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, May 5 – Table Talk is handing out free pies to teachers, Abby’s House receives a $5,000 grant, Park Spirit and Clark University are hosting a presentation on Worcester’s East-West Trail, Massachusetts is ranked the best state for working moms and here’s an idea for Mother’s Day: take mom fishing.
Table Talk Recognizes Educators for Teacher Education Week
Table Talk Pies recognizes teachers during Teacher Education Week from May 4 through May 8.
All teachers can stop by The Pie Store for a free 4” snack pie.
The Pie Store is located at 153 Green St.. in Worcester and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Abby’s House Receives $5,000 Grant from People’s United
Abby’s House in Worcester received a grant from People’s United Community Foundation, the charitable arm of People’s United Bank, for $5,000.
Abby’s House provides overnight shelter, affordable housing, and wrap-around advocacy & support services for approximately 500 low-income women and their families throughout the year.
Abby‘s House also offers a full range of support services to women in need. Services range from including an onsite meals program, a food pantry, clothing vouchers to its thrift shop, to transportation to medical appointments, parenting support, financial assistance, and intensive case management.
Abby’s House is located at 52 High St. in Worcester.
Worcester East-West Trail Signage Presentation
Park Spirit of Worcester and Clark University’s Listening in Nature program celebrates the completion of 22 newly installed directional and informational signs and kiosks along Worcester’s 14-mile East-West Trail.
The presentation is on Thursday, May 6 at 5:30 PM, at Beaver Brook Park at Chandler St. The rain date for the event is May 13.
Signs and kiosks along the trail feature maps and colorful narratives highlighting the past and present of each green space and neighborhood through which the trail passes.
The event spotlights the research of Clark University History Professor Janette Greenwood and local historian Frank Morrill on the early 20th century settlement of people of color in the Beaver Brook Neighborhood.
A short hike along the East-West Trail from Beaver Brook Park to Hadwen Arboretum will follow the presentation. It will include a viewing along the Mann Street side of Beaver Brook Park of one of two East-West Trail POW! WOW! Worcester murals painted by artist Eamon Gillen.
Massachusetts Ranked the Best State for Working Moms
A new study by Wallethub.com named Massachusetts the best state for working moms.
The study looked at 17 key metrics and in three weighted categories to determine its rankings based on a 100 point scale. The study included all 50 states and the District of Columbia [Washington D.C.].
The assessment gave Massachusetts a score of 65.12, nearly five points ahead of Washington D.C., which ranked second. The top five best states for working moms were found to be:
- Massachusetts [65.12]
- Washington D.C. [60.63]
- Connecticut [60.28]
- Vermont [59.72]
- Minnesota [58.55]
Rhode Island ranked sixth [57.23), while New Hampshire 11th [50.96] and Maine finished 20th [46.8].
In the three main categories considered in the study, Massachusetts ranked:
- 1st – Work-Life Balance
- 2nd – Child Care
- 15th – Professional Opportunities
In the individual metrics within those categories, Massachusetts ranked:
- 1st – Parental-Leave Policy Score
- 4th – Gender Pay Gap (Women’s Earnings as percentage of Men’s)
- 6th – Avg. Length of Woman’s Work Week (in Hours)
- 8th – Pediatricians per Capita
- 11th – % of Single-Mom Families in Poverty
- 16th – Ratio of Female Executives to Male Executives
- 17th – Day-Care Quality
- 22nd – Median Women’s Salary (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
- 48th – Child-Care Costs (as a percentage of Median Women’s Income)
The states ranked worst in the study were:
- South Carolina [31.80]
- Mississippi [31.50]
- Idaho [30.06]
- Alabama [29.68]
- Louisiana [26.69]
Tips for a Mother’s Day Fishing Trip
To enjoy the warm weather on Mother’s Day, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife [MassWildLife] recommends a family fishing trip.
MassWildLife provides the following tips for having the best Mother’s Day fishing trip.
Pick a great location
For some peace and quiet this Mother’s Day, be sure to find a scenic spot.
To find fishing spots near you, check out MassWildlife’s Top Places to Fish for Beginners Map.
If you want to make a day of it, state parks are a good option and usually offer amenities like picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms.
Have the gear ready to go
Let mom relax in the morning and have the car all packed up the day before. Don’t forget important things like sunscreen, bug spray, and mom’s favorite snacks!
Click here for a list of suggested items you’ll need to get started fishing.
Purchase her fishing license
A fishing license can tuck it into a handmade card. This gift will keep on giving, as fishing licenses are valid through the end of the year.
Kids under 15 can fish for free without a license, and licenses are free for those 15–17. If you want to bring the grandparents along, seniors 70 and older are also eligible for free licenses. Get fishing licenses here.
Plan extra activities
Keep everyone entertained by including a nature walk in your plans and bringing along sand toys, binoculars, frisbees, playing cards, or whatever your family enjoys.
Prepare a meal
If someone in your family reels in a keeper, consider bringing it home to prepare a nice meal for mom. Click here for tips on cooking and preparing fish.
