in Amherst (who will be joining Carter & Stevens for our Holiday Market this year on Dec. 11) Preheat oven to 375 degrees and butter a 9.5-inch pie dish that can support a deep dessert. Fruit Filling: 3 pounds mixed apples (I used Gala, Paula Red, Honey Crisp & Mac. Peeled, diced and cubed to 1/2-inch pieces) 12 ounces fresh cranberries 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger 1/3 cup granulated or raw sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Toss together by hand in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated and there are no clumps of flour remaining.
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Crisp Topping: 7 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup rolled oats or non-clustered granola 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg The topping can be combined in a stand mixer or food processor on low, working until the mix is a loose crumb. Of course, you can also mix this rustic topping by hand, just be sure to work in all the butter until your have the desired crumb appearance. Fill the buttered pie dish with the fruit mix and top evenly with the crumbly topping mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 55-60 minutes, or until golden brown and edges are bubbling with thickened juices. Let the crisp stand and thicken (and cool) before serving. We like this crisp scooped out warm and topped with dollops of cream.
Treehouse Brewery Libations Don’t feel slighted by your holiday host if you’ve been assigned “refreshments” as your sole contribution. These days, tracking down coveted brews for your homemade holiday is just as important a task as any. I advise making the trip to
Treehouse Brewery, located 45 minutes southwest of Worcester in the sleepy town of Monson. Here, you’ll find intense attention to quality and a thriving artisan spirit have gained Treehouse Brewery national notoriety as well as a dedicated continued on page 15
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Going homemade for the holidays Corlyn Voorhees
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etting festive during the holidays consists of a variety of seasonal activities, from baking cookies to cranking up the holiday music to decking out your home in decorations. But if you’re looking to save money this year and are feeling creative, skip out on buying pre-made holiday decorations from the store and get crafty by making
season. If you’re starting off this year, I wouldn’t go crazy. Jan. 1 is when I get my holiday stuff for next year because I pay like nothing.” One easy and quick decoration Callahan recommends is a homemade snow globe. “I took a mason jar and stuck it upside and glued little Christmas trees and a little girl next to it so when you tip it upside down, it’s on the ca,” she said. “I think it
looking around your house for items to re-purpose. “If you have something that’s old, paint it white and add red to it,” she said. “That’s what I do a lot for Christmas, because it’s a one-of-a-kind item. It means something to you, because you had it before, but now it has a new meaning to it.” Over at Bemis Farms Nursery in Spencer, Tina Bemis has been teaching BEMISFARMSNURSERY.COM
your own. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a professional or even very artistic to be able to dress up your place. Mallory Callahan, the owner of West Side Vintage in Millbury, has plenty of experience with crafting and her first tip for DIYing your own decorations this season is to look for deals. “Don’t spend too much money at once,” she said. “Start at the Dollar Tree. Use coupons because crafting supplies are very, very expensive and shop out of
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cost like $4 to make and it took me about 10 minutes.” Another decoration Callahan has made is snowmen made out of Styrofoam balls that you can get at any craft store. “You can stick something in the middle and stack them on top of each other, paint them white and that would make a cute little snowman,” she said. “It’s fairly easy to put them together.” And if you want to save even more money this season, Callahan suggests
classes and workshops for over 20 years, including making wreaths, evergreen tree centerpieces and more. One of the easiest decorations you can make, Bemis says, is a swag – a collection of branches all tied together. “You gather between five and 10 branches of various evergreens, wire it down and stick a bow on it,” Bemis said. “You can put one on every window and decorate your home that way. I love to add red berries and red winterberries is
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the brightest berry you can harvest. Wild rose hips are another easy one to harvest, because they grow wild in the woods around here.” If you don’t want to go as far as to assemble a centerpiece or swag, Bemis said, “Put some [evergreen] branches in water and sprinkle them throughout your home. Just adding these things inside adds a different dimension to your home.” Carla Hagan, who has been making her own decorations for about 25 years, and sells some of her crafts at Live Flea or Buy in Millbury, chooses to DIY not only because she enjoys crafting, but because it saves money too. One decoration she has made is taking old coasters that you would get at restaurants, covering them on both sides with paper, and adding letters to spell out a message. “Say you had four coasters,” she said, “you could write out ‘Noel.’ It costs you maybe $5 tops, and you have a cute little sign you can hang.” She also makes homemade poinsettias made out of toilet paper rolls.
“You take an empty toilet paper roll and you cut it into little rings,” she says. “You would cut along the whole roll so you have 24 “O’s,” and what I did was I shaped them, kind of folded them in half, and then glued them together, and it looks like little poinsettias. I’m actually going to spray paint them, probably add some glitter or sequins for the center of the flower and then hang them from fishing line or something.” If you’re stuck on coming up with your own decoration ideas, Hagan suggests flipping through a craft magazine or simply invoking the creativity from your childhood. “Just go back to your roots,” she said. “We all were kids and played with finger paint and glue. A lot of stuff we made when we were kids you can dress up into better decorations now.”
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cult following. Strike up a conversation with resident beer nerds and trust that the line for cans will move quickly. Show up with your haul of Julius and you’re sure to be the holiday hero. Wooberry Homemade Ice Cream Bring home a pint of Wooberry’s Worcester-made ice cream to top off your holiday dessert. Wooberry sources its milk and cream entirely from Massachusetts and takes pride in local “mix-in” offerings. Owner Brendan Melican said, “We’re ramping up our production of take home pints by the day. So, for anyone looking to bring something special to Thanksgiving dinner, just stop in our 141 Highland St. store and we’ll be happy to help you pick out a few flavors we’re sure will be a hit.”
CRAFT BREWS. FRESH BREADS. SEASONAL PLEASURES. Celebrate the holidays with an unmatched selection of seasonal farm-fresh food, hand-crafted spirits and, of course, world-class beers. Our function space is designed to host unrivaled festivities, and our gift cards transform uniformed eaters into artisan aficionados. Crust, our artisan bakeshop, is also taking holiday orders to complement your gifts and gatherings. ’Tis the season to revel in incomparable food and drink.
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Lunch & dinner daily beginning at 11:30AM Brunch Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10AM Located downtown in the historic courthouse district 144 Main Street Worcester, MA 508.795.1012 www.armsbyabbey.com
Open daily 7AM - 3PM 118 Main Street Worcester MA 774.823.3355 crustbakeshop.com
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Holiday Handbook 15
Celebrating Turkey Day out on the town Sarah Connell
T
his is the year you allow yourself to sit back, relax, and enjoy Thanksgiving without having to lift a finger. This Turkey Day, avoid the hassle altogether by treating yourself to a holiday away from home - and don’t even think about doing the dishes! Here are some of the places and spaces that will lift the heavy working off your
shoulders and allow you to focus on what’s most important – your family.
For Reservations: Please call 508-347-7323, ext. 300
Publick House Historic Inn & Country Lodge Where: 277 Main St., Sturbridge When: Thursday, Nov. 24 Holiday Highlight: New England Crab Cake with Basil Aioli and Succotash Salad How Much? Adults $49.95 inclusive, Children $22.00 inclusive (3-12)
Salem Cross Where: 260 West Main St. (Route 9), West Brookfield When: Thursday, Nov. 24, Dining Room opens at 11:30 a.m., with reservations on the half hour. Holiday Highlight: All-natural, freerange turkey from Vermont’s Misty Knoll Farm with Granny’s homemade stuffing, giblet gravy & cranberry orange relish
The Publick House in Sturbridge
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How Much? Turkey Dinner - Adults $35, Children under 12, $17 (white meat $2 extra) For Reservations: Reserve online or call 508-867-2345
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Old Sturbridge Village - Oliver Wight Tavern Where: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge When: Thursday, Nov. 24, multiple seatings, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday Highlight: Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce and Au Jus How Much? Adults $52, Adult Member $50, Youth (3-12) $27, Youth Member (3-12) $25, 2 & under free For Reservations: Please call 508-347-0397
7 Rooms at the Historical Inn Craft Beers • Great Wines Hearty Food • Cozy Atmosphere Trivia 8-10pm Tuesdays Live Music 7-10pm Wednesdays
Old Sturbridge Village - Bullard Tavern Where: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge When: Thursday, Nov. 24, three seatings available: 11 a.m., 1:45 p.m. & 4:15 p.m. Holiday Highlight: Gourd Soup How Much? Adults $65, Adult Member $63, Youth (3-12) $31, Youth Member (3-12) $29, 2 & under free For Reservations: Please call 508-347-0397 The Barn at Wight Farm Where: 420 Main St., Sturbridge When: Thursday, Nov. 24, Join us for the buffet, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday Highlight: Canadian Pork Meat Pie How Much? $35.95 per guest (plus tax & gratuity) For Reservations: Please call 774-241-8450
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The Manor Where: 42 West Boylston St., West Boylston When: Thursday, Nov. 24, seatings every 30 minutes, 11 a.m. to 4pm. Holiday Highlight: Chocolate Fountain How Much? Adults $29.95 Children (4-11) $16.95 For Reservations: Please call 508-835-4722
Media: Size: Color: Date: Photo:
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Cyprian Keyes Where: 284 East Temple St., Boylston When: Thursday, Nov. 24, Reservations are required and available every half hour, 12-3 pm. Holiday Highlight: Carved Apple Cider Brined Pork Loin
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Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is an evening filled with New England holiday traditions, live musical performances, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, and strolls around the decorated Village Common. New this year is the North Pole Village where families will find Santa and his whimsical elves, Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop, a magical talking Christmas tree, a kids’ holiday craft workshop, and an expanded G-scale train display. And do not miss the nightly tree lighting and the everpopular gingerbread house contest! Give the Gift of Membership to Old Sturbridge Village! Visit our Gift Shop for more New England gift ideas!
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Create holiday joy with kids one paintbrush at a time
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Cassidy Wang
T
he holidays are about celebrating together. This winter season, spend quality time with your kids, while letting their creativity deck the halls through holiday arts and crafts projects. Elizabeth Buck, a youth classes coordinator at the Worcester Center for Crafts, believes, “the desire and ability to create is innate in every child, and that encouraging a child’s natural creativity can help in emotional and intellectual development.” For these reasons and many others, Buck believes in encouraging art for the youth and chooses to help bring art to others in her profession. “The joy that is felt when creating should also be accountable as an important aspect. The arts can instill a sense of happy ownership and belonging sometimes hard to accomplish through other avenues,” Buck said. To encourage this artistic ownership and creativity for kids during the most wonderful time of the year, Buck has three art projects sure to curry holiday cheer: Magical Snowscape (Salt and Wax-resist watercolor) This painting project uses two fun and easy watercolor techniques to create a beautiful winter scene. Materials: Pencil Watercolor Paper Paint brushes Watercolor paint Water Table Salt White Crayons Paper towels Process: 1. Have your artist lightly draw out their winter scene with pencil on the watercolor paper. Ideas to include: hills
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Aine, 3, making a colorful “stained glass window.”
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of snow, evergreen trees, houses, frozen ponds, snowmen. 2.Using the White Crayon color in any areas you wish to stay white snow on the ground, snow on trees, trimmings, etc. 3. Put aside the crayons and open up the watercolors, painting in the scene. The wax in the crayon will resist the watercolor, pushing the paint to the side. 4. For some extra fun and a look of falling snow, when your paint is still wet, sprinkle salt on top and let dry. The salt acts as a sponge, absorbing the watercolor paint from the area, leaving a light dot. 5. Let dry & hang! Colorful Stained Glass Window (Tissue paper and contact paper) A beautiful, easy, multi-colored piece to hang in a window. Materials: Clear laminating or contact paper, 9-inches by 12-inches Small tissue paper scraps and
pieces Black frame of construction paper 9-inches by 12-inches Process: 1. First we will cut the construction paper frame. You can either cut a piece of black (or other color) construction paper to 9-inches by 12-inches, then fold it in half length-wise and cut a smaller rectangle 7-inches by 5-inches out of that to create a 1-inch frame 2. Carefully peel the backing off of the laminating paper and place it sticky side up on the work space. Place the construction paper frame on the laminating paper following the outside edges to create the border that can be handled. That creates a place that the kids can touch to handle the paper if their finger sticks.
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Josephine, 6, works on a magical snowscape
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3. Place small tissue paper pieces directly onto the sticky-side-up contact paper. When all the sticky area is covered — voila — a window hanging!
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Holiday Card Printing (Foam & paint Printing) A great way to make beautiful and unique greeting cards for family and friends. Materials: Print foam or Foam Trays, washed well, with edges cut off. All foam should be cut to no larger than the size of the card front Blunt pencil Copy or other thin paper Tape Thin acrylic paint Brush Paint tray, shallow and wide Card stock paper, cut in half widthwise and folded, or pre-made blank cards. Process: 1. On the thin paper, have the artist draw their design in pencil.
2. Position the drawing over the foam plate as desired, and tape in place. 3. Pressing firmly, re-trace the drawing so the design is impressed into the foam. Lift one side of the paper to see if the images has been transferred. If so, remove paper, if not, re-tape and go over it again. 4. With paper removed, go over the design with the blunt pencil to deepen the lines. These lines are what will not be inked. 5. Get a card to print ready. 6. Put your paint color of choice into the paint tray and using the brush spread it out. 7. You can dip the foam plate into the paint or apply the paint directly on your foam plate with the brush, then press it on to the card - like stamping. 8. Repeat as desired; playing with different paint and paper colors can be quite exciting! 9. Let dry and enjoy using your cards!
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Holiday Handbook 23
Craft Fairs & Festivals Shepherd Hill Festival of Crafts 68 Dudley Oxford Road, Dudley Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 150 craft booths in a fun and festive atmosphere. Admission is $5, with $1 off coupon in local papers. Friends of the Conant Library Craft Show First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Sterling Saturday, Nov 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters will be selling photographs, jewelry, knitted and crocheted items, children’s clothing and more. Proceeds support the library’s Summer Reading Program.
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 25-27 (Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) $7 admission, $1 off coupon online at www.countryfolkart.com Houghton Holiday Craft Fair 32 Boutelle Road, Houghton Elementary School, Sterling Saturday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items for children to make as presents for
Our Lady of the Valley 34th Annual Holiday Fair Our Lady of the Valley Regional School and St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 75 Mendon St., Uxbridge Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One of the largest fundraisers for the OLV Parents Guild offers a day of auctions, a vendor craft fair, wreaths, baked goods, kids activities and more. Holiday Festival of Crafts 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester Friday-Sunday, Nov. 25-27 European-style marketplace at the Worcester Center For Crafts, featuring over 60 artists and their works at a range of prices, and an on-site café. $5 admission. Country Folk Art Craft Show Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center, 366 Main St., Sturbridge
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their families and gifts to buy. Pictures with Santa. Festival of Giving Trees Notre Dame Church, 446 Main St.,
Southbridge and LaSalle Reception Center, 444 Main St., Southbridge Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 1-4 (Thursday, opening day premiere tree viewing, noon to 4 p.m., LaSalle; Thursday, choral premiere, 7-9 p.m., Notre Dame Church; Friday, tree viewing and Senior Citizens Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., LaSalle; Friday, “Friday Night Lights,” 6:30-11 p.m., LaSalle; Saturday, Children’s’ Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Final Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) This annual fundraiser for efforts aimed at fighting breast cancer offers something for everyone over four days. Young and old can delight in sights and sounds. Take part in the raffles to win your own special Christmas tree. A number of prizes will be awarded as well, including a weekend at Mohegan Sun and tickets to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in concert at the casino. There’s a whole lot more, so don’t miss out. You can learn more at sparklingtrees.com. stART at the Station Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worcester Sunday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 11th annual stART at the Station turns the Grand Hall at Union Station into craft central. Roughly 100 artists and crafters will set up in the hall, with more than 35 others selling their wares around the concourse. Union Station’s restaurants will offer a full bar and light menu during the event. Afraid of missing the big game? Luciano’s Cotton Club will host a football lounge. Get some
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holiday shopping done and help support local artists and craftsmakers. Want to get a jump start on the crowds? Head on in from 9-11 a.m. for $15. Admission after that is free. First Night Worcester Worcester and Surrounding Areas Saturday, Dec. 31 All Day, Night The 35th anniversary of First Night Worcester promises to be spectacular. From events in Clinton and Sturbridge to right in Downtown Worcester, from ice skating, to the arts, to music and more – First Night Worcester has you covered. Take in nearly 80 performances around the region. Special for this year is the limited edition 35th Anniversary Button, an over-sized button granting access to all programs as well as premium seating at First Baptist Church, the “hub” venue for First Night. Button is $35. The traditional button is on sale for $10 before Dec. 25, $12 after Dec. 24, $15 at the door. Kids 7 and under are free. You can find more details soon at firstnightworcester.org. Of special interest:
Expanded fireworks display to commemorate First Night’s 35th Anniversary, sponsored by Polar Beverages. “This promises to be the best show we’ve had in many years,” said Howard McGinn, executive director, First Night Worcester. The fireworks will be set off from the top of Bell Hill around 11:15, and will be visible from virtually anywhere in the First Night footprint. “So grab your friends and family, head outside and look up!” Worcester Kiltie Band, one of the oldest functioning bagpipe bands in the US and winner of the 2016 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland (First Baptist Church) Pilgrim Soul Productions performs A Couple of Blaguards. A raucous evening of story and song written by Frank McCourt (author of Angela’s Ashes) and his brother, Malachy. A bubbling stew of their well-known Irish humor, based on their childhood memories of growing up in poverty-stricken Limerick, Ireland, this brilliantly structured comedy is a proven crowd-pleaser (Courtyard by Marriott).
Nashville recording artist Steve Dorian, named 2015 Rising Star Winner for CMA Fest by AT&T U-Verse (Ralph’s Diner) A new singer/songwriter venue which will provide a lovely, intimate space for a variety of talented acoustic artists (Epworth Chapel) Back by popular demand, Hypnotist/ Comedian Jim Spinnato (Armenian Center) Cara Brindisi, winner, 2014 Best Solo Acoustic Act, Worcester Music Awards and founder of the Women of Worcester concert series (Ralph’s Diner) “Masked Living Art” from Behind the Mask - living art installations, roving characters, and spontaneous interactive scenarios (Veteran’s Inc. Kids Zone sponsored by UniBank) In addition to a robust line-up of First Night performances, there will be many activities around town to take advantage of, all free with a First Night button. “Up on the Common we’ll have free ice skating sponsored by SG&D Insurance Agencies. The Worcester Art Museum will be hosting a special craft project,
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sponsored by FLEXcon, and we’re bringing back the incredibly popular Kids Zone at Veteran’s Inc., sponsored by UniBank,” said McGinn. New at the Kids Zone this year: free movies and popcorn. Jillian’s Worcester will once again host a free pasta bar for First Night attendees as well as giving out free $10 gift cards to use in its game room. Other activities include open houses at the Joy of Music Program (with family-friendly drumming circles, student performances and creative movement groups) and the Worcester JCC (with performances, swimming, Gaga, a basketball clinic, and craft projects). Returning this year will be the First Night trolley sponsored by UniBank. “For obvious reasons, the trolleys are always a bit hit! Our heartfelt thanks to UniBank for expanding their support to cover it this year,” said McGinn. As in years past, a First Night button grants free access to the area’s leading cultural centers. Museum partners include the EcoTarium, Museum of Russian Icons, Old Sturbridge Village, Salisbury Mansion, Worcester Art Museum and the Worcester Historical Museum. “This is a terrific perk for First Night button holders. It adds up to literally hundreds of dollars in savings for a family of four,” said McGinn. “That’s a pretty great deal!” The schedule of events and buttons for this year’s New Year’s Eve event will be available soon. Visit www. firstnightworcester.org for updates.
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Holiday Hours Dec. 1-23: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-4pm Open Dec. 24 10am-3pm 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester 508.753.8183 Ext.305 worcestercraftcenter.org
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KERRY GLASS is a beautiful collection of handmade glass created in County Kerry, Ireland. Each piece is hand molded and many of the pieces are blown. No two pieces are identical, each is unique to itself. Kerry Glass draws inspiration from the blue lakes, green pastures, and rolling mountains of Ireland. Candlesticks, various bowls and vases make up this artistic range. Many have a shamrock stamped on the bottom. Enjoy your unique piece of Kerry Glass – its entrancing qualities will make you feel like to are back in the Emerald Isle. 9 Crescent St., West Boylston 508.835.6677 wexfordhouse.com
Holiday Handbook 27
Performances Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester Saturday, Nov. 19, 3:30 and 8 p.m. dcu.centerworcester.com This brand-new Trans Siberian Orchestra show has to be seen to be believed. The story is about a runaway girl who takes refuge in an abandoned theater on Christmas Eve, and meets the Ghosts of Christmas, and learning her own worth in the meantime. This was, in fact, the band’s first made-fortelevision film back in 1999, and now they are bringing it on tour around the country as a live concert, for the very first time! Tickets start at $63. The Nutcracker The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Friday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 26, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 27, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. thehanovertheatre.org Jump-start the holiday season with The Nutcracker, presented by Ballet Arts Worcester (BAW) and the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. Share the magic and beauty of this beloved Worcester production with your favorite loved ones! Tickets range in price from $28-$40. Dickens Weekend: A Christmas Carol (and more) with Gerald Charles Dickens Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main St., Sutton Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 26-27 valfa.com. Each winter, hundreds of thousands of families integrate Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, into their holiday traditions. Although there are countless versions—literary devices, stage adaptations, and fulllength feature films—we are pleased to offer a unique experience that fits Vaillancourt’s vision of tradition: Dickens by Dickens. Tickets range from $25 - $30.
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All That (Holiday) Jazz! Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Wednesday, Nov. 30, 12 p.m. mechanicshall.org The WPI Big Band directed by Rich Falco, together with Organist Lucia Falco, will treat us to a powerful mix of jazz with a twist. A Worcester Organ Concert presented in partnership with the Worcester Chapter AGO. Gateway Player’s “Holiday One Act Festival” 111 Main St., Southbridge Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4 gatewayplayers.org Worcester Chorus Performs Handel’s Messiah Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. musicworcester.org A holiday tradition for over 100 years, the annual Messiah presentation by The Worcester Chorus of Music Worcester serves as the start of the holiday season for so many of its supporters. Chris Shepard will again lead the chorus in Handel’s bestknown work. XLO’S ‘Almost’ Acoustic Xmas Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Monday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m. mechanicshall.org Starring Rachel Platten, with very special guests Parachute and Wrabel. Tickets $49.50 and $59.50. NEC Symphonic Winds & Chamber Singers with U.S. Navy Band Northeast Wednesday, Dec. 7, 12 p.m. mechanicshall.org This annual holiday concert serves up the spirit of the season in a big
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way. Bill Drury and Erica Washburn from the New England Conservatory conduct a broad repertoire and holiday cheer. The students will be joined by Navy Band Northeast, a 35-musician ensemble based on board NAVSTA Newport, and one of 11 official U.S. Navy bands worldwide. Boston Pops Holiday Concert Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester thehanovertheatre.org Join the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with conductor Keith Lockhart for their sparkling and beloved Holiday Pops concert. Capturing the magic of the Christmas season and the winter charms of New England, the Boston Pops will perform their signature “Sleigh Ride,” as well as other holiday classics and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. The magnificence of hearing these pieces performed by America’s orchestra is not to be missed. Tickets range from $55-$125. Holiday Pops Concert Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Saturday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m. mechanicshall.org A beloved Worcester holiday event, the Holiday Pops Concert is an ideal celebration for friends and family and company holiday parties. Features traditional favorites of the season, light classics, dance theatre, chorus and the Best of Broadway. Tickets $39 and $48. Fitchburg State Holiday “Pops” Weston Auditorium, Fitchburg State University, 353 North St., Fitchburg Sunday, Dec. 11. 3 p.m. Fitchburgstate.edu Join the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra with conductor John Delorey, soprano Jane Shivick, and tenor Richard Monroe in a festive performance filled with holiday music favorites and the traditional pops sing-a-longs. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and FSU alumni, $5 age 18 and under. The Nutcracker Ballet Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 and 5 p.m.
Celebrate The Season
Saturday, November 19, 7:30 p.m. “Down Memory Lane,” Worcester Men of Song Annual Barbershop Harmony Concert, Sunday, November 20, 3:00 p.m. WPI Orchestra Fall Concert & Reception, Free Admission Wednesday, November 23, Noon Brown Bag Concert, Matt Savage, Free Admission Sunday, November 27, 4:00 p.m. Mechanics Hall Cinema: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder
Wednesday, December 7, Noon Brown Bag Concert, New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds & Concert Choir with Navy Band Northeast, Holiday Concert, Free Admission
Saturday, December 10, 8:00 p.m. Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert, John Delorey, Conductor; Michele Graveline, Choral Conductor; Jane Shivick & Richard Monroe, Vocal Soloists; Jim Polito, Narrator. Holiday favorites, Chorus, and More!
At Mechanics Hall
321 Main St., Worcester For Tickets: Call 508-752-0888 or visit www.mechanicshall.org
Sunday, December 11, 1:00 & 5:00 p.m. The Nutcracker Ballet presented by Dance Prism, A Family Holiday Tradition!
Wednesday, November 30, Noon “All That (Holiday) Jazz,” with WPI Big Band & Hook Organ, Free Admission Sunday, December 18, 3:00 p.m. Worcester Youth Orchestra Saturday, December 3, 8:00 p.m. Holiday Concert. Handel: The Messiah, sung by Worcester Chorus, Chris Shepard, Artistic Director, presented by Music Worcester Monday, December 5, 8:00 p.m. XLO’S ‘Almost’ Acoustic Xmas, starring Rachel Platten with Very Special Guests Parachute and Wrabel
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Holiday Handbook 29
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Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester This holiday season, you and your loved ones deserve something special – a wondrous experience that evokes joy & elevates your spirit to new heights. Whether continuing a valued tradition or discovering the magic of this beloved holiday classic for the first time, Dance Prism’s Nutcracker is sure to leave you with a sense of warmth and treasured memories that will last a lifetime. Tickets $20 children and students, $26 adults. mechanicshall.org “A Christmas Carol” The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Friday, Dec. 16 and 23, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. thehanovertheatre.org “God Bless us, everyone!” Continue a 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. Tickets range from $28- $52. Worcester Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m. mechanicshall.org
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A Christmas Celtic Sojourn The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. thehanovertheatre.org Brian O’Donovan’s A Celtic Sojourn has thrilled radio audiences for 28 years. For the last 14, the Christmastime live version of the show has drawn on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of the season. Tickets range from $46-$58.
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Holiday Handbook 31
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