Category: Worcester

508 #69: Vegetarian renaissance

508 is a show about Worcester.

This week, Brendan and Mike talk about: odd police reactions to a Supreme Court ruling; the future of the T&G and a new electronic edition; Worcester’s best vegan date spots; and the underground music scene.

If you’d like to leave a comment for next week’s show, the number is 508-471-3897.

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508 #68: WPI and PILOT

508 is a show about Worcester.

This week, I talk to Brendan Melican. Topics include inaccurate predictions, the Telegram & Gazette’s website troubles, and WPI making non-tax payments to the city.

If you’d like to leave a comment for next week’s show, the number is 508-471-3897.

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Audio: mp3 link, other formats, feed

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To get an e-mail each week alerting you of the new episode of 508, join the e-mail list:

Email:

We won’t share this list with others.

DC civil disobedience over Darfur, Medicare

The Boston Globe reports that Worcester’s Rep. Jim McGovern and others were arrested at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, DC, this morning for a Darfur protest. Both McGovern and his constituents have committed civil disobedience on the issue in recent years. (via WoMag)

Down at the White House, what seemed to be more than 100 disability activists risked arrest by handcuffing themselves to the fence while agitating for the Community Choice Act.

Update: 91 arrested.

DCist reports some Greenpeace activists were also arrested today.

I dreamed I saw Tom Lewis last night

Tom LewisAlive as he could be.
“Tom,” I said, “You’re one year dead.”
“I never died,” said he,
“I never died,” said he.

Tom said, “When people pray for peace
Or paint what’s good and fair,
Whenever people fill the jails,
Tom Lewis will be there.
Tom Lewis will be there.

“When people open up their homes
Or serve soup on the street,
Assuming that I don’t get lost,
Tom Lewis you will meet.
Tom Lewis you will meet.”

And standing there as short as life,
Two caps upon his head,
Tom hugged me and before I woke
He whispered, “I ain’t dead.”
He whispered, “I ain’t dead.”

Today’s the anniversary of Tom Lewis’s death. Matt Feinstein was singing “I Dreamed I Saw Tom Lewis Last Night” at a party late last year–seems fitting.

I haven’t dreamt about Tom in months, but I think about him every day.

HBML closes today

Happy Birthday Mike Leslie!HBML, the visionary junk shop that for three years has been, pound-for-pound, Worcester’s most important cultural institution, is closing today.

Without HBML as an inspiration and retail outlet, Bruce Russell and I would not have released the Snow Ghost CD and books. HBML also was underwriter for the Snow Ghost Community Show.

I’m sad to see it go, but more than that, thankful it ever existed.

6 Happy Birthday Mike Leslie

vlcsnap-281731 The Thong Song is still relevant

508 #67: Stone Soup damaged by fire

This morning I stepped off a Greyhound in Worcester, turned on my phone, and saw this text message: “Everybody is fine but stone soup had a big fire.”

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Kevin Ksen photo

Stone Soup, Worcester’s beloved arts, activism, and community center at 4 King Street, was damaged by a fire late Thursday, March 26. The fire began in the basement–the cause is as yet unknown. No one was injured.

The Stone Soup community is committed to continuing and rebuilding, whether at King Street or another site. The building is currently unusable, and member groups are temporarily meeting at the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, 301 Pleasant Street.

Stone Soup is in need of donations of time, money, and other items. Donations can be mailed to Stone Soup c/o Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, 301 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01609. Lists of specific needs are being compiled, and will be posted at stonesoupworcester.org.

More photos and news updates at Indymedia.

Fujichia: FIRE AT STONE SOUP, NATURAL MODIFICATION

Telegram & Gazette, March 28: Stone Soup plans next story

Worcester Magazine: From the Ashes

Fundraiser: HBML closes forever April 1, with all proceeds going to Stone Soup.

NECN news story:

WCCA story:

mp3 link

Remebering Tom Lewis at the Peace Abbey, April 4

Via e-mail:

Remembering Tom Lewis

April 4th, 2009

5pm-6pm

It was a year ago on the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination that Tom passed away. This year a portion of his cremation ashes will be buried on CO Hill at The Peace Abbey. He joins several other CO’s at this burial site, including Pat Farren, Chuck Matthei, Wally Nelson and Dave Dillenger.

Please join us with your presence and any story of Tom that reflects his life journey as a CO and peacemaker.

You are invited to bring light refreshments to share afterwards.

The Peace Abbey

2 N. Main Street

Sherborn, MA 01770

508-655-2143

Wish I could be there.

Day 23 of 100: Worcester goes home

As part of the 100 Days Campaign to Close Guantanamo and End Torture, we’re inviting groups to join us in Washington, DC, for all or part of a week.

This week’s Worcester participants have gone home, but not without sitting down to recap the experience:

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Today was another long, grueling, satisfying day for those still here. Vigils at the National Mall and White House, conference calls, blogging, writing, and a birthday party. Carmen breaks it down:

Day 21: Worcester comes to town

A small group from Worcester arrived this week to help with the 100 Days Campaign to Close Guantanamo and End Torture. Good energy and a good attitude.

We started the day outside a press conference at the National Press Club held by a “keep Guantanamo open” group, then moved on to the White House for our daily “Free the Uighurs” vigil, then spent the afternoon visiting Worcester’s Rep. Jim McGovern and staffers for Senators Kennedy and Kerry. Visiting my elected officials was well worth my time.