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, October 4 – SNAP recipients can access online shopping at Shaw’s and Star Market, new COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics this week, the Auburn Fire Department is hiring, Worcester Public Schools seek SEPAC members and the average cost of gas drops in Massachusetts.
SNAP Recipients Can Access Online Grocery Ordering
Governor Charlie Baker’s office announced on Monday that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can now use their benefits for online purchase of groceries.
Shaw’s and Star Market are the latest retailers in the state to accept EBT SNAP online.
Other retailers include Amazon, BJs, Daily Table, Geissler’s Supermarket, Stop & Shop, and Walmart, as well as ALDI, Brothers Marketplace, Hannaford, McKinnon’s Supermarkets, Price Chopper, Price Rite Marketplace, Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms, and Wegmans via Instacart.
The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that Commonwealth residents who receive SNAP can now use their benefits to buy groceries online from @shaws and @Star_Mrkt, two supermarket chains based in Massachusetts.
🧺📱 Press Release➡️ https://t.co/Fsg7cqGzbT #ShopOnline pic.twitter.com/zdP9LeOKW6
— Mass. Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) (@DTA_Listens) October 3, 2022
COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Clinics This Week
The following locations are hosting COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics this week in Worcester.
- Wednesday, Oct. 5
- CENTRO Food Pantry – 17 Charlton Street, 9 AM to 1 PM
- Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, 11 AM to 7 PM
- Thursday, Oct. 6
- Mercantile Center, Front Street, 10 AM to 3 PM
- Friday, Oct. 7
- AIDS Project Worcester, 165 Southbridge Street, 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday, Oct. 8
- Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, noon to 5 PM.
Auburn Fire Department Hiring Firefighter/ Mechanic
The Auburn Fire Rescue Department is accepting cover letters and resumes to fill the position of Firefighter/Mechanic with a starting date of Jan. 1, 2023.
Minimum requirements include high school diploma or GED, non-smoker, valid driver’s license and EMT certification. The ideal candidate for the position is progressive in the fire, rescue and EMS field, is a graduate of the Massachusetts Fire Fighting Academy Career Recruit Training Program, Paramedic certification, has a strong mechanical background and possesses ASE, EVT or equivalent certifications. A candidate may be required to undertake further certifications to obtain detailed knowledge of diagnostic equipment, emergency vehicles and machinery in order to work as a mechanic.
Resumes will be reviewed until position is filled. Cover letter and resumes may be dropped off or mailed to;
Auburn Fire Rescue Headquarters
47 Auburn Street
Auburn, MA 01501
Attn: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
Worcester Schools Seek SEPAC Members
The Office of Special Education seeks parents and caretakers to join the Worcester Public Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). If you are interested in joining or learning 1nore about SEPAC, please contact the Office of Special Education at 508-799-3042 or 508-799-3065.
Join a virtual Wednesday, Oct. 5th from 6:00PM to 7:30PM, to learn more. Register here.
Massachusetts Gas Prices Continue to Fall
AAA Northeast reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price is down eight cents from last week, averaging $3.49 per gallon. That price is 46 cents lower than a month ago ($3.95) and 39 cents lower than on October 3, 2021 ($3.10).
Massachusetts’s average gas price is 30 cents lower than the national average.
“The regional differences in gas prices are stark at the moment, with prices here in the East still falling, prices on the West Coast hitting $6 a gallon and higher, while Texas and Gulf Coast states have prices dipping below $3 in some areas,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “At least six California refineries are undergoing maintenance, and there is limited pipeline supply to the West Coast from locations east of the Rockies. Reports have emerged that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies—including Russia—known as OPEC+ intend to announce collective oil production cuts at their next meeting on October 5 in Vienna. If OPEC+ reduces production, crude prices could rise this week.”
AAA Northeast’s October 3 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 7 cents higher than last week ($3.72), averaging $3.79 a gallon. Today’s national average price is the same as a month ago and 60 cents higher than this day last year ($3.19).
