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 – Tuesday, August 11 – Massachusetts launches an online portal for food businesses, a special forum on outdoor dining will be online at 10 AM this morning, the Girl Scouts launch a special online program for Pre-K girls and the Railers and ArtReach partner for a week of art activities for kids.
Governor’s Office Announces MassGrown Exchange
Governor Charlie Baker’s Office announced the launch of an online platform called MassGrown on Monday, August 10.
The platform facilitates business-to-business connections within the local food system for products and services.
MassGrown was originally established to address COVID-19 disruptions to the local food supply in order to assist Massachusetts growers and producers in accessing markets. The Governor’s office now says the platform will remain in place long term.
Businesses in the food market looking to buy or sell products and services will find resources to do so on this exchange platform. Some examples are:
- Farmers, fishermen, specialty food producers with wholesale products to sell to restaurants, grocery stores, and other outlets, or searching for equipment or services, such as storage, distribution.
- Buyers (including supermarkets, institutions, schools, food banks, restaurants, and retail outlets) looking for local food products.
- Service and equipment providers working with businesses in the food system.
Lear more about the MassGrown Exchange.
Special Forum on Outdoor Dining
Worcester License Commission is holding a special forum on outdoor dining at 10 AM on Tuesday, August 11.
The forum will include an overview of outdoor dining rules and requirements, including those for the City’s temporary outdoor dining program, which was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of Gov. Baker’s Phase II reopening plan.
Following the presentation, the Commission will hear from restaurateurs and the community at large concerning the challenges and barriers to successful outdoor dining areas.
The meeting will be livestreamed on the City website at worcesterma.gov/video-on-demand. To participate in the conversation, please call 415-655-0001 (Access Code: 1606609360).
Pre-K Program by the Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is launching a free “Make New Friends” virtual event series to ensure that all girls are prepared to start kindergarten with confidence.
The series covers a number of areas around interacting and listening.
The sessions for “Make New Friends” are scheduled for:
- Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, 29; 6:00-6:30pm
- Thursdays, September 10, 17, 24, and October 1; 6:00-6:30pm
- Mondays, September 14, 21, 28 and October 5; 6:00-6:30pm
- Wednesday, September 16, 23, 30, and October 7; 6:00-6:30pm
Learn more about this program here.
Peppercorn’s Country Fest
Peppercorn’s Grille and Tavern is hosting Country Fest on Sunday, August 30, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at its location at 455 Park Ave.
The outside tent event will host the live music of Stomp N. Holler. Tickets are $25 and includes a meal.
Email peppercornsplp@gmail for tickets.
Railers and ArtReach partner for a Week for Young Artists
The Worcester Railers and ArtReach have partnered to produce a week of free, art-related activities for young people starting Monday, August 17.
The full week of programming for young artists include:
- Monday, Aug. 17– How to Draw the Railers’ Mascot, Trax
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Art &Music – Portraits
- Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Art in the Park
- Thursday, Aug. 20– The Science of Hockey & the Goalie Mask Evolution
- Friday, Aug. 21– Tie-Dye a Railers Shirt
Contact the Railers for more information.
