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 – Friday, April 9 – the Regional Environmental Council Neighborhood and Garden Cleanups are Saturday, the American Red Cross asks for blood donations during National Volunteer Month, the Community Teaching Garden-Literacy Project opening is April 15, get ready for turkey hunting April 26 with some tips from MassWildlife and McDonald’s announces a limited time edition to the McFlurry lineup.
Neighborhood and Garden Cleanups in Worcester
The Annual Regional Environmental Council [REC] Earth Day Neighborhood and Garden Cleanups is Saturday, April 10th from 8:00am to noon at multiple locations throughout Worcester.
Through a partnership between the REC, the City of Worcester, National Grid, and many other area businesses, colleges and universities, and community organizations, volunteers will join to clean sidewalks, parks and neighborhoods.
Since REC began coordinating the event in 1989, Worcester’s Earth Day Cleanups have become an annual, citywide tradition that engages Worcester-area residents and organizations to give Worcester a big spring cleaning.
This year, the top priority is keeping the community safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
All Earth Day volunteers must maintain 6 feet of physical distance, and wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, protective eyewear, and disposable gloves at all times. Equipment will be provided along with trash bags and other materials.
To learn more see the Regional Environmental Council website.
Give Blood with the Red Cross during National Volunteer Month
The American Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to give blood during April, which is National Volunteer Month.
The Red Cross especially ask those with type O blood to consider giving.
Those who come to give by April 30 will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant of choice. Additional details are available at rcblood.org/Gift.
Schedule a donation appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Opening of the Community Teaching Garden-Literacy Project
The Community Teaching Garden-Literacy Project [CTGLP] will host its opening ceremony on April 15, from 10:30 AM to 12 noon across the street from 3 West Boylson Dr.
The Indian Lake Community Association sponsors the project.
The opening ceremony will at 10:30 AM followed by a transplant demo and lunch at 11:30 AM.
The mission of the CTGLP is to provide a living laboratory where students can learn about horticulture, plant science, biodiversity, food and water insecurity, and their impact on land use in the context of Climate Change, and how students can become agents of change with the goal of becoming youthful global citizens.
Turkey Hunting Opens April 26
Turkey hunting season in Massachusetts is April 26 to May 22.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife [MassWildlife] offices are closed currently, but hunters can purchase licenses and permits online through the MassFishHunt website or one of the many license agencies within the state.
Along with a license, to hunt turkey in Massachusetts, regulation requires that all hunters place an official green safety sticker on their firearm positioned so it’s visible when sighting down the barrel.
To get a new or replacement sticker by opening day, hunters must request the sticker by April 16. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: MassWildlife, Attn: Turkey Safety Sticker, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
MassWildlife also urges all hunters to use MassFishHunt to report harvested birds online. If you need to report your harvest in person, view a map of check stations open this spring.
McDonald’s Announces Caramel Brownie McFlurry
McDonald’s announced the addition of the Caramel Brownie McFlurry to its menu starting on May 3, for a limited time.
The fresh addition to the McFlurry lineup features vanilla soft serve with brownie pieces and caramel topping blended throughout.
The classic classic OREO and M&M’S McFlurry options remain on the menu.
