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, June 30 – details on how to register for VaxMillions are announced, the YWCA reveals the results of its year-long renovations, the DPW extends bulk-drop off hours and changes pricing structure, Movies on the Lot returns for two showings this summer in downtown Worcester and a Hanover Insurance survey finds consumers have serious blind spots on ensuring effective coverage.
Mass VaxMillions Registration Details
The Massachusetts State Lottery announced registration details for the Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway, which will begin on July 1. Massachusetts residents ages 12 and over, and fully vaccinated prior to each drawing, are eligible to enter the giveaway.
Residents ages 18 and over, and fully vaccinated prior to each drawing, can enter to win one of five, $1 million cash prizes.
Residents between 12-17 years of age, and fully vaccinated prior to each drawing may enter for the chance to win one of five $300,000 scholarship grants.
Eligible residents can enter the giveaway at VaxMillionsGiveaway.com. Residents who do not have access to the internet or require assistance can dial 211 during the following hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM-6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Live call center workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100 additional languages will be available through translators.
VaxMillions Giveaway Drawings are once a week for five weeks beginning Monday, July 26 and continuing every Monday through August 23. The first drawing for the giveaway will occur on Monday, July 26, with registration for that week’s drawing closing on Thursday, July 22. Winners will be announced later in the week following each drawing.
YWCA Completes Year-Long Renovations
YWCA Central Massachusetts announced the completion of a of its $24 million renovation of its Salem Square facility in Worcester with a ceremony on Wednesday, June 23. The ceremony included a tribute to YWCA executive director Linda Covaioli, who is retiring after 29 years, and a presentation of Worcester Key to the City by Mayor Joe Petty.
YWCA’s renovation project included signing the City of Worcester’s first Community Benefits Agreement. The agreement promised an all women led construction management team, living wage jobs with benefits, and an emphasis on diversity by employing union contractors, local women and people of color.
YWCA exceeded their targeted goals set in the CBA:
- 50% of all workers were Worcester residents
- 31% of all subcontractors and firms were located within 30 miles of Worcester
- 30% of all workers were people of color
- 9% of all workers were women
After a yearlong renovation, without one day of service lost, the building now features STEM-aware childcare learning and play areas, additional transitional housing space, secure mentoring spaces, updated heating and cooling systems, and improved security throughout the building.
The YWCA Central Massachusetts mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen our community.
Worcester DPW Announces Extended Hours, New Pricing for Bulk Drop-Off
The Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks [DPW] announced that starting on Thursday, July 1, hours for bulk-waste drop off will extend one day per week and the fee for each bulk waste item disposal will change.
Starting in July, the residential bulk waste drop-off site at 1065 Millbury St will now be open for appointments each Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 7 PM. The extended Wednesday hours also apply to leaf and yard waste drop-off.
The current availability for appointments ends at 2:30 PM.
Also starting July 1, the bulk waste drop-off site will charge a flat fee of $5 per item. Currently, the fee per item ranges from $3 to $12, depending on the item.
Residents must make an appointment to drop off items and provide a list of eligible items when scheduling.
Residents can schedule an appointment by calling (508) 929-1300 or visiting the DPW website.
Movies on the Lot Returns to Worcester Public Library
The Worcester Public Library announced that “Movies on the Lot” will have two screenings at the library’s McGrath Lot this summer.
Movies on the Lot screenings will take place on July 22 and August 26.
More details will be released in the near future.
Hanover Insurance Survey on Effective Consumer Insurance Knowledge
The Hanover Insurance Company commissioned a survey that analysed how the pandemic has changed Americans’ personal lives and whether they have made the adjustments necessary to maintain effective insurance protection.
The key findings from the survey:
- 68% of survey respondents did not know making changes to their homes and yards, such as adding pools or trampolines, or adding pets could mean changes need to be made to their homeowners insurance policies
- 77% of respondents were not aware homes above a certain price point may need special insurance coverages
- Three out of four individuals did not know umbrella insurance could help protect them from financial loss if they are sued
- Nearly seven in 10 were not aware their home’s market value (price to sell) was not the same as its replacement value (price to rebuild)
- 34% are unsure about what their policies cover
- Three in 10 feel they have insurance blind spots in their lives because they did not know what insurance coverages they need
Many consumers started a home improvement project during the pandemic. Some of the top projects cited, such as remodeling a kitchen or bath (29%), adding a work-from-home space (21%) or having a roof or siding replaced (15%), often can have direct insurance implications.
However, 63% of respondents said they were not aware home insurance policies may need to be reviewed and updated when renovations or updates are made to a property.
Image courtesy: YWCA of Central Massachusetts
