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, April 7 – today is National Walking Day, Worcester will host a National Borinqueneers Day ceremony, Worcester Public Schools dual language program enrollment is open, the Massachusetts Pirates announce a new partnership with Resinate, and the Better Business Bureau warns on online tutor scams.
Worcester to Join National Day for Honoring Puerto Rican Military Members
Worcester will celebrate the nation’s first National Borinqueneers Day on Tuesday, April 13, at 4:30 PM.
The ceremony will be held in front of City Hall, and will feature:
- The raising of the Puerto Rican Flag
- A performance of “La Borinqueña,” the official anthem of Puerto Rico
- A Mayoral proclamation
- Remarks by officials
National Borinqueneers Day honors the bravery, service and sacrifice of Puerto Rican military members. known as Borinqueneers, who served in the U.S. Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment. The unit has served in both World Wars and the Korean War.
National Borinqueneers Day was part of the National Defense Authorization Act that became law when Congress overrode a presidential veto on January 1.
Members of the Borinqueneers received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2016.
Worcester Public Schools Dual Language Program Enrollment
Worcester Public Schools [WPS] offer Spanish-English dual language programs from preschool through high school. Dual language students learn in both English and Spanish over the course of the program.
Program registration is currently open. Registration closes on April 16.
To learn more about WPS dual-language programs or to find enrollment forms, see the WPS website.
Wednesday, April 7 is National Walking Day
The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day. The day is sponsored by the American Heart Association and encourages people of all ages to get outside and get walking.
It’s suggested that people who can participate take a 30-minute walk today. For a list of nature trails in Worcester, click here.
And check out our list of hiking trails across the state.
Here is a map of some walking and hiking trails in Worcester’s parks:
Massachusetts Pirates and Resinate Announce Partnership
The Massachusetts Pirates and Resinate, the adult-use sale and medical marijuana cannabis dispensary on Millbury St. in Worcester, announced a partnership on Tuesday, April 6.
Resinate will be the presenting sponsor of the Pirates website and social media studio. It will also sponsor the official post-game party following all Pirates home games.
The two companies will also host five co-branded community service events.
BBB Warns on Online Tutor Scams
College and high school students who turn to online tutoring services, some designed to complete the assignment for you rather than teach, are finding themselves victims of a scam and extortion con.
Victims report paying a couple hundred dollars for assignments in math and technology classes but quickly receive demands for additional funds, often for “extra research.”
Asking for a refund quickly turns into threats to contact the victim’s school or teachers to report cheating.
Hiring someone online for tutoring, not cheating, can help a student in their studies. The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to hire a credible tutor:
Ask for referrals
Asking friends, family, and teachers if they have any recommendations. Some schools even offer Honor Society students as free or reduced-cost tutors, so asking at school is a great place to start.
Check references
You should ask the individual tutor or tutoring service for references, and then contact them. It’s best to speak to at least three references. Ask about their experience with the tutor and what sort of results they saw.
Decide availability and rates up front
While tutors may charge extra for additional sessions before a big test, this should all be discussed and negotiated upfront. Last minute surprises and demands are signs of a less-than-scrupulous business.
