Sunday on the Block with Laurel

Unusual weather we're having . . .

2012-01-27T13:51:00.002-05:00

. . . in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

And now, the weather ...

2012-01-20T11:35:00.000-05:00

... in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

Happy Friday (the 13th)!

2012-01-13T12:42:00.001-05:00

Fortune follows our gal Laurel and kitty Dayton in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

Starting the New Year right

2012-01-06T13:53:00.001-05:00

Our gal Laurel embraces her New Year's resolution in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Happy birthday, Crystal Anson!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T14:30:00.002-05:00

A bunch of the girls will be whooping it up New Year's Eve, in the latest Worcester TelegramTowns (now appearing Fridays and inserted in city newsstand copies). Happy New Year and Excelsior!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T13:21:00.003-05:00

Our gal Laurel extends a warm Tadcaster Place welcome to the man with the bag in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns, with Christmas bestest from the entire cast and yours t.! Next week: 10, 9, 8, 7....

Hockey and Hanukkah!

2011-12-15T13:08:00.001-05:00

Our gal Laurel celebrates Hanukkah with the Sigel Street Sigels in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns/

All I want for Christmas is . . .

2011-12-08T13:11:00.001-05:00

Our gal Laurel prefers purrs to megabytes in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Meet the Sigel Street Sigels!

Raising the Dickens

2011-12-01T13:13:00.002-05:00

Laurel walks as a zombie in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Gloria goes a-shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

2011-11-24T09:17:00.002-05:00

Bestest from the Seven Hills Tilburys and yours t.! Next week: Raising the Dickens!

As the color wheel turns

2011-11-17T11:50:00.002-05:00

Lights and action ensue at Tadcaster Place in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Thanksgiving at the Tilburys!

"Comes the revolution..."

2011-11-10T15:06:00.002-05:00

"...we'll all eat s'mores," to paraphrase vaude great Willie Howard, in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: O Tannenbaum Aluminum!

Brought to you by the letter Q!

2011-11-03T13:19:00.001-04:00

One more sign (and vote) can make all the difference, in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-27T12:53:00.003-04:00

. . . from your pals at St. John's and Tadcaster Place, up to and including yours t.! Next week: Signs of the times on June Street!

Quantum leaps

2011-10-20T14:01:00.001-04:00

The Benchley School crew flies into foliagic bliss in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Hallowzapoppin!

In memory of Roger Williams

2011-10-13T13:21:00.003-04:00

Gloria and Laurel enjoy the crown jewel of my old neighborhood in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

"Sons of the Desert are weeee!"

2011-10-06T13:00:00.002-04:00

The Shriners conquer Kelley Square (six streets in search of a stop sign) in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Interlude at Hadwen Park!

Open-and-shut victory!

2011-09-29T11:56:00.001-04:00

The Tadcaster Place Olympics begins in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Make way for Columbus Day!

Subtle signs of autumn . . .

2011-09-22T12:39:00.002-04:00

. . . make their presence literally felt on Tadcaster Place in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: A strong finish!

At stART on the Street . . .

2011-09-15T13:23:00.003-04:00

...our gal gets a facial and how, in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Towns cartooner deluxe Don Landgren Jr. casts Laurel as a School Committee rep-to-be in this week's issue--thank you too much, sir!

From the kitchens of Thurston Putnam . . .

2011-09-08T13:01:00.002-04:00

. . . to Laurel and co. in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: stART on the Street!

Laurel explains it all . . .

2011-09-01T12:13:00.002-04:00

... in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next: From the kitchen of Thurston Putnam!

Last moments of summer . . .

2011-08-25T12:09:00.002-04:00

Our girls let go of summer with a smile in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Welcome back to Benchley School!

Sic transit Gloria, Audra, Millie, Laurel!

2011-08-18T12:29:00.001-04:00

Our girls go Latin at the festival in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

"Starry starry night..."

2011-08-11T13:45:00.002-04:00

Laurel and Gloria enjoy a starry canopy in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

Shining time!

2011-07-28T12:55:00.002-04:00

Free enterprise never had so much fun, as Audra, Gloria and Laurel illustrate in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

This just in at Tadcaster Place!

2011-07-21T14:06:00.003-04:00

We switch to a live remote in today's Worcester TelegramTowns.

Heavy on the walnuts, please!

2011-07-14T13:47:00.002-04:00

Laurel, Audra and friends enjoy the Elm Park Big Dipper in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Swim class at Shine Pool!

Joyful noises in Institute Park

2011-07-07T11:46:00.002-04:00

Our gals enjoy the weekend concert at Institute Park in today's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: The Elm Park Big Dipper!

The red, white and Ooooooooo!

2011-06-30T14:03:00.003-04:00

A happy 4th from all of your pals at Tadcaster Place, halfway up the next block at Worcester TelegramTowns! Next week: Music at Institute Park!

Happy summer!

2011-06-23T13:14:00.002-04:00

Laurel bids Benchley School chef Thurston Putnam (and you) bestest for the summer in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Next week: Fun on the 4th!

Laurel is a punk rocker!

2011-06-16T13:18:00.002-04:00

Our gals channel the Ramones by way of Young@Heart in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. Dedicated to Young@Heart's stellar singer, Mom!

Touche away!

2011-06-09T10:44:00.002-04:00

Our student Laurel outdoes the teacher in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

Ice Follies of 2011

2011-06-03T09:08:00.002-04:00

Laurel and Gloria get in some ice time at Buffone before the next Bruins game in her latest Worcester TelegramTowns cartoon (in print but not on Telegram.com, no thanks to the gremlins!).

Muy picante, mais oui!

2011-05-06T13:40:00.002-04:00

Laurel and yours t. will be joining Bret Herholz, Rich Maurizio, Bob Noberini and Eric Merced at Free Comic Book Day May 7 at your favorite comic-bookery and ours, That's Entertainment, 244 Park Ave. She and I will be there from about 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.--be seeing you!

Pictures at an exhibition

2011-04-28T14:00:00.002-04:00

Laurel's artwork captivates and captures in the latest Worcester TelegramTowns. Be seeing you at Free Comic Book Day at That's Entertainment May 7!

The rite of spring

2011-03-24T12:53:00.002-04:00

A happy spring from your pals at Tadcaster Place and yours t.!

Follow thru!

2011-03-10T17:16:00.002-05:00

Laurel aces the Tadcaster Place Open in the latest Worcester TelegramTowns.

Submitted for your approval

2011-02-24T14:57:00.002-05:00

Tadcaster Place enters the Twilight Zone in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

"And tonight the Accordionistas are topping the bill!"

2011-02-17T13:42:00.001-05:00

Now playing in the latest Worcester TelegramTowns.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-10T13:05:00.002-05:00

...from Laurel and yours t. at Worcester TelegramTowns!

"We Hit The Spot!"*

2011-02-03T13:41:00.001-05:00

*Well, sometimes, in the latest Worcester TelegramTowns.

"Come fly with meeee...!"

2011-01-27T15:51:00.002-05:00

Weather clear, track stratospheric for Laurel and Audra in today's Worcester TelegramTowns.

Finz movin' in!

2011-01-06T16:17:00.002-05:00

Our gal Laurel enjoys the pictures via her radio in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T19:36:00.001-05:00

Laurel and the gang at Tadcaster Place literally shoot the works New Year's Eve in this week's TelegramTowns. Bestest to you in '11 and Excelsior!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T12:56:00.002-05:00

Season's bestest from your gal Laurel and yours t.! Visit http://worcesterturtleboy.com to learn all about our city's most notorious reptile and his pal!

"These go to 11!"

2010-12-16T13:16:00.002-05:00

The Tadcaster Trio carols it up a notch in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

"Ringle, ringle..."

2010-12-09T16:57:00.002-05:00

Uncle Timmy does his charitable bit on Suffolk Street in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns. This and 20 new cartoons, mostly first runs from the T&G, appear in the expanded edition of SUNDAY ON THE BLOCK WITH LAUREL, the third Laurel collection. Copies are $5, postpaid--just send an e-mail to me at sunspott1@gmail.com for details. Thanks!

Happy Hanukkah!

2010-12-02T10:09:00.003-05:00

Tater Tots out, latkes in, courtesy of Robert Benchley School chef Thurston Putnam in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.
Derek Ring and I will be boothmates this Sunday at stART at the Station. Derek's incredible art and a new Laurel book await you. Be seeing you!

To Jeff Barnard

2010-11-29T23:26:00.005-05:00

Jeff Barnard was one of the best friends Worcester had. His kindness and support when this blog was started--together with his sense of humor and laughter when we met at stART last year--I'll always remember. Here's our gal Laurel as Cinderella riding home with Jeff in a cartoon from October 2009, not long after our first meeting. Our condolences to Kathy and family. Excelsior, Jeff.

Happy Thanksgiving...

2010-11-25T09:27:00.002-05:00

...from Laurel, Gloria, Audra and yours t. in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.

For your entertainment and approval...

2010-11-25T09:24:00.002-05:00

... a pre-Laurel cartoon that ran in CLASSIC IMAGES' November 2002 issue, recalling the T-Day triple play served by WOR-TV. As Jean Shepherd said, "Speaking of turkeys, this is WOR, New York!"

"Once upon a time . . . "

2010-11-18T11:05:00.003-05:00

With the Worcester TelegramTowns site, alas, still in need of its figurative bug spray, we submit the latest adventures of our gal Laurel from today's print edition for your entertainment and approval.

Please stand by!

2010-11-11T19:03:00.004-05:00

The TelegramTowns page at www.telegram.com has been redesigned recently, with a number of technical difficulties to be fine-tuned, among them Laurel's disappearance on the new page (though she does appear on the old page, accessible further down on the telegram.com site). So Laurel will return to her Sunday block every week, with the Nov. 11 cartoon presented here for your entertainment and approval. Become a Facebook friend of mine and see her every Thursday, also!

Also, Derek Ring and I will be "boofmates" again at stART's holiday event Dec. 5 at Union Station. With luck, the new Laurel book will join us. Be seeing you!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T00:00:00.002-04:00

Our gal Laurel and her auntie swoop the scene over Tadcaster Place in the latest Worcester TelegramTowns. Have a spooky!

"Clap hands, here comes Charlie!"

2010-10-17T09:42:00.002-04:00

Our chorus girl Laurel channels Ezio Pinza by way of Edgar Bergen in the latest TelegramTowns.

Make mine Moxie!

2010-10-03T01:46:00.002-04:00

Our gal Laurel enlists carbonated warfare against trash-day pests in this week's TelegramTowns.

Off to a fantastic stART!

2010-09-19T07:03:00.002-04:00

Be seeing you!

One day near Montvale Road . . .

2010-09-12T09:45:00.003-04:00

Laurel and Gloria explore points west on Salisbury Street in this week's Worcester TelegramTowns.
BULLETIN: Illustrator incomparable Derek Ring (http://abnormalbrain.bizland.com; check out his FIRE_BAD blog, too) and I will be sharing a table at stART on the Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Sunday. Be seeing you!

Community Audition #3

2010-08-15T23:59:00.001-04:00

To Audra and Michael

2010-08-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

In Laurel's latest TelegramTowns adventure, the initials on the tree stand for Audra Dolan and Michael Finch, who were wed yesterday in Rindge, N.H. Love to you both, and Excelsior!

At an Institute Park summer concert. . .

2010-07-11T10:24:00.001-04:00

At the Summer Nationals...

2010-07-04T13:20:00.003-04:00

Hi all and Happy 4th!
With Laurel now online at TelegramTowns, her adventures will continue here and again Sundays, with a slight delay in keeping with the T&G's first-run policy. Here are the July 1 and June 24 Towns cartoons for your entertainment and approval.

2010-07-04T13:18:00.001-04:00

Bulletin

2010-06-25T13:59:00.002-04:00

Our gal Laurel is now online at the Worcester TelegramTowns page via www.telegram.com. Click on the Laurel page's cartoon to enlarge--much easier on the eyes! Barring any future tech glitches, she'll appear with the Worcester Towns features every Thursday, for your entertainment and approval!

At the Grecian Festival . . .

2010-06-06T00:57:00.002-04:00

Good morning, and good news!
Laurel will appear in the Telegram & Gazette's new Worcester community TelegramTowns weekly edition, starting with the debut issue June 10. We thank you for visiting with us every Sunday, and look for Laurel's continuing adventures both in print and online at www.telegram.com every Thursday!

Calamity befalls on Bigelow St.!

2010-05-30T00:08:00.001-04:00

One (late) Benchley School afternoon...

2010-05-23T00:14:00.002-04:00

The other day outside Gloria's house ...

2010-05-16T00:11:00.002-04:00

Laurel and I will be back walking stART Street today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street. Be seeing you!

InCity Follies of 2010

2010-05-14T00:59:00.003-04:00

Apologies to George and Ira Gershwin.
We return to Laurel and more civil company Sunday.

Bestest to moms, apologies to Mr. Hawking

2010-05-09T00:06:00.002-04:00

Laurel and I will be seeing you on the sidewalks of Main Street next Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at stART. Tell us Laurel sent you for a SURPRISE!

Regatta season, full ahead!

2010-05-02T00:17:00.002-04:00

Coming to a Lake Quinsigamond near you:
ECAC Nat. Invit. Rowing Championship, May 9
EARC Eastern Sprints, May 16

At the Worcester Art Museum youth class . . .

2010-04-25T00:11:00.002-04:00

Dedicated, with birthday greetings, to Scott Holloway, www.paintingloft.com

... and speaking of birthdays ...

2010-04-25T00:09:00.002-04:00

...bestest to our favorite duckpin and derby diva, Jessica-Lee VanWinkle! http://centralmassrollerderby.com

"V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!"

2010-04-18T00:12:00.002-04:00

"April is the cruelest month . . . "

2010-04-11T00:08:00.001-04:00

and to our friend Dan Burke . . .

2010-04-11T00:07:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday!

Easter at the Tadcaster Place Egg & Gun Club

2010-04-04T00:22:00.001-04:00

Just the other day on Ellsworth Street ...

2010-03-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

At the Benchley School Science Fair...

2010-03-21T00:09:00.002-04:00

In praise of Mr. Mum

2010-03-21T00:04:00.002-04:00

That's Entertainment, 244 Park Ave., offers us a rare and delightful glimpse into "The Strange World of Mr. Mum," the whimsical pantomime panel cartoon by Irving Phillips that ran in about 180 papers (the Boston Globe being the most local, to my knowledge) from 1958 to 1970. The exhibition of Phillips' panels and paintings based on his cartoons is open today from noon to 5 p.m. and is not to be missed. To our friends at That's Ent., quoth the Wimpy, "Thank you too much!"

Parade panic pounces on Park Ave.!

2010-03-14T03:54:00.002-04:00

... and this reminder

2010-03-14T03:53:00.002-04:00

Right this way, our table's waiting!

2010-03-07T00:08:00.003-05:00

Davis Publications has posted three video interviews from the opening reception of the MEANWHILE show with peerless penmen Derek Ring and Bret Herholz and this guy on YouTube. Search for "Davis Publications" thereat and scroll down accordingly. Worcesterite also includes a quick-and-easy link link among its Active Topics.

One "snow day" at Crompton Park . . .

2010-02-28T00:06:00.003-05:00

Book Signing, Chapter One: Realist icon painter extraordinaire Scott Holloway will sign copies of "Art That Creeps: Gothic Fantasies and the Macabre in Contemporary Art," featuring several of his paintings, from 6:30 to 8:30 tonight at Nick's, 124 Millbury St. Copies are $35, including a one-of-a-kind print by Mr. Holloway. To view more of his work, visit www.paintingloft.com.
Book Signing, Chapter Two: Photographer deluxe and El Brendel maven nonpareil Louie Despres will sign copies of "Five Months," his photo-chronicle of Worcester night life, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 6 at the good Dr. Gonzo's Uncommon Condiment World Headquarters, 122 Main St. Both books are recommended no little.
Chapter Last, Not Least: A Jean Shepherd brass figlagee with bronze oak leaf palm to Evan Scola, Karl Cole, Wyatt Wade and the Davis Art Gallery staff for a most hospitable opening reception at the "Meanwhile..." show last week at the Printers' Building, 44 Portland St. Laurel and I made some new friends, enjoyed a host of old ones and appreciated the opportunity of viewing original art by top-shelf local talent up close. The show runs till late May but go AS&AP!

Let the games begin!

2010-02-21T00:21:00.002-05:00

MEANWHILE...

2010-02-21T00:07:00.002-05:00

...is the title of the group show of Worcester comic creators, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. this Thursday at the Davis Art Gallery on the third floor of the Printers Building, 44 Portland St. The show includes comics by Evan Scola, Pete Beaudoin, Bob Noberini, Alison Cowell, Doug Chapel, Jamie Buckmaster, Andy Fish, Veronica Hebard, Derek Ring, Bret Herholz and yours truly. Laurel and I look forward to seeing you!

Happy Valentine's Day, all!

2010-02-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Super Sunday at The K.S.L. & I.S.C*

2010-02-07T00:06:00.002-05:00

*The Kelley Square Literary & Inside Straight Club ("be good or be gone!")

Crimestoppers' Textbook*

2010-01-31T00:00:00.001-05:00

*Apologies to the late, great Chester Gould!

In memory of Mr. Sports Street, Nick Manzello

2010-01-24T00:16:00.002-05:00

From the kitchen of Thurston Putnam

2010-01-17T00:11:00.002-05:00

And now, the weather for Green Island . . .

2010-01-10T00:21:00.001-05:00

Auld acquaintance be not forgot!

2010-01-03T00:27:00.001-05:00

New Year's Eve off Lafayette Street

2009-12-27T00:43:00.003-05:00

While this cartoon was being inked, the good news was reported that Polar Beverages would pick up the fireworks tab for First Night. Uncle Timmy and yours truly raise a diet birch beer--with Madame Rhubarb I.P.A. chaser--to the Crowleys for making New Year's literally sparkle. And bestest to you in 2010!

Christmas Eve in "the secret garden"

2009-12-20T00:20:00.002-05:00

Sing along with . . .

2009-12-13T00:17:00.003-05:00

Speaking of celestial, the Johnny Mercer Centennial Celebration is tonight at 7 at Nick's, 124 Millbury St. Review last week's post for unsolicited testimonial and phone number for reservations. As the good Captain Beefheart would say, "It's a keeper!"

"Mommy! Santa's outside Cicero's!"

2009-12-06T00:59:00.003-05:00

Reminder: stART at the Station is today from noon to 5 p.m. at Union Station. Be seeing you at the Marketplace on the second floor!
Bulletin: Nick's Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., the finest eatery and drinkery across all latitudes, will present a reprise of its Johnny Mercer Centennial Celebration, featuring Frank Racette, Bobby Gadoury, Dan Burke, Niki Luparelli, Geoff Oehling, Tom Spears, Trina Vargas and special guests, next Sunday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. Having attended the initial Celebration Nov. 28, Bernadette and I heartily attest that the event was, to employ Duke Ellington's highest praise, beyond category. That initial event sold out fast, so reservations are strongly encouraged by calling (508) 753-4030.

A day in the life

2009-11-29T01:56:00.002-05:00

Laurel and I look forward to seeing you next Sunday at stART at the Station at Union Station from noon to 5 p.m. We'll be in the Marketplace on the second floor. Tell us Laurel sent you for a free surprise!

From our block to yours...

2009-11-22T00:30:00.002-05:00