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 – Friday, March 13 – Maker to Main cancels ribbon-cutting event, Worcester Railers suspend season indefinitely, Governor Baker issues open meeting law order, QCC and Worcester State thank legislators over breakfast, and here’s a recap of even more things coronavirus.
Maker to Main Cancels Ribbon Cutting
While Maker to Main owner Lynn Cheney has cancelled her ribbon cutting set for next week, she’s ready to help you choose the best ingredients for your next home made dish. You can even shop online and pick up in-store twice weekly.
Maker to Main is located at 328 Main St. in Worcester has more than 150 products from New England producers. Primarily focused on grocery items, you can find traceable ingredients ranging from produce,fruit, spices, herbs, syrups, vinegars, meats, cheeses and a whole lot more.
Worcester Railers Suspend Season Effective Immediately
Along with the NBA, Final Four, NHL and all things sports, the Worcester Railers suspended their season on March 12 due to concerns about Coronavirus.
The Railers had 11 games remaining on their regular season with 7 at home including this Friday and Sunday. The season is suspended until further notice.
All team appearances and events, including Skate to Success, are also postponed until further notice.
If you have tickets for a remaining game the team is working on a solution for credits or a refund. Visit the Railers website to learn more.
QCC and WSU Student Panel Thanks Legislators
Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College held a breakfast and panel discussion this week to thank legislators for their support of the Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative (MBI) grant the schools were jointly awarded.
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito was one of those from the State House in attendance.
QCC Students used part of the MBI Grant to pave the way for more diversity in STEM. 76% of the STEM workforce in Massachusetts is white.
QCC students developed a student peer assist program that enables students who wish to pursue a STEM field.
The first student in the program was Thi Tran who emigrated to the United States eight years ago with minimal English skills. In the final semester of the pre-pharmacy program at QCC, she will be transferring into the doctorate pharmacy program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the fall.
Governor Baker Issues Emergency Order Modifying Open Meeting Law
The Governor’s office today issued an emergency order suspending the requirement for public access to the physical location of a public meeting. The order is intended to allow the government to function during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
The order requires other means of access to open meetings to be available. Open meetings must still be accessible including phone conference, social media, online streaming or other methods.
You Are Sick of Hearing It but Do It Anyways
I’m sure we all can’t wait to stop hearing about coronavirus. However, it is very important to take the situation very seriously.
Younger, healthy people can have the virus and never know it because they never developed symptoms. However, just because you aren’t sick doesn’t mean you can’t transmit it to people who are high risk and may face serious consequences or even death.
High risk people include older adults, people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and pregnant women,
The best things you can do to protect yourself are:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people, especially in large group and keep distance between yourself and others.
- Stay home if you are sick.
Watch the recording of City Manager Ed Augustus and Mayor Joe Early address the media on Thursday
See the local school closings.
