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 – Friday, July 17 – a fundraiser for a mural in support of police has been launched, Worcester updates their COVID-19 numbers, 181 communities are getting state funding, Saint Vincent Hospital’s Chief of Medicine is named to a state board and a local animal shelter welcomes 21 dogs this week.
GoFundMe Launched for ‘Back the Blue’ Mural in Worcester
A campaign for a “Back the Blue” mural in Worcester was launched on GoFundMe.com on Thursday, July 16.
The campaign aims to raise $20,000 to cover mural expenses. Any remaining money after the completion of the mural will go to the Boys & Girls Club.
As of Friday morning, the campaign has 21 donors and has raised $1,105.00.
City Releases Updated COVID-19 Numbers
On Thursday, the City of Worcester released updated COVID-19 numbers. As of July 16, there are 5,351 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester — an increase of 43 cases over the past week.
Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 329 (increase of 4 from Thursday, July 9); Holden: 124 (increase of 2 from Thursday, July 2); Grafton: 97 (decrease of 1 Thursday, July 9; 1 duplicate case removed from last week); Leicester: 154 (increase of 3 from Thursday, July 9); Millbury: 256 increase of 3 from Thursday, July 9).
Baker Releases $19.6 Million for Local Communities
Governor Charlie Baker’s Office announced $19.6 million in funding for 181 communities across the state working to support low-income residents and small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local governments and regional consortiums will distribute funds for social services including homelessness prevention, food pantries and assistance, and job training for in-demand health care workers and technicians. Many communities will also make grants available for local small businesses with five or less employees.
The funding is an award from the Department of Housing and Community Development [DHCD] through the federally-funded Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] program.
Saint Vincent Hospital Chief Appointed to MA Board of Registration
Saint Vincent Hospital Chief of Medicine Dr. George Abraham has accepted an appointment to become Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.
Dr. Abraham will join the governing body in licensing physicians and protecting the public by ensuring that doctors who practice in the Commonwealth are appropriately qualified, as well as uphold the ethical and moral standards expected of physicians in the Commonwealth.
Dr. Abraham is board certified in internal medicine and infectious disease. He is the President-Elect and a Regent of the American College of Physicians [ACP]. He is also the Chair of the Infectious Disease Board of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Second Chance Animal Services Living It’s Name
The folks from Second Chance Animal Shelter were at Worcester Airport this week to greet 21 dogs escaping overcrowded shelters across the country.
The mission was coordinated by Wing of Rescue and the ASPCA. Each dog is quarantined for 48 hours and examined by Dr. Jackie Celmer of Second Chance.
Second Chance will then transfer each dog to the adoption center in East Brookfield, where they’ll stay until placed in a new home.
Watch the Second Chance Animal Rescue website if interested in adopting.
