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 – Monday, June 13 – changes are coming to the city’s parking pay stations app, there’s a master plan meeting tonight for proposed improvements at Blithewood Park, the Department of Public Health has released updated guidance on masks, the Human Rights Commission has its annual meeting with the Worcester Police Department tonight and McDonald’s is hiring over 4,200 people in Massachusetts.
Changes Coming to City’s Parking Pay Station App
Effective Sept. 1, 2022, people parking in Worcester will no longer be able to use the ParkBoston app on their smartphones to pay for parking.
ParkBoston has changed vendors and that means people will no longer be able to use it as a means of paying for parking in Worcester. Parkers will need to download the Passport app for all mobile-based parking transactions.
According to the City of Worcester, roughly 30% of all pay-by-phone transactions use the ParkBoston app to pay for parking in Worcester. Parkers will receive an in-app notification of the change and instructions to download Passport’s parking app.
All promotional materials and signage deployed in Worcester directs users to utilize the Passport app. The City will continue to monitor usage throughout the summer to confirm that users are decreasing their use of the ParkBoston app before Sept. 1.
To download the Passport app, click here.
Meeting Tonight for Proposed Improvements at Blithewood Park
The second public meeting for a master plan process for improvements at Blithewood Park is Monday at 6 PM.
The meeting will take place at the Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center at 414 Massasoit Road. There will be a presentation of the park’s existing conditions, its uses and history. The presentation will be followed by an open public discussion and comment period to gather information to help develop a master plan for the park.
The city has hired Ray Dunetz Landscape Architects to develop the master plan for the park. Dunetz constructed the new parking lot at Blithewood Park and is currently working on improvements at Hope Cemetery.
DPH Releases Updated Guidance on Mask Wearing
The state’s Department of Public Health released updated guidance on Friday regarding the use of masks and face coverings.
With over 84% of eligible residents fully vaccinated and over half of adults boosted, and in light of recent improvements in COVID-19 indicators, effective July 1, 2022, the new guidance advises that masks indoors are optional for most individuals, regardless of vaccination status.
“To protect friends and family members, residents are reminded that getting a vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19,” said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “Based on our nation-leading vaccination efforts, DPH now recommends that Massachusetts residents have the option to make a personal choice about wearing a mask or face covering in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.”
All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing masks or face coverings in certain settings, including in health care facilities. Visit www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings remain required.
Human Rights Commission Hosts Annual Meeting with WPD
Worcester’s Human Rights Commission meets tonight at 6 PM for the first part of its annual meeting with the Worcester Police Department.
The WPD will present annual hate crime statistics, the Bureau of Professional Standards report, and the annual report on WPD Diversity Officers recruitment, outreach and intiatives.
The meeting will be held virtually. To join the meeting, click here. Use meeting number: 2311 007 3698 and password: C6GputMFp79.
The second part of the Human Rights Commission meeting with the WPD will be held on July 11.
McDonald’s in Mass. is Looking to Hire 4,250 People
Local McDonald’s restaurants in Massachusetts are inviting approximately 4,520 job seekers to apply to a local McDonald’s restaurant this summer.
McDonald’s is hiring for both part-time and full-time positions at all experience levels.
“Our crew members are the most integral part of our business, and the skills they learn at our restaurants – like teamwork, accountability, and problem solving – are invaluable,” said Timothy McCoy, McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “As local business owners, we strive to build an environment that both empowers and creates growth opportunities for our employees to help them achieve their professional dreams.”
McDonald’s locations in New England are offering several new benefits, including training, development and career advancements, paid time off, emergency backup elder care and childcare, competitive pay, discounted meals and bonus programs.
Job seekers can visit jobs.mchire.com to learn more and apply to a restaurant near them, or text ‘apply’ to 38000 to start an application via text.
