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BY LAURA PORTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM RETTIG
The results are in for the 2012 Best of Worcester Living reader poll. Our
fifth annual contest reveals your favorites in Food and Drink,
Entertainment, Retail and Services.
The rules: We counted one ballot per person and asked you to vote in at
least 20 categories. Businesses and venues had to be located in Central
Massachusetts. Where the tally was close (5 votes or less),
we awarded an honorable mention.
Congratulations to all the winners!
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Food & drink
BUSINESS LUNCH
VIA Italian Table
89 Shrewsbury St.,Worcester
(508) 754-4842
www.viaitaliantable.com
CASUAL DINNER
Boynton Restaurant & Spirits
117 Highland St., Worcester
(508) 756-8458
www.boyntonrestaurant.com
ROMANTIC DINNER
VIA Italian Table
89 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
(508) 754-4842
www.viaitaliantable.com
SPORTS BAR
The Banner Bar & Grille
112 Green St., Worcester
(508) 755-0879
www.thebannerbar.com
OVERALL BAR
ÿ Armsby Abbey
144 Main St., Worcester
(508) 795-1012
www.armsbyabbey.com
“Our mission is to educate and expose and
connect people to the good things out there
and where they come from,” says Alec Lopez,
who opened Armsby Abbey with his wife,
Sherri Sadowski, four years ago. Those good
things are trifold: a hand-curated beer selection from all over the world; excellent, innovative food selections drawn from 47 local
farms; and spirits that reflect the “same
integrity.” Everything is prepared in house,
from breads to tinctures and juices. Also a
winner for Best Beer and Best Place to Meet
People (tied with The Dive Bar, Lopez’s
other business), Armsby attracts customers
who run the gamut, from “kids turning 21
who already know about beer” to the
woman in her 80s who once thanked
Lopez for introducing her to a fine Belgian beer.
Seating encourages new friendships as people come
together to experience what Lopez describes as “a
gallery, showcasing all different works of art.”
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BEER SELECTION
The Dive Bar
Armsby Abbey
34 Green St., Worcester
(508) 752-5802
thedivebarworcester.com
144 Main St., Worcester
(508) 795-1012
www.armsbyabbey.com
PLACE TO BE SEEN – TIE
WINE SELECTION – TIE
One Eleven Chop House
The Citizen/People’s Kitchen
111 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
(508) 799-4111
www.111chophouse.com
1 Exchange Place, Worcester
(508) 459-9090
www.thecitizenwinebar.com
Wine Vine
Evo
142B Highland St., Worcester
(508) 797-9463
www.winevine.org
234 Chandler St., Worcester
(508) 459-4240
www.evodining.com
PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE - TIE
RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW
Armsby Abbey
Twigs Café at Tower Hill
144 Main St., Worcester
(508) 795-1012
www.armsbyabbey.com
11 French Drive, Boylston
(508) 869-6111
www.towerhillbg.org
COFFEEHOUSE
ù Nu Café
335 Chandler St., Worcester
(508) 926-8800
www.nucafe.com
The Nu Café is a coffeehouse in the best
sense of the word: a neighborhood café
where you can sip a cappuccino by the
fireplace as well as settle into a booth for a
mid-morning muffin, meet a friend for
lunch, or enjoy live music in the evenings. Originally a Jumpin’ Juice and
Java, Nu went independent and changed
its name two years ago, when Josh Van
Dyke became sole owner. His mission is
“to balance a high quality of coffee,
smoothies and healthy food with a fun,
inviting and productive environment.”
The comfortable space draws people all
day long, from students and professionals
seeking free Wi-Fi to Scrabble players on
Tuesdays. In June, the creation of an after
5 menu with beer, wine and small plates
turned Nu Café into an evening destination as well.
BREAKFAST
OUTDOOR SEATING
ù Ceres Bistro
68 West Boylston St., Worcester
(508) 852-7900
363 Plantation St., Worcester
(508) 754-2000
www.ceresbistro.com
BRUNCH
Two years after Ceres Bistro opened at the Beechwood Hotel, its patio remains a
delightful spot for a summertime lunch or an evening cocktail, gleaming furniture
in metal and glass set against a carpet of closely trimmed grass. A full bar to one
side, tables with umbrellas, as well as distinctive conversation areas allow for intimate or larger groups. And a small putting green at the center offers a great way to
break the ice. Ceres is “a restaurant attached to the hotel and not a hotel restaurant,” emphasizes Beechwood general manager Mark Waxler. Its varied menu, with
competitive pricing, makes it just as ideal for a casual as well as a formal meal.
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Gold Star Restaurant
Club Maxine’s
at Maxwell Silverman’s
25 Union St., Lincoln Square, Worcester
(508) 755-1200
www.maxwellmaxine.com
HONORABLE MENTION
Beechwood Hotel
363 Plantation St., Worcester
(508) 754-5789
www.beechwoodhotel.com
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NEW RESTAURANT – TIE
ÿ Nuovo
92 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
(508) 796-5915
www.nuovoworcester.com
ICE CREAM SHOP
Yoway Frozen Yogurt
395B Park Ave., Worcester
(508) 459-0611
yowayworcester.com
DESSERT
Yoway Frozen Yogurt
395B Park Ave., Worcester
(508) 459-0611
yowayworcester.com
BARBECUE
West Side Steak BBQ
2 Richmond Ave., Worcester
(508) 756-6328
DELI
Garden Fresh Deli
20 Major Taylor Blvd., Worcester
(508) 769-6538
www.gardenfreshcatering.com
HONORABLE MENTION
S&S Farms and Deli Inc.
301-307 West Boylston St., West Boylston
(508) 835-9989
www.ssmarketplace.com
SUSHI
Baba Sushi
309 Park Ave., Worcester
(508) 752-8822
www.babasushi.com
VEGETARIAN/ORGANIC
Evo
234 Chandler St., Worcester
(508) 459-4240
www.evodining.com
BAKERY
Crown Bakery
133 Gold Star Blvd., Worcester
(508) 852-0746
www.thecrownbakery.com
For now, new restaurant Nuovo is well
named, but it’s likely to be around for a
long time. Veteran chef Aleksander
Gionca is in the kitchen, where not a dish
leaves without his touching it, while his
wife, Loreta, runs the front of the house.
The cuisine is Mediterranean, reflecting
the couple’s Albanian heritage as well as
Aleksander’s cooking experience in Italy.
Customers have raved about the Costellette D’Agnello alla Griglia (baby lamb
with risotto), Pork Osso Buco, salmon and
scallops. “Our main thing,” says Loreta,
“is that you come as a customer and leave
as a friend.”
ü Lago Ristorante
242 Mill St., Worcester
(508) 757-5246
www.lagoristorante.com
Lago has taken off. Only open since April,
Richard Navalsky’s and Joseph Cancelmo’s new restaurant showcases Italian
and continental dishes in an open and
airy dining room overlooking Coes Pond.
The emphasis is on fresh and in season,
says George Lagorce, who serves as chef
under chef-owner Cancelmo. “We focus
on what we can get locally.” Lago buys
from Cournoyer’s Farm in Paxton, brings
in all dairy products from Cooper’s Farm
in Rochdale, and serves “lots of fish”
based on whatever is currently running.
Everything is made on site, prices are
reasonable, and diners can look forward
to a visit to their table from Cancelmo,
checking to make sure they have enjoyed
every bite.
OVERALL RESTAURANT
ù Evo
234 Chandler St., Worcester
(508) 459-4240
www.evodining.com
Since brother and sister Celeste MaykelZack and Al Maykel III opened EVO in
2008, it has consistently been at the
forefront of the local restaurant scene.
Its eclectic menu incorporates local and
organic ingredients, meat and vegetarian
options, plates for small and large appetites. That diversity allows for “any kind
of dietary restriction or preference,” says
executive chef Al, who notes that a large
group can easily find something for
everyone. In addition, he says, “the food
is delicious!” Customers return looking
for their favorite dishes, and specialties
include the Kobe burger, hanger steak,
brick-oven pizzas, lobster mac and
cheese and buffalo mac and cheese. EVO
serves lunch and dinner as well as breakfast/brunch on the weekends. It also
took the 2012 award for Best Vegetarian/
Organic and tied for Place to Be Seen.
HONORABLE MENTION
Joey’s Bar and Grill
344 Chandler St., Worcester
(508) 797-3800
www.joeysbarandgrill.com
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ü Bob Bouchard
O’Connor’s Restaurant
1160 West Boylston St., Worcester
(508) 853-0789
www.oconnorsrestaurant.com
BEST CHEF – 3-WAY TIE
ù Joseph Wong and Brian Flagg
The Sole Proprietor
118 Highland St., Worcester 01609
(508) 798-3474
www.thesole.com
Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, certified chef Joseph Wong has been
at the Sole for 12 years, after working as
an executive chef in West Palm Beach and
Albany as well as teaching at Paul Smith
College in the Adirondacks. His background in Japanese and Indonesian cuisine influences some of his dishes, but he
has no particular favorite creation. “I love
all of them,” he says. “It’s a lot of fun, and
I like keeping everyone happy.” Brian
Flagg, who also serves as executive chef at
VIA Italian Table on Shrewsbury Street,
held executive chef positions in Boston,
Cambridge and Providence. Valedictorian
of the 1991 class at the Culinary Institute
of America, Flagg notes on the restaurant’s
website that “One of the many rewards of
my career has been the ability to cultivate
a gastronomically strong, savvy, smart,
stable, motivated and happy team. At The
Sole, we are working together to create an
even stronger organization, full of new
ideas and energy.”
Bob Bouchard began his career as a
14-year-old line cook while still in high
school at St. Peter Marian. Head chef at
O’Connor’s since 1998, he has an additional soft spot for the restaurant: “I met
my wife here,” he says. O’Connor’s
thrives on old favorites, but Bouchard, a
self-proclaimed “Food Network junkie,”
also likes to keep customers interested
with seasonal innovation and weekly
specials. “I’m a Frenchman,” he says, “so
I bring a lot of French style to my cooking.” The autumn menu will highlight
comfort foods like baked stuffed chicken,
baked duck breasts, braised cabbage.
BEST SERVICE
HONORABLE MENTION
The Sole Proprietor
118 Highland St., Worcester
(508) 798-3474
www.thesole.com
ù Rose-Ellen Padavano
Rosalina’s Kitchen
83 Hamilton St., Worcester
(508) 926-8887
http://rosalinaskitchen.com
Self-taught and passionate about cooking,
Rose-Ellen Padavano fled the cubicle
culture of biotech to start Rosalina’s 16
months ago with Angela Padavano.
“I was 34 years old,” she says, “I said,
‘now’s the time!’ ” She prepares virtually
everything from scratch, in house and to
order, highlighting Italian specialties but
incorporating excellent seafood as well.
“It goes from my pan to your plate,” she
says. Wednesday nights are Design-aDish, when customers choose a protein or
two, some add-ins, a sauce and a pasta.
Family style Thursdays fit the warm and
friendly at-home atmosphere.
“We’re always here,” says Rose-Ellen.
“Angela’s always out front, I’m always in
the kitchen. Our hearts are in it.” Rosalina’s also won an honorable mention for
Best Service.
STEAK
ITALIAN
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
One Eleven Chop House
VIA Italian Table
537 Lincoln St., Worcester
(508) 853-2000
www.fiveguys.com
111 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
(508) 799-4111
www.111chophouse.com
89 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
(508) 754-4842
www.viaitaliantable.com
PIZZA
SEAFOOD
MIDDLE EASTERN
Corner Grille
The Sole Proprietor
El Basha Restaurant
806 Pleasant St., Worcester
(508) 754-8884
www.cornergrille.com
118 Highland St., Worcester
(508) 798-3474
www.thesole.com
424 Belmont St., Worcester
(508) 797-0884
www.elbasharestaurant.com
BURGER
HONORABLE MENTION
Wild Willy’s Burgers
Steve’s Pizza
MEXICAN
ASIAN
317 West Boylston St., Worcester
(508) 459-2088
www.wildwillysburgers.com
341 West Boylston St.,
West Boylston
(508) 852-6526
Mezcal Tequila Cantina
Dalat
166 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
(508) 926-8308
www.mezcalcantina.com
425 Park Ave., Worcester
(508) 753-6036
HONORABLE MENTION
Rosalina’s Kitchen
83 Hamilton St., Worcester
(508) 926-8887
rosalinaskitchen.com
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Entertainment
MUSEUM
GOLF COURSE
MOVIE THEATER
Worcester Art Museum
Green Hill Golf Course
55 Salisbury St., Worcester
(508) 799-4406
www.worcesterart.org
1929 Skyline Drive, Worcester
(508) 799-1359
www.greenhillgc.com
Blackstone Valley 14
Cinema De Lux
FESTIVAL/SPECIAL EVENT
HONORABLE MENTION
stART on the Street
Worcester
www.startonthestreet.org
Wachusett Country Club
187 Prospect St., West Boylston
(508) 835-4484
www.wachusettcc.com
70 Worcester-Providence
Turnpike, Millbury
(508) 865-7168
www.nationalamusements.com
LIVE THEATER
The Hanover Theatre for
the Performing Arts
FITNESS CENTER
2 Southbridge St., Worcester
(877) 571-7469
www.thehanovertheatre.org
ü Central Community Branch YMCA
LOCAL ENTERTAINER
766 Main St., Worcester
(508) 755-6101
www.ymcaofcm.org
Fitness and healthy living are key focus areas for the Y, and state of
the art fitness equipment — including a separate fitness center for
teens — underscores that goal. But as marketing and public relations
director Sharon Henderson emphasizes, “the vast services we provide
are so much bigger than gym and swim.” Family and youth programming, including workshops, personal training and classes in a variety
of areas focusing on health, also reflect a firm commitment to “our
neighbors,” says Henderson. “We’re about building a healthy community.” A regular running group now includes 100 participants, and
the Y’s membership draws from a “very diverse representative group
across the board.” Moreover, unlike other fitness facilities, the
YMCA’s role as a charitable organization means that “financial assistance is part of what we do.”
Dale LePage
Worcester
www.dalelepage.com
PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
Lucky Dog Music Hall
89 Green St., Worcester
(508) 363-1888
luckydogmusic.com
HONORABLE MENTION
Nick’s Bar and Restaurant
124 Millbury St., Worcester
(508) 753-4030
www.nicksworcester.com
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PLACE FOR A PICNIC – TIE
PLACE TO WALK THE DOG
ù Elm Park
ÿ Boynton Park
Highland Street and Park Avenue,
Worcester
www.worcesterma.gov
Mower Street, Worcester
Boynton Park is not officially a dog
park, but don’t tell the dogs. Plenty of
romping goes on here, either on the
former ball field wreathed in tall trees
or along the winding trails maintained by the Greater Worcester Land
Trust. Owners and animals alike meet
their friends, and there is an unwritten code of good behavior, canine
and human. Amenities include parking, poop bags and picnic tables; and
there are running streams for dipping
paws on a hot summer day. Snow or
sunshine, it’s an ideal place to wander
the paths, watching the changing
seasons and letting your dog follow
his nose.
Green Hill Park
50 Skyline Drive, Worcester
www.worcesterma.gov
Elm Park and Green Hill have their
differences — one a tranquil square
in the middle of the city, the other a
carpet of rolling hills — but each
offers an ideal spot for a picnic on a
sunny summer day. Both on the
National Register of Historic Places,
they reflect the finest of Worcester’s
history as well. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1854, Elm Park
was one of the first land purchases
to be used as a public park in the
United States. Green Hill Park,
deeded to the city in the early
1900s, features Massachusetts’ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial (2002) as
well as the Green Hill Park Refectory
(1911). Picnic facilities are clean and
comfortable, and kids can play at
the playgrounds or chase each other
across the grass. Green Hill’s
expanse has room for kite flying,
and ducks on the pond at Elm Park
are always looking for those stray
sandwich crusts.
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CENTRAL MASS DAY TRIP – TIE
PLACE TO TAKE KIDS
Old Sturbridge Village
EcoTarium
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge
(800) 733-1830
www.osv.org
222 Harrington Way, Worcester
(508) 929-2700
www.ecotarium.org
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
11 French Drive, Boylston
(508) 869-6111
www.towerhillbg.org
PLACE TO HIKE
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
345 Mountain Road, Princeton
(978) 464-2987
www.mass.gov/dcr
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Retail
WOMEN’S CLOTHING
Macy’s
385 Southbridge St., Auburn, and other locations
(508) 721-0011
www.macys.com
HONORABLE MENTION
Ike’s Den
284 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury
(508) 752-4014
www.ikesden.com
MEN’S CLOTHING
Shack’s
403 Main St., Worcester
(508) 753-8188
JEWELRY
÷ Pucci’s
205 West Boylston St., West Boylston
(508) 835-6855
www.puccisjewelers.com
“Something as simple as sizing a diamond ring can make a difference to people,” says Michael Pucko, who has owned
Pucci’s with his wife, Paula, since 1987.
“We put all our effort into service.” The
Puckos have expanded Bob Pucci’s original store, moving it from Main Street in
Worcester to West Boylston in 1991 and
“taking it to a full service jeweler.” With
bench jeweler John Scully in place for
more than 10 years, they are able to offer
bench work on site as well as free cleaning and polishing while customers wait.
HONORABLE MENTION
HONORABLE MENTION
Sharfmans Jewelers
Macy’s
19 Glennie St., Suite B-Worcester
(508) 791-2211
www.sharfmansjewelers.com
385 Southbridge St., Auburn, and other locations
(508) 721-0011
www.macys.com
HARDWARE STORE
ü Jerry’s Hardware Co.
1154 West Boylston St, Worcester
(508) 853-9805
Current owner Jerry LaComfora took over his family’s business in 1974,
now running it with partner Tom Pechinis. The 60-year-old hardware store
maintains its emphasis on personal service and reasonable prices. “Our specialty is lawn and garden,” says LaComfora, who sends each of his employees,
“even the kids who work here,” to informational seminars. Customers tell
LaComfora and Pechinis that, in this age of box stores, “they want us to stay and
they’re going to support us.” After all, where else can you get three keys made for
a dollar?
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
ù Children’s Place
Greendale Mall, Worcester; Auburn Mall,
Auburn; Solomon Pond Mall, Marlboro; the
Mall at Whitney Field, Leominster; and other
locations
www.childrensplace.com
With clothing, shoes and accessories
to fit every child from newborn to
size 14, the Children’s Place offers
great style and reasonable prices.
Back-to-school shopping, including
backpacks and uniforms, has never
been easier. And no matter where you
live in Central Massachusetts, there is
a store within driving range.
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ART GALLERY
Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury St., Worcester
(508) 799-4406
www.worcesterart.org
FURNITURE
Rotmans
725 Southbridge St., Worcester
(508) 755-5276
www.rotmans.com
GIFTS
Bhadon Gift Gallery
1075 Pleasant St., Worcester
(508) 798-0432
www.bhadongifts.com
STORE FOR TECHIES
Best Buy
LOCAL FOOD MARKET - TIE
ü Trader Joe’s
ù Living Earth
77 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury
(508) 755-9560
www.traderjoes.com
232-234 Chandler St., Worcester
(508) 753-1896
www.lefoods.com
When Al and Maggie Maykel opened the
Living Earth in 1971, they wanted to give
Worcester what they were looking for
themselves: a local source for organic and
natural foods. Forty years later, customers
still trust “that we do our homework
before we bring something into the
store,” says Al Maykel. “They know we’ve
already read the labels, so they don’t have
to.” The produce section is exclusively
organic; eggs and fresh meats also come
from local sources. There is an excellent
supplement selection as well as an extensive array of vegetarian and vegan products. EVO, the adjacent restaurant owned
and run by their children, (see Best Overall Restaurant), provides prepared foods.
Not surprisingly, the Living Earth also
won for Best Ecofriendly Store.
Trader Joe’s may be a national chain, but
its identity as “your neighborhood grocery store” emphasizes local connections.
Paul Bourgeois, manager of the
13-year-old Shrewsbury store, notes “it is
not unusual for the crew to know some of
the customers by name.” Variety and
good prices bring in people of all ages.
“We’re a store of new products,” says
Bourgeois, “and that keeps the store
always new and exciting.” Grocery basics
blend with ethnic offerings and fresh
dairy and meats — everything you need to
make meals easy and delicious. Plus there
are free samples.
Greendale Mall, 7 Neponset St., Worcester,
and other locations
(508) 852-1800
www.bestbuy.com
ECOFRIENDLY STORE
Living Earth
232 Chandler St., Worcester
(508) 753-1896
www.lefoods.com
PET SUPPLIES
PETCO
87 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, and other
locations
(508) 831-1116
www.petco.com
GARDEN STORE
Jungle Jim’s Garden and Gift Center
130 West Boylston St., West Boylston
(508) 835-8811
LOCAL FARM STAND
S&S Farms and Deli Inc.
301- 307 West Boylston St., West Boylston
(508) 835-9989
www.ssmarketplace.com
FLOWERS
Sprout
372 Chandler St., Worcester
(508) 757-5300
www.sprout-flowers.com
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Services
HOTEL
LANDSCAPING/LAWN CARE
Beechwood Hotel
Trippi Landscaping
363 Plantation St., Worcester
(508) 754-5789
www.beechwoodhotel.com
Shrewsbury
(508) 842-3028
http://trippilandscaping.com
WEDDING RECEPTION/EVENT SITE
INTERIOR DESIGN
Beechwood Hotel
Porro’s Custom Interiors
363 Plantation St., Worcester
(508) 754-5789
www.beechwoodhotel.com
1098 Pleasant St., Worcester
(508) 754-7692
www.porrosathesquare.com
HONORABLE MENTION
DCU Center
50 Foster St., Worcester
(508) 755-6800
www.dcucenter.com
CATERING – 3-WAY TIE
Pepper’s Fine Catering
43 Hudson St., Northboro
(508) 393-6844
www.pepperscatering.com
Struck Catering
130 Hamilton St., Worcester
(508) 755-5953
www.struckcatering.com
Ciao Bella
402 Grove St., Worcester
(508) 756-2426
ciaobellarestaurant.biz
SPA
Paul Conzo Day Spa & Hair Salon
490 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
(508) 754-5418
www.paulconzo.com
PET GROOMING
÷ Furry Essentials Grooming Salon
and Day Spa
1073 West Boylston St., Worcester
(508) 853-1220
“It’s all about the dog,” says owner
Joann Krafve, whose six-year-old
business just doubled its space in a
new location. That philosophy governs Furry Essentials, where Krafve,
two groomers and a full-time bather
only take a certain number of dogs
every day to maximize the time they
can spend with each. (They also have
some cats and pet rabbits.) She
doesn’t confine dogs unless they are
aggressive or overwhelmed. “Dogs
are much more cooperative when
they’re free to run around,” she says.
She and another groomer are certified veterinary assistants, and Krafve
is also certified in small animal emergency response. If a dog in for a bath
or a cut needs an additional service
related to health, they will do it free
of charge. “I love my clients,” she
says — both canine and human.
HONORABLE MENTION
Creature Feature
267 Main St., Sturbridge
(774) 241-0606
HAIR SALON
ÿ 126 Post
124-126 June St., Worcester
(508) 459-7000
www.126postsalon.com
Named for the post office that stood on this spot for many years, the 9-year-old
126 Post Salon has preserved the memory but transformed the space into a sophisticated, lovely retreat. Using high-end products, the salon provides full spa
services, from hair and hair extensions to nails, waxing, makeup and facials.
Owner Mylan Grolman insists on catering both to her staff and their clients,
creating a friendly, comfortable atmosphere where “everyone is always smiling.”
Mindful of the economy, the salon hasn’t raised prices in eight years, allowing
for “good service and reasonable prices,” says Grolman. “We try to make everybody happy.”
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WORCESTERLIVING.COM
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REALTOR
Jeff Burk / ReMax Vision
1 West Boylston St., Worcester
(508) 595-9900
www.jeffburk.com
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
÷ Photography by John
23 Kinnicutt Road South, Worcester
(508) 753-7665
http://www.photographybyjohn.com
Working out of the state-of-the art
studio in his home, master photographer John Lenis has spent his
35-year career helping
people capture
their memories on film
— through
life cycle
events like
weddings
and bar
mitzvahs
to everyday
moments that
freeze time.
Energetic and personable, Lenis prides himself not
only on his professionalism and
skill, but also on his ability to see
the unguarded emotion that cannot
be staged. Often, his approach leads
to a lifelong relationship. “People
want to document everything,” he
says. “When you build a bond with
clients, you have them for life.”
AUTO CARE
BANK
ù McLaughlin’s Service Inc.
ü Leominster Credit Union
1 Elm St., Millbury
(508) 865-2972
20 Adams St., Leominster
(800) 649-4646
www.leominstercu.com
McLaughlin’s is a family-run garage,
owned now by brothers Timothy and
Sean McLaughlin, who took over from
their father in 1994. “We do all kinds of
general repairs,” says Tim, “foreign or
domestic — we work on just about everything.” Though they don’t do major
engine work or transmissions, they still
offer full serve gasoline, complete with
cleaning the windshield and checking
the oil. And there are signs that the
family’s long history of providing great
service to generations of customers will
continue. Jay McLaughlin, Tim’s son, is
a mechanic at the garage – and there are
three grandsons in the pipeline.
54
Leominster Credit Union embraces “a culture based on serving our members,”
says Janet Belsky, vice president of marketing. Every employee trains to “help
members understand what they need
and help them attain it.” Founded in
1954, the credit union now has 50,000
members and manages $612 million in
assets. LCU also offers financial education outreach for adults and youth and
actively participates in community
projects. “We will support everything
from capital campaigns for hospitals
and universities down to the grassroots,” including local Habitat for Humanity builds, says Belsky. “We are part
of the community, and we feel it’s extremely important to give back to people
who have helped make us successful.”
WORCESTERLIVING.COM 1 FALL 2012
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