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, Nov. 26 — the winter parking ban starts up real soon in Worcester — so prepare for it, Worcester Wares opens location number two, tickets are on sale for the Shrewsbury Street Santa Pub Crawl (which usually sells out), Gov. Baker signs the hands-free device bill and a Holocaust Museum historian plans a lecture at the JCC.
Worcester Wares Celebrates Grand Opening of Second Location (and Small Business Saturday)
It’s a combination celebration of Small Business Saturday and the grand opening of the second location for Worcester Wares. This super-local shop that celebrates all that is Worcester with a variety of items is opening its doors at a new location at 150 Green St. (Kelley Square/Worcester Public Market) from 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The original store is located at Door 22 of the DCU Center, 105 Commercial St.
You’ll find a full selection of ornaments, new apparel, tons of new gift items, plus some great holiday deals and surprise giveaways.
Winter Parking Ban Almost Here for the Season
Rethink parking on the street in Worcester. Winter parking bans fall into two categories: permanent and declared. A permanent ban remains in effect from Dec. 1 to April 30 on emergency arteries, WRTA bus routes and streets that are critical to the flow of traffic. There is no parking on one or both sides of the street between 2-6 a.m. and any time the snow emergency is declared.
A declared ban happens on the remaining streets whenever it’s appropriate, like when it’s snowing (obviously, right!?).
If you violate the ban, you’ll get a ticket. If you go as far as to hinder plowing, you’ll get towed. Don’t chance it.
Ho, Ho, Ho….Down Shrewsbury Street You Go
Enjoy food, drinks and fun down one of Worcester’s best streets at this year’s Santa Pub Crawl, happening Saturday, Dec. 14, from 2:30-8 PM. Many of the street’s favorite bars and restaurants are participating.
Tickets are $25 and include munchies at each location, a beer ticket (valid at a single specified location), and an event t-shirt. Use the code “HOHOHO” to save $5 while codes last.
A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to the Friendly House. Each route will stop at seven venues with an after party from 5-7 p.m. with tasty apps. Santa attire is encouraged. Also, prizes for the ugliest sweater and best Santa costume. Register here.
Gov. Baker Signs Legislation Requiring Hands-Free Use of Electronic Devices While Driving
On Monday, Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation to improve road safety in the Commonwealth, which stipulates that no motor vehicle operator may use electronic devices while driving unless the technology is being used hands-free. The legislation, which adopts recommendations from the Commonwealth’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, also sets forth penalties for violating the law and requires that law enforcement officers report data on violations so the information can be shared with the public.
Governor Baker was joined at the signing ceremony by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, state leaders, officials with the National Transportation Safety Board, and representatives from advocacy groups, including, the Vision Zero Coalition, Safe Roads Alliance, LiveableStreets Alliance, WalkBoston, MassBike and Boston Cyclists Union.
“Our Administration is committed to keeping the Commonwealth’s network of roads safe, and this legislation will substantially reduce distracted driving and hold operators accountable when they are looking at an electronic device instead of looking at the road ahead,” said Baker in a statement. “We are especially grateful for the many advocates and families that passionately fought to bring this bill to fruition, are thankful for the Legislature’s collaboration on this bill and look forward to continued efforts to improve road safety in Massachusetts.”
Holocaust Museum Historian to Discuss Her New Book at Worcester’s JCC
The Worcester JCC’s Author Series next welcomes Rebecca Erbelding, discussing her award winning book, “Rescue Board: The Untold Story of America’s Efforts to Save the Jews of Europe” on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at the JCC at 633 Salisbury St. The event is free and open to the public and will include a book signing and dessert reception following the talk.
In this remarkable work of historical reclamation, Erbelding pieces together years of research and newly uncovered archival materials to tell the dramatic story of America’s little-known efforts to save the Jews of Europe. Winner of the National Jewish Book Award. Erbelding is an archivist, curator, and historian at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. She and her work have been profiled in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The New Yorker, and featured on the History Channel and NPR.
For more information and to RSVP, contact Nancy Greenberg at 508-756-7109, ext. 232 or email her at [email protected]
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