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 – Thursday, December 9 – the Worcester Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion is holding a public input session on civil service, Worcester Public Schools has open job opportunities, the first WooSox Winter Wonderland at Polar Park is this weekend, the Arthritis Foundation is hosting its 5k Jingle Bell Run on Sunday and save $500 on Niche Hospitality gift cards when you buy 15.
Worcester Seeks Public Input on Civil Service Process
Worcester’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion holds a public input session on Civil Service on Monday, December 13, at 5:30 PM.
The City seeks public input on whether the City should retain Massachusetts’ centralized Civil Service system for employing public employees.
Like many other municipalities, Worcester has long used the Commonwealth’s exam-based Civil Service system to hire, retain, and promote City employees
Worcester currently employs about 1,800 individuals in Civil Service jobs, which fall into two categories: non-public safety occupations, like DPW personnel and school cafeteria workers, and public safety occupations, police and fire included.
The D&I advisory committee is soliciting feedback and input from the community about whether the City should abandon the Civil Service process and comment on goals and priorities for hiring, retaining and promoting public employees.
To participate in the meeting
- Meeting link: Click here
- Meeting number (access code): 157 778 1567
- Meeting password: pNqfe6EHh57
- Join by phone: (415) 655-0001
Worcester Public Schools Open Transportation Positions
Worcester Public Schools [WPS] announced new job opportunities open within its transportation functions.
The currently available jobs are:
- Transportation Systems Coordinator (IT) – School Springs Job ID 3727249
- Transportation Personnel Supervisor (HR) – School Springs Job ID 3727253
- Transportation Safety Supervisor – School Springs Job ID 3727283
- Transportation Safety and Training Liaison – School Springs Job ID 3727267
Opportunities for Drivers and Monitors both 7D and CDL include:
- 7D Driver – School Spring Job ID 3707895
- Bus Driver Big Bus – School Spring Job ID 3737238
- Bus Driver Small Bus – School Spring Job ID 3737253
- Bus Monitor 10-Month – School Spring Job ID 3697671
For more information or to see other openings, visit the WPS website.
WooSox Winter Wonderland at Polar Park
The Worcester Red Sox host its first “WooSox Winter Wonderland” this Saturday, December 11, from 11 AM to 3 PM. The event is free and open to families and people of all ages.
The family-friendly event includes free hot cocoa, egg nog, chocolate chip cookies, and Table Talk Pies. Red Sox Alumni Sam Horn (from 11 AM to noon) and Lenny DiNardo (from 1 PM to 2 PM) will be on hand to meet fans, take pictures, and sign autographs.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be the guests of mascots Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog, all of whom will be on hand to take photos, sign autographs, and give free hugs.
The WooSox Baseball Store will be open for those seeking new, fresh merchandise for Christmas. Attendees will have the first opportunity to purchase WooSox ’22 “Tickets Under the Tree,” commemorative holiday ticket gifts that will be redeemable for 2022 home games after the New Year.
Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run 5k
The 2021 Jingle Bell Run for arthritis is bringing holiday cheer to Worcester on December 12. This year’s event has already raised $50,000, surpassing its original fundraising goal. As 200 people gather at Baystate Brewing Co. to join the movement to conquer arthritis, this annual, holiday-themed 5K run encourages participants to dress in festive costumes and get moving to raise awareness and funds to cure America’s #1 cause of disability.
The Jingle Bell Run takes place in more than 100 cities nationwide and benefits the more than 54 million Americans, including 300,000 children, living with arthritis every day.
To learn more and register for the event, visit the Central MA Jingle Bell Run website or contact the Arthritis Foundation at (857) 327-5688.
Save $500 Buying Niche Hospitality Gift Cards for the Holidays
From now until December 14, Niche Hospitality is having a gift card special and they’re calling it the best deal of the season.
Niche Hospitality gift cards can be used for dine-in, takeout, and delivery at Bocado Tapas Bar, The Fix Burger Bar, and Mezcal Cantina.
Here’s the special offer: purchase 15 $100 gift cards for only $1,000. That’s $500 in savings.
Gift cards can be mailed via USPS or are available for pickup at select Niche locations. Digital gift cards are always available along with traditional physical cards that can be purchased in-store at all of our restaurants.
