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5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester – Dec. 17, 2019

By TWIW Staff | December 17, 2019
Last Updated: February 2, 2021

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, Dec. 17 — someone finally bought the Greendale Mall, there’s a watch party for Ricky Duran’s performance on The Voice finale, the Dark Rose Saloon has a big fundraiser for the Worcester County Food Bank planned, Girl Scout cookie flavors are returning to Dunkin’ and the annual Haulin’ 4 Hunger program will deliver fresh meals in Worcester on Wednesday.

Development Company Buys Flailing Greendale Mall 

Anyone who’s gone down there within the past year is aware that the Greendale Mall has become pretty much a “ghost town.” A recent announcement gives a shot of hope for the property. 

Finard Properties, a real estate development and management company specializing in retail, office, and hospitality, announced on Monday the acquisition of the Greendale Mall, located at 7 Neponset St. in Worcester. 

Built in 1987, The Greendale Mall building is comprised of 308,863 square feet found on 21.76 acres at the junction of Interstates 290 and 190. Once well-known as a favorite mall for local shoppers, changes in consumer behavior and mall proprietorship have rendered the property fairly vacant. However, the Mall’s location in immediate proximity to downtown Worcester, and its accessibility from thriving Metropolitan Worcester communities, makes the property a prime candidate for redevelopment.

Finard Properties envisions a modern and unique, mixed-use destination, said the release. 

“We’re excited about the opportunity to create an authentic sense of place, meeting the needs of both the immediate neighborhood and Greater Worcester,” stated Todd Finard, CEO of Finard Properties. “We are committed to the City and know that by enhancing the heart of Massachusetts and providing a unique and exciting destination, we can create a place that celebrates the community.”

Finard Properties has partnered with architectural and design team Prellwitz Chilinski

Associates (PCA) as well as Bohler Engineering and is eager to engage with the Worcester community, municipal leaders, and local business owners as they prepare plans to reinvigorate this exciting area as a destination that will provide a multitude of business opportunities.

“Worcester is experiencing tremendous momentum, and we are excited to welcome Finard, a proven developer, as a new partner to the City,” said Tim Murray, president & CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Their vision for the Greendale Mall property will provide a solid anchor to Worcester.”

Tenants that are currently at the property include TJ Maxx/Home Goods, Greendale Furniture, DSW, and Reliant Healthcare. Rob Robledo, Senior Vice President, CBRE is representing the ownership with regards to all leasing opportunities.

 

It’s a Good Old-Fashioned Holiday “Foodraiser” at the Dark Rose Saloon 

It’s a “Foodraiser!” as Stomp N’ Holler and Friends come together for a fun night of holiday cheer to gather food donations to benefit the Worcester County Food Bank and clothing for Veterans, Inc. The event happens on Monday, Dec. 23, from 7-11 p.m. at the Dark Rose Saloon on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. 

Admission is at least two non-perishable food items and/or one new clothing item. If you prefer,  you can donate $10+ cash or a check payable to either charity. Solo performances and a Christmas jam featuring: Chloe Belsito, Sean Ryder, Mychael David, Donald Prange, Rich Leufstedt, Jeff Thomas, Lynn Turick Gerrits, Bob Moon, Brett Brumby, Toni & Dave aka The Hip Swayers, Stephen, Susan, Dave and Jeff aka Stomp N’ Holler.

Go here for more information. 

Because We Know This is Major to You: Dunkin’ Brings Girl Scout Cookie Flavors Back for New Year 

Dunkin’ is ringing in the New Year with the return of two popular coffee flavors inspired by iconic Girl Scout Cookies. Since 2018, Dunkin’ has featured Girl Scout Cookie inspired coffees on its menu for limited time promotions in celebration of Girl Scout Cookie season, which kicks off nationally in January. And you know where your Worcester Dunkin’ is. 

Dunkin’ brings back Coconut Caramel and Thin Mints inspired coffee flavors. The delicious duo of flavors will be available Jan. 1 through the beginning of spring 2020 at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide.

“Girl Scout Cookie season is as welcomed and anticipated as the ball dropping on New Year’s Eve, and we’re thrilled to celebrate by bringing two smile-eliciting Girl Scout Cookie inspired flavors back to guests’ coffees in 2020,” said Patty Healy, Dunkin’s senior director of integrated marketing. “We are proud to support Girl Scouts of the USA’s mission to build the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, as it’s the leadership and entrepreneurialism of small business owners that has fueled the success of our own brand, too. We are especially proud that our franchisees are committed to fueling the entrepreneurial spirit of the Girl Scouts by welcoming local troops to sell cookies at their restaurants,” Healy added.

 

Worcester Beer Garden Holds Watch Party for Ricky Duran’s Appearance on The Voice Season Finale 

Is he gonna do it? Grafton native last week secured his spot as a finalist, one of four, in this season’s The Voice music competition reality TV show. 

The Worcester Beer Garden is giving locals a chance to watch how he fares together with an official “Watch Party” on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. at the venue in downtown Worcester. Grab a local pour and join together to see our homeboy make good. 

Go here to let them know you’re going.

 

Neary 3,000 Fresh Meals to be Delivered to Worcester Food Pantries

On Wednesday morning, Advantage Truck Group (ATG) of Shrewsbury and several event sponsors will lead a caravan of seven trucks and vans to hand-deliver nearly 3,000 fresh meals to food pantry organizations in Worcester as part of the company’s annual Haulin’ 4 Hunger program to help address hunger and food insecurity in Central Massachusetts. 

The deliveries will take place from 10:45 AM  to 12:30 PM to six local food pantries in Worcester County: Abby’s House, Jeremiah’s Inn, South Worcester Neighborhood Center, St. Anne’s Food Pantry, St. John’s Food for the Poor Program and Veterans, Inc.


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