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The federal Model Cities Program launched in the mid-1960s as part of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty and helped spawn neighborhood projects like the Newbury Street Tot Lot in Worcester (Then & Now feature ran Oct.

26).

Worcester Polytechnic Institute will unveil a new project-based learning framework (Impact by Design) this week at the Society for Experiential Education’s 55th annual conference in Savannah, giving educators principles to ground projects in real-world problems, build student ownership, and connect theory with practice for an AI-shaped world.

Saint Vincent physical therapist Rebecca Reed says keeping older adults moving reduces fall risk and to watch for unsteadiness, holding furniture, or past falls (which increase recurrence to 50%); she recommends aquatic exercise, chair yoga, home safety changes, and physician-referred PT (call 508-363-6205).

Gov. Maura Healey launched a statewide breakfast challenge Friday, Oct.

23 asking schools to reach 60% participation; Worcester Public Schools averaged 37.6% in March 2025 and can tap Eos grants (up to $20,000), plus technical help from Project Bread and New England Dairy.

The Friends of the Worcester Public Library donated $50,000 for the new Great Brook Valley Branch (scheduled to open in 2027) at a new Economic Opportunity Center on Tacoma Street, marking their 70th anniversary celebrated during National Friends of Libraries Week.

Worcester State University President Barry Maloney has been selected as Grand Marshal for the 2027 Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade on March 14.

He will lead families along Park Avenue during the celebration of Irish heritage — a community tradition that highlights his local ties.

Worcester Regional Airport set a record with 231,000 passengers in fiscal 2026, and Massport is aiming to boost figures to over 500,000 by 2035 (a new Research Bureau brief outlines route challenges and growth plans).

MassDOT sent a letter to Amazon on Oct.

22 restricting its drone delivery plans from its Westborough facility until it obtains a certificate of approval (addressing local concerns about safety, privacy and the environment). The decision will be reviewed at a public hearing.