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, July 29 – the Worcester School Committee is hosting a forum tonight with medical professionals to discuss reopening plans, the state’s Dept. of Agricultural Resources is warning residents of seed packages in the mail, a new cannabis dispensary has opened in Shrewsbury, Saint Vincent Hospital is named a Best Regional Hospital and take out your stress at SmashFest next month.
Worcester School Committee Hosting Forum Tonight
The Worcester School Committee will host a forum tonight with medical professionals to discuss COVID-19 and the reopening of schools.
The forum will respond to pre-submitted questions on the impact of COVID-19 in schools.
In order to listen to the meeting, click here and use the passcode: 233871. In case it’s requested, the Webinar ID is 998 0702 6219.
The meeting will begin at 5:30 PM.
Unsolicited Seeds Received in the Mail could be Dangerous
Some residents of Massachusetts have received an unsolicited package of seeds. The packages appear to have originated in a foreign country.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources [MDAR] asks any resident who receives such a package to report here and hold on to all packaging and contents and not plant the seeds.
While the exact types of seeds in the packages are unknown, the seeds are thought to be invasive plant species, and not believed to be harmful to humans or pets but could pose a significant risk to agriculture or the environment.
New Cannabis Dispensary Opens on Route 9 in Shrewsbury
Verilife Shrewsbury cut the ribbon on the newest cannabis dispensary in Worcester Country on Tuesday, July 28 at 939 Boston Turnpike.
Verilife Shrewsbury is open to adult-use, recreational customers. Service for medical patients is expected in the future.
The operation is owned by PharmaCann, Inc., a privately owned company which operates a store in Wareham.
The dispensary is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM for adults 21 and older with a valid government-issued ID. Services are available by reservation only. More details are available on the store website.
Saint Vincent Hospital Named a Best Regional Hospital
U.S. News & World Report has recognized Saint Vincent Hospital as a “Best Regional Hospital” for 2020-21 in its annual awards. It ranked the hospital eighth across Massachusetts.
Saint Vincent Hospital also earned “High Performing” status for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Heart Failure, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement
“High Performing” is the highest rating U.S. News ratings.
For the 2020-21 ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide across 10 procedures and conditions. Fewer than a third of all hospitals received any high-performing rating, and only 37 earned this rating in all 10 Procedures & Conditions.
Relieve Stress at SmashFest 2020
SmashFest, presented by Smashit2 and Worcester Beer Garden, will take place on Saturday, August 22.
Smashit2 at 49 Canterbury St. allows you to purchase a 5-gallon bucket of breakables, choose a bat or sledgehammer, turn up your favorite music and relieve some stress.
The cost of admission includes your first beer and 20% off your first appetizer at Worcester Beer Garden.
Tickets are available for one person or parties up to eight. Tickets are limited. Sign up here.
