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PULSE PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Merit House Media, Worcester, MA. Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Merit House Media does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Merit House Media, unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Merit House Media, unless so stated. Material printed in PULSE is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Merit House Media, info@merithousemedia.com
STAFF:
Kate McEvoy, President & Publisher kate.mcevoy@merithousemedia.com Jenny Pacillo, Editor editor@merithousemedia.com Kimberly Vasseur, Art Director Kevin La, Digital & Advertising Design design@merithousemedia.com David Simone, Senior Account Executive david.simone@merithousemedia.com Deana Korkidis, Sale Executive & Social Media Specialist deana.korkidis@merithousemedia.com
from the EDITOR
I thanked Paul Giorgio for his vision and dedication to Pulse Magazine in my first “Letter from the Editor” over the summer, however his life was so much more than publishing. An easy summary of my friend Paul would be the long list of his accomplishments, but the best way to capture his smarts, insights and humor is through stories. Although, if you knew Paul, you’d also know most of the stories would not be fit to print. It’s fitting that our cover this month is the Nonprofit Wish List. Paul could have spent his life anywhere and he chose to put all of his energy into Worcester. There are over a thousand registered nonprofits in the city of Worcester, and this list captures a fraction of what our community needs. We asked each organization to share three concrete things they could use right now. Find one that speaks to you and help if you can. Everything makes a difference. I know we didn’t reach everyone. This is our first Nonprofit Wish List, and we plan to make it a November tradition. We’re always happy to highlight the work happening in our community, so if your organization wasn’t included this year, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you.
Elizabeth Beard, Office Manager elizabeth.beard@merithousemedia.com CONTRIBUTORS: Charlene Arsenault, Julie Bowditch, Eric Butler, Shaun Connolly, Melissa Cutler, Joshua Lyford, Ellie Murphy, Linnea Sheldon, Hank Stoltz, Julie Walker, Bernard Whitmore, Ravon Williams, Dianne Williamson
Jenny Pacillo, Editor editor@merithousemedia.com
READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM @WORCESTERPULSE FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE t h epu ls emag.com
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Pulse Magazine: NOVEMBER 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER STORY
PLATE & POUR
NON-PROFIT WISH LIST BY JASON SAVIO
TABLE FOR WOO
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MUSIC, ART, & CULTURE FROM THE FRONT ROW
CENTRAL MA THEATER PREVIEW
(SPILLING) THE TEA
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DINNER WITH FRIENDS
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WHAT IS BREWING IN HOSPITALITY
OBSERVATIONS OVER BITES AND BEVERAGES
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BY ERIC BUTLER
TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL 14
TAILS OF THE CITY
FACE THE MUSIC
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BY JULIE BOWDITCH
PERTAINING TO PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE
SHAUN KNOWS SPORTS?
BY CHARLENE ARSENAULT
MUSINGS ON LIFE AND SPORTS
ARTS & CULTURE LISTINGS
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BY SHAUN CONNOLLY
WORMHOLE
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IN THE WEEDS
THE OTHER SIDE OF MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
VIEWS FROM ANOTHER PERSON’S BOOKMARK
BY TIM GARVIN
A MONTHLY PUFF PIECE ABOUT CANNABIS
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OUT AND ABOUT
A VIEW THROUGH RAINBOW GLASSES
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KEEPIN’ IT LOCAL
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1:1 with Hank Stolz
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BY HANK STOLZ
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Linnea Sheldon is an award-winning communications professional with more than two decades of experience helping mission-driven organizations tell compelling stories that connect with their communities. She specializes in creative marketing, strategic communications and finding fresh angles that inspire engagement. When she’s not crafting campaigns, she enjoys writing about the people, culture, history and hidden gems that make life in Central Massachusetts unique.
BY JULIE WALKER
EXCERPTS FROM TALK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
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BY RAVON WILLIAMS
BY JOSHUA LYFORD
WHAT I’M READING NOW
CONTRIBUTORS:
BY DIANNE WILLIAMSON
ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
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BY BERNARD WHITMORE
FEATURE STORY WORCESTER LITTER BY JENNY PACILLO
YOUR LOCAL MONTHLY DINING REVIEW
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Ellie Murphy grew from a student to a teacher through the Worcester Public Schools and Worcester State University. With an MFA in Creative Writing, freelance writing and editing serve as her creative outlet while working at a local non-profit.
Joshua Lyford is an award-winning reporter, editor and musician. Josh has spend nearly two decades covering (as well as contributing to) arts, culture, music and entertainment across Central Massachusetts.
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BY JASON SAVIO
The Non-Profit Wish List
In one way or another, we’ve all felt the pinch lately. Whether it’s higher gas prices, an increase in the cost of groceries, or any number of other elements, things have been tight and it’s hard to avoid. But our community has always been strong. Built on hard work, determination,
and love, we continually pick each other up when times get tough.
As the holiday season approaches, more and more people will find themselves in need of help from their neighbors. Non-profit organizations across central Massachusetts are doing their best to meet the growing demand, but, in an uncer-
Abby’s House
access print material, to their communities through broadcasting of local news, information, and entertainment with targeted programs and content. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Harry Duchesne, Executive Director EMAIL: harry@audiojournal.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Mini Desktop Computer & monitor SPECIFIC INFO: Dell OptiPlex mini desktop computer with Intel Core WHY DO YOU NEED IT: A new computer & monitor is needed in our live studio for the reading of our news to our listeners by our blind intern volunteers. ITEM: Portable Sound system with one speaker and two microphones SPECIFIC INFO: Portable Bluetooth 1000W PA speaker system two wireless mics WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To assist our “Memory Care” outreach to local Dementia, Alzheimers and Traumatic Brain Injury units in Senior Residential Facilities in Worcester. Our interns and volunteers will be performing skits, plays, live music, pet therapy, music therapy. ITEM: 20 UBER gift cards SPECIFIC INFO: 20 UBER gift cards with value of $50 WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Audio Journal listeners can attend events that are outside of WRTA paratransit limits (outside of bus lines)
ADDRESS: 52 High St., Worcester MA, 01609 WEBSITE: abbyshouse.org MISSION: Abby’s House is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing women with or without children with safe shelter, affordable housing, advocacy services, and the support they need to lead self-directed lives filled with dignity and hope. ITEM: Paper towels SPECIFIC INFO: Any brand or size WHY DO YOU NEED IT: This is an item we are always low on and makes all the difference and helps maintain a clean safe space ITEM : Disinfectant wipes SPECIFIC INFO: Ideally Lysol brand WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Due to certain allergies these wipes are the main cleaner we can use on all surfaces ITEM: Amazon gift cards SPECIFIC INFO: In any amount WHY DO YOU NEED IT: These allow us to give them directly to the women so they can choose what they would like and allows them to pick their own products and items.
African Community Education (ACE)
ADDRESS: 51 Gage St., Worcester, MA 01605 WEBSITE: https://africancommunityeducation.org/ MISSION: ACE is a home away from home for African refugees and immigrants in Worcester. Through educational programs and wraparound support services, we help kids and families find success, empowerment, and self-sufficiency in their new home. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Tim O’Neil, Director of Development EMAIL: toneil@acechildren.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Gas gift cards SPECIFIC INFO: Cumberland Farms gift cards WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To fill up our vans that provide transportation for kids to and from our programs ITEM: Food gift cards SPECIFIC INFO: BJ’s gift cards WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To stock our food pantry with food and home supplies for ACE families ITEM: Water Bottles (200 total needed) SPECIFIC INFO: Neihepal 24oz insulated water bottles bulk 8 Pack WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To distribute to ACE students and limit the use of single-use cups at our After School Program
Audio Journal Inc.
ADDRESS: 799 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606 WEBSITE: www.audiojournal.org MISSION: Audio Journal’s Mission in Central Massachusetts is to connect individuals with a visual impairment, or an inability to
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
tain economic time, your help is essential. We’ve contacted numerous non-profits from the region and asked them for their “holiday wish list”—three things they are in need of and why. The following is a list of the responses that we received. Learn about each organization and what they do, and consider helping if you can. every week and 2,500 people during the holidays. ITEMS: Robotic Kits Discovery 12-in-1 Solar Robot Kit 4M Tin Can Robot SPECIFIC INFO: UQN 12-in-1 Solar Robot Kit SPECIFIC INFO: Talent and curiosity are everywhere. Access to opportunity isn’t. Our Club kids love STEM, and providing robotics kits gives them another way to build, create, problem-solve, and explore interests that could shape their education – and even their future careers. ITEMS: Green Screen and Video Camera SPECIFIC INFO: • Vivitar Kids Tech Digital Camera – 1080p video, selfie lens • Gofunly Instant Print Camera – 1080p video, photo printing • Uxcell 30-inch Foldable Green Screen with Stand • Vinci Portable Green Screen with Stand – 43.3 inches SPECIFIC INFO: A green screen and video camera would give our kids the chance to get behind — and in front of — the camera, creating content while learning public speaking, video production, and AV technology. Along the way, they’ll become smarter about social media and more thoughtful and confident about how they show up – on camera, online, and in the world.
Dismas House of Massachusetts
ADDRESS: 30 Richards St., Worcester, MA 01603 WEBSITE: www.dismasisfamily.org KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Dave McMahon EMAIL: davemcmahon@dismasisfamily.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
ADDRESS: 65 Boys & Girls Club Way Worcester, MA 01610 WEBSITE: www.bgcworcester.org MISSION: For nearly 138 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester has been all about Worcester’s kids. What began as a place to keep young boys off the streets has grown into a place where young people can belong, breathe, discover, and dream bigger. Our professional staff meet kids where they are today and help them see — and reach — the possibilities of who they can become tomorrow. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Liz Hamilton EMAIL: lhamilton@bgcworcester.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEMS: Food SPECIFIC INFO: Fill the Pantry. Share the Joy. Donations accepted now until the end of December. Non-perishable items, turkeys, hams and food gift cards. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: No family should have to choose between groceries and other essentials. We provide food to 150 families
ITEM: Paper goods and cleaning supplies SPECIFIC INFO: Toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies WHY DO YOU NEED IT: With over 35 residents, we utilize a lot of paper goods and could use help! ITEM: New twin sheets and towels SPECIFIC INFO: As new residents arrive, we provide them with fresh sheets and towels for a fresh start! WHY DO YOU NEED IT: New homeless residents or recent released offenders often arrive at our doorstep with very little. ITEM: Office chairs SPECIFIC INFO: Dismas needs new comfortable office chairs for our hard-working staff! WHY DO YOU NEED IT: The front office that works with residents has very beat up old office chairs and needs two new comfortable ones
Friendly House, Inc.
ADDRESS: 36 Wall St., Worcester, MA 01604 WEBSITE: www. friendlyhousema.org MISSION: Friendly
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NON-PROFIT Continued from page 7
House is an open door to essential support, hope, and opportunity for Worcester families in need. With in-person services and a multilingual staff, families can access food & basic resources, emergency shelter, youth programs, and social services. Friendly House helps its neighbors build stability, connection, and a stronger path forward. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Jodi Briggs-Pickett Director of Development EMAIL: jbriggspickett@friendlyhousema.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Shelf stable food & diapers SPECIFIC INFO: Canned vegetables, pasta, sauce, peanut butter, soup, diapers and wipes WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Items available at our food pantries ITEM: Diapers and baby wipes SPECIFIC INFO: Diapers (size newborn to size 6) and wipes WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Items available at our diaper pantry ITEM: New, unwrapped toys and presents SPECIFIC INFO: Ages infant to teenager (teenagers possibly clothes, gift cards for food restaurants, Walmart, target, Amazon) WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Items to be distributed at our annual Christmas Party for the neighborhood (12/20) and for families living in shelter.
Girls Inc. of Worcester
ADDRESS: 125 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01604 WEBSITE: www.girlsincworcester.org MISSION: Girls Inc. of Worcester inspires all girls to be strong (healthy), smart (educated), and bold (independent). We provide more than 1,000 girls and young women ages 5- 24 in Central Mass & MetroWest with year-round opportunities in STEM, leadership, wellness, academics, and career exploration. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Jessica Diaz EMAIL: jdiaz@girlsincworcester.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Bold Boutique Essentials SPECIFIC INFO: New hygiene and personal-care items, hair-care products, clothing/accessories, and other confidence-building essentials. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Our Bold Boutique helps girls and teens access needed items in a welcoming, dignified space while reinforcing confidence, independence, and responsibility. Girls shop at the Bold Boutique with Kind Cash earned in the programs. ITEM: Wellness & Calm Corner Supplies SPECIFIC INFO: Weighted lap pads, sensory/fidget tools, noise-reducing headphones, soft pillows, blankets, coloring books, colored pencils, kinetic sand, and calming sensory items. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: These materials help us create supportive spaces where girls can regulate, decompress, and return to programming feeling ready to participate and engage. ITEM: Paper Shredder SPECIFIC INFO: Paper shredder that can handle high-volume use, multiple sheets at once, staples, and credit cards. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Girls Inc. handles sensitive participant, family, personnel, and organizational information. A reliable shredder helps us securely dispose of confidential documents and maintain strong privacy and records-management practices.
Greater Worcester Land Trust
ADDRESS: 4 Ash Street, Worcester, MA 01608 WEBSITE: www.gwlt.org MISSION: GWLT is dedicated to providing wildlife habitat and access to forests, fields, and trails to the people in and around Worcester. We have helped conserve over 3000 acres in ten communities over the past 39 years, and our work out on the land is the fruit of 8 NOV E M B E R 2 0 26
dedicated volunteers. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Colin Novick, Executive Director EMAIL: colin@gwlt.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Rustic granite bench SPECIFIC INFO: Sansoucy stone natural stone base bench with granite blocks to set it upon WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Visitors and hikers need a place to stop, rest, and enjoy the moment. We need a bench that looks like it belongs in the forest, and is bulletproof and low maintenance for generations to come, and nothing fits that bill better than a solid piece of granite! ITEM: A pair of Finn sheep SPECIFIC INFO: A mother daughter (ewe and lamb) or two sisters (lambs) for the 2027 season, added to Worcester’s flock of sheep at Donker Farm in Tatnuck Square WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Donker Farm (as the last grandfathered farm in the city of Worcester) seeks age diversity in our small flock and periodically adds a couple of new sheep to keep the flock vibrant and healthy. We are at that moment right now! We would typically work with a Massachusetts sheep farm and “reserve” sheep from their upcoming lambing season. (Walking Cloud Farm of Shelburne Falls MA is one local example of a farm that could help.)
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester
ADDRESS: 3 Salem Sq, Suite 332, Worcester, MA 01608 WEBSITE: Lvgw.org MISSION: Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester (LVGW) provides social and economic empowerment through culturally compassionate English language education. Since 1973, we have helped adult learners from diverse backgrounds build English language, literacy, and digital skills through free classes and individualized tutoring. Through our services, we help adults pursue community integration while building the language and literacy skills needed to thrive in their personal, professional, and community lives. KEY CONTACTS (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Sienna Ablorh, Executive Director EMAIL: Sablorh@lvgw.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Gift cards SPECIFIC INFO: General or to local bookstores like Root and Press of TidePool Bookshop for volunteer tutors WHY DO YOU NEED IT: In FY26, our 82 volunteer tutors provided 4,485 hours of their time to teach our adult learners. Gift cards for them will be given as appreciation for their priceless time and skills that they donate. ITEM: Classroom Supplies SPECIFIC INFO: Purchase an item or several items from our Amazon Wish List, which includes everyday classroom supplies such as expo markers pens, and pencils, as well as books and other educational resources in our ESOL classes and tutoring programs. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: These supplies help keep our free educational programs accessible, engaging, and well-equipped. Every purchase, no matter the size, helps ensure adult learners have the tools and resources they need to strengthen their skills and succeed. SPECIFIC INFO: Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter A sit-to-stand desk converter for our Program Manager’s workstation, allowing her to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Our Program Manager oversees student enrollment, instructional programming, volunteer tutors, and
student progress. This equipment will support a more comfortable and flexible workspace as she manages the day-to-day operations that keep our educational programs running
Meryl’s Safe Haven, Inc. (MSH)
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 20363, Worcester, MA 01602 WEBSITE: www.merylssafehaven.org MISSION: Meryl’s Safe Haven provides safe housing, supportive services, and pathways to stability for families experiencing homelessness and young adults transitioning from foster care in Worcester County. Through shelter, housing, workforce development, and individualized support, we help people move beyond crisis toward lasting independence and a more secure future. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Dr. Tasia Cerezo EMAIL: tasia@merylssafehaven.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Art Supplies SPECIFIC INFO: New art supplies such as sketchbooks, canvases, paints, colored pencils, markers, brushes, and craft materials WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To provide young adults in our Transitional Youth Empowerment Program with creative and therapeutic outlets that support self-expression, stress reduction, and emotional well-being. ITEM: Uber Gift Cards SPECIFIC INFO: Uber gift cards in any denomination WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To help young adults without reliable transportation get to medical appointments and other essential health-related services safely and consistently. ITEM: Grocery Gift Cards SPECIFIC INFO: Gift cards to local grocery stores in any denomination WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To help young adults experiencing food insecurity purchase groceries, particularly those who have little or no income and are not currently receiving SNAP benefits.
Mustard Seed Catholic Worker Community, Inc.
ADDRESS: 93 Piedmont St., Worcester, MA 01609 WEBSITE: Mustardseedcw.org MISSION: We are a community inspired by the example of Dorothy Day and aim to minister to those who are on the margins of society. We provide a daily meal Monday through Friday, clothing, personal items and also offer a food pantry on Tuesdays. KEY CONTACTS (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Paula Bushey EMAILS: paulambushey@gmail.com
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Gift cards from grocery stores SPECIFIC INFO: Gift cards in any denomination from local grocery stores WHY DO YOU NEED IT: We give these to families who come to our food pantry to supplement what we provide. ITEM: Blankets and sleeping bags SPECIFIC INFO: Used blankets (clean) or sleeping bags WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Our guests who sleep outside are constantly asking for these items. ITEM: Socks and underwear SPECIFIC INFO: New or used socks, new underwear for men and women WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Guests ask for these items on a daily basis. They are expensive for us to provide so we rely on donations.
Rainbow Child Development Center
ADDRESS: 10 Edward St., Worcester, MA 01605 WEBSITE: www.rainbowcdc.com MISSION: Through high-quality education and support services, we provide care and opportunity for underserved children to thrive. Continued on page 9
NON-PROFIT Continued from page 8
Last year, we served 534 children across our three programs. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Nancy Thibault EMAIL: nthibault@rainbowcdc.com
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Diaper-changing station SPECIFIC INFO: Standalone table designed specifically for diapering WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For one of our in-home child care providers ITEM: Foosball table SPECIFIC INFO: Durable full-size table with rounded corners, preferably with telescoping rods WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For our School Age children to play, especially during the winter when we need indoor activities ITEM: Pressure washer SPECIFIC INFO: 2000 PSI electric pressure washer WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For maintenance uses at our 10 Edward Street building
Regional Environmental Council (REC)
ADDRESS: 108 Beacon St., Worcester, MA WEBSITE: www.recworcester.org MISSION: We help build community and strengthen our local food system through supporting school and community gardens, youth farming, and community and mobile farmers markets. Last year, we supported over 80 community and school gardens in Worcester and provided in school and after school garden programs serving over 2,000 students. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Grace Sliwoski, Tracy Andryc EMAIL: grace@recworcester.org, tracy@recworcester.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Seeds SPECIFIC INFO: All types of seeds welcome, quick crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes, and other greens are heavily used for school programs WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Help restock our community seed library and provide seeds for planting workshops at school gardens across Worcester ITEM: Kid sized garden gloves WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For school-based garden programs and to provide to teachers who want to take their students out into the garden ITEM: Garden hoses SPECIFIC INFO: All lengths are helpful as we have a variety of gardens in our network! WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Allows us to replace hoses at school and community gardens and provide hoses to new school gardens as they are built
Veterans Inc.
ADDRESS: 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01606 WEBSITE: www.veteransinc.org MISSION: Non-profit supporting veterans and their families with housing, employment & training, and long-term substance abuse treatment. KEY CONTACTS (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Matt Prisco, Donor Engagement Manager Ray Carville, Senior Manager of Public Affairs EMAILS: matthewprisco@veteransinc.org raymondcarville@veteransinc.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Turkey roasting pans SPECIFIC INFO: Disposable aluminum turkey roasting pans WHY DO YOU NEED IT: We’re giving away turkeys to veterans for Thanksgiving! ITEM: Kitchen utensils SPECIFIC INFO: Spatulas, spoons, slotted spoons, whisks, etc. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For our veterans clients for Thanksgiving meal prep ITEM: Christmas/holiday Lights SPECIFIC INFO: Strings of LED white and colored lights WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For our clients to celebrate the holiday
WCCA TV: Worcester Community Cable Access
ADDRESS: 415 Main St., Worcester MA 01608 WEBSITE: www.wccatv.com MISSION: WCCA TV is TV by For and Of the People, WCCA is the place to learn, create, and connect. WCCA TV is Worcester’s public access community media center that gives Worcester residents the tools, training, and platform to create and share local stories, ideas, and programing – strengthening community connection and civic participation through digital media KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Tracy Foley, Station Manager EMAIL: tracy@wccatv.com
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: MacBooks or Slates SPECIFIC INFO: Up to a dozen or more for students and volunteer productions WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For video production classes workshops and community activities ITEM: Adobe Premier Subscription licenses. SPECIFIC INFO: Up to a dozen Premier basic only WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For student and volunteer use for editing and content capture for film classes and more ITEM: A year’s supply of print adverting SPECIFIC INFO: A humble space to encourage people of all backgrounds to engage in participatory media WCCA TV. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To promote the wonderful community and educational programs and events offered.
WCUW
ADDRESS: 910 Main St., Worcester MA 01610 MISSION: WCUW is Worcester’s independent, volunteer-powered community radio station and vibrant cultural hub, keeping the airwaves democratic while anchoring a physical sanctuary for local arts. Operating entirely under one roof at 910 Main Street, we broadcast underrepresented voices and hyper-local news alongside hosting The Frontroom live music venue, Cinema Worcester independent film screenings, the Harold Stevens Art Gallery, and the ReBop Record Shop. KEY CONTACTS (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Stephen Blake EMAIL: generalmanager@wcuw.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: (1) Countertop Point-of-Sale (POS) device SPECIFIC INFO: A Square or Clover terminal that works with credit cards and Venmo. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: To securely process card and tap payments for our in-store record shop sales, gallery art pieces, and movie concessions. ITEM: Four (or more) drive NAS (Network Attached Storage) unit. SPECIFIC INFO: DiskStation® DS925+ | Synology Inc. DiskStation® DS1825+ | Synology Inc. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For Network backup and security ITEM: UPS (Universal Power Supply)
SPECIFIC INFO: GoldenMate 1500VA/1000W LiFePO4 UPS WallMount WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For our on-air/streaming network equipment
Worcester Community Action Council
ADDRESS: 18 Chestnut Street Ste 500 Worcester, MA 01608 WEBSITE: wcac.net MISSION: Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) partners with 30,000 children, individuals, and families across 46 communities in Worcester and Southern Worcester County each year to build pathways to economic mobility, from early education and care to energy assistance, financial empowerment, and career development. We stand alongside people as a committed partner in their goals and advocate for policies that expand opportunity for every person with whom we partner. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): GIselle Rivera-Flores, Chief External Affairs Officer EMAIL: grivera-flores@wcac.net
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: 200 – $100 Amazon Gift cards to enhance STEAM Curriculum SPECIFIC INFO: Give each classroom an opportunity to enhance their curriculum with a $100 Amazon gift card to purchase STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) supplies WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Hands-on STEAM materials let young children build early problem solving, creativity, and school readiness skills through play and exploration. Your gift equips one classroom for the full year, so teachers can offer these experiences consistently. ITEM: 200 Copies of the book, Planting a Rainbow by Louis Ehlert SPECIFIC INFO: Give each child a copy of the Planting a Rainbow by Louis Ehlert to accompany the study guides for early literacy curriculum and provide a copy for each classroom to keep in their library (Cost: 2,200) WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Having books at home helps children build early literacy skills and lets families continue classroom learning together. Giving every child their own copy connects the curriculum to family reading time and helps start a home library. ITEM: A $480 Vego Garden gift card to purchase four already assembled raised garden beds SPECIFIC INFO: This project will provide 4 raised garden beds to increase food access, foster a growing relationship between students and food, and educate the community about food security. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Growing food firsthand teaches children where it comes from and encourages them to try fresh fruits and vegetables. The garden beds also become an outdoor classroom and a gathering point for families to learn about healthy, affordable food
Worcester County Food Bank
ADDRESS: 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 WEBSITE: www.foodbank.org MISSION: Worcester County Food Bank works alongside people experiencing hunger, our network of partner agency food pantries and meal programs, and community and government partners to understand and address hunger together. We distribute healthy, culturally familiar food to our neighbors and help connect people with food and nutrition benefits that can provide greater stability over the long term. We also strengthen local solutions that improve people’s access to food and work to advance local, state, and national policies Continued on page 10 t h epu ls emag.com
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IN MEMORIAM Just two days after we sent our October issue to press, I answered my phone to learn some shocking news: After what seemed to be a typical Saturday, the founder and former owner of Pulse magazine, my dear friend Paul Giorgio, had fallen suddenly ill and passed away. If you didn’t know Paul Giorgio, you are in the minority. Paul was a legendary figure in countless circles throughout his 75 years on this planet. Among them were the circles of central Massachusetts business and media; of local and national politics; of old sepia-toned images of Worcester’s east side; of community and civic engagement; and of a broad group of friends and neighbors who saw Paul as both friend and family. I have known Paul Giorgio for most of my life. From my early childhood on into my teens, when we began to cross paths in the world of local politics — this is where our friendship began. By my college years, I found myself working for Paul as a summer hire or a volunteer and it always amazed me how he treated the younger people around him as actual … people. Frank, honest and without sugar-coating anything. I came to realize that Paul’s forthright nature was one of his greatest gifts to the people around him. He was direct and passionate. Outspoken and candid. There is value in being challenged, and with Paul you could challenge, argue and disagree, yet never have it compromise the core of your relationship. Respect was its foundation. Even more significant than Paul’s honesty was his generosity with his time. Paul’s willingness to mentor, nurture, support and advise was unmatched. I was a beneficiary of his interest and, subsequently, the genuine friendship that grew between us as a result — and so many others can make the same assertation. Merit House Media honored Paul Giorgio in early September for his leadership of Pulse Magazine and CM Pride Magazine, and for the creation and stewardship of these and other media assets throughout the past four decades. We feel privileged to continue the legacies that Paul began. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s broad community of friends and family. In particular, we offer our deepest sympathies to Paul’s beloved partner of 48 years, Bernard, for sharing him with us for all this time. Paul, we will miss you. We promise to make you proud. Kate McEvoy President & Publisher Merit House Media 10 NOV E M B E R 2 02 6
NON-PROFIT Continued from page 9
and systems that address the conditions that cause hunger. KEY CONTACTS (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Naomi LeBlanc, Director of Communications & Development EMAIL: nleblanc@foodbank.org ITEM: Financial donations SPECIFIC INFO: For every $50 we receive, we can help put 122 meals on the tables of people in Worcester County WHY DO YOU NEED IT: 1 in 5 people in Worcester County don’t have enough healthy food to eat. ITEM: Gift cards to Worcester County supermarkets SPECIFIC INFO: $20 gift cards to local supermarkets get distributed directly to our neighbors experiencing hunger WHY DO YOU NEED IT: We specialize in distributing food to people experiencing hunger. When we add gift cards to that distribution, people and families are able to choose the food they need and want most.
Worcester Litter Incorporated
ADDRESS: 8 Patch Reservoir Drive, Worcester, MA WEBSITE: www.WorcesterLitter.com MISSION: Worcester Litter Incorporated mobilizes residents, business leaders, municipal operations and visitors to improve Worcester’s neighborhoods through community-led litter cleanups, environmental stewardship, and creative public engagement that transforms neglected spaces into places of pride. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Paul Ledoux EMAIL: admin@worcesterlitter.com
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Warehouse/storage space with water access SPECIFIC INFO: Donated warehouse/community space in Worcester with running water and enough room to store cleanup supplies, tools, reusable materials, and donations. Ideally accessible for volunteers and community partners. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Worcester Litter is growing beyond what can be managed from personal storage. A dedicated space would allow us to safely store and organize supplies, wash and maintain reusable equipment, prepare for cleanups, and eventually create a community cleanup supply-borrowing center. ITEM: Vehicle for transporting cleanup supplies SPECIFIC INFO: A reliable cargo van, pickup truck, or small box truck, either donated, sponsored, or funded through a vehicle purchase/ lease. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: We need to move grabbers, bags, buckets, safety equipment, tools, water, and other supplies to and from community cleanups throughout Worcester. A dedicated vehicle would make it possible to support larger cleanups, neighborhood groups, and mutual-aid projects without relying on personal vehicles or
borrowing transportation. ITEM: Funding for cleanup supplies SPECIFIC INFO: Financial support to purchase and replenish litter grabbers, bags, gloves, buckets, safety equipment, high-visibility gear, sorting supplies, and other reusable cleanup materials. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: Cleanup supplies are the basic infrastructure that makes community participation possible. Funding would allow Worcester Litter to lend supplies to residents, neighborhood groups, schools, businesses, and community organizations, while keeping cleanups free and accessible to the people who want to participate.
YWCA Central Massachusetts, Inc.
ADDRESS: 1 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608 WEBSITE: Ywcacm.org MISSION: YWCA provides programs and services to women, children, and families throughout Central Mass, with a focus on safety, opportunity, and empowerment. Last year, we served thousands of individuals through programs including domestic violence services, early education, housing/shelter, and support for girls. KEY CONTACT (DEVELOPMENT OR GIVING): Gina MacConnell EMAIL: info@ywcacm.org
YOUR (3) WISH LIST ITEMS
ITEM: Toiletries and household items SPECIFIC INFO: Personal care, bed and bath linens, and other small household items – table lamp, coffee pot, clock, dinnerware, etc. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For individuals and families entering or transitioning from our domestic violence emergency shelter or transitional housing programs, these items provide the everyday essentials they need as they move toward safety and stability. ITEM: Financial support SPECIFIC INFO: Financial support and/or gift cards - Walmart, Amazon, Price Chopper, Market Basket, Target for groceries; Red Cab, Uber/Lyft vouchers, prepaid VISA gas cards WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For individuals in need of basic and or emergency needs including food and transportation ITEM: School, arts & craft supplies SPECIFIC INFO: School supplies – backpack, pencils, pens, calculators, etc. Arts & Craft materials – paper, markers, paint, poster board, etc. WHY DO YOU NEED IT: For children and youth enrolled in afterschool and youth programs
Photo by Joe Gonzalez-Dufresne
Worcester Litter BY JENNY PACILLO When Paul Ledoux started picking up trash on walks with his dog, Sadie, in 2019, he wasn’t trying to start a movement. “I would see the same trash along the way and figured that if I was already out walking, I could do something about it,” Ledoux says. What began as a small personal habit opened his eyes to how much litter was scattered throughout the city. Photo by Will McCarthy
“Over the years, it’s grown from something I did on my own into a network of neighbors, volunteers, artists, businesses and community organizations working together to make Worcester a better place,” he explains. That network eventually became the nonprofit Worcester Litter. Ledoux’s Instagram posts have a DIY feel and read like a punk show flyer. Some of the cleanup details appear to be cut from a newspaper and pasted slightly crooked, while others request “good vibes only.” Even Ledoux’s “Worcester Litter” logo is a play on the iconic Black Flag design. The grassroots spirit continues to be a major part of Ledoux’s mission, as he grew from IPickUpWorcesterLitter into an official nonprofit, Worcester Litter Incorporated, in the spring of 2026. “The goal is to create more opportunities for people to participate and to make community-led litter abatement and mutual aid an ongoing effort rather than something that happens only when a few individuals have the time or resources,” Ledoux says. Going the nonprofit route also allows Ledoux to continue growing in a sustainable way by fostering local partnerships, pursuing grant funding and working on larger-scale projects.
In 2023, after a few years of cleaning up around his own neighborhood, Ledoux began organizing cleanups on social media under the name IPickUpWorcesterLitterVeryWell (if you know, you know) and encouraged anyone who was interested to join.
But what’s a clean up article without digging into what actually makes up the litter in Worcester? “There’s no shortage of weird things (the weirder, the better to be honest) out there,” Ledoux says, “and sometimes the things we find tell a bigger story about the city.” He lists off trash scores ranging from skateboards and car bumpers to buckets filled with empty nips.
Whatever the trash is, Ledoux is here to help and is quick to offer support to anyone else who wants to get involved by lending his supplies or developing shared resources. “We don’t need one organization to do everything,” he explains. “We need more organizations bringing their strengths together.” For Ledoux, Worcester Litter is about more than cleaning up trash. It’s about inclusion, sustainability and making sure every neighborhood in the city gets attention. “You don’t need special equipment or experience to make a difference. Sometimes it’s just picking up a few pieces of litter while you’re out walking, helping a neighbor or bringing a friend to a cleanup,” says Ledoux. Feel Free to Participate: Follow IPickUpWorcesterLitterVeryWell on Instagram or visit www.WorcesterLitter.com for a calendar of cleanup opportunities. t h epu ls emag.com
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BREAKFAST FOR DINNER BY BRIAN P. DOWD BOO IN THE WOO
Ryan Staples’ “Breakfast for Dinner” opens with a bit of shocking family lore but proceeds into a hero’s journey as Ryan grows from a young child of divorce into a husband and father, becoming the adult and parent he always needed. But to say “Breakfast for Dinner” is simply a book about family trauma or a child navigating divorce would be doing it a disservice. Roughly 50% of all marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. Exactly 100% of all people from Worcester have family trauma. Hardly memoir-worthy. “Breakfast for Dinner” is about how we grow as we navigate the uncertainty and complexity of life. It’s also about a very rational fear of toilet snakes.
PHOTOS: MISSY CUTLER
Worcester local and stand-up comedian Ryan Staples began penning his memoir during a rocky time in his life (and in the life of the whole planet). “I’d been doing stand-up since 2009. So, you know, the better part of 10 years, and I went at it really hard. Then, when the pandemic hit and everything shut down, a few things happened. My grandmother got cancer and my wife was pregnant with my daughter. … So when clubs and bars started opening back up, you know, even with the distancing and the mask regulations and all that, I’m like, on one side, I’ve got a woman I love with cancer. On the other side, I’ve got a woman I love who’s growing my child. I don’t want to bring something home. So I haven’t been back on stage since.” With night after night in comedy clubs becoming a big time no-go, Ryan’s comedy career was once again put on pause. He needed a new artistic outlet, and luckily, writing was an obvious transition. “I think if you asked any of my friends or my wife, they would say I always fancied myself more a writer than a comic. I’ve always enjoyed crafting material and working it out and getting things word-perfect. I’ve always been writing these stories down. I just had to kind of modify them for the stage. So this is the best means of delivery that I’ve found to be able to get longform jokes into people’s hands.”
you.” A fitting motto for Ryan because, as personal as this book can get, it is very funny. From the aforementioned fear of toilet snakes, caused by witnessing a scene from notorious Oscar snub “Hard Ticket to Hawaii” at far too young an age, to the shocking mistake of taking romantic tips from ’90s teen comedies, you’ll find yourself laughing at the absurdity but, more than that, at the sheer relatability. “Breakfast for Dinner” is a true DIY labor of love, and the attention to detail doesn’t stop at the words, jokes and emotion on each page. The illustrations in the physical copies were all hand-drawn by Ryan and his son, while the audiobook’s soundtrack was composed by the legendary James Dewees of Reggie and the Full Effect and The Get Up Kids.
Ryan opens his book with a quote from the little-known indie playwright George Bernard Shaw: “If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, Ryan Staples. Courtesy photo otherwise they’ll kill 12 NOV E M B E R 2 02 6
So whether you’re a new parent finding your way or an elder millennial looking for a laugh, pick up a copy of “Breakfast for Dinner,” why don’t you? Watch out for toilet snakes. SCAN HERE to access the extended version of this article
MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
FROM THE FRONT ROW
CENTRAL MA THEATER PREVIEW BY ERIC BUTLER TWAS THE MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS Forget about finding the perfect book for your friend that will inevitably be placed in their “to-read” stack for the rest of time. Stop searching for that scarf for your mom which she’ll say is “so beautiful” yet will be packed away in her bureau’s bottom drawer. If your friends and family are anything like I am, then they don’t want or need any more things; but we would love to spend time with you! Experiential gift giving is the way to go. Here are my top tickets for loved ones this holiday season: For the Fun Aunt: Tony Award Winner Stephanie J. Block’s holiday show, “Merry Christmas, Darling!” presented by Broadway in Worcester at the JMAC on Dec. 9. For the Rocker Uncle: The Trans Siberian Orchestra at the DCU Center on Nov. 28. For the Overbearing Mother-in-Law: The Glass Menagerie at WCLOC Theatre Company, running Dec. 4-13.
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For the Rom-Com Loving Mom: Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell in “Much Ado About Nothing”* on Broadway, playing through Jan. 10. For the Baseball Loving, But Theater Skeptical Dad: “Damn Yankees”* starring Neil Patrick Harris on Broadway, previews beginning March 24. For the Whole Family: “Paddington”* on Broadway, previews beginning March 30. *Full Disclosure: Broadway in Worcester is involved in these three Broadway shows. Eric Butler is the founder of the Broadway in Worcester, a program that brings celebrated Broadway artists to Central MA. A graduate of The College of the Holy Cross and Boston College, Eric is the Executive Director of the Museum of Worcester.
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NOW!
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NOVEMBER 2026 107 Tap 107 Water St., Worcester 107tap.com Thursdays & Saturdays - Karaoke BirchTree Bread Company 744-243-6944 138 Green St., Worcester Birchtreebreadcompany.com Thursdays - Trivia Black and White Grille 508-885-5018 206 North Spencer Rd., Spencer Blackandwhitegrille.com Boland’s Bar and Patio 81 Water St., Worcester Tuesdays - Stump Trivia Eddy’s Pub 508-304-9888 120 Stafford St Suite A, Worcester Thursday - Trivia Night Friday - Karaoke Night Saturday - Live Music Night Electric Haze 26 Millbury St., Worcester Wednesdays Space Jam with Brandon Sunshine Esteves Thursdays - Maladies Karaoke with Mal E. Fishn’t Thursdays - Open Mic & Games Fiddler’s Green Pub 508-792-3700 19 Temple St., Worcester Wednesdays - Queen of Hearts Firefly’s BBQ 508-357-8883 350 E. Main St., Marlborough Dante’s at Firefly’s BBQ Gambrino’s Cask & Barrel 508-796-5177 266 Park Ave., Worcester Thursday & Saturday - Karaoke Greater Good Imperial Brewing 508-926-8736 55 Millbrook St., Worcester Wednesdays - Not Rocket Science Trivia Nov. 19 - Karaoke Night with Disco Lemonade Halligan’s 508-832-6739 889 Southbridge St., Auburn Wednesdays - Xtreme Bar Bingo Thursdays - Last Queen Standing
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Husky’s Pub 508-425-9614 413 Park Ave., Worcester Single Artist Sundays Wednesdays - Acoustic Open Mic Indian Ranch 508-943-3871 200 Gore Rd., Webster Indianranch.com Nov. 7 - Best of Times: The Music of STYX, Foreigner & REO Speedwagon Nov. 13 - Comedy Night at Slaters wtih Corey Rodrigues & Guests Nov. 14 - Petty Larceny: A Tribute to the Music of Tom Petty Nov. 18 - Holiday Custom Swag Workshop from Bemis Farms Nursery Nov. 21 - Little Lies: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Nov. 27 - Affinity: A Tribute to Journey MB Lounge 508-799-4521 40 Grafton St., Worcester themblounge.com Wednes-
Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern 508-752-7711 455 Park Ave., Worcester Ralph’s Diner 508-753-9543 148 Grove St., Worcester Monday - The Dirty Gerund Poetry Open Mic Wednesday - Karaoke with Dj Matt R! Rascal’s 508-459-0862 70 James St., Worcester Rascalsworcester.com Nov. 7 - The Warped Tour Band with Fake Out Boy & All The Blink Things Nov. 8 - Sunday Rock Party at Rascals Nov. 14 - The Great Escape: Tribute to Journey Nov. 21 - The Brit Pack: British Invasion and More! Nov. 27 - Aquanaut Reunion Tap & Table 774-293-5501 198 Worcester St., North Grafton Mondays - Musical Bingo Wednesdays - Trivia with Nate Briggs
hs every Treat yourself to a few laug y Club at Friday at the Worcester Comed 266 Park Ave. in Worcester
Stakes Pub 508-755-2925 1281 Pleasant St., Worcester Steel and Wire Cocktail Lounge 508-373-2225 124 Millbury St., Worcester The Bull Run 978-425-4311
days - Karaoke 9p-1230a Thursdays - Trivia 730-930pm Friday & Saturday - Dance Parties with a DJ November 25th - Thanksgiving Eve Dance Party MCL Club 508-797-0141 181 Lake Ave., Worcester Worcestermcl.org Mondays - Pitch! Taco Tuesdays Thursdays - Music Bingo Sundays - Mike G’s Sunday Jam Off the Rails 508-304-6411 90 Commercial St., Worcester Wednesday - Karaoke Nov. 13 - Will Dempsey with Harrison Goodell Partner’s Pub 978-345-5051 970 South St., Fitchburg Patsie Duggans 508 755-4155 49 Millbury St, Worcester Nightly Entertainment
215 Great Rd., Shirley Nov. 5 - The Chris O’Leary Band Nov. 6 & 7 - No Static: Tribute to Steely Dan Nov. 12 - Lenny Clark, the “Crazy Train” of Comedy Nov. 13 - Tinsley Ellis “Labor of Love” Nov. 14 - Southern Rail Nov. 15 - A Revolution of Her Own Nov. 15 - Pop Chubby & The Beast Band Nov. 19 - The John Nemeth Band Nov. 21 - The Slambovian Circut of Dreams Nov. 25 - The Green Sisters Nov. 27 - Bill Kirchen’s Honky-Tonk Holiday Nov. 28 - The Peacheaters: An ALlman Brothers Band Experience The Mill at 185 774-261-8585 185 W Boylston St., West Boylston Live entertainment Thursday through Saturday The Palladium 508-797-9696 261 Main St., Worcester Nov. 2 - Beauty School Dropout Nov. 3 - Hot Mulligan Nov. 4 - Forbidden Nov. 5 - Secondhand Serenade Nov. 6 - Microwave & Free Throw Nov. 7 - Honey Revenge & Dead Poet Society Nov. 8 - Saosin Nov. 10 - Bigg Ass Truck I.E.
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MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
SCAN HERE to access the extended version of this article
BY CHARLENE ARSENAULT GIVE YOUR SWEATPANTS A NIGHT (OR TWO) OFF In November around these parts, we start accepting that summer is long gone, as is the Halloween candy (or hidden under someone’s bed), and Thanksgiving is lurking. The clocks have turned back, darkness falls before most of us have figured out what’s for dinner, and suddenly staying home in sweatpants starts looking like a perfectly respectable lifestyle choice. But really, haven’t we all stayed home in sweatpants, mostly, since the days of COVID? Here are some things to get out of your sweatpants for. Before you sweet potatoes surrender to the couch and start making excuses about the weather, the local entertainment scene has other plans. In fact, the second to last month of the year serves up everything from Grammy-winning guitar virtuosos and hometown rock veterans to African rhythms, pop-punk nostalgia, country music and comedy, with a little Pink Floyd, a lot of tribute bands and enough Thanksgiving Eve music to remind us that the night before Turkey Day was once practically a regional holiday. And just when you think you’ve survived it all, Christmas comes crashing through the door with lasers and pyrotechnics. Saturday, Nov. 7, offers a trip down musical memory lane. At Rascals, The Warped Tour Band resurrects the glory days of emo and poppunk with songs. Joining the festivities are Fake Out Boy, paying tribute to Fall Out Boy, and All The Blink Things, celebrating Blink-182. Dig out those skinny jeans. Assuming they still fit. A longstanding Worcester tradition is settling into its new home. Mike G’s popular Sunday jam, a fixture at Greendale’s Pub for years, has relocated to the MCL Club. The informal gathLISTINGS Continued from page 14 Nov. 13 - Imminence Nov. 14 - The Maine Nov. 15 - Trivium Nov. 20 - Pain of Truth Nov. 21 - Whitechapel Nov. 22 - Rival Sons Nov. 27 - Dragonforce The Press Box Sports Bar 508-856-9255 536 Lincoln St., Worcester Saturdays - Karaoke
ering features a rotating guest artist and a reliable crew of backing musicians, generally including members of Vivi & DaFunk. Guitarists, bassists, drummers, singers and anyone else with something musical to contribute are welcome to sit in. And if your talents are limited to holding a beverage and appreciating a good groove, there’s room for you, too. Friday, Nov. 13, offers something altogether different at the Worcester Art Museum, where Crocodile River Music presents The Senegal-America Project. The five-piece ensemble brings together Senegalese drummer Massamba Diop, American percussionist Tony Vacca, Jo Sallins, Backa Niang and Chuck Langford for an evening of African and American musical traditions. Diop’s distinctive tama drumming can be heard on the soundtrack to Marvel’s “Black Panther,” while his longtime collaboration with Vacca explores the musical connections between cultures and continents. The concert is free, although reservations are encouraged. Then comes Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve.
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Ah, Thanksgiving Eve. There was a time when this was THE night to go out, reunite with every person you hadn’t seen since high school, listen to live music until the wee hours and then show up for Thanksgiving dinner the next day looking like something the cat dragged in. Some traditions, thankfully, refuse to die completely. Far From Eden rocks the Millbury Old Time Inn, while WCUW’s FrontRoom hosts Envy’s second annual Thanksgiving Eve show with special guests Michael Kane & The Morning Afters, Crash The Net and Decatur Way. Meanwhile, Electric Haze turns up the improvisational energy with the cover group, Wedding Thirsty Robot 265 Summer St., Fitchburg Thursdays - Trivia Night Rob Boss Trackside Tavern 774-530-6120 541 West Boylston St., Worcester tracksidetavernworcester.com Thursdays - Karaoke Vincent’s Worcester 508-752-9439 49 Suffolk St., Worcester
Smashers. It’s a solid excuse to stay out late. Just remember that the turkey isn’t going to carve itself. Perhaps you’d rather work off that Thanksgiving meal with a few laughs. Comedian Jon Fisch takes the stage at Mechanics Hall as part of the Monkey Wrench Comedy series, with a listed showtime of … 5:53 p.m. Not 5:50. Not 6. Exactly 5:53. Fisch, who has appeared on both David Letterman’s and Stephen Colbert’s latenight shows, is a regular at New York’s Comedy Cellar. Presumably, he’ll begin at precisely 5:53. We’d hate to be the person who arrives at 5:54. Finally, in case you haven’t noticed the decorations creeping into stores since approximately Labor Day, the Christmas season is officially breathing down our necks. Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its 30th anniversary tour to the DCU Center on Saturday, Nov. 28. The production features a reimagined staging of “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” followed by a second set of the group’s signature symphonic rock, complete with lasers, pyrotechnics and enough special effects to make Clark Griswold’s holiday lighting display look downright restrained. And just like that, November is history. Which means it’s time to start thinking about December. But first, take advantage of having the fixin’s on hand for a Gobbler sandwich (remember when they used to offer those at Vincent’s? Bring them back!).
Wachusett Brew Yard 978-874-9965 175 State Rd. E, Westminster 152 Green St., Worcester White Eagle 508-753-9612 116-120 Green St., Worcester Whiteeagleworcester.com Thursday & Friday - Dj Nights Woo Bar & Grill 774-243-6130 358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester t h epu ls emag.com
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MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
If you’d like to be included in future listings, please email editor@merithousemedia.com
NOVEMBER 2026 American Heritage Museum 978-562-9182 568 Main St., Hudson www.americanheritagemuseum.org November 5 - History After Hours: Tidal Wave with Author Adam Makos Arts Worcester 508-755-5142 44 Portland St., Worcester Artsworcester.org Boulder Art Gallery 978-345-7000 960 Main St., Fitchburg theboulderartgallery.com Gallery open Thursday, Friday, Saturday BrickBox Theater 508-413-5622 20B Franklin St., Worcester jmacworcester.org/brickbox. November 14 - The “Turn it Down” All-Stars featuring Mowesby presents Dark Side of the Moon Creative Hub 2 Ionic Ave, Worcester Creativehubworcester.org Work in Progress Wednesdays Thursday - Queer Artist Maker Nights DCU Center 508-755-6800 50 Foster St., Worcester www.dcucenter.com November 4 - Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour November 11 - The Rock Orchestra: Arena of Fire November 12 - Best of Central Mass November 13 & 14 - The Harvest Cup November 20 & 21 - Trey Anastasio + Billy Strings: A Benefit for Divided Sky November 28 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Fitchburg Art Museum 978-345-4207 185 Elm St., Fitchburg fitchburgartmuseum.org Free First Thursdays JMAC Popup 508-413-5622 20B Franklin St., Worcester www.jmacworcester.org
Mechanics Hall 508-752-5608 321 Main St., Worcester www.mechanicshall.org November 6 - America’s 250th: Music Worcester Celebrates November 8 - Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers Fall 2026 Concert November 11 - Portraits Gallery & History of the Hall November 11 - Brown Bag Concert Series featuring BT ALC Small Band November 12 - Clube 321 featuring Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards November 14 - 20th Annual ACE Gala November 18 - Brown Bag Concert Series featuring Yoko Miwa Trio November 20 - Warren Miller’s “Days Off” November 21 - The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill 508-869-6111 11 French Dr., Boylston www.nebg.org Tuesdays - Root & Rise: Mat Pilated Thursdays - Yoga at the Garden November 1 - Blue Unbound: Experimental Wet Cyanotype November 4, 11 & 18 - The Art of Perennial Planting Design November 7 - Block Print & Stitch: Botanical Tea Towels by Hand November 11 - Shinrin Yoku: Forest Bathing at the Garden November 14 - Enchanted Botanical Broom November 18 - The Stillness Within: Fall Meditation Series November 22 - Botanical Threads: A Phenology Stitch Along Old Sturbridge Village 800-733-1830 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge www.osv.org November 7 & 8 - Historical Craft Classes November 12 - Adult Field Trips: Museum Ed Workshops Preservation Worcester 508-754-8760 61 Harvard St., Worcester www.preservationworcester.org Samuel Slater Museum 508-461-2955 31 Ray St., Webster Samuelslaterexperience.org
Tuckerman Hall 508-754-1234 10 Tuckerman St., Worcester www.tuckermanhall.org The EcoTarium 508-929-2700 222 Harrington Way, Worcester November 14 - Journey to Space Ribbon Cutting The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts 877-571-7469 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org November 1 - Music Worcester presents Ellington & Gershwin: Porgy and Bess and more November 6, 7 & 8 - The Bodyguard November 11 - Menopause The Musical November 12 - The Rush Tribute Project November 13 - Historic & Architectural Tour November 14 - Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party November 15 - Cookies & Tea with Clara from the Nutcracker November 27, 28 & 29 - The Nutcracker WCUW Community Radio 508-753-1012 910 Main St., Worcester wcuw.org Cinema Worcester films every Thurs & Fri 7pm, and Sat & Sun 1pm Worcester Art Museum 508-799-4406 55 Salisbury St., Worcester www.worcesterart.org Sundays - Tour of the Galleries November 20 - After Hours: Roar! November 21 - Arms and Armor Demonstration: Roman Legion November 22 - Talk: The Korean Tiger, from Mountain Lords to “KPop Demon Hunters” November 29 - Arms and Armor Demonstration: Secrets of Swordplay Worcester Center for Crafts 508-753-8183 25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester www.worcestercraftcenter.org Worcester Chamber Music Society 508-926-8624 323 Main St, Worcester worcesterchambermusic.org Museum of Worcester 508-753-8278 30 Elm St., Worcester www.worcesterhistory.org
COMMUNITY FOCUSED RADIO PROGRAMMING SINCE 2013 16 NOV E M B E R 2 0 2 6
Holiday Gift Guide
Your holiday gift inspiration is here! Linnea Sheldon
Get your tickets at OSV.ORG
2 NOV E MB E R 20 26
Big Smalls
LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA
Table of
Contents Big Smalls
3
Little Something Extra
The Soap Artist — Lip Pamper Gift Sets
Note 4 Take Co-Workers Sweet Treats 5 Spoil Yourself
Golden Foxxe — Mini Prints
Impossible 6 Mission Tweens That ’s Hip 7 Ideas for Friends
Baby 8 Oh, Babies You’re Kidding Kids
10
Don’t Beg Pets
9
Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness — Kitsch Shampoo Bars Breakout Gift: RT. 12 Pickle — Pickleball Classes Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness — 2nd Ground Upcycled Coffee Soap
The 2026 Holiday Gift Guide is a Special Supplement of Pulse Magazine and CM Pride.
HO L IDAY G IF T GU I D E - A SPEC I AL SU PPLEM EN T
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Take Note CO-WORKERS
The Market Pantry — Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Lincoln Crafted — Candles With a Second Life
The Soap Artist — Peppermint Soap
Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness — Moonstruck Chocolate Co. Hot Cocoa Breakout Gift: The Market Pantry — Goodnow Farms Chocolate
4 NOV E MB E R 20 26
Sweet Treats SPOIL YOURSELF
Birchouse Botanicals — Signature Soy Candle Bundle Ela Jay Handbags — Rose Backpack in Green
Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace — Snacking Gift Bag
Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness — Earth Harbor Face Care Sets Maria’s Fine Jewelry — Rings for Every Finger
HO L IDAY G IF T GU I D E - A SPEC I AL SU PPLEM EN T
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Mission Impossible TWEENS
The Soap Artist — Foot Pamper Gift Set
Kimberly Rose — Salvaged Leather Pencil Case Maria DeVito Palmer Designs — For the Birds Pillow Bri’s Sweet Treats — Giant Cups Grime — Retro Rollerskates and Rainbow Brite
6 NOV E MBE R 20 26
That’s Hip IDEAS FOR FRIENDS
Maria DeVito Palmer Designs — 2027 Calendar Sea of Stars — Handmade Stained Glass Worcester Center for Crafts — Motawi Tileworks Wall Tiles Sharfmans Jewelers — Ralph’s Rock Diner Ornament Owen & Sage — Lou Lou and Co. Chunky Knit Sweater
HO L IDAY G IF T GU I D E - A SPEC I AL SU PPLEM EN T
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BRING THE CREW.
OWN THE NIGHT. IN A PRIVATE SUITE OR CLUB SEATS!
NOV. 4 DISNEY WORLDS COLLIDE CONCERT TOUR
Oh Baby BABIES
Sharfmans Jewelers — Elephant Picture Frame
NOV. 28 TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
Owen & Sage — Square Clutcher
NOV. - APR.
DEC. 26
WORCESTER RAILERS HOCKEY
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
NOV. 11
Eric Sturtevant — Growth Chart
ROCK ORCHESTRA: ARENA OF FIRE
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12 NOV E MBE R 20 2 6
MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE SCAN HERE to access the extended version of this article
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WEEKLY SPECIALS BY JOSHUA LYFORD A GNOMEVEMBER TO REMEMBER I think everyone can agree that November is the candied yams of autumn. Yeah, I appreciate that Uncle Patrick brought a dish, but you put marshmallows in a casserole, so you’ve lost my trust. It’s betrayal of the highest order, and no one should tolerate it. If you’re reading this thinking, “hey, I LOVE candied yams,” then you should be exiled like Napoleon Bonaparte (the SECOND time). Green bean casserole — now that’s a dish. I digress. Here are a few little treats to make the near-winter hellscape tolerable. First up, we’ve got the most improbable show of the century: Flipper, with The Locust’s Justin Pearson, will be playing at Ralph’s on Saturday, Nov. 7. If that doesn’t get you standing at attention, they will be joined by SQRM, Violent Protest and Lewd. For some of us, the real excitement is the return of Facepaint. For one night only, may you rise again under the shimmering splendor of a Narragansett geyser. Shoutout to Shaun Connolly, Doug Guertin and Bryan O’Donnell for having the god damn gumption to open up The Worcester Comedy Club at Loft 266 above Gambrino’s on Park Avenue. I’ve absorbed a lot of this trio’s comedy in my lifetime, and I could not be more excited. Not exclusively because it’s a mere block from my house, either. Check out Worcestercomedyclub.com for upcoming shows and follow them on Instagram at @Worcestercomedyclub. If you’re thinking this sounds a bit quid pro quo — Shaun and I are both extremely handsome columnists — I assure you that the gold Lamborghini is entirely coincidental. The Palladium is doing their thing with heavy music, as per usual, this month, but I’ve got a bit of a bone
to pick with one upcoming show. British power metal act DragonForce is returning to Main Street on Friday, Nov. 27, for the 20th anniversary of “Inhuman Rampage.” Unfortunately, this can’t be possible because I was at the 2006 show with All That Remains and Horse the Band, and that could not have been more than a year or two ago.
HAPPY
HOUR
I would be a fool not to mention that Saosin is also holding a 20th anniversary ripper at The Palladium for their self-titled on Sunday, Nov. 8 with Silent Planet, Like Moths to Flames and Save Us. If the unrelenting riffs of DragonForce prove too much to handle, there is a righteous cooldown in “The Bodyguard: The Musical” at the Hanover Theatre Nov. 6-8. I can’t be the only one blasting Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” on the way to Tortilla Sam’s for buffalo tofu sticks. My apologies, the aforementioned 20 year anniversary situation seems to have sent me back into The Wormhole. Look, I can’t give you a lot of details, I was 8 years old when “The Bodyguard” came out, but something tells me there are a handful of people reading this that are going to be positively giddy. If that’s not enough vibe-shifting for you, now is as good a time as ever to remind you that it’s GNOMEVEMBER BAYBAYYY (cue a guitar solo and revving engines). New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill has 40 gnomes scattered across their acreage for you to check out. If you’re thinking, “Josh, are gnomes rock and roll?” then I’m afraid you and I absorbed different fantasy literature, friend. Finally, please remember that gnomes lose their magic when handled by humans. I’m looking at you Roger the intern. Joshua Lyford is an award-winning reporter, editor and musician. Josh has spent nearly two decades covering (as well as contributing to) arts, culture, music and entertainment across Central Massachusetts.
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MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
WHAT I AM READING NOW VIEWS FROM ANOTHER PERSON'S BOOKMARK
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TITLE: “WHATEVER IT TAKES” AUTHOR: PAUL TOUGH NUMBER OF PAGES: 283; A QUICK READ!!!! GENRE: NONFICTION; BIOGRAPHY; INSPIRATIONAL YOUR RANKING: PPPPPP!!!! What led you to this book? This book was a gift. Again. I was in New York attending the Harlem Children’s Zone annual gathering entitled, “Power of Place”. “Whatever It Takes” is subtitled “Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America.” Each of the thousand of us was gifted this wonderful book about Geoffrey Canada. What was your overall impression, and did it change as you read it? This book, part biography of Geoffrey Canada, part story of the Harlem Children’s Zone, is total inspiration. As I read it again, I was both lifted up mixed with a bit of trepidation. How could we — we anywhere in America — do what Canada and the Harlem Children’s Zone have achieved? Yet, we must try. Who was the most compelling character, and why? Geoffrey Canada, George Khaldun, Rasuli Lewis — three heroes who truly put into practice WHATEVER IT TAKES to ensure that the children of Harlem had and have every opportunity to thrive. Who would like this book? What type of reader? If I could, I would purchase thousands of copies of this book. I would gift it to every — EVERY — high school student in Worcester. I would gift it to every elected official, every member of the Chamber of Commerce and every reader of PULSE. During these days of division, during these days of overwhelm — THIS book will move and motivate every reader. Simply, I hope we all answer that call: “Be like Geoff.”
PLATE & POUR
BY BERNARD WHITMORE RIO VIEJO COCINA DE MÉXICO 50 FRANKLIN ST., WORCESTER PHONE: (508) 304-7162 RIOVIEJOCOCINADEMEXICO.COM As I look back, Mexican cuisine has been a series of memorable events. Such as that bowl of salsa on a table in Tijuana that emitted sparkly bubbles each time it was prodded. Tasty? Yes, and perhaps just a bit alcoholic. Safe? I guess … we’re still alive. Because Mexican is not the primary cuisine in New England, opportunities to match or exceed my fondest dining memories don’t come often, and when they do, they frequently disappoint. Our dinner at Rio Viejo proved to be one of those happy events where each of my cautious expectations were met or exceeded. Let’s start with the obligatory salsa and chips. No, it wasn’t fermenting – but this was no ordinary salsa. Deeply charred tomatoes and tomatillos lend it a brothy brown color with rich
At RV, the guacamole “chef” wheeled her cart over to us, inquired as to our preferences (no cilantro for dining companion) and got right to work. No high drama, just an efficient cracking open of avocados and blending them with onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, black pepper and lime. Then, presto! A bowl of chunky, fresh guacamole. That speed may have been a function of how busy RV was on that Friday night. The dining room was packed, perhaps assisted by an event across the street on the Worcester Common. In their dining room, colorful decorations and large portraits of ravishing Mexican women invite customers down the few steps from Franklin Street. Mole, a staple sauce in Mexican cuisine has innumerable interpretations. Done right, it’s irresistible. All too often, though, it’s a soul-sucking disappointment. My last encounter reminded me of the contents of a No. 10 can of Hershey fudge sauce. Despite these disappointments,
Whilst I was experiencing mole happiness, my companion had similar success with his meal, the Rio Combo #2. He chose a beef burrito and chile relleno. Both dishes came with rice and refried beans, but in this case, I want to zoom in on the chile relleno, another basic of the cuisine that continually disappoints. RV’s chili relleno was perfect. A fresh poblano pepper was packed with queso, lightly battered and then fried golden brown and topped with a thick layer of molten cheese. The merging of flavors and textures was perfect. It’s not a complex dish, but all-to-often a disappointment.
my mole quest persists and I ordered RV’s Mole Enchiladas. flavor, just a bit spicy with complex flavor. Its thin consistency made it a challenge to heap on a tortilla chip; as we ate them, a trail of drizzles landed across the table as we browsed the menu. Each of the items on RV’s concise list of appetizers was worthy, but when I saw they offer Table Guacamole I looked no further. There are decent techniques for stabilizing avocado flesh, but there’s nothing better than fresh.
Finally! A mole to savor! Two corn tortillas were crammed with tender, moist chicken and slathered with black mole; a thick, deep-black sauce that combined the complex flavor of dried chilies, smoky herbs and subtle back notes of bitter chocolate. If you crave mole, RV’s the place. RV’s Jalaepeno Margarita made a refreshing flavor match. Its spicy, clean flavor and the smoky, rich mole were a study of refreshing contrasts.
I don’t profess to be expert in Mexican cuisine, but this meal at Rio Viejo got everything right. This continued with our dessert, flan, a large thick disk of dense egginess with a softened crust of sugary espresso, all slathered in sweet caramel sauce. Our satisfaction exceeded complete. RV may be the “new kid,” but their cuisine towers over the rest. Now, if you will excuse a personal note, I’m heartbroken to note my dining companion in these dispatches, Paul Giorgio, has died. Of the many things I could say about this towering Worcester classic of a man, I’ll keep it simple: Always remember that the pleasure of dining is much more than the food. It’s the people you enjoy it with.
Bernard Whitmore is a retired Data Analyst and an amateur Gourmand.
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PLATE & POUR
Got a tip to share in Spilling the Tea? Email us at info@merithousemedia.com.
VARIOUS CONTRIBUTORS LOTS OF BUZZ ABOUT…
The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley aren’t just on top of a hill — they are on top of THEIR FOODIE GAME. It was quite a big deal when 110 Grill moved in, but now patrons of the complex have more choices than ever! Yes, Avvio recently opened to much fanfare, but equally as exciting are the additions of Yard House and Wonder. The soon-to-be breakfast, brunch and lunch hotspot First Watch, is now hard at work making over the old TGI Friday’s spot in the center of it all. And speaking of Avvio … the food is great, and the brand is so impressive! An employee-owned organization since 1995, the Newport Restaurant Group is responsible for a number of Rhode Island’s most celebrated dining experiences, including Hemenway’s, Bar’Cino, 22 Bowen’s, The Boat House and — the one that started it all back in 1980 — The Mooring. It’s great to have them come this far up Route 146.
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RUMBLINGS IN DUDLEY…
Word on the street has it that Bazooka Kitchen & Bar is staffing up and will be opening soon. As recently as this week, they were putting out the hiring vibes for their location at 4 Airport Road in Dudley. We hear they will be serving creative American cuisine and crafty cocktails.
QUICK FIXES
Simply Delicious Catering knows what we want, and that we want it now! Without having to cook! Simply Fresh Meals, their new goodmeals-to-go service, has a number of great options for you to heat and eat. Their menu of healthy meals are all chef-made, and weekly choices could run the gamut from linguini in clam sauce to roast pork loin to vegetable enchiladas. You can find a link right on the catering website, place your order and select your pickup location in Worcester or Grafton. Dinner mission: accomplished! If that doesn’t give you choice enough, you absolutely need to check out Niche Hospitali-
ty’s Quick Fix, located right next to The Fix on Grove Street in Worcester. It’s not just a regular menu served faster. It is a whole other experience, entirely. From bodega sandwiches (Chopped Chicken Bomb, Italian Stallion, Pastrami Reuben), to Wagyu hot dogs piled higher than the VUE at Vivienne (The Hawaiian is loaded with grilled Spam, pineapple salsa, sriracha aioli and potato chips), you’ll find something that fits your crave. Oh yes, you can get all your favorite burgers, bowls and apps, too. Just quicker. Of course.
BAER SIGHTING
After selling baked masterpieces both online and from a mobile spot near home, Black Baer Bakery just hung up the open sign on their bricks-and-mortar establishment. What you’ll find in their spot at 1146 Stafford St. in the Rochdale neighborhood of Leicester is: scratchmade pies, quiches, bagels (and spreads), soups and pastries — we just can’t! This baer is making our stomach growl.
PLATE & POUR
DINNER with FRIENDS OBSERVATIONS OVER BITES AND BEVERAGES
BY DIANNE WILLIAMSON THE CITY OF PERPETUAL POTENTIAL Armed with years of meticulous planning and a singular vision, Allen Fletcher had finally accomplished his ambitious goal for the city’s canal district. The Worcester Public Market was the centerpiece of his $21 million redevelopment project — a European-style marketplace with dozens of independent vendors, all housed in a sunny yellow building near Kelley Square. When it opened, excited crowds flocked to sample the shops, and Fletcher could envision the growing potential of the neighborhood he calls home.
Speaking of home, the affluent Fletcher could have lived anywhere. But in 2001, he bought the old Ash Street School in the center of the district and renovated it into a mixed-used property. He moved to the third floor, where he still lives, while Vasquez settled into an apartment on the first floor.
“I never think, ‘I did this,’ “ Fletcher said. “But this is my neighborhood, my domain. This is where we’ve staked our claim.” Few can claim a neighborhood stake like Fletcher, who built a career out of seeing possibilities where others saw only empty space and urban decay. This is not his biography, so I can hardly outline his myriad accomplishments in such varied fields as publishing, business, historic preservation and urban design. Besides, Fletcher insists his vision was borne from the simplest of motives. “I wanted to live in the city,” he said. “I didn’t have any messianic desire. I just wanted to help; I wanted to create life on the street. It’s based on an idea that there’s so much more to a city and to life than going to work and going home.”
TapaVino is one of the newer additions to the Public Market and features creative small plates designed for sharing. As we dove into our tasty torched oysters and meatballs, Fletcher, who turned 78 last month, acknowledged that recent health issues have slowed him down a bit. “I’m tired,” he acknowledged. “I can still multi-task, but I don’t want to. There’s tons to do but it’s coming along.” The biggest challenge these days is what Fletcher calls the “street people” who gather outside and disrupt businesses. Many merchants have voiced complaints ranging from suspected drug dealing to trash and illegal dumping. He and Vasquez fear the area’s economic progress could be jeopardized if people no longer felt comfortable visiting.
What no one could envision was the timing: February of 2020, five weeks before the Covid epidemic. Like much of the world, the market was forced to shut down. While vendors cooled their heels, Fletcher didn’t charge them rent. The reopening came that June. Slowly, the crowds returned and the marketplace survived. Flash forward to a recent evening in the same marketplace, at a cozy restaurant called TapaVino, where Fletcher sat for dinner and drinks with his long-time companion, the charming Dolly Vasquez. Outside the restaurant, patrons shopped in specialty stores and enjoyed international dishes in the food court.
be against it? The park has become surprisingly simpatico with the neighborhood. On game days, Dolly and I sit on our porch and watch the crowds. And the market is packed. It’s all founded on the joy of human congregation.”
“It’s a curse on the businesses and everything we want to do,” Fletcher said. “I’d love for them to go away.” “That’s why we’ve been together for 25 years,” Vasquez said with a laugh. In the early days, Fletcher and other Canal District advocates met every Wednesday for 15 years to develop a plan for the neglected area, once a thriving working-class immigrant enclave that had fallen on hard times. The restoration of Union Station and the return of commuter rail service helped make the area attractive to investors. And, of course, there was Fletcher. During the 2000s, old commercial and industrial buildings were transformed into restaurants, nightclubs, shops and residential developments. Then came the Public Market, followed in 2021 by the opening of Polar Park. Initially, Fletcher wasn’t a fan of the ball park, concerned that the businesses around it would suffer. Eventually he came around, and today doesn’t even mind when a stray baseball ends up in his garden. “How can you resist it?” he said. “How can you
But where? “I haven’t figured that out yet,” he admitted. “It’s a societal problem.” He still walks through the canal district every day — “I kind of make it my business,” he said — and credits the area’s success with the “individual energy” of those who shared his dream of a walkable, vibrant city. “I’ve always described Worcester as a city of perpetual potential,” he said. “We’ve managed to convince people that the energy is down here.” What’s next? He shrugged and smiled broadly. “Wherever the good energy takes us.”
Dianne Williamson is an award-winning retired Journalist, who is best known as one of the region’s most celebrated media personalities. A native of Worcester, Dianne’s regular column in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette is the stuff of legend.
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TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL
Tails of the City
PERTAINING TO PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE BY JULIE BOWDITCH A PLUS-ONE WITH PAWS “Is it dog friendly?” This is a question I have asked — and Googled — hundreds of times. Sometimes I am planning an outing around my dog. Other times I am trying to figure out whether she can join whatever I already have planned. That distinction deserves a little more thought than I always give it. When the answer is an enthusiastic “DOGS WELCOME!” it is tempting to consider the matter settled. But permission answers only one question. Whether bringing our furry friends along is a good plan takes a little more consideration. Will my dog enjoy it? How might her presence affect the people around us? Am I bringing her because it makes sense, or because I have become someone who considers leaving the house without my dog a missed opportunity?
A dog might be allowed somewhere yet spend the entire visit wishing to leave. A crowded patio can offer an impressive combination of scraping chairs, unfamiliar hands, tempting smells and potential new friends. For one dog, that is a terrific afternoon. For another, it is a lot of stimulation to manage while their humans yap endlessly about human things. Are they content, or are they barely holding it together? Then there are the other people. Some love dogs. Some have allergies. Some have a genuine phobia. Some may simply want to eat their meal without having their crotch sniffed. This is where our enthusiasm can get ahead of our manners. We know our dogs’ personalities, their histories and the particular expression that means they’re hoping to collect the cheese tax. Other people may know much less about the animal approaching them, and they get to
decide how close is comfortable. What will this outing actually be like for them? Will it be crowded? Will there be other animals or small children? Can I pay attention to what they need while I am there? Is there enough room for others to enjoy themselves? And if things go sideways, am I prepared to make a graceful early exit with my furry bestie? Our dogs depend on us to make their plans. Sometimes that means an afternoon stretched out beneath our table or making new pals. Sometimes it means heading home sooner than expected. Sometimes it means letting them nap comfortably at home while we venture out. After all, if we want to make the most of our pets’ time with us, their idea of a good outing deserves at least as much consideration as ours. Julie Bowditch is Executive Director at CASA Project Worcester County and pet-mom to 1.5-year-old Mini Goldendoodle, Brinkley.
You’re invited.
THE HONOUR OF YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED AS WE PRODUCE THE FIRST-EVER EDITION OF THE CM PRIDE
Wedding Guide ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2027 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP PLEASE EMAIL DAVID SIMONE
DAVID.SIMONE@MERITHOUSEMEDIA.COM 22 NOV E M B E R 2 02 6
TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL
SHAUN MUSINGS ON LIFE AND SPORTS
BY SHAUN CONNOLLY HEAD? Okay, it is that time of year when we push down our knowledge of monstrosities performed by those who helped start this country. Ironically, we now just have better PR about the atrocities we commit now. We can call it things like “conflict” or “football.” While it is good to acknowledge the blankets that were passed to those who inhabited this land before we decided to become a midsized New England city with too few parking spots, I must admit I do like the sentiment of having a day of thanks. It can be reflective to consider the people, things and places around you. When you meditate on those that help you, hurt you, see you and honor you, you do feel that immense sense of thankfulness and gratefulness. So that is why I write to you about the one thing I am thankful for this Thanksgiving season: DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA YANKEEEEEEEESSSSSSS LOSE. Wooboy, did that feel good or what? It wasn’t just the fact that Aaron Boone’s gnarled face was even more twisted and turned at every single error or strike three called on his pinstriped players. It wasn’t just seeing poor little Anthony Volpe struggle at the plate and even with his glove. It wasn’t just Aaron Judge sitting it out and pretending like he likes being a Yankee and he is not regretting that giant contract he is anchored to. It wasn’t just Giancarlo Stanton essentially standing in the batter’s box with the help of a tennis-ball-bottomed walker. You know what the real satisfaction was? It was all those idiot, entitled and buffoonish Yankees fans in all sorts of distress. It gives me all the pleasure in the world knowing that there are kids from Long Island who are old enough to rent a car, but the last time they saw a Yankees World Series win was when Obama was President. Thank you to — and I never thought I would ever say this — The New York Yankees. Your suffering fills my heart. Shaun Connolly is a comedian from Worcester. He is a Worcester Arts Council and Massachusetts Cultural Council artist fellow. He swears he also knows a lot about sports. He loves the New York Mets, the Boston Celtics, and Liverpool FC.
Everett McCorvey
INVITING YOU TO MAKE YOUR NEXT MUSICAL DISCOVERY
November 6 AMERICA’S 250TH Everett McCorvey, conductor Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Margaret Bonds’s Credo, the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, and more.
Chris Shepard
December 5 HANDEL: MESSIAH Chris Shepard, artistic director The Worcester Chorus welcomes the season with this holiday classic including the “Hallelujah” chorus and featuring lauded soloists.
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TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL
BY RAVON WILLIAMS STAY WARM, GET HIGH Well, it’s officially the time of year when smoking outside becomes a pain in the behind. Not everyone has an indoor spot to smoke, so some of us are stuck choosing between being cold and being sober. And honestly, I don’t want either. If you’re tired of freezing just to get high, edibles might be your winter MVP. Last month, I covered some great vape options around the city. This time, let’s look at some edibles worth grabbing too. WYLD Ratio Gummies: Made with real fruit and packed with different cannabinoid combinations, these taste great. Some consumers worry that minor cannabinoids will weaken their high, but in my experience, they can unlock a whole new level of high.
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Treeworks Hash Rosin Gummies: My current favorite. You can taste the real fruit ingredients on the first bite. The texture might take some getting used to, but the effects make these worth buying. Coast Cannabis Chocolate Bars: Coast has been holding down the chocolate bar game for years. I’ve visited their Wareham facility and seen the process firsthand. These people take their chocolate seriously. Kanha Live Rosin Sour Belts: I have to mention these whenever we talk about gummies. They’re easily in my top three for best flavor and effects. You’ll want to eat the whole bag, but pace yourself.
Choice Chews / Dorks: The value option of the bunch. These are often the best-priced gummies around and a solid starting point if you’re new to edibles. Beverages: Honestly, try whatever sounds good. I’ve found the effects to be pretty similar across brands, so it mostly comes down to flavor preference. Ginger ale or margarita mocktail? Your call. The best part? You can get comfortable, stay warm and let the high come to you. Just give it time. Edibles may take a couple hours to fully kick in, so start slow and give them a chance before saying, “This edible isn’t working,” and reaching for more. Ravon Williams is a Massachusetts-based cannabis industry professional, enthusiast and journalist who covers culture, market trends, retail experience and consumer education.
TRENDING, LEARNING & LIVING WELL
BY JULIE WALKER COMING TOGETHER FOR COMMUNITY It began as a TikTok asking if any Worcester-area lesbians were seeking friendships. When Sydney Hutchings (she/her) woke up to find 20K views and 500 comments on her post the next morning, @WuhLWoo (IG) was born! WuhLWoo brings women who love women together through community, creativity and intersectional feminism. The Worcester-based lesbian social club celebrates authenticity while building space for connections without the pressure of one-on-one meetups. Sydney has planned several well-attended group activities including picnics and crafts at Green Hill Park, an outing to Worcester Pride, apple picking, pumpkin carving, a 5K and a trip to Spooky World. Sydney’s goal is to bring women together from across Worcester County where they feel seen, supported and celebrated. Sydney said, “I wel-
come everyone to express their creativity, share their skills through our wide variety of events and bring what makes them unique. I always say, come as you are and make meaningful connections. But most importantly, leave with as many friends as you can!”
[ WuhLWoo can be found on Instagram at @ WuhLWoo. ] The group recently surpassed 1,000 followers. Sydney looks forward to continued growth, events and outings, including plans to march or table at Worcester Pride in 2027.
While the group typically attracts women in their early 20s to mid-30s, everyone is welcome. Sydney is committed to keeping activities affordable and accessible so more women can connect, belong and make meaningful, lasting friendships.
@WuhLWoo • Women brought together, friendships built forever. Julie Walker (she/her), M.Ed., is a freelance writer, LGBTQ+ community advocate, and the creator and manager of @queerworcester (IG).
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26 OCTO B E R 2 0 2 6
Keeping It Local
BUSINESS NAME: OWEN & SAGE OWNER’S NAME: SARAH DEHAAN ADDRESS: 81 MAIN ST. HUDSON, MA 01749 PHONE NUMBER: 978-212-5705 WEBSITE: OWENANDSAGE.COM SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK: OWENANDSAGESHOP 1. Tell us about your business: Owen & Sage is a boutique, located in Hudson, curating a collection for childhood. We offer clothes, toys, books and gifts, with eco-friendly, sustainable products from small and charitable brands. 2. What was your journey to this venture? I worked for Athleta for nearly a decade, through the early stages of motherhood. I had my second son in 2018, and during maternity leave coffee dates with my good friend, the idea of Owen & Sage was born. 3. The typical experience at your business is? I love retail and the personal connection that comes with it. I want someone walking through our doors to feel like they are shopping with their best friends. All of my employees started as customers, so we must be doing something right! 4. You’re giving a TED Talk about building your business. What advice or insight would be most important to share? I would pass along the same advice that someone gave me when I was in the exploratory phase. I was asked what I was most afraid of. Failure. The unknown idea of failing felt so scary to me. They responded that there is no failure. Maybe that original idea doesn’t work, but you have learned something. That isn’t failure; that is growth. Small, independent retail ownership is not for the faint of heart, but you cannot be afraid of failing.
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Keeping It Local BUSINESS NAME: TRUTH ORGANIC SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER OWNER’S NAME: JULIE BOVENZI ADDRESS: 55 NORTH MAIN ST., NORTH GRAFTON PHONE NUMBER: 508-839-6466 WEBSITE: TRUTHORGANICSPA.COM SOCIAL MEDIA: @TRUTHORGANICSPA Tell us about your business: Truth started in November of 2006, so we are 20 years old this November! We are Massachusetts’ first organic spa, which started as a solo practitioner establishment in the basement of a commercial building in Grafton. All of our services and products are holistic and organic. We offer holistic facials and skin treatments like the oxygen facial and our lymphatic facial. We also offer massage, energy work, a Yoga studio with seasoned instructors and free meditation Sunday mornings at 9:30. Our Serenity Suite offers red light therapy, sauna, steam room, a float tank and a quiet room to breathe and just be. You can make a day of it: have a class, take a steam or have a treatment. We also have a kitchen for guests, where you can bring food and drink. Many cele-
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brations or just alone time happen in here. In our Wellness space, we also have an acupuncturist, mental health counselor, clinical hypnotherapist and a functional medicine practitioner. Everything we do is designed to bring you to an awareness that you are enough, you are nature, a powerful, limitless being! The typical experience at your business is? People that come into Truth, whether they are a first-time or longtime clients, remark on the feeling they get walking up the stairs. After our fire almost four years ago, a man asked if we were going to reopen. We said yes, and he said “I’m so glad, because every time I walk up those stairs I feel like I’m entering Heaven.” People are coming in for organic and non toxic treatments. Some have cancer and want non toxic treatments and products. People want to disconnect from the outside world, calm their nervous system, go on a journey to reclaim their power and be who they were created to be. People leave lighter and refreshed.
Keeping It Local BUSINESS NAME: THE THICKET OWNER’S NAME: LEIGHANN SOUCY ADDRESS: 3 BRUSSELS ST., SUITE 205, WORCESTER PHONE NUMBER: 508-603-8215 WEBSITE: THICKETWORCESTER.COM SOCIAL MEDIA: @THICKETWORCESTER ON INSTAGRAM AND TIKTOK Tell us about your business: The Thicket is a secondhand and vintage clothing shop that exclusively offers sizes large and up! We collect and curate secondhand items from all over New England, including from our community of customers and supporters, up to size 6X. We believe that everyone deserves clothing that helps them feel good in their bodies, as they are, right now. The Thicket is committed to being a safe place for bigger bodied individuals to find clothing, confidence and community. Besides clothing, we always stock shoes, bags and accessories as well as some household goodies (both vintage and new) and gifts!
What was your journey to this venture? I grew up as a fat kid in southern New Hampshire, where clothing options for my unruly body were few and far between. Relegated to clothing that would look more at home in an office setting, I found thrifting to be a beacon in high school when I finally had some of my own income (and my own car). The options afforded to me at the thrift store were so much more broad, irreverent and fun, which allowed my sense of style to take shape and evolve over time. The typical experience at your business is? Folks usually find us on Instagram or TikTok, so they arrive with an image in their mind of the space. I think, despite this, we often surprise them somehow — either with the number of options we actually have in the larger sizes (consistently up to a 5x!), how much stuff we just physically fit into our 720-square-foot space, or by myself and my staff’s ability to make their experience shopping with us a pleasant one. We offer water or seltzer when folks seem to need it (trying on denim, regardless of size, is a very specific sort of hell, hah!) and we try our
best to help people find the thing they are looking for, or maybe the thing they didn’t know they were looking for.
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with
HANK STOLZ
EXCERPTS FROM TALK OF THE COMMONWEALTH AS EDITED BY JENNY PACILLO and MELISSA J. CUTLER
HOSTED BY: HANK STOLZ | FEATURING: DR. CHARLES STEINBERG
Hank Stolz spoke to Worcester Red Sox president, Dr. Charles Steinberg about his new original song, “We Are Worcester”. He recorded this anthem with his crew of accomplished session musicians, ranging from the Ringo Starr’s drummer to Jimmy Kimmel’s keyboardist. Hank Stolz: I’m here with the man behind that new anthem for the City of Worcester, Dr. Charles. It isn’t baseball related, although you can hear it at the park. Dr. Charles Steinberg: Well, it’s a city that has affected me in a way I never had imagined. I never knew I would fall in love with Worcester. When I was with the Paw Sox, I wrote a song about PawSox baseball. When we were coming to Worcester, I thought, I’m going to try a song about each year, that way you think back on that year later. But what had occurred to me was it would be We are Worcester Words and music copyright © 2025 By Dr. Charles A. Steinberg May 12, 2025, 6 am, Surrey Lane, Completed May 27, 2025 6:20 a.m., Surrey Lane Worcester, Massachusetts Imagine how it felt When they saw the scene… Seven Hills, a Blackstone River In between. They dug a long canal Down to the Rhody shore; The railroad then connected with it Even more. We are Worcester. We are Worcester.
cool if there were some kind of song that the fans might appreciate getting into, kind of a Dropkick Murphy’s vibe that was really about Worcester because so much of what we’ve learned about Worcester is Worcester’s pride in Worcester, I was awake in the middle of the night trying to encourage our little puppy to quietly go back to bed. I didn’t want him to wake up Kara. I’m holding Little Doolin in my arms and you can’t do much. You can’t write because you’re holding a puppy. You can’t sing out loud because your beautiful bride is asleep. But you say to yourself, imagine how it felt back in the 1700s when they saw the scene. They’re going westbound from Boston on some old dirt road on a covered wagon. Imagine how it felt when they saw the scene like, wow, look at what’s ahead of us. Seven hills, Blackstone River in between.
They came in droves across the sea From other lands, Helping out each other with a kind word And hand. Building plants and factories and Main Street shops, The Land of Opportunity had Lots of jobs.
Now you advance the story to the digging of the canal. But that didn’t last long because the railroads, the railroad then connected with it even more. We are Worcester. So that’s like your early chapter. Hank Stolz: And so then you immediately had your narrative theme of I’m just going to tell the history from when some of the first people would have seen the land. Dr. Charles Steinberg: But really be empathetic. Then there’s another part of Worcester that we were taught that really, I think helps define its kindness. We know it’s a city of immigrants, as many American cities are. They came in droves across the sea from other lands, but here’s the key, helping out each other with a kind word and hand. This is to me, Worcester, the hallmark of compassion and collaboration. So that’s where the story comes from.
Polar, and the candlepin and white chocolate. (and The Pill!)
Wicked Wormtown Underground is Pounding out the bass and treble.
Worcester even makes the claim, Birthplace of the Perfect Game; Casey at the Bat is in the Hall of Fame. [interlude, ad lib if you like]
Imagine how it felt When they saw the scene… The colors of the rainbow On the Village Green.
Rejuvenation, renovation, and redemption… The Hanover Theatre gave downtown a whole new Dimension.
We are Worcester. We are Worcester. Imagination, innovation, and invention… The valetine, the Smiley Face, monkey wrench, and… The Diner, and the Space Age, thanks to The rocket.
Beautiful Mechanics Hall, Art Museum has it all, Now they’re even playing ball… Hockey follows in the fall… Culture on so many levels, Home of many Righteous Rebels,
Chanting peace and love Through generations, The hallmark of compassion and Collaboration. We are Worcester. We are Worcester. We are Worcester. We are Worcester. We are Worcester.
Hank Stolz has been waking up Worcester for almost thirty years. With more than two decades’ experience in talk radio and news reporting, Hank launched Radio Worcester the Talk of the Commonwealth program as a way to keep a locally-focused media in the Central Massachusetts market. You can listen to Hank every morning through www.radioworcester.com.
CATCH HANK'S SHOW EVERY MORNING ON OUR WEBSITE! STREAMING LIVE ON www.thepulsemag.com 30 OCTO B E R 2 0 2 6
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