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, July 20 – you can now text 911 in an emergency if you can’t call, Auburn opens cooling centers through Saturday, Assumption University announces a new dean of its business school, the Massachusetts Pirates play its first playoff game of the season this Friday and visit the second week of Arts in the Garden on Thursday.
Text 911 When Unable to Talk During an Emergency
Earlier this month, Worcester Emergency Management started a Summer Learning Series on social media, posting a new video discussing the city’s 9-1-1 Center and how 9-1-1 emergency calls work.
Check out the below with a reminder that residents can text to 911 which allows residents to send SMS messages to 911 dispatchers.
The system only accepts SMS text, so do not send pictures, videos or emojis. Call if you can, text if you can’t.
Auburn Opens Cooling Centers through Saturday
With temperatures predicted to be over 90 degrees for the next few days, the Town of Auburn will be opening a Cooling Center at the Senior Center at 4 Goddard Drive for any resident who needs a place to escape the heat and stay cool.
The Cooling Center will be open:
- Wednesday, July 20 8 AM – 4 PM
- Thursday, July 21 8 AM – 4 PM
- Friday, July 28 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday, July 23 Noon – 4 PM
Please enter the Senior Center through the front entrance using the door on the right.
All residents are urged to take precautions during this extreme heat. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity and avoid strenuous activity. The elderly, young children and those with breathing problems are especially susceptible to extreme heat.
Do not leave pets outside for extended periods or in closed vehicles and make sure that pets have plenty of drinking water.
For more information, call the Auburn Senior Center at 508-832-7799.
Assumption University Announces New Dean of the Grenon School of Business
Assumption University today announced the appointment of Patrick Cullen, Ph.D., as the new dean of the Grenon School of Business. Dr. Cullen succeeds Joseph Foley, CPA, CGMA, MBA — the founding dean of the Grenon School of Business who has retired after 43 years of service to the University.
Cullen joins Assumption following more than 10 years in leadership positions with AACSB International, culminating in the role of vice president, Strategy and Innovation. During his career at AACSB — a global, non-profit membership organization of educational institutions, businesses, and other entities devoted to the advancement of business education — Dr. Cullen’s primary responsibilities included strategic planning, accreditation, thought leadership, new product development and research that contributed to the 2020 business accreditation standards.
Cullen earned a B.A. in American Studies at the University of Nottingham, UK. He then completed a Ed.M. in Higher Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also has a Ph.D. in Management from the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, UK.
Mass. Pirates Playoffs Begin this Weekend
The IFL champion Massachusetts Pirates begins its playoff run to repeat on Friday at the DCU Center with a 7:05 PM kickoff.
The Pirates finished the regular season as the second seeded playoff team with 11 wins and five losses. The Steamwheelers are the third seeded team with a nine win, seven loss season. The two teams have met only once previously, which led to a Pirates win.
Visit the Pirates website for tickets and more information.
Visit the Second Week of Arts in the Garden on Thursday
The Indian Lake Community Association is hosting Arts in the Garden in partnership with the Worcester County Poetry Association.
The six-week family-friendly summer series of poetry and live music started on July 6Â and runs on the next five Thursdays: July 21, August 4, August 18, Sept. 1 and Sept. 15. Performances take place from 6:30 PM to 8 PM.
Arts in the Garden is being held in the garden across from 3 West Boylston Dr. in Worcester. Guests are asked to bring a chair or blanket. Food and drink are welcome.
On Thursday, July 21, performing artists are Lex Thomas and Lydia and Phil.
The garden is across from 3 West Boylston Drive.
Lead image: Worcester Emergency Management Center/Patrick Sargent for ThisWeekinWorcester.com
