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, December 1 – Assumption University names its stadium after the current head football coach at Notre Dame, YWCA of Central Massachusetts wins a $50,000 grant, the Worcester Preservation awards will be broadcast online on December 10, gas prices rise after the Thanksgiving holiday and the McDonald’s McRib is back.
Assumption Stadium Named After Alumnus, Notre Dame Coach
Assumption University announced on Monday, November 30, that the name of its multi-sport stadium is now Brian Kelly ‘83 Stadium.
The stadium name recognizes current University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly. Kelly graduated from Assumption in 1983 and coached there until 1986.
Kelly also issued a challenge grant to alumni and friends of Assumption. The grant funds will be used to enhance the baseball and softball fields, on either side of the Brian Kelly ’83 Stadium.
The most notable enhancement will be replacement of the current grass fields with turf.
YWCA Wins $50,000 Grant from New York Life Foundation
The YWCA of Central Massachusetts announced on Monday, November 30, that it won the “Love Takes Action” award from the New York Life Foundation.
The award includes a grant of $50,000.
The grant allows YWCA to extend reach and provide participants with resources that include gift cards for food and cleaning supplies. The funds also enabled staff to transition to remote work without interruption of service.
The Love Takes Action Award program awards $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations, which are championed by New York Life agents and employees. Thirty-five community members from across the nation embodying Love Taking Action, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be honored.
Worcester Preservation Awards to Broadcast December 10
Preservation Worcester and the Worcester Historical Commission will present the Worcester Preservation Awards on Thursday, December 10, at 5:30 PM, in a virtual ceremony.
The event is free to watch.
The awards highlight preservation, rehabilitation and restoration projects within historic buildings that foster development in Worcester.
Gas Prices This Week
AAA Northeast, the popular not-for-profit auto club, reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price increased two cents from last week ($2.06), averaging $2.08 per gallon. That price is the one cent lower than a month ago ($2.09), and 48 cents cheaper than November 30, 2019 ($2.59).
Massachusetts’s average gas price is four cents lower than the national average.
AAA Northeast’s November 30 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be two cents higher than last week, averaging $2.12 a gallon. Today’s national average price is two cents lower than a month ago ($2.14), and 46 cents cheaper than this day last year ($2.58).
Comparison to neighboring states, according to AAA Northeast:
The McRib is Back
Starting Tuesday, December 2, the McRib is back at McDonald’s for the first time in New England since 2012.
Starting today, McDonald’s is giving a FREE McRib to the first 10,000 entries from fans who show us they shaved on the heels of “No Shave November.”
No beard? No problem. Anyone can participate – from your brother to your mother, sister-in-law or cousin’s roommate. Here’s how it works:
Snap a picture* of your cleanly-shaven mug, baby-smooth face or eligible photo* on your public Twitter or public Instagram account using #Shave4McRibSweepstakes and tag @mcdonalds
The first 10,000 entries will receive a code for a free McRib, available via McDelivery on Uber Eats, while supplies last.
McDonald’s is also collaborating with No Shave November, a non-profit organization devoted to fundraising for cancer awareness, for some added good.
Any purchase of a McRib on December 2 will help support the charity’s cancer initiatives.
