slides: Central Massachusetts’ Most Eligible Bachelors 2013

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Jennifer Roy, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

The holidays are coming up and many people want that "special someone" to share them with. To help our readers get an idea of the fantastic single people in our community, we've compiled a list of the Top 8 Bachelors in Central Massachusetts, answering questions about where they go to meet people and what qualities they're looking for in potential partners. This year's group includes young up and comers, single parents, and other successful individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. We think we've done a pretty good job finding some of our most promising unhitched citizens. Enjoy getting to know them!

Let's meet the bachelors:

Michael Shivick

Thirty-two year old Michael Shivick of Leicester is a graduate of Quinsigamond Community College, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and Western New England University School of Law. In 2012, he opened his own law practice in Worcester, which focuses on landlord-tenant law. Michael most often represents tenants that have had their rights violated by their landlord, but he takes other cases as well. Michael says he finds it very rewarding to help clients that are facing unfair circumstances with sparse economic resources. When he’s not working, Michael likes to see concerts and visit with friends. In Worcester, he prefers to go to the Sole Proprietor for a good meal or Vincent's for a quick drink. He tends to gravitate out to Boston some weekends to catch some of the Berkley students' bands. Michael secretly plays bass and sings, although that's probably not a secret after this.

Read More About Michael in the slides below

J. Christian Rea

Born in Bristol, TN and raised in Van Buren, MA, Christian is a big city kid and a small town boy at heart. He has been a Hairstylist for the last 14 years. Christian moved to Worcester over 10 years ago and has had nothing but amazing success thanks to the community members and their continued support. One of his most memorable career highlights so far has been the opportunity to be a two season character of the hit reality television show "Split Ends" of Style network. Christian has also had the great pleasure of working Mercedes Benz fashion week in NYC. The thirty-one year old has owned and operated his salon in Worcester for the last 5 years. He says that opening Salon 647 has allowed him to experience being a driving force in the business community of Worcester. Christian says he is honored to have received the 2013 40 under 40 award from the Worcester Business Journal. In his spare time he makes sure that he experiences life to the fullest and has no regrets.

Read More About Christian in the slides below

Dave McGrath

Thirty-nine year old Dave McGrath of Worcester works as a “cancer fighter”. He is the Night Manager at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Worcester, and serves as President of Skating for Hope, a fundraiser that raises money for the lodge. Dave is also a speaker for 15-40 organization. For fun, Dave likes to play hockey, write, watch sports, play guitar, spend time with my family and friends, and go to sporting events, concerts, movies, and comedy shows.

Read More About Dave in the slides below

Jonathan Rodriguez

This thirty-three year old Worcester State University alum earned his Master’s Degree at Boston University and is the owner of the J. Parker Group, a digital marketing company. Originally from Worcester, he currently lives in South Eason. Jonathan enjoys dining out and traveling and says because he’s a bachelor he gets to do both quite often.

Read More About Jonathan in the slides below

Khrystian King

Forty-two year old Khrystian King is a Clinical Social Worker. He received his M.S.W. from Simmons College and his B. A. from Wheaton College. The Worcester resident says he is unabashedly proud of my Bermuda roots. Khrystian enjoys going to sports events including the Celtics, Patriots, and enjoys local High School and College Sports. He is also passionate about outdoor sports and activities. In particular, Khrystian enjoys playing, coaching, and refereeing basketball; and golfing. His favorite place to be is in the ocean under sun.

Read More About Khrystian in the slides below

Glade Dennis

Thirty-three year old Glade Dennis was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia. He went to Worcester State University and graduated with a degree in Business/Marketing. For fun, he loves to exercise, play golf and hang out with his family and friends. He currently work for Lahey Health as a Clinical Application Analyst. He says he truly loves to give back to today’s youth, being outdoors and traveling.

Read More About Glade in the slides below

Christopher Lapriore

Thirty year old Chris Lapriore lives in Worcester. He’s a correction officer for MA DOC. He attended Holy Name Central Catholic High School and UMass Dartmouth. For fun he likes to crossfit and watch sports especially basketball and football. Chris also enjoys being around friends and spending time in the outdoors with his dog.

Read More About Christopher in the slides below

David Simmons

Thirty-eight year old David Simmons hails from Thompson, CT, and has lived in Worcester for about 15 years. He works at Hirosaki Prime and is partnered with Visalus which helps people hit their weight and fitness goals. For fun, David loves to play and watch sports and go to live games; he roots for teams that are primarily from Miami, which happens to be his favorite place. David also loves to hear live bands, both big mainstream bands, and local bands like Flock at The Lucky Dog Music Hall. While David likes to get out and socialize with friends, he’s more interested in whom he’s with rather than where he is. David enjoys movies, comedy shows, eating dessert and hot chocolate.

Read More About David in the slides below

Related Slideshow: The 8 Most Eligible Bachelors in Central MA 2013

Take a look at Central Massachusetts' Most Eligible Bachelors, and read what they have to say about themselves.

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J. Christian Rae

Age: 31

Occupation: Hairstylist

Favorite Inspirational Quote:

"Make sure your time here is memorable."

What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?

The important quality that I constantly look for is a partner that connects with me. Then comes the building blocks to a great relationship. Communication, Honesty, Integrity, Ambition, Compassion, and most importantly an ability to enjoy romance.

List 3 words to describe you.

Kind, driven, childish.

What is your 5 year plan?

Today I am focused on merging my company Salon 647 with Arcuri Moda of 108 June St. My long term goal is to continue developing my talent of an accomplished Hairstylist and to implement new skills and growth into the relationships I have developed with my clientele.

Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?

Central MA has some of the best locations to meet new and interesting people. I am partial to BABA Sushi on Park Ave. I always feel like I am enjoying a NYC atmosphere when I am there. I also really enjoy Ritual on Main St. The staff is always very attentive and very attractive. Attractive people seem to attract other attractive people, which helps when you are looking to meet someone new.

Does Worcester have a good dating scene?

I have a motto it doesn't matter where u are what matters is who you are with. With that being said I am surrounded by some of the most amazing people here in Worcester, so to answer your question, yes, Worcester has some of the best quality of people I have ever met.

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David Simmons

Age: 38

Occupation: Fitness Councilor

Favorite Inspirational Quote:

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye. Antoine De Sait-Exupery. Be happy for this moment, this moment is your life." -Omar Khayyam

What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?

I am looking for someone with whom I feel the magic. I don't know exactly how to describe that, I guess you just know. Someone who is comfortable in her own skin, and has confidence in who she is. I like someone who is driven, and has goals, has a positive mentality, and has a sense of humor. A like/love of sports is nice too!

List 3 words to describe you.

Honest, loyal, and trustworthy.

What is your 5 year plan?

I would like to find someone to share the journey with. My "work" plan is to focus on my business, and begin working with a few charities. I want to help as many people as I can. There is a lot to be done. I would like to one day open my own shelter, or at least be very involved with one, and help people get back on their feet and realize that they do have something to give. The chance to help someone get their life back together is an amazing thing. There is a lot of traveling to be done, and vacations to take, but it's about who is coming with me.

Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?

You can meet people anywhere if you are open to it. I prefer a restaurant bar to socialize at, as opposed to a club, where you can't really talk and get to know someone. There are great places like the Chophouse and the Sole, the Boynton is always a favorite, Hirosaki Prime, Mezcal, and Smokestack. Places that I love to eat, and have a great lounge/bar atmosphere.

Does Worcester have a good dating scene?

There are a lot of places in the area to go to meet people, and to go on dates, so I would have to say yes! It's all about the company you are with!

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Christopher Lapriore

Age: 30

Occupation: Corrections Officer

Favorite inspirational quote:

"I've always believed if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results." -Michael Jordan

What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?

In a significant other I'm looking for someone that has goals, is independent, beautiful and has a big heart. Someone that I can be myself around and appreciates me for me.

List 3 words to describe you.

Three words to describe myself- tall, dark, and handsome. Just kidding! Strong, driven, and caring.

What is your 5 year plan?

To keep improving myself everyday. Don't wait for any handouts, go out and make things happen. To make the most out of opportunities at work and outside of work. Maybe someday I will start a family.

Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?

I meet people everywhere. The last couple of years I have met a lot of friends through crossfit. It's really a positive community with like-minded people.

Does Worcester have a good dating scene?

I would say Worcester has a good dating scene. There are a lot of things to do and places to go in the city. Worcester is very diverse so there should be something for everyone.

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Dave McGrath

Age: 39

Occupation: Manager- American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge

Favorite Inspirational Quote:

"Do or do not. There is no try." -Yoda

What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?

She should be smart, sarcastic, sexy, and sporty. She should value gaining understanding and experience over material things, and be going after her dreams. I like people who can laugh at themselves as well as make fun of me. Above all, she should inspire me to be the best person I can be.

List three words to describe you:

Positive, creative, and fearless.

What is your 5 year plan?

My career goals for the next five years include expanding Skating for Hope to help the other Hope Lodge locations (Boston, Burlington, VT), continuing to volunteer with 15-40, publishing my 7th book, and becoming a paid public speaker. Personally, I plan to continue doing things that make me happy with the great family and friends I’m blessed to have in my life and hope to share it with that someone special.

Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?

I don’t go anywhere specific to meet people, but I meet them at sporting events, concerts, and through American Cancer Society and 15-40 events.

Does Worcester have a good dating scene?

I don’t know much about Worcester’s dating scene…is there one?

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Jonathan Rodriguez

Age: 33

Occupation: Owner- J. Parker Group

Favorite inspirational quote:

"If you can't be with the one you love, then love the one you're with!" -Stephen Stills

What qualities are you look for in a significant other?

I am looking for someone ambitious and impulsive. I need someone that can keep up with me, but be grounded in something she's passionate about.

List 3 Words to describe you .

Confident, intelligent and driven.

What is your 5 year plan?

I plan on buying a house near Boston this year, buying a home somewhere warm soon after, and expanding my company nationally.

Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?

My best friend owns Ritual downtown so if I am in Central Mass that's where I usually go. I love Chop House 111 too.

Does Worcester have a good dating scene?

I think there are great people in Worcester, but the scene itself needs improvement. A great time to see Worcester's best in one place is at the Boys and Girls Club Boxing Event in the summer. There is always a great turn out.

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Michael Shivick

Age: 32

Occupation: Attorney

Favorite inspirational quote:

"Relax; the world will spin beside itself and suck you in, with threats and hopes beyond compare." -Phish

What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?

I like a woman who is nice, first and foremost. Intelligence is also a big plus, as is dependability. In sum, there's not any one "type" of woman or "checklist" of qualities...it depends on the person.

List 3 words to describe you.

Outgoing, inquisitive, and persistent.

What is your 5 year plan?

The plan is to keep working on my practice for the foreseeable future.

Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?

I never try to "go out and meet people" per se. I find things I like to do and let the chips fall where they may.

Does Worcester have a good dating scene?

I can't accurately answer that question. In my opinion, I think the social scene in Worcester is what you make of it. There's usually something to do.

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Khrystian King

Age: 42

Occupation: Clinical Social Worker

Favorite inspirational quotes:

"I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it." -Maya Angelou

"Character is Purified By Adversity." -Unknown

What qualities are you look for in a significant other?

The most important qualities of a significant other would have to be reliability, flexibility, resiliency, self-reliance, and having a strong sense of self.

List 3 Words to describe you.

Passionate, loyal, and forgiving.

What is your 5 year plan?

In five years I plan to earn another graduate degree, continue to be the best father I can be, a better partner, and to continue my work to make Worcester a better place to live and raise a family.

Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?

Worcester is a great place to meet people. I enjoy the local restaurants and local eateries. There's always something to do. My favorite spot is The Banner on Green Street.