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, Feb. 12 — the Zero-Fare WRTA group is hoping to bring in at least 60 people to a meeting at City Hall, celebrate women’s suffrage at the Historical Museum, tickets are available for the Girl Scouts’ ‘Fork it Over’ fundraiser, Gov. Baker comes to Worcester Tech for a roundtable discussion and Operation Valentine is on at St. V’s.
Working Toward a ‘Zero-Fare WRTA Network’: Public Hearing for Ideas
The Public Service & Transportation Committee is holding a hearing to hear suggestions for improving the quality of the WRTA, as well as hear support for the proposed Zero-Fare WRTA Pilot project.
“We hope to pack the City Hall chambers with folks who are willing to show visibility for a transportation system that works for everyone in the city,” said Zero-Fare WRTA. “Can you help us get a group of 60 people to show up?”
The meeting takes place on Monday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall.
“We would love to have riders of the WRTA provide testimony,” continued the announcement, “as well as have as many members of the public attend this meeting in support of system-wide improvements to the transportation system and the implementation of a Zero-Fare Pilot for our city. Our community deserves a bus system that is connected, reliable, convenient and sustainable.”
Tickets Now Available to Girl Scouts’ ‘Fork it Over’
The annual Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Fork It Over fundraiser will be held at Mechanics Hall on March 12.
The annual Girl Scout Cookie culinary competition features some of the region’s top chefs creating unique sweet and savory dishes using favorites like Thin Mints®, Samoas® and Do-si-dos® and presenting their creations to attendees and a panel of judges.
This year’s chefs include those from: Baypath Tech. Voc. High School, Bushel N’ Peck, D&D Taste of Puerto Rico, JPs Twisted BBQ & Grille, Karol’s Corner Take Out, Milk & Sugar, NOMS Eatery, Nuestra, Old Sturbridge Village, Pepe’s Italian Restaurant, and Publick House.
Tickets are now available for $50 each or two for $80 and are available at gscwm.org or by calling 413-584-2602.
The event runs from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Pretty Powerful: Suffragette Tea and Theatrical Performance
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement in 2020, History At Play performs “How Long Must We Wait?,” a multi-modal performance art piece detailing the struggle for women’s right to vote, and equality, on Saturday, March 7, at the Worcester Historical Museum.
A post-performance panel discussion adds insight on the struggle, along with an opportunity for audience Q&A. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for tea and scones. Reservations required.
Gov. Baker Holds Career Tech Initiative Roundtable Discussion at WTHS
Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Mayor Joe Petty, Superintendent Maureen Binienda, QCC President Luis Pedraja, WTHS Principal Kyle Brenner and several other key figures in state government that are involved with education are holding a roundtable discussion on technical career initiatives on Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 7-8 PM at Worcester Technical High School.
The goal of the Career Tech Initiative is to expand the capacity of vocational high schools by running three teaching shifts a day so that over the next four years more than 20,000 additional residents gain skills in the trades. Worcester Technical High School partners with Quinsigamond Community College, which runs the HVAC evening program.
This event also includes tours of the HVAC shop.
Participate in Operation Valentine With St. V’s
Saint Vincent Hospital is joining thousands of people across the nation in sending Valentine’s Day cards to Major Bill White. White is believed to be the oldest living U.S. Marine Corps WWII Veteran. He is 104 years old and currently lives in Stockton, California.
His “ask” this year is to receive tons of Valentine’s Day cards! Saint Vincent Hospital is inviting employees, physicians and visitors to take a moment to write White a Valentine’s Day card.
There will be a ‘Valentine Station’ in the Hospital Atrium from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Stop by to sign a card or you can bring one of your own.
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