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 — Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Tower Hill’s closed [this month], but you can still benefit, WooBerry’s looking for a crew, Shrewsbury’s fire department got some funds to educate on fire safety, attend REC’s annual dinner and meeting, and sign up for the Craft Brews 5K in downtown Worcester.
A Cool Job for Cool People
WooBerry Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt and Smoothies is rounding out its crew and looking for a few “exceptional people.” The shop is prepping to open for the 2020 season at 141 Highland St., Worcester. Interested?
Go here for an application.
Tower Hill is Closed for the Time Being, But Members Can Get Into Other Museums for Free
Tower Hill Botanic Garden is closed to the public for maintenance in January, but its not shortchanging its members and came up with a pretty sweet deal. While you can’t get into Tower Hill, members have a chance to visit an array of area museums free of charge.
The Ecotarium, Worcester Historical Museum, Discovery Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, Fitchburg Art Museum, and Museum of Russian Icons welcome for free admission any card-holding members of Tower Hill Botanic Garden throughout the month of January. Tower Hill then repays the favor, inviting members of those museums to visit the Boylston gardens in March.
In addition, Tower Hill members get free admission to the Worcester Art Museum during its regular hours in January, except during WAM’s special Flora in Winter 2020 exhibition on Jan. 23-26.
Tower Hill members might also enjoy visiting the Cantor Gallery at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester where greenhouse images [including those of Tower Hill’s Orangerie] by photographer Peter Moriarty will be on display. The gallery is free of charge to explore.
Tower Hill re-opens this Saturday, February 1.
Shrewsbury FD Gets Money for Student Awareness of Fire Education
The Shrewsbury Fire Department has been awarded $5,663 for the Fiscal Year 2020 Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Program and $2,730 for the Senior SAFE Program by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, said Chief James Vuona and the state’s fire marshal Peter J. Ostroskey.
“Our firefighters enjoy working closely with our school teachers to help youngsters learn what they can do to prevent fires, to survive those that do occur, and how to respond correctly to fires and other emergencies,” Vuona said.
The S.A.F.E. Program has been expanded to offer funds to local communities in support of senior fire prevention training.
“The Senior SAFE Program will help us work with the seniors in our community who are most at risk of dying in a fire,” Chief Vuona said. “Seniors are the age group most at risk of dying in a fire. This program educates seniors on fire prevention, general home safety and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire.”
The key to both programs, according to organizers, is specially-trained fire educators to work with classroom teachers and seniors to deliver age-appropriate lessons on fire and life safety.
Helping to Grow Worcester, and Beyond
The Regional Environmental Council is hosting its annual meeting and dinner at the Worcester Senior Center at 128 Providence St. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Mingle in a kid-friendly environment with like-minded folks (assuming you think like them), hear about REC’s 2019 achievements and provide feedback on the new strategic plan.REC members vote on a slate of new and returning board members. Dinner is provided (catered by the Quinsigamond Community College culinary program and potluck appetizer and dessert items are welcome). This is a free event but you are asked to RSVP by Feb. 3.
The Regional Environmental Council is a food justice non-profit organization working to eliminate food insecurity in Worcester and beyond. The REC has three food justice programs (YouthGROW, UGROW and the Community Farmers Markets) containing a low-income youth employment program, over 65 community and school gardens, as well as two urban farms.
Run Toward the Suds!
The Craft Brew Races is coming back to Worcester for a fun 5k followed by a craft beer festival on Saturday, May 2, from 12 PM to 3 PM. Enjoy a relaxed run (or walk) through downtown Worcester and celebrate your achievement with an amazing craft beer event at Worcester Commons. As if it isn’t apparent, yes, the “race” starts and ends at Worcester City Hall.
Outstanding local and regional craft beers pour from the taps, making it for a sudsy afternoon you’ll talk to your friends about.
According to organizers: “It’s really quite simple — The Craft Brew Races are a series of timed 5k’s open to beer lovers of all speeds, and beer festivals highlighting the local craft brewing scene. The 3-hour post-race celebration features included sampling of more than 30 breweries, live music and food trucks.”
There are 5K, beer-festival only and designated driver tickets available.
Follow us on The016.com, the social network for Worcester and you!
