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5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester- January 21

By Tom Marino | January 21, 2022
Last Updated: January 21, 2022

Bn 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, January 21 – the JMAC is hiring, Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis announces priorities for 2022, QCC offers a full-time police academy, Massachusetts Pirates announce home game themes for 2022 season, and LIFT Fitness offers workout session to benefit the Herren Project.

Jean McDonough Arts Center is Hiring

The Jean McDonough Arts Center [JMAC], an initiative of the Worcester Worcester Cultural Coalition, is hiring.

The JMAC includes the Brickbox Theater, a partnership with the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

JMAC is hiring for one full-time position, and a contract position.

Manager for the Brickbox Theater

The individual will work closely with the BrickBox Managing Director on all aspects of daily BrickBox operations, including coordination with visiting presenters, management of events and outreach to BIPOC and under-invested creative presenters.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Marketing Consultant

An individual or an agency to provide guidance, support, execution, and reporting on the marketing efforts of the WCC and the JMAC. Applications due by Wednesday, February 2, at 10 AM. This contract position is funded through June 30, 2022.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Sheriff Evangelidis Lists Priorities for 2022

The office of Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis released a statement on Thursday, January 20, outlining priorities of the Sheriff’s Department in 2022.

Physical and Mental Health of the Inmate Population

Evangelidis cited continuing the work within the 24 million onsite medical facility at the Worcester County Correctional Facility that opened in June 2021. The facility enables comprehensive treatment for detoxification, dental work, mental health, substance-use, co-occurring disorders and other medical concerns.

Expansion of Inmate Education Programs

One example is a 12-week culinary program in partnership with Quinsigamond Community College. The course provides 180 hours of hands-on training and certificates in allergy awareness, food equipment, and ServSafe.

Reintroduce the Inmate Community Service Program

The program tripled in size since 2011, and provided more than $8 million in taxpayer savings by providing cost-free labor by minimum-security inmates convicted of a non-violent, non-firearms offenses, and have an exemplary record while incarcerated. The program was shut down due to the pandemic.

QCC Offers Full-Time Police Academy

Quinsigamond Community College [QCC] is the only Massachusetts community college running its own full-time police academy held on nights and weekends.

QCC will be hosting upcoming information sessions at QCC’s main campus, 670 West Boylston Street, Surprenant Hall (Room 120S) Worcester, with additional sessions added continuously.

The currently scheduled sessions are:

  • Monday, February 28, 2022 at 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 5:00 PM

For more information, visit www.QCC.edu/police-academy, or email the QCC Police Academy at [email protected]. For more information about QCC, contact Karen Hutner, Interim Director of Institutional Communications at 508.854.2842 or [email protected]

Mass Pirates Announce Themed Home Game Events

The Massachusetts Pirates announced their themes for home games in the upcoming season as they defend their IFL championship from 2021.

Saturday, March 12: Opening Night and unfurling of the championship banner

Sunday, April 3: College Day, those with a student ID get tickets in designated section as buy one get one free.

Saturday, April 23: Scouts night where Boys and Girl Scouts receive a special patch from the Pirates.

Sunday, May 1: Cancer Awareness Day will honor cancer patients and survivors from across the New England area

Saturday, May 21: City of Champions Night when champions from around Massachusetts invited to share their stories and come together as “Title Town.” Also Fan Appreciation Night and Trade Workers Night

Saturday, May 28: Military Appreciation Day when those with a Military ID  get buy one get one.

Saturday, June 1: Youth Sports Night highlighting where youth sports teams in attendance will have the chance to experience special in-game experiences and recognition. The Pirates will also celebrate the City of Worcester’s 300th birthday.

LIFT Fitness Hosting Strength Training Sessions for Herren Project

LIT Fitness, at 1406 Main Street in Holden, hosts TeamPOWER, a one-hour strength training that combines a full-body workout using adjustable barbell, weight plates, and body weight exercises.

On Saturday, January 22, with classes at 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM and 10 AM, LIFT Fitness provides the one-hour course for a donation of $10. If you bring a friend and they join before February 1, LIFT will donate another $50.

The events benefit Herren Project, a national nonprofit providing free resources and support for the treatment, recovery, and prevention of substance use disorder.

To reserve your spot, send a text message to Jennifer at (508) 543-6300.

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