[Now that things are progressing to a “new normal” and more non-COVID-19 news, events and “need to know” information becomes available, we will continue this feature five days a week.]
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 – Thursday, June 11 – Family Healthcare Center joins White Coats for Black Lives, Worcester County Food Bank receives a generous donation, Worcester Beer Garden opens for outdoor seating on Monday, Tufts Health Plan is acknowledged as one of the top community-minded companies in the country and Fire Department officials warn families about July 4th dangers.
Family Healthcare Center Joins White Coats for Black Lives
Dozens of clinical and administrative staff from Family Health Center of Worcester took part in “White Coats for Black Lives” Movement last week.
Staff members lined parking lots outside of the Center’s 26 Queen St. location while observing 10 minutes of silence in remembrance of George Floyd and other victims of racial violence. Participants held signs or took a knee in solidarity with peaceful protesters around the country.
The White Coats for Black Lives movement originated in 2014 by a group of medical students at the University of California San Francisco.
The purpose of the movement was to bring attention to racial health care disparities after the grand jury decisions not to indict white police officers who were involved in the deaths of two unarmed African American men, Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner in New York City.
Worcester County Food Bank Receives $10,000 Donation
Worcester County Food Bank is being awarded a $10,000 donation by Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance.
Faith Canario of Braley Wellington Insurance Agency nominated the Worcester County Food Bank through the Emergency Community Support Grant that enables independent agents to give back to their local communities.
The funds will go towards safety requirements to meet the challenge of COVID-19 and overhead expenses associated with utility costs for food storage and transportation expenses.
Worcester Beer Garden Set to Open Outdoor Seating
The Worcester Beer Garden and Pavillion will be open for outdoor seating starting Monday, June 15 at 2 PM.
The Beer Garden will open with its summer line of cocktails on the menu, a new menu pairings for its 56 craft beers on tap.
Reservations are strongly recommended as the Beer Garden will open with reduced capacity. For reservations call (774) 530-9000 or visit their website for more information.
Tufts Health Plan Named a Top Community Minded Company
Tufts Health Plan is being recognized as one of the top 50 community-minded companies in the United States.
Points of Light, an organization dedicated to volunteer service, named Tufts as a 2020 honoree to its “The Civic 50” list. The list includes companies with U.S. operations and revenues of $1 billion or more.
Fire Officials Warn of Fireworks Dangers
While families across America are celebrating Independence Day, first responders face one of their busiest times of the year.
In the past decade (2010 – 2019) there have been 858 major fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks across Massachusetts with an estimate loss of $2.9 million in damage.
During that time, 37 people hospitalized with severe burns. A third of this were 14 years old or younger.
State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey asks families to “Have fun, but be safe this Fourth of July and give first responders the night off.”
