Worcester Magazine December 10 - 16, 2015

DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

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Worcester concerns “Grayscale”: ArtsWorcester’s Danny Bedrosian brings Secret could eclipse benefits of shades of gray Army to Electric Haze solar farm in neighboring Page 27 Page 30 Millbury Page 4

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Public streets fall under two ban categories: PERMANENT: December 1 - April 30 A permanent ban will remainin effect on emergency arteries, WRTA bus routes and streets that are designated as critical to the flow of traffic.

The permanent ban means that from December 1 to April 30, there is no parking on one or both sides of the street between 2am and 6am and also when a snow emergency is declared, anytime, day or night.

DECLARED: When it snows A declared ban will be in effect on all remaining city streets. The declared ban means that parking is allowed on both sides of the street until the winter parking ban is put into effect. You can expect the winter parking ban to go into effect whenever inclement weather is forecasted.

It is the Residents’ responsibility to know when the winter parking ban is in effect.

To quickly find out whether your street has a Permanent or Declared parking ban, go to worcesterma.gov/dpw and under Seasonal Information, Winter Parking Ban Info.

The official source of up-to-date information on the ban is through the DPW&P Customer Service Center.

Call: 508-929-1300

2

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 10, 2015

Click: www.worcesterma.gov/dpw

Connect: dpw@worcesterma.gov

Kirk A. Davis President Kathleen Real Publisher x331 Walter Bird Jr. Editor x322 Steven King Photographer x323 Joshua Lyford x325, Tom Quinn x324 Reporters Colin Burdett, Sarah Connell, Brendan Egan, Brian Goslow, Janice Harvey, Jim Keogh, Jim Perry, Kara Senecal, Corlyn Vooorhees, Contributing Writers Megan Baynes, Jessica Picard, Jared Zanghi Editorial Interns

M

any, many people give to those in need throughout the year, but the charitable spirit seems to swell during the holidays. As our children rub their hands together in anticipation of goodies from Santa, many of us know too many families will go without this time of year. In that spirit, Worcester Magazine offers its annual Gift of Giving Guide. Contributing writer Corlyn Voorhees introduces you up-close-and-personal to a few organizations you might consider supporting.

Her story is bolstered by photos from Steven King.

In addition, you will find a list of other charitable organizations to whom you can donate. We have also included a list of fundraising events. During this holiday season, we remind our valued readers and advertisers there are many among us who are less fortunate. Charities like those featured in these pages – and many others – do their part to help. Take a read, and if you are so moved, pick up the phone or click on a website and make a donation.

Don Cloutier Director of Creative Services x141 Kimberly Vasseur Creative Director/Assistant Director of Creative Services x142 Matthew Fatcheric, Becky Gill, Stephanie Mallard, Zac Sawtelle Creative Services Department Helen Linnehan Ad Director x333 Diane Galipeau x335, Rick McGrail x334, Media Consultants Kathryn Connolly Media Coordinator x332 Michelle Purdie Classified Sales Specialist x433 Worcester Magazine is an independent news weekly covering Central Massachusetts. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. The Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement.

LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES: Please call 978-728-4302, email sales@centralmassclass.com, or mail to Central Mass Classifieds, P.O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520

- Walter Bird Jr., editor

DISTRIBUTION: Worcester Magazine is available free of charge at more than 400 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each at Worcester Magazine offices. Unauthorized bulk removal of Worcester Magazine from any public location, or any other tampering with Worcester Magazine’s distribution including unauthorized inserts, is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted under the law.

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ADVERTISING: To place an order for display advertising or to inquire, please call 508.749.3166. Worcester Magazine (ISSN 0191-4960) is a weekly publication of The Holden Landmark Corporation. All contents copyright 2015 by The Holden Landmark Corporation. All rights reserved.

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4 City Desk 10 Worcesteria 12 Harvey 12 Editorial 13 Letter 13 Your Turn 14 Cover Story 27 Night & Day 32 Film 34 Krave 37 Event Listings 42 Sports Listings 44 Classifieds 54 2 minutes with…

About the cover Photo by Steven King Design by Kimberly Vasseur

DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ citydesk }

December 10 - 16, 2015 n Volume 41, Number 15

Worcester concerns could eclipse benefits of solar farm in neighboring Millbury Tom Quinn

A

proposed solar farm in Millbury would normally be of little concern to Worcesterites. But a group of Flint Pond Village residents, aided by At-Large City Councilor Moe Bergman, are mounting a spirited attack on the development, just across the Worcester border, saying it would extend an industrial zone into their residential neighborhood.

“This does not benefit Worcester,” Bergman said. “Why are we giving this away without getting anything?”

More than 20 residents representing 13 homes signed a letter sent to the Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals urging it to take action on a right-of-way in Worcester, which ZPT Energy Solutions, the company trying to build the solar farm, needs to access the site.

Residents contacted by Worcester Magazine did not want to speak on the record about the project, but pointed to the letter, which contains a comprehensive argument.

Opponents of the solar farm say this is not a case of “Not in My Backyard,” or NIMBY, syndrome, which has afflicted a number of city projects over the past year. People who generally agree Worcester needs more parking, a dog park, or a source of alternative energy, for example, tend to be the same people who are against projects that will grant those things if they are too close to their home.

Bergman said he is in favor of alternative energy, but the solar farm situation is more about hurting the neighborhood without getting anything out of it.

“It’s not a NIMBY situation, it’s about getting something out of it,” Bergman said.

“When you’re balancing whether this is good for Worcester or bad for Worcester, there is no balance. There is no benefit for Worcester.”

Residents have a laundry list of reasons, laid out in the letter, why the solar farm would be bad for their neighborhood and Worcester as a whole. In no particular order, the complaints encompass property values dropping, noise levels increasing, health impacts from people with “electromagnetic hypersensitivity,” carcinogens emitted from solar energy, increased diesel exhaust from freight rails, lack of timeliness addressing emergency issues at the site, trespassing on one resident’s home and an unappealing aesthetic.

ZPT owner Brendan Gove was at the Millbury Zoning Board meeting where residents aired some of those complaints. He unequivocally denies some of them, pointing to a lack of knowledge about how solar farms actually work.

“With any location that’s new there’s a level of uncomfortableness because it’s new, but we feel that the state has done a tremendous amount of research,” Gove said.

In June, the state’s Department of Energy Resources, Department of Environmental Protection and Clean Energy Center released a report on ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems like the one planned for Millbury.

Its analysis found the material used was strong enough to withstand extreme Arctic conditions or fires, making the release of chemicals unlikely. There are no known

STEVEN KING

Site of access road to proposed solar farm off Valente Drive. chemical discharges from normal operation of solar farms.

“There are no byproducts at all,” Gove said, while noting the state’s strong support for solar energy. “What makes solar attractive is because of a state-funded program. There are incentives in place to finance the construction of these arrays.”

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity has not been proven to exist as a medical condition, but reports of symptoms from exposure to Wi-Fi and other fields are becoming more widespread. The state wrote there was no evidence of adverse health effects as a result of solar arrays.

WOO-TOWN INDE X

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Discover Central Mass trying to think big as it takes over regional promotional efforts. +2

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 10, 2015

Worcester Senior Center lobby to be named after former state Rep. John Binienda.

A good - and classy - move. +3

Festival of Lights in Worcester a rousing success as hundreds fill the common. +2

continued on page 9

+5

Total for this week:

A weekly quality of life check-in of Worcester

Worcester City Council caught once more waiting until the witching hour on taxes. The question is: Why? -3

“Electric and magnetic fields are a normal part of life in the modern world,” according to the state’s findings. “[Solar] arrays generate [electromagnetic fields] in the same extremely low frequency range as electrical appliances and wiring found in most homes and buildings.”

Some of the other complaints from neighbors have more to do with the extension of industrial land onto property they had assumed would maintain the residential character of the neighborhood. For example, the current tree line blocks pollution and noise from the nearby existing train tracks.

Skeletons stolen from Worcester cemetery? A creepy tale that is unsettling as it sounds. -5

Interim schools chief Marco Rodrigues impresses with his plan of action going forward until a new superintendent is named. +2

Preservation Worcester’s Holiday Stroll a treat for all. +1

OK, so it’s not Worcester, but for local Pats fans the recent twogame losing streak flat-out stinks. -2

{ citydesk } Homeowners catch break with Worcester tax vote Tom Quinn

A

fter two weeks of delays and arguments about the tax rate, the City Council came down on the side of homeowners. Critics, meanwhile, say the decision will unduly burden businesses, drive them out of the city and ultimately shift the tax burden back to residents.

This current tax rates are $20.07 for residential owners (per $1,000 in value) and $31.73 on the commercial side, part of a dual rate system that charges homeowners and business owners differently. Those rates were claimed as a victory by both the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Accurate Worcester Assessments on Real Estate homeowners advocacy group when they were voted on last December.

The new rates are part of line item 211, one of 271 choices the Council had when deciding how to split up the tax rate for fiscal 2016.

They amount to $20.61 on the residential side and $33.98 on the commercial side. The rate was brought to the floor by District 5 Councilor Gary Rosen after being endorsed by the residential advocacy group AWARE, and was supported with “yes” votes by councilors Moe Bergman, Konnie Lukes, Sarai Rivera, Mike Gaffney and George Russell.

“Somewhere along the way we have to choose a couple of tax rates we think are fair, that will not be too too painful for our residents, and certainly will not be unaffordable for our businesses,” Rosen said.

The new rates mean an increase in $107 in the median residential tax bill, and $638 in the median commercial tax bill. The average increase, supplied as data to the Council at the request of District 1 Councilor Tony Economou, is $115 on the residential side and $1,232 on the commercial side.

On the losing side of the battle was the Chamber, which had endorsed a rate that split the tax burden more evenly between residents

and businesses. The Chamber had endorsed line item 187, although the Council would not go that far. Instead, Mayor Joe Petty called for a vote on line item 190, which would have set the rates at $20.99 for residential and $33.04 for commercial.

He was supported by the councilors who voted against line 211 – councilors Rick Rushton, Phil Palmieri, Kate Toomey and Tony Economou.

“We [are] sending a good message here,” Petty said about previous years that moved the commercial and residential rates closer to a single rate. “People want to come and invest here. And we need to continue to send that message.”

Line 190 would have increased the median residential bill by $173 and the median commercial bill by $380. The average increases would have been $187 for residential and $436 for commercial.

The new tax rates could have been set two weeks ago, but Lukes voted against the AWARE-endorsed rate at the time, choosing to cast the lone vote in favor of the lowest residential tax rate. Although she ended up voting for that rate in the end, the split vote gave Rushton, a supporter of the Chamberfriendly rate, a chance to hold the item for a week. Economou, also a supporter of a more Chamber-friendly rate, then delayed the item last week to give councilors time to look over the new data on average increases. Both delays gave the Chamber more lobbying time, but no one ended up switching sides.

The argument articulated by advocates of moving toward a single tax rate is that moving away from an equitable split rather than toward one will drive businesses out of the city and into the waiting arms of towns with a lower cost of doing business.

“It’s not so much the dollar amount, it’s the message,” Toomey, who was “not asking, begging” her colleagues to reconsider, said.

“The message that’s going to be sent tonight

TOM QUINN

At-Large Councilor Konnie Lukes at the Council’s annual tax rate vote. if we don’t compromise is that we’re putting the brakes on development in this city … we’re in that pivotal moment, where this could be where we fall off.”

Other councilors chose to broaden the discussion to one about the division between councilors. This year, votes split down the middle have been rare, and dissent is usually limited to one or two votes out of 11.

“When you have a fractured Council, it really does a disservice to the whole city,” Rushton said, while pointing out the business community has paid more than $200 million more than they would have under a single tax rate.

The broadening of the scope of the debate did not sit well with Lukes, who fired back at allegations the debate was fracturing the

Council, saying the debate was healthier than a unanimous vote without debate.

“I’ve been here since 1990,” said Lukes, pointing to “intense personality rivalries. I have not seen councilors going after each other like I have seen during this process.

Motives and intentions questioned. Being told you don’t care about the city because you voted for the lowest residential rate, when in the past that’s probably something all the senior councilors have done in their career.”

Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@ worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ citydesk }

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Mosaic inquiry spurs larger audit debate Tom Quinn

T

he city auditor will prepare a report for the City Council on a methodology for when to request audits, an order triggered by allegations of a politically-motivated audit of the Mosaic Cultural Complex – although the councilor who requested the audit is firing right back, accusing colleagues of politicizing the issue.

The city manager, meanwhile, has said the nonprofit agency must comply with terms of a state grant or risk being excluded.

The audit in question involves all 10 recipients of a Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund grant dealing with hypertension, senior falls and asthma, although when AtLarge Councilor Mike Gaffney first requested the audit in July it targeted Mosaic, which focuses on hypertension. The results are also not new – the items was on the Council agenda back in October in the last meeting before the Nov. 3 election, but motions to delay discussion by various councilors pushed the matter until this week.

The audit found a variety of instances of noncompliance with terms of the grant.

Some of the more serious findings were that Mosaic had not paid employees for 11 months of work, a violation of fair wage law, and a failure to notify the city that the Covenant United Methodist Church was acting as its fiscal agent, an arrangement that would have required approval from the city.

“Statements were made with regards to the fact that we were satisfied from a city perspective, that the city has done everything the council would expect us to do to protect the integrity of any public dollars we’re responsible for,” Gaffney said.

“Unfortunately, that didn’t turn out to be the case here. Clearly, Mosaic had some management problems that simply would not have been resolved with making a phone call, [they were] out of compliance in so many categories.”

City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. stood by his statements before the audit that the city had done what it needed to do to ensure the public dollars it was responsible for were handled properly. In fact, he said, he has heard the state, which grants the money, is upset with the double vetting process Worcester uses to make sure money is spent appropriately.

“The Commonwealth would prefer that we grant the money to the organization and then get reports on that after,” Augustus, who pointed out the money was not tax dollars, said. “What we do is require them to do the work first, then submit invoices for payment for the work done. The challenge that poses for smaller organizations is they don’t always have the capacity to front that money.”

Other findings of the audit included a lack of courses offered and clients served compared to the terms of the grant, and a lack of other paperwork. Augustus pointed

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Gaffney, meanwhile, drew a distinction between what is technically correct and what is true.

“It is fraud,” Gaffney, who pointed out submitted forms about employee payment even though Mosaic hadn’t paid their employees, said. “It’s just not legal fraud.”

Gaffney also decried what he said was a politicization of a simple audit.

“I sat down on a Sunday and re-watched that [July 21] meeting,” Gaffney said. “We talked tonight about people getting a little vicious with each other – that was one heck of a City Auditor Robert Stearns answers questions meeting. But nowhere did I say about his auditing process. anything about fraud. Nowhere was that brought up by any other out a misconception about the grant – it city councilor … After having discussions was more like a clinical trial, he said, where about let’s not politicize an audit, the first the state was not expecting perfect results thing that came out was there was no fraud everywhere. found.”

“The scope of services [Mosaic] agreed to Part of the allegation made by Mosaic in April, it was probably unlikely that they supporters is the audit was requested for would have met that, and they did receive an the black-run organization because of a extension from the state and the city through perception it had something to do with the continuation grant,” City Auditor Robert organizing the Black Lives Matter protest that Stearns said. stopped traffic in Kelley Square last winter –

an allegation that has been denied by those involved. Although Gaffney said the audit was a legitimate part of the Council’s job, some of his colleagues are not buying that, which led to At-large Councilor Rick Rushton’s order to have the auditor come back with guidelines on when to request and audit.

“The basis for the audit was not based on any individualized knowledge,” Rushton said. “It was based upon concerns that some political statements by people who happened to be a part of Mosaic. They can get up their and put a charade up and pretend it’s another reason, but going forward, asking for audits indiscriminately … is not the way to do business. It is targeting, it sends bad messages, and all it seeks to do is divide situations.”

Augustus reiterated his point that audits are not meant to be “gotchas,” but instead tools to make sure everything is running correctly.

In this case, he said, the city has shortened the paperwork window to three months for Mosaic, without actually cutting down on the amount of paperwork and vetting done.

Augustus did say, however, Mosaic will have to get on the same cycle as everyone else

by Dec. 31 of this year or the city could find a different partner, Augustus said, telling At-Large Councilor Konnie Lukes if the agency did not, he would recommend to the overseeing authority it be removed from the grant program.

{ citydesk }

“The goal is to make sure the people who did the work for Mosaic get reimbursed,” Augustus said. “There’s no question the people did the work. The question is because they can’t float the loan, what we’ve said is for short windows of time we would provide an alternative invoicing strategy.”

At-Large Councilor Konnie Lukes, who questioned the city auditor for almost 15 minutes, said the issue with Mosaic was tied into a larger perception of Worcester.

“What I’m concerned about is that this city is developing a reputation of being very loose with its grants,” Lukes said, referencing 5 May St. and a controversy with Community Development Corporations and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Depending on the auditor’s report, the city’s auditing process may change in the future, although Gaffney may have changed it already.

“In fact, the City Council might want to ask for more audits on other agencies, because clearly we asked for one here, and as it turned out there were significant issues,” Gaffney said.

Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@ worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

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{ citydesk } SOLAR FARM continued from page 4

Residents are concerned the expansion of the industrial footprint on the abutting land will destroy that buffer zone and turn their once quiet neighborhood into a mixed-use zone.

Gove said they have nothing to worry about.

“We’re going to plant vegetation above and beyond anything the town of Millbury requires,” Gove said. “We’re trying to do things the right way.”

Gove said his company has been involved with 47 projects in Massachusetts, including nearby towns such as Charlton and Leicester, and in relation to his other projects, the Millbury farm ranks as a small site. He also cited meetings with Worcester officials and the hiring of a third-party engineer to assuage Millbury’s doubts as evidence of good faith on his part.

“We actually have compromised quite a bit,” Gove said.

All the debate over the actual site is one thing, but the debate over access to the site is another matter. The main contention of residents is by using their neighborhood as a glorified shortcut to get to the solar farm, it will turn their residential street into an industrial zone.

“There’s going to be a lot more wear and tear on some of those neighborhoods,” Bergman said. “And Worcester gets nothing out of it.”

Gove and his lawyer claim access to the site is through a Millbury right-of-way on Valente Drive, and is therefore not a Worcester zoning issue. Bergman said the issue is more complex than that, and residents alleged in their letter that contractors for the site had used “nonconforming access” twice to access the site, in addition to trespassing on private property.

“It’s a question of whether they have an automatic right to access industrial property by using a residential neighborhood.,” Bergman said. “We’re asking the city of Worcester to look at the law. If this solar farm was to go up in any part of Worcester it would need a special permit.”

Bergman called the situation a “gray area” he hadn’t previously seen – and his expertise extends further than most, as he previously served on the Worcester Zoning Board.

Residents picked up on the legal distinction in their letter.

“We contend that when there are split lots between municipalities, both zoning laws must be upheld,” the letter reads. “In instances where there are differences, the stricter of the two should prevail.”

Residents also say the existing 5-ton commercial truck limit on a road leading to Valente Drive prevents contractors from accessing the site legally.

“It’s a nuance, but it doesn’t come out of thin air. It’s a real issue,” Bergman said. “Is your street part of a commercial enterprise?

That’s an imposition if it is.”

Although it may be an imposition, City Solicitor David Moore said the city is only involved in so much as the project touches

Worcester, and having looked over the situation, he said he does not believe there is a legal argument against using Valente Drive as an access point for the solar farm.

“The residents on Valente Drive believe it is a zoning violation to use residential streets to access a commercial property,” Moore said in an email. “We have found nothing in the law to support that argument.”

Worcester would have some jurisdiction, Moore said, if the developer applied for a permit in Worcester or starts work in the city without a permit. ZPT could conceivably do that if they wanted to get a curb cut to grant additional access to the access road. Valente Drive, according to Moore, was originally designed to accommodate a 50-foot right-ofway into Millbury.

Gove said concerns over an increase in truck traffic are unfounded. His company, he said, would drive a regular pickup truck, the same kind thousands of Worcester residents park in their driveways every day, to do maintenance about once per month. That would be after what he approximated at three days of construction to put up the 2,500 panels necessary for the farm.

“We actually have less deliveries than the construction of a single-family home,” Gove said.

Another main point residents make in their letter is about declining property values. It seems intuitive that an industrial site would decease residential property values, although the Massachusetts study could not find any evidence specifically related to solar farms.

“No research was found specific to ground-mounted solar [panels] and property values,” the state said. “Residential property value research on roof-mounted solar [panels] and wind turbines illustrates no evidence of devaluation of homes in the area. Municipalities that adopt zoning for solar facilities may want to consider encouraging project developers to include screening vegetation along site borders to minimize visual impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.”

“This is an expensive part of the city,” Bergman said, making the case that people have the right to speak up for their neighborhood if someone tries to change its character from residential to mixed-use.

Looking at the bigger picture, Gove cited President Barack Obama’s identification of climate change as a threat that needs to be addressed as a motivation for him going forward in the solar energy business.

“He thought global warming was this country’s greatest national threat,” Gove said.

“I’m proud of what we’re doing.”

The Millbury Planning Board will continue the hearing on the project on its Dec. 14 meeting.

Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@ worcestermagazine.com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 10, 2015

THE QUINN DEPENDENT FOLLOWER:

You might think we don’t read online comments on our news articles, but we do. And our onlineonly article about the protest outside The Gun Parlor – which is opening what will be Worcester’s only shooting range soon – got a few people to respond. One of them was At-Large City Councilor Mike Gaffney, who spoke in support of The Gun Parlor during its application process for a range. “Eight people is a protest that warrants an entire article?” he wrote on our Facebook page. If that was a genuine, honest question – yes, it is. If it was a snarky dig – here’s a brief explanation. Protests of any kind, with any number of people, provide a brief respite from the monotonous tide of press conferences where everyone is so in agreement they might as well be singing Kumbaya (although the protesters at the Gun Parlor were very religious, so they would probably add the requisite “My Lord” to the end of that song). It’s also an opportunity to show people living in a bubble that other viewpoints exist, and sometimes people with those viewpoints feel so strongly they are willing to take time out of their Saturday to stand across from a local business and protest. If anti-gun control advocates want to protest the local Quaker meeting, or whatever makes sense to them, we’d be more than happy to cover it regardless of whether they meet Gaffney’s arbitrary protester quota. In fact, while we’re on the subject of protesters, City Council viewers might have noticed Act Now Worcester was back in orange jumpsuits silently protesting a City Council that refuses to hear their civil liberties petition on grounds that it is not Council business. We wrote an entire article about that protest back in March, and lo and behold, we quoted At-large City Councilor Mike Gaffney saying he “admired the peaceful and non-disruptive protest.” Now, the protesters are back, saying Mayor Joe Petty’s promise in a private meeting with them that he would discuss the petition was a “ruse.” It’s a shame Gaffney can’t use any of that in his next campaign for mayor, since Act Now Worcester gets six people on a good day, and apparently that doesn’t count as a real protest these days. Or maybe – just maybe – people’s problems with protests are never about a quantifiable deficiency and always about their personal opinions. Maybe in Gaffney’s case, it’s that the owner of The Gun Parlor donated $250 to his mayoral campaign. Maybe Gaffney is just trying to push his own media effort, the Gaffney Independent Leader, which he used in a mailer during his campaign. Will the GIL cover protests?

That is the question.

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Everyone and their football-loving uncle has now read about how Robert Kraft was in Worcester for the unveiling of the Myra Hiatt Kraft Memorial footbridge in Elm Park, which serves as a replacement of the iconic red bridge there.

Everyone has also already heard about Kraft donated $100,000 each to Worcester Tech and WPI, the two schools that collaborated on the project, as casually as you or I would put our change in the “Give a Penny” tray at Honey Farms. But what only I and one other surprised Worcesterite saw is Kraft on his drive back from the ceremony on Tuesday. The owner of the New England Patriots got out of his car at a red light on Highland Street, opened a rear door on his sensible sedan to throw his suit coat in the back, blew a kiss to the car directly behind him (and in front of me), got back in the car and drove off as the light turned green. Good to see celebrities doing the same thing crazy people in Worcester do all the time.

edenrafferty.com

people talk about a compromise they are talking about a settlement with concessions on both sides. The City Council in the tax rate debate used the word to mean “my line item.” The AWARE crowd suggested line item 211, the Chamber of Commerce crowd suggested line 190, and then both sides asked the other to “compromise” and switch to supporting their rate.

Both sides did technically move, albeit marginally. Mayor Joe Petty had initially suggested line 191, but had to change after it was shot down, while District 3 Councilor George Russell had suggested line item 212. Even if you don’t know anything about the tax rate debate, you should be able to see there’s not much compromising going on on either side, although the losing side will contend they were compromising by not going even further toward a single tax rate, and the suggested rate was already a compromise. Although as Councilor Konnie Lukes, who sided with AWARE, put it, people’s motives were being questioned “because my compromise doesn’t match someone else’s.” Let’s see if next year we can get a firm handle on what compromising actually means.

{ worcesteria } OLD KING COLEMAN: File enough petitions and the Council will start to take notice. That’s what has happened to frequent City Council candidate and aspiring gadfly Bill Coleman, who had a handful of petitions on the Council agenda this week. Mayor Joe Petty, when calling on Coleman, made a little bit of a Freudian slip, almost calling on “Councilor Coleman.” What would life be like under the reign of William Coleman The Third? Well, this week it would mean city residents would all be asked to dress brightly as it gets darker earlier so they can be seen crossing the street, people would be reducing their energy costs through the LED Light Conversion program and folks would look out for each other and report suspicious activity to the police department. Good stuff, even if it doesn’t exactly light the world on fire.

CARLSON CORNUCOPIA: When Candy Carlson morphs from Democratic City Committee chairperson into District 2 City Councilor Candy Carlson (Democratic City Committee chairperson), she will have an ally in city government – her husband, Joe Carlson. No, astute city politics observer, Joe Carlson already resigned his seat on the Election Commission due to worries about a conflict of interest with his wife running for office. But he landed on his feet, scoring an appointment to the Worcester Housing Authority. Clearly he was so good at his job on the Election Commission that the city decided they needed him on a board, any board, to keep up the good work. The Cavalcade of Carlsons, along with incoming At-large Councilor Khrystian King, will roll into town at the City Council’s first January meeting.

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WITH OUR POWERS COMBINED: After skipping its release last year, the Worcester Business Journal Power on Monday released its “Central Massachusetts Power Players” list. “Power comes in many forms, but from power derives influence; and how people use that influence is ultimately reflective of the power they hold,” reads the lead. Just reading that gave my goosebumps. There are more than 25 people on the list, which is viewable on the WBJ’s website. Some choices are interesting. For example, rather than list them separately, Mayor Joe Petty, City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. and Chamber of Commerce head Tim Murray (and a few others) are all lumped together for their work with the Economic Development Coordinating Council, which the article calls “the true economic and political power in Central Massachusetts.”

Don’t look at the men behind the curtain, please. The list is also very kind to Coghlin Electric president Sue Mailman, who makes the list twice – once as part of the EDCC and once in her own right. The list is not so kind to influential local reporter Tom Quinn, who was not mentioned once. Get it together, WBJ. PARADE IN PARADISE: School districts don’t like to see a school fall to Level 4 status,

the state’s most struggling schools based on an analysis of four-year trends in absolute achievement, student growth, and improvement trends as measured by MCAS,” according to the state executive office of education. Burncoat Street School was recently upgraded from Level 4 to the sought-after Level 3 status, and students were scheduled to have a parade around the neighborhood in celebration on Tuesday. All bets are off if they get to Level 2 – we’ll probably have a city-wide holiday.

Reporter Tom Quinn can be reached at 508-749-3166 x324 or tquinn@ worcestermagazine. com with story ideas, feedback, or questions. Follow him on Twitter @bytomquinn.

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NPWAW: This week’s winner in the national coverage of Worcester contest is, for the second

time, The Atlantic’s complicity, which recently published “A Waterfront Revival, No Water Required” about the revitalization of the Canal District, and the quest by some to open the canal.

It’s considerably more positive than the last time the same website wrote about Worcester in relation to Boston’s failed Olympic bid, where the esteemed publication said “New England’s second-largest city is known for—well—nothing,” and called Worcester a “no-name city.” This time around we’ve been upgraded to “unassuming.” And Worcester Magazine gets a cool almost-mention – Canal District booster Allen Fletcher is interviewed, and his previous ownership of Worcester Magazine (the local alt-weekly) is an interesting factoid. The general tone of the article is definitely in favor of the canal opening, although to pull one of Canal District Alliance president Mullen Saywer, “Just the thought of the canal is something everyone can get excited about.”

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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commentary | opinions slants& rants { }

Editorial

Harvey

Out with the old

Tax rate set, what next?

Janice Harvey

f there was a sudden rush to local emergency rooms Tuesday night, Dec. 8 with patients complaining of chest pains, they may well have been local business owners.

After weeks of wrangling over the city’s annual dual tax rate, councilors this week finally – and not at all collaboratively – reached a decision. It was not pretty for commercial property owners. Eschewing Mayor Joe Petty’s support of a residential tax rate of $20.99 per $1,000 assessed valuation and a commercial, industrial and personal property tax rate of $33.04, a majority of councilors (six of them, in fact) went with the so-called Line 211 rate of $20.61 for residential property owners and $33.98 for commercial.

What does it mean? For the next fiscal year, anyway, businesses will see a median increase in their tax bill of $638. Residents, meanwhile, will see a far more palatable increase of $107. Under Petty’s motion, the median residential tax bill would have gone up $173, while the commercial bill would have risen by $380.

Councilors on the losing end of the tax rate battle – and make no mistake, it was a battle – will argue the city took a giant step backward in terms of trying to “level the playing field” when it comes to residential and commercial taxpayers. The city, they say, must attract businesses or else residents will suffer in the long one.

We agree.

No doubt the residential taxpayer scored a victory this week. But at what cost? Consider this: If you think the Council has been handing out TIFs (tax increment financing) like candy before this week, you ain’t seen nothing, yet. Aside of lowering tax rates, or moving the tax factor to a more favorable position for business owners, TIFs are pretty much all Worcester has in terms of encouraging developers to set up shop here.

What is troubling is at least one of the councilors voting in favor of the tax rate passed this week has also railed against nonprofits not contributing their fair share in terms of dollars. Yet, by voting as he did he likely ensured more would-be taxpaying businesses will request tax breaks, resulting in fewer taxes paid to the city.

We cannot and do not argue that many residents struggle every day and every week to make ends meet. It is an unfortunate result of the city’s long ago move away from a single tax rate that the residential homeowner has carried a large share of the tax burden for many years.

The rate passed this week should give residents, particularly the elderly and low-income families, room to breathe. But for how long?

In the end, we believe the Council hurt residential property owners, because if fewer businesses decide to come here – or worse, if more businesses decide to leave – the burden currently shouldered by homeowners will look like pennies on the dollar.

Beyond that, we shake our heads at the Council as a whole for continuing the unfortunate annual practice of not being prepared for a vote on the tax rate. Some councilors did not even know the rules on votes they took. It is embarrassing and unnecessary. Every year we hear some councilors plead for a forward-thinking approach to the tax rate. And every year, often times with the same councilors at the table, we see the same, last-minute scrambling and politicking.

We hope councilors made the right move with this year’s tax rate, and that it does not have the effect of shutting the door on business development. We also hope the Council takes its own advice and finally develops a plan to address the tax rate long before the time comes to stand up on TV and talk about it.

’m pretty sure Kohl’s will have a mug shot of me in the employee lounge. I’ve returned nearly everything I’ve purchased there – and it’s my fault, not Kohl’s.

They must think I’m a scam artist of some sort, returning unopened the “Paw Patrol” bedding set I ordered online, the sweater I didn’t try on because I hate fitting rooms, the leggings that would have complemented the sweater and the cute ankle boots that matched both. Now I see that the gift card I purchased for a Kohl’s shopper on my Christmas list was not in the bag when I got home, so I have to go back — again — with my receipt. Mind you, I only opened the account last week to make some Christmas shopping easier.

Kohl’s hasn’t even mailed me a credit card, yet, and I’m probably the star of their “best of” surveillance videos. ’Tis the season! Just as I get to an age when it’s acceptable to have a crabby attitude about the holidays, I have a grandchild, making it impossible for me to go full-tilt curmudgeon over all things Christmas. I now have to revel in the joys of tree-trimming, list-making and gift-wrapping. I’m faking it, trust me.

I remember when my mother reached her point of holiday saturation. She may have been menopausal; who knows?

Mothers didn’t talk about stuff like that (Where babies come from was told to me in the fourth grade by another fourth-grader. I still find it hard to believe my mother would engage in such unsavory behavior.). Elinor decided, one cold December day, that she was sick to death of the same old ornaments hanging from the tree. Her solution was to ditch them all - the cotton ball Santas, the lumpy and crumbling clay half moon, the construction paper snowmen - all the sentimental treasures my siblings and I created in kindergarten classes decades earlier. She saved only one relic: the paper mache carrot from her own childhood Christmases.

One trip to Zayre’s and everything was replaced with red and green satin balls. Had she seen this in a copy of Good Housekeeping while waiting her turn for a weekly wash ’n’

I

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

I

New Worcester playground will serve all people To the editor: Thank you for writing so eloquently about the need for thoughtful planning around the construction of a multigenerational park and universally accessible playground near Coes Pond.

I know and trust that the City of Worcester is capable of enlisting the proper professional support to execute both plans without weakening either project.

According to Mass in Motion Worcester, “Playgrounds are a critical resource for physical activity, especially in urban environments. Increased access to facilities and recreational opportunities increases physical activity in children.”

A universally-accessible playground is needed for all

set at the hairdresser’s? The only other color on the tree was the terra cotta of a 50-year-old carrot.

Elinor was thrilled with the results. It was fresh! Mod! Now! We were horrified. Couldn’t she offer us the old stuff before tossing it in the trash? She was unmoved by our moaning. She was satisfied with her version of “Out with the Old, In With the New” and said so; but she sang a different tune the following year.

Whatever hormonal insanity it was that led her to destroy our history had passed, and as she unpacked the satin balls, she wept.

“What was I thinking?” she wailed.

“That’s what we asked you last year,” I said. “Here’s your carrot.”

I get it now, sort of. You get tired of that paper teddy bear whose head has been reattached with scotch tape nine times. Some of those ornaments, if you’ve divorced a spouse or broken off a relationship, don’t comfort you. Instead, they hurt your heart a little. This year, I opted for a whole new theme: woodland creatures. The tree is dressed in earth tones, with pine cones and acorns and birds’ nests. Owls and deer and bears dangle from the tree, without so much as a single hand-made ornament. But unlike Elinor, I didn’t ditch the sentimental stuff. There’s a box in the basement marked “TREASURES” and in it, wrapped in tissue, there’s a felt Christmas tree with the portrait of a five-year-old boy, a fragile paper teddy with a scotch-taped neck scribbled with the name “BROOKE,” a Santa head made from a walnut and cotton, and a snowman bearing the name of someone I used to know.

I bought many of the little woodland creatures at Kohl’s.

I’m sure I’m on the surveillance video, sorting through a pile of decorations marked “55% OFF!.” If not, I will be when I go there today to find out what the hell happened to that gift card.

itor d E e o th t r e t Let the reasons that were described in the Worcester Magazine editorial (“Rethink multi-use playground,” Dec. 3). Universal Design, ADA and playground professionals and members of the disability community and friends and neighbors of Coes Pond should and will be consulted on strategies and concepts that will strengthen opportunities for inclusive play among brothers and sisters and friends and neighbors.

Both the multigenerational park and universally-accessible playground will also address the symptoms of ADD and ADHD tithe author suggests can be exacerbated by play that is not challenging and overly structured programs.

LETTER continued on next page

commentary | opinions

{slants&rants}

Universally-accessible playground will benefit all Sue Swanson

W

orcester is leading the way when it comes to promoting public health by creating a multi-generational park and universally-accessible playground that will be located at the former Coes Knife factory site at Coes Reservoir. Columbus Park is adjacent to this parcel along with two miles of walking trails nearby. This multi-phased project will begin pending word from the state that Worcester’s application for a Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant has been awarded.

The announcement is due this month.

By using smart growth and universal design, Worcester is linking the needs of children and the aging population through the creation of a park where the entire family can enjoy both active and passive recreational opportunities. Multi-generational parks are designed for persons of all ages and all ability levels. They provide unique and unusual outdoor physical activities to toddlers, children, teens, adults and seniors. For those who are caring for both their children and parents, imagine having a park where everyone can participate; where the aging parent is able to confidently stroll along a flat, even walking surface, enjoy the raised community gardens while the teen fishes for trout along one of the proposed overlook piers of the reservoir (yes, Coes is stocked with trout!). The preschoolLETTER continued from previous page

The multigenerational park is a relatively new idea that emphasizes the park can accommodate all ages with amenities that every generation, including senior citizens, can enjoy. I am confident opportunities for passive and active recreation will be at explored in the development of the multigenerational park.

I would like to thank the city manager, mayor, City Council and Worcester Parks and Recreation Commission and professional staff

aged child is nearby exploring one of the wetland nature stations while you sit on a park bench serenely enjoying the cool breeze off the reservoir before deciding which outdoor exercise station to use to begin your workout.

Now imagine a family with a child who

ing those with disabilities. It surpasses the minimum regulations of the American Disabilities Act by requiring playground equipment, structures and landscaping be universally designed so children who have visible or invisible disabilities can play with their peers in a natural community setting.

As a speech/language pathologist who works with children with developmental disabilities including autism and psychiatric challenges, the social isolation these children and their families experience can be profound. Even if the child is able to physically access the playground equipment, it does not guarantee they will know how to play on it with their peers. Universally-accessible playgrounds take this into account by creating developmentally appropriate playground components that serve both children who are typically developing as well as those with physical, cognitive, emotional or sensory disabilities. Interactive musical panels, color changing wheels and drums are examples of such components.

Play is not the same for all children, and thus playgrounds can and should go beyond physical accessibility. Experts in inclusive playground design maintain that today, playgrounds are more accessible to kids with physical disabilities, but they are not inclusive for all children – especially those with sensory processing issues. By creating a playground

Your Turn has a disability. Whether the child has an intellectual disability, autism, ADHD, social anxiety or a physical disability – any of these neurodevelopmental disorders can profoundly limit the places a family can enjoy together.

To respond to this critical need, the city has stepped up to the challenge, and pending the awarding of the PARC grant will begin Phase 1 by creating a universally-accessible playground. This means, in addition to folks of all ages and all ability levels accessing the multi-generational park, specific attention and effort will be directed toward the creation of inclusive play opportunities for children, youth and young adults with disabilities so they may play alongside their typically-developing peers.

A universally-accessible playground is designed to accommodate all children, includfor supporting the parks grant application to the state this summer, and also the support of state Rep. Kate Campanale, state Sens. Harriet Chandler and Michael Moore and the state legislative delegation.

Your editorial is a timely reminder that as the multigenerational park and universally accessible playground is designed and constructed, high standards and best practices will be adhered to.

J O HN M . ST E WA R T Worcester

that offers play opportunities for all, children begin to develop together socially. As a speech/language pathologist, I consider “play” the language of children. Nothing is more rewarding than when I watch a child who is nonverbal spontaneously initiate play with A peer. There are too few public settings where such a moment is possible. One can only imagine how the child’s parents must feel – to see their child find and play with a friend in a public space where all are truly welcomed.

The Coes Zone Task Force, along with city and state officials, continues to seek public and private partnerships to join our efforts in creating a welcoming and inclusive state-ofthe-art multi-generational park and universally-accessible playground for Worcester and the region. This multi-phase project is one that benefits the physical and emotional wellbeing of all persons of all abilities. And it is one that Worcester can be especially proud of.

If you are interested in learning more, or better yet becoming an active community member working toward the fulfillment of this project, visit www.coeszone.com or email coeszone@gmail.com.

Sue Swanson is a speech/language pathologist at the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDO) at the UMass Memorial Medical Center. She is a resident of Worcester.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Letters to the editor are a great way to share your thoughts and opinions with thousands of readers and online viewers each week. There is no word limit, but we reserve the right to edit for length, so brevity is your friend. If handwritten, write legibly - if we cannot read it, we are not running it. Personal attacks and insults don’t fly with us, so save them for when someone cuts you off in traffic. A full name and town or city of residence are required. Please include an email address or phone number for verification purposes only.

Make sure your letter makes it into Worcester Magazine in a timely fashion — send it in by the Monday of the next issue. Please note that letters will run as space allows.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

13

{ coverstory }

Gift Giving

The

of

HELPING THE HOMELESS

Corlyn Voorhees

T

here’s no place like home for the holidays – but what if home doesn’t feel quite like home?

It is easy to get caught up in all of the holiday antics. Just mere hours after spending Thanksgiving with family and

friends, going around the table about what you’re thankful for this year, it is suddenly a mad rush to get to the stores for Black Friday sales.

But the holidays are so much more than scouring holiday deals at the mall. While most people can return home to a roof over their heads, food on the table and their loved ones safe and sound, not everyone has that luxury.

Not only does the holiday season bring big sales for gifts, it signals a spike in charity as people reach out to help those less fortunate than them. From homeless shelters to soup kitchens to nonprofit organizations offering programs for aid, people are donating both their time and their money to help in any way they can.

Worcester has a large array of local charities to help those in need in Central Mass and through their actions to help the community, they exemplify what the “Gift of Giving” really means.

14

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ith 53 families currently in a program consisting of more than 200 people, Friendly House in Worcester has been helping the homeless since 1920, starting with one location on Norfolk Street. Since then, its operation has expanded to apartments scattered around

Worcester, providing shelter for those with nowhere else to go.

“Here at the Friendly House shelter, we’re all about family,” says Maria De Jesus, director of shelter services. “It’s really a big family. They’ll get mad, yell at you, but at the end of it, they always come back to say thank you. Everybody here, they help each other out. It’s a good feeling here and that’s what we want to keep going. We have a really good group here.”

For some families, De Jesus says, Friendly House is the only support they have.

“Not only are we invested because it’s our job and we’re trying to help these families, but some of these people have no one else,” she said. “We’re there to support them 100 percent from when they enter to when they exit. Even after they exit. We do a lot for them.”

Volunteer Erin Jansky added, “We end up being their friend, their mentor, their parent.”

One of the services residents need most at the shelter is the support the staff and volunteers provide.

“It’s hard when you’re down at the bottom to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Jansky. “They might have that thought that everyone is against them and everyone is doing better, but the staff

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

HOLIDAYS OFFER CHANCE TO HELP OTHERS

is good at showing them, ‘You can do this.

You’re not going to be rich tomorrow, you’re still going to struggle and work hard and do overtime, and you might have to make tough decisions at the end of the month, but you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food on the table and that’s all that matters. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, you will get there and we will help you.’”

The staff has received tremendous support

from the community, including volunteers from local area colleges, De Jesus says.

“Worcester Polytechnic Institute has been excellent,” De Jesus noted. “Becker [is] amazing. They’re the ones who did our dining room. They offer tutoring [at the school], so the kids can go there and use the internet and parents going to school can use the resources at the library. Anything you can think of, they come to us and volunteer.

They have drives and spend time with kids in the playroom.”

Despite the stress of the holiday season and trying to provide a Christmas for its homeless residents, the community has not failed to step up and help the shelter do just that. De Jesus says there has never been a Christmas where one of the children at the shelter has awoken to no gifts – and she plans to keep it that way.

“It’s tough,” De Jesus said. “We have so many families that we want to provide with the gifts, a little bit of happiness and show them a little light at the end of the tunnel.

They’re probably thinking, ‘I’m in a shelter for the holidays with my kids.’ Our job is to make their holiday season feel more at home. Pretty soon, we’ll have our Christmas tree up, but we want to make sure that they feel that we do care about them. We reach out to anyone and everyone to try

and provide a Christmas to these people and their kids. I can’t imagine any of my kids here in the shelter to wake up and not have a gift. There’s no way I can sit at home having Christmas with my kids knowing there’s a family that isn’t.”

The Friendly House has an “Adopt a Family” program during the holiday seasons through which volunteers and

donors can “adopt” one of the families at the shelter and receive a wish list of presents to provide them with.

“We explain to our families, ‘Don’t give me any crazy wish lists, like a computer,’” said De Jesus. “We say, ‘These families that sponsor you for the holiday, they’re like all of us. They’re working paycheck to paycheck and they’re looking to give back.’ [The residents] learn. When Christmas comes and they get their gifts, they’re very appreciative.”

De Jesus says volunteers like Jansky have been a great help. This year, Jansky has adopted eight families and enlisted the help of coworkers and friends to help donate, even if it is just one item on the list. People like Jansky, De Jesus says, keep the program running.

“It’s such a relief for the parents,” De Jesus said. “They’ll cry, so thankful that there are people out there that care, because any of us can be in this position. That’s why any client that walks through these doors, they’re usually crying, very upset, afraid.

You can imagine, you’re coming into a place with two bags and your children into a shelter, ‘Wow I can’t even provide anything for my kids.’ [We say] ‘You’ll be smiling in a couple days, this can happen to any of us, don’t feel bad.’ And sure enough, it happens.

{ coverstory } We work together and we help the families.”

Friendly House provides a number of programs for residents, Jansky says – everything from job and resume training to house searching to after-school programs for kids.

“It’s really amazing all the programs they have in place to keep all of these people back on their feet and back on the street narrow and back where they want to be, which is self-sufficient,” Jansky said. “No one wants to be in a shelter.”

Attached to the Friendly house is a stigma of homeless shelters that simply is not true, according to De Jesus and Jansky.

“People just go off of what they see on TV,” said De Jesus. “They think it’s one giant gymnasium with cots

lined up. They don’t realize it’s a really family-oriented shelter. There are kids running around, toys. It’s like being in a house.”

As a nondescript yellow house that blends in with the neighborhood, not much attention is drawn to the Friendly House from people walking by on the street.

“We don’t have to be singled out as the shelter,” said De Jesus. “We want to be part of the community.”

And without a sign in front to signal what the Friendly House is, “Most people don’t know it’s a shelter,” she said.

It is not the money that drives volunteers to Friendly House. De Jesus had a higher paying job as a stenographer before she first volunteered at Friendly House. She knew helping others is what she wanted to do with her life – so she quit her job and has been

working at the shelter ever since.

“Charity is giving,” she said. “You’re helping someone less fortunate than you. It doesn’t even have to be material things. The time, you know …” “… just a hug, just a smile,” Jansky said, finishing her sentence.

“That’s all that matters, really,” De Jesus said.

FOOD ON THE TABLE

A

nother blessing taken for granted may simply be having a warm meal on the table – and that’s where Rachel’s Table, a volunteer-based hunger-relief organization, is trying to help.

With about 21 percent of Worcester living below the poverty line, the goal of Rachel’s Table is to prevent hunger in Worcester.

Volunteers help transport unserved and unsold, prepared and perishable

foods that otherwise would be wasted to local organizations that help the hungry.

“We have a number of different programs,” said Director Carla Szymanski.

“Primarily, we use volunteers who pick up donated food and bring them to various social service agencies that help people in need. We have the children’s milk fund and that fund purchases milk for people at 21 of these agencies. We purchase about 700 gallons every week, so we need funding to do that, and in the summer, we purchase fruits and vegetables for the summer meal program that the Friendly House neighborhood runs. They provide government-funded meals for children at sites throughout Worcester in the summer when schools are closed and school meals aren’t provided.

“Kids are really hurting for food when they’re not in school. We provide about half of the fruits and vegetables they use over the summer. We have a number of smaller programs wherever we see people suffering from hunger. We’re a small organization, but we fill in in areas of need.”

Over the past 25 years, Rachel’s Table has provided more than 11 million pounds of food to Worcester’s needy. Despite the help, the hunger problem hasn’t decreased.

“The need has only gotten worse,” said Szymanski. “The need for food aid is just tremendous.”

One big problem is a general lack of awareness, she says.

“Most people aren’t aware of how great the need is, even in the suburbs of Worcester that look very middle class,” Szymanski said.

“Here is a surprising amount of need and it’s not always obvious who is suffering from hunger, who doesn’t have enough to eat. It’s not always the stereotype you might have in mind and most people who need help are trying as hard as they can to feed their families. Often they are working

people who just can’t pay all their bills.”

Rachel’s Table works with 35 different agencies, from food pantries to soup kitchens to homeless shelters, to which they deliver the food.

“I think we’re very lucky in Worcester that we have so many wonderful agencies,” said Szymanski. “There are a lot of people working together to help and it really makes a difference, but everybody needs help doing the work they do. We all need funding, we all need volunteers. Even if you have a little bit of time, there is someone who could use your help. We always need people, but all of these organizations in the community are doing the best they can to help and it’s difficult to have enough funding doing what we do, so we have to depend on people to help us.”

With only four part-time staff, Rachel’s Table depends largely on the help of roughly 70 volunteers to keep things running – and they can use all the help they can get.

“We always need volunteers,” Szymanski said. “They either act as drivers, picking up

and delivering the donated food, or work as phone dispatchers coordinating all the pickups.”

As far as people stepping up to help those less fortunate, Symanski has not been disappointed.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned personally is there are just so many wonderful people in our community that try to help and are doing all they can to help,” said Szymanski. “There are a lot of good people who need help that are embarrassed

they need help, [and] don’t want to take it, but want to feed their families and children.

Nobody should ever be ashamed to ask for help and they appreciate whatever help that they can get.”

BIKERS HELPING KIDS

I

t is Thanksgiving and a biker in a leather vest is peeling potatoes into a pot. At the Millbury Baptist Church on Main Street, a group called Bikers Against Abusing Kids, or B.A.A.K for short, prepares a Thanksgiving meal for those who may not have a place to eat.

The group advertised online through Facebook groups, but when members realized those who need help may not necessarily have access to a computer, they went on a mission to post fliers throughout town, as well as dropping meals off to the senior center down the street.

“Everybody struggles,” said Rocker, co-founder and president of the group.

“We’ve all been in that situation where Thanksgiving is really tight and can’t afford it.”

B.A.A.K was founded in 2006 with three original members, including Rocker. Since continued on page 16

DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

15

{ coverstory } continued from page 15

then, several chapters have been formed, including Florida, Rhode Island, and Utah as well as overseas in Ireland and New Zealand.

“We’re expanding but expanding very slowly,” Rocker said.

All members go by road names to protect their anonymity and their families.

“There are people out there that don’t like us,” Rocker said, recalling a situation where a group in England was terrorizing the group

by sending email upon email containing child pornography. That does not deter the bikers from continuing to help.

Sporting a leather vest and a chain hanging off his pant loops, Rocker may appear to be a tough guy you might avoid on the street, but the subject of child abuse is personal: he is a survivor himself.

“I wasn’t comfortable talking about it until I was almost 45 years old,” he said. “That’s a long time to keep things bottled up. To let

these people out or give them breaks just doesn’t make any sent to me.”

The subject hit even closer to home when his family became affected – and that is when the group was formed.

“My stepdaughter was abused when she was 5 by her biological father,” he said.

“When we found out, we formed a group of aunts and uncles and it turned into the group it is now. It’s because of her that we ended up continued on page 18

STEVEN KING

GIFT OF GIVING

CHARITIES/NONPROFITS ABBY’S HOUSE 52 High St., Worcester abbyshouse.org Contact: 508-756-5486 or info@abbyshouse.org Abby’s House opened in 1976 as one of the first overnight emergency shelters for women in the U.S. Today, Abby’s House is Worcester’s largest provider of affordable housing specifically designed to meet the needs of women and children.

What to Give: New twin sheets and blankets, towel sets, travel coffee mugs, small umbrellas, gift cards (CVS, Dunkin’ Donuts, The Dollar Store, A.C. Moore, Michaels, Target, Price Chopper, Walmart), and year-round necessities (toilet paper, paper towels, bottled water, pillows, comforters, microwave oven [tabletop, 1.4-2 cubic foot], coffee pots, postage stamps, 8 ½ x 11 copy paper, gift cards, bus passes and a portable digital projector).

ASCENTRIA CARE ALLIANCE 14 East Worcester St., Suite 300, Worcester ascentria.org Contact: 774-243-3900 Formerly Lutheran Social Services of New England, Ascentria Care Alliance was renamed last year, but the goals remain the same – and not at all small in scope: to end poverty and allow everyone to reach their full potential.

What to Give: Monetary gifts can be made one-time online or monthly.

You may also make an Honor or Memorial gift donation. Volunteering is always welcome, and planned giving through estates and bequests can be made. Corporate donations and sponsorships are also a good way to give.

Information is available online.

BIKER’S AGAINST ABUSING KIDS facebook.com/BAAKWorldWide Contact: 508-755-3773 or BikersAgainstAbusingKids@yahoo.com Founded in 2006, Biker’s Against Abusing Kids (B.A.A.K) aims to help children who have been abused, from attending court with them to guiding and mentoring them, to offering line of services to help them get a jump start on life after the trauma they have suffered.

What to Give: Toys at one of their toy drives, monetary donations, dirt bikes and ATV’s in need of minor work, pajamas of different sizes THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WORCESTER 65 Tainter St., Worcester bgcworcester.org Contact: 508-754-2686 or info@bgcworcester.org The Boys and Girls Club of Worcester is a nonprofit youth development agency that provides programs and support for children ages 5-18.

The Boys and Girls Club of Worcester is currently the largest youth development agency in Central Mass., serving over 6,000 youth annually.

What to Give: New, unwrapped toys for children ages 5-12, gift cards for teen members, gift cards for families to purchase food for holiday meals, art and school supplies for programs at the Club, and wrapping paper for volunteers who will be wrapping the donated gifts during a wrapping party on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Friendly House staff, front, left to right, Maria De Jesus, director of shelter services; Al Rolle, case manager; Erin Jansky, volunteer; rear, back to right, Nurys Rosa, shelter coordinator, and Lourdes Ortiz, case manager.

16

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

BROKEN TAIL RESCUE brokentailrescue.org Contact: 508-625-0332 or info@brokentailrescue.org A nonprofit animal rescue organization founded to help homeless animals

continued on page 18

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{ coverstory } continued from page 16

meeting. Not all of us are survivors of abuse, but there’s a fair amount of us that are and that’s why we have the passion.”

That passion the members share drives them to help the children whose abuse will affect them for the rest of their lives.

“When you take a child’s innocence, you can’t get it back, no matter how much counseling you go through,” said Rocker.

“My stepdaughter went through years of counseling and she’s still suffering. It affects every area of their life.

At B.A.A.K, strict regulations to ensure the children with whom they interact and protect are safe from harm. Anyone who wants to join the organization is fingerprinted and undergoes a background check.

“There’s two things we won’t allow. You can’t have a domestic violence charge and can’t have a sexual assault charge,” Rocker said. “Most of the time when we do benefits and set ups like this, we make it clear that no sexual offenders are allowed to come to our things.

Along with making sure their organization is safe from offenders, B.A.A.K works to make sure the community is safe for children as well.

“We do a [background] check because police don’t have the resources to do what

continued from page 16

we can do,” Rocker said. “We take local sex offenders, find out their name and address, and we go there – not in an intimidating manner. We knock on the door and ask if they still live there and if they do, we leave.

If they’re not there, we ask where they went to because it’s not up to date on the registry.

We’ve had a few positive outcomes with that and that’s why we keep doing it. We’ll pick a neighborhood [and] say, ‘Let’s canvas it.’”

B.A.A.K makes sure the checks are videoand audio-taped for its own protection.

“You’re a registered sex offender,” Rocker said. “Everyone has the right to check. You can’t intimidate, can’t harass. That’s why we do it quietly and don’t make a scene. We try to get as much information as possible as to where they moved to so we can give it to the police. If not, we just give [the information that they moved] to the police. Within 24 hours of moving, they’re supposed to register at their new address.”

B.A.A.K aims to help the community in more ways than just making sure the children in the area are safe. The group regularly holds events to raise money, including an annual toy drive.

“Our pride and joy, or brain child if you will, is the toy drive every year, gathering toys and delivering them to families throughout the state,” said another member, known as Professor.

While the toy drive has been done every year since inception, he says, the upcoming “Breakfast with Santa” is relatively new.

“I couldn’t tell you how many houses we went to with no presents under the tree,” Rocker said, and a large part of that is because people don’t ask for help. We have a storage area and we empty it every year,” Rocker said, “but it doesn’t seem like there’s enough.”

He described a situation that unfolded while in an apartment building delivering toys. A young girl met them in the hallway and asked why they hadn’t been there in three years.

“We didn’t have extra toys at that time, so we gave the mom a $100 gift card to Toys R Us so she could do something for Christmas that year,” he said.

Since that fateful interaction, the group now regularly helps that mother.

“Now, she’s part of our family,” said Rocker.

“We’ve repeated some of the families we’ve gone to. A lot of people who come to us are referred to by someone else [who] said, ‘They’re not going to ask [for help.]’”

Stories like that really hit close to home, Rocker says.

“It strikes a nerve when you’re somewhere and a little girl comes and asks, ‘Santa, why haven’t you been to my house in three years?’” he said. “You realize there are more children like that.”

continued on page 20

find their forever homes, Broken Tail Rescue works closely with local animal controls, animal shelters and rescue groups. Currently, Broken Tail Rescue is looking for monetary donations for one of their dogs Angus, who had surgery to help with heart problems.

What to Give: Wire crates, dry dog and cat food, wet puppy and kitten food, cat litter, Nature’s Miracle, laundry detergent, gas gift cards, humane traps, fleece blankets and monetary donations.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES WORCESTER COUNTY 10 Hammond St., Worcester ccworc.org Contact: 508-798-0191 Catholic Charities works with families and individuals in need by helping provide housing, shelter, clothing, health care and more.

What to Give: Monetary donations can be made online at ccworc. org/donations/make-a-donation. You can also donate your car, truck, motorcycle, RV or boat to Donation Angel at donationangel.org. Your vehicle will be picked up and towed for free.

CENTRO 11 Sycamore St., Worcester centroinc.org Contact: 508-798-1900 or info@centroinc.org CENTRO, formerly known as Centro Las Americas, is the largest minorityled, community-based, multi-service, multicultural, multilingual, nonprofit organization in Central Mass., providing assistance to individuals and families striving to reach self-sufficiency while promoting social responsibility, fostering cultural identity, and encouraging families to be significant contributors to the community as a whole.

What to Give: Food items to donate to their food panties, as well as continued on page 20

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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{ coverstory }

continued from page 18

coats, hats, and gloves for their families. Contact the organization for more items to donate.

continued from page 18

Since the group started in 2006, a large part of its funding has come out of the pockets of members, including their Thanksgiving dinner – but to them, it’s not about the money.

“None of us are set by any means,” said Rocker. “We’re not financially well off.” “…but we help each other and know there are people out there that need help,” Professor added.

“It boils down the family,” said Rocker. “It’s not much, but it’s something we can offer.

Everybody was going to make their own dinners anyways, so why not combine all the dinners and see if we can help a couple people out in the process? Our kids will realize that family doesn’t mean just blood. It’s the people you love.”

CHILDREN’S FRIEND, INC. 21 Cedar St., Worcester childrensfriend.org Contact: 508-753-5425 or givetoday@childrensfriend.org Children’s Friend, Inc. is a private, nonprofit agency that has been serving children and families since 1849. Children’s Friend provides services such as professional mental health services, adoption and related services, training and education, early childhood education and grief support.

What to Give: Gift cards of any amount to local grocery stores, Walmart and Target that will be distributed to needy families. Four booster seats for the car, two with backs and two without, carrying children that are 40 pounds and above.

DEVEREUX 60 Miles Road, Rutland devereux.org Contact: 508-886-4746 Since 1965, The Devereux Foundation is a non-profit organization that has provided quality treatment for children with special emotional and behavioral needs.

What to Give: Soccer and basket balls, Sports related items, puzzles, nail kits, coloring paraphernalia, arts and crafts, movie tickets, ice skating passes, ski passes, gift cards (Target, Walmart, Best Buy, iTunes, McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Subway), hats and gloves, magic kits.

SAVING THE ANIMALS

W

hen it comes to helping others, Sweetpea Friends of Rutland animal shelter in Paxton makes sure to remember the four-legged ones as well.

“We are a nonprofit, no-kill, strictly

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

Dress for Success Worcester provides interview and employment suiting for disadvantaged women in greater Worcester. Their goal is self-sufficiency and they also provide programs to help with job retention and growth.

What to Give: Interview appropriate suits and blouses, professional separates (including blouses, slacks, skirts, dresses, blazers and jackets), work appropriate shoes, jewelry, scarves, handbags (briefcases, portfolios or work appropriate handbag) and new, unopened hosiery, as well as monetary donations.

ELM PARK CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, INC. 284 Highland St., Worcester Contact: information@elmparkcenter.com Established in 1972, Elm Park Center for Early Childhood Education is an all-day, nonprofit daycare for children six weeks to 12 years old serving underprivileged families in Worcester. The Elm Park School has staff that speaks both Spanish and English.

What to Give: Winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens, boots, books for all ages of children, wooden puzzles and other toys.

FRIENDLY HOUSE 36 Wall St., Worcester friendlyhousema.org Contact: 508-792-1799 or nrosa@friendlyhousemaorg Friendly House first opened its doors in 1920, and provides shelter in 60 scattered site apartments around Worcester. Along with providing temporary emergency housing for its residents, Friendly House also provides extensive housing searches and programs to help its families become self-sufficient.

What to Give: Curtains and curtain rods, light bulbs, twin bed sheet sets and comforters, pillow, lamps, towels, shower liners, shower continued on page 22

{ coverstory } volunteer-based shelter,” said Kathy DiLeo, one of the volunteers at Sweetpea. “We believe all animals deserve a second chance, whether it be upbringing of not getting the right training or not being treated properly.

We believe all animals deserve a home.”

DiLeo says the shelter tries to fit the animals into a home based on both the animals’ characteristics and the characteristics of the home to make the best match and provide them with a home to fit their needs.

“We want to makes sure [the animals’] homes are protected or the people are just the right fit for the particular dogs,” said DiLeo. “Some animals need a quieter home because they’re skittish. If people are home, they’re able to tend for animals with other needs like medical issues or if they’re senior animals. It’s the personality of the animal to the personality of the environment they’ll be going into.”

On Sunday, Nov. 22, Sweetpea’s shelter in Paxton caught fire, killing 13 dogs and 36 cats. Out of the fire, only four dogs and two cats survived, one of which soon had to be put down.

“We were completely devastated,” she said.

“We’ve lost everything and to us here at the shelter, we lost part of our family. We’re still grieving.”

Overall, the community support has been somewhat overwhelming, said DiLeo.

“There have been so many people touched by this who have been giving and giving their condolences and stopping by the shelter just in tears, saying how sorry they are to hear,” she said. “It’s actually incredible how people have reached out to us because of this tragedy. So many people [have been] offering their time to help in whatever way they can, to help donate to what was lost in the fire - anything we need, whether it be helping to organize things or take donations or just to reach out and say, ‘I’m sorry.’ There’s a woman who came with her two grandchildren and handed buckets to us. They were standing outside of a local grocery store for three hours and gave us $400 in donations just to say, ‘We’re so sorry what happened.’”

According to DiLeo, the community overall has been brought so much closer together after the fire.

“So many people were unaware of Sweetpea and who we are here and what we do,” she said. “They have an understanding; they see the volunteers here and see how genuine we are and how much we truly love these animals [and] I feel like they want to be a part of it. They just want to help. I think a lot of people’s hearts have really gone out to Sweetpea and our animal shelter.”

One of the biggest hits during the tragedy at the shelter was the loss of four cats belonging to a homeless veteran, which

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“He lost his cats because he didn’t have a home,” said DiLeo. “With all the talk of the refugees, it hits us hard because we feel for him. We’d love for him to get a home so he can have cats again. He’d come here all the time and feed them. Our heart really goes out to him.”

In the midst of trying to rebuild, they shelter is looking for a way to help him as well.

“We want to help him out,” said DiLeo. “We would love for someone to help him. We think he deserves it.”

HOLIDAY GIVING

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It is important to remember the holidays aren’t the only time that people are in need.

Feelings of charity tend to fade a bit once the continued on page 22

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Celebrate

new year’s eve on

December31

{ coverstory } continued from page 21

holiday “feel good” atmosphere is over, but it is not so easy for those who struggle to make ends meet every day of the year.

“Charity and giving is just helping other people and it’s important not just at the STEVEN KING

needed even more because people tend to give during the holidays,” she said. “The need is always there and there are so many people in need that the only way that nonprofit organizations and charities can help is with help from the public.

“You’re helping someone who is living in

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your purchase of 244 West Boylston St. (Rt. 12) West Boylston • 774-261-8191 www.turn4hobbies.com turn4rc@hotmail.com

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

$15 OR MORE

Limit 1 COUPON per customer per day, Exp. 12/31/15

“Rocker,” president and co-founder of the local chapter of B.A.A.K holidays, it’s important all year round,” said Szymanski.

At Rachel’s Table, she says there is always a need of volunteers and help, no matter the time of year. “ “There are always people in need and actually, other times of the year, the help is continued from page 21

curtains and hooks, shower rods, travel size toiletries, rectangle table covers, microwaves, coffee maker, toaster, toothpaste and tooth brushes, pots and pans sets, eating and cooking utensils, baking pans, plastic cups and bowls, cooking knives, can openers, oven mitts, trash cans, brooms and dust pans, mops and buckets, cleaning supplies, donated services from craftsmen to help maintain the house, and a smaller-sized snow blower.

GIRLS INC. WORCESTER 125 Providence St., Worcester girlsincworcester.org Contact: 508-755-6455 or info@girlsincworcester.org Established in 1916, Girls Inc. of Worcester provides programs for girls ages 5 to 18 to learn, grow and be an effective part of the community.

Girls Incorporated of Worcester serves 1,800 girls in the Worcester area every year.

What to Give: $10 gift cards (Starbucks/Dunkin’ Donuts and Target/ Walmart) for volunteer recognition, movie Tickets for girl recognition, gift cards (Staples, BJ’s, Walmart and Sam’s Club), row boats, funyaks, oars, paddles, life jackets, sports equipment, grill (800-plus-square-inch cooking area), office supplies, laptops, gardening supplies and arts and craft supplies.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE GREATER WORCESTER AREA 11 Distributor Road, Worcester

your community and you never know when that person can be you. Nobody is immune from something happening in your life that can leave you needing help and at the same time. Anything people can do to help makes a difference.”

habitatmwgw.org Contact: 508-799-9259 or office@habitatmwgw.org Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Worcester Area was founded in 1985 by local activists who identified the need for affordable housing opportunities in the area. Over the past 30 years, the group has completed 36 homes for more than 150 adults and children.

What to Give: The ReStore, which offers an alternative and cost effective way to dispose of reusable item, takes furniture, any hardware, and roughly anything that can go in or on a home. Check out habitatmwgw.org/restore/restoredonations/donating-materials-to-restore for a complete list of what can and cannot be accepted.

HOPE LODGE 7 Oak St., Worcester cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/worcester/ index Contact: 508-792-2985 Hope Lodge in Worcester is a patient service program of the American Cancer Society, offering free lodging and support for cancer patients traveling to Massachusetts for ongoing treatment.

What to Give: All paper goods, laundry detergent, gift cards to grocery stores, Target and pharmacies; financial support, cleaning supplies, postage stamps and liquid hand sanitizer.

JEREMIAH’S INN 1059 Main St., Worcester jeremiahsinn.com

continued on page 24

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Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern epeppercorns.com

455 Park Ave. Worcester 508-752-7711

Open Christmas Eve until 3pm

THE HEATHER SHOP 1061 Main St., Holden 508.829.4005 Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-5

JOHN MCDERMOTT & FRIENDS: A Family Christmas Friday, December 18, 2015 | 7:30pm

SIN

To benefit St. John’s Food for the Poor Program Presented by Francis R. Carroll

923

1 CE

For business service call: 508 753-5306 or contact us @ gibsonsdairy@aol.com For home delivery call: 508 753-1095 www.Gibsonsdairy.com

DAVID FRYKMEN • BOYD • ARTIST BEARS • LIGHTS • NATIVITIES • SNOW NICKLE

12” Plain Wreaths 22” OD Wreaths - $8.95; with bow - $10.95 8” - 72” Wreaths Winter Pots & Boxes - $15.95 BER Center Pieces - Swags - Fresh Bundles DECEMIA L of Greens SPEC PA NE O Check out our Christmas Bear Shop R P # 0 2 - 33% OFF Trim-A-Tree items, lights, $12.59 ornaments, etc.

872 Southbridge St., Auburn (Across from Ronnie’s) 508-832-8739 teddybearfarms.net OVER 1,000 DIFFERENT ORNAMENTS

OVER 1,000 DIFFERENT ORNAMENTS • ANGELS • TREE TOPPERS • STEIFF BEARS

50% OFF All Artificial Wreaths and Garland

Contact us today to get on a path to a pain-free lifestyle!

BOULEVARD

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDING CENTER

149 Shrewsbury St., Worcester • 508-754-1791 BOULEVARDCOMPOUNDING.COM

We Wish You Blessed Holidays And Happy New Year

Local - Family owned - Premium quality Fresh from local farms

321 Main Main Street, Street, Worcester, Worcester, MA MA 321 508-752-0888 • www.mechanicshall.org

Great selection of live Christmas Trees for Planting or Decorating. Baby Blue Spruce & Fraser Firs 1gal. to 7 ft.

We use the newest technology within the cream bases for safe and effective absorption. The pharmacists at BPCC work closely with prescribers to design proper treatment regimens.

We Sell FUN! CELEBRATING 36 Years. 24 in AUBURN

We would like to be your supplier for all your produce & dairy products!

Serving restaurants, schools, institutions, stores, daycares & homes.

No minimum orders • Daily delivery available Fast, friendly, dependable service

CHRISTMAS CHARMING TALES • WILLEY RAYE STUDIO • OLDEST ANGEL

Topical pain cream may be your answer ...

Minimize unwanted side effects through the use of transdermal pain creams.

DIMENSION ONE SPAS & Aquafit Swim Spas SNE Thousands - Beautiful - Different Most Indusive Warranty • Additional SAVINGS on IN-STOCKS

CALL BOX OFFICE FOR TICKETS & MEMBER DISCOUNTS 508-752-0888

Largest selection of premium Trees Balsam, Fraser and Douglas from tabletop to 20 ft.

Tired of Taking Oral Pain Medication?

Health & Fitness Supplement Center & Weight Loss Clinic

Performance Aids, Health & Beauty Products, Fat Burners, Gluten Free & More!

Consulting Services: Bridal Transformations, Contest Preperations, AAU Athlete Guidance

0% FINANCING on TABLES & SPAS and we Install them all winter.

SALES•SERVICE•SUPPLIES•PARTS POOL TABLES Include Delivery. Installation and Deluxe Package - own for as low as $10.00 a week! Sales, Recloths CUES and DARTS accessories & cue repairs.

SWIMMING POOLS - ABOVE GROUND, IN or partial, to suit your terrain, reserve now for 2016 Licensed • Insured • Gifts Cards • Free Layaway

760 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6566 POOLSCUESSPAS.COM Mon.-CLOSED UNTIL SPRING; Tues.-Fri. 10:00 - 6:00 Sat. 10:00 - 5:00; Sun. 12:00 - 4:00

Book your Holiday Party Today!

Private Rooms Available Up to 260 Guests!

WE CARRY

HOURS Mon-Fri 11-7 Sat 11-5

861 Southbridge St., (Rte. 20) Auburn 508-832-8800 massmusclemaker.co

MOTIVATION • CONSULTATION • SUPPLEMENTATION

917 Southbridge St., Auburn (Rt 12 & 20 ) • 508.832.9705 JANTHONYSGRILL.COM DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

23

{ coverstory } continued from page 22

Contact: 508-755-6403 or info@jeremiahsinn.com Jeremiah’s Inn is a social model residential recovery program for men in drug addiction recovery, consisting of 29 groups. The group also operates an emergency food pantry.

What to Give: Socks, underwear and undershirts (all sizes M XXXL); toiletries including shampoo, soap, antiperspirant, tooth paste, toothbrushes, floss, shaving cream, razors, lotions, Q-tips, combs, sun block, Chap Stick; twin size bed sheet sets, pillow cases, blankets or quilts, bath towels, face cloths, dish towels, gloves, hats, coats, food items such as fresh produce, eggs, non-perishable food items, cooking staples and more. Check out their website for a full list.

JOY OF MUSIC PROGRAM 1 Gorham St., Worcester jomp.org Contact: 508-856-9541 or rich@jomp.org Called “Worcester’s Community Music Program,” the Joy of Music Program is a nonprofit community music school located in Worcester, offering a full range of classes, lessons and concerts to people of all ages.

What to Give: Musical instruments in good condition, especially good quality professional level instruments for high intermediate and advanced students.

MUSTARD SEED 93 Piedmont St., Worcester Contact: 508-754-7098 Mustard Seed is a house of hospitality in the Catholic Worker movement, established in 1972. Mustard Seed is a soup kitchen proving free hot supper every Monday with no questions asked for the homeless in Worcester, as well as a Worcester County Food Bank food pantry.

What to Give: Food pantry non-perishables, anything simple to cook, urgent need for sleeping bags and blankets (new or used), socks, warm hats, coats, shoes, winter clothing.

donations (no amount too small) either cash (in person), check (in person or mail) or credit card payment (secure processing online through www.CentralMassPFC.org).

NATIVITY SCHOOL OF WORCESTER 67 Lincoln St., Worcester nativityworcester.org Contact: 508-799-0100 or pmaloney@nativityworcester.org Nativity School of Worcester is an accredited, independent, Jesuit middle school that provides a quality, all-scholarship education to under-served boys of all faiths.

What to Give: Navy blue blazers, white button-down shirts, khaki pants, belts and dress shoes for boys in sizes from boys’ small to men’s medium; sports equipment, such as baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls and related items; art supplies and music equipment, such as instruments, scores and songbooks.

PLANTING THE SEED FOUNDATION plantingtheseed.org Contact: molly@plantingtheseed.org Planting the Seed Foundation is a 100-percent volunteer, nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of homeless children and their families in Worcester and surrounding towns What to Give: For their upcoming toy drive, toys/gifts for newborns to age 18, especially gift cards for teens, as well as monetary donations through their website and school supplies.

PATHWAYS FOR CHANGE 588 Main St., Worcester centralmasspfc.org Contact: 1-800-870-5905 (24-hour, toll-free hotline), 508) 852-7600 (office) Pathways for Change’s mission is to address the impact of sexual violence by providing quality and multicultural services to those whose lives have been impacted by sexual violence and to provide education geared toward ending violence. Pathways for Change is one of the first rape crisis centers to be established in Massachusetts, which opened its doors in 1973.

What to Give: Boxes of tissues for counseling rooms, emergency room aftercare clothing (solid-color new sweatpants, sweatshirts and socks with no images, branding or logos – all sizes), and monetary

charge, to agencies feeding hungry families and individuals in Greater Worcester, and to reduce the waste of nourishing food.

What to Give: Unused perishable or non-perishable food and monetary donations to support their milk fund and produce programs – check their website at rachelstable.org for donor guidelines.

SWEETPEA FRIENDS OF RUTLAND (FOR) ANIMAL SHELTER 1090 Pleasant St. (Route 122), Paxton sweetpeafora.org Contact: 508-757-7959 and sweetpeafora@verizon.net Sweetpea Animal Shelter is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter that is dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of stray, abandoned and surrendered companion animals in Central Mass and beyond.

PROJECT NEW HOPE INC. What to Give: Canned cat/kitten food, cat toys, large poop scoop, 70 James St., Suite 157, Worcester bleach, vinegar, scissors, large trash bags, scrub brush on pole, projectnewhopema.org Yesterday’s News Kitty Litter, dry cat and dog food, cookies, outdoor toys, Contact: 774- 243-7859 or bmoore@projectnewhopema.org large and small chews, Martingale collars (small/medium), used towels/ Project New Hope Inc.’s mission is to assist veterans and their families blankets/sheets , fans, wet vac, large kitty play pens, pots/pans/baking with PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, marital issues, chronic pain issues sheets/silverware/dishes/glasses etc., kitchen supplies for meetings and suicidal thoughts, along with other issues that might arise. and events, large litter boxes, Kuranda dog or cat beds and monetary What to Give: An unwrapped gift or gift cards to Walmart, Target, donations toward rebuilding. To help replace items lost in the fire, please Shaw’s, Market Basket, etc. check their wishlist on their website, which is updated as they receive donations.

RACHEL’S TABLE 633 Salisbury St., Worcester THE BRIDGE OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS rachelstable.org 4 Mann St., Worcester Contact: 508-799-7600 or contact Carla Szymanski, the director, at thebridgecm.org carlaszyrt@gmail.com Contact: 508-755-0333 Rachel’s Table is a nonprofit, volunteer-based food relief organization that The Bridge is a nonprofit human service agency known for providing collects and distributes donated and specially purchased foods, without evidence-based treatment and services for individuals with mental health

Worcester’s Best Chef Competition 9TH ANNUAL

YOU VOTE

MECHANICS HALL | 321 MAIN ST., WORCESTER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016 | 5-8:30PM PRESENTED BY

Worcester’s Best Chef Competition is the premier culinary event throughout Central New England and boasts the most exclusive, creative and finest epicurean masterpieces to be found anywhere. This event showcases the highest level of culinary talent in the region, and also assists students of the culinary arts.

Come eat, drink and vote your palate in the People’s Choice competition — taste through selections from prestigious wineries & craft beer brewers, experience the thrill of a live Iron Chef competition, and be part of the landmark event to crown Worcester’s Best Chef!

Individual Entrance Times & Ticket Prices Vary Please Go Online To Reserve Your Arrival

2015 Overall Iron Chef Winner: Tim Russo Formerly of Volturno Pizza Napoletana, Worcester Now Owner of Lock 50 in Worcester

No Tickets Will be Available At The Door •

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WorcestersBestChef.com

{ coverstory } challenges, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury and complex family problems. The Bridge currently serves over 1,200 people in 50 programs in 15 locations throughout Central Mass., Metrowest and Boston What to Give: Sheets and bedding, warm gloves and hats, gift cards, and monetary donations. By Dec. 14, the Bridge hopes to obtain 400 gifts with an average value of no more than $40 each. If interested, email klandry@thebridgecm.org, rlynch@thebridgecm. org, OR eoneil@thebridgecm.org for details.

SALVATION ARMY 640 Main St., Worcester salvationarmy.org Contact: 508-756-7191 The Salvation Army is an international, nonprofit organization to help the needy.

What to Give: Monetary gifts, gift cards, new unwrapped toys, holiday-related food items and food donations of non-perishable items.

United Way of Central Massachusetts 484 Main St., Worcester unitedwaycm.org Contact: 508-757-5631 Founded in 1920, United Way of Central Massachusetts thrives on connecting people to the resources they need. Many of those within the organization are community leaders bringing together donors, volunteers, partners and agencies to meet those in need.

What to Give: You can donate monetarily online at unitedwaycm.org.

If you have a favorite charity or cause, your will can include a planned gift. There is also the United Way of Central Massachusetts Leadership Program, which offers different levels of donations.

VETERANS INC. 69 Grove St., Worcester veteransinc.org Contact: 1-800-482-2565 or donations@veteransinc.org A 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Massachusetts, Veteran’s Inc. is the largest provider of support services to veterans and their families in New England.

What to Give: Cash contributions, men’s and women’s clothing, dry goods, canned goods and vehicles (Please see our Vehicle for Veterans Program). For more specific wishlist items, check out veteransinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2015_Wish-List.pdf.

FUNDRAISERS/EVENTS WAAF ROCK FOR CHANGE HELPS FEED THE HUNGRY

11 Distributor Road, Worcester 508-799-9259

Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. until Friday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

For three days, WAAF will be taking donations for song requests to benefit the Greater Boston, Worcester County, and New Hampshire Food Banks.

WSRS FEED WORCESTER COUNTY FOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 a.m. until Saturday, Dec. 12 at noon 72 Pullman St., Worcester (the Price Chopper down the street from Showcase North Cinemas)

WCFB and volunteers will be collecting food and fund donations in the back of their truck all day Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and until noon on Saturday while 96.1 WSRS broadcasts live.

PLANTING THE SEED FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY TOY DRIVE Worcester Fitness, 440 Grove St., Worcester Thursday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Bring some new gifts for boys and girls ranging in age from infant to 18 years old, which will be distributed to children in need throughout Worcester County.

BIKER’S AGAINST ABUSING KIDS’ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to noon Millbury Baptist Church, 17 Main St., Millbury

A gift and a free digital photo with Santa will be provided for each child. Kids eat free, $5 for adults.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOOTENANNY Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. continued on page 26 pecial!

S ummer

WHY ME & SHERRY’S HOUSE 1152 Pleasant St., Worcester whyme.org

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Music, food, vendors and store-wide sales will be featured in the fifth annual Holiday Hootennany at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Hot chocolate and apple cider will be sold all day and music will be provided all day as well by five different live bands playing everything from holiday music, jazz and Cajun. Pictures with Santa and Story time with Mrs. Claus will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the local Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes, communities and hope.

HOLIDAY CONCERT TO BENEFIT SWEETPEA FOR ANIMALS

Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.

Unity Center of Central Mass., 21 Cedar St., Worcester

and post-9/11 service-members, as well as children and stepchildren of service members who were killed in action or died as a result of military service. All Veterans and Servicemembers must bring proof of veteran’s status (DD-214, Military or dependent ID card or VA issued health card). Leftover presents will be given out to the public.

SWEETPEA’S ROAD TO RECOVERY BENEFIT Sunday, Dec. 20, 1-6 p.m.

The Ranch & Saloon, 70 James St., Worcester

Contact: SweetPeaBenefit@gmail.com The event to raise funds for Sweetpea’s rebuilding efforts will feature live entertainment, food and raffles. Admission is $20, either at the door or via email.

A holiday concert featuring musicians from the Unity Center for Central Mass. will raise funds to benefit Sweetpea Friends of Rutland Animals. There will be a table of crafts for sale, baked goods, and raffle baskets.

The concert is open to everyone and is being offered on a donation basis, with all proceeds going to Sweetpea.

PROJECT NEW HOPE INC. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 4 MILITARY AND VETERAN CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Project New Hope Inc., Suite 157, Worcester Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event willpprovide for all preiaecl!pe iapresents Sermec erm cil!al!

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Over Over Over 40 COlOrs 40COlOrs COlOrs 40 On On sale Onsale sale

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS GRANITE COUNTE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS &QUARTZ! QUARTZ! & &QUARTZ! & QUARTZ! 45 Colors for Colors for 4 Colors for ¼45 Mile East of Home Home Depot ¼ 45 Mile East of Home Depot GRANITE COUNTERTOPS ¼ M GRANITE COUNTERTOPS ¼ Mile East of Depot GRANITE C GRANITE COUNTERTOPS Radio Show & Podcast! $45.00 • Biggest The Biggest Selection $45.00 • The Biggest Selection of of of $45.0 $45.00 • The Selection 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), 620620 Boston Turnpike (Rt.(Rt. 9), 9), 620 B Boston Turnpike Marble and Granite of any & QUARTZ!

“It’s the Liquor Talking”

Over Over Over 40 40 COlOrs 40COlOrs COlOr On sale On sale On sale

per sqft Installed perper sqft Installed sqft Installed

(40 sqft or more) (40 sqft or more) Marble andand Granite of any & QUARTZ! (40Shrewsbury sqft or more) Marble Granite of any &Rounded, QUARTZ! Includes: Rounded, Beveled or & polished edges Q Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Fabrication Shop!

Includes: Beveled or polished edges Includes Includes: Rounded, Beveled or polished edges ¼ Mile East of Home Depot Fabrication Shop!

4 in back Splash.

Cutout for sink.

Broadcasting LIVE from Julio' s Liquors Fabrication Shop! ¼ Mile East of Home Depot 4 in back Splash.

Cutout for sink.

• The Biggest Selection of ¼ Mile East of Home Depot 4 4(Cannot in back Cutout for sink. beSplash. combined w/any other sales) 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), i Selection of ofofany • The Biggest Selection of • The• Biggest The Biggest Marble andSelection Granite • Over 250 colors (Cannot be combined w/any other sales) 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), (Ca (Cannot be combined w/any other sales) 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), Shrewsbury and Granite of any • Over 250 colors Big Blue Building Marble and Granite of any Marble Marble and Granite of any • Over 250 colors Fabrication Shop!

Shrewsbury Saturday 11am 1pm!

Biggest Selection of Marble and Big Blue Building Shrewsbury Fabrication Shop!

Big Big Blue Building to choose from Fabrication to Shop!

Fabrication Shop!

Biggest Selection of Marble andand Bigge Biggest of Blue Marble choose from • Over 250 colors to choose from Granite Selection of ANYBig Fabrication Shop Building • Over 250to colors (all slabs on site) • Over 250 colors • Over 250 colors choose from Granite of ANY Fabrication Shop Big Blue Building Granit Granite of ANY Fabrication Shop Listen on WCRN AM830 or stop by Big Blue Building 280 Colors to Choose From (all slabs on site) to choose from (all slabs on site) (all slabs on site) to choose from to choose from 280 Colors to Choose From 508-842-9800 Granite Countertop, Quartz Surfaces, Soapstone 28 280 Colors to Choose From (all slabs on site) • Backsplash, (all slabs on site) (all slabs on site) 508-842-9800 • Backsplash, Granite Countertop, Quartz Surfaces, Soapstone 508-842-9800 Granite Co Granite Countertop, Quartz Surfaces, Soapstone • Backsplash, Julio’ s and join the fun!

Drive a Little - Save A Lot! • Backsplash, Fax 508-842-9808 Fax 508-842-9808 • Backsplash, Flooring, Glass & Flooring, Glass & • Backsplash, • Backsplash, aFax Little - Save A Lot! 1/4 Mile Drive Fax 508-842-9808 508-842-9808 East Fax ofDrive Home Depot 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. Shrewsbury -508-842-9808 Fri. 8-6,9), Sat. 8-7 Dri a Little - Mon. Save A Lot! Flooring, Glass & Available Fax 508-842-9808 Mosaic Tiles Flooring, Glass & Available Flooring, Glass & Flooring, Glass & Flooring, Glass & Mon. -- Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7 1/4 Mile Mosaic Tiles Home DepotDepot - 620 Boston Turnpike 9), Shrewsbury 1 Mon. - Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7 1/4East No Radio, No problem!

Mosaic TilesTiles Available /4 Mile East of Hom Mileof East of Home - 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), Shrewsbury Mon. -(Rt. Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7 Mosaic Tiles A vailable Mosaic Available Big Blue Building • 508-842-9800 • Fax 508-842-9808 Mon. Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7 M Mon. Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-7 Mosaic Tiles Available Mosaic Tiles Available 220 Colors On Sale! Exotic Marble, Granite & Soapstones Available.

Big Blue Building • Blue 508-842-9800 • FaxBuild Big Big Blue Building •8-6 508-842-9800 • 508-842-9808 Fax 508-842-9808 Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5 • Thurs.

• Sat. 9-4 Colors OnOn Sale!

Exotic Marble, Granite & Soapstones Available.

220 Colors On Sale!220Exotic Marble, Gra 220 Colors Sale!

Exotic Marble, Granite & Soapstones Available.

508-842-9800 508-842-9800 50 508-842-9800

220 Colors On Sale! ExoticMon.-Fri. Marble, Soapstones Available.

8Granite to •5Thurs.

8-68-6 •Thurs Sat. 9-4 Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5 • Mon.-Fri. 85 to& •& Thurs.

• Sat. 9-4 220 Colors OnOn Sale!

Exotic Marble, Granite Soapstones Available.

Exotic Marble, Granite & Soap 220 Colors Sale!

Exotic Marble, Granite & Soapstones Available.

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Bishop McManus and Catholic Charities thank our donors, volunteers and sponsors for making the 2015 Bishop’s Holiday Dinners possible.

Over 3,000 hot meals will be served over Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

You’ve made a difference!

Platinum Corporate Sponsor J.J. Bafaro, Inc. Mark Sullivan Trucking Co. Saint Francis Community Health Care Foundation Saint Vincent Hospital TD Bank Gold Corporate Sponsor Camosse Masonry Supply Consigli Construction Company, Inc. Fallon Health Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Inc. Silver Corporate Sponsor Chacharone Properties, LLC Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc. The Coghlin Companies Fletcher-Terry The Granite Group David Grenon Family Foundation Grimes & Co. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Honey Farms, Inc.

Imperial Distributors iSun International Group, LLC Lamoureux Pagano & Associates, Inc. Machado Consulting The Monahan Group Pagano Media, Inc. Reliant Medical Group Sullivan, Garrity & Donnelly Insurance Agency Sullivan Insurance Group, Inc. Thomas J. Woods Insurance Agency, Inc. UniBank In-Kind Sponsor Broadway Restaurant Chartwells Food Service Duva Distributors Inc. LAZ Parking Maines Paper & Food Service Table Talk Pie Co.

Media Sponsor Telegram & Gazette Worcester Business Journal Worcester Magazine Charter TV3

10 Hammond St , Worcester 01610-1513 508-798-0191 • www.ccworc.org

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• DECEMBER 10, 2015

{ coverstory } continued from page 25

Contact: 508-757-7734 or contact Executive Director David Hagan at dhagan@whyme.org Why Me is a Worcester-based nonprofit organization created to help Central New England families cope with childhood cancer. Why Me provides no-cost, eight-bedroom lodging for child cancer patients, their families and caregivers, throughout the cancer treatment process at their Sherry House.

What to Give: Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.), kid-friendly cereal, oatmeal, canned fruit, fruit cups, applesauce, spaghetti sauce, juices (especially individual juice boxes), peanut butter, fluff, canned pasta , mac & cheese, rice, soups, broth, meal makers, snack sized “snacks,” chips, salsa, popcorn, granola bars, non-perishable canned foods, baking goods (cake mix, brownie mix, etc.), Advil and Tylenol (adult and children), household & cleaning supplies, shampoo, conditioner, bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorants, hair brush and combs. Check their website for more needed wishlist items.

WORCESTER ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE 139 Holden St., Worcester worcesterarl.org/ Contact: 508-853-0030 Founded in 1912, the Worcester Animal Rescue League is a limitedintake shelter that provides shelter and care for animals.

What to Give: Dog and cat food (wet and dry types), KMR Milk Replacer Food Supplements (for nursing kittens and puppies), comforters, blankets, towels (not pillows & sheets), Kuranda Beds, cat and dog beds, martingale collars, belt collars with hook and eye for dogs (not the plastic snap collars), easy walk harnesses, gentle leaders, toys for cats (furry mice and balls with bells, stuffed animals), toys for dogs (Kongs, Ruff Wear, Nylar bones, Jolly Balls, Tuffies), latex gloves, gauze, anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, Popsicle sticks, Dixie cups, One Touch test strips, and more. Check out their website for a complete list.

WORCESTER COMMON GROUND, INC. 5 Piedmont St., Worcester wcgcdc.org Contact: 508-754-0908 or ydyson@wcg-cdc.com The mission of WCG is to promote and develop permanent and sustainable improvement in the neighborhoods of Central Worcester through affordable housing, community activism and economic development.

What to Give: Everyday items tenants need such as diapers, yellow trash bags, canned food, toiletries, school supplies and warm clothing, as well as children’s gifts for the holiday season.

WORCESTER COUNTY FOOD BANK 474 Boston Tnpk., Shrewsbury foodbank.org/ Contact: 508-842-3663 Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) is the region’s leading anti-hunger organization distributing over 5 million pounds of donated food and

grocery product in partnership with food donors, financial supporters, and volunteers.

What to Give: Cereal, rice, beans, soup, stew, chili, dry and canned pasta, macaroni and cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter and jelly. No glass items, including baby food, and low sodium, low sugar food items are appreciated.

WORCESTER COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL Denholm Building 484 Main St., Second Floor, Worcester wcac.net Contact: 508-754-1176 Now in its 50th year, the WCAC offers employment and social service programs as a federally-mandated antipoverty agency. The organization serves more than 72,000 individuals and families annually.

What to Give: Monetary donations may be made at any time at wcac. net/volunteer-and-donate/. The WCAC also holds an annual coat drive.

This year nearly 450 new winter coats were provided to children.

YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS, CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH 766 Main St., Worcester ymcaofcm.org Contact: 508-755-6101 The Worcester branch was built in 1920, and provides place for teens in addition to a workout facility for adults.

What to Give: The Y’s annual fundraising campaign and 150th anniversary capital campaign are ways to donate monetarily. Money raised through the annual campaign has gone toward scholarships for children, teens and families to afford participation in the Y. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

YWCA CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS One Salem Square, Worcester ywcacentralmass.org Contact: 508-791-3181 The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Across the globe, the YWCA has more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States.

What to Give: New clothing including children’s underwear (all sizes), women’s undergarments (all sizes) and socks (women/boys/girls); Kitchen supplies (new or like new, including pots, pans, a new coffee maker potholders, knife sets, cooking utensils, food storage containers, new kitchen towels; general household items (new or like new) including dining table place mats (sets of 12), table centerpieces (non-glass), new mops, new pillows, pole lamps, televisions, vacuums, winter blankets, new linen sets and mattress covers (both twin-sized); New hygienic products including toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, brushes and combs, shaving supplies feminine hygiene items, hand sanitizer, first-aid kits, Band-Aids, baby powder, tissues, baby wipes and more. Please check out ywcacentralmass.org/wp-content/uploads/Wish-List3.pdf for a full list.

art | dining | nightlife | December 10 - 16, 2015

night day &

“Grayscale”: ArtsWorcester’s shades of gray Joshua Lyford

ArtsWorcester, 660 Main St., held its opening for “Grayscale,” an exhibit focused on area artists that broke the organization’s record for number of participating artists earlier this month, and in addition to showcasing a remarkable amount of talent under one roof, the turnout was impressive.

Sparked not only by the widely-inclusive exhibit and individual pieces, but by the promise of 10 artworks selected to be shown at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St. in Fitchburg next summer, the result was an evening of creativity, both established and budding.

The work of 120 individual artists is not

only an inspiring look at the present and future of art in Massachusetts, it is also an intricately organized body of intriguing work.

The only direction given in the original call to artists was the pieces could only be in black and white, or with an “extremely muted color palette.” The combination of artists both new and old allows for continuing emergence.

“As we offer more competitive opportunities for artists, we need to make sure there are always opportunities for emerging artists,” said Juliet Feibel, executive director of ArtsWorcester. “It is important to keep themes big to maintain that.”

The free opening event, exhibit and impending showing at the Fitchburg Art Museum’s regional show marks the fourth “call and response” collaborative exhibit between the arts organization and museum.

The Fitchburg museum loaned several pieces, which are currently on display at the Main Street gallery. They include William Barnet’s “Woman and the Sea,” Sima Hannula’s “Satellite,” Hercules Brabazon’s “Landscape” and Ansel Adams’ “Cape Cod, n.d.”

Serving as juror on behalf of the Fitchburg continued on page 28

Above, John Hayes-Nikas, “Sliabh na Calliagh,” 30 inches x 20 inches, graphite, haema, enamel on paper Left, James Dye, “The City of Trumpets,” 19 inches x 24 inches, dip pen and india ink DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

27

night day &

{ arts }

GRAYSCALE continued from page 27

Art Museum was Emily Mazzolla, Koch curatorial fellow at the museum. While museum director Nick Capasso was under the weather not at the at the opening, Feibel said he is a significant force in the Central Mass art scene.

“It [Fitchburg Art Museum] really models how a museum can work with local artists,” said Feibel. “He has a deep respect for artists and he says, here is a way to utilize the strengths in this region and see what those can do. They are cutting edge. They’re a regional treasure.”

The pieces in the exhibit are representative of a vast swathe of both styles and mediums. There are photos, paintings, drawings, sculptures and pieces that blur the line between what constitutes as art and craft.

“We are not interested in saying that’s art and that’s craft,” said explained Feibel, pointing across the downstairs area of ArtsWorcester. “The divide between the two is sort of nonsense.”

With a theme as broad as what is represented in Grayscale, it is difficult to predict the sorts of pieces that will eventually hang on the walls and to those in attendance, that is part of the fun.

“That’s the great joy we get to experience here,” said Feibel. “We are always surprised.

We welcome that. Several artists took the opportunity to try something totally new. That’s really exciting.”

The 10 pieces chosen to be displayed at the Fitchburg Art Museum were announced the evening of the opening to an enthusiastic crowd.

They are “Once Upon a Time” by Eugenie L. Berg, “Twentieth-Century Art Stars: Sky Chart”

by Carrie Crane, “Doublethink” by Joseph Farbrook, “Coffee Shop” by Ralph Ferro, “Still Life in Gray” by Clifton Hunt, “We Are But Wisps in A Very Large Space” by John LaPrade, “Sliabh na Calliagh” by John Nikas-Hayes, “The Whale, Herring Cove” by William Sculley, “LOL” and “Seriously” by Sarah Williams and “Grid Gone Slightly Askew” by Agnes Wyant.

You can view the Grayscale exhibit at ArtsWorcester, 660 Main St., Thursdays through Saturdays, 12-4 p.m. through Dec. 19 and Jan. 7-14 as well as by appointment.

You can view the 10 artworks at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St. in Fitchburg, next summer. To find out more on the museum, head to Fitchburgartmuseum.org and for more information on ArtsWorcester, head to Artsworcester.org.

Reporter Joshua Lyford can be reached at 508749-3166, ext. 325, or by email at Jlyford@ worcestermagazine.com. Follow Josh on Twitter Kathy Murray, “Sense of Place,” 12 inches x 12 inches, photo composite/digital print @Joshachusetts.

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night day &

{ music }

Danny Bedrosian brings Secret Army to Electric Haze Joshua Lyford

For the first time in four years, Massachusetts artist Danny Bedrosian will return to Worcester with Secret Army to perform at Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Thursday, Dec. 17.

Bedrosian will be joined by Sarah and The Wild Versatile.

Bedrosian, who originally hails from Lawrence, said Secret Army was a way for him to pull back from much larger ensembles, while performing with acts such as George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, to a tighter, three-piece unit.

“It was always made up of a few of us from George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic,” said Bedrosian. “It started as a larger ensemble than it is now. I’ve prided it on being a tight three-piece since about 2010. Before that it was much larger. In more recent years, I broke it down to three. I’ve always been in bigger projects, 20 pieces, things like that. I wanted to try my hand at getting a lot of sound out of just a few people.”

The first Danny Bedrosian and Secret Army album was self-titled and released in 2006; next year marks its 10th anniversary.

Bedrosian said the band is currently on its 13th tour and its eighth studio album is forthcoming, “soon.”

Bedrosian himself has been personally invested in music since a very young age, an appreciation that developed through his very music-oriented family.

“All the people in my family were either pianists, singers, musicians or combination of both,” said Bedrosian. “My grandfather was a painter, my cousin was a Major League Baseball player, all my parents sang and danced. I came from an artistic family.”

Bedrosian’s folks still operate a piano studio in the Merrimack Valley.

“They are still considered some of the most respected pianists and educators in the region,” said Bedrosian. “I’m really proud of having that as a part of my life. I can’t stop thanking them. I’ll never take that for granted.

I would have never gotten that from public school music programs.”

Bedrosian’s Merrimack Valley upbringing proved a great source of influence for the young man, and the huge variety of music and musical interest in the area went a long way.

30

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“Being in the Merrimack River Valley, there was always a real classic tradition and a lot of churches,” he said. “I probably started in bands around 10, 11 or 12. They were mostly metal bands. There was a lot of hardcore coming out of that region in the time. There was a lot of me being snuck in or going in underage to play and I played a lot with the hip hop groups around.”

“I think that was a big influence on me,” he continued. “As far as how I handled music business later in life. The things I was frustrated about, like cold call booking, and all the things that go with that, influenced the way I do business now.”

Bedrosian became an enthusiastic fan of George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, a musical interest that had a profound effect on his musical interests. Later, Bedrosian would join the group as their keyboard player.

“I discovered P-Funk when I was about 11 through hip hop sampling,” he said. “My father had just brought me to my first James Brown concert. Those two interests developed separately. I wanted to know where those samples were coming from, I wanted to discover that. Because P-Funk had managed through so many genres, it was just like what I had been doing personally. It was like a cultural renaissance of paradigm shifts. It was not quite the R & B I grew up with, it wasn’t the jazz stuff, or the rock and metal stuff I was playing. I found myself being really attracted to that fusion of sounds. I was super impressed immediately. I got super into the music and the shows.”

Bedrosian headed to Providence, Rhode Island to present George Clinton with a homemade version of one of Clinton’s iconic bed sheets he would wear on stage. An excited Bedrosian met the musical powerhouse and eventually developed a friendly relationship with him.

“By the time I was 19, he invited me to his studio to record,” said Bedrosian. “I became the keyboard player by the time I was 22.

Eventually, a job opened up on the road and it led me to my job as a keyboard player.”

Bedrosian has been developing his craft throughout his adult life, and will put those years of effort on display at Electric Haze with Secret Army.

“I get both a continuation of my studies as well as the visceral experience in my music career in performing,” said Bedrosian. “I get a lot out of that performance aspect. It’s both spiritual and a part of my continuing education. Once you stop teaching yourself things, you stop evolving.”

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

Head to Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Thursday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. to check out Danny Bedrosian and Secret Army live with special guests, Sarah and The Wild Versatile.

The show is 21-plus and the cover is $8. You can find out more on Bedrosian online at

Dannybedrosian.com and to find out more on Electric Haze, head to thehaze.com.

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

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Danny Bedrosian

night day &

{ arts } Local author’s quest for city’s catacombs Joshua Lyford

When Charles Longeway was a teenager, he was handed some newspaper articles about underground catacombs hidden beneath the heart of Worcester’s downtown. Unbeknownst to the young Longeway, it would set him on a lifelong quest to discover these forgotten chambers, culminating in the recent release of Longeway’s first and only novel, “Worcester’s Forgotten Catacombs.”

“When I was in my early teens, I was up at the old Worcester Public Library and the librarian gave me some articles about these underground catacombs,” recalled Longeway.

“Since that point, I’ve been interested.”

That early seed grew feverishly throughout Longeway’s life, though it would take many years before he started marking his thoughts down on paper and begin the in-depth research process that would take form as his novel.

“I grew up right there, right where the new courthouse is,” said Longeway. “At the time, there were thousands of kids in that area and a lot of apartment buildings. It was a great place to grow up. From then on, I was hooked.

It wasn’t until I got older that I learned how to do research. I kept working on it over the years and tackled many stories, most of which were dead ends.”

While the book itself took about three years to piece together, its contents represent more than 50 years of research. Longeway, who is now in his 70s, does not consider himself a writer, but felt the urge to get the story of the catacombs out to the general public.

“Over the years, I’ve enjoyed myself with

this story, but not too many people cared to listen to it,” said Longeway. “I really suggest in this book that other people pick up on this investigation. There are people out there with vast historical records out there somewhere.

Unless they step forward, the secret’s not going to be know. I think that it’s an important part of history that should be known.”

To get the full story, you’ll have to purchase the book, but the story of the catacombs is filled with mystery, broken leads, intrigue and unanswered questions.

Longeway said it was almost as if there were forces trying to keep the catacombs a secret.

“The most important piece of research I found at the Antiquarian Society, somebody had cut at least 10 pages out of the book with a razor blade,” said Longeway. “That was the period I needed to know about. I went back many years later and the book had vanished.”

Longeway, a civil engineer by trade, said there are huge cellars underground throughout the city and tunnels that connect various businesses, but the catacombs in question represent more than 30 rooms over 40 feet below ground.

“They had boxing matches down there,” said Longeway. “They used to hold bare fisted fighting and I read that they had gambling down there. It was like an entertainment complex. I can understand why they’re trying to protect that, it was illegal, but it should still be known.”

Longeway said he struck a number of dead ends on his quest for the forgotten catacombs, and there came a point where the dead ends themselves were an interesting piece of the story.

“I just want to prove that they are there,” he said. “I think everyone who has tried to find out about them has hit so many dead ends that they just give up. You get lost after awhile. You give up, you get tired. There is so little out there, which is interesting in itself.”

While Longeway may be done with his

our Start y ar’s e New Y n Early! tio Resolu in today!

Stop

SHERYL TARDIE

Charles Longeway research for the time being following the recent release of the novel, it is clear when speaking with him he is still very much interested in the mystery of the catacombs.

“It would be exciting to go down there,” he said. “There are massive cellars under this city and I have information on things, but until I see them for myself, I take it all with a grain of salt. I’m working on getting down in those places and I hope I can do that. I’m not getting any younger here.”

While Longeway said he was excited to have completed the book, the mystery of the catacombs will always be with him.

“I’ll always be stuck on this,” said Longeway. “After I rest a little bit and finish some other projects, I’ll keep asking questions.

I’m hoping I can excite someone else to be interested. I’m not the best researcher in the world, I guess, but there are people out there who really know how to do it. I hope that they can take this on.”

To begin your own quest to find Worcester’s secret catacombs, pick up a copy of Charles Longeway’s “”Worcester’s Forgotten Catacombs at Worcester Wares, Door 22 on Commercial Street at the DCU Center; Tatnuck Booksellers, 18 Lyman St. in Westborough; or online at Amazon.com.

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

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night day &

{ film }

It’s a wonderful list Jim Keogh

I’m taking a break from straight reviewing this week to sprinkle tidings of joy upon a few of the more deserving during these festive times. Hence, I wish a Christmas miracle be bestowed on the following: • Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I love them both — and their new comedy, “Sisters,” shows promise. Unfortunately, it opens on the same day as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” only the most anticipated movie in a generation.

At the box office “Sisters” will be the Chihuahua yapping at the heels of a Great Dane; a piece of counter-programming meant to appeal to those who have never fantasized about spooning with a Wookie. I can’t recall a mismatch this egregious since the romantic comedy “The Love Letter” opened in July 1999 opposite a little film called “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.” May Fey and Poehler find peace this holiday season; much like the peace one may experience inside an empty movie theater at a screening of “Sisters.”

• Roger Goodell. In the world I want to live in the NFL commissioner will watch Luke Wilson’s portrayal of him in “Concussion” and conclude: “Wow. I really am an asshole.”

Then quit.

• Christmas movies. Please, Spirits of the Season, make these things better. What has happened to this genre? “Krampus”? “The Night Before”? “Love the Coopers”? That last one is giving me a Vietnam flashback to “The Family Stone,” about another ridiculously precious family led by Diane Keaton and a lunky husband (Craig T. Nelson in “Stone”

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

and John Goodman in “Coopers”). I confess to being a slave to tradition when it comes to my Christmas movie habits. I am a perennial sucker for “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and I don’t care that Frank Capra shot the winter scenes on a California set during a heat wave (which explains why George Bailey is sweating like fat man on a treadmill when he dives off the bridge into a supposedly freezing river). I love “A Christmas Carol” in just about any version, though I’m especially fond of George C. Scott’s Scrooge. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” All of them are treasures of my childhood that continue to be touchstones in adulthood.

A holiday spasm like “Krampus” simply can’t compete.

• “Fargo.” Not the 1996 movie, but the TV series.

This is by far the best thing on television, even better than last year’s Billy Bob Thornton-led effort. The plotting, the acting, the humor, the Minnesota accents are just this side of brilliant.

So my wish for “Fargo” is that the quirky Midwestern crime genre retains plenty of fertile territory to explore in a third season.

• The actors in Hallmark Channel Christmas films.

Here’s what I wrote last year: “The Hallmark Channel not only doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to Christmas, it waterboards you with egg nog and spears you in the eyes with candy canes. The network’s sugary slate of ‘Countdown to Christmas’ movies generally involves lonely unattached people — often struggling-yet-sexy single moms, and grieving-yet-sexy widowers — finding true love thanks to the magic of the season.”

The poor actors toiling to portray all these miserable souls are a collection of has-beens and never-weres, some with proven performing chops and others who frankly deserve their confinement to basic cable’s version of Guantanamo. That said, I look to the stars (the ones in the sky, not at the multiplex), and ask that on Christmas morning these actors find in their stockings a role in a major Hollywood motion picture. Oh, it needn’t be anything grand: an efficient-yet-sexy waitress, or silent-yet-sexy Man Number 2, will do.

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krave

night day

Il Forno

&

FOOD HHH AMBIENCE HHH SERVICE HHHH VALUE HHHH 27 Airport Road, Fitchburg • 978-345-2511 • il-forno.com

For fresh Italian, think: Il Forno Sarah Connell

Il Forno Restaurant and Catering in Fitchburg isn’t liberal when it comes to basil, garlic or friendly chatter. Tuck a napkin into your blouse and save your appetite because there’s no way you’re leaving hungry.

During my entire experience at Il Forno, service possessed a distinct sense of urgency.

From the moment we walked through the door, an eager server arrived to take my drink order with a smile before I had even taken off my coat or taken a seat at the table. When my companion asked to take a look at the wine list, we were kindly instructed to take a drive to the package store - Il Forno is BYOB. I should have done my research as this fact to prominently detailed on their webpage.)

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

A trip down the block and a bottle of Cabernet later, we were back at our table perusing the extensive menu. Our server checked in to tell us she was glad we were back, and pointed out a few of the specials listed on a plastic insert that lay on our table.

We apologized and told her we still needed a moment to weigh our options. The menu proved heavy reading, a large detailed volume of brick oven pizzas and other Italian-inspired dishes.

We finally settled on some appetizers to start, the Eggplant Rollatini and Grilled Portabello Rustica. Our first course arrived within 10 minutes, along with a basket of toasted white buns.

The Eggplant Rollatini was baked in a brick oven – a dish of little eggplant bundles teeming with ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. The Grilled Portabello Rustica was beautifully plated, a tower of fresh grilled portabello mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, grilled eggplant and caramelized onions and then drizzled with balsamic demi-glace and sprinkled with Gorgonzola.

The young woman who ran our food set the dish down in haste and the chef’s carefully balanced masterpiece slid across the plate. She cringed and darted back to the kitchen. We

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

STEVEN KING

shrugged and dug in.

When our server returned to take an entrée order, she balked playfully at our appetites. We requested the Chicken Cacciatore with ziti, an Il Forno brick oven Pizza and the Pan Seared Salmon Puttanesca Parm.

“That’s a lot of food, ladies. Are you sure you want to get that much?” she asked us.

“We hate grocery shopping,” my companion told her.

Two minutes later, she returned and told us, “The cooks just called me over to make sure there was no mistake. They couldn’t believe the two of you girls are going to eat all of that.”

We poured two more glasses of Cabernet.

While awaiting the main course, we inspected the brick detailed interior. The space is bright – suitable for families and large parties. A gentleman who appeared to be the

{ dining}

owner or general manager stopped at our table to thank us for coming in and gave us a wine carrier bearing the Il Forno name to bring home as a memento of our evening.

When the food arrived, our server made a big show of pulling another table over to make room for our gargantuan feast.

We welcomed her humor in addition to the steaming platters of Italian finery. continued on page 36

krave

night day &

PIG OUT

BITE SIZED

The anticipation has built, and now it’s time to find out what the buzz is all about. Figs & Pigs Kitchen + Pantry officially opens to the public Thursday, Dec. 10 at the DCU Center, one day after a VIP reception was held for invited guests. The 1,200-square-foot eating space is attached to the DCU at the corner of Foster and Commercial streets. It is being operated by Candace Murphy, one of three finalists in the selection process as part of a collaboration with the city.

The space is the final piece of the 2013 capital renovations to the DCU center, and part of an incubator restaurant concept. Figs & Pigs will be open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. To 7 p.m.

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a lot going on for the holidays. The kids will love the opportunity to chow down with Santa Claus during Sunday Brunch With Santa at Rye & Thyme,

14 Monument Square, Leominster on Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 18 enjoy the Kringle Mingle at Test Kitchen, 30 Major Taylor Boulevard, Worcester. For $85 per person, enjoy a full menu with seasonal cocktails, wines and craft beer. Starts at 7 p.m. Reservations are required, and can be made with Mike Covino at rsvp@nichehospitality.com or 508-612-1137. Limited to 32 people. Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve? All Niche Hospitality locations are open for reservations.

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continued on page 36

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35

krave

night day &

BITE SIZED continued from page 19

chicken, fresh spinach, ricotta and mozzarella cheese. A winter salad is coming soon. Anzio’s is open Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Give them a shout at 508-8394900 or visit anziosbrickovenpizza. com. Tell ’em Worcester Magazine sent you! continued from page 34

The salmon special was pan seared, served with capers, calamata olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and fried raviolis. The fish flaked under the light pressure of my fork – perfectly prepared for my liking. The fried raviolis lacked the dainty freshness I associate with filled pastas; they felt somehow out of place on an otherwise entirely adequate plate.

The Chicken Cacciatore came sauteed with mushrooms, fresh red and green peppers, onions and a spicy marinara sauce. I took a few bites, and set the rest aside in favor of the salmon.

The Il Forno pie was cooked in a mesquite wood-burning brick oven and topped with potato, pesto sauce, fresh garlic, herbs and virgin olive oil with mozzarella cheese. We

Holiday Gift Certificates Spend $25 and get $5 Gift Card for use in the New Year!

Dine In • Take-Out • Catering • OlisEatery.com • 508-854-1500 339 West Boylston St. (Rte. 12), West Boylston • in Gerardo’s Plaza SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: Mon-Thur 11am-9pm • Fri-Sat 11am-10pm • Sun 12-8pm • Liquor License

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• DECEMBER 10, 2015

Order Your Holiday Platters Now!

both agreed boiled potatoes don’t much excite us as far as pizza toppings go, but that didn’t stop us from each polishing off a slice. I couldn’t resist dipping my crust in the Cacciatore sauce, leaving no crumb behind.

Our server was highly amused when we asked for dessert and she brought over a tray for us to inspect. “Which of these are made in house?” my companion asked her.

“They’re all imported … except the cannoli filling, we make that here,” she said.

We ordered two mini-cannoli.

I took one bite and the rich ricotta melted in my mouth. The filling was firm in texture and not too sweet — just the way my grandmother makes them — and there’s no greater compliment than that.

Final Bill: $87.60

Oli’s

ITALIAN EATERY A Place to Remember

Holiday Catering at Oli’s

night day &

music >Thursday 10

Mizz Kistune Electro Fusion. 21+ with proper ID Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629.

Christmas Dinner & Concert. Experience an exquisite holiday evening of music and fine dining. Sip seasonal cocktails when the evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cash bar, and move into the Oliver Wight Tavern at 6:30 for a meal to warm the winter night. Following your meal, relax and listen to holiday bluegrass, folk and acoustic music featuring Blackstone Valley Bluegrass, Rick Lang, Karen Wilber, Amy Gallatin and Roger Williams in the idyllic Center Meetinghouse inside the Village. Please note that Old Sturbridge Village has seasonal hours during the month of December and will not be open during the day before this evening program. You may want to consider staying over at the Old Sturbridge Inn and Reeder Family Lodges and coming back Friday evening for our Christmas by Candlelight Program. $60 Non-members | $50 OSV Members, Children 2 and under free. 6-9 p.m. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-733-1830 or osv.org A Ukulele Christmas. Amazing Dick is back for a Uke Christmas.

Bring your Ukulele and join in as we all enjoy anything but traditional holiday favorites. 7-11 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

All 4 WoN - Holiday Concert. All 4 WoN is a women’s barbershop quartet affiliated with Women of Note chorus in Hudson, Massachusetts. Comprised of four women from Hopedale, Berlin, Westboro and Worcester, All 4 WoN formed in May 2014. The quartet will perform many holiday songs, as well as some traditional favorites. Please join us for an evening of wonderful singing. Sponsored by the Friends of the Milford Town Library, this event is free and open to the public Free. 7-8 p.m. Milford Town Library, Granite and Quarry Rooms, 80 Spruce St., Milford. 508-473-2145 or milfordtownlibrary.org Thirsty Thursday Open Mic Night @ Dark Horse Tavern with Mark & Wibble. *Calling all fellow musicians & artists alike!* Join us down at the Dark Horse & bring your Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, Trumpets & Xylophones & let’s have some fun. Showcasing real live local music & talent! To RSVP a time slot in advance please send your name/time slot you’d like and e-mail (optional) to darkhorseopenmic@ yahoo.com. To all other players that want to come up to jam and don’t want to RSVP... there will be a sign-up sheet so you get to play your tunes accordingly, so don’t fret (no pun intended). Here are the times: 7 7:30 8 8:30 9 9:30 Free. 7-10 p.m. Dark Horse Tavern, 12 Crane St., Southbridge. 508-764-1100 or find them on Facebook.

Blue Oyster Cult. Upon the release of Blue Oyster Cult’s self-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-yet-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny or ambiguous, often all in the same song. BOC’s canon includes three stone-cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: The truly haunting “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”, from 1976’s “Agents of Fortune,” the pummeling “Godzilla” from 1977’s “Spectres” and the hypnotically melodic “Burnin’ for You” from 1981’s “Fire of Unknown Origin.” We won’t even get into “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll” or

“Then Came the Last Days of May” or the many other album songs that resonate so loudly with their worldwide legion of fans who seek their pioneering brand of intelligent hard rock. BOC occupy a unique place in rock history as being one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. $95 advance; $100 day of show. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 978-425-4311 or tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com Dan Cormier. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Live Acoustic. 8-11 p.m. Banner Pub, The, 112 Green St. 508-7550879.

Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Black Sheep Tavern, 261 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8484.

and semi-acoustic performances from some of today’s biggest stars, including Train, The Fray, Daughtry, Gavin DeGraw, O.A.R, Barenaked Ladies, Andy Grammer and many more. This year, XLO is proud to present international superstar Adam Lambert, who will be performing with full band, and hence the name of this year’s event has been changed to XLO’s “Almost” Acoustic Xmas. XLO’s Acoustic Xmas shows have generally sold out in advance each year, so make sure to purchase your tickets early. $55, $65. 8-11 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. 508-752-0888 or mechanicshall.org Audio Wasabi. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

The City Boys. Johnny Romance and Chris “The Captain” Coombs Acoustic Duo, playing all your favorites from the 60’s thru today.

8:30-11:30 p.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square,

Cirque du Soleil brings “TORUK – The First Flight” to the DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester Friday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 13, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Inspired by James Cameron’s “Avatar,” the new show depicts events thousands of years before that epic film. Tickets start at $37, and may be purchased at the DCU Box Office, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. For more information, email info@ dcucenter.com.

Photo/Steven King

MT Booking presents: Ghost Ship Octavius (Ex Nevermore & God Forbid), Next To None, Binary Code, Spiritual Sickness, Protean Collective, Seven Spires. $10 adv. $12 dos. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. 508753-9543 or find them on Facebook.

Thursday Open Mic Night. Now the frost is on the pumpkin, it’s the time for guitar plunkin...Join a decades old tradition of sharing and musical camaraderie in an old-fashioned fun roadhouse! P.A. and support of all sorts provided, be part of the fun. 8-11 p.m. Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main St., Holden. 508-829-4566.

XLO’s “Almost” Acoustic Xmas. XLO’s Acoustic XMas shows have become a holiday tradition, and one of the most-anticipated annual shows of the year at Mechanics Hall. The shows have featured acoustic

Westminster. 978-668-5580 or loveshackmusic.com Corey Bazillion. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Columbia Tavern, 11 Merriam Ave, Leominster. 978-227-5874.

Dave B & The Hot Shots. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg.

978-345-5051.

Karaoke w/ Royal Crown. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750.

Padavano’s Idol Karaoke Contest. 9 p.m.-midnight Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

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DJ Tec Threat. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263.

>Friday 11

Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat. Let Dr. Nat start your weekend with jazz, swing, blues, soul, samba, R&B, Broadway, original songs about Worcester, and other surprises, such as special guest vocalists and instrumentalists. Dancers welcome! Ask about Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat (TFIDN) menu bargains in the cabaret room! No cover charge, tips appreciated. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030 or natneedle.com Bill McCarthy Every Friday at Barbers Crossing North.

Now catch Bill McCarthy playing his heart out every Friday at Barbers North (Sterling, MA) @6:30pm Visit: BillMcCarthyMusic.com for info.

Free! 6:30-9:30 p.m. Barbers Crossing (North), 175 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8438.

Christian Music Cafe Night. Our Friday nights feature a host of artists, both regional and national, sharing the Grace and Love of God! Oct 2 - Open Mic (come share your gifts & talents) Oct 9 - Kira Ministry kiraministry.com Oct 16 - Chris Schact - “Songs to & from the King ... Songs of Sovereignty & Proximity” Oct 23 - Risen East Christian band from New Mexico Oct 30 - Fire in the Spirit - A night of music and ministry in the Holy Spirit with Rev Tom Rosso Nov 6 - Rich O’Reilly - reverbnation.com/richoreilly Nov 13 - Saved By Scarlet/Youth Night - Young Christian Rock band will lead us in praise and worship Nov 20 - The Cashmans - National recording artists thecashmans.org/ Nov 27 - Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday Dec 4 - The Sky Family - Celtic Christian from Prince Edward Island - http://www.theskys.org/ Dec 11 - Raging Grace - Dynamic Blues & Rock with a message of Gods Grace raginggrace.com/ Dec 18 - Mill Christmas Special - Paul Lesperance and family bring tidings of comfort and joy Dec 25 - Closed for Christmas Holiday Free. 7-10 p.m. Mill Church Cafe, 45 River St., Millbury. 508-3606050 or millchurch.org Dan Kirouac solo/acoustic. Dan has been part of the regional music scene for thirty years. When not busy with the tribute band Beatles For Sale, his solo performances showcase vocals accompanied by a six-string acoustic guitar. From the one-hit wonders to the lost classics, from the 1960s to today, every show is a different experience, drawing from almost 500 contemporary and oldie songs. More information at dankirouac.com. Free. 7-10 p.m. Tavern on the Common, 249 Main St., Rutland. 508-886-4600.

Dezi Garcia. 7-11 p.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-3046044.

Go In Peace: A Choral Concert for the Season. December 11th marks Worcester Polyphony’s first concert! Come join us for some beautiful choral music perfect for the holiday season. Selections include pieces by Tavner, Tallis, Billings, Lawson and traditional carols, which are always a favorite! Buy your tickets online or at the door! $4 of each ticket

Something for everyone ...

For an authentic, home cooked Italian dinner experience.

BYOB.

Now Open

83 Hamilton St., Worcester 508-926-8887 • rosalinaskitchen.com

358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester 508-767-FISH • somethincatchy.com

Food, Music, Friends and Fun. Authentic Italian home style food. Full Bar.

358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester 774-823-3022 • padavanosplace.com DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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live guitar looping, Bose and UltraSound sound systems. Sean has been a successful musician, singer/songwriter, recording engineer and producer since 1995, and performs in a wide variety of venues and for many weddings, parties, charitable and corporate events throughout New sale will go to a local organization! (organization to be announced soon) England. Fullerton was voted the 2010 Worcester Music Awards “Best General: $15 | Seniors/Students: $10. 7-8 p.m. First Baptist Church of Solo Act”. Since then, he has been nominated for “Best Blues/R&B Act” Worcester, 111 Park Ave. 508-755-6143 or eventbrite.com in 2010 and 2011, “Best Solo Act” in 2012, and “Best Blues/R&B Act” Lisa Marie. Come down to the Canal for some live music played by the and “Best Solo Act” in 2015. Dinner & Drinks. 7:30-10:30 p.m. William’s talented Lisa Marie! N/A. 7-10 p.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. Restaurant & Tavern, 184 Pearson Blvd, Gardner. 978-632-7794 or 508-926-8353. williams-restaurant.com Sean Fullerton ‘Fully’ Acoustic. Join Sean Fullerton for his 2nd Annual Excrementals X-mas splatacular. $5 at the door ‘Fully’ Acoustic show at William’s Restaurant & Tavern, 184 Pearson or unwrapped toy for toys for tots, 21+ $5 at the door or unwrapped toy Blvd in Gardner, MA from 7:30-10:30pm! Sean specializes in Acoustic for tots. 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Drafter’s Sports Cafe, 325 Chase Ave, Dudley.

Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis Soul, and Fingerstyle Guitar...originals and 508-671-9053. covers...using 6 String, 12 String and Resonator guitars, harmonicas, Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell. 8-11 p.m. The Mill 185,

Modern, Italian and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, with an emphasis on artisanal and local ingredients.

Brunch EVERYDAY 8am-2pm Dinner Wed.-Fri. 4-9pm Gift Certificates Available Open for Brunch New Year’s Day, Jan. 1

185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585.

Concord Band Holiday Pops. The Concord Band is honored to have John Ferrillo, principal oboe of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 2001, as its guest soloist for the Holiday Pops concerts on December 11 and 12, 2015 in Concord. Tickets can be ordered through the Concord Band’s phone line 978-897-9969 and at reservations@ concordband.org. Tickets are available in tables for four (with a few for six on the stage) at $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12. . 8-10 p.m.

Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden, 51 Walden St., Concord. 978-8979969 or concordband.org Karaoke & Dance Party. DJ & Dancing 12:30am - 2am Free. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Speakers Night Club, 19 Weed St., Marlborough. 508-4399314.

Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Black Sheep Tavern, 261 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8484.

Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Billy’s Pub, 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury.

508-425-3353.

New Watch City. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Bolton Street Tavern, 587 Bolton St., Marlborough. 508-485-4416.

The Allman, Pitchell, King, Charles Band. Michael Allman (Son of Gregg Allman) Jeff Pitchell (voted “Best Blues Musician” in New England) Claudette King (daughter of BB King) Sheila Raye Charles (daughter of Ray Charles) This is the band we’ve been waiting for - They’ve been selling out theaters all over New England - An amazing lineup. Michael Allman, son of Gregg Allman, not only looks like his father, he sounds like him as well. Michael is an original songwriter and performs many of the Allman Brothers greatest hits! Jeff Pitchell, singer/songwriter and guitar player extraordinaire, was invited last year to perform with the Allman Brothers in NYC to a sold-out Beacon Theater. Blending Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King and Jimi Hendrix with his own soulful chops, Jeff has won many National & International awards. His own song “Eye for an Eye” won an International Songwriting Contest and was recently recorded by the legendary John Mayall. He has shared stages & licks with BB

HOW TO THROW A HOLIDAY PARTY:

1394 Main St., Worcester 508-926-8861 LiviasDish.com 38

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• DECEMBER 10, 2015

King, Ted Nugent, Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, J Geils and many others.

Claudette King is the youngest daughter of iconic blues master B. B. King. She is quick to cite her father as her main inspiration. Trained in the gospel of the Baptist church from age 13, King was mentored by two legendary singers: Aretha Franklin & Etta James. Blues, Jazz, R&B and Soul are truly in her blood. Sheila Raye Charles, daughter of the incredible Ray Charles is a singer/songwriter, jazz, gospel and soul artist. $40 advance; $45 day of show. 8-11 p.m. Bull Run Restaurant, Sawtelle Room, 215 Great Road, Shirley. 978-425-4311 or tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com We & Mrs Jones at the Blue Plate! We & Mrs Jones at the Blue Plate! with crazy fun keys by Paul Provost, super drumming with George Dellomo, cool guitar with Dan Hunt, at the bottom on bass Gail Hunt, and the incredible vocals of Mrs Maddy Jones! 8 p.m.-midnight Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main St., Holden. 508-829-4566.

Whitney Doucette Band. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580.

Live Bands. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

The City Boys. Johnny Romance and Chris “The Captain” Coombs Acoustic Duo, playing all your favorites from the 60’s thru today. 8:30 p.m.-midnight Southside Grille, 242 W Broadway, Gardner. 978-6321057 or loveshackmusic.com Andy Cummings & Swingabilly Lounge. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Sqare, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

Darryl & The Derelicks. Classic Rock/Blues/R&B/Soul band. Soulful vocals, a rock-solid rhythm section, extended instrumental improvisations, and a wide variety of songs are their specialty. This band loves to jam! If you’re looking for music to get you groove on, come party with the Derelicks! “ 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

Dj Darren & Double D. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750.

H2 & The Groove. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Jillian’s - Worcester, 315 Grove St. 508-793-0900.

C

E l l a

! o v

Reservations (508) 459-4240 | www.evodining.com

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We are YOUR Sign and Graphics Solution

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info@signaramaworcester.com • www.signaramaworcester.com Or, consult with your Media Consultant

DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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night day &

{ listings}

Karaoke. Karaoke by DJ Nancy of Star Sound Entertainment 9 p.m.1:30 a.m. Danger Zone Saloon, 948 Main St. , Warren. 413-436-7115.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg.

978-345-5051.

Ottomatic Slim Band Performance & Bring a Toy for a Tot. 9-11:59 p.m. Stonewood Tavern Peabody, Peabody.

The Alchemystics. It’s been too long since we high fived our Woo-Fam Clan! And you can bet we’re ready to vibe! Tis the season to dance and sing and so we shall! See you there! Doors @ 9pm Music @ 930pm 21+ $10 $10. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629 or find them on Facebook.

The Brit Wits. Relive the hits of the British Invasion! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough.

508-842-8420.

DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

DJ One 3. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263.

DJ’s. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Banner Pub, The, 112 Green St. 508-755-0879.

How Bizarre - 90’s Tribute Band. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

Mystic River Band. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place. 508-459-9035.

>Saturday 12

Student Recital at Pakachoag Music School. Join us for musical enjoyment and inspiration! Pakachoag Music School invites you to attend our December student recitals, featuring students of all ages and levels in four different recitals throughout the weekend. This session includes: piano, cello, violin, voice, and flute. Other recital sessions: Saturday 12/12 at 3:00 pm Sunday 12/13 at 1:00 and 2:30 pm Free and open to the public. Donations gratefully accepted. Free - Donations gratefully accepted. 1-2:15 p.m. Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, The Great Hall, 203 Pakachoag St., Auburn. 508-791-8159 or pakmusic.org Winter Reimagined Music - Shrewsbury High School Orchestra. Free with admission. 1-2 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111.

Holiday sing-along with Cara Brindisi at That’s Entertainment. On Saturday, December 12th, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and then again from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., sing along with guest folk singer Cara Brindisi as she performs holiday classics to customers at That’s Entertainment in Worcester, MA. The store welcomes everyone, of all ages, to join in on this free and fun event. Sorana Gatej, the store’s marketer says, “You can’t help but feel cheerful when listening to Cara sing. She has this magical ability to brighten everyone’s day.” Cara Brindisi has been performing as a solo guitarist and singer since 2010 after completing her studies at Berklee College of Music. Originally from Central Mass, Cara has expanded her musical ventures throughout New England while also staying close to home within the Worcester, MA music scene. Cara received the award for Best Solo Acoustic Act for the 2014 Worcester Music Awards, the same year she released her first EP Album, “Until Tomorrow”. Over the last two years, Cara has performed at various venues such as The Hampton Beach Ballroom Casino in Hampton, NH (opener for Chris Isaak as well as Tower of Power), ASYLUM in Portland, ME, Johnny Appleseed Festival in Leominster, MA, and the Newport Yacht Club in RI. Cara continues to record and perform locally in Central Mass and is working on her first full-length album with Engineer and Producer, Michael Harmon of Wachusett Recording Co. That’s Entertainment, located at the corner of Lois Lane and Park Ave. in Worcester, MA, is a pop culture emporium that specializes in everyone’s inner “geek.” They carry a wide variety of comics, vinyl records, vintage and modern video games and systems, anime, collectible card games, board games, sports cards, memorabilia, toys, posters, and other items. That’s Entertainment, 244 Park Ave., Worcester, MA 01609 thatse.com, 508-755-4207 2-3:30 p.m. That’s Entertainment, 244 Park Ave. 508-755-4207 or find them on Facebook.

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Operafest! Scenes, Arias, and Music of the Season.

OperaFest!is a touring program for diverse and gifted singers, who perform operascenes and arias as well as full productions. Many singers from OperaFest!have gone on to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Tanglewood, Lake George, Santa Fe, Central City, New Jersey Opera, Connecticut Opera, Washington Opera, Puccini Society of New York, and Opera Saratoga. Donna Roll developed OperaFest!to promote opportunities for young singers. Miss Roll is an award-winning soprano who has performed across the country and around the world.

She is a revered teacher, having taught at the New England Conservatory and given master classes at more than twenty universities. Miss Roll is currently the chair of the Opera department at the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, MA. For her complete biography, please visit longy.edu/academics/faculty/donna-roll/. This concert is a benefit for the Museum of Russian Icons with the gracious support of Donna Roll. Proceeds from ticket purchases help fund Museum programs and exhibitions. The program will include selections from Mozart, Verdi and Donizetti, among other composers. $15 for Museum Members, $20 for non-Members. 3-4:30 p.m. Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. 978-598-5000 or museumofrussianicons.org Student Recital at Pakachoag Music School. Join us for musical enjoyment and inspiration! Pakachoag Music School invites you to attend our December student recitals, featuring students of all ages and levels in four different recitals throughout the weekend. This session includes: piano, violin, fiddle band, Unison group, and the following Suzuki groups: Presto, Andante, and Encore. Other recital sessions: Saturday 12/12 at 1:00 pm Sunday 12/13 at 1:00 and 2:30 pm Free and open to the public. Donations gratefully accepted. Free - Donations gratefully accepted. 3-4:15 p.m. Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, The Great Hall, 203 Pakachoag St., Auburn. 508-791-8159 or pakmusic.org New England Junglists and Cycle present United with Voltage (UK). Calling out to All massive! All crews! ALL Junglists!

One love... New England Junglists and Cycle are United to bring you the first ever New England appearance of the one like Voltage! With yet another massive lineup of New England Junglists on the bill, this United is going to be one for the ages! *Voltage (UK)*** (Rollaz, Low Down Deep, Smokin Riddims, CIA, Spearhead) Undoubtedly one of the most exciting acts to have emerged in Drum & Bass in recent years, Voltage is a man in demand as a DJ, producer and label owner. Make no mistakes: this exciting new producer is killing it in every single angle of the music scene today! Renowned for his ability to select for any crowd in front of him, Voltage delivers vibes you’ve genuinely never experienced before. His tried and tested all-style blend of jungle, jump up and deep, demonstratively dark rollers suits any dancehall in any corner of the globe large or small. Premier league support for Voltage’s productions from such a wide range of influential people from across the full spectrum of drum and bass include the likes of Andy C, Hype, Friction, Bailey, Hazard, Bryan Gee, Total Science, Heist, Ray Keith, Tyke and Annix to name a few.

In fact Voltage’s productions under Cabin Fever UK were so popular they stormed the Drum&BassArena charts for weeks on end keeping the likes of Danny Byrd, Rockwell and Konichi off the top spot! Prepare yourself!

His first full length LP drops on December 18 Worldwide, so you know this show is going to be filled with dubs and as-yet unreleased tunes!

Guaranteed proper. With support from: *FDOT & BASEK* (Cycle, Made In Boston) The brothers Conte are known far and wide for absolutely crushing dance floors individually throughout New England and beyond.

Together these soundbwoy assasins are gonna bring the murdah up inna dance! *JUMPDAFUQUP* (NEJ, Digital Mercs, Scientific Sound) With a collective 40+ years in the game, DJ Dig-Doug and Good Tymez are just a couple of Jaded old Junglist fukkahs. Trying to keep the party going long after they should have quit. You came here to get down? Then JUMPDAFUQUP! *NONDESKRIPT* (M.A.D.E. Productions) One of the original old-school New England Junglists, this Austin, TX transplant is coming back to mash up the place with Dublate Pressure! MC’s on the night: **Josiah Scribes** (Cycle) Alongside United residents: **Elijah Divine* *I-Brilliance (Ras Clergy)* Every month we bring together Junglists from around the entire region (MA, RI, NH, ME, CT and VT). We kick-off every United with free food, drink specials, and a open-decks DJ Throwdown (All DJ’s! If you are not featured in the showcase you are encouraged to bring your music and throwdown with us) for all New

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

England Junglists from 7-9pm, followed by the Showcase of featured artists from 9p-Close. So, show up early and support! Our United show’s are widely known for showcasing killer talent, the best music, great people, positive vibes and amazing venues! Let’s continue to build the momentum and keep the vibes flowing! And Your Resident MC’s Elijah Divine and I-Brilliance (Ras Clergy) alongside the one Josiah Scribes.

Photography by Firstname Lastname Photography 21+ Only w/Proper ID only $10 before 10pm/$15 after Join the Facebook Group for info on specials, discounts and guest list privileges. $10 before 10pm $15 after 10pm. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629 or find them on Facebook.

Open Mic. Open to musicians, poets, comedians or anyone with a talent! Hosted by Stephen Wright. 6-9 p.m. Nu Cafe, 335 Chandler St. 508-926-8800 or nucafe.com Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from He’ll. 7-10 p.m. The GazBar Sports Grill, 1045 Central St., Leominster.

Christmas Is Jesus Cantata - Cathedral of Hope Choir.

The Cathedral of Hope & The Aldersgate United Methodist Church Choir, directed by The Reverend Ron Anderson, will be performing Mike Speck’s, Heifer International’s Holiday Open House is being held through Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Heifer International Learning Center at Overlook Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. Admission is free with a canned good donation for the Rutland Food Pantry and Worcester County Food Bank. Celebrate the holidays with your favorite animals, enjoy a scenic wagon ride and more.

“Christmas Is Jesus” cantata. This is not only 50 minutes of beautiful choir music, but also includes special stage lighting, media production on the big screen, soloists, congregational singing, special effects, and refreshments. Free. 7-8 p.m. Aldersgate United Methodist Church, The Sanctuary, 1048 Main St. 774-452-2247 or CathedralofHope.church Jazzed Up featuring Mauro DePasquale. Jazzed Up Trio featuring Mauro DePasquale Present”The Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven” starting at 7PM. If you like Sinatra, Bennett, Connick Jr.,Buble’, you will Love Jazzed Up! Fish Restaurant and Wine Bar, Marlboro, MA No Cover. 7-10 p.m. Fish, 29 South Bolton St., Marlborough. 508-460-3474.

New England Weather. Come down to the Canal for some live music played by the talented duo New England Weather! N/A. 7-10 p.m.

Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St., 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

Outrageous Greg’s Crazy Karaoke. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Martys pub, .

John Polce. Christmas Music Program $5 Donation. 7:30-10 p.m. !Cafe con Dios!, Main Roon, 22 Faith Ave., Auburn. 508-579-6722.

The City Boys. Johnny Romance and Chris “The Captain” Coombs Acoustic Duo, playing all your favorites from the 60’s thru today.

7:30-10:30 p.m. McNally’s Grille & Pub, 88 Sargent Road, Westminster.

978-874-1444 or loveshackmusic.com Tyra Penn and Her Army Of Snakes. 7:30-11 p.m. Pho Dakao, 593 Park Ave. 508-756-7555.

“Perfectly Frank” Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday Tribute Show! Starring Andy Cummings! Two Shows 8pm & 10pm. $10 cover. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124

Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

Brett Casavant. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Blueprint New American Bar & Grill, 9 Village Square, Westminster. 978-668-5580.

Concord Band Holiday Pops. The Concord Band is honored to have John Ferrillo, principal oboe of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 2001, as its guest soloist for the Holiday Pops concerts on December 11 and 12, 2015 in Concord. Tickets can be ordered through the Concord Band’s phone line 978-897-9969 and at reservations@ concordband.org. Tickets are available in tables for four (with a few for six on the stage) at $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12. . 8-10 p.m.

Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden, 51 Walden St., Concord. 978-8979969 or concordband.org Joe Macey. 8-11 p.m. The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston St., West Boylston. 774-261-8585.

Karaoke with Outrageous Greg. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Marty’s Pub, 225 Cantebury St. 508-754-0033.

Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Black Sheep Tavern, 261 Leominster Road, Sterling. 978-422-8484.

Live Music. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Billy’s Pub, 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury.

508-425-3353.

Massachusetts Symphony Holiday Pops Concert. A beloved Worcester tradition, this concert (sold out for the past 35 years!) highlights the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Myron Romanul, performing classic symphonic works, selections from Broadway musicals, and favorite music of the holiday season. Performers include area choruses (Anna Maria College, Assumption College, Clark University, Worcester State University, and WPI), vocal soloists Jane Shivick and Richard Monroe, and an aerialist, plus a visit by Santa Claus. Mechanics Hall Box Office has limited balcony seating and Mass Symphony (call 508-754-1234) is selling both table and balcony seating $45 (floor table) and $37 (balcony) seating. 8-10 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. 508-752-0888 or mechanicshall.org Unfinished Business. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Bolton Street Tavern, 587 Bolton St., Marlborough. 508-485-4416.

Live Bands. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Saturday Night Live Jazz. 8:30 p.m.-midnight Pho Dakao, 593 Park Ave. 617-803-5016 or phodakao.com 9Teen. Dance the night away with your favorite R&B, Soul, Blues hits and more! 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill, 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough. 508-842-8420.

Best - Live Bands. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Speakers Night Club, 19 Weed St., Marlborough. 508-439-9314.

Brian Chaffee & The Players. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Rye & Thyme, 14 Monument Square, Leominster. 978-534-5900.

DJ Pete Blaze. Dance the night away with DJ Pete blaze every Saturday night. No cost 21+, Drink specials. no cost, 21+. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Drafter’s Sports Cafe, 325 Chase Ave, Dudley. 508-671-9053.

Far From Eden. Far From Eden plays the Club KasBar on Route 20 in Worcester! Awesome dancing, great location, and fun music from classic to modern! From Zeppelin to Adele! 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club KasBar, 234 Southwest Cutoff. 508-798-8385 or find them on Facebook.

Four Bands...Bloodline Theory, Hope Before the Fall, River of Neva, It Destroys and Kills. Bloodline Theory, Hope Before the Fall, River of Neva, It Destroys and Kills...Metal / Hard Rock / Reggae $5.

No charge with valid college ID. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877 or find them on Facebook.

Karaoke. shangrilarestaurant.net Chinese & Japanese Restaurant 9 p.m.-midnight Shangri La, 50 Front St. 508-798-0888.

Laquerhead. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster.

978-537-7750.

Live Bands. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Partner’s Pub, 970 South St., Fitchburg.

978-345-5051.

Northbound Train. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Simple Man Saloon, 119 High St., Clinton. 978-365-1949.

Shamrock Whiskey. Worcester’s best up and coming jam band is celebrating Twomey’s 40th BDay! Come down and celebrate, best drinks and hottest bartenders in Worcester! No Cover. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The Nines Neighborhood Bar, 136 Millbury St. 508-340-0318.

The Drunkin’ Uncles - Acoustic Rock Duo. 9 p.m.-midnight Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

Windfall Classic Rock. Windfall is a high energy rock band playing great tunes that you can dance to. Check out our web site at windfallrock.com 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Speakers Night Club, 19 Weed St., Marlborough. 508-439-9314.

DJ (21+) Canal. N/A. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canal Restaurant & Bar, 65 Water St. 508-926-8353.

DJ Reckless. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge, 64 Water St. 508-792-4263.

DJ’s. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Banner Pub, The, 112 Green St. 508-755-0879.

DJ’s every Saturday. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-304-6044.

Hit the Bus. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place.

508-459-9035.

Worcester Jazz Collective @ Sahara. Worcester Jazz Collective plays Sahara Restaurant every 4th Saturday of the Month! Deconstructed Standards and Originals. Free. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Sahara Cafe & Restaurant, 143 Highland St. 508-798-2181 or worcesterjazzcollective.com

direction of AVM Artistic Director/Founder Robert P. Eaton, accompanied

by Organist Brett Maguire. Christmas portion plus “Hallelujah” and “Amen” choruses will include vocal soloists soprano Chelsea Basler; mezzo Stephanie Scarcella; tenor John David Nevergall; and baritone John Salvi. Scores available to share and listeners are also welcome.

Refreshments to follow. Suggested donation $10. 3:30-5 p.m. First Church in Marlborough (Congregational), 37 High St., Marlborough.

978-562-9838 or avmsingers.org Big Jon Short. 5-8 p.m. Vincent’s Bar, 49 Suffolk St. 508-752-9439.

Hot Dish - Acoustic Rock. 5-8 p.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

McCreits at 5pm, then Andy Cummings at 8:30! 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

Wooing Dorothy & Broadband. Rock Classics, Blues and Covers 5:30-9 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877 or find them on Facebook.

Jim’s Sunday Blues Jam. Every week, Jim Perry hosts the best blues jam around, and brings in very special guest performers. No cover. >Sunday 13 6-10 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350.

Salisbury Singers Holiday Concert. The singers perform a Open Mic Sundays @ Plaza Azteca! To check the schedules holiday concert. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406 and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill or salisburysingers.org McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another Quinebaug Valley Singers, Quaboag Choral Society. 60 great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@ member community chorus from NE Conn., and southern Worcester verizon.net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) County sign Christmas tunes from France and Brittany accompanied by Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly various instruments. Free admission, refreshments, free-will donation. 3-5 support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many a.m. Sacred Heart Parish, 18 East Main St., Webster. 508-248-6775 or are: * Former or Currently Signed Recording Artists * Award-Winning qvsingers.org Pro’s or Semi-Pro’s * Regularly Gigging Paid-Performances * Published Jazz Brunch. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Songwriters * Recording Studio Owner/Operators * Combinations of Gardner. 978-669-0122. any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Onna-Bugeisha: Women of the Samurai. The official title of Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 6-9 p.m. Plaza a Samurai’s wife was, “The One who Remains in the Home”, but what Azteca, 539 Lincoln St. did these women really do while the men were away? From warriors to poets, manning catapults to writing laws, no two lives are quite the Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Holiday Hoosame. Come and learn the stories of a few outstanding women from the tenanny will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 age of Samurai! (Programming subject to change) Free with Museum p.m., at Habitat for Humanity – Metrowest/Greater admission. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Conference Worcester ReStore, 11 Distributor Road, Worcester. Keep Room, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406. toasty while shopping with hot chocolate and apple cider being sold Student Recital at Pakachoag Music School. Join us for all day. Live bands will play. Photos with Santa and story musical enjoyment and inspiration! Pakachoag Music School invites you time with Mrs. Claus will be available from 10 a.m to attend our December student recitals, featuring students of all ages to 1 p.m. Several local vendors and organizations will be on site and levels in four different recitals throughout the weekend. This session throughout the day. Proceeds benefit Habitat. For more information, includes: piano, violin, guitar, flute, and the Suzuki Encore group. Other visit habitatmwgw.org, email ali.mcgrath@habitatmwgw.org or call recital sessions: Saturday 12/12 at 1:00 and 3:00 pm Sunday 12/13 508-439-7655, ext. 107. at 2:30 pm Free and open to the public. Donations gratefully accepted.

Free - Donations gratefully accepted. 1-2 p.m. Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, The Great Hall, 203 Pakachoag St., Auburn. 508Doo Wop DeVille Dance Party & Group Swing Dance Les791-8159 or pakmusic.org son. Sunday Dec. 6th Doo Wop DeVille Swingin Sunday’s Leominster - Fitchburg Elks (Dance2Swing) 134 North Main St. Leominster MA Winter Reimagined Music - Shrewsbury High School Orchestra. Free with admission. 1-2 p.m. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 01453 6:00pm Doors Open 6:45pm ~ Beginner Group Swing Dance Lesson. 7:30pm ~ Doo Wop DeVille Admission $14. Singles and French Drive, Boylston. 508-869-6111.

Couples Always Welcome. Social Dance: Come with or with-out a partner everyone dances with each other all night long. Please invite your friends, Student Recital at Pakachoag Music School. Join us for musical enjoyment and inspiration! Pakachoag Music School invites you They will be glad you did. For Wicked Easy Directions:Visit our web-site dance2swing.com Next Week: Point n Swing Big Band 6:30-10:30 p.m. to attend our December student recitals, featuring students of all ages and levels in four different recitals throughout the weekend. This session Leominster Elks Lodge 1237, 134 N. Main St., Leominster. 978-8403375 or dance2swing.com includes: cello, piano, voice, and violin. Other recital sessions: Saturday Dancin’ Dead Sundays. 21+ with proper ID Weekly tribute to the 12/12 at 1:00 and 3:00 pm Sunday 12/13 at 1:00 pm Free and open Grateful Dead $5. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799to the public. Donations gratefully accepted. Free - Donations gratefully accepted. 2:30-3:45 p.m. Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, 0629.

The Great Hall, 203 Pakachoag St., Auburn. 508-791-8159 or pakmusic. Funky Jazz Jam Sundays. 21 plus First, and Third Sundays!

More info on Facebook. Free. 7-11 p.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. org 508-799-0629.

Blue Light Bandits. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange North or Area Community Chorus’ Christmas Concert.

44th Annual Christmas Concert representing 21 area towns. Director and Place. 508-459-9035. founder is Anthony Volpe with piano accompanist David Rose. $5. 3:15- Karaoke w/ Royal Crown. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750.

5:15 p.m. Algonquin Regional High School, Bartlett St., Northborough.

Sunday Dead Night. 21 plus We will be featuring a different Grateful 508-393-8943 or nacc.net Dead Tribute Band every Sunday! Before the show we will film a Walking “Messiah” Sing. Audience participation with Assabet Valley Mastersingers members sing choruses from Handel’s ‘Messiah’ under the Dead episode, starting with the 1st one our first night! 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

night day &

Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629.

{ listings}

>Monday 14

Annual Holiday Program Shrewsbury High School. Join music director Michael Lapomardo and the talented Shrewsbury High School students as they present their Annual Holiday Program. You’ll surely get into the holiday spirit with these talented young vocalists. Free.

3-4 p.m. Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community: Birches Auditorium, 65 Briarwood Circle.

Open Mic/Open Decks hosted by Kroma Kode. 21+ with proper ID Sign-up for slots starts at the venue at 7:30 and is first come first serve. Open Mic 8-10 Open Decs 10-1 House equipment for DJs: Numark M3 Mixer Please bring your own equipment! Free. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629.

Blue Mondays - Live Blues. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Joe Cariglia Christmas Show. 7-10 p.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

L & M Rythym Kings. 7-11 p.m. Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. 978-669-0122.

Open Mic/Open Decks. Sign up is at 7pm for half hour or less slots. Use our PA system, Mics, controller and sound tech. Anything is welcome! 21plus Free. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629.

WGBH Presents A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan. Brian O’Donovan’s A Celtic Sojourn has thrilled radio audiences for twenty-eight years. For the last thirteen, the Christmastime live version of the show has drawn on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of this season. First launched in 2003, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn reflects the compelling and diverse offerings of the weekly national radio program. With legends of music, song, and dance from the Celtic world and beyond poised to take the stage together, this year’s show promises to be one of the most dynamic.

Music: Music director Seamus Egan will be returning with his legendary group Solas. The virtuosity of Winifred Horan on fiddle, Johnny Connolly from Connemara in Galway on accordion, and Eamon McElholm from Co. Tyrone on guitar will be supplemented by the playing of returning stalwart Chico Huff on bass. The show is delighted as well to welcome back harpist/singer Maeve Gilchrist and cellist Natalie Haas. And in this year’s exciting exploration of the deep kinship between Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian music, the truly extraordinary Nordic Fiddlers Bloc featuring Shetlander Kevin Henderson, Olav Luksengård Mjelva from Norway, and Anders Hall from Sweden. Rounding out the group, Eamon Murray, the bodhran player and all-round percussionist from Beoga, will keep a steady beat. Singing: We are so thrilled, and I mean thrilled, to have finally convinced Dervish lead woman Cathy Jordan to join us this Christmas. From Co. Sligo and recognized as one of the purest traditional voices singing today, Cathy will bring a broad approach to the tradition from her years with the supergroup as well as material from her solo CD (which coincidently was produced by a Swede and carries a lot of Scandinavian influences). Dancing: Internationally renowned Cara Butler has been named Dance Director for 2015. Cara danced in the show in 2012 and 2014 and recently choreographed A Celtic Sojourn at The Boston Pops to much acclaim. Cara is joined by Declan McHale, an award winning stepdancer from England, and will be looking to add more to the dance program in the next few months. The Harney Academy of Irish Dance from Walpole will also be returning. And then ... there are the surprises! There are always surprises at Christmas! Artistically directed again by Paula Plum for the thirteenth straight year, this promises to be one of the most exciting A Christmas Celtic Sojourn concerts yet. Full price tickets start at $46. Discounts are available for members, groups of 10+ and WOO card holders. Please call the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information. Full price tickets start at $46. Discounts are available for members, groups of 10+ and WOO card holders. Please call the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St. 877571-7469 or thehanovertheatre.org

>Tuesday 15

Storytime. Join us every week for storytime. Visit www.bn.com for details. Free. 11-11:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Millbury, 70

Worcester Providence Turnpike, Millbury. 508-865-2801 or bn.com It’s all about Entertainment. Its all about entertainment...Stop in any Tuesday or Wednesday because you never know what we will have going on. Indoor Cornhole boards, Darts, Board games, Cards, Jukebox wars and more. Perfect time to hang with friends or a chance to make new ones. 7-11 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

Vertigo Trivia Night. Free to play and great prizes! Free. 7-10 p.m.

Vintage Grille, 346 Shrewsbury St. 508-752-0558.

Tuesday Open Mic Night @ Greendale’s Pub with Bill McCarthy Local Musicians Showcase! To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon. net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or Currently Signed Recording Artists * Award-Winning Pro’s or Semi-Pro’s * Regularly Gigging Paid-Performers * Published Songwriters * Recording Studio Owner/Operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Greendale’s Pub, 404 W Boylston St. 508-853-1350 or find them on Facebook.

Dam Chick Singer. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

C.U.Next Tuesday! Tunes in the Diner with DJ Poke Smot and Special Guests every Tuesday Night! No cover. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. 508-753-9543.

Hip Hop Tuesdays. Every Tuesday is different! Check our Facebook page, under events for more details! $5-$15. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. 508-799-0629.

Open Mic Tuesday w/ Key Performance. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750.

>Wednesday 16

Worcester Organ Concert: All Saints Church Choirs.

Worcester Organ Festival Holiday Concert with the Choristers and Adults of All Saints Choir, Graeme McCullough, Director and Brett Maguire, Organist. A holiday concert of Advent and Christmas carols from the 16th century to the present day and Christmastide organ works. There will, of course, be sing-along Christmas carols, so bring your best singing voice with you! Seating is cabaret style so you can enjoy your own “brown bag” lunch or buy one at the Hall while they last! Goodwill donations support the concert series. Free Admission. Dry or Canned Food Donations Encouraged. Noon-1 p.m. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. 508-752-5608 or mechanicshall.org Tour of the Month: Winter Solstice. As the first day of winter approaches, join us to view reflections on the season by artists including 17th century Dutch Masters, Winslow Homer and Grandma Moses.

Tour begins in Lancaster Lobby. Free with Museum Admission. 2-3 p.m.

Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406.

Amanda Cote. Amanda Cote plays a weekly show every Wednesday at The Westender, starting at 5. Open to the public, free, all ages. Free.

5-8 p.m. The Westender, 493 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough.

508-485-1185 or thewestendermarlboro.com Cara Brindisi Christmas Show. 7-10 p.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022.

It’s all about Entertainment. Its all about entertainment...Stop in any Tuesday or Wednesday because you never know what we will have going on. Indoor Cornhole boards, Darts, Board games, Cards, Jukebox wars and more. Perfect time to hang with friends or a chance to make new ones. 7-11 p.m. Beatnik’s, 433 Park Ave. 508-926-8877.

Wednesday Night Open Mic/Local Musicians’ Showcase w/ Bill McCarthy @ Guiseppes’s. To check the schedules and open slots visit: Bill McCarthy’s Open Mic World on Facebook Bill McCarthy (originator of the “Half-Hour Sets!”) is your host at another great Open Mic Night! Email Bill McCarthy to reserve it at: openmcc@verizon.

DECEMBER 10, 2015 • WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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night day &

{ listings}

net (make sure you put “open mic” in the email’s “subject box”) Network * Collaborate * Learn. Over sixty different musicians regularly support my open mic nights all are friendly and supportive -- and many are: * Former or Currently Signed Recording Artists * Award-Winning Pro’s or Semi-Pro’s * Regularly Gigging Paid-Performers * Published Songwriters * Recording Studio Owner/Operators * Combinations of any and/or all of the above. To check the schedules and open slots visit Facebook. Any slot marked as “open” usually is! Free! 7:30-10:30 p.m. Guiseppe’s Grille, 35 Solomon Pond Road, Northborough. 508-393-4405 or find them on Facebook.

Sean Fullerton ‘Fully’ Acoustic: Every Other Wednesday!

Join Sean Fullerton for his ‘Fully’ Acoustic show at Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St in Worcester from 8-11pm Every Other Wednesday!

Sean specializes in Acoustic Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis Soul, and Fingerstyle Guitar...originals and covers...using 6 String, 12 String and Resonator guitars, harmonicas, live guitar looping, Bose and UltraSound sound systems. Sean has been a successful musician, singer/songwriter, recording engineer and producer since 1995, and performs in a wide variety of venues and for many weddings, parties, charitable and corporate events throughout New England. Fullerton was voted the 2010 Worcester Music Awards “Best Solo Act”. Since then, he has been nominated for “Best Blues/R&B Act” in 2010 and 2011, “Best Solo Act” in 2012, and “Best Blues/R&B Act” and “Best Solo Act” in 2015. Dinner & Drinks.

8-11 p.m. Padavano’s Place, 358 Shrewsbury St. 774-823-3022 or

padavanosplace.com The Worcester Jazz Collective @ Nick’s (Monthly Residency). Worcester Jazz Collective plays every 3rd Wednesday of the month! Come hear a progressive and fresh take on jazz standards, feel the energy and groove of our original compositions, right here at Nick’s.

Free. 8-11 p.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-7534030 or worcesterjazzcollective.com Worcester Jazz Collective. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-753-4030.

Karaoke. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. 508-3046044.

Karaoke w/ Royal Crown. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Classic’s Pub, 285 Central St., Leominster. 978-537-7750.

Ricky Duran. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange Place.

508-459-9035.

arts

ADC Performance Center (@ The Artist Development Complex), 18 Mill St., Southbridge. 508-764-6900 or adcmusic.com Anna Maria College, 50 Sunset Lane, Paxton. 508-849-3300 or annamaria.edu ArtsWorcester, “Grayscale: A Members’ Exhibition in Collaboration with the Fitchburg Art Museum” at the Aurora, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Jan. 14; Call For Art: ArtsWorcester 12th Annual College Show, Through Dec. 20; Call For Art: Now! New Works, New Artists!, Through Jan. 15, 2016. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 1-4

D ance P rism— A magical professional performance!

The

Nutcracker 33 r d Season

Mechanics Hall Dec 13 only 1:00 & 5:00 Also Fall River Nov 29, Sudbury Dec 6, Littleton Dec 12, Andover Dec 19 & 20 Special Programs for Youth Groups Rsvd: $20 Ch, Stu, Sr; $26 Ad • Group Rates

Meet Clara & the Nutcracker Prince after perfs!

www.danceprism.com |

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• DECEMBER 10, 2015

The 2015 New England Masters Championships in swimming will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at WPI’s Sports and Rec Center. There is no cost. For more information, visit scmchamps.blogspot.com, email swmfrddy@gmail.com or call 508-371-0463.

p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday - Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday.

Admission: Free. 660 Main St. 508-755-5142 or artsworcester.org Asa Waters Mansion, Asa Waters Mansion Christmas Tea, Tuesday.

Admission: $3 for guided tour $7-10 for tea. 123 Elm St., Millbury. 508865-0855 or asawaters.org Assumption College: Emmanuel d’Alzon Library, 500 Salisbury St. 508-767-7272 or assumption.edu Booklovers’ Gourmet, Call to artists - “Small Works” group show, Through Dec. 31. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 55 East Main St., Webster. 508-949-6232 or er3.com Clark University: University Gallery, Hours: noon-5 p.m.

Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon-5 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday. 950 Main St. 508-793-7349 or 508-793-7113 or clarku.edu Clark’s Cafe and Art On Rotation Gallery, Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday - Saturday. Admission: Free for gallery. 310 High St., Clinton.

978-549-5822 or 978-365-7772 or aorgallery.com College of the Holy Cross: Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, Katrina Then and Now: Artists as Witness | Part II, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Dec. 18. Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, 2-5 p.m.

Saturday. 1 College St. 508-793-3356 or holycross.edu Danforth Museum of Art, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, noon-5 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 508-620-0050 or danforthmuseum.org EcoTarium, Cool Moves: The Artistry of Motion, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Jan. 10; Preschool and Toddler Wednesdays, Wednesdays, through Dec. 23. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday.

Admission: $14.00 adults; $10 for children ages 2-18, college students with IDs & senior citizens. Children under 2 & EcoTarium members free.

Additional charges apply for Tree Canopy Walkway, Explorer Express Train, planetarium programs & other special program. 222 Harrington Way. 508-929-2700 or ecotarium.org Fisher Museum Harvard Forest, 324 N. Main St., Petersham.

978-724-3302 or harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu Fitchburg Art Museum, Hours: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, noon-4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg.

978-345-4207 or fitchburgartmuseum.org Fitchburg Historical Society, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m.-midnight Wednesday, closed Thursday - Saturday. 50 Grove St., Fitchburg. 978-345-1157 or fitchburghistory. fsc.edu Framed in Tatnuck, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 1099 Pleasant St. 508-770-1270 or framedintatnuck.com Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. 978-4563924 or fruitlands.org Gallery of African Art, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Donations accepted. 62 High St., Clinton. 978-265-4345 or 978-598-5000x12 or galleryofafricanart.org Highland Artist Group, 113 Highland St. highlandartistgroup.com Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Hours: 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. 414 Massasoit Ave. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org Museum of Russian Icons, Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 11-3 a.m. Tuesday - Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 11-3 a.m. Friday, 9-3 a.m. Saturday. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (59 +), $7; Students, $5; Children 3-17, $5; Children <3, Free. 203 Union St., Clinton. 978598-5000 or 978-598-5000x17 or museumofrussianicons.org Old Sturbridge Village, Kindred Spirits: A.B. Wells, Malcolm Watkins, and the Origins of Old Sturbridge Village, Through Jan. 15, 2016; Christmas by Candlelight, Sundays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Dec. 20. Admission: $7 - $20 charged by age. Children under 3 free. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-733-1830 or 508-3473362 or osv.org Park Hill Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday Friday, closed Saturday. 387 Park Ave. 774-696-0909.

Post Road Art Center, Hours: closed Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 1 Boston Post Road, Marlborough. 508-4852580 or postroadartcenter.com Preservation Worcester, Hours: closed Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday - Friday, closed Saturday. 10 Cedar St. 508-754-8760 or preservationworcester.org Prints and Potter Gallery: American Arts and Crafts

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night day &

{ listings}

Dec. 31; In Their Shirtsleeves, Through Dec. 31; Stories They Tell, Through Dec. 31. Hours: closed Sunday - Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday Saturday. 30 Elm St. 508-753-8278 or worcesterhistory.org Worcester Public Library, Hours: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.

Gallery, Hours: closed Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Tuesday, to 5:30 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday - Wednesday, 9 a.m.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. 3 Salem Square. 508-799-1655 or a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 142 Highland St. 508-752-2170 or printsandpot- worcpublib.org ter.com WPI: George C. Gordon Library, Temples of Thailand : PhotoQuinebaug Valley Council for the Arts & Humanities, the graphs by Susan Sedgwick, Through Dec. 18. 100 Institute Road. wpi.edu Arts Center, Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Friday, 2-4 p.m. Saturday. 111 Main St., Southbridge. 508-346-3341 or qvcah.org Rollstone Studios, Hours: 11-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday - Saturday. Admission: free. 633 Main St., Fitchburg. 978-348-2781 or rollstoneartists.com Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape - Fridays, Saturdays, Salisbury Mansion, Candlelight Tours of Home for the Holidays at Friday, January 4 - Sunday, December 31. Dick Doherty’s Beantown Salisbury Mansion, Thursdays, Fridays, through Dec. 18; Home for the Comedy Escape at Park Grill & Spirits 257 Park Ave Worcester MA Dick Holidays at Salisbury Mansion, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Clubs Showtimes: Friday 9pm-Saturdays Dec. 31. Hours: closed Sunday - Wednesday, 1-8:30 p.m. Thursday, 1-4 8pm -$20pp Reservations Recommended at 800-401-2221 Prices: p.m. Friday - Saturday. 40 Highland St. 508-753-8278 or worcesterhis$20 Fri/Sat pp except Special Events Drinks and Appetizers available tory.org in the show room Full Dinner Available before Show in Restaurant $5off SAORI Worcester Freestyle Weaving Studio, 18 Winslow St. with College ID and Reservations 2 for 1 Active Military or Veterans and 508-757-4646 or 508-757-0116 or saoriworcester.com Reservations $4 off with Dinner Receipt and Reservations. Fri & Sat Dec Sprinkler Factory, Concept & Gestation (Open Gallery), Sundays, 11th & 12th Mike McCarthy and friends Fri & Sat Dec 18th & 19th Frank Saturdays, through Jan. 9; Concept & Gestation (Public Reception), Santorelli and friends Fri Dec 25th-Merry Christmas! No Show Tonight Sat Saturday. Admission: Free. 38 Harlow St. sprinklerfactory.com Dec 26th Chris Pennie and friends Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape at Taproot Bookstore, Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Park Grill & Spirits Great Food and Fun Make Reservations Early at 800Monday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday, 10 a.m.

401-2221 or online at beantowncomedy.com. $20 per person except to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 1200 West Boylston St. Special Events. 8 p.m.-midnight Park Grill and Spirits, Comedy Room, 508-853-5083 or TaprootBookstore.com 257 Park Ave. Call 800-401-2221 or visit beantowncomedy.com Tatnuck Bookseller & Cafe, Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. Sunday Night Cinemageddon! Movies Shown Every Sunto 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday. 18 day Night in the Diner! - Sundays, Sunday, May 13 - Thursday, Lyman St., Westborough. 508-366-4959 or tatnuck.com December 31. Facebook: Ralphs Diner Free. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Ralph’s The Foster Gallery, 51 Union St. 508-397-7139 or thefostergal- Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St. Call 508-753-9543. lery.com It’s a Grandview Night for Singing - Thursday, Dec. 10, Friday, Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, Hours: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, Saturday, Dec. 12 (8-10:30 p.m.), Sunday Dec. 13 (2-4:30 closed Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. 21 Prichard p.m.). $20 General Admission / $17 Seniors & Students. Grandview St., Fitchburg. 978-342-2809 or 978-297-4337 or topfunaviation.com Playhouse, 21 Grandview Ave. Call 508-753-4383 or visit wcloc.org Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed To Kill a Mockingbird - Sundays, Fridays, Saturdays, Friday, Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Admission: $12 Adults, $9 December 11 - Sunday, December 13. $5. 2:30-4:30 a.m., 7:30 to 9:30 Seniors & $7 Youth, Free to Members & Children under. 11 French Drive, p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick.

Boylston. 508-869-6111 or towerhillbg.org Call 413-477-6746.

Worcester Art Museum, Static Variations: Blue x 2 by Terri Priest.

The Christmas Show - Saturday, December 12. The Christmas This Master Series celebrates the work of beloved Worcester artist, Terri Show - Waltham Reagle Players Saturday December 12 - Bus Leaves Priest (1928-2014). It highlights her painting Static Variations: Blue x 2 at 10:30 a.m., show is at 12:00 p.m., dinner follows at the Chateau (1971-72), a diptych of arrow-shaped fields of blue and alternating black Restaurant in Waltham. Cost - $85.00. This includes the bus, show and and white stripes, which together create a pulsating visual effect. In its food. $85. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Travel Destination rigorous exploration of optical stimuli, the painting appears to have much in common with Op Art, yet Priest refused her contemporaries’ rejection of content for form. Instead, she saw her artwork as deeply connected to larger social issues. Priest was active in the Civil Rights movement, and >Thursday 10 paintings such as Static Variations: Blue x 2 emerged from her activism: Homeschool Programs at Broad Meadow Brook Fall “My works are politically motivated-that’s not an overstatement,” she ex- 2015 - Mad Science. What happens when you take ordinary kitchen plained. “For every white line there was a black line. One plus one is equal ingredients and combine them in just the right way? Learn the simple to more than two.” Free with Museum admission. Art Since the Mid-20th science behind slime. Try to walk on water or maybe launch your own Century, Through Dec. 31; Hassan Hajjaj: My Rock Stars, Through March rocket! Students will learn the scientific method of experimentation and 6, 2016; Pierre Bonnard, Dining Room in the Country, Through May 1, how matter can change physically and chemically. Broad Meadow Brook’s 2016; Veiled Aleppo, Through June 5, 2016; Holidays @ WAM Zip Tour: homeschool programs offer a friendly, cooperative learning environment Winslow Homer: Coast in Winter, Saturday; Legio III Cyrenaica, Saturday; for people of all ages! Our homeschool programs are designed for the Post Holiday Concert Museum Highlights Tour, Sundays, Dec. 13 - Dec. homeschooling family. Parents are welcome to attend, but students may 20; Salisbury Singers, Sunday; Sunday Tours, Sundays, through Jan. 24. stay on their own if a medical form is on file with the sanctuary. At the Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday - Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 end of all programs, students will receive follow-up information and acp.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 tivities so the learning can continue at home. For ages 8 to 16. Advance a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Free for members, $14 adults, $12 registration is suggested by calling (508) 753-6087. $8 Child Members, seniors, free for youth 17 and under. Free for all first Saturdays of each $12 Child Nonmembers. 1-3 p.m. Mass Audubon: Cook’s Canyon Wildlife month, 10am-noon. 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406 or worcesterart.org Sanctuary, South St., Barre. massaudubon.org Worcester Center for Crafts, The Cup Show, Tuesdays, Wednes- Nature Adventures for 5-7 Year Olds. For ages 5 to 7. Join us days, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, through Dec. 24. Hours: closed for a hands-on nature program designed especially for five, six, and seven Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. 25 Sagamore Road. year olds. Each month we’ll focus on a new nature topic. We’ll explore 508-753-8183 or worcestercraftcenter.org our nature topic indoors using investigations, crafts, and activities and Worcester Historical Museum, Alden Family Gallery, Through outdoors in Broad Meadow Brook’s beautiful 400-acre wildlife sanctuary.

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

• DECEMBER 10, 2015

These classes will provide in-depth learning in a supportive social environment. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087. $8 Child Members, $12 Child Nonmembers. 1-3 p.m. Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Ave. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org

>Friday 11

Preschool Story and Nature Hour - Bears. Enjoy an hour of nature-themed fun with your youngster. We’ll read an engaging storybook, make a craft to take home, and go for a walk on one of the sanctuary’s beautiful trails with lead educator Chris Eaton. Participants are invited to stay for an additional half hour for free play in the classroom or play yard and socialization. For ages 2.5 to 5 yrs. For more information and to register, call 978.464.2712. $2 Free Adult members, Free Adult Nonmembers. $2 Child Members, $3 Child Nonmembers. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mass Audubon: Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 978-464-2712 or massaudubon.org Homeschool Astronomy A Look at Our Universe. What kind of things fill up the spaces in the vast reaches of the universe? Everything from giant stars to tiny specks of dust to swirling gases are in our universe. We’ll make a pocket guide to the universe and study the birth and death of a star and more. Open to all ages. Leader: Chris Eaton, Lead Educator. For more information and to register, call 978.464.2712. Free for adults, $8 child members, $12 child nonmembers . 1-3 p.m. Mass Audubon: Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 978-464-2712 or massaudubon.org

>Saturday 12

Waiting is Not Easy Storytime Event. Gerald and Piggie and are best friends. In Waiting is Not Easy!, Piggie has a surprise for Gerald, but he is going to have to wait for it. And Wait some more. In the holiday season all children will connect with Gerald! Free. 11 a.m.-noon Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Millbury, 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike, Millbury.

508-865-2801 or bn.com Holiday Nature Crafts Open House. Come to the visitor center to view our tree decorated with wonderful ornaments handcrafted from all-natural materials, and then join us in the program room to make your own. Volunteers will guide you through the process of creating several ornaments, or create your own design. We’ll provide some holiday goodies and music. Drop in anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 pm for some fun! Storm Date: December 14, 2015. All materials are provided. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087 $4 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $5 Adult Non-members, $2 Child Members, $3 Child Non-members. 1-4 p.m. Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Ave. 508-753-6087 or massaudubon.org

>Saturday 12 - Sunday 13

Brunch with Santa. Reservations Required, please call 508-3470362. Brunch with Santa at the Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village offers a large selection of brunch items and a chance for the little ones to meet Santa. Sample Menu Made-to-Order Omelets Scrambled Eggs Eggs Benedict Applewood-Smoked Bacon Sausage Specialty Salads & Salad Station Assorted Breakfast Pastries Waffles with Sweet Toppings, Strawberries, and Whipped Cream Toasting Station with Jams, Jellies, and Whipped Butter Seasonal Fresh Fruits Carving Station with Accompaniments Selection of Three Chef-Created Entrees Seasonal Vegetable and Starch For the little ones: Chicken Tenders with Assorted Dipping Sauces Macaroni & Cheese Smiley Fries French Toast Sticks Regular & Decaffeinated Coffee, Tea, Juices and Soft Drinks and Desserts Galore.... $26.95 for adult, $22.95 for seniors (65 and Older), and $13.95 for children 12 & under. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-7331830 or osv.org

>Sunday 13

Santa Skate. Everyone is encouraged to dress as Santa and skate $2 admission, $3 skate rental fee. Noon-5 p.m. Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St. 508-929-0777 or WorcesterCommonOval.com

Solomon Pond Mall Invites Families To Bring Their Pets To Pose With Santa. 7-8 p.m. Solomon Pond Mall, 601 Donald Lynch Blvd., Marlborough. 508-303-6255.

hockey Men’s

Holy Cross Dec. 11 @ Bentley, Watertown, 7:05 p.m.

Dec. 12 @ Bentley, Watertown, 7:05 p.m.

Nichols Dec. 10 @ Plymouth State, Plymouth, NH, 6 p.m.

Assumption Dec. 12 Home vs. St. Michael’s 6:35 p.m.

Women’s

Holy Cross Dec. 12 Home vs. Colby, 3:05 p.m.

Nichols Dec. 10 Home vs. Mitchell, 5:30 p.m.

Becker Dec. 11 @ New England College, Henniker, NH, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 Home vs. SUNY Potsdam, 12:30 p.m.

basketball Men’s

Holy Cross Dec. 12 @ Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut, 7 p.m.

Clark University Dec. 12 @ Western New England, Springfield, 1 p.m.

Becker Dec. 12 Home vs. Salem State, 1 p.m.

Nichols Dec. 12 @ Framingham State, Framingham, 3 p.m.

Worcester State Dec. 10 @ Western Connecticut State, Danbury, Connecticut, 7 p.m.

Women’s

Holy Cross Dec. 12 Home vs. Manhattan, 1:05 p.m.

Becker Dec. 10 Home vs. Eastern Nazarene, 7 p.m.

Anna Maria Dec. 12 @ Framingham State, Framingham, 1 p.m.

Worcester State Dec. 11 vs. Springfield @ WPI, 7 p.m.

track & field Men’s Holy Cross Dec. 12 Jay Carisella Invitational, Boston, 4 p.m.

Worcester State Dec. 12 @ Northeastern, Reggie Lewis Center.

swimming and diving Men’s WPI Dec. 11 @ Cardinal Duals, 6 p.m.

Women’s

WPI Dec. 11 @ Cardinal Duals, 6 p.m.

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Run your four line ad for FREE for two weeks and then you have to the option to run your ad until it sells for $20!

Or you may run your ad from the beginning until it sells for $20 (no refund if the item sells within the two weeks) $2015 FOR FREE! SUBMIT ITEMS UNDER $2014 Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all you need to do! 3 ways to submit...

1. Mail completed form to Central Mass Classifieds, P.O. Box 546, Holden, MA 01520 2. OR FAX the completed form to 508-829-0670 3. OR Email the info with name/address/phone number to sales@centralmassclass.com

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

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

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â&#x20AC;˘ CONCRETE SPECIALISTS - Walkways, Patios, Sidewalks & Pool Patios... â&#x20AC;˘ FENCE ALL TYPES - Vinyl, Chain link, Ornamental & Wood... â&#x20AC;˘ STONE HARDSCAPES - Patios, Stone Walls, Pavers, Walkways & Pool Patios...

Carpet Mills CARPET & LINOLEUM 30 Sq. Yds. $585 Installed with Pad Berber, Plush or Commercial

nick@regenbuilders.com www.regenbuilders.com P.O. Box 3192 | Worcester, MA 01613

Put your Career Training Service in the spotlight! Advertise in the Service Directory for as little as $23 per week!

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LANDSCAPE SERVICES

LIVERY SERVICES

MASONRY

PAINTING SERVICES

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MILLERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LANDSCAPING

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Donald F. Mercurio

â&#x20AC;˘ WATER DAMAGE â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ WATER STAINS â&#x20AC;˘

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â&#x20AC;˘ Fall Cleanup â&#x20AC;˘ Tree Removal â&#x20AC;˘ Tree/Shrub Trimming â&#x20AC;˘ Snow Plowing

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Free Metal Included Call Tom

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774-230-0422

Foundation Repairs Brick â&#x20AC;˘ Block â&#x20AC;˘ Stone Basement WaterprooďŹ ng

Fully Insured Free Estimates www.millerslandscapingma.com

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508-835-4729 â&#x20AC;˘ West Boylston

TREE SERVICES SAMPLE

WELLS

WINDOW REPLACEMENT

BUSINESS REFERRAL PROGRAM

SNEADE BROS.

BUSINESS REFERRAL PROGRAM

TREECUTTERS TREE CUTTERS Rely on the professionals ssiona sion at Tree Cutters ters for all of o

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tallest oak! tall talles

555-555-5555

No Water?

Stop Wishing For It! Well & Pump Installation & Filtration Service

978-422-7471 24 Hr Emergency Service 877-816-2642

TreeCutters.com

Mobile: 978-815-3188

Put your Alterations Business in the spotlight! Advertise in the Service Directory for as little as $23 per week!

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Richard Sneade

508-839-1164 www.sneadebrothers windowandsiding.com

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INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

www.centralmassclass.com

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Legal Notices â&#x20AC;˘ Items for Sale Service Directory â&#x20AC;˘ Snow Plow Directoy Yard Sale & Flea Market Directory Special Events Directory Help Wanted â&#x20AC;˘ Real Estate â&#x20AC;˘ Autos Sudoku & Crossword & Much More!

Reaches Over 90,000 Readers in Print and Online â&#x20AC;˘ Ads post immediately! New postings every day!

AUTOMOTIVE

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PLACE ADS: ONLINE: www.centralmassclass.com EMAIL: sales@centralmassclass.com

MERCHANDISE

PHONE: 978-728-4302 FAX: 508-829-0670

READERS NOTICE

SERVICES

BUILDING/REMODELING

CHIMNEY CLEANING

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

FENCE & STONE

Readers Notice:

COMPUTER SERVICES

Carrigan Building & Remodeling Kitchens, baths, trim work, ceramic, etc. Hdwd flooring, basements. Meticulous work, punctual & dependable.

Fully lic/insured, free est.

Steve Carrigan, owner.

508-269-5167

Ruchala Chimney Sweeping -Caps -Cleaning -Waterproofing -Chimney Liners Serving the Wachusett Area.

Certified and Insured. ruchalachimney.com 978-928-1121

Kurt Smollin, Electrician All your electrical needs.

Additions, pools, spas, service upgrades.

30 yrs exp. Quality work.

Masters Lic. 20050A Insured.

Call (508)829-5134

Regen Building Restoration Remodeling New homes - Additions Kitchen & Bath Remodels Complete Restoration Fully Licensed & Insured 774-696-7437 nick@regenbuilders.com regenbuilders.com

CLEANING SERVICES

Commonwealth Fence & Stone Your Complete Fence & Stone Company.

All fence types- Cedar, Vinyl, Chain Link, Post & Rail, Ornamental, Pool. Hardscapes - Stone Wall, Walkways, Patios.

For a free estimate contact: 508-835-1644

This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the local Attorney Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge.

In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it may in face be exactly that.

This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of doing business with these advertisers.

Thank you.

Wachusett Systems and PC Support"Your computer Support and Service Specialist" Hardware & Software installs Security & Virus Removal & More!!

Mac Support Now Available!

Call Gary today 978-902-2168 978-464-5875 TRANSPORTATION One Night Stand Livery Services $99 Special - Call Gerry 617-963-4878 Gillette Stadium - Concerts Shared Van Service

BUILDING/REMODELING

Need a friend?

Jeff Downer Carpentry For all your building & remodeling needs.

Lic. & ins. Free estimates.

508-835-4356 www.jeffdownercarpentry.com Email: jtdowner@yahoo.com

Call Dial-A-Friend

508.852.5242

Inspirational Messages Recorded Daily

MUNDIAL CLEANING SERVICES LOOKING FOR HOUSE CLEANING? GOOD References, Fully INSURED, 12 YRS EXP. FREE ESTIMATE CALL LUCIA AT 774- 535 2576

HOME SERVICES

DISCOUNT OIL

CARPET CLEANING

BUILDING/ REMODELING

INSPIRATION

EXCAVATION

Is Your Home True Pro Clean?

True Pro Cleaners.

Monthly Specials.

Call Today@ 978-987-3911 Steam Cleaning, Carpets, Upholstery, Tile & Grout. Free Est. www.trueprocleaners.com Phillipston, MA 978-987-3911

OLD MAN OIL Why Pay More?

Serving Wachusett Region.

Scott Landgren 508-886-8998 24 hour service (774-234-0306 service only) Visa, MC, Discover, Cash. www.oldmanoil.com

BBC EXCAVATING Site work for new homes/additions.

Septic system installation repair.

Driveway maintenance/repair.

Drainage/grading. Sewer/water connections. Stump removal.

Snow Plowing.

Sanding/Salting.

15 Years in Business.

NO JOB TOO LARGE OR small.

Brian Cheney 978-464-2345

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SAFE ROADS DRIVING ACADEMY www.SafeRoadsDrivingAcademy.com

COMPREHENSIVE DRIVER EDUCATION

600.00

$

978-345-6200 19 Prichard Street, Fitchburg MA 01420

â&#x20AC;˘ 30 Hours Classroom â&#x20AC;˘ 12 Hours Behind the Wheel â&#x20AC;˘ 6 Hours Observation â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Hour Parent Class â&#x20AC;˘ Drivers Education Manual â&#x20AC;˘ Registry Drivers Education CertiďŹ cate

We are currently taking green cord wood orders. Plan ahead for next season and have your wood season at home. $225 princetontreeservices.com 978-464-5942

HOUSE BUILDING PROJECT

Your keys to successful driving!

INCLUDES:

Green Firewood For Sale

FALL BULLETIN BOARD

DRIVING INSTRUCTION

24 Hours Everyday

FIREWOOD

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D E C E M B E R 10 , 2 0 15 â&#x20AC;˘ W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

47

www.centralmassclass.com FLOORING/CARPETING

GLASS

C & S Carpet Mills Carpet & Linoleum 30 Sq. Yds. $589 Installed with Pad. Free Metal Incl’d.

Berber, Plush or Commercial.

Call Tom: 800-861-5445 or 508-886-2624

Central Glass Co. A Complete Line of Glass.

Automotive-Residential.

Window Glass Repairs, Screen Repairs/Pet Screens, Tub & Shower Glass Enclosures, Table Tops, Mirrors & More.

Family Owned Over 50 Years.

127 Mechanic St. Leominster 978-537-3962 M-F 8-4

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

508-829-7444 www.creativefloorsinc.com

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

HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING

HOME REPAIR/ RESTORATION

Rutland Heating & A/C SERVICE & INSTALLATION "We cater to the independent oil customer!"

Rutland, MA Call 774-234-0306

Need it Fixed?

General Home & Small Business Repairs Light Construction No Job Too Small Call Bob at 978-422-8632 or 978-790-8727 CELL email: fixit@callbobhill.com www.callbobhill.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT CHESTNUT SERVICES Still time to schedule your projects before the Holiday rush.

From Home Repairs to New Additions Licensed and Insured Call Today For a FREE estimate 508-612-6312 C&R, Remodeling, additions, & all home improvements, 25yrs exp. new & historic, David, 508-829-4581

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

BATHTUB REFINISHING

Don’t Replace,

Refinish! t 5)064"/%4 -&44 5)"/ 3&1-"$&.&/5

“Yesterday, my bathtub was ugly.

Today, it’s beautiful!”

After!

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Wachusett Painting Co. Let our skilled painters complete your painting needs.

Exteriors & Interiors Competitive prices.

Call or email today for an appointment for your free estimate.

508-479-6760 Email: wachupainting@gmail.com Credit Cards Accepted Jack Wasgatt Painting Interior painting and wallpapering, wall and ceiling repairs, extremely meticulous, one man operation (no crews or subs), 33 years experience, Holden resident, fully insured Call 508-852-0271 PLUMBING

JOSH SHEA PLUMBING

We Also Repair and Refinish: t $PVOUFSUPQT t 5JMF 4IPXFST 8BMMT t 4JOLT 7BOJUJFT t 'JCFSHMBTT 5VCT 4IPXFST

Call for a FREE Estimate! 508-655-2044 Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated.

48

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

See our work at MiracleMethod.com/

• D E C E M B E R 10 , 2 0 15

Specializing in plumbing service and repairs.18+ years of experience. Licensed & Insured Master Plumber #13680 joshsheaplumbing.com 508-868-5730

SNOW PROFESSIONALS DIRECTORY DON’T GET SNOWED IN THIS WINTER...

Call a Professional!

~ Since 1965 ~

SNOW PLOWING TREE TRIMMING BRUSH CHIPPING

Residential & Commercial Snow Removal/Plowing

Snow removal and sanding.

Shoveling and snow blowing.

978-464-5942

Call Ryan Hadley at 508-479-1144

FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Wachusett Area & West Boylston

Residential & Commercial SERVING THE HOLDEN AREA

FULLY INSURED 24HR. SERVICE

508.829.3809

Residential

ROOFING

WELLS

Mark R. O’Donnell, Inc. Roofing Experts Licensed & Insured Residential, Commercial & Industrial Specialize in Shingle, Flat Rubber & Metal Roofs Prices as Low as $2 per Square Foot!

Free Estimates 978-534-3307 modonnell@mrogc.com www.mrogc.com

NO WATER? Stop wishing for it!

A&W Welltech Corp.

WELL & PUMP Installation & Filtration Service 978-422-7471 24hr Emergency Service 877-816-2642 Mobile 978-815-3188

RUBBISH REMOVAL Lee Skoglund Services 10, 15, 20-yard container service.

Yard & building materials.

Office equipment & materials. Attics, cellars & estates cleaned, guaranteed by your closing date!

Free estimates. Lee Skoglund 508-757-4209

LAWN & GARDEN LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE

A.R.I Grounds Maintenance Snow Plowing A.R.I Grounds Maintenance is offering snow plowing and removal services. Call now to schedule your free quote. We have the right equipment to get your job done at a GREAT price!

978-514-4403 Sterling, MA

www.centralmassclass.com LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE Inside-Out Garden Design Mowing, Garden Maintenance, Soil Testing, Ornamental Tree/ Shrub Pruning, Landscape Design/Installation. NOFA Accredited Organic Care.

Up to $75 off Fall Clean-Up! Call/Text: (508) 335-3702 Email: cher@insideoutgarden.biz Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tree & Landscaping Enhancing the view from your home.

Custom & Ornamental Pruning.

Mulching. Planting. Lawn Mowing. Tree Removal.

Certified Arborist.

Call for consultation & free estimate.

(508)829-6803. davestreeandlandscaping.com Burnham Maintenance Clean-ups.

Lawn Maintenance.

Shrub Pruning. Bark Mulch, Screened Loam & Compost.

Patios & Walkways.

Fertilization Programs.

Deliveries Available.

Please call 508-829-3809 MULCH & LOAM Sterling Peat Inc. Quality Screened Loam.

Mulches.

Compost- w/Loam Mix. 2"-Gravel, Fill. Fieldstone.

978-422-8294

EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED LOCAL

Expert StafďŹ ng in partnership with Boutwell, Owens & Co., Inc. 12 hours shifts - Days and Nights Packers Airhammer Operators Press Helpers Utility Persons Conveyor Tenders Sheeter Operators Conveyor Tenders.

Please apply at: 557 Lancaster Street Suite 102 Leominster, MA

HELP WANTED LOCAL

HELP WANTED LOCAL

HELP WANTED LOCAL

HELP WANTED LOCAL

Civil Engineer II TOWN OF HOLDEN, MA The Town of Holden seeks qualified applicants for Civil Engineer II for the Department of Public Works (DPW). Under the general direction of the Senior Civil Engineer, provides a variety of professional engineering services, including those related to permitting, inspection, project management, design, review, estimating, subdivision control and other related functions to the DPW. This position shall also support all other Departments within the Town. Knowledge equivalent to a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in civil engineering, and three to eight years experience in the field of public works design and construction. EIT preferred. Minimum salary $57,749, negotiable DOQ. Send resume with cover letter to the Town of Holden, Town Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, 1204 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520.

Position open until filled; priority consideration of resumes received by December 31, 2015.

Visit www.holdenma.gov for more information AA/EOE.

Highway Department Equipment Operator/Laborer The Town of Sutton is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Highway Department Equipment Operator/Laborer.

Complete position description and application forms are available from the Town Administratorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Successful candidate must have a high school diploma, minimum of two years experience in public works construction and maintenance programs with experience in heavy equipment operation. Position also requires Class B Commercial Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License or higher and hoisting license. Starting wage is currently $21.61/ hour plus benefits. Interested applicants shall submit completed application to: Town Administrator, Sutton Town Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton, MA 01590 no later than December 28th 2015 at 4:00pm. The Town of Sutton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CEMETERY DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT OPERATOR/LABORER The Town of Sutton is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Cemetery Department Equipment Operator/Laborer.

Complete position description and application forms are available from the Town Administratorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Successful candidate must have a high school diploma, minimum of two years experience in public works construction and maintenance programs with experience in heavy equipment operation. Position also requires Class B Commercial Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License or higher and 2B hoisting license. Starting wage is currently $21.61/hour plus benefits. Interested applicants shall submit completed application to: Town Administrator, Sutton Town Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton, MA 01590 no later than December 18, 2015 at 12:00 noon. The Town of Sutton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Millbury Public Schools Substitute Cafeteria Workers 3 Hours a day call Mary Leslie, Food Service Director @ 508-865-2929 School bus driver wanted Sutton Public Schools. Immediate opening. Will train to get license. Call Susan Rothermich 508-581-1651.

Hiring 7D School Bus Van Drivers for Fitchburg & Leominster.

Split shift, $14/hr. Willing to train! We pay for training and holidays, and snow days. We offer 40 hours earned sick time. For more information call 508-582-5020 or email elizabeth.uceta @transprollc.com Saveway Convenience Store Rutland. Experience preferred.

Call Wendy at 508-886-3058 ext.1.

Personal Lines CSR Insurance agency in Barre seeking Personal Lines CSR. Min. 2 yrs. exp. req. Leadership experience a plus. Salary commensurate with experience. 401K and group benefits inc. Email resume to bmckenna@healybros.com.

Direct 978-728-5135.

Winter Snow Shovelers wanted Starting pay $20 per hour.

Quick raises.

508-842-3393

Expert StafďŹ ng in partnership with Injectronics Are hiring for all shifts.

1st-2nd & 3rd all 8 hours shifts Production Associates: Maintain production and quality of injection molded and assembled products.

Please apply at: 557 Lancaster Street Suite 102 Leominster, MA 978 798 1610   Walk-ins welcome barbara.sidilau@expert-stafďŹ ng.com

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HMEA is a human services agency that supports over 3,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in more than 110 Massachusetts communities.

Residential Program Manager $1,000 Sign-On Bonus!

GARDNER, MA GROUP HOME Bachelor's degree in related field preferred but not required. At least 4 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the human services field is required. Supervisory experience required.Valid driver's license. Acceptable driving status as determined by HMEA insurance company. Use of a reliable vehicle which seats two passengers.

Support Specialist Staff - PT GARDNER & LITTLETON, MA GROUP HOME High school diploma or equivalency. 1 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience working with individuals with disabilities.Valid driver's license. Acceptable driving status as determined by HMEA insurance company. Use of reliable vehicle which seats two passengers.

TO APPLY: Please email letter of interest and resume to: Jobs@HMEA.org HMEA provides an extremely generous compensation package including comprehensive benefits, a cooperative work environment and opportunities for professional development.

For more information or a complete listing of job opportunities, check out HMEA.org HMEA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of affirmative action.

HMEA REACH OUT FOR INDEPENDENCE 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038 WWW.HMEA.ORG

978 798 1610   Walk-ins welcome barbara.sidilau@expert-stafďŹ ng.com

D E C E M B E R 10 , 2 0 15 â&#x20AC;˘ W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Yard Sale & Flea Market Directory

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

â&#x20AC;˘ Acres of Bargains â&#x20AC;˘ Hundreds of Vendors â&#x20AC;˘ Thousands of Buyers â&#x20AC;˘ 46th Season

www.devereuxma.org ANTIQUES

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh My Goshâ&#x20AC;?

Antiques & Collectibles Found at The Cider Mill

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

MERCHANDISE

CEMETERY PLOTS A

Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA Garden of Heritage II. 2 Lots w/vaults.

Current value $8300.00 Asking $3950.00 for both or B/O. Call Jim 508-769-8107 Worc. County Memorial Park Paxton, MA Grave sites. 2 lots, Good Shepherd. Plot 147, graves 3 & 4. $5000.00 each.

B/O Call Kris 508-735-9996 Worcester County Memorial Park Two cemetery lots.

Chose your own resting spot in Serenity. $1000 for both. Call 774-345-4440.

CEMETERY PLOTS FOR SALE Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, MA. 2 Lots in the Garden of Faith. $2500.00 for both. Near the feature. Mary 508-886-4334.

Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton MA 2 lots in Heritage II w/vaults. $2,500.00 for both. Call Rick at 508-450-7470 Worc. County Memorial Park Paxton. Garden of Faith, 2 plots, Section #347-A 1&2. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost is $3,900.00 for both. Asking $1,500.00 total for both. Call 508-882-3421 or 909-714-0064 Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, MA, Garden of the Cross Premier Location Lot 31D Value $5250 Asking $4800 Call Patti at 508-799-5678

50

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Volvo S80 snow tires on rims w/covers 225/55 R16 99T, Extra load M.S. Ex. cndtn. $675.

Leave msg. 508-865-9093* Dining Set Scandinavian look, solid hardrock maple. By Moosehead of Maine. 2 leaves, 6 chairs. $750. 508-754-4670.

Brand New Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Oven Cooks 15lb turkey in 50 min. Cooks bread in 30 min. Saves 70% electricity. Can be used as conventional oven. Call 508461-7206. Leave message, Asking $200.00. Webster, MA Epson Stylus NX410 series printer Fax, scans. $30 w/additional cartridge. Call 508-853 -3444. First come first serve.

90" Sofa Pecan wood trim, tufted back. 2 end tables and 1 coffee table, all Hitchcock. $450 978-343-2442

â&#x20AC;˘ D E C E M B E R 10 , 2 0 15

Rte. 140, Grafton/ Upton town line Grafton Flea is the Place to be!

Selling Space 508-839-2217 www.graftonflea.com <:A *-.7:- A7= *=A

kee Flea Market Yan1311 Park Street (rt. 20)

2 miles off exit 8 Mass Turnpike Class A, B, C Motor Homes Palmer, MA â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘413-283-4910

â&#x20AC;˘ Trailers Huge 9000 sq. ft. indoor ďŹ&#x201A;ea market 6 daysâ&#x20AC;˘aService week with over 130 Parts open â&#x20AC;˘ Propane dealers. Yankee Flea Market is the place toâ&#x20AC;˘ Temporary shop whether it be antiques, Transportation Housing collectibles or just household furnishings. We also buy (and sell) Fuller RV Rentals & Sales complete or partial estates as well as furniture, gas & oil memorabilia, St.,much Boylston vintage beer signs150 andShrewsbury lights and much, more.

508-869-2905 Bring your items in for a free valuation.

Additional dealer space will soon www.fullerrv.com be availbable as we are expanding, call us for details.

BBB Accredited A+ Rating Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10-5, Sunday 11-5, FREE FREsEion Be sure to check us out on Facebook Parking is m d A

FOR SALE

FURNITURE

Piano Mohogany, upright, w/ bench. 1st flr., easy move.

Perfect for aspiring musicians. $300 OBO 508-865-4032

Brand New Sleeper Sofa Light brown, beautiful fabric.

Call 508-461-7206 Leave message, Webster MA. Comes apart for easy transport. Asking $300.00

KIDKRAFT childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s train table w/track, cars, houses, fire station, etc. Retails for $165, asking $60 or bo. 508-450-9611 Lowrey electric organ with magic genie bench, guide books. $1,250. 774-262-7714 New White American Standard Elite whirlpool corner tub. $650. 978-422-8084 Entertainment ctr - oak 60"x20". Side storage, 31" opening in ctr for tv. Ex.cond.

978-422-7792. $45 OBO. Ladies 3/4 length brown nutria fur jacket Size 8/10.

Excellent condition. $50. 508829-3403

Upholstered Swivel Rocker Light tan, clean, no sign of wear, excellent condition. $45.

Princeton 978-464-2485 Handmade Craftsman Rocker Sacral support. Like new. Oak. Unique. $175. 508-829-9117 For Sale Bench All Oak 42"wide x 36"high x 16"deep with extra storage and extra seating. $200.00 or BO 978534-6727

FOR SALE

FREE

Vermont Casting Resolute wood stove, just rebuilt. New back fire wall. Opens for fireplace. $900. 978-928-3866

Firestone Winterforce Snow Tires Size P 215-7OR-15.

Excellent condition. $85. 508949-1320

FREE - Lazyboy Leather Recliner

Snowblower Toro 824 Heavy Duty 2 stage 8hp./electric start well maintained needs nothing $500 del. avail. 508-829-6009.

Firestone Winterforce Snow Tires and wheels (4). Fit Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Size P205-55R16. $275. Ex. Cond.

Snow Tires Like new. 215/60/ R16 Toyo or Bridgestone Blizzak. Set of 4. $200. 508-8168859

Thule Truck Racks $300. 508755-0888*

Golf clubs, bag, cart (used) Asking $250. 508-865-5726*

COMMUNITY Treasures Sale at Sutton Common Art Gallery and Paris flea market crossed with a New England yard sale. Open every Saturday 10-3.

314 Boston Road 508-353-1350 MISCELLANEOUS Santa For Hire For parties, homes, will visit. Book now!

508-799-7438

REAL ESTATE

WWF 2001 Action Figure Undertaker (unopened) dressed as a biker. $25 978-939-8501

FOR SALE

Organ with bench. Pd. $2700, asking $300 or best offer. 508331-3468

OTHER

Mauve color, leather recliner with standard leg lift.

978-422-6238 FURNITURE Corner Hutch Solid pine - 4 doors - 48" x 76". Accommodates 42" television. $250.

Photo available. 508-829-6792

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notice All real estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, the Massachusetts Anti Discrimination Act and the Boston & Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinances which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age, children, marital status, sexual orientation, veterans status or source of income or any intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free at 1-800-827-5005.

For the NE area call HUD at 617-994-8300. The toll free number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275 or 617-565-5453

APARTMENT FOR RENT WORCESTER 1 - 2 BR Apts. & 2BR Townhouses 508-852-6001

www.centralmassclass.com CONDOMINIUM FOR SALE

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTO/MOTORCYCLE

AUTOS

AUTOS

AUTOS

55+ NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS

AUTO/MOTORCYCLE

2008 Honda Metropolitan Scooter Black and gray. Mint cond.

469 miles. Asking $1650.00.

Includes helmet. 207-289-9362 OR 207-450-1492.

1988 MercedesBenz 300 SEL 6 cylinder gas. Very good cond. Runs exc. $3200.00 195k miles. Located in Sutton, MA 774-287-0777

2008 Ford Mustang 8 cyl, 300HP. 21K miles. Never driven during winter. Always garaged. Perfect cond. $21,900 negotiable.

508-865-3528 after 3pm.

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

2003 Turbo Motorized Scooter Black, street legal, 43CC, gas power motor, 30 mph, electric start. Only driven once. $250 or best offer. Great xmas gift.

Call Tina. 508-400-2784.

2002 Mazda B2300 club cab, 5 speed standard,162,500 miles, many extras.

Good condition. $3,900. 508-8299240

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

2006 Toyota Corolla 84K miles. Good condition.

Light green. $5,000.00 Leominster 978-257-3299 978227-5111

1999 Road King Under 8,000 miles. Too many extras to list.

Always stored in room temperature. $13,000 obo 978-4645525 or 781-879-8275 cell 978 -464-5525

RANCH-STYLE 2br/2ba condos off Salisbury St. Open floor plan, 4 season room, marble, granite, h/w.

Beautiful community. New clubhouse coming Dec 2015.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Wait to enjoy the EasyLiving Lifestyle!

10 Primmett Lane Berkshire Realty Group 508-414-2011

2007 Suzuki Boulevard Cruising Motorcycle C90T; 1474cc; 6300 miles, 1 owner, perfect cond. accessories and new battery. Garaged, covered & serviced. $6,000 508-8498635

AUTO/VAN

2009 Mazda CX-7 Blackcherry with gray & black interior.

48,000 miles $9,500. 774-8230466

2008 Ford E250 Extended Van 3dr, A-T/AC, Power package. Roof racks. Int. shelving, tow package, 6 rims, 8 tires in good cond. Exc. overall cond.

57K miles. $14,999.00 508-829-2907

HOUSE FOR RENT Holden House Rental Available January 1st restored in resiPrinceton 3 br, 1 ba dential neighborhood.

House farm house. $1350/mo.

1st, hassec.

2 fullreq. baths, 4 rooms uplast, 508-667-8426 stairs and 5 downstairs. Modern eat-in kitchen and sunVACATION FOR room with 3PROPERTY level deck overlooking largeRENT backyard. Rent is $1500/month without utilities.

If interested, call 508-393-4754.

2002 Chevrolet Corvette 39,000 miles Red with black interior.

Car is in excellent condition! $26,000 or best offer.

Call: 774-823-0466.

1992 Mercedes 300E 200,000 miles. Black w/grey interior. A nice ride, a head turner.

978-464-2895

2002 Ford Taurus Wagon SEL Auto., 6 cyl., leather seats, clean. 70,800 miles. $2195 OBO. 508-243-8399.

1985 Cadillac Eldorado 74K miles. Never been in snow.

Mint condition. Gray w/landau top. Bonus 2 Free Air tickets & 5 star condo for a week in FL. $5,000.00 Oakham 407-3753917

1999 Pontiac Grand Am 6 Cylinder, automatic, needs work or use for parts. 159,903 miles. $675. 978-422-8084

1998 Mercury Mystique Only 85,400 original miles. Maroon ext. with tan int. Very clean, no dents. Moving south, would like to sell by 11/15. Asking $1,750 OBO. 508-829-9882

1991 Mercedes-Benz SLClass 147k miles. White exterior, w/new top and new seats.

New tires. $7900.00 978-5377841 or 508-954-1866

Paula K. Aberman Associates, Inc. Gail Lent

Paula Savard ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI

(978)-660-9548

ABR, CRS, GRI

(978)-660-9538

Sandra DeRienzo

Mark Gerber

Tracy Page

(857)Â 891-0502Â

(978)-413-0118

Tracy Sladen (978)Â 870-7572

John Keefe (508)-259-3998

ABR, GRI

(508)-783-5782

(978) 537-4971 â&#x20AC;˘ 1-(800) 924-8666 *DUGQHU

Live on lovely Kendall Pond and enjoy walking out your front door right to the water and your own private beach area! Enjoy swimming, canoeing, ďŹ shing and the beauty of a sunset--summer is coming! This adorable 2 bedroom bungalow is waiting for you with a great yard ~ perfect for a garden (complete with mature blueberry bushes!) Hot water tank, electric baseboards and pellet stove all within last 2 years ~ close and convenient to Rt 2 ~ donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on this darling waterfront property! As-Is. Aberman Assoc Inc Tracy Sladen 978-537-4971 x17

*DUGQHU Amazing income opportunity. This multifamily home generates $ 35,400.00 Gross income and is centrally located in Gardner, less than 1/2 mile from route 2. This would be a great initial property for a upcoming real estate investor. Aberman Assoc Inc. Mark Gerber 978-537-4971 x 63

)LWFKEXUJ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait ! This building show the pride of ownership. Commercially Zone business C&A with special permit can easily have many different uses. Gas service with 2 gas heating systems.There is a good size ofďŹ ce, nice open space, bathroom with a stand up shower, Plenty of parking and Drive in garage door, Great Businesses Opportunity!!!Aberman Assoc Inc Moises Cosme 978-537-4971 x 23

)LWFKEXUJ

Looking for a home with character and sun-ďŹ lled rooms on the West side of Fitchburg?

Look no further... Many updates include new ďŹ&#x201A;ooring in the dining room (bamboo, 2015) and bathroom (2015), bamboo ďŹ&#x201A;ooring in bedrooms (2014), Mass Save audit 2014 (attic & basement insulated, weatherstripping, lights), gas range w/convection oven/dishwasher/refrigerator (2013), roof and windows (2013), new thermostat (2015), 10x12 deck (2014), shiplap red storage shed (2015). Conservation land across the street. Home on dead end street. Pictures tell the story! Aberman Assoc Inc. Yasmin Loft 978-537-4971 x 61

Hannah Meyer

2086 Main Street, Lancaster www.paulasavard.com

Yasmin Loft (706)Â 870-4000

New Conference Center 486 Chestnut Street, Suite 11 Gardner MA 01440

Anna Mary Kraemer CRS (508)Â 713-5172

Moises Cosme (978)Â 502-7309

Tara Sullivan

Linda Barry

Sherry Crocker

(774)-266-6096

(508)-868-9628

(978)-868-8760

23(1 +286( 21 '(0$1'

/HRPLQVWHU

Our sellers are standing by for short notice showings from 11am -1pm every Sunday WE ARE NOT ON SITE. Please call us at 978 537 4971 x 0.  In most instances, we will call you back in 10 minutes. Properties are listed on www.paulasavard.com

Charming Cape style home features oversized living rm with cozy reading corner overlooking rear deck and grassy fenced yard. Formal dining rm, spacious cabinet kitchen leading to deck with attached lower level deck feature with aboveground pool. 4 bdrms, (donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need 4 bdrms? turn the smaller one into an ofďŹ ce or walk in closet.) Recent installs = roof shingles, & upgraded furnace & water heater.

Aberman Assoc. Inc Sandra DeRienzo 978-537-4971 x 42

*DUGQHU

The charm and warmth of this home draws you in the moment you walk in the door! Enter via the mudrom into a maple cabinetted country kitchen, follow to the dining room with plenty of room for your formal table, beautiful built-ins and large picture window. The spacious living room boasts more built-ins and a ďŹ replace--hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors throughout.

The sunroom or ofďŹ ce is a bonus with its own entrance and tons of natural light! 3 bedrooms upstairs including a huge master suite with showstopping master bath complete with steam shower and jacuzzi tub; Master opens out onto a balcony over looking backyard--perfect for morning coffee! A partial y ďŹ nished basement offers 2 possible bedrooms and game area--plenty of room to roam! Attached garage with storage; The lovely fenced in yard has a tri level deck perfectly laid out for get togethers. Gas boiler (2013), Superstor hot water tank (2010), replacement windows, doors and insulated to the max. Conveniently located-- a real beauty!! Aberman Assoc Inc Tracy Sladen 978-537-4971 x 17

:LQFKHQGRQ

Welcoming Garrison Colonial on idyllic country road. Beautiful 2 acre parcel mostly level with double driveways. Open concept interior features a spacious Great room off the kitchen.

Formal dining room and living room both with updated wood ďŹ&#x201A;oors. First ďŹ&#x201A;oor bedroom or ofďŹ ce. Front to back Master Bedroom with two walk in closets and plumbing in place for a second ďŹ&#x201A;oor laundry. Two additional spacious bedrooms. Home is ďŹ lled with natural light.

Full basement and a two car garage. Shed. Property shows pride of ownership throughout.

Aberman Assoc, Inc. Gail Lent 978-537-4971 x 15 www.gaillent.com

+ROGHQ Opportunity to own this country ranch offering 4 BR,s, 2 full Bathrooms, and hardwoods through out the ďŹ rst ďŹ&#x201A;oor in his family oriented neighborhood. Six panel pine doors, and a bright sunny kitchen opening up to a patio and private deck. Fenced child safe yard and large shed for all your yard tools. This home would be perfect for an extended family with the lower level offering the 4th BR, Family Rm, Full bath and Laundry. Aberman Assoc. Inc. Linda Barry 978-537-4971 x60

Robin Dunbar Bain (978)Â 501-0426

/DQFDVWHU 4br 2 1/2 bath colonial. 4 bedroom colonial back to front livingroom large enough for grand piano with ďŹ replace.

Hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors throughout. Aberman Assoc Inc Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

+XEEDUGVWRQ

Privacy plus walking paths and association beach - fabulous contemporary multi level, gleaming hardwood and ceramic tile ďŹ&#x201A;oor. Custom Kitchen, nearly 2 private acres w/ beach rights and lodge available! Wrap around deck and balcony. 600 sf of living in basement not included in total sf. This home is a pleasure to show and shows pride of ownership. Possible 4th bedroom or ofďŹ ce in basement. Recent Title V in hand.

Aberman Assoc Inc Paula Savard 978-537-4971 x 14 www.paulasavard.com

6KUHZVEXU\

Luxury and practicality wrapped up in this eclectic, stately 10 room, 5+ bedroom, 3 1/2 bath brick front center entry colonial featuring ďŹ replace living room, formal dining room, sunken family room with second ďŹ replace, four season sunroom. Home interior has been freshly painted with multiple upgrades. Entertain in this NEW decorators/cooks dream kitchen featuring granite counters, SS appliances including wine cooler, hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, walk-in pantry and sky lights.

First ďŹ&#x201A;oor en suite for guest, in-law privacy. Second ďŹ&#x201A;oor features a master bedroom with two walk in closets, dressing room and NEW designer bathroom w/lava tub, walk-in shower, heated ďŹ&#x201A;oors, towel warmer, recessed lighting, double sink vanity. Bonus room could be 6th bedroom. Exterior has open deck overlooking in-ground pool, resurfaced tennis court, fruit trees and perennial gardens. Three car garage with access to ďŹ rst ďŹ&#x201A;oor and basement. Home is in better than new condition. A must see! Aberman Assoc. Inc. Anna Mary Kraemer 978-537-4971 x 25

D E C E M B E R 10 , 2 0 15 â&#x20AC;˘ W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

51

www.centralmassclass.com AUTOS

AUTOS

BOATS

CAMPERS/TRAILERS

JUNK CARS

Over 40 Acres! Over 3000 Vehicles!

2012 Cadillac CTS AWD, 21,800 miles. Crystal red.

Heated black leather seats.

Panoramic roof. Dealer maintained. Under warranty. $24,500.00 978-534-8860

25 HP Suzuki (Like New) with Boat & Trailer with Bonus 2 Free Air Tickets to Orlando and 5 star condo for a week. Disney anyone? Pete 407-3753917 $4,000

2001 Layton 40 Ft. Park Model Trailer. Bedroom has over sized bed. Kitchen complete with stove, refrigerator, and dining set. Living room area has two sleep sofas. Full attached deck, with screen room and hard top roof. Trailer is located in Wells, ME. Must be removed from site. Reason for selling moving to Florida. Price $5,000. Call 413-433-3646

We Buy and PICK UP Your junk or wrecked cars or trucks.

We Sell New and Used Parts.

Specials on Batteries and Tires.

New and Used!

Airport Auto Parts, Inc. 56 Crawford St. Leominster, MA 01453 978-534-3137

<:,+ 5,> (<;6 7(9;:

+(@ .<(9(5;,,

FREE Nationwide Parts Locator Service +LWVZP[Z JVU]LUPLU[S` [HRLU V]LY [OL WOVUL

;Y\Z[ \Z [V KV P[ YPNO[

-VYLPNU +VTLZ[PJ ,HYS` 3H[L 4VKLS ,UNPULZ ;YHUZTPZZPVUZ 5L^ 9HKPH[VYZ .HZ ;HURZ >OLLSZ ;PYLZ )HSHUJLYZ ,_OH\Z[ 4HUPMVSKZ >PUKV^ 4V[VYZ

Amherst-Oakham (<;6 9,*@*305.

All Original Sport Boat Old Town 1950’s, wooden Original oars, and Johnson Sea Horse 3 motor. Fiber glassed over canvas with some cracking $1600 or B/O. 508-799-9565

;VSS -YLL1-800-992-0441 -H_ 508-882-5202 6MM 9[L *VSKIYVVR 9K 6HROHT 4( ^^^ HTOLYZ[VHROHTH\[V JVT

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

<:A *-.7:- A7= *=A

BILL “THE TREE MAN” Handmade Fancy Wreaths, Garlands and Holiday Cemetery Boxes

BILL’S TREE LOT

>VYJLZ[LY 5V

661 Main Street, Holden

508-799-9969

• Class A, B, C Motor Homes • Trailers Parts • Propane • Service Transportation • Temporary Housing

2 Storage Shelves for a Cargo Van Like New. (1) 42 x 46 and (1) 54 x 46 $100 B/0 Call Box 508-752-2768 (Paxton)*

Fuller RV Rentals & Sales 150 Shrewsbury St., Boylston 508-869-2905 www.fullerrv.com

at The Blue Plate Farmstand

NOW OPEN

9:30AM-8PM EVERY DAY

ONLINE ORDERING

N E W Pick-Up or Shipping Available

BBB Accredited A+ Rating

www.butterflynursery.com

We buy vintage vehicles & antique auto related garage contents.

B

ROOKS ROTHERS

USED AUTO PARTS

508-792-6211

508.886.6570 • 34 Years Of Experience As A Grower • Best Quality Around

MARSH’S TREE FARM Route 31 at Holden/Princeton Line.

Truck Camper 1985 Bought new in 1991. Real Life brand. Bathroom, shower, self contained. 8ft truck bed. $2900.00 B/O 774-287-0777 3 Horse Trailer 2002 Exiss XT/ 300 Gooseneck. Great condition. All alum. S.S. nose. On craigslist pics. $9,000. Paxton.

Call Robert at 508-757-0887*

Choose & cut your own hand-sheared, premium quality trees.

$45.00 INCLUDES TAX & BAILING Opening Fri Nov. 27, 28 & 29 Dec. 5 & 6 , Dec. 12 & 13 9:30 a.m.-Dusk • 978-464-2413

LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Worcester, MA

Select Fresh Cut Christmas Trees Balsam • Fraser Fir

SELL YOUR CAR Sell your car, in print and online!

Good Selection of low budget trees also.

Open 7 Days A Week • 9am-7pm

978 - 660 -2886

New Location!

At Leominster’s Sholan Farms

1125 Pleasant St., Leominster, MA • 3 Miles from Leominster Center S.W.

Run Your Ad Until It Sells!

For the low price of only

$20.00

For more information, contact a Sales Rep Today Classified Sales Manager 978-728-4302 or email

For six lines

52

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

sales@centralmassclass.com

Tree & Trim DIRECTORY •

• D E C E M B E R 10 , 2 0 15

•

•

•

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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS LAND COURT DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT Case No.: 15 SM 009905 ORDER OF NOTICE: Rosevarte De Souza a/k/a Rosevarte A. DeSouza, Jr. and Marcia Monteiro Alves DeSouza and to all persons entitled to the benefit of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. App. Section 501 et seq.: U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee for the Certificateholders of Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust Inc. Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series 2007-AMC1 claiming to have an interest in a Mortgage covering real property in Millbury, numbered 10 Lt. William S. Haynes HI Memorial Drive, given by Rosevarte De Souza a/k/a Rosevarte A. DeSouza, Jr. and Marcia Monteiro Alves DeSouza to Argent Mortgage Company, LLC, dated September 8, 2006, recorded or filed at Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds in Book 39747, Page 35, and now held by Plaintiff by assignment, has/have filed with this court a complaint for determination of Defendant’s/Defendants’ Servicemembers status. If you now are, or recently have been, in the active military sendee of the United States of America, then you may be entitled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. If you object to a foreclosure of the above-mentioned property on that basis, then you or your attorney must file a written appearance and answer in this court at Three Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 on or before January 4, 2016 or you will be forever barred from claiming that you are entitled to the benefits of said Act. Witness, JUDITH C. CUTLER, Chief Justice of this Court on November 17, 2015 Attest: Deborah Patterson Recorder A-4553089 12/10/2015

www.centralmassclass.com LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main St. Worcester, MA 01608 508-831-2200 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. WO15P3853EA Estate of: Edward H. McLaughlin Date of Death: 09/26/2015 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by: Susan L. Larosee of Millbury, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Susan L. Larosee or Millbury, Ma be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in an unsupervised administration. You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on 12/29/2015.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Leilah A Keamy, First Justice of this Court. Date: November 24, 2015 Stephanie K. Fattman, Register of Probate 12/10/2015 MS

MORTGAGEE’S NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL ESTATE By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain Mortgage given by Allan E. Hicks Jr. and Debra L. Hicks fka Debra L. Forte to Option One Mortgage Corporation, a California Corporation, dated March 31, 2006 and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds at Book 38709, Page 297 subsequently assigned to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Soundview Home Loan Trust 2006-OPT5, AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-OPT5 by Sand Canyon Corporation f/k/a Option One Mortgage Corporation by assignment recorded in said Registry of Deeds at Book 50135, Page 169; of which Mortgage the undersigned is the present holder for breach of the conditions of said Mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing same will be sold at Public Auction at 10:00 AM on December 17, 2015 at 319 Central Turnpike, Sutton, MA, all and singular the premises described in said Mortgage, to wit: The land with the buildings thereon shown on a Plan of Land in Sutton, Mass.

Owned by Gerald Germaine et ux dated May 23, 1975, by Kenneth M. Shaw Engineering Inc., Sutton, Mass. Recorded in Worcester Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 412 Plan 120. For informational purposes only, the subject premises is shown as the 1.186 acre parcel on Plan Book 412, Plan 120, Worcester County (Worcester District)Registry of Deeds.

The premises are to be sold subject to and with the benefit of all easements, restrictions, building and zoning laws, liens, attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to M.G.L.Ch.183A, unpaid taxes, tax titles, water bills, municipal liens and assessments, rights of tenants and parties in possession. TERMS OF SALE: A deposit of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00 CENTS ($5,000.00) in the form of a certified check, bank treasurer’s check or money order will be required to be delivered at or before the time the bid is offered. The successful bidder will be required to execute a Foreclosure Sale Agreement immediately after the close of the bidding. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the sale date in the form of a certified check, bank treasurer’s check or other check satisfactory to Mortgagee’s attorney. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid at the sale, to reject any and all bids, to continue the sale and to amend the terms of the sale by written or oral announcement made before or during the foreclosure sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. The description of the premises contained in said mortgage shall control in the event of an error in this publication. TIME WILL BE OF THE ESSENCE. Other terms if any, to be announced at the sale. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Soundview Home Loan Trust 2006-OPT5, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-OPT5 Present Holder of said Mortgage, By Its Attorneys, ORLANS MORAN PLLC, PO Box 540540, Waltham, MA 02454. Phone: (781) 790-7800 14-016547 11/25, 12/3, 12/10/15

WORCESTER HOUSING AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS December 10, 2015 SEALED BIDS shall be received at the Purchasing Office, 69 Tacoma St., Worcester, MA 01605 IFBs maybe picked up at the location above or may be downloaded from our website: www.worcester-housing.com/ purchasing, or call (508) 695-3203, TDD (508) 798-4530. Bidders are responsible for ensuring they have received any/all addenda prior to submitting a bid.

Separate awards will be made for each IFB. WHA reserves the right to reject any all responses, in whole or in part, deemed to be in their best interest. Award of all contracts is subject to the approval of the WHA Executive Director or Board of Commissioners. The Operating Agency shall indemnify and hold harmless the WHA and its officers or agents from any and all third party claims arising from activities under these Agreements as set fort in MGL c.258, section 2 as amended.

Bid No. Release Date Project Title Bid Surety Bid Opening Supply & Delivery HTP Elite Boilers & Assoc. Supplies N/A 10:00 a.m., December 28, 2015 15-45 12/10/2015 Welding Services 5% 10:30 a.m., December 28, 2015 15-46 12/10/2015 15-46 Welding Pre-Bid Conference 10:30 a.m., December 28, 2015 Re Cappoli Chief Procurement Officer Visit our website at: www.worcester-housing.com/purchasing

MORTGAGEE’S NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL ESTATE By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain Mortgage given by Edward J. Flagg and Wendy Leighton to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for, Castle Point Mortgage, Inc., its successors and assigns, dated May 19, 2008 and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds at Book 42880, Page 372, subsequently assigned to GMAC Mortgage, LLC by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., by assignment recorded in said Registry of Deeds in Book 43950, Page 111, subsequently assigned to Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC by GMAC Mortgage, LLC, by assignment recorded in said Registry of Deeds in Book 50860, Page 288, of which the Mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said Mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 12:00 PM on December 21, 2015 at 425 1/2 Putnam Hill Road, Sutton (Manchaug), MA, all and singular the premises described in said Mortgage, to wit: File No. 50011 The land with the buildings thereon situated in Sutton, in the Village of Manchuag in said County of Worcester, on the easterly side of the state highway known as lot fifty-two (52) as shown on the map entitled “Property of Knight Finance Corp. Manchuag Village, and Mills, Sutton, MA, Revised Plan September 1927, Scale One Inch Equals 80 Feet”, and filed in the Worcester District Registry of Deeds as Plan 4 in Plan Book 52. The improvements thereon being known as 425 1/2 Putnam Hill Road, Sutton, MA 01590 also known as 425 1/2 Putnam Hill Road, Manchuag, MA 01526. Parcel # 49-115 Being the same lot of ground described in a deed dated 11-28-1994 by and between John R. Boucher and Ellen P. Boucher unto Edward J. Flagg and Debra L. Flagg and recorded 11-30-1994 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MA in Book 16738, page 298. Deed recorded herewith Bk 58772 Page 369 Disclaimer: The above property address is for informational purposes only. The Company does not guarantee it’s accuracy or completeness. The premises are to be sold subject to and with the benefit of all easements, restrictions, building and zoning laws, unpaid taxes, tax titles, water bills, municipal liens and assessments, rights of tenants and parties in possession. TERMS OF SALE: A deposit of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00 CENTS ($5,000.00) in the form of a certified check, bank treasurer’s check, or money order will be required to be delivered at or before the time the bid is offered.

The successful bidder will be required to execute a Foreclosure Sale Agreement immediately after the close of the bidding. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the sale date in the form of a certified check, bank treasurer’s check or other check satisfactory to Mortgagee’s attorney. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid at the sale, to reject any and all bids, to continue the sale and to amend the terms of the sale by written or oral announcement made before or during the foreclosure sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. The description of the premises contained in said mortgage shall control in the event of an error in this publication. TIME WILL BE OF THE ESSENCE. Other terms if any, to be announced at the sale. Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, Present Holder of said Mortgage, By Its Attorneys, Orlans Moran PLLC, P.O. Box 540540, Waltham, MA 02454 Phone: 781-790-7800 11/25, 12/3, 12/10/15

ANSWERS TO TODAY’S PUZZLE

TOWN OF SUTTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Sutton Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing to discuss the Towns options under MGL Chapter 61A, Section 14 Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 7:00p.m. The meeting will be held in the Sutton Town Hall regarding Chapter 61A property which is located at 289 & 290 Putnam Hill Road; Assessors Map 42, Parcels 32 & 34 with a combined total of 34.97 acres.

This meeting will be held on the 3rd floor of the Sutton Municipal Center, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton MA 01590. The public is invited to attend this public hearing.

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE ANYTIME, 24/7. www.centralmassclass.com (Excludes free ads, legals & Service Directory ads)

D E C E M B E R 10 , 2 0 15 • W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Two minutes with...

STEVEN KING

Dan Monsees

There’s a YouTube video from 2005 showing Dan Monsees in the ring, hyped-up and hopping around before his MMA bout. The bell rings, he moves in and kicks. That’s all it took: one perfectly-placed kick to the head of his opponent and the fight was over in 2.8 seconds. I spoke with Monsees at his home in Holden not about his fighting days, but about another passion: Windsor Chairs. We talked about their history and their construction. There’s still a heavy bag hanging in the back corner of his workshop, but these days he’s using more finesse than blunt force crafting heirloom-quality chairs by hand. Monsees has resided in Holden the past five years. He is married, has a 9-year-old daughter, raises chickens and tends to his garden. took several courses at the North Bennett Street School in Boston, the Fundamental of Fine Woodworking, the Fundamentals of Machine Woodworking they were a great deal of fun for me. Peter Galbert and Curtis Buchanan, chair makers gave a course a Windsor Chair course and I decided to take it. I fell in love with the fact that you can make something very nice with very, very few simple tools and you can end up with a really nice air loom product.

the WAM in Worcester and see a Windsor Chair that you could literally take off of the pedestal and use in your kitchen and it would be perfectly structurally sound to use. The joinery is really superior to any furniture that you can buy in the stores today. It’s made to last and take abuse. If you think about it, chairs take more abuse than any other piece of furniture in your house. You’re leaning back in them, you’re wiggling back and forth, they get knocked over all the time, and Windsor Chairs are really built to take that type of abuse.

What were you building before you started crafting chairs? Mostly projects around

What goes into crafting this chair, types of woods used, tools, processes? So typically

Why did you start making Windsor chairs? I

the house, building shelves and tables, nothing major nothing that was anything to write home about, to tell you the truth.

As soon as I saw the Windsor Chair process it really clicked with me, and I decided that’s where I wanted to go with woodworking.

This is a very old design. Talk about the chair and its history. The Windsor Chair itself came from England and came here in the colonial days. A very popular chair back then, the sack back-style chair, specifically, was a very popular chair.

One of my favorites is the continuous arm chair because it’s actually the first real American-designed Windsor Chair.

That particular design did not come from England. It either came from Philadelphia or New York. There’s a little bit of confusion on which city it came from.

The thing I like about the Windsor chair is the way they are built. You could go to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston or

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you start with the material in its most raw form, which are logs, I’ll get a maple log an oak log and a pine log, which are the three types of wood, which were typically used in this area. To make Windsor Chairs the pine was sewn into 2-inch slabs to carve seats out of. The oak was used for the spindles and the bows in the top section of the chair. It was chosen for its flexibility and its ability to be steam bent.

The legs are maple and maple is best for the legs because it allows for very sharp details in the turnings. One of my favorite aspects of the joinery is how the legs go into the seat. They go all the way through the seat at a six-degree angle and then the top is wedged and spread at the top so it can’t go any farther in and it can’t be pulled out. They really are permanent. One of the great things about these chairs is that they can be built with no glue and no fasteners whatsoever.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM • DECEMBER 10, 2015

From start to finish, how much time do you invest in a chair? When I first started

making them it would take me maybe two and a half weeks to make a chair, because I was really fumbling through the process.

There is quite a learning curve. Now I’d say it’s still a solid week of eight-hour days in the shop. There are some parts that have to dry in a kiln, so you may have to wait a day, sometimes two for the moisture content of that piece of wood to drop down to where it can be used, and of course there is paint drying time and stuff like that. As far as the labor goes, it’s probably a good five days of labor.

What’s your favorite part of the build? That’s

a good question. I like the very beginning, when you’re splitting the raw pieces out of the logs to their general sizes. You never know how good the wood is until you split the log open. It’s always like Christmas morning when the log splits open and the grain is very straight and there’s no twist in the log and you say, “Yes I can use every bit of this log.” It’s fantastic. Then you start splitting it up into the individual parts that you’ll need and you carry them all into the shop and you look at this big pile of wood sitting in front of you and you say, “Let’s get to it.” That’s always a really exciting part of the build.

Can you talk about the steam bending process? You can take a for example for

the kids chair, a 44 ½-inch piece of white

oak that’s approximately 5/8-inch by ½-inch, shave it to the dimensions that you need, put it in a steam box and let it just sit in the steam for about an hour.

When it comes out you can do almost anything you want with it. You could tie it into a pretzel if you wanted to. A piece of white oak will bend pretty much any way you want it to bent; there is a 90-degree bend in the kids’ chair. Most people find that quite fascinating. You take it out of the steam box, bend it into a form and clamp it in place for a few days. It goes into the kiln, which is basically an EasyBake Oven. It’s a box with a couple light bulbs in it, that’s all it is. When it comes out it’s permanent it stays in that position.

It really is amazing.

The process is so labor-intensive. Are the finished chairs difficult to sell and let go of?

They’re probably more difficult to let go of for me than they are to sell. In a sense they are difficult to sell. There is a certain type of market for these. People that buy these know what they are getting, and people that don’t know about what goes into these chairs look at the price tag and say, ‘Why would I pay this much for a chair when I can go to the store and get one for $60?’ There is a certain market for them. Those people are out there and they do seek out craftsman to build them furniture that will last for generations.

–Steven King

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