Downtown Worcester BID January Digest

JANUARY'S DOWNTOWN DIGEST

The Festival of Lights Continues

Don't miss The Festival of Lights installations in Downtown Worcester and Main South, which will be on display until February! Because of the pandemic, this Worcester tradition was reimagined but still succeeded in bringing a sense of wonder and magic to the community. Light displays, window murals, and illuminated sculptures - this year’s Festival of Lights has it all.

left: A vivid snowflake scene on Mercantile Center.

right top: LED snowflakes created by Technocopia member Carlos Torres.

right bottom: 3D geometric sculptures by Ivy Orth of LunoSol Design.

Backlit window mural by Creative Hub Worcester.

A tunnel adorned with rainbow lights built by Tower Hill Botanical Garden.

The light show begins every evening after sundown. Take a walk Downtown and enjoy the beautiful lights.

Library Expands Digital Access to Worcester

The Worcester Public Library (WPL) continues to provide needed services to our community during the pandemic, despite having to close their doors initially and limit service. The proof is in the numbers. WPL is part of a library consortium in Central and Western Massachusetts that saw over 1.8 million digital checkouts in 2020!

Starting February 1st, the WPL will be reopening to the public for in-person computer appointments. Beginning January 27th, patrons will be able to register for appointments by logging onto www.mywpl.org or by calling 508-799-1655. The public will still be able to pick up items on hold without an appointment.

Even more exciting, in an effort to eliminate the digital access barrier, the library is offering "Laptop Bundles”—laptops with Internet access! This will enable residents to take this technology home with them.

The WPL also continues to offer monthly virtual events. There’s seriously something for everyone. Find their online calendar here.

Same Great Food, New Location

Shawarma Palace moved to 20 Franklin Street! After years at its Pleasant Street location, this local business has relocated to another Downtown destination, conveniently located near City Hall and the Worcester Common. Check out their menu and support their new location!

Ambassador Program Update

click images to view full reports

Our Ambassadors remained busy throughout November and December as they continued efforts to keep Downtown clean and safe. They disinfected high contact areas nearly 3,500 times. They also spent time reviewing winter procedures to ensure they were ready to assist with snow and ice removal when the first storm hit. The Ambassadors pretreat crosswalks before the first flakes begin to fly and then work hard to keep them clear during and after a storm. They also monitor sidewalk conditions and help keep business entrances safe.

As the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Health Care COVID-19 Equity Task Force continue to provide free COVID-19 testing at Mercantile Center, hundreds of people are coming to Downtown Worcester, some possibly for the first time. The Ambassadors have supported this critical service by providing directions.

To request services on public property within the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, please contact the Ambassador Service Line at 508-414-9953.

Save the Date

Our community meetings take place on the second Friday of every month. Join us for our next meeting on February 12th at 9 a.m.! These meetings are held virtually and are open to all. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.

RSVP HERE

The focus of our Instagram page is to highlight the businesses and people of Downtown Worcester. Follow our page for our shop local/eat local series, community event announcements, did you know facts, and Downtown history.

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