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 – Monday, August 10 – there are free COVID-19 testing sites in Worcester this week, National Guard training is happening at Worcester Regional Airport, Redemption Rock rolls out its newest labels designs, Westborough wings $79.5k grant and emergency dispatcher positions open at Wachusett Regional Emergency Communications Center.
Free COVID-19 Tests at Greendale Mall, Worcester Technical High School
AIDS Project Worcester is providing free COVID-19 testing at Greendale Mall on Monday, August 10, Tuesday, August 11 and Thursday, August 13 from 8 AM to 1 PM.
The same location is also open on Wednesday, August 12, and Friday, August 14 from 2 PM until 7 PM.
Individuals who wish to be tested must make an appointment by calling (508) 847-0623 or (508) 755-3773
There is also free, walk up COVID-19 testing on Monday, August 10, from 12 PM to 6 PM at Worcester Technical High School.
Those tested at Worcester Tech will also get a free mask and hand sanitizer.
Flu shots are also available at this, with insurance.
Testing is sponsored by the City of Worcester and UMASS Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force.
National Guard Training Held at Worcester Regional Airport
The Connecticut National Guard will conduct helicopter training at Worcester Regional Airport [ORH] starting on Tuesday, August 11.
The training is being carried out in collaboration with the Massachusetts Port Authority [Massport].
The scheduled training will not affect commercial flight activity.
The Guard will hold its training sessions on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 3 PM and both Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 PM to 10 PM. They will also train over one weekend each month.
National Guard units from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut have conducted training exercises at ORH in the past, but this is the first on an extended schedule.
No troops will be present for this training.
Redemption Rock Releases BLM Inspired Labels
Redemption Rock Brewing released new labels last week that depict the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Worcester and the creation of the BLM Mural.
Worcester artist and activist Joshua Croke created the labels with photojournalist Matt Wright.
Redemption Rock has also announced a plan for it to play a positive role in supporting Black, Indigenous and people of color from in the local community.
You can read more about the company’s initiative on the Redemption Rock website.
Westborough Receives $79,500 from Shared Streets & Spaces Grant
In the fifth round of funding from the Massachusetts Shared Streets and Spaces Program, Westborough will receive $79,500 for Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA]-compliant sidewalk ramps.
The ramps will be at two intersections that provide important connections to multiple schools, public tennis courts and playing fields, three churches, Town Hall, the public library, and stores.
The Shared Streets & Spaces Program, which launched in June, provides technical and funding assistance to help Massachusetts cities and towns conceive, design, and implement tactical changes to curbs, streets, on-street parking spaces and off-street parking lots in support of public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce.
The program has issued a total of $3.8 million to fund 50 projects across the state.
Public Safety Dispatchers Wanted
The Wachusett Regional Emergency Communications Center is currently accepting applications for public safety dispatchers.
Individuals seeking full-time or part-time employment are welcome to apply.
Positions require working nights, weekends and holidays.
The job description includes specialized work to receive, process, and document all calls for service for police, fire, and medical from the public and relay the information to the appropriate source for assistance.
The position involves operation of communications equipment including telephone, radio and computers in the receipt and transmission of a variety of calls including calls for police and fire assistance, municipal services, and general information.
The work required also involves performing a variety of clerical and computer duties including maintaining logs as well as typing and filing forms, records, and reports.
Applicants with the following certificates are preferred, however, we can arrange classes if needed: NG911, APCO EMD, PST1, and CPR.
An application can be found here and questions can be directed to (508) 210-5646.
