Worcester Magazine May 10 - 16, 2018 by Worcester Magazine

MAY 10 - 16, 2018 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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A Passport To Paso Robles: Central Mass. Wine Enthusiasts Head West

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M AY 10 - 16, 2018

in this issue M A 7 10 - 16, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ V O L U M E 43 I S S U E 37

the cover

A Passport To Paso Robles: Central Mass. Wine Enthusiasts Head West Story on page 16 Photo by Joshua Lyford

Find us on Facebook.com/worcestermag Twitter @worcestermag Instagram: Worcestermag

M AY 10 - 16, 2018

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news New front opened in fight to save Mount Carmel P

FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING

BILL SHANER

between the preservationists and the church if the church moves to sell the property for commercial use. The new push comes just a few weeks after the Worcester Diocese applied for a demolition permit with the city to take the church down. The permit gives the Diocese a sixmonth window to begin demolition before they have to apply to re-up the permit. The Diocese took out the permit to bypass a oneyear demolition delay order from the Historical Commission, which would have gone into effect May 19, but the organization does not yet have a set timeframe for demolition. Robert White, an attorney hired by the preservation group, wrote a letter to state and local leaders – including the state Division for Capital Asset Maintenance, which manages property owned by the state, and the Attorney General’s Office – to make them aware of the deed restriction. At the least, White said, the deed restriction makes the property a shaky proposition for developers and the banks that finance them. Either the developers or the Diocese would need to get a release of the deed restriction

reservationists hoping to save the historic Mount Carmel church have uncovered a piece of legal language that could turn the tides in the fight against the wrecking ball. The Mount Carmel Preservation Society went public recently with what they say is a restriction written in the deed that prevents the church from selling the property. Written into the original 1947 deed for the parcel, the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which owned the parcel prior, and the Diocese restricts the church from using the property for any uses other than religious, recreational or education. “In other words, if they’re not using it as a church, or for educational or recreational reasons, it goes back to the state,” said Mauro DePasquale, president of the Mount Carmel Preservation Society. Now, the group is calling on state and city leaders to get involved to stop the proposed demolition, which they say would be in violation of the deed. And some have warned the deed restriction could lead to a legal battle

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

Council backs demo delay for Notre Dame BILL SHANER

fforts to preserve the historic Notre Dame Des Canadiens church were boosted this week when the City Council voted unanimously to support a petition calling for a three-month demolition delay. But councilors and City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. expressed reservations the petition would net any results, saying they had already asked Hanover Insurance officials at a meeting last week for the delay, and officials declined. “I don’t want to create any false hope. That three-month delay was asked for at the meet-

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ing and Hanover said no,” said Augustus. The petition is the latest in a final-hour push to stop the church from coming down, as preliminary work to demolish the historic, 89-year-old building has already begun. The city issued the demolition permit in midMarch, and Hanover officials have said they intend to take the building down later this year. Dozens of activists, coalescing around the name Save Notre Dame Alliance, spoke at the meeting, urging the city to do what it can to save the building, including the use of public money. They argued the demolition will be looked back on as a travesty, and that great cit-

M AY 10 - 16, 2018

ies do what they can to save beautiful, historic buildings. Their goal is to find a developer willing to buy the building and take on the project, and they say they need more time to come forward with a proposal. “It will take more than a few weeks to explore and execute new ideas,” said Ted Conna, member of the alliance. Those new ideas include a philanthropic drive to raise the funds necessary to purchase the church, and the possible use of state or federal money. “We know the economics of Notre Dame are challenging,” Conna said, “but we do believe it

is possible.” Other speakers harped on a proposal for development made earlier this year and rebuffed by Hanover Insurance to turn the church into brewery space. “Why aren’t we giving them an opportunity when no one else is stepping forward? Time for Hanover to give further consideration,” said Jonathan Ostrow, member of the alliance. Previously, Hanover officials made clear in a statement they did not think the proposal was a viable one. Though they confirmed a proposal was made, no information about the proposal has been made public, outside the C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 6

news MOUNT CARMEL

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P R E V I O U S PA G E

from the state before touching it, he said, and to do so, the state would have to go through land court. White also sent the letter to the city manager’s office, and argued the deed restriction is grounds to pull a recently-issued demolition permit. At the City Council meeting Tuesday, City Manager Ed Augustus said he received the letter this week and forwarded it to the city law department, which is drafting a response. The battle over the deed restriction could end up in court, but White said the hope of the preservationists is an outside resolution. “At the end of the day, its hope there will be some cooperative effort by everybody to come up with a solution that includes the preservation organization fundraising and taking some action in preserving that building,” he said. The Diocese has long contended the building, which was shuttered as a church in 2016, is too expensive and in too poor condition

“We’re going to fight this every step of the way. This is ours. That’s our neighborhood. That’s our field. The fight is on.” - District 2 City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, on saving Mount Carmel Church. to keep. Monsignor Stephen Pedone said in previous interviews the prospect of the church coming down is unfortunate but necessary. On the matter of the deed restriction, Pedone deferred to a lawyer hired by the church to address the issue, but the Diocese legal counsel could not be reached for comment by press time. We will update the online version of this story when we receive a response. While the deed restriction is the latest front in the fight to save Mount Carmel, there are several other factors at play, including another legal battle in the Vatican. The Diocese cannot demolish the church until two appeals filed by preservationists with the Tribunal of the Apos-

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tolic Signatura, the highest court of the Roman Catholic Church, have been ruled on. One appeal contests the Diocese of Worcester’s move to desanctify the church, making it available for sale to the public. The other contests the merger or the Mount Carmel congregation with the Our Lady of Loreto Church. “Nothing can happen to that church under canon law,” said DePasquale, until those appeals are resolved. At a rally late last week, advocates and local elected officials urged those working to preserve the church to press on. “We know this is possible, to lead a good fight,” said state Rep. Mary Keefe. “You can do

it. We can do it. We just need to hold hard and fast to what the vision is.” City Councilor-At-Large Moe Bergman called the move to press on the deed restriction saving the best ammunition for last. “Someone is going to win if this goes to court and someone is going to lose,” Bergman said. “Just because you’re the underdog in the eyes of the Diocese, it doesn’t mean you’re the underdog to the justice system.” Councilor-At-Large Gary Rosen called the church a precious historic landmark, not just for the neighborhood, but for the city. Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, however, made a direct appeal to the neighborhood, calling the deed restriction at once a miracle and the start of a long fight. “We’re going to fight this every step of the way. This is ours. That’s our neighborhood. That’s our field,” said Mero-Carlson. “The fight is on.” Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or at wshaner@worcestermag.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner

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news NOTRE DAME

ments near the church like 145 Front Street and the AC Marriott Hotel. “We will certainly go back to Hanover, but I just want it known publicly: Hanover has been more than responsive and more than generous with their time. They spent hours with me at the congressman’s office the other day, methodically answering our questions and unpacking the history and condition of the building,” said Augustus. The only group that has spent any money trying to preserve the church, he argued, is Hanover, which bought the property 11 years ago. “They didn’t just buy it because they didn’t care. They bought it because they care. They carried it because they care. They marketed it because they care,” said Augustus. “But there is a point at which an insurance company has to say they’ve gone as far as they can.”

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4

fact it was from a group of Connecticut-based investors. While some expressed reservations there was much more that could be done, city councilors committed to fighting to the end to find a way to save the church. “We have to fight until there is nothing left anymore to fight,” said District 2 Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson. Councilor At-Large Konnie Lukes said she admires the tenacity of the Save Notre Dame alliance. “Never ever, ever, ever, ever give up,” she said, referencing the famous Winston Churchill line. “This is not over yet.” Others, however, urged the public not to see Hanover Insurance as the villain, saying Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-749-3166 the company has done more than any other to x324 or at wshaner@worcestermag.com. Follow spark the resurgence in downtown develophim on Twitter @Bill_Shaner. ment. Augustus went so far as to say the downtown renaissance would not have happened if Notre Dame Church in downtown Worcester is slated to be demolished Hanover Insurance did not step up to fund the sometime this year, unless last-ditch efforts to find a buyer are successful. FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH BROOKS CitySquare project, which has led to develop-

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worcesteria

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2018 Jane Award and a major focus of Jane Week last week. The building, which houses such ventures as Technocopia, Crocodile River Music and Worcester Clean Tech Incubator, took the award because of its creative reuse of old property and the hip new flair it adds to the overall resurgence downtown. The award caps the second annual Jane Week – a tribute to the influential urban theorist Jane Jacobs, who posited correctly in the 1960s that tearing apart cities to make them easier to drive cars in would, in fact, make cities worse. Worcester, like many midsized industrial cities in America, was hit extremely hard by this, as major developments like the Galleria and I-290 wiped out entire neighborhoods. Now that City Hall is trying to rebuild a neighborhood downtown, it’s best we listen to these Jane Week folks, lest we repeat the sins of our past. So here’s to another Jane Week, the second annual, and congrats to the Printers Building and its ownership under Julian Wade.

AND SO IT BEGINS: The long-promised and anticipated development of the Kelley Square

Market, a massive mixed-use residential and retail project right on Kelley Square, began over the weekend. This project, slated for completion next summer, is going to do two things: It’s going to add a whole lot of retail and housing density to an already up-and-coming neighborhood, and it’s going to completely wipe out a very well-used parking lot – the dirt one next to Crompton Collective. Yes, that one, the one that looks like it was the victim of a WWII-era carpet bombing. That parking lot is gone now. So, this is effectively a major test for the Canal District and for Worcester. Will the allure of the Canal District, with its many bars, shops and restaurants, be such that people will park farther out and actually walk around? You know, like they would in any other city, like Providence, Portland, Maine or Boston? Or will the oft-grumpy denizens of this fair city opt instead to throw their arms up in protest and go to Applebees instead. Only time will tell. But here’s me hoping people realize the Canal District can have the kind of pulse that attracts people to the Old Port in Portland or Newbury Street in Boston. It’ll take a good long while, but I believe it’s possible. And a clear enemy is cars. In a real city, you have to toughen up and walk a little bit.

IT’S ALL PART OF THE PLAN: An organization called Empower Schools was invited last

week to speak at a mid-day event at the Chamber of Commerce, hosted by the Worcester Education Collaborative, as part of “the next phase” of the school strategic planning process, according to a copy of an email I received. Need I remind you, this planning process is not a public process. Instead, it’s a private process between the Rennie Center, a Boston-based consultant, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau and the superintendent, with a few forums thrown in to take public input. So, with that necessary disclaimer, let’s talk about Empowerment Schools. Empowerment Schools has been creeping around the country, slowly wresting control from school committees to take over individual schools in what they call “empowerment zones.” In this way, Empower Schools operates kind of like a state receiver, in that it comes in and supplants local leadership, and kind of like a charter school, in that democratic process is replaced by a closed-off, corporate structure. Springfield is the closest example: Empowerment controls a few schools there in what amounts to a stealth charter school takeover. It’s bad news, is what I’m saying, and it’s not good that this organization is presenting to the people writing the district’s strategic plan. But, just because they present, it doesn’t mean they’ll be part of the final plan. I should hope the strategic plan that ends up on School Committee desks does not include a single instance of “empowerment” adjacent “zone.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. COUNCILOR: What a nice gesture I witnessed after the City Council

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meeting Tuesday, and I realize, before I get into this, that the subhead paints the wrong kind of picture. But I’m having fun, OK? Let me have fun. Anyway, it was newly-crowned District 5 Councilor Matt Wally’s birthday Tuesday, and Councilor-At-Large Moe Bergman took it upon himself to buy Wally a cake. Councilors could be seen in the mayor’s office after the meeting digging into the red velvet treat from Crown Bakery. And the reason I can say confidently they could be seen doing this is because I was there, eating the cake, and it was delicious. Happy birthday, Councilor Wally, and a nice gesture from from Councilor Bergman. Bill Shaner, reporter wshaner@worcestermag.com Twitter: @Bill_Shaner

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M AY 10 - 16, 2018

news

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The Department of Public Works is looking to put together a long-term plan on water

and sewer infrastructure improvements, and officials there want public involvement, especially from ratepayers, before they decide just how much to do, and how much to raise rates, over the next several decades. The forum takes place at the Worcester Senior Center on May 16 at 6:30 p.m. DPW officials admit water infrastructure is not the flashiest or sexiest part of local government, but they want to make sure the public is involved in the complex process of balancing infrastructure needs, regulation requirements and rate increases.

The DPW is also looking for folks to adopt traffic islands on the city’s roadways, as part of the Keep Worcester Clean initiative. Residents or businesses that adopt an island would be responsible for keeping it clean and tidy. City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. calls the program an opportunity to clean up and show pride in the city.

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The Central Building on Main Street is set for a $5.1-million financing deal to aid in its

redevelopment. The historic 92-year-old building is set for a mixed-use rehab, with shops on the first floor and apartments that range from luxury to cheap.

Officials in Douglas got the votes they

needed Tuesday to keep the town from heading over what they called a financial cliff. Town Meeting approved a $1.5-million tax override by a wide margin. Without the override, officials said they may have had to close the library and possibly the senior center.

The city’s new buyer diversion program graduated its first class this week. At

four graduates, the group is small, but officials are hailing the program as a step in the right direction as the justice system works to better address the opioid crisis. The program, launched last year, gives those caught in drug deal stings the option of entering treatment instead of facing criminal charges.

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute celebrated this week a record number of patents filed by its students. This school year, 42 students filed patents on their inventions, and five of those patents were licenses. That’s a record year in both categories for WPI, and the proposed inventions include a wearable heart monitor and an injectable electronic device that treats tendon pain.

Titled “Who Will Beat Senator Elizabeth Warren,” the Worcester Republican City Committee will host a forum with the three GOP-approved candidates to challenge Warren: Geoff Diehl, John Kingston and Beth Lindstrom. The event takes place on Tuesday, May 15, 5:30 p.m., at the PNI Club. It is free and open to the public. According to City Committee Chairwoman Donna Colorio, the goal is to hear from the candidates on strategies to unseat Warren.

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The Boys & Girls Club of Worcester’s

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To RSVP, please contact Ellin Terrill, Director of Marketing & Special Events, at eterrill@bgcworcester.org or (508) 754-2686 ext. 250 M AY 10 - 16, 2018

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

editorial

opinion

“Wormtown” still provokes, 40 years later

aybe it has simply been misunderstood, but four decades after it was coined, the nickname “Wormtown” still can ignite debate. Some see it as a nod to the local music scene of the past, a reference to when punk music was exploding everywhere else, it seemed, except Worcester. Others see it as a derogatory take on a city that has long since turned the corner in many ways. With so much good happening in 2018, why keep alive a name they think carries only negative connotations? Get talking with folks such as Leonard Saarinen, widely credited with coining the “Wormtown” name, or Brian Goslow, as the Telegram & Gazette’s Craig Semon and Unity Radio’s Hank Stolz each did recently, and you’ll hear a strong argument for why “Wormtown” is a worthy moniker. That it is still being debated all these years later is somewhat amusing. “The thing that’s amazing is 40 years later we’re still talking about it,” Goslow is quoted as saying in the T&G, noting punk was supposed to be of the moment. Others don’t see it that way. “I didn’t like it 40 years ago and I don’t like it now,” Semon quoted former Mayor and current WTAG radio talk show host Jordan Levy as saying. “Worcester was struggling at that time. I just thought it was a demeaning connotation that described the city as being something that was really creepy, dirty, filthy. I’m not sure if worms are all those things, but when you talk about worms it’s not something you look forward to having for dinner.” Goslow sees it different.

Editorial 508.749.3166 x322 editor@worcestermagazine.com Sales 508.749.3166 x333 sales@worcestermagazine.com President Paul M. Provost Publisher Kathleen Real-Benoit x331 Editor Walter Bird Jr. x322 Culture Editor Joshua Lyford x325 Reporter Bill Shaner x324

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“I thought Wormtown was perfect,” Goslow was quoted as saying in the T&G. “I’m a gardener. For me, if you see worms that means you’ve got growth. No worms, no growth. I never really saw how people would be upset CORRECTION: The 25th anniversary celebration of the Worcester Institute for Senior Educaby it. Worms are usually a sign of a good tion will be held Wednesday, May 23, 5 p.m., at the Tsotsis Academic Center, Assumption Colthing. I never saw it as negative thing. I think lege, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester. The incorrect day and date were mistakenly published in the that the people that did invested too much May 3 edition of Worcester Magazine. time about being upset about it.” Maybe it depends on your how you look at it. Would you want to serve up worms with your Sunday dinner? Probably not. But you do want them in your garden. Goslow is right. They help things grow. Look all around the city. It is growing. New life is being given to areas such as downtown Worcester, which once was abuzz with people visiting shops, taking in a show, socializing. Places such as the South Worcester Industrial Park, which not long ago was little more than a whole lot of dirt and rocks, are now teeming with businesses. The Canal District is generating news seemingly with every turn of the head - a new restaurant, a new shop, heck, maybe even a new baseball team. “Wormtown” is turning, churning the earth beneath her and creating new beginnings. Maybe the old moniker is still serving a purpose. It is never good to turn our heads completely from the past, else you be doomed to repeat it. If you think “Wormtown” was an insult, remember it and be committed to never being a punchline again. Or, if you think it has a certain panache, don’t flinch when you hear it. Call it “Wormtown” or “Worcester.” The city keeps on moving. Photographer Elizabeth Brooks x323 Contributing Writers Stephanie Campbell, Sarah Connell, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Jessica Picard, Jim Perry, Corlyn Voorhees Editorial Intern Bridget Hannigan

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opinion Jonesin’ for the news feed JANICE HARVEY

for the distraction du jour, letting go of it is like trying to pull a tick loose. Donald latches on and gets in the bloodstream; you think you ’ve got a monkey on my back and its got it all, but the head is still in there. name is Donald. Is there a cure? Maybe start by cancelPeople have warned me about my insatiable need to follow the news, and these ling the cable subscription. I spent a week at my daughter’s house, babysitting two of my days following the news means following four grandkids while she and her husband Donald Trump. I shrugged off the warning when my fellow headed to Vegas. (Along with my sister, we teacher Paul Gaffney said, “Harv. You’re lettin’ managed to not do anything too damaging to the children while we repeated over and the guy rent space in your head.” Gaff is the kinda guy who doesn’t let anybody lease room over the words “never again” to each other.) My daughter and son-in-law recently pulled in his cranium. He’s from Jamaica Plain, and the plug on cable and opted for Netflix and even I know that growing up in JP means he Hulu. For five days I was unable to listen to has no use for bullshit. (I apologize for the Joe Scarborough talk over Mika. For five days expletive, but the guy who’s been renting my noggin uses much more foul language, which I was not forced to mute Sarah Huckabee Sanders. From Monday to Friday, I kept my brings me to another subject - why are we news addiction fed in small doses by listening dropping our standards to meet Trump’s, to MSNBC in the car. I felt like a kid sneaking which are below sea level? But I digress.) My cigarettes behind the barn. kids have been after me to stop obsessing Unplugging cable didn’t completely quell over Donald, but it’s not so easy. Once you fall

my thirst for daily outrage. I scrolled Facebook in search of MAGA devotees to taunt. I devoured clips of Michelle Wolf ’s brilliant and savage take-down of Trump and the media that feeds the beast. Gradually, I felt my need to keep abreast of lunacy updates fading a bit, and the tick began to loosen its grip. By Wednesday I was mostly content with watching “Daniel Striped Tiger’s Neighborhood” and “Lady and the Tramp” for the 27th time. I thought I had gotten over that three-day hump, like when people quit smoking butts, or start a strict diet. Fat chance. That’s when Rudy Giuliani showed up. Rudy! Just when I thought I was out, he pulled me back! (all “Godfather” references are approved, since Robert Mueller prosecuted John Gotti. It’s in the AP handbook, along with how to spell “subpoena.”) I stumbled on the path to recovery when Rudy suddenly knocked the wind out of the premier windbag at FOX. Sean Hannity looked like Geraldo

Rivera after he opened the Al Capone vault and found dust bunnies. Hey, I’m only human. Who wouldn’t watch footage of the sinking of the Titanic if someone had filmed it? Let’s be honest. I chose the best/worst week to wean myself off of Trump. I take solace in knowing tomorrow is another day, to quote Scarlett O’Hara, and though I may have lost hope regarding just about everything this country ever stood for, I know I can count on Donald Trump to supply me with the toxic info I need to keep me awake at night. Just two minutes of Lawrence O’Donnell is all I need. Then I’ll quit. I promise.

Janice Harvey contributing writer

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education ADHD presents challenges for students, teachers BRIDGET HANNIGAN

ach morning students tumble off buses into busy hallways and classrooms; they drop their bags, find a seat and turn their eyes to their teachers. Their teachers are faced with the daunting task of ensuring every student learns, and the path to learning is different for everyone. Some walk, some run, some take pit stops, and some hit unexpected obstacles along the way. CHADD, the National Resource Center on ADHD, has recorded the number of children with ADHD in the United States alone at roughly 5.4 million. A 2011 Centers for Disease Control study revealed 9.6 percent of kids between the ages of 4-17 in Massachusetts have an ADHD diagnosis, a 1.6-percent increase from the 2007 records - an increase that like, the rest of the United States, schools in and

around Worcester are noticing. With ADHD diagnoses on the rise, the developmental disorder is affecting more students across the United States than ever before, often leaving classrooms the first place to notice the symptoms. “All kids are inattentive, so it becomes a matter of degree,” said Brendan Mahan, an ADHD consultant coach and trainer based in both Worcester and Boston. “It becomes a little more obvious that a kid is more bouncy or more talkative than anyone else in the class.” The name of the disorder focuses on the attention and hyperactive aspects of it, and while those are often prominent symptoms, the effects can go beyond that. “It’s horribly named,” said Mahan, adding ADHD can also impact emotional regulation and time awareness. Students’ time management skills can also

be a huge indicator of ADHD. “Everybody has a point in the future where things become imaginary” said Mahan. For individuals with ADHD, he said, that imaginary future could be just days or a month out. That means long-term projects, essays and end-of-the-year tests turn into huge obstacles for students. “It’s primarily a delay around the brain’s development functions,” said Mahan. “Your executive functions are necessary for success.” “You’re failing more often, you’re getting more negative feedback, both from yourself and other people,” Mahan said of the depression and anxiety that often accompany ADHD. Mahan suggests students and individuals adhere to the S.H.R.E.D acronym. S.H.R.E.D promotes sleep, habit forming, strong relationships, exercise and a balanced diet. Habits can be especially beneficial to students and individuals with ADHD. Doing things out of habit allows for “more space we have to remember the things that we often forget,” Mahan stressed. Schools also play a major role in aiding students with ADHD and are quick to step into action when they notice early signs. “We might notice it with the social and C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 15

Brendan Mahan, an ADHD/executive function consultant, coach, trainer and host of the ADHD Essentials podcast.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Return of middle school aimed at helping girls thrive WALTER BIRD JR.

otre Dame Academy in Worcester opened its doors to middle school students last year, adding a seventhgrade class. Those seventh-graders will enter eighth-grade in the fall, marking the first time since the 1960s the school will serve students in grades 7-12. “At some point in the ’60s we dropped grades seven and eight, and became just a high school,” Head of School Kathryn Woodson Barr said. “It’s nice to go back to our roots.” There were 16 students in last year’s seventhgrade class. The hope, said Barr, is to have 20 students each in grades seven and eight, and 40 each in grades 9-12, for a total of 200. There are currently 175 students attending Notre Dame, a private, all-girls Catholic School established in 1951. Re-establishing seventh and eighth grades at

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Notre Dame is all about creating as many opportunities as possible for young women, said Barr, who joined the school in July last year. “It’s really a philosophical sort of decision,” she said. “If you look, research shows girls in the seventh- and eighth-grade years often have reduced confidence. They stop raising their hands to answer or ask questions. They get worried about math and science, in particular. They have body image issues. “In an all-girl environment, those things are minimized. Girls from all-girl schools tend to go into math and science at almost twice the national rate, and have increased confidence.” Whereas in traditional co-ed school settings girls have to share day-to-day routines with their male counterparts, in an all-girl setting they rely on themselves. “If you are at an all-girl school,” said Barr, C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 14 M AY 10 - 16, 2018

Kathryn Woodson Barr serves as the head of school for Notre Dame Academy.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

feature ELIZABETH BROOKS

Vocational Schools Provide Options BRIDGET HANNIGAN

statewide,” said Jeannie Hebert, president and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. The student waitlist, coupled with a shrinking number of night classes offered in Worcester, means there is a substantial gap for individuals looking to learn a trade or make themselves more employable. Both Worcester Tech and the upcoming Blackstone Valley Education Hub are changing that. Through a series of grants, the building of the BV Ed Hub has been able to get off the ground. The Hub looks to work with the high number of students who are waitlisted from vocational high schools, as well as adults and veterans in transition. With the help of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School students, the Hub should be completed by the end of June. It will consist of two classrooms with 30 computers — 20 CAD-ready and 10 regular — and a FAB, or fabrication, laboratory. “We aren’t just limited to the 30 students we can have here,” said Hebert, a major player in the project. With software the project has acquired, she added, they can extend outward to neighboring high schools. “The opportunity is just endless for these students,” Hebert said. The Hub, already looking at opening classes for next fall, is also excited to work with veterans and incumbent employees, and is open to setting up evening and weekend courses for adults. “It’s going to be a really hoppin’ place here,” Hebert said. Worcester Technical High School is also

extending its hours and its students. In recent years the school, and Worcester

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 15

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rincipal Kyle Brenner was talking as we walked down the hallways of Worcester Technical High School. “It’s hard to see why learning math is important, but then you need to be able to cut that,” he said, gesturing to students measuring and cutting wood in the carpentry lab. “And you need math.” Vocational schools offer great opportunities for high school students, as well as new citizens, unemployed residents looking to be reemployed and anyone else looking to learn. “The students can make a choice,” Chris Faucher, assistant vocational director and director of cooperative and adult education for Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School, said. “If they choose a vocational high school, they can make a choice at the end of their four years. Are they going to continue down their career path where they already have a leg up or go to college?” Due to the co-ops offered at Bay Path and the rising need for skilled workers, students find themselves with job offers the moment they graduate. “Last year, I believe it was 96 percent of our co-op students were offered a paid, full-time position,” said Faucher. While vocational schools do teach trades and offer students a direct path to the workplace, they don’t value academia any less than traditional high schools. Students who attend them not only have to pass tests to receive their certification, but also MCAS. “Our students are learning twice as much in half the time,” Faucher said. Although job opportunities are there for vocational students, almost half of them opt to go onto college rather than jump right into the workforce, which means there is a large need for skilled workers. Unfortunately, the benefits of vocational schools result in a tremendous waitlist - one that prevents many interested students in attending vocational schools despite the growing need for skilled workers. “There’s a waitlist of about 3,500 students

in general, has seen a decrease in available night and evening classes, but in an effort to keep people from seeking these opportunities outside of Worcester, that’s starting to change. “Our hope is that the building is going to be utilized 17 hours a day,” Brenner said. That hope stems from the superintendent’s recent announcement that the budget is available to hire a director of evening classes. It will be the responsibility of the new director of evening classes to develop the evening program and get it off the ground, bringing the opportunity of night classes back to the city of Worcester. Through the Innovation Grant, Worcester Tech is also looking to create an after-school program for high school students in Worcester. The pilot year of the program will include students from Burncoat and Doherty high schools. Two days a week participating students will be bussed to Worcester Tech to work toward certifications in their area of

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 12

“all the girls do everything. They’re in all the leadership roles. They’re the ones who have to carry the heavy boxes, or build the sets, or sing. If anything’s going to get done, it’s going to be a girl. If anyone’s going to answer a question, or be the first one to introduce themselves, it’s going to be a girl.” In mixed-sex settings, Barr said, that is often not the case. “If you go to a conference or workshop, even if you have mostly women in a workshop, if you say who wants to introduce him or herself first, it’s often a man,” she said. “That doesn’t happen here.” Bringing back seventh and eighth grades, Barr said is a way for Notre Dame Academy to stay true to its mission, not just develop a pipeline into high school. “Certainly,” she conceded, “that was part of it. More than that, how can we make the biggest difference in the lives of girls? Research backs us up. If you really want to make a difference in the lives of girls, put them in an all-girl environment earlier than ninth grade, when they’re already distracted. We want to get them earlier and make

a bigger difference.” While there was some adjustment, Barr said blending seventh grade in with the upper grades went smoothly. “I think we were a little nervous,” she said. “Are we prepared? Do we know enough about 12- and 13-year-old girls, or will we find out our specialty is really 15-18-year-olds? It’s amazing how well they’ve blended in, and how our teachers have personalized classes to make sure they’re learning not only the content they need, but the skills, and in the ways that are age-appropriate. They fit right in.” Twelve-year-old Alysanne Buckley was one of the new seventh-graders. The former May Street School student said she

Alysanne Buckley, a middle school student Notre Dame Academy.

felt right at home at Notre Dame Academy. “The teachers really understand us,” she said recently as she sat with her backpack in front of her school locker. “I also like how you can be able to say what you mean, and in the classes you understand [them]. They aren’t too hard, but they aren’t too easy. The homework isn’t too much, but it’s not too little. It’s the right amount.” Barr said the school wants to make sure “everything we do is as top-notch as it can be” for all its students, including the newest additions in seventh grade. To that end, Notre Dame Academy added classes through Virtual High School, and is adding advanced placement, or AP, classes next year. Although a Catholic school, Notre Dame Academy is open to all students, Barr said. The key is to instill in them a sense of belonging and preparedness, particular at a time in their lives where change may well be the only constant. “We feel like the faith and the service, the mindfulness, all of that can really help them out,” Barr said. “This is a stressful time for teenagers. Being in a place like Notre Dame Academy gives them confidence, that peace and security they can’t get in other places.” WALTER BIRD JR.

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feature ADHD

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 12

behavioral pieces and the fine motor pieces of being able to form letters,” said Amy Mahar, an interventionist at a school in Worcester County. While Mahar said good teaching practices often meet the needs of ADHD students, there are cases where it is not enough. Typically, when a teacher and staff begin to notice a student is struggling, a STAT, or Student Teacher Assistant Team, is called in. The intervention team is made up of teachers and special educators from across various grade levels. They work to create a tailored plan to help that student succeed. “Interventions vary,” said Mahan, “and may address sensory regulation, emotional regulation, behavioral needs, social skills, organization, math, reading and/or writing.” Various specialists such as occupational therapists, Title 1 reading and math teachers, speech and language pathologists, and counselors may be utilized throughout the process. Beyond specialists there are a slew of methods available for students learning with ADHD.

“Alternative seating arrangements, creating and teaching the teachers how to do structured movement breaks, specialized lined paper, slant boards,” were a few Mahar listed. The interventions work on a Response to Intervention Model, which means students are monitored to make sure intervention plans are working, and if not, how they can be adjusted. For students that continue to struggle, the Student Teacher Assistance Team can refer them to be evaluated for either a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). “As a school culture, it’s accepting everyone for who they are and where they’re at, and taking those smalls steps to grow where they’re at,” Mahar said of not only students with ADHD, but all students. “Classrooms are shifting” and focusing on what students need to do their best, said Mahar. “Maybe you find that you work best sitting in a beanbag. Whatever you need.” While ADHD diagnoses are growing, schools and specialists are growing with them. They are working with individuals and students to ensure that, while they may face different obstacles, they are not alone and can and will reach the finish line.

them understand what academic classes they can take during the day to help with their C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 13 after-school work. choice. “Now they have an alternative, and it’s a Worcester Tech is developing four programs good alternative,” said Hebert of the BV Ed for the after-school pilot: construction, health, Hub. IT and advanced manufacturing - all areas that have a high job need in the Worcester area. With the goal of 300 students receiving credentials, the pilot program is helping to reduce the number of students missing out on vocational opportunities because of waitlists. School councilors from the sending schools of Burncoat and Zachary Plouffe, a junior at Worcester Technical High Doherty will also communicate with School, participates in a welding class. BRIDGET HANNIGAN students and help

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WSU = SUCCESS 91% of 2015 graduates employed, in grad school— or both Learn more at worcester.edu M AY 10 - 16, 2018

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feature

The group departs in the chilly morning rain of Logan Airport, eventually arriving in Paso Robles, eager to sample area wines and meet with local wine makers.

A passport to Paso Robles: Central Mass. wine enthusiasts head west JOSHUA LYFORD

Just a few of the wines being sampled on the evening the group arrives. 16

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feature

hen 18 Massachusetts wine enthusiasts — largely from Central Mass. — arrived at California’s Central Coast San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport in the early afternoon of Thursday, April 26, they did so, predominantly, as strangers. Somewhere between the rolling acreage of grape vines and the splash and swirl of filled long-stemmed wine glasses, a small traveling community was formed. While the clouds rolled across Worcester County, the excursionaries explored the sun-drenched and wind-dusted foothills of Paso Robles, Calif. Organized by Julio’s Liquors wine director, Toni DeLuca and Gilbert Distributors’ Heather

made up of rolling hills, mountain peaks and geometric rows of soon-to-be-grape-bearing vines disappearing into the sunny distance, it is difficult to be left unimpressed by the sight. With few exceptions, everyone on the trip is a major wine enthusiast. It is not a textbook journey through the zinfandels, chardonnays, syrahs, tempranillos and viogniers the group is after; it is the personal touch and experience of the wine industry heads and the in-depth look into their motivations, personalities and expertise. Some on the trip have already traveled the world in search of their favorite wine varieties. The dry rustling green of the area whipped

ing crystal, a smiling DeLuca made her first official brief of the trip. “We have traveled across our great country to try some great wine with some great company,” she said with a flip of her hair. “This is the first time me and Heather [Christensen] have done this, so you all are our guinea pigs. Thanks for taking this crazy adventure with me and trusting me with your lives.” Name tags eased the difficult process of memorizing names and wine assisted in organizing discussion. While dinner was being served with appropriate Paso Robles wine selections, representatives from area wineries addressed the room and made impromptu

industry professionals were all on hand to sample the region’s offerings. Later in the evening, Fleck explained that while wine can be daunting to newcomers, that isn’t the way it has to be. “With wine, you don’t need to be an expert right away,” he said, absentmindedly swirling a glass of Tobin James cabernet sauvignon. “I want people to find something they enjoy and if you want to go further, there is this whole door you can open. It doesn’t have to be intimidating.” All of the winemakers and vineyard owners are a wellspring of knowledge and the atmosphere is one of genuine excitement. It is safe

Luna the vineyard dog leads the tour group out to the sprawling acreage of grapes as Vic Roberts gives guests a glimpse behind the scenes at his vineyard and winery. Christensen, the five-day adventure offered a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the winemaking process and an even more tantalizing look at the personalities of the winemakers themselves. From Thursday, April 26 through Monday, April 30, wine was the centerpiece, but it was the tangential experiences that came into focus.

AN EVENING WITH CLARABELLE

he small aircraft left San Francisco International Airport at 2 p.m. and landed in the quaint San Luis Obispo County airport moments shy of 4 p.m. The flight into the wine-centric region was a display in Coastal California beauty. With gorgeous vistas

past the group’s mini bus on its way to Paso Robles and the historic Paso Robles Inn. The historic inn was first erected in 1891, a looming western masterpiece designed by architect Jacob Lenzen. Several decades later, in December 1940, the hotel was destroyed by fire, and was rebuilt in 1942. Visitors are greeted by Clarabelle the wine cow, a saucy Holstein wearing a wine barrell skirt, nibbling on healthy purple grapes. For a community deeply-rooted in wine, Clarabelle makes an apt ambassador. The first evening was one of enthusiastic introductions. The group joined winemakers, proprietors and managers in the inn’s Matador Room. Bottles of area offerings from Lone Madrone, Victor Hugo, Volatus, Zotovich, Riverstar, Tobin James and Midnight Cellars lined the walls. To a brief cacophony of clang-

speeches, some discussing their origin stories, others the specific wines of the evening and a few eliciting laughs through insider jabs. “There’s a madrone tree. It’s very beautiful. There was a solitary madrone tree and Neil [Collins], the owner, wanted to name the wine company after that,” said Erich Fleck, operations manager and assistant winemaker of Lone Madrone and cider maker at Bristols Cider. He recounted the tale of the lone tree that stood watch over the company’s initial vineyard. The group introduced themselves to one another, and while the central theme is a love for wine, the individual backgrounds painted a much broader picture. Healthcare workers, retirees, ballet teachers, business owners, engineers, a group of sorority sisters, framing and digital printing business owners and computer M AY 10 - 16, 2018

to say they are enthused about discussing their passions. “Those of us that maybe aren’t super lucrative, or in magazine, it’s because we love it,” said Fleck. “It’s a sense of place. It’s that European-style lineage. The cheese and pasta in Genoa and Naples are going to be totally different, it’s been like that for generations.” The final wine of the evening is a zinfandel from Midnight Cellars. Midnight Cellars is family-owned, and winemaker Rich Hartenberger proves immediately Paso Robles is a warm, funny counterpoint to the stodgy Napa Valley stereotype. “It’s exciting that some people from Mass. are interested in coming out to Paso,” he said, raising a glass at the front of the room. “It’s a real community, it’s us against the world. We all learn from each other, it’s a great commuWORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

feature out plastic cups and the crew enjoys sparkling wine courtesy of Midnight Cellars. In jaunty contrast to the sweet liquid and rolling hills past the highway limits, Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” echoes from the vehicle’s PA speakers. The honey bees buzzed audibly among the flowering lavender plants growing around the faded wooden Victor Hugo Winery sign. The owner and winemaker at Victor Hugo Winery, Vic Hugo Roberts, welcomes the group to the vineyard. “This was a real fixer-upper when we purchased this,” said Roberts as Luna, the friendly yellow lab turned vineyard dog, sniffed at the redwood panels of the barn. “It was a cattle owntown Paso Robles is quaint, with ranch, there were tires and grain silos. Cleansmall shops nestled around a small, ing up and planing 10 acres was our first year.” sunny park. Vendors are setting up an Roberts and wife Leslie live on the sprawling art-in-the-park event for the coming farm that grew from just 10 acres to more than weekend and an Olive Festival is advertised. 70, with 11 different varieties of grape. High overhead, lamp post signs read “socialize After a tour through the bottling area and downtown.” rolling acreage led by Luna and Roberts, the Around the corner from the city park is the group stops for lunch and wine, learning about Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce and Visithe nuance of the Victor Hugo operation betor Center. The building smells of fresh paint fore setting off to Tobin James Cellars. and there is little in the way of local city data Where Victor Hugo is quiet and intimate, and information, though the pleasant chamber Tobin James Cellars is a robust experience. employee is helpful in procuring sunscreen With a wine tasting on a sunny stone patio, and smiles broadly as she said, “They inform Tobin James (Toby, to his friends) greets the me that they are working on getting local data group. James is an over-the-top character. and just hired an economic developer to get “When I started this place, the whole top that info.” floor was plywood and I slept in a sleeping By 10:15, the group is huddled around bag,” James said with a smile, cocking his white Clarabelle waiting to board the bus to Victor cowboy hat back onto his head. “I didn’t have Hugo Winery. Christensen and DeLuca hand nity. I don’t know if anyone learns from me. “It’s fun here, there are great wines, and everyone is doing fun stuff. If you’ve been to other regions, it will strike you that in Paso Robles, we give a shit.” With the Midnight Cellars zinfandel as a nightcap, the group begins to retire to their hotel rooms and prepare for the long winesoaked journey ahead.

FRIENDLY DOGS AND OLIVE FESTIVALS

Tobin James Cellars is a unique experience for wine enthusiasts in Paso Robles. 18

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M AY 10 - 16, 2018

employees back then. I had a dog, but he didn’t do much.” “Wine is all about food and friends, we don’t get all snooty about it,” he said. “I don’t get why you cant have fun with it, but I’m a bit of a hillbilly.” Last year Tobin James Cellars celebrated 30 years in business. They got their start when someone tried to sell a local winery six tons of zinfandel grapes. “Somebody said, ‘Hell no, we don't want those,’” laughed James. "He said to me, ‘Just have them. Just get them out of my truck.’ I said, ‘Hell, I’ll take them.’ Doesn’t cost much to make wine with free grapes. Bet he’s sad now, ’cuz we opened up across the street on six tons of free grapes.” “Everybody said we wouldn’t make it,” he said. “‘Damn,’ I said. ‘I’ll see about that.’ Thirty years later, I laid out right here and stared up at the stars.” In sticking with his “hillbilly” persona, James shared his favorite variety of wine with the group. “What’s my favorite wine? That’s Chateau de Budweiser,” he said in a faux French accent. “You know, the mailman doesn’t take a walk on his day off.” In explaining the Tobin James Cellars wine making process, James compared styles with nearby award-winning winery Eberle. “Our philosophy is, no matter how it turns out, that’s the way we planned it,” he said. “Tastes like yak urine? Yeah, you don’t see

Eberle doing that.” The final stop of the day was at Lone Madrone in west Paso Robles. The sun was beginning to wane, buzzards flew overhead and cheeky California lizards basked on the large stones along the perimeter of a neighboring vineyard. Everyone enjoys pizza and a number of Lone Madrone wines before getting back on the bus and heading to the hotel. While some depart for an evening of cocktails at The Hatch and The Pine, a cowboy bar featuring karaoke, the group is warned that tomorrow it is off to Midnight Cellars and winemaker Rich Hartenberger will provide a “life-changing experience.”

AFTER MIDNIGHT

“I

went to bed at 9:30 last night so I could drink a lot of wine and terrorize downtown Paso Robles today,” said Hartenberger, wine glass in hand. The other is shielding his eyes from the brightlyburning sun. Everyone sampled the Midnight Cellars Aurora Reserve, a blend of grenache blanc, viognier and roussanne. “It’s a great breakfast wine,” explained Hartenberger. “It helps clean out all the toothpaste and coffee.” A prowling cat weaves in and out of the vines that will soon be heavy with grapes, seeking out troublesome gophers.

Mark Welch shows the crew how he checks for troublesome pests at Midnight Cellars.

feature The group embarks on a tour of the vineyard, led by Mark Welch, cellar master at Midnight Cellars and owner of Torch Cellars. In addition to being a winemaker, Welch is a licensed pest control advisor. “Vine mealybugs are bad news,” Welch explained, turning up a leaf. “That’s a real mess. They live under the bark and produce honeydew, a sooty mold that starts to rot. It’s a real pain in the ass.” After the tour of the vineyard, Hartenberger brought his visitors into the winery and bottling area. “We just got done bottling and we’re small, when you want to work on something, you have to pull everything out. We haven’t quite put everything back yet,” said Hartenberger. After sampling some more Midnight Cellars wines, one of Welch’s Torch brand tannatbased rosé and eating tacos, quesadillas and roasted jalapenos, the group splits into thirds. The challenge of the afternoon is to blind-test a wine and match its blend. The winning group is to receive a Julio’s Liquors prize package. The winning wine blend will be sold, in small amounts, at Julio’s. “I’m usually very Type A about the wines I

put in the store,” said DeLuca. “But we’re letting you guys choose this one.” As the blending competition began, Hartenberger raised the stakes. “The losers get their heads shaved,” he said with a smirk. Team Viognier were the closest in their syrah-based blend and each wore crowns before choosing a free bottle of wine to take home with them. Several hours are spent milling about the winery, sampling wines direct from the barrel and various rarities. Later, a three-course meal is rolled out, prepared by chef du cuisine Jeff Weisinger. Pappardelle pasta and malbec prime-grade braised beef short rib is followed by smoked beef tri-tip and a vegetable medley. The meal ends with chocolate, sourdough and brioche bread pudding. Hartenberger lamented the disinterest in the glow-in-the-dark moon on his 2013 Zenith wine. “You can go to space, it’s like you’re an astronaut,” he said. “Come on man, the moon glows.” Hartenberger, Welch and company are a lot of fun and the crew departs sadly, before

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Hartenberger hops on the bus and exclaims he is following the group into town. At the hotel bar, a two-piece country band plays. Everyone pulls tables together and soaked in the country-tinged covers of The Beatles and Bob Marley. Outside of the Massachusetts Julio’s and Gilbert crew, the room is filled with cowboys. With some trading in their wine for cocktails and beers, the night reached its sleepy conclusion.

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unday’s adventure begins at 8:15 a.m. Everyone drinks mimosas in plastic cups on the bus and the driver turns on what he calls his “eclectic mix,” which includes a reggae version of Mr. Sandman. We arrive in the sandy parking lot of Zotovich and sample a few wines before Jason Carter (“like the president”), general manager

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On Monday, May 7, Worcester Magazine celebrated with the winners of our Annual Best of Worcester poll at The Palladium. Specia and Baba Sushi, BTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smokehouse, Flying Rhino, The Queens Cups, Regatta Deli and Wings Over Worcester.

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of Zotovich, takes us to explore the vineyard. The Zotovich vineyard is considered “waterrich” for the area, though Carter explained a well that once had near-ground water levels is now nearly 100 feet below ground. The group climbs a hill overlooking the vineyard and enjoys the view of a jagged mountain range in the distance. While the sun is warm, the cool breeze is significant. Back at the Zotovich winery and bottling center, Carter pointed out the eucalyptus trees dotting the landscape. The city spent nearly $100,000 to remove the trees. “They’re real good at covering everything in eucalyptus oil,” Carter said. “You cut them down, so your wine doesn’t taste like it came from Australia. They’re also really good at turning into roman candles if a torch is under them.” Everyone enjoys lunch and Zotovich samplings. Carter shares stories with the group. He met his wife, who crafted the afternoon’s desserts, in Japan. She is a top pastry chef in Orange County. “We are spoiled rotten,” joked Christensen. Carter trained in karate while in Japan and continues to teach in California. He has trained Army Rangers in martial arts. After saying goodbye to Carter and Zotovich, the bus heads to Bristols Cider House in Atascadero for a change of pace. Bristols is a west coast variation on the classic British pub. Bristol Rovers F.C. memorabilia lines the walls and the jukebox is filled with acts like The Clash, The Kinks and The Stranglers. Some of the Midnight Cellars crew joined the group and Erich Fleck, assistant winemaker at Lone Madrone and cidermaker at Bristols, describes the various ciders while serving cheese. “That’s what cider was made for,” he said. “The west of England is filled with great cheese, great cheddars.” Bristols focuses on classic dry ciders and experiments with interesting varieties, like

“Green Fairy,” with a hint of absinthe and “Mangelwurzel,” made from beets and apples. From Bristols, it’s off to Firestone Walker Brewing Company for a four-course meal with paired beers.The tables were steel topped and there were dozens of varieties of beer available, including eight different sour beers. Gregory the bus driver joined in on the meal and waxed philosophically on the Massachusetts adventurers that found themselves deep in wine country in the California Central Coast. “You know, there are two types of people in this world,” he said. “There are the people out there who collect things, materials, cash, ownership. Then there are the people that stay more introspective, maybe. They collect different sorts of things. They collect experiences and memories. There’s a whole different thing that comes with that. You get an awareness of yourself. Keep collecting those memories.” Leaving Firestone Walker, the group departed for their hotel rooms and settled in for their last night in Paso Robles.

A CRAZY DREAM

n the morning, everyone gathered around Clarabelle the Wine Cow. Most would depart together from the San Luis Obispo airport, but some had made alternate arrangements. Goodbyes were said and many proposed plans to reconvene at future Julio’s Liquors wine tasting events. “A year ago, me and Heather had this crazy dream,” said DeLuca. “It was nuts putting it all together, but it was awesome. Thanks for joining us.” For wine tasting events and information on future wine region journeys, head to Julio’s Liquors, 140 Turnpike Road, Westborough or find them online at Juliosliquors.com. For more information on Gilbert Distributors, specializing in boutique wine distribution, head to Gilbertdistributors.com.

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George’s Coney Island emplyees get the crowd going at Worcester Magazine’s annual Best of Worcester Winners’ Party. ELIZABETH BROOKS

M AY 10 - 16, 2018

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culture

James Montgomery Returns To Worcester JIM PERRY

ames Montgomery has a history with the city of Worcester that dates back to the beginning of his long, storied career. On Friday, May 18, Montgomery and his band return to the area with a show at the Bull Mansion. Opening will be Going-Lynch and the Brotherhood, featuring longtime frontman and Worcester native Steve Going. There are other Worcester connections in the lineup. Montgomery’s guitarist, George McCann, got his start in Worcester as well. “This is our first Worcester date in a long time,” said Montgomery. “It’s kinda like a high school musical reunion. We’re excited about it and looking forward to it.” Montgomery is heading toward 50 years in the business. A consummate professional, he has earned a place in the history of blues in New England and beyond. But it was here in Massachusetts where it all began. “We got started in Boston when I was at BU,” he said. “Then we expanded westward, getting gigs in the Framingham area, and finally, Worcester and beyond.” They enjoyed a great following up in the Northampton area, particularly at UMass-Amherst. “Not long after that, the band started to go national,” said Montgomery. “We always like to come back around here, though.” An excellent harmonica player, Montgomery takes center stage and leads his band through great originals and personal takes on classic blues numbers. The band is airtight, and Montgomery leads them through each song with a variety of kicks and cues, and they never miss. The band consists of McCann on guitar, Dave Hull on bass and Jeff Thompson on the drum kit. McCann has been by James’ side for 14 years, while Hull has held down the bottom for 16. Mc-

Cann recently released his own solo CD, while Hull recorded one a decade ago. Montgomery and his band have just finished recording a new album, their first since 2013’s “From Detroit to the Delta.” The record is produced by Paul Nelson, who worked with Johnny Winter.

A Spore T Haunting KATHERINE GRADY

Editor’s Note: This student art criticism is published by Worcester Magazine in partnership with ArtsWorcester and Clark University and is made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation.

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here is a haunting presence within Madge Evers’s spore prints. Her deep purple images are made from King Stropharia mushroom gills, which she grows in her own garden. Currently on view in the Aurora Gallery at ArtsWorcester, 660 Main St., “Sporeplay” confronts viewers with the importance of art in conjunction with our ecosphere. Evers challenges our conventional understanding of the role of the artist: she cedes control as she makes her spore prints, and allows the natural world to become the cornerstone for her art. Originally used to identify the species of a mushroom, spore printing is inherently scientific. The printing process, like conducting an experi-

M AY 10 - 16, 2018

A true ambassador of the blues and past president of the New England Blues Society, Montgomery is a hands-on promoter of all things blues. He has worked with many of the top names in the business, including Steve Tyler, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Mick Jagger, Kid Rock and many more. He had a long, close relationship with the late, great Johnny Winter toward the end of his life. “He was one of the most unique persons I’ve ever known,” he warmly recalled. I asked him to describe his live show. “I modeled it after Paul Butterfield and James Cotton,” said Montgomery. “We take the power elements of the blues and put it up front, you know. Some-

times we’ll change it up with a slow blues, keep it dynamic. It’ll be a kick ass show.” With Going’s “Brotherhood” on the bill, James Montgomery wants to emphasize how much that adds to the evening. “Steve Going has a great band, and he’s a solid entertainer,” Montgomery said. “We all go back a long way. It will great for us to have a chance to play again, and there will probably be a certain amount of jamming.” “I want to emphasize that this show will be a real crowd-pleaser,” Montgomery said. “Everyone’s gonna have a ball.” BRIAN SULLIVAN/JAMESMONTGOMERY.COM

ment, consists of dependent and independent variables. Evers creates her prints by foraging mushrooms that she grows in her garden and then placing them, gill-side down, on paper for extended periods of time. A spore print is created when the spores release from the cap of the mushroom and drift onto the surface of the paper. Her work relies on factors that are out of her control: a successful mushroom harvest, the release of spores, and if the fallen spores leave a mark at all. As she explains it, she intentionally limits the control she has over the final image by “handing over the paintbrush” to the actual mushroom. She redefines how an artist makes art by assuming the role of catalyst instead of

mark maker. By removing herself from the process she also removes herself from the final print. Evers chooses to manipulate the mushrooms in two ways: she decides where to place them on the paper substrate and how long they stay there. “Going, Going, Gone,” on view in the gallery, is minimalist in nature. Evers created this image by printing the same mushroom cap over again 10 times, crafting a diagonal line that moves towards the lower right-hand corner of the page. Each time she moved the mushroom, however, the print was less saturated—a testimony to the passage of time and process. The viewer experiences a

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 25

culture SPORE HAUNTING

and expresses the reflective processes of decomposition and reproduction. In addition, within each line of spore prints there are curious, white squiggly lines that represent the path of worms that live within the spores and emerge during the time of printing. There are also moments of discoloration where bits of the decomposing spore are embedded into the image. These lines, coupled with bits of the spore, beget an eerie atmosphere because their movement speaks to active life in proximity to the presence of death. The power of the natural world over the imagery is especially evident in this moment, speaking to the dependency between artist and object. Uncertainty and chance exist within Evers’s work well beyond the stages of framing, displaying and selling. Evers has no sense of how long each print may last. She creates her prints from the natural world and they return to the natural world when the work eventually decomposes, leaving no trace in the physical landscape and art history. The cyclical nature of her work from start to finish creates art that has a life of its own, emphasizing how both art and the environment ultimately surpass our hands and control.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 24

sense of loss as the mushroom disappears into the negative space at the bottom of the paper, and the composition implies a chronological timeline: beginning with deep, fruitful color and size in the upper part of the paper and ending with small, ghostly prints. During the last stage of a mushroom life cycle, spores fall from the cap to start the process of reproduction. Thus, in each of Evers’s prints she captures the end of a life and the very beginning of a new one. “Going, Going, Gone,” is physically linear, but philosophically cyclical as she explores the dependent relationship between life and death. As a result, her work has depth and a sense of nostalgia. Evers’s prints give movement and life to an otherwise static object. Two lines of spore prints juxtaposed side by side comprise another untitled work. The composition suggests movement: the placement of spores creates a lively environment where the two lines echo one another across the negative space of the paper. The echoing, semi-linear forms recall the themes in “Going, Going, Gone”: the composition carries a repetition of self throughout

Katherine Grady, from Worcester, is a senior at Clark University studying Art History.

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I’M BAAACK: On the East Coast after a five day trip to Paso Robles, Calif. with the Julio’s Liquors crew! A trip, I would like to add, that I survived. It was a great experience and one you can read all about in this week’s cover story. I took the photos myself, so, um, sorry about that. As The Lyford Files works as a sort of curtain removal system, I wanted to jot down a few thoughts that didn’t fit in with the themes of the feature story.

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LENGE: Going into this trip, I

knew next to nothing about wine. I knew the difference between red and white, I suppose, but that’s it. So on day one, when we gathered around tables to sample wine and have some dinner, I was confused by the spit bucket, also known as a dump bucket. Did people really spit into them? Well, sort of. They sip the wine and dump the excess out of the glass. Which was a good thing, because if I had slurped down all the wine we sampled, boy, would I be drunk. Also red-faced, because wine does that to me. Also, my jokes about funnelling the spit bucket were not well received. Oops.

COWBOY KARAOKE: Paso Robles is real-deal, honest-to-God, cowboy country. That

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was fascinating on its own merits, but if you’ve read this column, you’ve probably realized I have a proclivity toward the stickier (read: more intense) bars. Well, after two days of being on my best behavior while surrounded by wine and cheese, I needed a taste of action. So, it was off to the Pine Street Saloon. Let me tell ’ya, I was not disappointed. It was sort of like taking Ralph’s Diner into the wild west and it felt exactly like you think it would. Luckily, on this particular evening, karaoke was in the cards. So, a few PBRs and a shot of Jameson later, Motörhead’s “The Ace of Spades” was on the list. It was a stark contrast to the mellow country swooning of the evening, but I saw more than a few 10-gallon hats bobbing around. Pro-tip: accuse a cowboy bar of not knowing how to rock and roll for full effect. I won’t out the folks on the trip who joined me in this musical adventure, as I’m not sure they’d want to be associated with it, but props, it was one of the highlights of the trip for me, so thanks for taking the journey.

WINE FOR DUMMIES: Since we’re pulling back the curtain here — and since I’ve

made a habit of being uncomfortably honest in this little slice of column heaven — I have to admit something that is a bit hard to, erm, swallow. I assumed wine aficionados were snobs. There, I said it. Maybe it’s the Hollywood portrayal of elites sipping fine aged wines, or maybe it’s the price point of the good stuff, or maybe it’s that I’ve never owned a crystal wine glass, but I kind of figured this trip would be a bit, well, stuffy. You know what, though? I was dead wrong. I guess I can’t judge a book by its cover (unless it’s Dreamsnake by Vonda N. McIntyre, that cover really hit the nail on the head. Also, thanks Matty and Miya for letting me read this, it’s great). Everyone on the trip was really nice and — more importantly — a lot of fun. The winemakers and vineyard owners too, were down-to-earth. In retrospect, that makes a lot of sense. These are people that have staked their livelihoods on making the drinks they love to sip. Shout out to Rich Hartenberger from Midnight Cellars, who really missed an opportunity as a standup comedian; Vic Roberts from Victor Hugo, who somehow manages to look like a sexier Sam Elliot; Mark Welch from Midnight Cellars/Torch, who looked like Bill Belichick if Bill Belichick knew how to have fun; and Toby James from Tobin James, a native-San Franciscan who has adopted the cowboy culture with hilarious gusto. Special note for Erich Fleck, from Bristols Cider and Lone Madrone Winery. For reasons I can’t understand (compared to most on the trip, I looked a little, let’s say, disheveled), he took the time to chat with me on several occasions about why wine shouldn’t be snooty or intimidating, and it was both imporJoshua Lyford tant to hear and also set a nice tempo for the rest Culture editor of the trip. @Joshachusetts

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Who needs Anna Wintour when you’ve got Best of Worcester? It’s no coincidence that

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11 at Crust Artisan Bakeshop from 6-8:30 p.m. for $60. The class will operate in conjunction with Noah’s Table, and Lettuce Be Local will source some of the fresh spring ingredients. Crust continues to grow their repertoire, with a recent announcement by Alexis Kelleher and Nate Rossi that the bakeshop is growing to include an expansion dedicated to fine wine and cheese. B.T.’s Smokehouse is also popping up in Worcester this

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The Food Truck Throw Down drew thousands of hungry visitors to Green Hill Park last weekend. Say Cheese took home the People’s Choice Award, while the judge’s named Anzio’s Brick Oven Pizza as champion. Competitors were judged on their food, cleanliness, presentation, wait time and service. Worcester Food Trucks organizer Mark Gallant (aka the Dogfather) Johnny Gillespie, of Anzio’s Mobile Wood Fired was pleased with the turnout and participation of the food Pizza, tosses pizza dough during the Food Truck truck community, which contin- Throw Down at Green Hill Park. ues to flourish despite previous ELIZABETH BROOKS opposition in years past. month, with a special event at Lock 50 on May 22, 6- 9 p.m., for $65. Dining in the Dark Audio Journal’s annual fundraising event will Tosé take place on Saturday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston. Following a Worcester’s millennial ladies are mulling over cocktail hour, guests will engage in a blindfolded Betches Media’s new crossover project with dinner without knowledge of the menu. “No one Three Olives Vodka: Vosé (ie: vodka+rosé.) And, who has vision can truly know what it’s like to be as much as I love (and I mean LOVE) the cameo by my favorite feminist rapper, Lil Frex, in Vosé’s permanently blind,” said Audio Journal Director first promotional push – I’ve never been partial Vince Lombardi, “but for one, brief evening, we to vodka. Julio’s is taking the rosé collab in a can give folks just a taste of the challenges our different direction with their Tequila & Rosé Feslisteners face every day.” Tickets are $85, two for $160, tables of eight for $600. Special requests for tival, on Saturday May 12, 2-4 p.m., featuring 20 comthose with dietary restrictions will be accomodated. Audio Journal is a nonprofit broadcasting plimentary tasting tables to showcase all of the finest service with a mission to inform, educate and rosés, tequilas and mezcals. empower individuals who are visually impaired If the cover story this week by providing access to information, culture, and is any indication, our own employment opportunities. millennial, Josh Lyford, might be able to point us Snap, Crackle, Pop Worcester PopUp’s stunning neon sign is indica- in the right rosé direction. tive of more than just the success of downtown’s Cheers to the other side of the fold! new cultural center. We are becoming a city propelled by newfangled opportunity. Take, for Sarah Connell example, the PopUp Pasta Class slated for May contributing writer

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here is no local establishment where I have dined more frequently over the last two decades than at the Corner Grille. Even under new ownership, it retains the crafty aura that captivated me in its earliest days. Corner Grille boasted a mural long before our city had been painted from head to toe and a neon sign before a time riddled with vintage omens. Their chalkboarding skills have always marked an artform in and of themselves and the decor espoused pinterest prior to the iPhone age. Designer pizza began for Worcester at the Corner Grille. There’s still no bathroom, but the folks across the street are typically welcoming if you don’t mind buying a little something while you’re there. For years now, tables have come with a side of colored pencils to adorn their butcher paper coverings like individual canvases for servers to admire. At present, rolling pins cover an entire wall, waiting to be availed by a large swarm of unarmed bakers. Pizza arrives at customers’ sides on thick cutting boards, often delivered by the new owner himself, Ted. If you ask him, Ted will give you the latest scoop on his forthcoming West Boylston Street project, which he hopes will seat closer to 120 guests as opposed to Corner Grille, which only accommodates 20-30, including patio tables. Rest assured, even with a new space in the works, Ted promises that nothing at Corner Grille will change. The iced teas and lemonades are part of the fun, mixed up in large mason jars for sharing. These vibrant elixirs sit on display in a cooler along with prepared foods like Hungarian mushroom soup, stuffed cabbage and shepherd’s pie - all hovering around $9 for customers to take home and stock their refrigerators. On the counter, you’ll find an array of homemade baked goods, such as red velvet whoopie pies and peanut butter brownies (both $5.99.) You can grab whatever you’d like, place your order, and pay at the end of the meal; don’t be afraid to tack on a beverage or a blondie before cashing out. Ignore the clutter behind the register and be warned that it can get a little smokie if you sit inside. The previous owner famously made her em-

Corner Grille’s chicken caesar salad pie includes a simple parmesan and tomato base topped with a chopped caesar salad that stays inexplicably crisp by contrast. ployees sign confidentiality agreements to keep her recipes under wraps, but Ted has been with Corner Grille for as long as most customers can remember and the pizzas hold up. All pies are one size and run $15.99. The chicken caesar salad pie is just as I remember it - a simple parmesan and tomato base topped with a chopped caesar salad that stays inexplicably crisp by contrast. The south-westside pie hasn’t changed either, complete with barbecue sauce, chicken, red onion and melted cheese. Still, the crust has grown sturdier since Ted took the reigns – taking on something of a matzo quality. It supports the weight of heartier toppings like the Mexicali street corn pie made with chili garlic crema, roasted corn, cilantro pesto and crumbled cotija. Also, the mashed potato pie, which consists of a garlic butter base, bacon, scallions, red potato and a light cheese blend. Each pizza is cut into 16 squares, ready to dole out with a spatula. The wraps, priced high at $9.99, are a testament to the freshness and consistency that grant Corner Grille its reputation for excellence. The chicken mediterranean includes housemade hummus and feta cheese, while the harvest turkey embodies your fondest memories of Thanksgiving leftovers. The grilled cheeseburger wrap makes use of horseradish and poses a widowmaker option for those eager to add bacon. If you have never been to Corner Grille, it is pivotal that you prioritize a trip to the west side before summer unfolds. If you love Corner Grille and had any hesitations about new ownership, don’t worry, Ted is doing a fine job. And, if you’re a longtime customer, I admire your taste. Meet you all on Pleasant Street shortly. On my last visit with six friends, our total came to ($68.44.)

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

culture NOW OPEN DAILY! Dispatches from the ‘Infinity War’ front JIM KEOGH

ircumstances beyond my control prevented me from seeing “Avengers: Infinity War” in its first week of release. But the billion dollars it’s already earned worldwide suggest I’m in the minority. Apparently, “Infinity War” was the circumstance beyond control that prevented many, many people from doing other life stuff last week for at least two and a half hours. At this late juncture, writing a straight-on review seems pointless, given the volcanic amount of conversation the movie has already spewed (Has your grandmother told you how much ass Thor kicks?). I did enjoy the film, liked the chances it took, and as someone who has grown tired of superhero pictures times infinity, I was surprisingly impressed with the choreography of the fighting and storytelling. Both are pretty aggressive. Now, instead of a review, I’d prefer to offer my own random “Infinity War” thoughts. Heed or discard them at will: • Thanos absolutely makes this movie. Yes, he’s a CGI construct, but the voice and face — even beneath the digital layering — are distinctly those of Josh Brolin, which humanizes the inhuman. Brolin already has a head like an Easter Island statue, so the leap to Thanos isn’t so vast. Besides, this may be the first supervillain with a practical argument (twisted, but practical) for wiping out half the universe. And once he’s done, he just wants to retire and go golfing in Hilton Head — or its villainous equivalent. • I was ready to slam the participation of the

Serving our full menu “Guardians of the Galaxy” crew as a square peg forcing its way into a round hole, but they work just fine. Screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely infuse the movie with the right dose of humor to make Star-Lord and company relevant (Star-Lord’s jealous mutterings about Thor are a highlight). Gamora’s connection to Thanos is one of the film’s most emotionally rending subplots.

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• Thor is without his hammer, Captain America without his shield. Fortunately, Iron Man still has his Pepper and Star-Lord his talking raccoon. • Let’s talk about death for a minute — but in a cagey, non-specific way. The number of recognizable people who die in “Infinity War” is staggering. (Obviously, I can’t divulge the identities, or the circumstances, which is aggravating since those who truly care already know the outcome.) Before seeing the movie, I decided, What the hell, I’ll log into a review with a flashing “Spoilers!” alert and ruin the surprise for myself. By the time I saw “Infinity War” I knew who had survived the great purge and who was checking out. Here’s the thing: That knowledge may have lessened the pure shock value of the finale, but not the powerful connotation of what we’re witnessing. As has been noted in a thousand other places, most of these actors have multi-picture deals to play these same characters, so some marvelous resurrections are on the horizon. • I read an article once that said every muscleheaded iron-pumper on Venice Beach aspired to be Arnold Schwarzenegger. I have to believe today’s professional wrestlers light a candle to have a career like former ringman Dave Bautista, whose Drax delivers some of “Infinity War’s” funniest lines. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will always be the ultimate wrestler-whomade-good, but Bautista is natural onscreen, and is carving out a nice career as a wisecracking thug. Jim Keogh contributing writer

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culture Thursday May 10 Han, Finckel & Setzer-Beethoven & Schubert

Thursday May 10 Workforce Central Job Fair

Tuckerman Hall, 10 Tuckerman St. Presented by Music Worcester, the pianist, cellist and violinist come together to bring the works of Beethoven and Schubert to life with the help of Tuckerman Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonderful acoustics.

DCU Center, 50 Foster St. The seventh annual Workforce Central Career Center Job Fair, matching candidates with potential employers. Part and fulltime positions showcased.

Saturday May 12 Massachusetts Pirates vs. Maine Mammoths

DCU Center, 50 Foster St. The Maine Mammoths return to take on the Massachusetts Pirates. The debut arena football game for the pirates was at home against the Mammoths and the Pirates dominated. Can they do it again?

Through May 26 Carrie Crane: Becoming Truth

ArtsWorcester Aurora Gallery, 660 Main St. Carrie Craneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique take on technology. What is real and what is fictitious? Crane invites viewers on her journey through data and tech.

LIVE & LOCAL Jim Polito 5-9 am

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Jordan Levy 3-6 pm

culture Sunday May 13 Savage Master, Bewitcher, Facepaint Ralphâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diner, 148 Grove St. The heavy occult favorites return from Louisville, KY, this time joined by Portland,ORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bewitcher and local rock and roll favorites, Facepaint.

Saturday May 12 Emmure

The Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. The metalcore act will be joined by Counterparts, King 810, Varials, Inari, Regime, The Worst of Us and No Eye Has Seen.

Through May 27 18 in the 21st

Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St. Six artists explore their personal growth through these troubling times via photography, painting, poetry and digital manipulation.

Through Sept. 2 Exploring the Myths of James Dye

Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. The intricate work of James Dye is explored in an in-depth exhibition at the Worcester Art Museum. The visual storyteller uses India ink to transform and morph global narratives and storylines.

ENTER TO WIN TICKETS!

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sports p College Sports Baseball

Holy Cross May 12 @ Semifinals Series May 13 @ Semifinals Series

Men’s Rowing

Holy Cross May 13 vs. Eastern Sprints, 8 a.m. WPI May 11 vs. National Invitational Rowing Championships, 8 a.m.

Women’s Rowing

Assumption May 11 @ Dad Vail Regatta, Philadelphia, Pa. May 12 @ Dad Vail Regatta, Philadelphia, Pa. Clark May 11 @ National Invitational Rowing Championship, Lake Quinsigamond

Holy Cross May 11 @ Patriot League Championship, Pennsauken, N.J., 8 a.m. WPI May 11 vs. National Invitational Rowing Championships, 8 a.m.

Softball

Holy Cross May 10 @ Patriot League Tournament May 11 @ Patriot League Tournament May 12 @ Patriot League Tournament

Men’s Track & Field

Assumption May 11 @ New England Outdoor Championships, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H May 12 @ New England Outdoor Championships, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H Holy Cross May 11 @ New England Outdoor Championship, Hanover, N.H., 12 p.m. May 12 @ IC4U Outdoor Outdoor Championship, Princeton, N.J.

May 12 @ New England Outdoor Championship, Hanover, N.H., 10 a.m. May 13 @ IC4U Outdoor Outdoor Championship, Princeton, N.J. Nichols May 11 @ NEICAAA Championship Worcester State May 10 vs. All New England Championship, Dartmouth College May 11 vs. All New England Championship, Dartmouth College May 12 vs. All New England Championship, Dartmouth College WPI May 11 vs. All New England Championships Day 1, Dartmouth College May 12 vs. All New England Championships Day 1, Dartmouth College

Women’s Track & Field

Assumption May 11 @ New England Outdoor Championships, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H. May 12 @ New England Outdoor Championships, Dart-

Worcester Smiles Game Day Opener! Gifts l a i c e p S

Saturday, May 12 Pre-Game Show: 6:30pm Kick-Off: 7pm Tickets: fcsmiles.org Student Discounts Available

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mouth College, Hanover, N.H. Holy Cross May 11 @ New England Outdoor Championship @ Hanover, N.H., 12 p.m. May 12 @ ECAC Outdoor Championship, Princeton, N.J. May 12 @ New England Outdoor Championship, Hanover, N.H., 10 a.m. May 13 @ ECAC Outdoor Championship, Princeton, N.J. Nichols May 11 @ NEICAAA Championship Worcester State May 10 vs. All New England Championship, Dartmouth College May 11 vs. All New England Championship, Dartmouth College May 12 vs. All New England Championship, Dartmouth College WPI May 11 vs. All New England Championships Day 1, Dartmouth College May 12 vs. All New England Championships Day 1, Dartmouth College

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sports Railers players put their best skates forward

Added Myers: “Woody’s larger than life. He’s a character, he’s fun, he plays hard, he’s exciting to cheer for. We have so many guys like that.” Chris Langkow would fit that bill. While he finished the season watching instead of skating for the Railers, the first-line center who played with Russell with the Elmira Jackals also ended up wearing the captain’s jersey. “He played for me two years and had career years both times,” Russell said, calling Langkow a “terrific leader.” Langkow, he said, was an important piece for the Railers’ second half in terms of leadership.

the Railers and ended up leading the team in scoring. Adjusting to the North American game, he brought experience to an otherwise young team, Russell said. If any player on the Railers could rival Hudson in terms of fans chanting his name, it was goalie Mitch Gillam, who wasn’t expected to make the team entering camp, but ended up starting and guiding them into the postseason. “Gilly! Gilly!,” as the chant goes, “stepped up and got on an amazing roll,” Russell said. “He was a big part of us being able to earn a playoff opportunity. While he didn’t light up the lamp with regular-

Turcotte tried to mix it up with a Thunder player. He ended up being assessed a penalty, and as he skated toward the box, Turcotte flapped his arms like a chicken, his opponent having declined to scrap. The fans lapped it up. “It was clear in the playoff series,” Russell said, “the other team didn’t want to play against him.” To a man, the Railers answered the bell in the team’s first season. Some, like Patrick McNally, who left to play in Sweden, didn’t make it to the end. Others, like left-winger Nick Saracino, showed a knack for the big game. “Cino,” as he was called, notched a hat trick in the playoffs. At

His loss was a tough one for the team, which also lost “a warrior” in defenseman Mike Cornell early in the playoffs. “Not a big man, but absolutely shows up to work every day,” Russell said of Cornell. Myers used “warrior” to describe Langkow, as well, noting how he stepped up when the team needed it the most. “He’s a warrior and really came on as a strong leader throughout the season,” Myers said. “When he took over the reins, he took a team that really could have gone into a tailspin.” Another key for the Railers was Barry Almeida, who played overseas the year prior to joining

ity, and scored no goals in the playoffs, forward Yanick Turcotte ingratiated himself to fans with a no-holds-barred physicality that saw him pile up the penalty minutes as an enforcer (According to ECHL stats, Turcotte tallied 188 total penalty minutes in 1027-18). “He’s one tough kid,” Russell said of the Railers’ youngest rostered player. “Amazing work ethic. Shows up every day. I never saw him lose a fight all year. His game advanced a ton.” By the end of the season, and into the playoffs, there were few opponents willing to square off with the 6-foot, 200-pound Turcotte. One of the best examples was in Game 6 in Worcester, when

various times, players such as Matt Gaudreau, Jeff Kubiak and others strutted their stuff. As for who returns next year, that is still a work in progress. Exit meetings have been held and Russle will be reaching out to players’ agents and submitting a list of protected players to the league. The team is already looking ahead. “Going into next year, we really like the start we had,” Russle said, adding he would like to have “a number of our players” back in the fold. “We built a very strong foundation to move forward, but the goal is to win the Kelly Cup. We got a good step in moving out of the gate in the inaugural season, but we want to get better.”

WALTER BIRD JR.

s a team, the Worcester Railers impressed in many ways from start to finish in their inaugural season. As Railers President Mike Myers put it: “The team as a whole, we didn’t have any bad apples. They were all just good kids.” On the ice, there were some standouts for the Railers, who in their first year in the ECHL powered their way into the playoffs, where they bowed out in the first round in a six-game loss to the Adirondack Thunder. Coach and General Manager Jamie Russell pointed to several players who stood out one way or another. Chief among them: Woody Hudson. There were times during some games when chants of “Woody! Woody! Woody!” drowned out the slapping of the puck on the ice. The rookie from St. Lawrence became, in short order, a fan favorite. Calling him “one of the big surprises,” Russell said Hudson was “a guy that came in, a big, strong power forward who had kind of been a fourth-line guy in college … For him to score 20 goals was terrific.” “I think with Woody we’re just scratching the surface,” the coach continued. “I think there’s more. I think he can take it to another level. [He was a] great story coming in as a rookie, fighting his way into the lineup. [With his] physical play, I thought that was a great rookie year for Woody.”

The Score

Round-Up

Massachusetts Pirates May 6 The Pirates worked some late-game magic to score a 44-37 win over the Columbus Lions at the DCU Center in Worcester, moving to 4-1 on the season. (Upcoming: The Pirates stay in Worcester to take on the Maine Mammoths Saturday, May 12, 7 p.m. The Pirates beat the Mammoths in their first game of the season - their first-ever National Arena League game - last month.)

Pirates QB Sean Brackett completed 24 of 34 passes for 191 yards and five TDs, according to reports, while wide receiver Marshawn “Mardy” Gilyard hauled in seven catches for 83 yards and three TDs.

M AY 10 - 16, 2018

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Adoption option Welcome to Adoption Option, a partnership with the Worcester Animal Rescue League, highlighting their adoptable pets. Check this space often to meet all of the great pets at WARL in need of homes. WARL is open seven days a week, noon-4 p.m., 139 Holden St. Check them out online at Worcesterarl.org, or call at 508-853-0030.

SHERI BREADY PHOTOGRAPHY

Daisy is looking for a home with a person without young kids who will appreciate her gentle nature and be patient with her as she gets to know her new surroundings. Daisy came from a busy household with multiple dogs and that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite suit her. She may really shine being the one and only star. Daisy is very shy when she meets new people, but her playful personality shines through after getting acquainted with a person. Daisy lived with small dogs and a cat in her previous home, but is seeking less commotion and a nice family to settle down with. If you would like more information about Daisy or want to meet her, ask the staff today.

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games “Flip the On Switch”--turn on, tune in. by Matt Jones

JONESIN’

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

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Across 1 Puts two and two together 5 Clean the deck 9 Filibuster-airing channel 14 Cheer 15 Serve tea 16 River past Liechtenstein 17 “South Park” co-creator Parker 18 Rice-A-___ 19 Oscar winner Jeremy 20 Subsequent to a sin? 23 Dartmouth or Brown, e.g. 24 “I” focus? 25 Kissing disease’s progression? 34 Lively tunes 35 Where the mojito supposedly originated 36 Pudding layer 37 In-flight announcement, for short 38 Powerful person 39 Fireman’s tool 40 Doesn’t just sit there 42 Zest 43 In ___ (stuck) 45 Scaredy-typesetting machine? 48 Singer Rita born in what’s now Kosovo 49 Wide shoe size 50 British romance novelist’s boast? 58 Awestruck 59 Intensify 60 “Sopranos” actress ___ de Matteo 61 Samurai without a master 62 “Monster” that’s really a lizard 63 Fish sometimes eaten by raccoons 64 Special vocabulary 65 Fix, at the vet’s office 66 Turns into compost Down 1 Commedia dell’___ 2 Boots’s cartoon friend 3 Active person 4 Coif expert 5 Uses a mister 6 Dog park noise 7 Jackie, on “Roseanne”

8 9 10 11 12 13 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 38 41 43 44 46 47

Cheese in a wheel 50 “What hump?” speaker of film Recoil in distaste 51 Designer Vera Psilocybin, slangily 52 They’re often sold in sixes or Semistable subatomic particle twelves Part of A.D. 53 Be klutzy “Duck Hunt” platform 54 Greeting in Guatemala Fashion designer Saint-Laurent 55 Cookie that rolled out a Kettle Corn flavor (up for voting) in Amy Winehouse song 2018 Garment fold 56 Hanukkah candy Obstacle 57 Talk back to Get ___ start 58 Constellation called “the Altar” City northwest of Orlando Completely messed up, in Last week's solution military slang Govt. investment Giraffe’s relative #37 “On a scale of ___ ten ...” Inexperienced with Sign for October 23 -November 21 Parliamentary votes Meager Familiarize with new surroundings Flexibility ©2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

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Reference puzzle #883

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main St. Worcester, MA 01608 508-831-2200 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. WO18P1348EA

Estate of: Anthony A Lewis, Jr. Date of Death: 12/09/2017 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by: Jennifer L Lewis of West Boylston, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Jennifer L Lewis of West Boylston, MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in an unsupervised administration. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 05/22/2018. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Leilah A Keamy, First Justice of this Court. Date: April 26, 2018 Stephanie K. Fattman, Register of Probate 2:20 PM 05/10/18 WM

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last call Diane Dabrowski Humanitarian D iane Dabrowski has dedicated herself to helping Haitian orphans in memory of her daughter Emily, who died at 17 from complications caused by mononucleosis. Diane has raised more than $30,000 for Free the Kids, Inc. in order to construct housing and provide food and education for children in Haiti. Dabrowski recently created a memorial fund to provide scholarships to students from her daughter’s graduating class at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley. What is your history with Central Massachusetts? I was born and raised in Charlton. Please describe your career trajectory. I am a third-generation Charlton realtor. My grandfather and both my parents were realtors. I achieved one of my earliest goals last year. When I began my career in 1990, I wanted to earn the most coveted realtor award, called “Realtor Choice Award.” It is the hardest to earn because you have to be voted on by your realtor peers — your competition — as the one realtor who displays the most ethical behavior and cooperation to other realtors during the real estate transaction. Many times it can be an adversarial position to work with another realtor. I try to treat every person honestly to earn their trust, so they will want to work with you over and over again. Not all real estate agents are realtors, and there are people in this business that have reputations for not presenting all offers or not cooperating, but that’s not how to successfully sell the clients property or have other realtors want to work with you again. I want to be a realtor in Worcester County until they take my driver’s license away because of old age. How did you become involved in global service? My daughter Emily went on a mission trip with St. Joseph’s Church in Charlton. She was only 15 on her first trip. She went three times before she died in January 2017. She talked about the orphanage constantly and wanted to open her own, someday. I’m trying to do what I feel she would want me to do; help feed the babies and raise donations and awareness for Pwoje Espwa Sud in Les

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Cayes, Haiti. Our community has been so supportive. The donations that came in, combined with an anonymous donor, helped to build a concrete dome house in the young boys village.

Can you describe your work with Free the Kids Inc.? Right now I am driven to provide as much assistance as I can. I feel the need to raise awareness of the need and try to bring in as many donations as I can for them. My real estate career funds much of my activities for FTK and allows me to sponsor one of Emily’s youngest friends from Espwa. I will continue to travel to Haiti to help give love and hope to those children when I can. If I could get help to develop some program between local colleges and college students to do an internship type of program to help at Espwa, I would be so grateful. I am setting up a meeting with my alma mater, Springfield College, to see if we can do something to help in Haiti. There may be an early childhood education student, an environmental studies student to help get clean water to the orphanage, or a medical student who would like to help. If I may share my email address for people to reach out to me, it’s DianeD@ERAkey.com. I am about ready to go on my third trip there. I raise donations of money, medical supplies, educational items and clothing to carry down with me when I go. My company, ERA Key, just donated two Dell laptops for me to bring to Espwa. When we are staying at the orphanage, we are there to bring love, joy and hope to the children. The house mothers and teachers have so many children to care for, they really don’t have time to sit and read to them, play with them or teach them to do a cartwheel. This will be the first time I go down with the teens and I M AY 10 - 16, 2018

am really looking forward to the energy. On a local level, I have also started a scholarship fund in my daughter’s memory. Last year, as Emily’s class graduated from Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, I was able to give away $5,000 in scholarships. I hope to be able to do this for all four classes that were at Shepherd HIll with Emily. Please share an anecdote gleaned from your work in Haiti. I am not known for my stunning dance moves. They had a dance party for the children while I was there. An old college roommate taught me how to do this head to toe sideways body slide move. The kids were bent over laughing at me while I was trying my best to be impressive among all these break dancers. Afterward, when they would see me, they would run up to me and imitate me. I added the word “Sistaaahs” in

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my best Boston accent to make it funny. I was so touched when I returned five months later and they remembered me. We were all laughing as we did a group “Sistaaahs” move. How can our readers help you with your mission? Readers can help by praying for the missionaries, the orphans and the volunteers of Espwa. Donations are always welcomed. Free the Kids is a valid charitable organization. Donations can be made online at www. FreetheKids.org. If a reader would like the donation to be brought to Haiti, please make a note and I will bring it there. To support the scholarship fund, gifts can be made to the Emily Dabrowski Memorial foundation and mailed to Savers Bank, 35 Trolley Crossing Road, Charlton, MA 01507. — Sarah Connell

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