First school boundary plan draws immediate opposition
Worcester Public Schools unveiled the first of four possible plans for redrawing school attendance boundaries, a proposal that would shift several schools between quadrants and relocate Worcester Arts Magnet School across the city. The plan also would convert Worcester Arts Magnet’s current building into a neighborhood school as the district works to address overcrowding, underused buildings, transportation and enrollment patterns. Three additional scenarios will be presented this fall before the School Committee considers a final plan, potentially as early as December. Read more
Search for Karen Solomon continues around Coes Pond
Worcester officials closed parks and recreational areas surrounding Coes Pond Friday as authorities continued searching for Karen Solomon, three days after her husband, longtime Worcester police Officer Kurt Solomon, was found dead at their Wildwood Avenue home. Police Chief Paul Saucier disclosed Friday that an arrest warrant had been issued for Karen Solomon earlier in the week on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. Coes Pond Beach, Columbus Park and its boardwalk, Knights of Columbus Park, Coes Park Playground and Stearns Tavern were ordered closed until further notice as police concentrated their search in the area. Read more
Worcester’s tree growth leaves some neighborhoods behind
Worcester’s tree inventory grew 49% between 2005 and 2022, but some of the city’s densest neighborhoods remain among its least shaded and most vulnerable to extreme heat. Bell Hill, Vernon Hill and other areas dominated by triple-deckers and pavement face obstacles ranging from limited planting space and underground utilities to absentee landlords and the cost of maintaining young trees. Worcester has invested more than $930,000 in federal pandemic-relief money over the past two years for planting and maintenance, while state-supported efforts have brought hundreds of additional trees to private properties in underserved neighborhoods. Read more
City looks for long-term answer to recurring lake closures
After another summer of cyanobacteria advisories and other water-quality problems, Councilor-at-Large Gary Rosen wants Worcester to explore longer-term ways to keep its lakes open. The City Council approved his request for City Manager Eric Batista to recommend strategies for reducing recurring summer closures at Coes Reservoir and Indian Lake. Both have faced cyanobacteria advisories this summer, while Smith Pond Beach temporarily closed because of E. coli and a sewer overflow led to temporary restrictions along part of Lake Quinsigamond. Read more
Council advances speed-camera discussion, rejects immigration signs
Worcester city councilors moved toward a public discussion about potentially using speed-enforcement cameras if expected state legislation gives municipalities that authority. Councilors also debated safety and activity on Worcester Common and narrowly rejected a proposal to post signs stating that city property may not be used for civil immigration enforcement. Discussion of the proposed Civilian Review Board and the federal investigation of Worcester police was postponed following the death of Worcester police Officer Kurt Solomon earlier that day. Read more
Kindergarten rules clarified after Nelson Place concerns
Worcester Public Schools clarified how kindergarten assignments and transfers work after parents raised concerns about placement decisions at Nelson Place School. Children who attended preschool outside their neighborhood typically return to their designated school for kindergarten unless families obtain a voluntary transfer, which depends on available space and can later be rescinded. Students assigned to specialized programs through their Individualized Education Programs follow a separate process, and those placements are not considered voluntary transfers. Read more
Carnegie Hall program expands musical horizons for young students
Worcester Public Schools continues using Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers Digital program to introduce students in kindergarten through second grade to music and cultural traditions from around the world. The school committee unanimously accepted a donation providing curriculum materials, professional development and digital resources, with lessons incorporating listening, singing and movement. District officials said Musical Explorers supplements rather than replaces Worcester’s existing music curriculum and is designed primarily as a resource for educators. Read more
Carl Kamp leaves a musical legacy generations in the making
Carl Kamp, the longtime owner of Union Music whose influence reached generations of Worcester musicians, died Aug. 12 at age 80 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Kamp transformed his family’s pawnshop into a Worcester musical institution where beginners and accomplished players alike found instruments, encouragement and, in some cases, the beginnings of careers. Musicians including nationally known guitarist Duke Levine remembered Kamp for treating young players with the same patience and respect he showed established professionals. Read more
Tina Tequila takes Worcester Pride’s top crown
Tina Tequila was crowned First Majesty at the Worcester Pride Pageant before a sold-out crowd Saturday at the JMAC Brick Box. Seven contestants competed in talent, evening wear and on-stage question categories, while also presenting community advocacy projects they hope to advance with Pride Worcester. Julianna “Twinkette Dudette” Petraitis was named Second Majesty and Starvenson “Star” Sanon took Third Majesty. Read more
Marlene Persky to receive ArtsWorcester’s highest honor
Artist, collector and longtime community volunteer Marlene Persky has been selected to receive the 44th ArtsWorcester Award for her contributions to the city’s arts and cultural community. Persky’s roughly five decades of involvement have included work with ArtsWorcester, the Worcester Art Museum, Museum of Worcester and Jewish Community Center, as well as youth programs and food pantries. She will receive the award Sept. 8, followed by a reception. Read more
WPI Police names LGBTQIA+ liaison
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Police named Officer Olivia Kephart its new LGBTQIA+ liaison, providing students, faculty, staff and visitors with a designated point of contact within the department. Kephart will work with campus organizations, participate in events and provide outreach and assistance while helping strengthen communication between police and members of the LGBTQ+ community. WPI Police said the position is intended to create an approachable connection with the department and help build trust. Read more
Gina Shultis takes fundraising role at Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester named Gina Shultis its new development director, putting her in charge of fundraising and development for an organization serving 43 communities. Shultis brings experience in fundraising, marketing, development and communications and will work with donors, volunteers and community partners. The nonprofit builds affordable homes in partnership with families and veterans, who contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity” and repay mortgages based on their incomes. Read more
Steve Buckley brings six decades of baseball tales to Polar Park
Veteran sports journalist Steve Buckley brought stories from nearly six decades in the business to Polar Park for the latest Larry Lucchino Writers Series event. The Cambridge native and UMass graduate recalled encounters ranging from interviewing pitcher Jack Hamilton, who hit Tony Conigliaro with the pitch that changed his career, to having tea with Margaret Hamilton, the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz.” Buckley also drew on a career spent chronicling the Red Sox and New England sports for generations of readers. Read more
