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, Jan. 3 — that awesome bike exhibit at the EcoTarium ends this weekend, WAM preps for “Flora in Winter” once again, you need a reminder about keeping yourself safe on (or off) the ice, MassDOT talks about pedestrian accessibility project in Worcester and fans are thrilled that the Pirates QB has been signed on for a third season.
A Final Ride at the EcoTarium with GEAR UP
In honor of the final weekend (Saturday, Jan. 4 and Sunday, Jan. 5) of GEAR UP: The Science of Bikes exhibit at the EcoTarium, there is a screening of Afghan Cycles, an award-winning documentary followed by Q&A session with the filmmakers at an evening event on Saturday, which requires special tickets. On Sunday, Jan. 5, enjoy throughout the day clips of the film and another Q&A session with the filmmakers, as well as bike-related table top activities featuring organizers from the Worcester area’s vibrant bike community. Sunday’s event is included with general admission.
Worcester Art Museum Blooms (Again) with Flora in Winter
Flora in Winter, a colorful four-day celebration of art and creativity at the Worcester Art Museum (WAM), kicks off Thursday, Jan. 23, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 26. An elegant evening celebration, “Floral Euphoria,” is Friday night, Jan. 24.
One of the region’s most anticipated events of the year, Flora in Winter displays floral arrangements inspired by art from WAM’s encyclopedic collection. For the 18th year, visitors explore the galleries, encountering beautiful and evocative floral designs by some of the area’s most talented floral artists. This year’s theme, Epic Bloom, is influenced by the current exhibition, “Photo Revolution: Andy Warhol to Cindy Sherman.” Related programming includes special tours, floral design demonstrations, musical performances, family crafts and intriguing ‘tablescapes’ inspired by “Photo Revolution.”
“Witnessing something lively and beautiful amidst the darkness is what art is really all about,” says Marnie Weir, director of education and experience at WAM. “It’s a tradition we hold very dear here, creating opportunities for joy and discovery.”
Admission is free for members, $25 for nonmembers, $8 for youth 4–17, $12 for institutional members, $12 for business partners, and no cost for EBT participants. Additional costs apply for some related programming. Go here for tickets and other related programs.
Your Dog Doesn’t Know the Ice Isn’t Safe
Sorry if you think of this as a “well, no kidding” reminder, but some of us need it. Dogs don’t know the ice is not safe. In a public service reminder from the Massachusetts Department of Public Services, officials and experts tell us to be sure to keep your dog on a leash when near frozen water. If a person or a pet does fall through, call 9-1-1 right away. And hey, don’t YOU become a victim either. There’s a whole host of dos and don’ts related to ice and cold water safety.
Community Invited to Regional Pedestrian Accessibility Project Briefing (in Worcester)
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Highway Division works on a host of pedestrian accessibility projects, including in Central Massachusetts. To discuss and update these projects, the MassDOT is holding a briefing in Worcester for all those concerned on Monday, Jan. 6, from 1-3 p.m. at the Denholm Building, Center For Living & Working, 484 Main Street, Suite 345, Worcester.
Pirates Sign Brackett for Another Season
Fans got a big gift when the Massachusetts Pirates arena football team recently announced they’d be bringing back quarterback Sean Brackett for a third season, announced the franchise.
Bringing back the 2018 National Arena League’s most valuable player was important for many reasons to Pirates owner Jawad Yatim.
“Sean has represented our brand well, he’s come in and worked hard since day one,” Yatim said in a release. “He understands the expectations here and his goal is the same as everyone else’s and that’s a championship. I expect all of our guys to act as the faces of our organization as each player, coach and staff member is a representation of our brand. The way we expect Sean to carry himself is the way we expect everyone else to carry themselves as well.”
Brackett gave a simple answer as to why re-signed with Pirates.
“Family,” Brackett said. “Massachusetts is where my heart is at. I’ve been here for two years, been in a great situation every year.”
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