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5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester – November 9

By Tom Marino | November 9, 2022
Last Updated: November 8, 2022

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, November 9 – Worcester Research Bureau releases brief on Inclusionary Zoning, register for a workshop on addiction during the Safe School Summitt, Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts receive a grant for nearly $18,000, the Jean McDonough Arts Center is hiring and a Toys for Tots Toy Drive and Holiday Market announced at the Mercantile Center.

Worcester Research Bureau Brief: Inclusionary Zoning

The Worcester Research Bureau has released its newest research brief: Inclusionary Zoning.

The Worcester Planning Board is meeting on Nov. 9 at 5:30 PM. That meeting will include a hearing on the City’s proposal for Inclusionary Zoning.

The inclusionary zoning policy proposed for Worcester, if adopted, would require that developers set aside a certain percentage of their otherwise market-rate dwelling units for those households earning under a certain threshold of income.

Nearly 58% of occupied housing units in Worcester are renter-occupied. According to the Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey, just over half of renter-occupied units in Worcester are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their monthly household income on housing costs.

The Research Bureau’s brief explains the proposed policy, outlines provides context from other communities, and explores the issue of housing affordability in Worcester. find it here.

Workshop on Addiction through a Child’s Eyes During Safe School Summit

The Worcester County District Attorney hosts a webinar,”Through A Child’s Eyes: Understanding Addiction and Recovery,” as part of the 14th Annual Safe School Summit on Dec. 1 at 10 AM.

The speaker for the workshop is Jerry Moe, who worked in the treatment field with kids and families for over four decades until retiring as the National Director of Children’s Programs at the Betty Ford Center.

Registration is required to attend. Register here.

Local Girl Scouts Receive Grant fromUnited Way

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) announced that it received a $17,975 partnership grant from the United Way of Central Massachusetts, North Central Massachusetts, and South Central Massachusetts in support of “It’s a Girls World,” a community-based program which allows GSCWM to host girls locally in each United Way service area at no cost to participants and families.

The community-based program model was designed to offer Girl Scout programming where the troop model is not always feasible. GSCWM partners with local schools, other youth-serving organizations, and community housing authorities, to host these programs to mitigate barriers such as transportation and cost, as the programs are always free to participants.

The JMAC is Hiring Manager for Worcester PopUp

The Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is hiring a manager for the Worcester PopUp. The Pop Up offers a place for local artists, organizations, and creatives to develop a variety of events ranging from art shows and open mics to yoga classes and lessons in drag. Use of the PopUp is fully subsidized, and events are offered free and open to the public.

The PopUp Manager works closely with the PopUp Managing Director on all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the PopUp Gallery at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), including coordination with presenters and management of events. The PopUp Manager will report directly to the PopUp Managing Director.

The position require skills in presenter coordination/ management, venue management and marketing and platform management. Compensation is listed between $19 and $21.50 per hour.

See the full position description and apply here.

Toys for Tots Toy Drive and Holiday Market

The Kindness Coalition of Massachusetts will hold a toy drive and holiday market on Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 4 PM at the Mercantile Center at 101 Front St. in Worcester.

Attendees are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys for children in need.

Opportunities to visit with Santa and his elves and shopping local vendors will also be available.

The event is free and in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. All proceeds will go to the Worcester County Toys for Tots.

November 9, 2022

For more information about Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts visit www.gscwm.org, email [email protected] or call (508) 365-0115.

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