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 – Wednesday, December 22 – today is the last day of the season for Worcester residential yard and bulk waste drop-off, essential workers can get a free cookie at Insomnia Cookies through January 2, six Worcester County communities receive state grants for technology infrastructure, the Worcester Cultural Coalition is hiring for its Create 508 program, and 12 new corrections officers graduate the academy.
Last Day for Worcester Residential Yard & Bulk Waste
The Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks Residential Drop-off Center at 1065 Millbury Street will operate for the last day of the season today — Wednesday, December 22 — from 8:30 AM to 4 PM.
The drop-off sites on Chandler Street and Clark Street are closed on Wednesday.
And as a reminder, trash and recycling pickup in Worcester operates on a regular schedule through the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Free Cookies for Essential Workers
Essential workers can get a free cookie, with no purchase necessary, or a free cookie six-pack with any $5 purchase, at Insomnia Cookies through Sunday, January 2.
Essential workers including all healthcare workers, first responders, Civic Employees, UPS/FedEx/USPS/Amazon Delivery Drivers must be in uniform or show any form of ID to redeem.
Insomnia Cookies, at 1 Kelley Square in Worcester, hours are:
- Sunday: Noon to 1 AM
- Monday through Saturday: 11 AM to 1 AM.
- Friday December 24: 11 AM to 6 PM
- Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25: Closed
Six Worcester County Communities Receive State Technology Grants
The Massachusetts Community Compact Cabinet Information Technology grant program issued grants to over 70 municipalities for a total of $3.5 million on Tuesday, including six in Worcester County.
The Community Compact Cabinet Information Technology program helps Massachusetts communities become more efficient and innovative while improving their technology infrastructure. It has issued 749 grants for $19.2 million since its inception in January 2015.
The six Worcester County communities receive grants in this round are:
- Auburn: $60,000 – Improve disaster recovery and cybersecurity capabilities
- Harvard: $29,124 – Improve disaster recovery and cybersecurity capabilities
- Leicester: $25,000 – Implementation of a cloud-based software for EMTs and Paramedics
- Oxford: $47,588 – CAD system enhancement
- West Brookfield: $47,000 – Improve disaster recovery and cybersecurity capabilities
- Westminster: $1,400 – Utilization of a water billing system
Worcester Cultural Coalition is Hiring
The Worcester Cultural Coalition is hiring for its Create 508 program. The six-month youth development and employment program supports youth leaders in driving Worcester’s culture and community, while simultaneously learning the business side of art.
The program is hiring a program coordinator (see description, .pdf, apply here) with compensation of $25 per hour for one to four hours per week for 26 weeks from January to June and for 40 hours per week for eight weeks in July and August.
The program is also hiring youth leaders between 16 and 21 years of age. Compensation is $14.50 per hour and the position runs from January to June. Fill out the interest form here.
12 New Corrections Officers Graduate from Academy
Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis announced the graduation of twelve corrections officers, including four from Worcester, from the 56th Basic Recruit Training Academy on December 3 at Anna Maria College.
The four graduates from Worcester are Talib Barksdale, Edward Boamah, Alphonse Caruso, and Davon Jones.
“Our new officers have just completed 12 weeks of rigorous training, and are now among the best and brightest in corrections today,” stated Worcester County Sheriff, Lew Evangelidis. “Each has demonstrated great strength and resolve, as they persevered through the pandemic, and will now continue our mission to serve, protect, and create a better, more safe community for all.”
Lead image courtesy: Insomnia Cookies/Facebook
