[Now that things are progressing to a “new normal” and more non-COVID-19 news, events and “need to know” information becomes available, we will continue this feature five days a week.]
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 – Monday, June 8 – 18 restaurants will appear before the License Commission for temporary outdoor dining permits on Tuesday, there’s no more left turn at Kelley Square I-290 exit starting today, Simon Says Give is filling 500 backpacks for Worcester school kids, a pet boutique is opening up at the Worcester Public Market and a 98-year-old COVID-19 survivor is truly a hero among us.
Starting Today: Kelley Sq. I-290 Exit will be Right-Turn Only
Beginning today — Monday, June 8 — the left-hand turn from I-290 Westbound off-ramp at Exit 13 for Vernon St. and Kelley Square will be permanently eliminated.
All drivers will be forced to take a right-hand turn and enter the new peanut-shaped roundabout to travel up Vernon Street towards Vernon Hill.
According to MassDOT, this will help facilitate the flow of traffic towards and into the roundabout.
18 Restaurants to Appear Before License Commission for Outdoor Dining
The City of Worcester License Commission will meet in its first special session on Tuesday, June 9th. The Commission will hear from 18 restaurants applying to expand operations for outdoor and sidewalk dining.
As ThisWeekInWorcester.com previously reported, an Executive Order issued by City Manager Ed Augustus waived fees for both the outdoor dining and sidewalk obstruction permits.
The applicants scheduled to be heard from for outdoor dining permits include:
- Herbie’s, 1028 Southbridge Street
- Brown Square Civic Club, 639 Franklin Street
- Lou Roc’s Diner, 1074 West Boylston Street
- 99 Restaurant, 50 Southwest Cutoff
- 99 Restaurant, 900 West Boylston Street
- Peppercorns Grille, 455 Park Avenue
- Sole Proprietor, 118 Highland Street
- 111 Chop House, 111 Shrewsbury Street
- 99 Restaurant, 11 East Central Street
- O’Connor’s, 1160 West Boylston Street
- Volturno, 78 Shrewsbury Street
- Wan Wang Bistro, 401 Park Avenue
- Island Fin Poke, 287 Grove Street (aka 41-42 Park Avenue)
Restaurants applying for both outdoor dining and sidewalk obstruction permits include:
- Lock 50, 50 Water Street
- Russo’s Restaurant, 65 Water Street
- Kenichi Bistro, 270 Shrewsbury Street
- Brew City, 102 Shrewsbury Street
- Worcester Beer Garden, 64-66 Franklin Street
Dog Supply Boutique to Open at Worcester Public Market this Month
Dog owners rejoice. Crate & Howl — a dog supply boutique — will be opening up in the Worcester Public Market this month.
The boutique will carry collars, toys, treats, and even dog raincoats.
Sign-up at their website for launch info.
Simon Says Give Filling 500 Backpacks for Worcester School Students
Local nonprofit, Simon Says Give – Worcester, is filling 500 backpacks and giving them to Worcester Public Schools students.
On Monday and Tuesday, 17-year-old Simon Eber and his parents — Amy Richter and Jim Eber — will be delivering 300 backpacks filled with much-needed school supplies to Elm Park, Woodland Academy, Columbus Park, Lincoln Street, and Goddard Academy.
The family will drop-off the remaining 200 backpacks at a later date.
98-Year-Old Woman Named a Healthcare Hero
Worcester Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh has named a healthcare hero on a daily basis throughout the COVID-19 epidemic. Many of those he’s named have been colleagues who have made a different in against the virus in Worcester.
Late last week, Dr. Hirsh designated the honor to a patient, Patricia “Bunny” Perron. The 98-year-old woman had just been released after surviving her battle with COVID-19.
Perron was cared for at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Lead Image Courtesy: MassDOT
