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, May 5 – four questions may appear on the November ballot in Massachusetts, Abby’s House fundraiser starts today, the Green Worcester Plan receives recognition, Holden Food Truck Fridays launches in June and free food distribution in Great Brook Valley.
Four Potential Questions on 2022 Ballot
Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin announced there may be up to four questions on the 2022 ballot in Massachusetts.
Galvin’s office sent four proposed ballot initiatives to the state legislature in January. Since the legislature did not enact the proposals, petitioners will now have an opportunity to gather an additional 13,374 signatures to place their questions on the November ballot. In order for a question to be certified for the November ballot, petitioners will need to submit their additional signatures to Secretary Galvin’s office by July 6.
The potential ballot questions include:
- A proposal to expand availability of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages;
- Changes to the regulation of dental insurance
- Two separate proposals regarding classification and alternative benefits for rideshare and delivery drivers. Only one version is expected to appear on the November ballot.
Questions certified to appear on the 2022 ballot will be listed on the ballot below a proposed constitutional amendment regarding an additional tax on income over one million dollars. The proposed constitutional amendment, which will be listed as Question #1 on the ballot, has been passed by the legislature and must be approved by the voters in order to be ratified.
Abby’s House Fundraiser Starts Today
Each day, countless women come through the doors of Abby’s House looking for safe shelter, supportive housing, and advocacy services that help them move from homelessness to independent housing.
Abby’s House has a nine-bed, overnight shelter and three properties of supportive housing consisting of seventy-two single-room occupancy units and seven two-bedroom apartments. The organization does not receive government funding for its programs, but rather relies on contributions from grants, businesses, individuals, income generated by rent and the Thrift Shop, and from two major fundraising events: the annual Abby’s House 5K Run/Walk in the fall and Spring-Tacular celebration.
This year’s 9th annual Spring-Tacular, Lighting the Way Home, will take place virtually from May 5 – 12, 2022. Individuals can help Abby’s House reach its $150,000 fundraising goal by making a gift, bidding in the online auction, and tuning in to a special program live streamed on the organization’s Facebook page on Thursday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m.
The program will feature inspiring messages from Executive Director, Stephanie Page and former Abby’s House resident, Tyrenna Gaines. Tyrenna’s story embodies what many women experience each day at Abby’s House.
For more information on this year’s Spring-Tacular celebration and online auction, visit the Abby’s House website.
Green Worcester Plan Receives Recognition
The Sustainable Communities Division of the American Planning Association announced the Green Worcester Sustainability and Resilience Strategic Plan has received the organization’s Community-wide Award.
According to the city, the Green Worcester Plan calls for the city to be one of the most sustainable and climate resilient mid-sized cities in America by 2050.
Food Truck Fridays in Holden this Summer
Holden Recreation announced it will host Food Truck Friday’s this summer from 4 PM to 7 PM at Dawson Recreational Pool starting June 24 through August 19.
Expected vendors include Flippin the Bird BBQ, Travelin’ Bones Barbecue, Big T’s Jerky House and BBQ Catering, Potato Potato, Birds Nest Italian Street Food, and Chic-fil-A Worcester.
Free Food Distribution in Great Brook Valley
Kennedy Community Health will distribute free food bags, provided courtesy of the Regional Environmental Council, and meal boxes, courtesy of EatWell.
Distribution begins at 3 PM on Friday, May 6. Information about SNAP, HIP and other food resources will be available.
The WHA is partnering with Project Bread, @KennedyCHC and @RECWorcester for the FREE food bag distribution in Great Brook Valley. Check out flyers for more information! 🛍️🥫✨#WHA #worcesterhousing #worcesterma #programs #foodsecurity pic.twitter.com/hAgid1d5MK
— The Worcester Housing Authority (@WHAuthority) May 4, 2022
