In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Thursday, July 16 – Superintendent Maureen Binienda will present her self-evaluation to the School Committee tonight, Worcester is named a 2020 Housing Choice community, Massachusetts ranks among states with fewest at-risk youth, Walmart will begin requiring facemasks in their stores nationwide on Monday, and AAA warns drivers of the dangers of recreational vehicles.
Superintendent to Present Self-Evaluation to School Committee
The Worcester School Committee meets Thursday night and among a series of topics, Superintendent Maureen Binienda will present her annual self-evaluation.
Schools have been closed since mid-March and Binienda will present her evaluation based on the start of the school year and how she has handled remote learning procedures and COVID-19 safety over the final few months of school.
The committee will present their own evaluation of the Superintendent in August.
The meeting will start at 4 PM. In order to participate, call 415-655-0001 and use Access Code: 735751404.
Worcester named 2020 Housing Choice Community
The Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development has designated Worcester as a Housing Choice Community in 2020.
To qualify for the Housing Choice Community Designation, a community must have increased its housing stock by 5 percent or built at least 500 new housing units. In 2019, the Worcester built 512 units. In the last five years, the city has created 1,031 units of housing.
The benefits of the designation include qualification to apply for a $250,000 grant and special consideration in nine other state grant programs.d
Worcester first received the designation in 2018. Funding has been used for the housing located at the Worcester Public Market in Kelley Square.
Massachusetts Ranks Among States with Fewest At-Risk Youth
The financial experts at Wallethub.com have released a report that shows Massachusetts ranks number three in the U.S. in the fewest at-risk youth among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
In four of the six key criteria used to create the rankings, Massachusetts was in the top 10: Disconnected youth, youth without a high school diploma, overweight and obese youth and youth poverty rate.
In the number of homeless youth, the state ranked just above the average. In labor force participation rate among young people, Massachusetts fell to 29th.
In the overall ranking, only Utah and New Jersey rated better than the Bay State.
You can see a state-by-state comparison by scrolling the map below or view the full report for more information.
Walmart to Require Facemasks Starting July 20
Walmart U.S. Chief Operating Officer Dacona Smith and Sam’s Club Chief Operating Officer Lance de la Rosa released a joint statement on Wednesday, July 15, that all shoppers in all stores and clubs will be required to wear face covering starting Monday, July 20.
The statement called face coverings “… a simple step everyone can take for their safety and the safety of others in our facilities.”
AAA Warns of RV Dangers as Popularity Surges
With COVID-19 bringing a reluctance to travel by air for many, road trips have increased this summer. Recreational Vehicle, or RV, rentals have had their best summer in recent memory.
In many places, including Massachusetts, operating an RV requires does not special driver’s license endorsement.
AAA is warning drivers of the many differences in operating such a large vehicle.
- RVs need significantly greater distance to stop. Don’t tailgate or follow vehicles too closely, and allow plenty of braking distance. The gap between your RV and the car in front of you should be much larger than when driving a passenger car or truck.
- RVs need greater distance to turn, and right turns can be especially difficult. Avoid tight, busy intersections and plan your route ahead of time to minimize tight turns in traffic. If the longer route has fewer turns, consider taking it! Check bridge clearance heights in advance as well, as well as any low overhangs along your route.
- RVs, loaded with people, camping gear, supplies and water, can be unbalanced and more challenging to drive. An unbalanced RV can make it harder to steer, brake and put uneven wear on the tires. Distribute weight as evenly as possible when loading up.
- Don’t speed! RVs should not be driven like passenger cars. Resist the temptation to speed and remember that the speed limit is a limit, not a fixed rule. If it ever feels unsafe to drive the speed limit on some roads, slow down!
- Share the driving. It’s tempting to push ahead and make good time, especially when you don’t have to check into a hotel. But drowsy driving is a real risk during long stretches of driving. Take frequent breaks and switch driving duties to stay refreshed.
- If you’re renting an RV, do a safety check with the rental company and confirm the vehicle has been properly serviced and maintained with extra attention on the tires.
- Beware of high winds. Your vehicle’s higher center of gravity can make it vulnerable to rollover.
- Wear your seat belt: it cuts your risk of being injured in a crash almost in half.
- Carry an emergency kit with flares and reflective tape.
