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, August 16 – Assumption University is launching a new enrollment program for high school seniors, the Wonder Bar is hiring, the Worcester Now | Next team is hosting a webinar on Wednesday on the city’s economic opportunities and challenges, Friendly House youth program registrations are open and gas prices are down 10 cents this week in Massachusetts.
Assumption University Launching New Enrollment Program
Assumption University in Worcester is accepting a number of rising high school seniors before these students begin their final year of high school.
It’s what the school is calling the “Fast Track to the Pack.”
To date, 80 rising high school seniors are registered for the program. On Thursday, Aug. 18, students participating in the “Fast Track to the Pack” program will be interviewed by school admission officers and by the end of the day many will have an acceptance letter in hand.
“We’re attempting to remove a lot of the bureaucracy and student and parent stress from the admissions process,” said Bill Boffi, Assumption’s new VP of enrollment engagement. “Our approach has much more of a human touch.”
Here’s how “Fast Track to the Pack” works:
- interested rising high school seniors register for the “Fast Track to the Pack” program.
- students were required to submit a Common Application and all supported documents by Saturday, August 13.
- essays and referrals are not required as professors and admission staff will be meeting students in-person on Aug. 18.
- throughout the course of the day; students will learn more about what Assumption offers, will meet with a counselor for an admission interview, can explore the campus, meet other future “Hounds” and for fun, experience some of the city’s favorite food trucks that will be onsite.
While students may be accepted by Assumption before they begin their final year of high school, students are not required to accept the invitation until May 1, 2023.
Need a Job? The Wonder Bar is Hiring
The Wonder Bar on Shrewsbury Street is looking for a part-time server and bartender to work on Friday and Saturday.
The restaurant is looking for a seasoned bartender with experience in a high volume restaurant that has knowledge of cocktails.
The ideal candidate must be TIPS certified, punctual, have a personality, be reliable, open to a flexible schedule and have a neat appearance.
For more information, click here or see below:
Worcester Now | Next Hosting Webinar Wednesday on City’s Economic Opportunities, Challenges
The Worcester Now | Next team is hosting a webinar on Wednesday on the city’s economic opportunities and challenges.
Worcester Now | Next is working to create a long range roadmap for the future development and evolution of the city. The 18 month-long process will conclude in May 2023.
Wednesday’s Economic Opportunity group will also explore issues related to the city’s economic goals, and provide feedback on economic development draft recommendations. Discussion topics will include job creation, small business, role in the regional economy, economic development strategies for equity and resilience, land use and zoning policy and more.
To register for Wednesday’s webinar, click here. The meeting is open to the public, with public comment during designated public comment periods. The virtual meeting will take place at 8 AM.
Friendly House Youth Program Registrations are Open
The Friendly House Youth Department is now accepting registrations for their youth hoops program, teen program and afterschool program.
To register, click on the links below:
- Teens: https://forms.gle/xYykcwynhJFX3ivJ6
- After School: https://forms.gle/hK6CfrZT7zhqJ3hf6
- Youth Hoops: https://forms.gle/MF2FXoVwYvLGPzXS9
Gas Prices Down 10 Cents this Week in Massachusetts
AAA Northeast reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price is down 10 cents from last week, averaging $4.27 per gallon. That price is 40 cents lower than a month ago and $1.22 higher than on August 15, 2021 .
Massachusetts’s average gas price is 32 cents higher than the national average.
“Falling pump prices may eventually lead to more drivers hitting the road again,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “But that hasn’t happened yet. Instead, many drivers are waiting for prices to fall further before reverting to their typical driving habits.”
Comparison to neighboring states, according to AAA Northeast:
| Region | Current Price* | One Week Ago | One Month Ago | One Year Ago | |||||
| Massachusetts | $4.27 | $4.37 | $4.67 | $3.05 | |||||
| Rhode Island | $4.19 | $4.29 | $4.64 | $3.06 | |||||
| Connecticut | $4.11 | $4.22 | $4.55 | $3.18 |
