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, Nov. 21 — the state is presenting the 30th annual firefighter awards, Sen. Moore gets a Legislator of the Year Award from an important organization, Rocky’s is helping pets during the holidays, the BBB elected new members and the treasurer’s office is offering a Women in Finance Fellowship.
State Officials Present 30th Annual “Firefighter of the Year” Heroic Awards
Public Safety and Security Undersecretary Jeanne Benincasa Thorpe and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey are recognizing heroic acts of bravery during the 30th annual “Firefighter of the Year” Heroic Awards.
The event, emceed by WCVB-TV anchor Doug Meehan, takes place at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. recognizing recipients of the following awards: Medal of Honor, Medal of Valor, Group Meritorious Conduct, Excellence in Leadership, and the Norman Knight Award for Excellence in Community Service.
Firefighters from the departments of Andover, Boston, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Lawrence, North Andover, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Saugus, Sudbury, Westborough, and Worcester will be honored during the ceremony. Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy will be honored posthumously.
The Stephen D. Coan Fire Marshal Award will be presented to the entire Andover, Lawrence and North Andover Fire Departments.
Guests will include family members, previous award recipients, elected officials, fire chiefs from across the Commonwealth, and members of the public safety community.
Sen. Moore Honored as Legislator of the Year By Vital Support Services Organization
Senator Michael O. Moore, D-Millbury, has been recognized as the 2019 Legislator of the Year by Net of Compassion, a Worcester-based organization committed to bringing vital support services to people in need.
“On the streets of Worcester, Net of Compassion has opened doors to provide essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction,” said Moore. “I’m impressed and humbled by the dedication of volunteers who work tirelessly to provide folks with the dignity that anyone in our community deserves. I am very thankful for this recognition and will continue to support local efforts to better the lives of others.”
Among his efforts, Senator Moore championed the inclusion of $30,000 in the Fiscal Year 2020 state budget to support Hotel Grace. The site provides critical services to persons who are experiencing homelessness in Worcester. Equipped with 50 beds, Hotel Grace provides temporary shelter when temperatures drop below freezing to ensure individuals have a safe and warm place to rest and escape the cold. The additional funding will help expand services and the hours of operation.
Rocky’s Ace Hardware Wants to Help Pets Have Happier Holidays With Food and Supplies Drive
Rocky’s Ace Hardware, a family-owned business with neighborhood-based stores in six states, wants you to know that they don’t forget the pets when it comes to spreading holiday cheer.
In fact, the hardware store is holding its ninth annual Pet Food & Supplies Drive, a campaign to support local animal shelters, taking place through Dec. 23 at all Rocky’s locations. Those interested in donating can do so by depositing pet-related goods in designated bins in each store.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are approximately 6.5 million companion animals that enter shelters every year. Of these, the Humane Society of the United States estimates that around 4 million are adopted—leaving many pets continually dependent on these compassionate havens.
“When we think about giving to those in need, it’s important to think about our furry friends, too,” said Rocco Falcone, president of Rocky’s. “The holiday season is a perfect time to help provide necessities for these animals, so they can stay safe and healthy until they can find a caring home of their own.”
To help aid in this endeavor, Rocky’s has partnered with local area animal shelters to provide them with the necessary food and supplies they need to ensure their locations continue to operate. A list of supplies most often requested will be on display at each location. Typical items include food, paper towels, brooms, trash bags and bleach, and more festive options include treats, collars and pet toys.
BBB of Central New England Elects Officers, Adds New Board Members
Better Business Bureau of Central New England elected new board officers and welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors at its Nov.13 annual meeting.
The following directors were elected to serve as officers on the Board of Directors for the 2019-2020 term:
- Chair: Rick Porter, president of Cinch IT
- Vice Chair: Michele Kasabula, owner of the Law Office of Michel F. Kasabula, PLLC in Sutton
- Secretary: Michael Duffy, an attorney with Fletcher Tilton PC in Worcester
The following new members were elected to serve as board directors for the 2019-2020 term:
- Marie Mouradian, owner of Window Designs Etc. in Holden
- Ilya M. Shnayder, president and CEO of Shnayder Enterprises in Auburn and Holyoke
- Ted Strzelecki, owner of Solar Wolf Energy in Douglas
BBB of Central New England’s Board of Directors is made up of business leaders in Central Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut. They represent a variety of industries and offer strategic guidance to ensure BBB of Central New England fulfills its mission to advance marketplace trust between businesses and consumers.
Applications Accepted for Treasurer Goldberg’s Women in Finance Fellowship
The Office of Economic Empowerment is accepting applications for the 2020 Women in Finance Fellowship program. In its fifth year, the initiative places Massachusetts’ female-identifying undergraduate students into financial departments within the Massachusetts State Treasury. Additionally, Fellows are paired with a female EY professional acting as a “private sector advisor.”
“Studies show that gender diversity in senior positions will have a greater impact on a company’s performance,” said State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg in a statement. “Our fellowship programs are an opportunity to provide young women with the experiences they need to become leaders in finance and the financial services industries.”
The fellowship looks to find and foster female talent for the finance industry, build a network and pipeline for women in finance, and advocate for the placement of women in leadership roles.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 24. The program launches in June and concludes on July 31, 2020.
Lead photo: Senator Michael Moore
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