Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 75 Years with Patriotic Pops Concert and Fireworks

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Baystate Bank Sponsors Worcester’s America 250 Fireworks Celebration at East Park

by Hank Stolz | Jun 29, 2026 | DISCOVER CENTRAL MA, This Weeks Top Stories, WORCESTER NEWS

Baystate Bank Helps Light Up Worcester’s America 250 Celebration

“Worcester, Massachusetts was the place of the original revolution in my opinion. And some historians would also agree with that.”

By-Hank Stolz

Photo -submitted

WORCESTER, MA- As Worcester prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Baystate Bank is helping make this year’s fireworks celebration one of the largest community events of the summer.

On the latest episode of the Discover Central MA podcast, Hank Stolz and Tim Murray welcomed Baystate Bank President and CEO Seth Pitts to discuss the bank’s sponsorship of Worcester’s America 250 celebration, taking place Wednesday, July 2, at East Park on Shrewsbury Street.

The free community celebration begins during the afternoon and culminates with an enhanced fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

A Full Evening of Family Entertainment

Visitors can enjoy activities throughout the day before the fireworks begin.

From 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Dan Gabel and His Orchestra will perform live big band music, providing a festive soundtrack for the celebration.

Families can also enjoy:

East Park’s splash pad and playground
Face painting
Food vendors
Nearby restaurants along Shrewsbury Street
Community activities throughout the park

The event is designed to be an evening where residents and visitors alike can celebrate together while reflecting on Worcester’s unique role in American history.

Worcester’s Revolutionary Legacy

Pitts believes Worcester’s contribution to American independence deserves greater recognition.

“Worcester, Massachusetts was the place of the original revolution in my opinion. And some historians would also agree with that.”

Long before the battles at Lexington and Concord, Worcester became the site of organized resistance against British authority.

In September 1774, thousands of residents representing 37 Massachusetts towns gathered peacefully to prevent British-appointed officials from carrying out their duties, an act many historians recognize as one of the earliest organized demonstrations leading to the American Revolution.

The America 250 celebration honors that legacy while celebrating Worcester’s continued growth as a center of innovation, business, and community.

Investing in Community

For Pitts, sponsoring the event aligned perfectly with Baystate Bank’s community mission.

When asked about supporting the celebration, he said the decision was an easy one.

“Investments in community return compounding dividends like you’ve never seen.”

Baystate Bank has long emphasized local partnerships, community development, and supporting organizations that strengthen Central Massachusetts.

A Bonus for Future Homebuyers

Pitts also announced a special promotion for attendees interested in purchasing a home.

“If I could just throw a shameless plug, for those of you out there that do come, we’re going to do a little promotion where we give you a thousand bucks off your closing costs of a home that you buy. So, feel free to come by and collect that.”

Visitors can stop by the Baystate Bank booth during the celebration to learn more about the offer.

Community Partners Make It Possible

The America 250 celebration is sponsored by Baystate Bank with additional support from the City of Worcester and numerous community partners working together to commemorate this historic milestone.

For event schedules, parking information, and additional details, visit Discover Central Massachusetts.

Worcester’s America 250 Celebration

Wednesday, July 2
East Park
Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA

Schedule

Afternoon family activities
5:00–7:30 p.m. — Live music by Dan Gabel and His Orchestra
9:30 p.m. — Enhanced fireworks display

Activities

Splash park
Playground
Face painting
Food vendors
Local restaurants
Baystate Bank community booth

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Worcester Launches Legacy Businesses Program Honoring City’s Longstanding Local Institutions

by Hank Stolz | Jun 26, 2026 | This Weeks Top Stories, WORCESTER NEWS

Worcester Launches Legacy Businesses Program Honoring City’s Longstanding Local Institutions

Worcester Celebrates the Businesses That Built Its Neighborhoods

“They’re really the neighborhood meetup spots where you go get services or a haircut or you go shopping.”

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic – Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA-

Some businesses are more than places to shop—they become part of a city’s identity.

The City of Worcester’s Economic Development Department has launched its inaugural Legacy Businesses Program, recognizing locally owned businesses that have served as neighborhood cornerstones for decades.

The first class honors 24 businesses, selected from more than 300 nominations submitted by residents and business owners throughout Worcester.

Together, the businesses average 70 years in operation, reflecting generations of entrepreneurship, resilience, and community service.

More Than Businesses—Community Landmarks

The program celebrates businesses that have become gathering places and neighborhood institutions.

Selections include historic diners, barbershops, specialty retailers, restaurants, ice cream shops, and other locally owned establishments that have helped shape Worcester’s character.

Assistant Chief Development Officer Vaske Gjino says many of these businesses represent something larger than commerce.

“They’re really the neighborhood meetup spots where you go get services or a haircut or you go shopping.”

Worcester’s Historic Diners Stand Out

One theme quickly emerged during the selection process.

Many of the city’s iconic diners earned recognition, highlighting Worcester’s unique place in American dining history.

For decades, the Worcester Lunch Car Company manufactured diners that became landmarks throughout New England and beyond.

Gjino says those historic diners remain an important part of Worcester’s identity.

“A theme that developed from this inaugural list was the diners. And I think that’s such a classic part of the city.”

How Businesses Were Selected

An independent committee evaluated nominations using several criteria, including:

Years in business
Local ownership
Fewer than 250 employees
Job creation
Community impact
Neighborhood representation
Historical significance

The selection committee included representatives from:

City of Worcester
Museum of Worcester
Preservation Worcester
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Looking Ahead

City officials hope the Legacy Businesses Program will become an annual tradition.

Future plans include expanding the list of recognized businesses while developing historical profiles, promotional materials, and additional resources that help residents and visitors discover the businesses that have shaped Worcester’s neighborhoods.

Gjino says their longevity speaks for itself.

“That resiliency that these businesses represent is incredible.”

Listen Now

Hear the full conversation as Vaske Gjino discusses Worcester’s inaugural Legacy Businesses Program, the importance of preserving neighborhood institutions, and how longtime local businesses continue to define the city’s character.

2026 Inaugural Legacy Business Award Selections

Sneakerama, 12 Lake Ave.
Addie Lee’s Soul Food, 596 Main St.
Maria’s Kitchen, 826 Main St.
Jo Ann Warren Studio, 997 Millbury St.
Moynagh’s Tavern Inc., 25 Exchange St.
Boulevard Diner*, 155 Shrewsbury St.
Ralphs Chadwick Square Diner*, 148 Grove St.
Kenmore Diner*, 250 Franklin St.
Central Shoe Repair, 37 Mechanic St.
Da-Lat Restaurant, 425 Park Ave.
True Value Hardware, 113 Hamilton St.
Bonardi’s Formalwear, 179 Highland St.
Parkway Diner*, 148 Shrewsbury St.
Carlitos Barbershop, 925 Main St.
That’s Entertainment, 244 Park Ave.
Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace, 408 Pleasant St.
George’s Coney Island, 158 Southbridge St.
CC Lowell, 455 Pleasant St.
Jerrys Tastee Freeze, 2 Inverness Ave.
Enchanted Fireside, 728 W. Boylston St.
Dodge Park LLC dba Dodge Park Rest Home, 101 Randolph Rd.
Lou Roc’s Diner, 1074 W. Boylston St.
Miss Worcester Diner*, 300 Southbridge St.
Marvin’s Corner Lunch, 131 Lamartine St.

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World Cup Watch Parties Coming to Worcester Common: Free Family Events, Food Trucks and International Fans Expected

by Hank Stolz | Jun 12, 2026 | DISCOVER CENTRAL MA, WORCESTER NEWS

Worcester Prepares for World Cup Celebration with Free Watch Parties on Worcester Common

Four Free World Cup Watch Parties Planned

“It’s a time for communities to come together and just celebrate a sport that everyone loves,”

By-Hank Stolz

Photo credit – submitted

Worcester, MA-The FIFA World Cup is bringing more than soccer excitement to Central Massachusetts this summer.

During a recent episode of Discover Central MA, host Tim Power spoke with Shantelle Campbell of the City of Worcester about a series of large-scale World Cup watch parties planned for Worcester Common. The free events are designed to bring residents and visitors together while showcasing Worcester as a destination for international travelers.

“It’s a time for communities to come together and just celebrate a sport that everyone loves,” Campbell said. “And we’re excited to welcome everyone into the common, to see the common be super activated and super active.”

Four Free World Cup Watch Parties Planned

The City of Worcester, in partnership with Discover Central Massachusetts and several regional organizations, will host four free public watch parties throughout the tournament.

Each event will feature:

A large outdoor viewing screen
Food trucks
Local vendors
A beer garden
Family-friendly activities
Soccer-themed programming for children

Organizers hope the events will create a festival atmosphere in the heart of downtown while giving residents a chance to experience the World Cup alongside fans from around the world.

Worcester’s Diversity Makes It a Natural Host

Campbell noted that Worcester’s cultural diversity makes the city an ideal location for World Cup celebrations.

“Worcester is a melting pot,” she said. “A lot of different cultures and people who migrated have settled here and we just want to celebrate that and we want to have fun.”

The city expects the watch parties to attract a broad mix of residents and visitors, reflecting the global nature of the tournament itself.

International Visitors Expected to Boost Local Economy

Tourism officials are already seeing signs that the World Cup is generating interest in Worcester and the surrounding region.

According to organizers, visitors from countries including Scotland, Ghana and Norway have chosen Worcester as their home base while attending matches and events connected to the tournament.

Several factors are driving that decision:

More affordable accommodations compared to larger metropolitan areas
Convenient access to Foxborough and tournament venues
Worcester’s growing dining, entertainment and cultural offerings
Regional attractions throughout Central Massachusetts

Local restaurants, bars and hospitality businesses are expected to benefit from the influx of visitors throughout the tournament.

State Tourism Grant Helped Fund the Initiative

The expanded watch party experience was made possible through a $120,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

The funding allowed organizers to scale the events and create a more robust fan experience for both residents and visitors.

With thousands expected to gather on Worcester Common throughout the tournament, city officials and tourism leaders see the World Cup watch parties as an opportunity to showcase Worcester on an international stage while generating economic activity for local businesses.

World Cup 2026 Explained

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest World Cup ever held. For the first time in tournament history, 48 nations are competing, up from 32 teams in previous tournaments. The event is being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first World Cup shared by three countries. The expanded format means more teams, more matches, and more opportunities for fans around the world to participate.

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four teams each. During the group stage, every team plays three matches. The top two teams from each group automatically advance to the knockout rounds, along with the eight best third-place finishers. This creates a 32-team knockout bracket, adding an extra elimination round compared to previous World Cups.

The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19, featuring a record 104 matches played across 16 host cities in North America. The group stage takes place from June 11-27, followed by the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship match on July 19.

For fans attending Worcester’s World Cup watch parties, there will be matches nearly every day during the group stage, often with multiple games taking place throughout the afternoon and evening. The schedule creates a festival-like atmosphere where supporters from different countries can gather, celebrate their teams, and experience one of the world’s most watched sporting events together.

Tournament At A Glance

48 Countries
104 Matches
16 Host Cities
3 Host Nations (USA, Canada, Mexico)
June 11 – July 19, 2026
12 Groups of 4 Teams
32 Teams Advance to Knockout Play
World Cup Final: July 19, 2026

Fun Fact: The Boston region is one of only 16 host markets selected worldwide, meaning Worcester sits just miles from one of the biggest sporting events on the planet while offering fans a more affordable and accessible place to stay, dine, and celebrate.

Source

FIFA

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Kate Toomey: Worcester Must Act Now on Public Safety While Addressing Root Causes

by Hank Stolz | May 29, 2026 | WORCESTER NEWS

Kate Toomey: Worcester Must Act Now on Public Safety While Addressing Root Causes

Public Safety and Compassion Must Go Hand-in-Hand in Worcester

“We need to really all work together to come up with something that’s going to change the equation.”

— Kate Toomey

By-Hank Stolz

Graphic – Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA-The recent stabbing on Worcester Common has intensified concerns among residents and business owners about public safety in downtown Worcester. According to Worcester City Councilor Kate Toomey, the city is taking immediate action while also working toward broader, long-term solutions.

Speaking with Radio Worcester, Toomey emphasized that while such incidents can happen anywhere, the city has a responsibility to respond decisively.

“This type of incident could have happened in any city or town, but it’s happened here and we need to address it and we need to make sure that we put measures in place to say to people, ‘This isn’t acceptable and we’re not going to put up with it.'”

Toomey, who chairs the City Council’s Standing Committee on Public Safety, said city officials quickly responded to concerns raised by citizens and downtown business owners.

Among the immediate actions taken were increased foot patrols, expanded bicycle patrols, and the placement of a police cruiser on Worcester Common to provide a more visible public safety presence.

Immediate Response and Long-Term Challenges

While acknowledging the importance of visible enforcement, Toomey stressed that public safety concerns cannot be separated from broader issues involving addiction, homelessness, and mental health.

She described these challenges as both local and national in scope and noted that meaningful progress requires sustained effort.

According to Toomey, Worcester continues to bear a disproportionate share of the region’s homelessness challenges.

She stated that more than 80 percent of Worcester’s homeless population originally came from outside the city, highlighting the need for regional cooperation.

Regional Cooperation Needed

Toomey argued that Worcester should not be expected to solve the crisis alone.

Instead, she called on neighboring communities and regional stakeholders to participate in developing solutions that address homelessness, addiction recovery, and mental health support.

She emphasized that many of the individuals experiencing homelessness are struggling with circumstances that require coordinated care and long-term support rather than temporary fixes.

“These are people’s brothers and sisters and mothers and uncles and aunts. It’s a terrible life for them to have to live. And we need to try to pull everybody on board to try to fix this problem.”

Rethinking Existing Approaches

Toomey also suggested that current strategies have not delivered the desired results and that policymakers must be willing to explore new approaches.

One potential solution she highlighted involves providing individuals in addiction recovery with longer periods of stable housing and support services.

She argued that recovery efforts often fail because people do not have enough time and stability to rebuild their lives.

“I think what we’ve been doing, we’ve been doing the same thing over and over again and it’s not working. And so, we need to really all work together to come up with something that’s going to change the equation.”

According to Toomey, Worcester City Manager Eric Batista is preparing to release a new strategic framework designed to address these interconnected challenges. The city manager is also expected to meet with local business leaders to discuss public safety concerns and future initiatives.

For Toomey, the path forward requires balancing public safety, compassion, accountability, and regional cooperation.

The immediate response may help reassure residents and businesses, but she believes lasting success will depend on addressing the root causes that continue to drive homelessness, addiction, and mental health crises throughout the region.

Worcester’s Immediate Response to Public Safety Concerns

Following the stabbing on Worcester Common, city officials implemented several immediate measures:

Increased foot patrols downtown
Expanded bicycle patrols
Police cruiser stationed on Worcester Common
Meetings planned with local business leaders
Development of a new city strategic framework

Long-Term Issues Being Discussed

Homelessness
Substance use disorder
Mental health services
Recovery housing
Regional cooperation among municipalities

Sources

Interview with Worcester City Councilor Kate Toomey on Radio Worcester
Worcester City Council Public Safety Committee discussions
Statements regarding the city’s response to the Worcester Common stabbing

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Stretch Code Supporters Push Back, Cite Housing Growth and Cost Savings

by Hank Stolz | Apr 28, 2026 | WORCESTER NEWS

Stretch Code Debate Continues in Worcester

“Why would Worcester want to put that kind of money at risk… when they have the opportunity of getting over a million dollars from the state on a yearly basis?”

By-Hank Stolz

Photo Kill the Ball Media

Worcester, MA- Even though Worcester City Manager Eric Batista has been informed that he cannot pause the Special Stretch Code in Worcester at this time, it remains a hot topic in the city.

Hank Stolz spoke with Lisa Cunningham, the director of Zero Carbon MA, a statewide nonprofit organization that assists communities in passing local climate legislation and Mara Pentlarge a local climate activist involved with groups such as 350 Central Mass and Worcester Congregations for Climate and Environmental Justice, on the Talk of the Commonwealth.

Cunningham argued that the city’s claim that the code hindered housing development was false, citing state data showing a 44% increase in permitted housing units since the code’s adoption. They highlighted the financial benefits of the code, including access to over a million dollars annually in state grants through the Climate Leader Program, “Why would Worcester want to put that kind of money at risk in this tight budget environment where every dollar matters when they have the opportunity of getting over a million dollars from the state on a yearly basis by being part of this climate leader program…” She also argued the code serves as a critical consumer protection measure. It ensures new buildings are pre-wired for electrification and built to higher efficiency standards, saving future residents from high utility bills and expensive retrofits. According to Cunningham passive house construction, a key component of the code for larger buildings, offers superior performance. She says the buildings are healthier, more comfortable, more resilient, and 40-60% cheaper to operate.

While they were pleased the immediate pause was averted, they acknowledged that the city could still vote to opt out in approximately 18 months and affirmed their commitment to continue advocating for the code.

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