Jenny Pacillo
To be totally honest, when I was handed the reins of The Pulse Magazine more than four years ago, my thinking was that I would stick around for a while until I found a “real job”. Pulse felt like a relic from the early 2000’s that had somehow survived the chopping block fate that too many of the region’s other print publications had met. But I quickly realized we had the ability to cover aspects of the city that were being overlooked, or under-celebrated such as Beyond Wrestling at The White Eagle, pieces from Worcester State University’s senior thesis art exhibition, or Shaun Connolly’s insightful humor on an in-depth break down of local sports mascots. For me, Pulse Magazine stopped being “this is fine for now” and turned into the “real job” I had been waiting for.
There are countless people who helped Pulse thrive, and it’s important that they are recognized: Paul Giorgio, creator of The Pulse Magazine, for his vision and dedication to the publication for over 20 years. If not for Senior Sales Executive David Simone’s hard work through the Pandemic and uncertain print media landscape, we wouldn’t have been able to move onto this new chapter. I’m also grateful for our dedicated columnists and writers who have worked with us for years, they’ve brought so many diverse views to the magazine. Next, I must thank both Stephanie Ramey and Cliff Rucker: Stephanie’s initial passion for the magazine caught the attention of the Rucker Investments team. They saw both the potential and importance of continuing the only printed arts and entertainment publication for Central Mass. Kate McEvoy, our new publisher, is a total dynamo and has seemingly been working 24 hours a day for months to elevate Pulse to this new level.
So what is the new chapter Pulse Magazine going to look like under Merit House Media?
You may have noticed the layout has changed, let’s get our ones up and acknowledge Pulse’s long time art director Kevin La who is beyond talented. We are so excited to bring back some familiar faces, writers who epitomize all facets of the city. Starting with radio-and-news champion Hank Stolz, whose daily podcast will soon be found on www.thepulsemag.com, and legendary Telegram and Gazette columnist Dianne Williamson, who covered literally everything in Worcester for 25 years. We are all looking forward to collaborating with media royalty, and honored that our project was compelling enough to pull Dianne out of nearly a decade of peaceful retirement.
We’re also going to be rolling out new columns to accompany our well loved favorites. Josh Lyford, former Pulse editor and Worcester Magazine reporter, is returning with Wormhole, a monthly column about music, culture and whatever weirdness that ginger icon is getting into. Casa Project Executive Director and number one dog mom Julie Bowditch will talk all things pets in Tails of the City. Stay tuned to our social media channels and our website as we share out some more exciting names over the next few weeks.
The bottom line is, Worcester is quirky and stubborn and has so many unique qualities that make it great, and we deserve a printed publication that highlights all of it, from Hedge shows at the Hotel Vernon to the glamour of a black-tie fundraiser at Mechanics Hall. The Pulse Magazine has been a part of the Central Massachusetts community for more than a decade, and will be an even bigger part of our region’s future.