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, September 1 – gas prices rise five cents across Massachusetts, Saint Vincent Hospital wins an award for stroke treatment, $13 million in green grants issued in Massachusetts, Redemption Rock’s dog calendar contest starts today and tomorrow is McDonald’s regional hiring day.
Gas Prices Rise Five Cents in MA
After remaining consistent over the previous six weeks, the average cost of gas in Massachusetts has risen five cents since last week, according to the not-for-profit auto club, AAA. The average gallon of gasoline is now $2.16.
The previous several weeks saw a change no greater than a single penny. The price of gas in Massachusetts is now three cents higher than one month ago.
Neighboring states to the south saw a similar change. The average price in Rhode Island saw prices rise five cents to $2.18 while Connecticut saw its prices rise three cents to $2.22. That is three cents higher than one month ago in Rhode Island and two cents higher over the same period in Connecticut.
Massachusetts prices are seven cents lower than the national average, which also rose by five cents.
The average price of gas one year ago was $2.63 in Massachusetts.
Saint Vincent Hospital Wins Award For Stroke Treatments
Saint Vincent Hospital has received the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.
The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
Saint Vincent Hospital earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period.
$13 Million in Green Grants Awarded in Massachusetts
Governor Charlie Baker’s office has announced $13 million in new Green Communities competitive grants in 103 municipalities in Massachusetts. Cities and towns must meet five criteria to be eligible for Green Community designation.
A total of 271 cities and towns in Massachusetts, accounting for 84% of the state, have met that criteria.
The grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy goals. Grants are capped at $200,000 per municipality.
The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has awarded over $136 million to Green Communities in Designation Grants and Competitive Grants since 2010.
Redemption Rock 2021 Taproom Dogs Calendar Competition
Redemption Rock Brewing begins its 2021 Taproom Dogs Calendar Competition on Tuesday, September 2.
To enter, bring your dog to the taproom at 333 Shrewsbury St., fill out a short questionnaire and get a photo taken.
Submissions will be accepted until September 30 and voting will take place online in October. The top 12 dogs will be featured in the Redemption Rock 2021 calendar.
McDonald’s Regional Hiring Day
McDonald’s will hold a hiring day across New England on Wednesday, September 2. Interested job seekers can visit any store in New England for more information.
McDonald’s is highlighting its tuition grants program called Archways to Opportunity. Employees become eligible for up to $3,000 in upfront college/higher education tuition after 90 days working at least 15 hours per week.
The tuition assistance program began five years ago and McDonald’s has issued more than $17 million in tuition assistance.
Those who can’t make it to their local restaurant on September 2 can visit McDonalds.com/careers to learn more and apply to a restaurant near them, or text “mcdworksforme” to 36453 to start an application via text.
