Pulse Magazine - January 2015

Jan. 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5

COVER stORy

6 15 People to Watch in 2015

EntERtainmEnt

12 Science Café Woo blends science and fun

13 PulseBooks: Warm up with two new books this winter

14 OnCD: Nick Jonas / Bette Midler / Kingnaldo

16 Win major points with a Super Bowl party

17 GameON: Advanced Warfare brings Call of Duty series to the future

18 Club, Pub & Bar Listings

20 Pulse Shots

LifEstyLE

24 Here’s to the New Year and making goals, not resolutions

25 EverydayScience: Guided by the stars

DininG & EntERtaininG

26 Dining Review: Canal’s Compass points the way to big flavor

28 PulseBREW: Baby, it’s cold outside

28 Hot&Now

spORts

30 Sharks’ Tale: Worcester celebrates 20 years of hockey with team of new faces

31 Outrun the winter blues

COLLEGE

32 At Holy Cross, the arts are doing great things

BEauty & styLE

34 Caring for your tattoo will keep you looking good

34 Oil to fight acne? Believe it

36 TheStyleList: In January, dress for warmth

Paul Giorgio, PublisherDonna Roberson, Editor

Vanessa Herbold, Art DirectorJustin Perry, Photographer

Chris Reddy,Kerry Cyganiewicz,

Kevin Swenson,Account Executives

Kim Dunbar, Sports EditorAlex Kantarelis, Music Editor

Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle EditorKimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo,

Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood,Paul Giorgio, Stacia Kindler, Sean Haley,

Rachel Shuster, Kerry Cyganiewicz

PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2012 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc.

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COVER

6 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Jan. 2015

New Year’s has always been a time for new beginnings, resolutions and hope.

Our annual People to Watch list seeks out examples of diligence, strength and drive that can inspire us all. Whether your own interests are in business, academics, the arts, public service or athletics, be sure to keep an eye on all of these outstanding folks from Central Massachusetts and see what happens in 2015!

story by sean haleyphotography by justin mayottephoto assistance by ross kavanaghspecial thanks to the worcester art museum for hosting the shoot

People toWatch in201515

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Singer/Songwriter and Musical Therapistcarabrindisimusic.com

For Cara Brindisi, 26, music is a constant part of life and a way to spread joy to others. When she isn’t playing gigs in bars or restaurants across New England, she works as a music therapist in hospice for Visiting Nursing Assistants. It’s a job she’s held for three years and takes her “from Barre to Boston.”

Brindisi, a native of Shrewsbury now living in Westborough, started playing at 20 when she received her first guitar as a Christmas present. It started as just another requirement for her degree at Berklee School of Music, but Brindisi quickly realized she had a knack for the instrument.

“I always dabbled in songwriting as a way to sing,” she said. After years of formulating ideas, Brindisi recently finished a six-song EP, Until Tomorrow.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into recording,” she said, adding that after years of saying “I’ll do it tomorrow,” she “finally made tomorrow happen.”

Throughout her work and performances, she reminds herself and others to enjoy the moment. “It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough, that you have to be in a certain place by a certain date and time,” she said, but she feels that being a therapist helps to cultivate the notion of knowing how to enjoy the present, since “all we have is now.”

In 2015, Cara hopes to continue performing in Central Massachusetts, as well as booking regular shows in other New England states.

Owner, Sterling Royal Clothingsterlingroyal.com

Where other people are content with being discontent, Elizabeth Silverberg, 25, wanted a change and took action.

Silverberg, owner and creator of Sterling Royal Clothing Company, experienced great difficulty finding casual athletic clothing and often felt unwelcome shopping in the men’s department. With this in mind, she set out to create a business that makes comfortable clothes for everyone, and, as stated on the website: “We do not sell Men’s or Women’s styles, we just sell clothes.”

Silverberg was influenced by her positive experiences with Safe Homes, a weekly outreach program for LGBT youth on Chandler Street that provides a safe haven from bullying and a shared community. She continues to promote her clothing line as a unisex, all-inclusive brand that gives people the opportunity to feel like they’re a part of something.

As the business grows, Silverberg wants to open a store where people can have the same experience she did at Safe Homes every day of the week.

“I just want to be able to help all the kids I can; to open the store and have a place for the kids to go,” she said.

Of all the things she has accomplished, she is most proud of her family. She spends most of her free time with her partner, Gabi, raising their daughter, Brooke, in her hometown of Shrewsbury.

“Nothing in my life would matter without her,” Silverberg said. “I can’t believe I raised such a good kid.”

Coordinator of Chronic Disease Prevention andPartnership for the City of Worcesterworcesterma.gov

It won’t be easy, and some would call it “overambitious,” but Zach Dyer, 25, wants to make Worcester the healthiest city in New England by 2020.

With his help, the Worcester Public Health Department has developed a comprehensive plan to provide services for Worcester and its surrounding communities. This includes forays into the domains of healthy eating and active living, behavioral health, primary care and wellness, violence and injury prevention and health equity and disparity.

Dyer, who taught biology and English at Holy Name Junior-Senior High School in Worcester while getting his master’s in public health administration at Boston University, has previous work experience in public health from his time at Trendline Assessment and Planning LLC in Worcester.

“The community health improvement plan is something we’re very proud of,” Dyer said. “Ours is particularly interesting because it focuses so much on health disparity.”

Dyer also wants to focus on policy change to make a more equitable system, combat institutional racism in large organizations and maintain community partnerships. He’s also worked to cultivate a unique relationship with higher-learning institutions, including Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Worcester State University and Clark University. In the spring, he will teach Clark’s first Intro to Public Health class.

These colleges, according to Dyer, have also played a big role in implementing the community health plan. “They have students who are interested in helping in public health and have the capacity to work, so they learn with us and help with the ambitious goal of becoming healthy city.”

“I can’t think of many places I’d rather live,” he said.

elizabethsilverberg C a r a

B r i n d i s iz a c h d y e r


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Professional Basketball Player

It’s been a long road, but through hard work and dedication to the game he loves, Naadir Tharpe, 23, is moving up in the world of professional basketball.

Tharpe, a native of Worcester, played for St. Peter Marian Junior-Senior High School from the eighth grade to his sophomore year of high school, by which time he had already hit 1,000 points. He then played for Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., before heading to Kansas University to play for the Jayhawks.

During his college basketball career, Tharpe received many accolades, including All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and finished the Big 12 season ranked third in Assists Per Game and Assist To Turnover Ratio his junior year.

Tharpe cites his brother, Tishaun Jenkins, as being instrumental to his success. According to Tharpe, Jenkins first taught him basketball when he was 2. Tharpe’s first big break came when he played in a local league around Worcester and made the All-Star team his first year.

Nowadays, Tharpe is playing for the Los Angeles D-fenders, the minor league team for the Los Angeles Lakers. It seems to be a welcome change for Tharpe, who tweeted in November: “My whole life I’ve always wanted to be a Laker.”

Musician

Jessie Chris, 17, has a career musicians twice her age would envy. Before even finishing high school, the Southborough-based country musician has already performed in two tours: the Allstar Nation Tour and the Stand Up Anti-Bullying Campaign.

Chris, who has played guitar and sung since she was 9, got her break when her family contacted Indian Ranch in Webster to inquire about performance opportunities. There, Chris opened for country musician Chris Young, which she said, “opened the door for a lot of future gigs.”

She later recorded a full-length album, Wildfire, at Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tenn., where mega-stars like Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw have recorded.

Chris started songwriting in middle school as an outlet for her feelings when she was bullied in school and wrote her single, “Chameleon,” as a way of coping with the experience. “Being the new girl and a musician made me an easy target for bullying,” she said.

Now she’s working to promote her album and hopes to be picked up by a label. Her advice to other artists is to be true to yourself and to persevere. “You should be the artist that you want to be. Don’t let negative people bring you down! Keep practicing and working hard and getting better at it.”

CEO and Creative Director of Origin Designersorigindesigners.com

Shortly after graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2014, Joshua Croke, 24, set out to start his own business. His journey to that point, however, was very different from the “traditional” college career.

Croke, who earned a degree in creative design, technology and business, moved from his hometown of Sturbridge to New York after graduating high school to join the New York Musical Conservatory in Manhattan as a singer and performer. After a year there, he moved to California and worked in marketing, where he realized his passion for branding.

“I like to use the term brand architecture,” Croke said. “It is synonymous with what architects do; not just designing a viable product, but a foundation for people to come in and construct something.”

Croke returned to Massachusetts to attend college and spent a year at UMass Amherst, but ultimately found what he was searching for at WPI. He cites Professor Sharon Wulf as a mentor that gave him “that kick that I needed” to go and start Origin Designers.

He now lives in Worcester and helps companies identify their particular brand and develop research-driven creative media to position themselves competitively in the marketplace. Recently, Croke has started Action Worcester, a non-profit organization focused on branding and promoting the city of Worcester.

“What Worcester needs most is interconnectivity between different demographics,” said Croke, who is focused on bringing college students, business owners and city officials together.

“I am very passionate about promoting, enhancing and developing the culture of Worcester,” Croke added.

In 2015, Croke hopes to do more front-end brand development work for startup companies to “really help develop their branding, positioning strategy and develop extraordinary aesthetic design.” He also wants to change the company name to Origin Consulting to reflect the advisory function of his business.

jessiechrisn a a d i rt h a r p e

Joshuacroke


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District Representative for Jim McGovern

Nicolas Guerra, 22, has been involved in government since high school, from his tenure as the Student Government Association president at Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School in his hometown of Orange to running for town selectman at 17.

Guerra also served as the Student Government Association president at Assumption College, which he cites as valuable experience for the road ahead.

Guerra worked as an operations intern at Jamie Oil Company in Ashland with company president Tom Carey, an Assumption alum.

“Small business is like a political campaign,” said Guerra. “It’s about word-of-mouth, performance and best value.”

Nowadays, Guerra lives in Worcester and works for the office of Rep. Jim McGovern, handling written correspondence, community outreach and data management.

Guerra first heard about the job through one of his political science professors, Mary Beth Burk, who Guerra cited as being another one of his many mentors. Burk suggested Guerra contact McGovern’s office regarding work opportunities, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Next year, Guerra wants to get out into community more. Part of his efforts will include advocating for public transportation improvements in the downtown area and, ultimately, making Worcester “the college city that it is.”

“I could sit back and complain about the political system or I could get involved,” Guerra said. “Government can work when the right people are running it.”

m a r t h aw a l t e r s

n i c o l a sg u e r r a

c e s a rr o d r i g u e sFulbright Scholar/Student Researcher

In the realm of academia, Martha Walters, 22, has distinguished herself in her studies, achievements and research work.

Currently, the North Grafton native is taking a three-month language course in Bahasa, Indonesia, through a Critical Language Enhancement Award (CLEA) she received in conjunction with the coveted 2014-15 Fulbright research grant she was awarded.

“My studies at Holy Cross have essentially built a strong foundation for me in Indonesia and whatever I do after,” Walters said. She will be in West Sumatra for eight months and in Bali for two months studying organic farming, a growing international trend.

Walters said that just like in the United States, there are problems with social and health care inequality in Indonesia. She noted that the problems “play out in different contexts and to a different extent, but the problems are still similar.”

Walters first went to Indonesia during the summer of 2012 with Professor Susan Rodgers and two other students to study the commercialization of “ikat” textile and learn traditional dying and manufacturing techniques. Walters cited Rodgers as being especially instrumental to her successes, along with her family.

For most of 2015, she will be Indonesia conducting research and will return to the U.S. in the fall of 2015. She hopes to find an entry-level position either working for the government or an NGO and to attend graduate school.

[email protected]

Worcester resident Cesar Rodrigues, 27, brings the wild thoughts and vibrant images of the mind to life with his artwork. His abstract paintings not only offer a glimpse into his own eye for aesthetics but also demand viewers to look deeply within themselves as they find objects, faces and memories in his paintings.

The Brockton native originally used art as an outlet to cope during his time in and out of hospitals. “It’s like therapy to me,” said Rodrigues, who has spinal muscular atrophy Type II.

In the past, he enjoyed drawing still-life pictures and landscapes, but a loss of strength in his drawing hand forced him to find a new medium. In 2008, he took an abstract painting lesson with his teacher, Kate Richardson, at Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton, where he lived from 9-18.

“I felt like it was part of God’s plan,” he said of learning abstract painting. “That it was the next stepping stone.”

According to Rodrigues, both Richardson and his family have been instrumental in motivating him and keeping him positive. He is also thankful for support from Artists Beyond Challenges in Boston and David Papazian from Dzian Gallery in Natick.

“If you love something, you gotta stay with it. It’s a gift from God,” Rodrigues said. “That’s what I enjoy most: to see people enjoying art as a gift.”

In 2015, Rodrigues hopes to sell enough paintings to buy more art supplies and keep doing what he loves.


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Owner of Birch Tree Bread Co.birchtreebreadcompany.com

After cooking and baking for 15 years, Robert Fecteau, 35, decided to strike out on his own. In the past, the Spencer native apprenticed at the Castle Restaurant in Leicester, worked in The Four Seasons’ Ajourd’hui in Boston and was the head chef at The Duck in Sturbridge.

His bakery, Birch Tree Bread Co. on Green Street, boasts quality, all-natural ingredients and a superior product.

“You can whip flour and water together and have bread in two hours, but it’s not as good,” Fecteau said. For this reason, he’s a big advocate of farm-to-table cooking and promoting local business cooperatives. “There’s just a depth of flavor that you don’t get when you take the faster route.”

Fecteau now lives in Worcester and works with his wife, Avra Hoggman, while his niece Erin runs the front end and coffee program. Local roaster and owner of Acoustic Java, David Fullerton, trained Erin and contributes his coffee to Birch Tree Bread Co.

Along with fresh, all-natural bread, Fecteau also makes croissants, pastries, muffins and cookies.

In the next year, he’d like to see the business continue producing “a nice, consistent product that people want to come back for.”

“You have to have a dream and a vision,” he said. “Let it be as vast as you really want it to be, but underneath it all, you have to have the experience and the knowledge to hold that up.”

Owner of Africa Forever Clothingafricaforeveronline.com

Weah Wisner, aka “WeAhfrica,” has been in Worcester since 2002, when his parents moved from his hometown of Monrovia, Liberia.

Since then, Wisner graduated from Burncoat High School in 2005 and began writing music. Although Wisner enjoys modern rap, he wanted to write inspirational songs in the style of Lucky Dube.

He has since been featured on MTV2’s “Sucker Freestyle” and his songs have also been listed on iTunes, including “Somebody Help Me Out,” featuring John Andrews.

Throughout his various successes and struggles, Wisner ultimately wanted do more to help the community. So he created Africa Forever Clothing.

According to Wisner, the goal of Africa Forever Clothing is “to strengthen African culture in the Worcester area and to support the local community through charitable donations and events.”

With the backing of comedian Michael Blackson, most noted for his “Angry African” character in the film Next Friday, Wisner continues to promote the brand. More recently, Africa Forever sold apparel with logos and slogans to raise awareness about Ebola, with 50 percent of the proceeds donated to developing a cure.

“Set the stage, and people will follow,” he said.

In 2015, he plans to take a cross-country road trip to target different cities and promote his company. He also hopes offer new products and activities geared toward youth in the community.

“The future is in them,” Wisner said. “They can be taught and influenced positively.”

r o b e r tf e c t e a u

h e a t h e re r i c k s o nw e a h w i s n e rPublic Relations Officer of Miss Pink Pageantmisspinkpageant.com

Heather Erickson, 26, got an early start in pageantry, where she cultivated the ability to be poised, well-spoken and personable. Years later, the Millbury native is using these skills to promote the Miss Pink Pageant, a charity to promote breast cancer awareness and provide support to families.

Erickson, who now lives in Shrewsbury, first met the pageant’s founder and president, Ashley Herron Shultz, on the pageant circuit. The two bonded over the years, and Schultz later brought Erickson on to represent Miss Pink as the organization’s public relations officer.

Along with the pageant, Miss Pink is responsible for fundraising and education, contributing to medical organizations and even delivering baked goods to families.

“Everyone is different, but they all have the same common bond,” Erickson said. She said hearing different survivors’ testimonials is especially important. “We have the same plot, but you hear how everyone’s story is different.”

Of all the influences in her life, Erickson cites Schultz and other members of Miss Pink as the biggest ones, along with her family. “I had two great parents as role models,” she said.

In 2015, she hopes to expand Miss Pink throughout Massachusetts through her “gift of gab” and social media.

Lastly, Erickson emphasized the importance of being active in charities. “Definitely get involved in a cause that you’re passionate about and have confidence!”


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Neema Hakim was one of Pulse Magazine’s 14 to Watch in 2014. Over the past year, Worcester native Hakim, 22, has been working in the District of Columbia, researching people, places and organizations for events with President Barrack Obama. He also does media monitoring and keeps the communications staff updated on breaking news and coverage of their events. Hakim personally believes his graduation from Holy Cross College, where he majored in political science and philosophy, was his biggest accomplishment.

“I had the experience of a lifetime on College Hill, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the friends and mentors who prepared me to lead a life of purpose,” he said. Among other things, Hakim enjoys the purpose in his work the most. “Working here, you never question whether your work is meaningful. You’re part of a team of people who are excellent at what they do and passionate about making a difference.“

tophermira

neemahakim

rafaelguzmaNcassandraguzman

Eco Arborist eco-arborist.com

At the age of 15, Topher Mira, now 33, dropped out of high school to become a woodcutter, but ended up walking off the job because he couldn’t bring himself to fell trees carelessly.

Since then, he’s been to the Alaskan wilderness as a landscape guide, removed trees from homes in the hurricane-addled streets of New Orleans and built a biodiesel community in Nairobi, Kenya. Mira was born in Boston, grew up in Charlton and splits his time between Worcester and New Orleans.

He works as The Eco Arborist, spreading a message of responsible tree-cutting and caring for the ecosystem.

According to Mira, “A tree-cutter sees dollar signs. An arborist will see how a tree can be trimmed to provide shade in the summer and light in the winter and, ultimately, to give trees the longest and healthiest lives possible.”

Mira said he emphasizes the importance of benefiting both the customer and the plant life. “Trees regenerate property. It’s actually a renewable resource.” Mira also noted that of all the places he’s worked, New England does particularly well maintaining its forests.

This year, Mira hopes to build another biodiesel community in Cuba. He also hopes to convince more people in Worcester to cable trees with noninvasive cables, a common practice in Europe.

“The most important thing an arborist will see is the relationship between the humans and trees.”

Owners/Chefs of Two Chefs Restauranttwo-chefs.com

Rafael and Cassandra Guzman are a couple with a unique story.

The pair first met at the New England Culinary School in Montpelier, Vt., where they were partnered during their studies. One day, while cleaning the floor, Cassandra, now 29, fell on a table and Rafael, now 34, reached out to help her. The two remembered that even though they didn’t get together then, there was chemistry between them.

Years later, the two have started a business together ~ Two Chefs Restaurant in Spencer ~ and recently catered their own wedding reception. “It was funny,” Cassandra said. “Everyone thought it was a surprise birthday party.”

The “two chefs” try to “take simple food and make it really well.” According to Rafael, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, his calling card is his braised short ribs. He prides himself on extracting and concentrating flavors, rather than using powdered gravy.

Cassandra, a native of New Braintree and the restaurant’s pastry chef, enjoys making crème brûlée, which must be baked meticulously. “It’s simple, but if you under or over cook it, it’s not as good.”

Ultimately, the Guzmans pride themselves in the amount of care that goes into their cooking.

In the next year, Rafael hopes to win Worcester’s Best Chef, while Cassandra wants to add more ambiance to the restaurant and expand its menu, particularly incorporating Puerto Rican dishes into their current New England-centric offerings.

catching up from 2014:



ENTERTAINMENT

By Rachel Shuster

If you think science can’t be fun or interesting, you must not know about Science Café Woo. This group’s goal is to bring local scientists and the public together to discuss how science and research apply to everyday life.

“Worcester is a great community with amazing research projects that are changing the way that we see medicine, robotics, biomedical research, etc.,” said Ana Maldonado, co-organizer of Science Café Woo. “We want to share our passion and also change the stereotype of scientists being nerdy, not interesting and socially awkward. The challenge is on both sides: For scientists to break the ice and stereotype and for the community to see science and us as something different.”

Science Café Woo holds discussions at 6:30 p.m. every third Monday of each month at NU Café, 335 Chandler St., Worcester, at no charge. During these meetings, local scientists interact with the Worcester community in an open discussion about the science happening locally, their passion for all things science, discoveries they have made through research and how their work relates to our day-to-day lives.

Science Café Woo first started in 2013, when Maldonado and co-organizer, Kelly Hallstrom, got together and recognized the need for this movement in the Worcester area. They began building the Facebook page, searching for venues to hold the meetings and making Science Café Woo a reality. “May 2013 was our first event with a guest speaker with MIT. He did an excellent job. People were really engaged,” Maldonado said.

Maldonado and Hallstrom eventually found NU Café to hold their meetings, and the location couldn’t be more perfect. “We are very lucky to have [NU Café] as a venue and Josh Van Dyke of NU Café to help us,” Maldonado added.

Science Café Woo is part of the worldwide Science Café effort powered by NOVA, a science series on PBS. NOVA provides support for all Science Café groups as they make the effort to get the science word out to different communities. “NOVA kind of acts as a kick-start for the first event. They help you with tips, how to present, etc.” Maldonado said.

Since its beginning, Science Café Woo has been successful, bringing in members of the community each month and expanding its reach. “We have 12 UMass Medical School volunteers; we have won a grant from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; we have partnered with the EcoTarium … we are really growing,” Maldonado said.

On Jan. 15, Science Café Woo and the EcoTarium will host You’re the Expert! This event is a live show, podcast and new public radio program that will be sponsored by WBUR, using comedy to make academic research more accessible and exciting.

With the use of hilarious games and sketches, a panel of comedians will try to understand what a scientist does. It will be hosted and produced by Chris Duffy and feature Nobel Prize-winner Dr. Craig Mello, comedians Myq Kaplan (from Comedy Central and Netflix’s Small, Dork, and Handsome) and Anna Drezen (MTVu), and more special guests.

“It’s super fun; you just crack up. You also learn a lot about the science itself. This event makes the science easy to understand, accessible and funny,” Maldonado said.

The You’re The Expert! event is just the beginning of an exciting new year for Science Café Woo, as Maldonado and her team have seen a huge increase in interest from the community and speakers.

“We are working on our list of speakers for 2015. We are very excited about this year’s speakers. Word has spread, so people are very enthusiastic about presenting,” Maldonado said.

What’s most rewarding to Maldonado, her team and the speakers is making an impact on the community with their efforts.

“One of the best moments in the short time we have been doing this was when a father just happened to be in the café with his son during one of our meetings,” Maldonado said. “The speaker was very engaging, with amazing stories and photos. The son was so excited and began listening in to the discussion. At the end, the son told his dad he wanted to be a scientist. That’s exactly what we want to do.”

For more information about Science Café Woo, visitsciencecafewoo.com. Tickets for You’re the Expert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, are $20 ($15 for EcoTarium members) and are on sale at ecotarium.org/events-activities/youre-expert-ecotarium.

Science Café Woo blendsscience and fun


L o v e i n R e w i n d Look out Christian Grey, Louis Bruel is here (and maybe even hotter than you). In her recently released book, Love in Rewind, Tali Alexander’s hot, brooding millionaire falls madly in love with the young, naïve Emily Marcus. The unlikely pair gets hot and heavy (really hot), gets married, has two beautiful children and lives happily ever after. Although, that’s not exactly what happens.

Fast-forward 11 years: Emily, now 29, has everything ~ a gorgeous husband, millions of dollars, a house on the Upper East Side and a full staff of housekeepers, nannies, chefs and chauffeurs. She wants nothing, except for the love of her husband. The once-attentive Louis hasn’t touched his wife in months, and the divide between them is wider than the Grand Canyon,

leaving Emily to rewind their romance and figure out how she might get them back to the way they used to be. An added bonus: This is done to the soundtrack of ’80s songs.

The love story between Emily and Louis is sweet, and readers will get invested in the couple’s journey. They’ll laugh, cry, drool and won’t be able to put the book down once the plot’s twists and turns start manipulating their emotions. If you think you know how the story goes, you don’t. Do yourself a favor and read Love in Rewind.

A n i m a l S t a r sEver wonder how directors get their animals to act in front of the camera? With the help of trainers. Go behind the scenes with your favorite animal actors in Animal Stars, a collaboration between Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., president and CEO of the American Humane Society, and Allen and Linda Anderson. Told from the point of view of some of the most famous animal trainers, Animal Stars is a collection of stories that will surely be an instant hit among animal lovers.

Animal Stars includes more than a dozen stories about horses and snakes and monkeys (oh my!), including the real stars of Mr. Popper’s Penguins and the 250-foot python from Snakes on a Plane. The authors include some

high-profile animal actors, like Gidget, who everyone knows as the Taco Bell chihuahua (and as Bruiser’s mom in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde). Readers can also learn about how Emma Watson developed a special bond with Crackerjack, the cat who played Crookshanks in the Harry Potter films. And, of course, meet Peanut, the cat who played Mr. Jinx and flushed the toilet in Meet the Parents. You’ll learn the truth about these cats and dogs: Peanut came from an animal shelter because her pregnant owner didn’t want the cat near her newborn. Also from a shelter: Uggie, the Jack Russell terrier and breakout star of 2012’s The Artist.

The book also includes training tips from the pros and recollections from movie stars like Julia Roberts, Hailee Steinfeld and Steven Spielberg, all of whom worked directly with some of the animal stars.

Both books are available on Amazon and other online retailers.

Warm up with two new books this winter

By Kimberly Dunbar

p u l se B OO K S:


Nick JoNas | Nick JonasBy Michael Wood

A decade ago, when Nick Jonas recorded his first solo album, he was a Disney-fied prepubescent member of a tween-leaning trio of musical brothers. But gimmicks and purity rings be damned, the youngest Jonas brother has confirmed he’s all grown up with the release of this, his second self-titled album (he was known as Nicholas Jonas back then). Skeptical is one word that quickly came to mind when this CD landed on my desk for potential review. If his new image hasn’t already broken the Internet and your social media feeds, you should know the former boy band member has been flexing more than just his musical muscles, and it’s working for him on all fronts.

“Chains” is the first single, and its ominous beckoning recalls Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me

A River” from his debut album back in the day, when he also was just a former boy band member (*NSYNC) setting out on his own. Well, we know JT has become a pop superstar in his own right, shedding all doubts of naysayers.

Dare I suggest this youngest Jonas may actually be able to do the same? Jonas is trying to shed his old image, no doubt, and toughen it up a bit with songs like “Jealousy” and “Wilderness” and sexify himself with tracks like “Teacher” and “Numb” (with Angel Haze). “Push” plays up the power of his falsetto and captures his softer side when he sings of grown-up heartbreak. His duet with Demi Lovato (“Avalanche”) is radio ready, and if you hit up the clubs, you can expect to hear this remixed on repeat as a dance floor anthem. He’s got the pipes to back all this up, too ~ maybe just enough to turn this skeptic into a fan.

For more, visit nickjonas.com.

Bette Midler | It’s the GirlsBy Jennifer Russo

I mean what doesn’t she have going for her? She’s beautiful and confident, comfortable in her own skin at nearly 70 years old, funny as hell and an excellent actress (Beaches, Hocus Pocus, Gypsy, The Stepford Wives, etc.). She is a great dancer and can sing her ass off. She’s more than a triple threat; she’s Bette Midler.

Midler’s newest CD release (and 25th album, if you can believe it), It’s the Girls, doesn’t disappoint. In her own unique style, she reworks and covers some of the most famous girl-group hits such as the Ronette’s “Be My Baby” and the Supreme’s “Can’t Hurry Love.” She even tackles TLC’s “Waterfalls,” slowing it down and making it even more soulful, which is definitely worth a listen. Midler herself calls it “an exquisite explosion of estrogen.” If you love

the oldies, this album is for you.

Her strong and jazzy vocals are the perfect match for some of the most-loved songs of all time, but my personal favorite is her rendition of “Mr. Sandman.” She doesn’t stray from the original style of the song, but she just does it so well, paying homage to what it was meant to be. Plus, it makes me think of Back to the Future, and that makes me smile.

With her infectious smile and cabaret style of delivery, I think the woman is really equipped to sing anything, whether it is an R&B album, a girl-band tribute or a McDonald’s commercial.

Midler will be perform June 12 at the TD Garden in Boston and tickets are available now. With every ticket purchased, you get a free copy of the album.

Check out more at bettemidler.com.

kiNgNaldo | MemorandumBy Jason Savio

“Don’t forget who you are” Kingnaldo sings in “Hollywood Blow,” the first single on his third release, Memorandum. It is only fitting that he makes such a statement because, at times, Memorandum sounds as though Kingnaldo isn’t exactly sure who he is. He clearly attended the School of Grunge, but instead of fully immersing himself in that genre, he bravely ~ and perhaps quizzically ~ veers off into other, more obscure bits of audio anarchy.

Memorandum owes a debt to Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots. Songs like “Timeless Bliss” churn with a heavy grunge growl below swirling guitar leads, as Kingnaldo connects with his inner Scott Weiland. But weird breakdowns in “Vital” and “Loser Confuser,” in which he trades in his flannel shirt for a pair of nu-metal Adidas sweatpants, are indeed confusing and create a disjointed listen.

Kingnaldo takes his influences and puts them together on Memorandum, but simply putting together two separate genres like grunge and nu-metal leave an uneven listening experience. To take those two elements and combine them to create something wholly new and original seems to be Kingnaldo’s honest attempt here, but it doesn’t quite come to fruition.

Although occasionally unfocused, Memorandum does often capture genuine angst and tension, with some songs packed like a string of dynamite ready to explode. But too many times those anticipated blasts leave the listener hanging.

For more, visit kingnaldo.net.

OnCD: Nick JoNas / Bette Midler / kiNgNaldo


Win major points With a super BoWl party!

By Jennifer Russo

If you opted to host a get-together for this year’s Super Bowl XLIX viewing instead of celebrating at the local bar, you need to take it up a notch from the regular old “beers in front of the TV” night. For those of us who like football, it’s a chance to cheer on our favorite team and yell and scream like maniacs. For those who aren’t really into it, it’s still a chance to get together with some friends. Either way, we have some great ideas for you to score a touchdown of your own if you’re having your buddies over for the occasion.

Your TV:OK, you don’t necessarily need to have the 65-inch, big-screen TV to host a party, but you may want to reconsider hosting if all you have is a dinky 27-inch LCD. People want to feel like they are there. Good sound and a high-def experience is a must!

CloThing:Get yourself a football jersey. This is, first and foremost, a football event, after all, so show your spirit! Can’t afford to drop the money on an authentic jersey? Get a knockoff or a T-shirt with the team name. Stores like Marshalls have these super cheap. It doesn’t really matter, as long as you represent, especially if you’re hosting!

SeT-up and deCor:Get those football-themed party plates and cups at any local party store and some plastic tablecloths in your team’s colors. Not only is it festive, it makes for easy clean up later. Don’t forget plenty of plastic forks and napkins for all the messy food. Make sure you have enough seats for everyone, plus a couple extra.

FaVorS:Totally not necessary, but if you want to go all-out, think about some small favors for your guests like lanyards or Mardi Gras beads in the team colors, penalty flags for tossing, small foam footballs, drink cozies, etc.

drinkS:Some soda and bottled water is great to have on hand and, of course, beer is a must. Honestly, for most people going to the party, a Coors Light or Bud will do. Just estimate at least one beer per quarter for your drinking friends, then get some extra (and don’t forget yourself). Running out is not an option! If you would rather go the craft beer route, you really can’t go wrong with our local beers; Sam Adams and Harpoon make some great seasonal brews. Want to do a signature cocktail? Berry Gatorade, peach schnapps and vodka mixed and thrown in a drink dispenser is perfect.

gameS:People are busy watching the game, so I’m not talking Scrabble here. I like to have each person at the party guess what the halftime and final scores will be or how many fumbles there will be in the game. Closest to the correct answer wins some kind of prize at the end of the night (a six pack of beer or a gift card to Dominos goes over nicely).

aFTer-parTY planS:Keep in mind that the party has to end at some point, so if you have people drinking, make sure they are sobered up before they head out or provide a couch for them to crash on. As a host, cleaning up as the night moves along will make for a more painless cleanup later.


By Jason Savio

How do you inject a shot of adrenaline into a video game franchise that is entering its second decade of existence with its 14th release? The answer is jetpacks and movie stars, of course. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare takes the popular series in a completely new direction that feels more like a sci-fi war epic than a playable history lesson.

In the year 2055, war and unrest is at an all-time high, and trying to quell the terror is Atlas, an independent army not dedicated to any one particular government’s set of rules and principles. Atlas has the most advanced technology available and an endless supply of money, thanks in part to owner Jonathan Irons. Irons is actually two-time Academy Award-winner Kevin Spacey; his likeness and voice have been used for the character, adding a dash of Hollywood to the pixels on your screen. As Mitchell, you are Irons’ personal project, a war veteran and friend of his son, who was killed in action. He takes an interest in you after a catastrophe in the opening of the game and enlists you to run and gun with the rest of the Atlas group. “We are a superpower for hire,” Irons explains. But can a superpower always be trusted?

Advanced Warfare has fun imagining all of the technology and weapons future warfare could entail, hence the title. One of the coolest innovations is the pack you carry on your back that shoots you up like a rocket. It comes in handy in more ways than one and can help you maneuver around enemy fire that may otherwise be unavoidable. The other major advantage is your exoskeleton, a strapped-on piece of technology that enhances your strength and agility, much like the one featured in the sci-fi film Elysium.

For war purists, Advanced Warfare may feel like a farce, the equivalent of a popcorn movie rather than a narrative steeped in real war history. While it does indeed stretch some boundaries, Advanced Warfare doesn’t make light of the cost of war. In fact, it contains scenes that are extremely real, graphic and often poignant. It doesn’t shy away from showing the sacrifices that are made in conflict, giving this tin man of a game a heart.

Advanced Warfare does rely on the same formula of its predecessors (they are all first-person shooter war games, after all), but there are enough bells and whistles to get your attention. It plays out like an intense movie, a vision of a possible future, and is a bold and daring leap that separates itself from the rest of the series while opening up the door for its future.

For more, visit callofduty.com/advancedwarfare.

Advanced Warfare brings Call of Duty series to the future

Food:Obviously, a Super Bowl party is not complete without food. Some favorites include Buffalo wings, potato skins, chili, meatballs, pizza, chips and popcorn. All of these are great, but if you want to try making something that will really make their stomachs growl and put a unique twist on the norm, here are some of my favorite easy recipes:

Cheesy Bacon Dip½ cup mayo, 1 package cream cheese, 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, ½ finely chopped onion, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix all this until blended and put in a glass pan. In a separate pan, fry up some bacon. Put the cheese dip into the oven at 350 degrees and heat through (15-20 minutes), take it out, top it with the crumbled bacon and serve it up with nacho chips. It won’t last until halftime.

Taco DipOne of the easiest and tastiest things ever. Just mix some soft cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning together and serve it in a big bowl topped with shredded cheese and diced tomatoes with some nacho chips. Can’t go wrong.

Stuffed Poblano PeppersFry yourself up some ground sausage, chopped onions and garlic, and mix in some pre-cooked rice. Spoon into poblanos that have been halved and pitted. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 10 minutes.

Mini Ham & Cheese MeltsWho doesn’t love ham and cheese sandwiches, especially when they are buttery and grilled? Make these the same way you normally would, but on the inside of the bread, spread a Dijon mustard and mayo mixture and add a slice of dill pickle. Add your ham and cheese and grill, chop into four minis (like your mom did when you were a kid) and throw them on a platter.

Dump CakeIf you’re the baking type, feel free to whip out a couple dozen cupcakes, but if not, this easy and delicious recipe is for you. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Dump a can of cherry pie filling (or whatever kind you like) into a baking pan. Open up a box of vanilla or chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it over the top of the fruit. Slice a stick of butter and spread the slices over the top of the cake. Bake for 45 minutes and serve with Cool Whip.

Club & Pub ListingsEntertainment at clubs, bars, pubs, & other select venues


American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010

B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 140pub.com

Backstreets Pub 14 Mill St., Fitchburg 978-345-0758 facebook.com/backstreetspubfitchburg

The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. 508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com

Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 barberscrossingrestaurant.com

Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com

Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. 508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Wednesdays: All request night with DJ Strader Jan. 3: Ryan Taylor Jan. 8: An evening of acoustic classics with Rob Maxwell Jan. 9: Auntie Trainwreck Jan. 10: David Butler & The Frogs Jan. 15: Grand Evolution Jan. 17: A Fine Connection Jan. 23: Sam Haiman Jan. 24: Alex Cohen Acoustic Jan. 29: Fossil Funk Jan. 30: Gladstone Jan. 31: Tyrus

Beemer’s Pub 114 River St., Fitchburg 978-343-3148 beemerspub.com

Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353

Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 blacksheeptavernsterline.com Jan. 10: Live band karaoke with Fingercuff Jan. 29: Live band karaoke with Fingercuff

Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. 508-797-4827 blackstonetap.com

Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 hometown.aol.com/blueplatelounge

Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 Jan. 8: Brett Casavant Jan. 9: Brother Maynard Jan. 15: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 16: JCDC Jan. 17: Michael Spaulding Jan. 22: Scott Babineau Jan. 23: Brian Chaffee Jan. 30: Kevin Shields Jan. 31: Ken Macy

Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008

Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 myspace.com/breakawaybilliardsclinton Jan. 16: The Great Escape (Journey tribute)

Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-752-3862 brew-city.com

Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com Jan. 9: Sugar Ray & The Bluetones

Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. 508-926-8353 facebook.com/CanalRestaurantandBar Wednesdays: Toast Masters

Center Bar & Grill 102 Green St., Worc. 508-438-0597 thecenterbar.com

Centerfolds 2000 139 Southbridge St., N. Oxford 508-987-5222 centerfolds2000.com

Chooch’s Food & Spirits 31 E. Brookfield Road, N. Brookfield 508-867-2494 sitewizzer.com/choochs Fridays: Karaoke

Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 chopsticksleominster.com

Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 facebook.com/christopherspubleominster

Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-767-9728 worcesterscene.com/admin/location_images/ciceros.jpg

Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net

Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. 508-798-8385 facebook.com/ClubKasBar

The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962

Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. 508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Tuesdays: 2Fer Tuesdays with Pete Towler Thursdays: Mike Brennan Fridays: DJ Matty Saturdays: DJ One-3

Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. 508-752-0482

Dance Ranch & Saloon

70 James St., Worc. 508-757-6977 danceranchandsaloon.com

Dar Bah 29 Canal St., Millbury 508-865-8441

Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 daysendtavern.com

Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens 978-862-0060 devensgrill.com

Dunnys Tavern 291 E. Main St., E. Brookfield

Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. 508-799-0629 facebook.com/ElectricHaze Sundays: Funky Jazz Jam Sundays Mondays: Open Mic/Open Decks Tuesdays: Hip Hop Tuesdays Jan. 3: Digital Storm and Friends Jan. 4: Art gallery opening Jan. 6: Dance to raise money for Vagina Monologues Jan. 7: Art gallery opening, music by Shamrock Whiskey Jan. 8: Bellas Bartok, Cocek! Brass Band Jan. 9: Pimps of Joytime, Little Sugar and the Spoonful Jan. 10: Electronic Night: Brightside, Wubson and more Jan. 15: Rocky and the Pressers Jan. 16: Airspray Jan. 17: Ghosts of Jupiter/Nicole Sutka Jan. 22: Sub-Flex Jan. 23: Magic Island, Les Racquet and Jetty Jan. 24: Valvatross Jan. 25: Nick DiMara Jazz Trio Jan. 30: Organically Good Trio Jan. 31: Mud Puddle Stompers/Santa Mamba

Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. 508-792-3700 aohworcester.com Jan. 17: A Murphs Comedy Joint Jan. 18: A Murphs Comedy Joint

Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com

Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 flipflopsma.com

Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-757-1450 flyingrhinocafe.com

Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-753-2995 funkyandjosemurphys.com

Galway Bay Irish Pub 186 Stafford St., Worc. 508-753-8909 thegalway.com

Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com

Mondays: Blue Mondays Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Thursdays: Audio Wasabi

The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Jan. 10: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 17: Brian & Captain Jan. 24: Jim Hatch

Gilrein’s 802 Main St., Worc. 508-791-2583 gilreins.net

Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-853-1350 greendalespub.com Sundays: Jim’s Blues Jam Tuesdays: Open Mic Night with Bill McCarthy Jan. 3: Lester Rawson Band Jan. 9: Coyotes Jan. 10: No Alibi Jan. 16: Mayhem Jan. 17: Auntie Trainwreck Jan. 23: Tony Soul Project Jan. 24: Silverbacks Jan. 30: The Invaders Jan. 31: 9Teen

The Grey Hound Pub 139 Water St., Worc. 508-754-6100 thegreyhoundworcester.com Thursdays: Team Trivia New England

Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halliganssportsbarandmore.com

Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc.

Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg 978-582-9701 ixtapacantina2.com

JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845

Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc. 508-793-0900 jilliansworcester.com Jan. 3: UFC 182 Jan. 9: Niki Luparelli & The Gold Diggers Jan. 10: Decades by Dezyne Jan. 16: The Plagiarists Jan. 17: Squelch Jan. 23: How Bizarre Jan. 24: Flock of A-Holes Jan. 30: Hit the Bus

JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 jbag.biz Jan. 3: Post Holiday Blues Shakedown, the 12th annual WCUW Blues Benefit Jan. 9: Whiskey Church Jan. 10: ALS Benefit Featuring multiple bands Jan. 16: Bourbon Truth Jan. 17: Invisible Sun (The Police tribute) Jan. 23: Boombox Jan. 24: Aerochix (all-female Aerosmith tribute) Jan. 30: Flock of A-Holes, Heavy Horses

Continued on Page 23


pulse shotsPhotos by Justin Perry

the lucky dog music hall | Worcester

blueprint bar & grill | westminster

the mill 185 | west boylston flying rhino cafe | worcester

brew city Grill & Brew House | worcester classic’s pub | leominster

Funky Murphy’s | WorcesterBeatnik’s | Worcester



LaScala Restaurant 183 Shrewsbury St, Worc. 508-753-9912 lascalashrewsburystreet.com

The Lazy Dog 31 Main St., Marlborough 508-229-2264 doggonelazy.com

Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. 508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com

Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. 508-796-5177 loft266.com

London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc. 508-799-7655 londonbilliards.com

Lucky Dog Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. 508-363-1888 luckydogmusic.com Jan. 3: Bernie’s Garage, Mama’s Marmalade, June & The Bee and The Dead LA Jan. 4: Digging Deep,a night dedicated to the styles no one plays. Jan. 7: Mister Smarta** Theater’s live comedy take on a really terrible film. Jan. 8: The Sort Of Late Show, featuring Shaun Connolly and the Over-Qualified Band. Followed by DJ’s Kool Chriss and Tone Capone (from FLAVA 105.5) Jan. 9: Angry Chair (Alice in Chains tribute) with Texas Death Match and Esperanto. Jan. 10: Schism (Tool tribute) with Before Common Error and more.

Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. 508-277-1073 facebook.com/mahoneyspub.ma

Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. 508-754-0033 martyspub.com

MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. 508-799-4521 mblounge.com Michael’s Cigar Bar

1 Exchange Place, Worc.508-459-9035michaelscigar.comSundays: Blue Light BanditsJan. 3: Grade A FancyJan. 8: Dave B & The Hotshots Jan. 9: Mystic River Band Jan. 10: Tequila BonfireJan. 14: Brett BrumbyJan. 15: Jim Devlin Jan. 16: Andy Cummings Swingabilly TrioJan. 17: The Flat 5Jan. 22: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from HellJan. 23: Hit the Bus Jan. 29: Hit the Bus Jan. 30: Russo Bros Jazz QuintetJan. 31: Doctor Robert

Mickey O’Neil’s 377 Park Ave., Worc.

Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825

The Mill 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com

Wednesdays: Karaoke Jan. 3: James Keyes Jan. 8: Pete Towler Jan. 9: Snap Daddies Jan. 10: Joe Macey Jan. 15: Josh Briggs Jan. 16: How Bizarre Jan. 17: Kelly & Friends Jan. 22: Steve Foley Jan. 23: Strings Hackle Jan. 24: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 29: Night Train Jan. 30: Katie O’Brien

Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900 millstreetbrews.com

Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc.

Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. 508-753-4030 myspace.com/NicksWorcester Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat Jan. 18: Nat Needle Piano for A Trip to the Moon and other Georges Melies silent films Jan. 24: Jubilee Gardens

The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. 508-340-0318

Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106

On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-6692 Jan. 9: The City Boys with Johnny Romance & The Captain

Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford 508-987-5397

Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117

The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. 508-797-9696 thepalladium.net

Pampas Churrascaria Restaurant 145 E. Central St., Worc. 508-757-1070 pampas-restaurant.com

Partner’s Pub970 South St., Fitchburg978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays: KaraokeJan. 3: Johnny GirouardJan. 10: Sean Daley Jan. 17: Corey Bazillion Jan. 24: 1Oughta 9

Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. 508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com

Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc. 508-792-4263 perfectgameworcester.com Mondays: Ladies Night Tuesdays: Team Trivia Wednesdays: Karaoke with DJ Sirch-One Thursdays: College Night with DJ Cuz’N Kev Fridays: DJ One-3 Saturdays: DJ Reckless

Pho Dakao

593 Park Ave., Worc. 508-756-7555

Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com

Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. 508-856-9255 facebook.com/pages/The-Press-Box/181242711941126 Jan. 16: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

Primetime Pub 5 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-400-7727 facebook.com/PRIMETIMEPUBOFLUNENBURG

Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. 508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com Sundays: Sunday Night Cinemageddon Mondays: Dirty Gerund Poetry Show Tuesdays: C.U.Next Tuesday with DJ Poke Smot and guests Jan. 3: V CD Release Party with Strangler Needs a Manacure, A King in Wait and 3 Parts Dead Jan. 7: Ralph’s Diner’s (Should Be) Hidden Talent Show Jan. 8: Secret Lover, Heavy Petals, Superjer and Brimstone Jan. 9: The Marc Rizzo Band, Untomed, Infested Prophecy and Blacklight Sunrise Jan. 10: Maiden New England, Mechanix (Megadeth tribute) and Epitome of Dog Jan. 14: FBW (Federation of Belligerent Writers) Jan. 15: Metal Thursday Jan. 16: The Moulten Llama, Gut, Wrought Iron Hex and Seismic Supershear Jan. 17: Goddamn Draculas, Callback Holly, When Particles Collide and Heavy Necker Jan. 21: Ralph’s Diner’s (Should Be) Hidden Talent Show Jan. 22: A Troop of Echoes, Jake McKelvie and The Countertops and Ghost Guest Jan. 23: Texas Death Match Jan. 24: The F.U.’s, NoToX, Slitstitch, Whoopi Sticks and Unlisted Jan. 28: FBW (Federation of Belligerent Writers) Jan. 30: The Rationales, Shotgun Waltz, Zerobot Jan. 31: Overcast, The Empire Shall Fall, Swarm of Eyes and The River Neva Feb. 1: Overcast, Dissolve and Fuming Mouth

The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. 508-304-8133 facebook.com/people/Raven-Worcester/100001022046717

Rivalry’s Sports Bar 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-243-1100 rivalrysworcester.com Jan. 3: April’s Fools Jan. 9: Tom Revane Jan. 16: Mike Lynch Trio Jan. 17: Down Right Country Jan. 23: Take Two Jan. 24: Three-Year Anniversary Party with Ton of Blues Jan. 30: Drunken Uncles Jan. 31: The Invaders

Rose Garden Restaurant and Pub 16 Milford St., Upton 508-529-7776 uptonrosegarden.com

Rumors

371 Park Ave., Worc. 508-755-5542 clubuniverseworcester.com

Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Jan. 3: Brian Chaffee Jan. 9: Free Range Jan. 10: Brian & Captain Jan. 11: Zach Slyk Jan. 15: Sean Fullerton Jan. 16: Cailte Kelly Jan. 17: Zach Slyk Jan. 23: Danielle Lessard Jan. 24: Brian & Captain Jan. 25: Jon Short Jan. 29: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Jan. 30: The Keith McLinden Band Jan. 31: JCDC

Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. 508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 sakura-tokyo.com Jan. 3: Windfall Classic Rock

Scorz 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. facebook.com/pages/Scorz-Sports-Bar/216216528569258

Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 888-824-3924, 978-345-2000 seanpatricksrestaurant.com

South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com

Jan. 3: Backseat Zero Jan. 10: Whitney Doucette Jan. 16: TC Polk Jan. 17: Throwback to the ‘60s Jan. 23: Andy Cummings Jan. 24: Sin City Jan. 30: Ross McGuinnes Jan. 31: Side Effect

Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 speakersnightclub.net Thursdays: Acoustic music Fridays: Karaoke and dance party Saturdays: Live bands

Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255 SpruceStreetTavern.com Jan. 10: Ernest Benoit

Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 508-754-3516 3gs-sportsbar.com

Tweed’s 231 Grove St., Worc. 508-755-8047 tweedspub.com

Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. facebook.com/TheUnionTavernWorcester Tuesdays: Cody Curelop Acoustic Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: DJs and live music

Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com

Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-752-9439 facebook.com/vincentsbar Tuesdays: Jon Bonner and Boogie Chillin’

Continued from Page 18


LIFESTYLE

By Jennifer Russo

People all over the world partied it up on New Year’s Eve ~ drinking champagne and looking their best to welcome the New Year with open arms, a toast and a kiss. Then, came the resolutions: I’m going to quit smoking this year; I’m going to lose weight; I’m going to stop eating sugar or drinking coffee; etc.

People start off with good intentions, but sometime towards the middle of the year, they realize that they have not done what they said they would do. Now they feel like they failed somehow, and those same people are still smoking, the same weight or heavier, drinking coffee and eating cookies. Studies show this happens to more than 90 percent of those who make resolutions.

Ernest Hemingway once said, “Never mistake motion for action.” By definition, a resolution is a formal expression of an intention to do something. I resolve to lose weight. OK, how? I resolve to stop smoking. OK, when? To make a resolution count, you need to be able to track your commitment to it. Then, it turns into something that has a chance of being successful ~ a goal. Your goal needs to be specific to succeed. It also needs to be simple and achievable. Most importantly, it must be measurable. Not, “I’m going to lose weight,” but rather, “I’m going to get fit by going to the gym three days a week and doing x-y-z, and I am going to measure my progress on a specific day each month until I meet this attainable weight.” The difference between a resolution and a goal is simple: A resolution focuses on the intention to do something; a goal focuses on a result of that effort.

A few years back, I stopped making resolutions altogether. I make goals or decide to try/learn something new. Why not reach beyond the norm of losing weight, quitting smoking, stopping swearing, blah, blah … things you should already be doing just to be healthy anyway? Instead, decide that this year you are going to learn a new language (and buy Rosetta Stone), learn how to cook something specific (and get the cookbook or print the recipe), read at least eight books (and load them on your Kindle), take a painting class (and book it), travel to another state (and book it), call your grandmother once a month (and set a reminder on your phone), start recycling more (and get a bin), help out with a charity (and have it auto-removed from your account), try rock climbing (and get some friends on board), or work on your family tree (and get an Ancestry.com account), etc. Simple and achievable things that make you feel good and teach you something can make great goals for the New Year.

You may find yourself picking up a new hobby or meeting some really cool people in the process, gaining confidence and just being a happier person. So what will your New Year’s goal be?

Here's to the New Year and


making goals, not resolutions


By RJ Linton

One of the earliest forms of science was the prediction of the coming of the seasons by star watchers. These early astrologists told stories to teach others important life lessons during communal nights.

The study of these ancient stories, referred to as archeoastronomy, gives us a look into the myths, legends and religious beliefs of now-ancient cultures. Not only does archeoastronomy give us a window into cultural beliefs, the development of science itself can be tracked through this universal human fascination with the night sky. From those early star watchers to nighttime sea navigation with astrolabes (a sailor’s navigational tool) to the Space Race, the human fascination with the night sky has been a driving force and a source of inspiration throughout the ages.

For cultures in the Northern Hemisphere, some of the richest archeoastronomy is centered on the winter solstice (the longest night of the year), which foretells the coming of the coldest nights of the year. Our modern winter holidays fall near the winter solstice because of the long tradition of solstice holidays throughout history.

For those living in or near cities, many of the old star groupings may be hard to see. One common asterism ~ or group of stars ~ visible to most throughout the Northeast is the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper is a grouping of stars that is a part of the modern constellation Ursa Major (Great Bear). If you are not familiar with the Big Dipper, you only have to look at an image of the state flag of Alaska. The dipper is the seven stars in the shape of a ladle on the flag. The two stars on the end of the “spoon” are known as the pointer stars. Draw an imaginary line through these pointer stars and follow that line to a star that appears all alone in the night sky. That’s Polaris, better known as the North Star.

Polaris is the 45th brightest star in the night sky. While the North Star is not the brightest in the night sky (that distinction goes to Sirius, the Dog Star), the North Star is steady and seemingly unmoving. This star is always due north. In fact, people have used the star as a nighttime navigation aid for at least as long as we have had written language.

One story surrounding the North Star is also woven into the history of America ~ the story of the Drinking Gourd. People trapped in American slavery in the 19th century would escape by following the Underground Railroad to the free states in the north. Slaves would teach each other a song about the Drinking Dourd (the Big Dipper) to guide them along the railroad. The song closes like this:

I thought I heard the angels say,‘Follow the Drinking Gourd.’

The stars in the heavensGonna show you the way.Follow the Drinking Gourd.

EVERYDAY SC IENCE :

Guided by the stars






DINING & ENTERTAINING

By Bernie Whitmore

The question, “What’s your favorite restaurant?” is one I find challenging. Mostly because it’s a question I can’t respond to with one simple answer.

But I’m happy to oblige, so I opt for categories ~ favorite burger, favorite breakfast, favorite pizza. ... Twenty minutes later, when we get to fish and chips, I find that I really can’t provide a Worcester standout, and I start to wander. There’s that take-out window off the Russell Square tube stop, but in the U.S., I’d vote for the seaside fish shanty in Point Judith, R.I.

Then, I dined at the Compass Tavern and found a fish and chips dish superior to any I’ve had in years. Tender, flaky-fresh and huge. But wait a minute. This is breaking the narrative arc in the Compass Tavern story; let’s go back to the beginning.

The Compass Tavern is still new; it’s taken over the Harding Street location that used to be home of Smokestack. Compass has reworked the floor plan by installing a bar in the center of the dining room and surrounding it with booths. This reduces the “cafeteria feel” it had before and makes the place feel more dynamic.

When my friend and I stopped by for dinner, we were urged to sit “wherever you want.” Given that there was just one open table, I wondered aloud if this meant we could evict diners from their more desirable booths. That seemed dangerous, so we encamped at the end of a row of booths.

Our server, Hannah, introduced herself, passed out menus and asked us what we’d like for drinks. The chalkboard listed Shipyard Brewing Company’s latest seasonal brew, GingerBreadHead. Even though my faith in Shipyard runs fathoms deep, I asked Hannah if it was being received well. “Oh yeah,” she replied. “Do you want a sample?”

“Perfect!” I replied.

She returned with a generous sample in a brandy snifter, which might be the ideal glassware for GingerBreadHead. The glass’s bulbous form focused the ale’s aromatic aspects, showcasing rich molasses, ginger and cinnamon flavors. But be not afraid! This is not a cloying, sweet, candy brew. Shipyard just doesn’t do that. I ordered a pint.

We paired our drinks with Compass’s Chicken Wing appetizer ~ on the bone, of course. No nuggets at this table. OK, everyone’s got wings, right? You can get them for two bits apiece at some sports bars. So how does a place set itself apart? The Compass starts by procuring big meaty drumsticks and wings. The meat is just packed on these beauties, along with the genuine chicken flavor that’s lost when some industrial process chucks away the bones.

The menu boasts several different chicken wing treatments and

the Compass tavern90 harding street, Worcester(508) 304-6044theCompasstavern.com

Canal’s Compass pointsthe Way to Big flavor

lets you select two flavors. I’d already tried their Buffalo sauce and knew how good it is; tonight we paired it with Cajun Spiced Rub. What a combo! The tart heat of the Buffalo sauce contrasted delightfully with the salty heat of the Cajun. A most satisfying start.

And this brings me back to the Fish & Chips. What made it so superior? That’s simple: The large filet of tender white haddock just flaked apart with each forkful of sweet and tender flavor. The breading was golden brown and buttery-crisp, with little nubs of deeper, crispier flavor. My plate-long filet was draped over a bed of crunchy-hot fries and served with a cup of creamy coleslaw. This is fish you could get spoiled on!

I’d never slather condiments on fish. But I must note that my friend sampled the Compass’s tartar sauce and insisted I try it. Yes, this sauce was certainly superior to others. And if I was hungry enough, I’d eat it by the forkful ~ but nowhere near my fish.

As pleased as I was with my meal, my friend suffered no envy. He’d ordered their Western Ribeye Steak with mashed potatoes and vegetable. From my side of the table, it looked more medium than rare, but he described it as “… perfectly grilled, just as I ordered it, with a nice peppery char on the outside, juicy and delicious.”

He wasn’t a fan of the vegetable featured that evening, a medley of summer and zucchini squashes. So I helped myself to them; they were the freshest I’ve encountered since summer.

Based on a couple visits, I would reckon that The Compass Tavern positions itself as a place for friends to drop by, have a drink or two and enjoy a good meal. No Michelin stars, just honest fare crafted by local, honest hands. The Compass is the kind of place that earns customer loyalty.


By Paul Giorgio

Sweets & savory. Sweet on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street will expand its menu and offer savory dishes for dinner. This is a take on the tapas craze, with dishes for sharing and small plates. The restaurant will offer dishes such as lamb sausage over lentils or Chef Alina Eisenhauer’s take on Korean nachos. Once you are done with dinner, leave room for dessert.

Mourning Arthur Furtado. Arthur Furtado, owner of The Pic on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street recently passed away from diabetes-related complications. Furtado was only 30 years old. He will be missed by his family, co-workers and customers.

Italy in Webster. Mama Dolce’s Café, an Italian restaurant, opened at 8 Davis St. in Webster. The restaurant opened its doors in the middle of November and has been busy ever since. The business is owned by Nancy Zecco. Zecco said that she named the place for her mother, who must have been a sweet lady. Zecco plans on introducing music in the not-too-distant future. Try it out.

Italian in Worcester. It looks like Rod Haddad, of Shrewsbury’s Napoli Restaurant, is making progress on his plans to open a second restaurant. This one is on Plantation Street, near the intersection of Franklin. Haddad has gone before the Worcester Planning Board to get his approvals.

One less Italian in Worcester. Ziti’s Restaurant on Harding Street in the Canal District closed its doors at the end of December. The owners will concentrate on their restaurant in Westborough, which is closer to Boston.

Mexican in the Canal. El Patron Mexican Restaurant will take over the space now occupied by Ziti’s. The owner is Jose Cazares, who is a second-generation restaurateur. He grew up working in his mother’s restaurants in Mexico. According to Cazares, the food will be authentic, using his mother’s recipes. Look for a mid-January opening.

They say the wings are wicked. Snows Clam Box at 321 West Boylston St. in Worcester’s Greendale section has closed down, and the space is being taken over by the Norton brothers, Nick and Andy, who also own Wild Willy’s next door. The Nortons plan to open a wing place. If they do the wings like they do their burgers, they will have a hit on their hands. The burgers are big and juicy, and hopefully, the wings will be, too. Wicked Wings will open in a month after some renovations.

Neil Rogers jumps stoves. Neil Rogers, formerly of Volturno and last year’s winner of Worcester’s Best Chef, has joined Niche Hospitality Group as the executive chef de cuisine and will be responsible for food development. After a tour of Niche’s restaurants, Rogers will assume his duties at Niche’s commissary, located adjacent to Mezcal in Worcester. No word on who is taking over for him at Volturno.

Girl Scout cookie challenge. The annual Girl Scout Fork It Over fundraiser will be held Feb. 26 at the Beechwood Hotel. Chefs are challenged to come up with an innovative recipe using Girl Scout cookies. Chefs need to respond by Jan. 8, 2015, if they want to take part.

Here it is: January 2015. It’s a new year, but it will still be cold. When it gets to be winter, all sorts of seasonal beers show up, promising to warm you up. Winter Warmer beers are formulated to raise your temperature either through spices or a higher alcohol content. Below are some winter favorites that I have tried recently and wholeheartedly recommend. These are all readily available at any reputable craft beer outlet. No need to camp out the night before or be put on a waiting list.

Lagunitas Brown Shugga, Lagunitas Brewing Company (9.84% ABV)This beer has a story to it, as all great beers should. Lagunitas was brewing its Gnarlywine Barleywine and added brown sugar to it. It was a mistake that the yeast ate up so much of the brown sugar (that’s what yeast does; it eats sugar) but left a recognizable hop presence and a malty, sugary, festive sweetness. This beer is ridiculously drinkable. It has a subdued warm booziness that creeps up on you quickly, too quickly. Lagunitas created a whole new beer style that it likes to call “irresponsible.” You have been warned.

Holidale, Berkshire Brewing Company (9.5% ABV)This is brewed right here in Massachusetts. This limited edition, once-a-year barleywine recipe changes from year to year, and I am always excited to see the slight changes. For one, I can remember this beer having a reddish tone, but now it has darkened to a luscious deep brown. I picked up no hops whatsoever in aroma or taste. The mouthfeel is full and coated my entire mouth. It smells and tastes of chocolate, sweet fig and a trace of cinnamon. It has the warmth of both alcohol and spice. Save this one for dessert and share it around the fireplace with close friends. I have one bottle left, and that’s when I plan on opening mine.

21st Amendment Fireside Chat, 21st Amendment Brewing (7.9% ABV)First off, this is the only beer in this article offered in a can. This pours a dark red with a tan head. It is lighter in color and mouthfeel than the two previously mentioned beers. The flavor here is a muted chocolate and spice, with more of a focus on the malt. There is minimal hop aroma or flavor. If you like your winter beer to be a beer first, with less of a priority on the adjunct flavors, this one would be a good choice for you.

Troegs Mad Elf, Troegs Brewing Company, (11.0% ABV)Cherries and honey. It says on the label that this is a beer brewed with cherries and honey. It should be listed the other way around. This is a perfect beer to share with someone that does not like beer but likes cherries and honey. It pours a ruby red with a fluffy white head that drops to a small lingering ring. It smells of ~ you guessed it ~ cherries and honey, but it does not stop there. I picked up some aromas from the Belgian yeast, cloves, banana and pitted fruit. It tastes as it smells and warms you like none other on this list. As it warms, this brew becomes more complex. Rose, bubblegum, citrus and sweet cherry all show themselves at some point, or maybe that’s just the 11% ABV talking. Regardless, I enjoyed it and bought a few more to age. This is available in 12-ounce bottles or a 22-ounce bomber with a tulip glass.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company (6.9% ABV)There was a theme going here of winter beers without hops. Here is an option if you like hops, dislike spices or just happen to want to have something a little lighter. This is the lightest beer on this list by far, but this is far from being the lightest in flavor. This beer was first brewed in 1981 using fresh, just-harvested and dried hops from the western United States. The company’s thought is that hops, like spices, degrade in flavor and aroma the longer they sit. This beer pours a deep ruby read with a two-finger foam. The aromas of the hops include pine and citrus, which fill the air as soon as the bottle is opened. There is no chocolate, cinnamon, fruits or exotic yeast esters. This is just a really good example of an American IPA, a balance between glorious hop flavor and aroma, with just enough of a malt backbone to remind you that you are drinking a 6.9% ABV beer.

HotNow&

P u l s e B R E W :B a by, i t ’ s c o l d o u t s i d e By Kerry Cyganiewicz

SPORTS


By Kimberly Dunbar

Gus Young is behind the bar serving drinks at Uno’s on a Saturday night. It’s not his usual gig, but it’s one of his duties as a Worcester Shark ~ to engage with the community and the team’s fans. Dressed in his No. 3 jersey, he’s shaking hands and in an especially good mood after a 5-2 win over the Providence Bruins, a game in which he clocked some decent ice time, impressive for a rookie on an AHL contract.

Young is one of the many new faces on this year’s Sharks team, which received a facelift in the off season. “My favorite part about this season is the group of guys,” Young said. “A lot of people didn’t think we’d have a strong team this year.”

The Sharks started the season red hot, racking up an 8-3-1 record before hitting a five-game skid in November. But the night’s lopsided victory over the Sharks’ longtime rivals seems to have everyone back on the winning track.

“The whole team is basically different this year,” said veteran forward Jimmy Bonneau, one of the few returning players from last year’s roster. “We have a different team identity. We’re faster, smaller, more skilled.”

Bonneau, who is making Worcester his home for the fourth consecutive season, was intrigued to see all of the changes and young faces. “It was a pleasant surprise,” he said. “They are young guys, but they are great players and all-around good guys. It’s been a really fun year so far.”

He’s been impressed with Young’s quick development. “Gus is a smart kid,” Bonneau said. “He has common sense, both in hockey and off the ice. As the season goes on, his ice time and knowledge will increase, but he’s already an important part of the team.”

Young is a local kid; he grew up in Dedham and attended Yale before signing an AHL contract with the Sharks last August. “I always dreamed of playing hockey, and being able to play this close to home is great,” he said, adding that his parents love it because they can watch him play.

And although he doesn’t remember it, Young’s dad used to take him to games in Worcester when he was younger. So it’s fitting his first year playing professional hockey is a year that’s

dedicated to Worcester’s history.

“Lots of fans don’t realize hockey has been around Worcester for 20 years,” said Eric Lindquist, director of public relations and broadcasting for the Worcester Sharks. This season, the Sharks are celebrating 11 years of IceCats and nine years of Sharks hockey with a series of promotions, a fan-designed 20th anniversary logo and a Worcester Hockey History Game, featuring IceCats and Sharks alumni, on March 28.

“There aren’t many AHL cities that have hit the 20-year plateau, and it’s something the city should be proud of,” Lindquist said. “When we got here nine years ago, there were certain things we wanted to get done as an organization. For the first five of those, people were still calling us the IceCats. We’ve been able to check a lot off our list, so it’s time to reflect back a little.”

Lindquist said the Sharks “broke Scratch out of the Worcester Historical Museum,” and he will appear at every Sunday game this season alongside Finz. “It’s crazy to see a grown man or woman getting their picture taken with Scratch, but things like that stick with people. They like to go back to their childhood and get a piece of that.”

Although the rumors of a Sharks move to the West Coast looms like a white elephant in the arena, loyal fans are coming out to cheer on their team. “Our core group of fans … I’d put them up against any other in the AHL. They’re loud and proud,” Lindquist said.

Bonneau, who calls Worcester his favorite place to play, hopes the team stays forever. “We don’t know any more than the average fan, but what we do know is that we’re here for the full year, and the plan is to win while we’re here.”

As long as Young continues to help serve up wins as well as he serves up a drink, Bonneau’s prediction remains solid.

For more information, visit sharksahl.com.

sharks’ tale: WorCester CeleBrates 20 years of hoCkey With team of neW faCes


Outrun the winter bluesBy Kimberly Dunbar

’Tis the season when darkness falls at 5 p.m. and motivation to work out drops to an all-time low. Luckily, you can battle the winter-weather blues ~ and stay in shape ~ by participating in one of the area’s weekly runs, hosted by Sneakerama and Marathon Sports.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Vanessa Genatossio, Sneakerama store manager. “It’s like a big party. We always have balloons and cookies.”

Sneakerama, which has been a Worcester staple for 36 years, started the weekly Fun Run event in March to accommodate the running community. “People would always ask us about local running clubs,” Genatossio said, adding that there are clubs like Central Mass Striders, but members have to pay to join and the club usually goes for longer runs.

Sneakerama’s Fun Run is free for all ages and paces (including walkers). Every Saturday morning, runners gather at the Lake Avenue store and loop around Lake Park for a 3-mile trip. According to Genatossio, the newly redone Lake Avenue is safe, as is the park, with no significant hills along the way.

Genatossio’s father and owner of Sneakerama, Steve Genatossio, is almost always at the weekly runs, as are professionals who can offer training tips and advice. For example, one of Sneakerama’s employees is a 28-time marathon finisher. Also, the store works closely with therapists and podiatrists, who often attend runs. “It’s a great place to go and get feedback and ideas,” she said, adding that the store also invites vendors to the runs.

However, the health and wellness ends after the run, thanks to Steve. “He always likes to have freeze pops or pizza or something like that afterwards,” she said. “If we don’t have a vendor there, he makes sure he does something.”

In addition to the free snacks and advice, first-time runners get a free T-shirt. There is also plenty of camaraderie ~ the group averages about 40 runners a week from different backgrounds. “You’ll never be running alone or by yourself,” Genatossio said.

Lake Avenue is also part of Marathon Sports’ Tuesday Fun Run route. Many know Marathon Sports as a Boston-area running store, but the family-owned chain moved into White City Plaza in May, due to popular demand. “There is a big running community in the Worcester area,” said Store Manager Tricia Wiseman. “It’s a good hub for it.”

According to Wiseman and Susie Walton, a sales associate and Fun Run coordinator, Marathon Sports started its Tuesday night run club in September to get to know the community and to honor the company’s core value of keeping life in motion. “One of our biggest goals is to inspire people to want to run,” Walton said.

Marathon offers incentives to run club members, awarding discounts and gift cards to visitors for attendance and mileage. Like Sneakerama, it also offers snacks and drinks after runs and brings in vendors to help educate the community. “We want to spread the word about running in a positive way,” Walton said.

Marathon has hosted many events in the store, including a Ladies’ Night, but the most successful one has been the Pub Run. After the 3-mile run, participants are treated to a free beer and apps at Jimmy’s. Although Pub Runs are for those who are 21-plus, the weekly Fun Runs are open to all ages and paces. “Whether you run a 6:50 or 16-minute-per-mile pace, it’s fun and social and a great way to meet people,” Wiseman said. Both Sneakerama and Marathon Sports will host runs through the winter. Check their Facebook pages for updated information.


COLLEGE

By Jennifer Russo

When you think of transcending borders, you think about bridging gaps between races, ages, religions or geographical lines. Really, though, those “borders” can be anything, including the different disciplines at a local college. And transcending them could combine knowledge and experience to foster great things.

Holy Cross is a cut above the rest in this regard, spearheading the idea of taking the arts and marrying them to other academic disciplines, creating a force to be reckoned with, where students and the greater community can be enlightened by a wider perspective. It is the new chapter in education.

Earlier this year, with the funding support of an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant, Holy Cross launched the Arts Transcending Borders (ATB) initiative, which has met with huge success. Through a series of artist residences, master classes, performances, lectures and exhibits, the ATB program strives to take the liberal arts experience and have it reach even deeper.

Along with the ATB program, the development of a new course called CreateLab has given artists the opportunity to fully integrate into the curriculum. The idea challenges the traditional academic environment by having professors and students collaborate. Instead of an “I teach and you learn” methodology, the faculty and the students work collectively on an ongoing basis and feed off of each other’s ideas to come up with meaningful solutions.

ATB is organized around annual themes. The theme for 2014 was “Time, Memory and Identity” and featured artists-in-residence Galithian bagpiper Cristina Pato and percussionist Shane Shanahan, both members of the renowned Silk Road ensemble. Pato taught along with the faculty, giving talks and workshops in music, Spanish, education and even pre-business and entrepreneurial studies.

“There has been more conversation and enthusiasm about the arts and arts events than in my 30 years at Holy Cross. All of the Arts faculty are jazzed,” said Lynn Kremer, theater professor and director of the ATB program.

This year, the theme is “Gravity and Grace: The Intersection of Art and Science.” The artist-in-residence this fall will be the Troika Ranch company, founded by Dawn Stoppillio and Mark Coniglio. Troika Ranch, which creates contemporary

and hybrid artwork fusing movement and technology, will develop a piece based on swarm theory and emergent systems in conjunction with CreateLab.

Special sessions and performances in 2015 include Elizabeth Johnson, a gifted choreographer and dancer who will lead a session on leadership during the Aptissimi Leadership Conference on Jan. 19. Aptissimi invites students to explore and develop their leadership styles.

“Elizabeth is very experienced in leadership workshops with diverse groups, ranging from board members and high-level administrators to teens, and we eagerly anticipate her session exploring qualities of leadership, as well as followership, and the importance of both through movement,” Kremer said.

On Feb. 4, there will be an event at the El Camino pilgrimage in the St. Mary Chapel, and on Feb. 10, Cuban-American playwright Melinda Lopez will work in classes during the day and give a public talk that evening. On Feb. 22, ATB will feature dancers from Aceh, Sumatra, with a panel discussion and performance held in Brooks Concert Hall.

The grant given to Holy Cross will also help to fund a new performing arts center, and planning is underway.

For more information on the program and performances, visitacademics.holycross.edu/atb.

At Holy Cross, the artsare doinggreat things

NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING

NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING

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According to the Pew Research Center, more than a third of Americans 18-25 and about 40 percent of Americans 26-40 have a tattoo.

“As a permanent and often pricey form of body art, tattoos are an investment,” said board-certified dermatologist Bruce E. Katz, MD, FAAD, who maintains a private practice in New York City. “In order to protect that investment, it’s important to take steps to keep tattooed skin healthy and vibrant.”

To keep your tattoo looking its best, Katz recommends the following tips:

If your tattooed skin feels dry, applya water-based lotion or cream to the tattoo.Petroleum-based products such as petroleum jelly can cause the ink to fade.

Protect your tattoo from the sun.Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can fade some tattoo inks and increase your risk for getting skin cancer. When you’re in the sun, protect your tattooed skin by applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen in SPF 30 or higher. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply at least every two hours. Stay out of tanning beds and away from sunlamps.These devices may also fade the ink in tattoos and increase your risk of skin cancer. In some people, the UV light may also react with the tattoo ink, causing a painful skin reaction.

Face oils have been known for their extraordinary hydrating and anti-aging benefits, but oil can also help fight breakouts. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants and bacteria-fighting properties, oils can help balance and calm skin. Try these oils to leave skin feeling softer, more hydrated and clear.

Pure Marula Facial Oil by John Paul Selects With 50 percent more antioxidants than argan or grapeseed oils, the all-natural Pure Marula Facial Oil from John Paul Dejoria of Paul Mitchell absorbs quickly into the skin, providing immediate and long-lasting hydration. This lightweight, non-greasy facial oil is also antimicrobial, helping to reduce bacteria and breakouts. Formulated with hand-selected, 100 percent pure marula oil that is completely virgin, wild-harvested and cold-pressed, the Pure Marula Facial Oil will leave skin looking softer and more radiant. $78, sephora.com.

Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial OilFormulated with argan oil, goji and camu camu, the Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil softens, smoothes and moisturizes skin. This all-natural facial oil also features 18 actives, including pomegranate seed oil and grapeseed extract, which are credited with helping to prevent and treat acne. The natural antioxidants and active essentials also work to protect skin from signs of aging. $24.99, madhippie.com.

Karin Herzog Vita-A-Kombi Oil This lightweight, non-greasy oil is formulated with a blend of plant and seed oils to heal dry and dehydrated skin. Enriched with highly concentrated vitamin A, the Vita-A-Kombi Oil nourishes and revitalized fatigued skin to restore a more radiant, healthy and clear complexion. The Vita-A-Kombi Oil is also especially effective at providing protection from exposure to damaging environmental factors and severe weather conditions. $55, karinherzog.com.

Caring for your tattoo Will keep you looking good

Oil to fight acne? Believe it

BEAUTY & STYLE

See a board-certified dermatologist if you have a skin reaction or if your tattooed skin is changing in any way.Your skin may have a bad reaction to the ink in a tattoo. This can happen immediately after getting a tattoo or years later. A change could also be a sign of skin disease. A dermatologist can diagnose what’s happening and treat it.

When considering a new tattoo, consider getting it on skin that is free of moles.A tattoo can make it more difficult to see the earliest signs of skin cancer. When caught early, skin cancer, including melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), is highly treatable.

“If you have questions about tattoos or if you no longer want a tattoo, speak with your dermatologist,” said Katz. “Although many tattoo-removal kits are available online, these products are not regulated by the FDA and have led to permanent skin injuries. A dermatologist can provide you with safe options for removing an unwanted tattoo.”

For more information, see theAmerican Academy of Dermatology’svideo, “Tattoos: How to Care” at the Academy’s YouTube channel (AcademyofDermatology). The video is part of the Dermatology A to Z video series, which offers tips to care for skin, hair and nails.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, has a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide. For more information, visit aad.org.


By Stacia Kindler

The holiday rush is behind us, and we can finally start to build our bank accounts back to a respectable place. A new year is here, and things are looking up ~ if only this weather wasn’t still holding us back. With at least two more months of crippling winter temperatures and constant threats of snowstorms, dressing for this weather is still one of the worst parts of your day. It is so hard to look decent when all you want to do is curl up in bed and hide from the so-called winter wonderland. Although it is not over yet, here’s hoping a few extra words of advice about dressing for the cold can help out.

Where cold-weather clothing is concerned, there are few rules to live by. Layering should be a no-brainer for us New Englanders. Try to wear an additional long-sleeve shirt under your outfits if you know you’ll be travelling for the day ~ as long as it does not create any funky lines. A collared shirt under a sweater or long-sleeve top is an ingenious way to layer while still looking put together and classy this winter.

I also cannot stress enough how important it is to think about the inevitable possibility of moisture. City girls beware ~ don’t get stuck outside in nothing but your pea coat (as cute as it may be). Go for a slightly less stylish, but exponentially more practical, waterproof alternative to outwear if possible. Don’t have the cash to blow on a new hard-core New Englander down jacket? Get a slightly larger purse and keep an umbrella in it at all times. You’ll be glad you did.

Accessories can make or break any outfit, especially in the freezing weather, where even the chunkiest ankle-length North Face jacket means nothing if your head or hands are exposed. In that larger purse you’re carrying, always make sure you have an extra pair of gloves on you, as these do tend to get lost easily. Also, make sure your footwear is practical. Fleece boot inserts and wool socks are readily available at almost any clothing store; they’re super cheap and fun to collect, too.

Furthermore, it is actually lucky for us that bigger is better this winter. The days of our closets being full of nothing but bandage skirts and bodycon dresses are dwindling, as fashion-forward, oversized silhouettes such as boyfriend jeans, drawstring bottoms and tunics are becoming more of a mainstay. So don’t be ashamed of your love for baggy sweaters and all things cozy; use it to your advantage this winter! Oversized clothing is also perfect for packing on the layers and staying cozy.

So next time you’re too cold to move, I hope these tips help. Just remember that these days of blizzards and chronic sleepiness are numbered!

TheStyle List:In January, dressfor warmth


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Documents

Pulse Magazine - January 2015