SEPTEMBER DOWNTOWN DIGEST |
|
Downtown Worcester Looks Back on an Exciting Summer |
|
It was a busy summer in Downtown Worcester! As the city celebrated its reopening, we enjoyed an enthusiastic response to a variety of lively events.
From The Hanover Theatre Repertory's local production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar on the Worcester Common (where reservations far exceeded demand and THT Rep decided to extend the show for another week) to Jazz at Sunset, ArtWorcester’s Block Party, Pride Worcester, and our Drive-in Movies Series (which drew over 80 cars and 175 guests), we’ve had a blast celebrating in Downtown Worcester so far this year.
We’re grateful to all of the event organizers and visitors from all around the region who helped make this summer the success it was.
|
|
Chashu Ramen Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with a New Parklet |
|
When it comes to dining Downtown, Chashu Ramen + Izakaya has fast become a local favorite since opening in September 2020. Now diners can enjoy their delicious East Asian cuisine outside overlooking the Worcester Common. In partnership with the City of Worcester, the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District spearheaded the design and implementation of Worcester’s first raised platform “parklet,” in front of Chashu Ramen.
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped with the project, including the City’s Economic Development staff who applied for the funding, the Planning and Public Works officials who shepherded the project through the City’s approval processes, The Office of Penn Ruderman Architects, our contractor Cole Contracting, and our Program Manager Andrew McShane.
|
|
The Hanover Theatre’s Main Stage Reopens |
|
The Hanover Theatre’s Main Stage opened back up to live audiences with a jubilant performance by local rising star Ricky Duran earlier this month to jump start their new season. There’s something in store for everyone with a packed schedule of musicians, storytellers, dance, and musicals, including a new Broadway season that kicks off in October.
October’s schedule features exciting shows like performances by award-winning tap dance company Dorrance Dance, an immersive evening of Chinese culture and art with the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company Shen Yun, and performances by singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot.
Broadway in Worcester is back with a mix of fan favorites and new shows, from CATS and the Blue Man Group to The Donna Summer Musical and The Prom. The series starts October 21-24 with Escape to Margaritaville—an evening of fun, laughter, and escapism featuring Jimmy Buffett classics and original songs.
No matter what show you decide to see, you can rest assured that The Hanover Theatre is taking care to keep everyone safe throughout the performances and beyond, thanks to their COVID-19 safety protocols.
Photo credit: Sarah Hinrichsen as Rachel and Chris Clark as Tully in Jimmy Buffett’s ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. © Matthew Murphy
|
|
Our Ambassador of the Month |
|
This month, we want to thank our standout Team Leader, Geoffrey! Geoff joined us in May and has been doing an incredible job guiding our Ambassadors in improving and beautifying our shared spaces.
Geoff is a born leader who gives 100% of his effort day in and day out. When asked what his favorite part of the job is, he said, “If you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. I take pride in being at work early every day and doing my best. I’ve met some wonderful people here that really care about what they are doing.” He remarked how much the job means to him, “It is the first job that I have had where I look forward to getting up and coming to work every day.” With Geoff’s leadership, our crew supported event organizers and vendors at this summer’s many Downtown events and block parties. Geoff always is quick to find a solution no matter the problem and is ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed.
|
|
Summer was bustling in Downtown Worcester, which also meant more trash and waste. Fortunately for visitors and residents alike, our Ambassadors have been hard at work keeping the Downtown area clean and welcoming. Take our dog waste station effort, for example: since the installation of dog waste canisters in June, which our Ambassadors monitor frequently, we’ve seen a 44% reduction in dog waste in our district!
Our Clean Team Ambassadors have been hard at work removing weeds and trimming overgrown sidewalks and have recorded an impressive 390 weed abatement projects to date! The Clean Team also has continued pressure-washing efforts to remove graffiti and beautify Downtown Worcester, with 27 instances of graffiti removed in August alone.
Our Amleaning up Downtown goes beyond normal community projects, though. Our Ambassadors also set up and clean up local events. They are a constant, friendly resource during Downtown events providing information, directions, and guidance with a smile!
|
|
Give Your Feedback and Win a $50 Gift Card |
|
Help us plan for Downtown Worcester’s future! Through a state-supported planning grant, the City of Worcester and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District are developing project-based recovery plans for Downtown Worcester. We want your input on which projects are most important for Downtown’s continued success. The Rapid Recovery Plan Program seeks to develop actionable, project-based recovery plans tailored to Downtown’s unique economic challenges and COVID-19-related impacts to rebuild our momentum.
Complete this short survey to let us know what projects you would like to see us prioritize in the coming months. Those who complete the survey will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $50 gift card to The Muse Bar & Kitchen, Downtown’s gastropub and cocktail bar. The survey will be open until Thursday, September 30 but don’t wait, complete it today!
Photo credit:Caio Cesar Gutierres
|
|
Meet Our Office Manager: Brittany Martinelli |
|
The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District team is growing, and we’re happy to announce a new team member. Brittany Martinelli joined us recently as our Office Manager and has quickly become an integral part of our team. In this new role, Brittany manages our finances and office operations.
Brittany graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. Brittany spent most of her professional career within the YMCA in various positions, including a role as Business Manager. Brittany currently lives in Rutland, MA, with her husband Tony, toddler Jack, and dog Addy. During her free time, she enjoys family adventures, traveling, and reading.
|
|
Downtown Halloween Dog Parade |
|
Nothing says Halloween (or, should we say, Howl-o-ween) like cute dogs in even cuter costumes! Fortunately, the Downtown Halloween Dog Parade is coming up in just over a month. Hosted by Crate and Howl, this fun parade lets dog owners celebrate by dressing up and partying down with their favorite four-legged friends.
See some tricks (and give some treats) at this fun, family-friendly Halloween event. Join us in costume with your pooch. Get creative and have fun with other dog-lovers in the community. The parade takes place on October 23, 2021, from 1-3 p.m. The exact location is TBD, so follow us on social media for the announcement.
Photo credit: Crate and Howl
|
|
Community Meeting - Save the Date |
|
Our next community meeting will take place virtually on October 8 from 9-10 a.m. The agenda includes presentations from WORCLab, one of Worcester's premier business incubators and coworking space. This meeting is open to all. We look forward to seeing you there!
|
|
Downtown is bustling, and many local businesses are looking for new team members. Technocopia is hiring a part-time Operations Assistant, for example, and Shawarma Palace is hiring part-time cashiers. If you’re looking for a new job opportunity, contact these employers directly to learn more about their open positions and requirements.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
