twiw-horizontal-trans-150h
Is there a story you think we should be covering? Have a tip on something we should look at?
Contact Us

5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester – September 13

By TWIW Staff | September 13, 2022
Last Updated: October 14, 2022

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, September 13 – JMAC is hosting “Bouncy House Time Machine” starting Sept. 14, next week is WooSox Fan Appreciation Week, the Worcester Chamber Music Society is hosting a Sunday concert, gas prices are down 12 cents this week and enter to win a game-worn Massachusetts Pirates jersey.

JMAC Hosting ‘Bouncy House Time Machine’ Starting Wednesday

The Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) will be hosting “Bouncy House Time Machine” starting Wednesday Sept. 14 until Oct. 6.

The exhibit will feature over 40 artists from all over the world.

This project will be, “…something wonderful for the people of Worcester and, I believe, will inspire others to cultivate and manifest their own creative projects,” Hank von Hellion, PopUp Managing Director and featured artist, said.

An opening reception for the event is Sept. 15 from 6 PM to 10 PM. The reception will feature art, balloons and an adult-friendly indoor bouncy house, as well sweets from Moeshmallows, a cash bar, photography by Glo Photographs, and throwback music by Galaxy Brothers.

Doménica Dillon, curator and PopUp Manager, said the goal of Bouncy House Time Machine is to “transform the PopUp into a happy place for one’s inner child” and encourage adults to “view life and art with cheer, innocence, and wide-eyed curiosity.”

For PopUp gallery hours or to contact staff with inquiries, visit the JMAC’s website and online calendar here.

WooSox Fan Appreciation Week Starts Sept. 20

The second season for the Worcester Red Sox at Polar Park will end with a celebration for the fans.

“Fan Appreciation Week” starts Tuesday, Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 25, against the Syracuse Mets (Triple-A, New York Mets).

“We make these gestures as a small symbol of gratitude to the fans who have supported us so loyally and so enthusiastically this season,” said Red Sox Hall of Famer Larry Lucchino, the Chairman and Principal Owner of the WooSox.  “We also seek new ideas, suggestions, and areas for improvement as we plunge into planning for WooSox ’23.  We want to make Polar Park and the fan experience even better.”

Here’s the Fan Appreciation Week schedule:

Tuesday, Sept. 20 –

  • the inaugural “LobsterFest,” featuring lobster rolls available on the main concourse for the first time
  • final game of the season as “Los Wepas de Worcester”
  • last “Take Two Tuesday” of the season – fans will receive two free photo retrospectives

Wednesday, Sept. 21 –

  • bobbleheads featuring Smiley Ball will be given to the first 5,000 fans attending

Thursday, Sept. 22 –

  • the final “WooU College Night” offering the “Student 2-3-4″ deal, when college students can enjoy French Fries for just $2, hot dogs for $3, and burgers for $4
  • the club will celebrate “Greek Night,” giving fans a preview of “Heritage Nights,” a new, recurring theme coming to Polar Park in WooSox ’23

Friday, Sept. 23

  • fireworks following the game

Saturday, Sept. 24

  • the WooSox will debut “On-Field Photo Day” from 2 PM to 2:45 PM, when fans can line the warning track, cell phones in hand, as players interact as they circle the outfield grass
  • after the 4:05 PM game, families can enjoy a “Sunset Catch on the Field”

Sunday, Sept. 25

  • fans to come down on the field from 11–11:45 a.m. and receive autographs from the players, who will be seated at tables around the warning track
  • fans will receive a 2022 WooSox Team Photo that they can use for player autographs
  • after the game, players will autograph soft baseballs to toss into the stands, and lucky fans selected during the game will return to the field as players give them “the shirts off their backs” in appreciation for the support this season.
  • fans can “Run the Bases” after the game and then play catch into the night on the outfield grass.
  • the WooSox will also commemorate their new “Town Takeovers” program Sunday by presenting the winning town of Auburn with a coveted trophy and championship banner.  Of nearly 20 towns, Auburn produced the highest turnout with 546 fans at “Auburn Night” Wednesday, June 15.

Full details about “Fan Appreciation Week” are on display at WooSox.com.

Worcester Chamber Music Society Hosting Concert this Sunday

On Sunday, Sept. 18, the Worcester Chamber Music Society is hosting “Consider the Source” at Mechanics Hall in downtown Worcester.

The concert will start at 4 PM and feature the following artists and musicians:

  • Chinary Ung Child Song
  • Jessie Montgomery Source Code
  • Judith Weir Three Chorales for cello and piano
  • Antonín Dvořák String Sextet, Op.48

According to WCMS, “Whether drawing inspiration from the Civil Rights movement, or with gestures to religious poetry and folk songs, each piece on this program reveals its source before transforming it into something entirely new and fresh.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Gas Prices Drop 12 Cents this Week in Massachusetts

AAA Northeast reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.

The average gas price in Massachusetts is down 12 cents from last week, averaging $3.80 per gallon. This week’s price is 50 cents lower than a month ago ($4.30), and 72 cents higher than Sept. 12, 2021 ($3.08).

Massachusetts’ average gas price is 9 cents higher than the national average.

The national average price for a gallon of gas fell seven cents in the past week to reach $3.71, a level not seen since the beginning of March. The primary reason for this decline is the recent lower cost for oil.

“Less expensive oil usually leads to less expensive gas for drivers,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “This trend has helped pump prices fall steadily for three straight months and, with fall approaching, more markets could soon see prices drop toward or below $3 per gallon.”

The national average price is 26 cents lower than a month ago ($3.97), and 54 cents higher than this week last year ($3.17).

Enter to Win a Game-Worn Massachusetts Pirates Jersey

The Massachusetts Pirates, the professional indoor football team that plays its home games at the DCU Center in downtown Worcester, is having a contest to win a game-worn jersey.

To enter, fill out the short contest form here.

Follow us on The016.com, the social network for Worcester and you!