375 new windows complete long-awaited East Middle upgrade
Worcester Public Schools completed a two-year project replacing all 375 original windows at Worcester East Middle School, ending a years-long battle over deteriorating windows that had been held together in places with plastic, screws and duct tape. About $4 million from the state’s federally funded Improving Ventilation and Air Quality grant program paid for the project, which also included hazardous-material abatement, new roller shades and replacement exterior doors. Former City Councilor George Russell began publicly pressing for improvements nearly a decade ago, while school officials said efforts to replace the windows stretched back to at least 2012.
Markey wins Worcester vote as incumbents prevail in primary
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey easily carried Worcester in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, receiving 70.4% of the city vote to U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton’s 29.2% on his way to winning the statewide nomination. State Rep. Mary Keefe defeated Ronald Waddell Jr. in the 15th Worcester District, while James O’Day carried the Worcester portion of the 14th Worcester District over challenger Barur Rajeshkumar. Republican gubernatorial nominee Michael Minogue also won Worcester with just over 70% of his party’s vote, and overall city turnout was 15.2%.
School committee rejects proposed flag restrictions
The Worcester School Committee rejected a resident’s proposal Thursday that would have restricted most flags displayed in district schools to the U.S., Massachusetts, Worcester and POW/MIA flags, with limited exceptions. Several speakers opposed the proposal, particularly over the effect removing Pride flags could have on LGBTQ+ students, while others argued the committee should focus more attention on academics and special education. The committee separately approved annual recognition of Pride in June and September, along with education grants and a new policy governing interactions between schools and civil law enforcement officers.
Second Chance plans major Worcester veterinary expansion
Second Chance Animal Services purchased the former Plywood Plus property at 600 Park Ave. with plans to transform it into a substantially larger veterinary hospital and community resource center. The property is about five times the size of the nonprofit’s current Worcester location, while the planned Community Veterinary Hospital itself would be roughly three times larger and allow for more veterinarians, appointments, surgeries and other services. Second Chance is targeting an opening by the end of 2027 and is seeking to raise $1.2 million for renovations, construction, equipment and other costs.
Clark brings more than 400 leaders to Worcester for AI forum
More than 400 leaders from universities, health care organizations, nonprofits and foundations gathered at Clark University for its inaugural AI Agents Academy, organized with Amazon Web Services. The Aug. 18 event focused on how increasingly autonomous artificial intelligence systems could affect fundraising, communications, operations, governance and the way organizations structure their workforces. More than 650 people registered, and Clark plans to turn the academy into a year-round community with online gatherings and an annual return to Worcester.
Bra Shop program tackles a hidden barrier for girls in sports
The Bra Shop in downtown Worcester launched Project Uplift to provide eligible girls in grades 5 through 12 with professional fittings and properly fitted sports and everyday bras at no cost. The program, created with United Way of Central Massachusetts and support from the Worcester Railers, is aimed at girls whose access to properly fitting bras may be limited by cost. Participants must be referred through approved schools or community organizations, including Worcester Public Schools, Girls Inc. of Worcester, Girls on the Run and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Massachusetts.
Worcester transportation company moves from home to $1.75M property
L&S Transportation Services purchased commercial property at 340 Tacoma St. through financing from the Worcester Business Development Corporation and Bay State Bank. Founded in 2021 by Limbert Lavandier, the non-emergency medical transportation company had been operating from its owner’s Worcester home and now gains dedicated office space, covered parking and room for its vehicle fleet. The $1.752 million project was financed through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program, which WBDC also used to help Jared’s Auto purchase a $525,000 property in Douglas.
City asks residents to help shape Worcester’s cultural future
Worcester launched an update of its 2019 cultural plan and is seeking input from residents, artists, students, businesses and cultural organizations on priorities through 2032. A community survey opened Aug. 26, and city staff are also collecting feedback at local events, including Worcester Pride on Sept. 12. The planning process is expected to continue through January 2027 and will assess progress under the original plan while identifying new needs and opportunities for the city’s arts, culture and creative economy.
Younis takes over Worcester NightLife
Jibrael N. Younis has been named coordinator of Worcester NightLife, Worcester Public Schools’ evening adult education and workforce training program based at Worcester Technical High School. Younis, who most recently served as operations manager for MassHire Central Career Centers, brings more than a decade of workforce development experience and had already worked with NightLife on recruitment, eligibility and workforce readiness. He succeeds Ruth Seward in leading a program that served 829 adults last school year through workforce programs and community classes.
Chamber promotes two longtime staffers
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce promoted Virginia Murphy to director of affiliate partnerships and Stefanie Silva to vice president of partnerships and member engagement. Murphy, who joined the chamber in 2014, will oversee its work with affiliated chambers and their business communities across the region. Silva, who joined in 2021, will focus on sponsorship revenue, member engagement and helping businesses make greater use of their chamber memberships.
Coes Reservoir reopens after cyanobacteria decline
Coes Reservoir reopened Monday after testing showed cyanobacteria concentrations had fallen below levels considered a public health threat. The reservoir had been closed after Aug. 28 test results showed concentrations above the state threshold for recreational waters. Coes Pond parks and Stearns Tavern also reopened following separate closures related to the Solomon police investigation.
WooSox hit the 1,000-home run mark
Romy Gonzalez hit the 1,000th home run in Worcester Red Sox history Tuesday night in Buffalo, five years after Chris Herrmann hit the franchise’s first homer in Trenton, New Jersey. Ceddanne Rafaela supplied No. 500 at Polar Park on Aug. 11, 2023, while Bobby Dalbec remains the franchise’s career leader with 58 home runs. The milestone adds another marker to a WooSox history that began in 2021 and has included homers from some of the organization’s most familiar names.
Labor Day weekend keeps Worcester busy
The long weekend opened Thursday with the Worcester Music Awards at Off The Rails and a new exhibition featuring nearly 40 local artists at Worcester State University. Still ahead Saturday are Mistakes Were Made’s “School of Fools” improv show at Hotel Vernon and the Auburn Lions Club’s Antique and Classic Car Show at its new Auburn Sportsman’s Club location. Worcester’s Hip Swayers close out the holiday Monday night with a three-hour show at Vincent’s.
Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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