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 24 – Governor Baker announces a Sales Tax-Free Holiday Weekend in August, the Worcester Arts Council is asking the community to fill out a survey, McDonald’s plans to hire thousands this summer, you can get a free Real ID next year if you renew your license this year and members of the Worcester Youth Center have made a PSA.
Sales Tax-Free Weekend Coming in August
Governor Charlie Baker announced an annual sales tax-free weekend will take place the weekend of August 29 to 30 — marking the second sales tax holiday held under the new law signed by Governor Baker in 2018 that made the weekend an annual occurrence.
“The annual sales tax holiday is an opportunity for us to support small businesses and consumers, and this year, it’s a great way to support our economy that’s been impacted by COVID-19,” Baker said. “This pandemic has created enormous challenges for the Commonwealth’s small businesses, and the sales tax-free weekend is one way that we can encourage more economic activity to help Main Street businesses and local economies.”
Worcester Arts Council 2020 Funding Survey
The Worcester Arts Council is seeking input from the community as it sets to funding priorities for 2020. The survey is available through September 1.
Those who complete the survey also have a chance to win a pair of Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 [$399 value]. The Worcester Cultural Coalition has teamed up with WAC to help encourage survey participation by offering this raffle prize.
The Worcester Cultural Coalition [WCC] is a public-private partnership between the City of Worcester and 12 cultural organizations.
McDonald’s To Hire 3,074 in MA This Summer
As the state’s economy continues to reopen this summer, McDonald’s corporate and franchise owned restaurants in Massachusetts expect to hire 3,074 employees this summer.
Both returning and new employees will be trained on some 50 new safety procedures McDonald’s will be implementing in response to COVID-19.
Renew Driver’s License Online for a Free REAL ID
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is asking residents to renew their standard Massachusetts driver’s license or Massachusetts ID card online at Mass.Gov/RMV.
Those that must renew between now and August 12, will qualify for a free upgrade to a REAL ID in 2021 and save of $25.
Visit mass.gov/RMV to learn more.
Music Video by Worcester Youth Center’s Teen Circle
Middle School girls taking part in the community service section of the Worcester Youth Circle create the following public service announcement video:
