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, May 11 – Amtrak restores 80% of its pre-pandemic schedule for summer, students can now apply for the Massachusetts student trooper program, Worcester receives the Age-Friendly designation from the AARP, a softball game at Vernon Hill Park will benefit a local school serving students with autism and the Thomas S. Green Public Service Award Winners are announced.
Amtrak Restores 80% of Pre-Pandemic Schedule
Amtrak unveiled its summer schedule featuring the most Acela frequencies since the onset of the pandemic and Northeast Regional departures nearing 80% of pre-pandemic service levels.
Daily service on the Lake Shore Limited with a stop at Union Station in Worcester will return on May 23.
The following will be available in the Northeast, effective immediately:
- 13 roundtrips per weekday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 9 roundtrips every Saturday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 14 roundtrips every Sunday between Washington, D.C. and New York City
- 8 roundtrips per weekday between Boston and New York City
- 8 roundtrips every Saturday between Boston and New York City
- 9 roundtrips every Sunday between Boston and New York City
- Keystone Service offers expanded service between Harrisburg and New York City12 roundtrips per weekday between Philadelphia and Harrisburg
- 10 roundtrips per weekday between Philadelphia and New York City, including a new early morning departure arriving in New York City by 7:15 AM
- Amtrak Hartford Line between New Haven and Springfield is fully restored with 7 roundtrips per weekday.
Student Trooper Program Application Opens
The application for the Mass. Student Trooper program is now available.
The Student Trooper Program is designed to give an opportunity to understand what jobs in law enforcement look like, what’s involved in our training, and to expose those interested to the everyday demands that a career in law enforcement entails.
The program is open to high school students ages 15-17 that are in good scholastic standing.
Learn more about the program and apply here.
Worcester Initiative Receives AARP Designation
City leaders will gather at the Worcester Senior Center on Wednesday to announce Worcester has received the Age-Friendly designation from the AARP.
AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is an interest group focusing on issues affecting those over the age of fifty.
The designation is the result of efforts by the Age Friendly Worcester Initiative is a group of community stakeholders from diverse backgrounds working together to make Worcester a vibrant, livable place for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Autism Awareness Softball Game
On Sunday, May 15, at 6:30 PM the Nashoba and St. Paul’s varsity softball teams compete in their annual softball game at Vernon Hill Park, at 150 Vernon Street in Worcester.
All proceeds will benefit Crossroads School in Marlboro, which serves children with autism.
Donations will be accepted leading up to the day of the game, collected by players and coaches. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Donations can be made by Venmo to @AutismAwarenessSoftballGame.
Immediately before the game, the Worcester Union and Wachusett Starts 10 and under teams will play at 4 PM. Donations will be collected during this game.
2022 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award Winners
The Worcester Regional Research Bureau announced it 2022 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award winners. The award recognizes efforts of individuals in public services.
The 2022 winners are:
- Joseph Carpenter, the Administration & Finance Department’s Head Customer Service Representative in the Treasurer & Collector’s Office in Worcester.
- Matthew Moison, Director of Golf for the Green Hill Municipal Golf Course as part of the Department of Public Works and Parks
-
Muaweya “Zack” Razzaq, Network Administrator for the Information Technology Department at the Worcester Public Schools
- Connor Robichaud, Regional Projects Coordinator and Principal Planner for the Regional Collaboration & Community Planning Department of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
- Cara Stone, Executive Assistant at the Worcester Public Library
