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5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester — Thursday, Feb. 6

By TWIW Staff | February 6, 2020
Last Updated: February 2, 2021

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 — Thursday, Feb. 6 —  MA clean energy startups get a cashy-good boost from the state, firefighters awarded for the heroes they are, Kennedy Community Health is headed to the Roaring ‘20s, take a look at the economic outlook for Worcester, a new photography studio celebrates its grand opening. 

State Gives $1.7 Million for Clean Energy Startups

The Baker-Polito Administration recently announced $1.7 million in funding for 18 early-stage clean energy companies. The funding, which comes from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Catalyst and InnovateMass programs, supports clean energy startups in 10 cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth.

“Providing strategic support to entrepreneurs and startup companies is critical to helping Massachusetts maintain its position as the national leader in cleantech innovation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These early-stage companies provide a vital source of job creation and economic value while helping the Commonwealth meet the challenges posed by climate change, and we are committed to helping support the growth of the vibrant startup community.”

The central Massachusetts companies receiving money are: Heat Pump Control Co. of Northborough, receiving $65,000 for smart heat pump control; WPI, Dr. Nima Rahbar, receiving $65,000 for self-heating concrete; and Multiscale Systems Inc. of Worcester, receiving $65,000 for material for heavy-duty materials. 

 

4 Firefighters Awarded for Heroic Efforts in Saving Lives 

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. last week honored four Fitchburg firefighters for their heroic efforts in saving lives. Firefighters Yona Vaughan, Roger Ortiz, Ken Hollums and Dean Osgood were presented the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit — TEAM — Award, which recognizes outstanding service by those in public safety.

“These firefighters displayed tremendous acts of courage in two separate fires that occurred within one month of each other last year,” Early said. 

On Oct. Sept. 23, Firefighter Ortiz helped a resident through the window of the top floor of a Beekman Street building that had just erupted in multiple explosions. On Oct. 14, Firefighters Vaughan, Hollums, and Osgood helped coach a woman down from a third-floor window in her apartment during a fire on Holt Street.

 

Kennedy Community Health Puts On Its First Roaring ’20s Costume Party

It’s the first one for Kennedy Community Health, and one they hope will be an annual event. 

“This fabulous fundraising event is not to be missed,” said organizers. On Saturday, March 28, Kennedy hosts a Roaring ‘20s Costume Party at Union Station, 2 Washington Square, from 6 PM to 10 PM. Wear your best 1920s attire and enjoy themed cocktails, live music and dancing, fund-the-need and silent auctions, and delicious eats. Registration is required, and is available online for $40 early bird (available through Feb. 15) and $60 regular admission.  

What is the Economic Outlook for 2020 in Worcester?

The Worcester Business Journal partners with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to put on this event in which top industry leaders, and an economist, present a comprehensive overview on current national economic conditions and trends, followed by a panel of top executives from some of the region’s leading companies who will share their views of the year ahead.

This breakfast event takes place on Feb. 12 from 7:30 AM -10:30 AM at the Beechwood Inn in Worcester. 

Panelists include Jay Ash, president and CEO of Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, Arthur Maxwell, founder and chairman of AIS, Ann K. Tripp, EVP, CIO and treasurer of the Hanover Insurance Group and president of Opus Investment Management. The keynote speaker is Daniel H. Cooper, senior economist and policy advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. 

The cost is $45, and it includes a buffet. You need to register. 

 

Commercial Photography and Video Studio Celebrates Grand Opening in Worcester

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 5 PM, Amy Rose Productions celebrates its official company debut with a ribbon cutting ceremony and launch party in the newly-renovated, 1,200- square-foot studio, located in the historic Higgins Armory Building at 100 Barber Ave.

Amy Rose Productions cofounders Melissa Shanahan and Chelsea Nye met a handful of years ago while working alongside each other at a local studio. The two aligned seamlessly and found themselves having the same dedication and passion for photography and all the nitty gritty that goes along with it. 

After-work cocktails quickly turned into a lasting friendship full of road trips, vacations, adventures, collaborations, and a metric ton of shenanigans. They have since built a full-service production company, working locally and across the US as commercial photographers, have a Cyc wall studio available for rentals, and will grow into offering workshops and professional photography development. 

Promptly following the ceremony, Amy Rose Productions hosts a launch party at Sail to Trail Works, also located in the Higgins building, with wine, light refreshments and good cheer. 


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