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 – Wednesday, September 30 – Worcester Trial Court closed today for disinfecting cleaning, the Attorney General opened applications for fuel assistance, there’s an upcoming virtual meeting on the Worcester Auditorium redevelopment, the Worcester Bravehearts launch a new after-school program, and this week is National Chimney Safety week.
Worcester Trial Court is Closed After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
The last person in the Worcester Trial Court building on Friday, September 25, a member of the facilities team, has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Court announced on Tuesday, September 29, that it would be closed for a disinfecting cleaning on Wednesday, September 30.
The announcement reported that the Court would reopen on Thursday, October 1.
AG Healey Opens Applications for Fuel Assistance
Attorney General Maura Healey’s office has opened the application period for its third annual Natural Gas Fuel Assistance Grant to provide funding for programs and initiatives designed to help low-income residents with paying or lowering their natural gas heating bills.
The grant will provide some $569,000 in funding to programs run through state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations that assist Massachusetts households in paying for or lowering their natural gas heating bills.
The one-year grant program will start on November 1, 2020 and run through October 31, 2021. Visit the Attorney General’s website for more information and for application instructions.
The order preventing utilities from shutting off gas, electric and water service for nonpayment during the public health crisis ends on November 15 for residents. For businesses, the order expired on August 31.
Worcester Auditorium Redevelopment Plan Meeting
The Worcester Memorial Auditorium Board of Trustees will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, October 1 at 6 PM. The Architectural Heritage Foundation will present its Redevelopment Plan for the Auditorium during the meeting.
To attend the meeting by video, go to Webex.com, click the join button on the top right of the screen and enter meeting number 160 919 7326.
To attend by phone call (415) 655-0001.
The Worcester Bravehearts Launch In-Person After-School Program
The Worcester Bravehearts have announced a new partnership with Recess in West Boylston and the launch of a new in-person after-school program. The program allows children the opportunity to play games and socialize with others in a safe and structured atmosphere.
The program will run Monday through Friday beginning October 5 at Recess Take 2 at 216 West Boylston St. The program is open to children from ages 6 -12.
Early bird prices are $150 per week or $35 per day. RSVP is required.
Enrollment and RSVP is open now by signing up here.
National Chimney Safety Week
This week is National Chimney Safety Week, from September 27 through October 3.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there was an average of 17,600 chimney fires annually in the United States between 2015 – 2017.
For more information on chimney safety, visit Chimney Safety Institute of America’s homeowner resources for more information or to find certified service providers.
