Good morning, Worcester.

The Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition held its annual meeting at Holy Cross (Jan.

31) to celebrate 10 years of leadership and address challenges in education, healthcare, and bias. Local leaders stressed the need for ongoing community support as they plan further advocacy efforts.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill named a new chief operating officer to replace Jane Ellis, who retired this year.

The Boylston nonprofit plans a smooth leadership transition (more details will be shared soon).

Checkers will open its only New England location on Feb.

10 at 99 Gold Star Blvd in Worcester. The outlet (formerly a Honey Dew Donuts site) will offer free fries to the first 25 customers as doors open at 10 a.m.

WBJ has moved its headquarters from Shrewsbury Street to the second floor of The Glass Tower at 446 Main St. on Jan.

20 to engage with local partners & support downtown growth, following longtime publisher Peter Stanton’s retirement with Tom Curtin now leading the operation.

Mechanics Hall will host 'Love and Romance: A Night of Italian Opera' on Feb.

11 at 7 p.m. with Italian opera sung by artists, accompanied by wine, charcuterie and desserts. Seating includes private tables for two ($150) and reserved floor or balcony seats ($40 and $30) at 321 Main St.

Clark University will mark the 100th anniversary of Dr. Robert Goddard’s first liquid-fueled rocket launch with a week-long celebration from March 16 to March 21 (featuring special exhibitions and public programming) and display newly digitized archival materials at the Goddard Library.

WPI professor Dmitry Korkin and researchers in Senegal are testing a new explainable AI tool called SINDI (Skin INfectious Diseases Intelligent framework) that helps pathologists spot mycetoma in skin specimens.

The tool will offer clear steps on how diagnoses are reached, benefiting areas with limited resources.

WPI received $13 million from two anonymous alumni in long-term gift commitments to create scholarships that reduce financial barriers for students.

The donations will expand access and support future generations in achieving a WPI education.

UMass Chan, Clark, and Holy Cross have been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classifications for their ongoing civic commitment, according to a Jan.

12 Carnegie list. Each university has strengthened ties with local communities (highlighting efforts in service, education, and research).

A state investigation found that Saint Vincent Hospital failed to assign a dedicated nurse in the ICU for a severely ill organ donor patient, and hospital leadership has since reviewed staffing protocols + returned to compliance in August.

Worcester native nurse Kiara Diaz fell 15 feet during a December hike in Costa Rica and returned on Dec.

27, and she is now undergoing full-time therapy at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston while planning to move soon for continued care.

Historic properties eligible for up to $616K in subgrants to support preservation work have been announced.

Worcester-based CMRPC and MRPC are coordinating projects for planning, design, and construction that will open for applications in August with a September deadline.

Tommy Cassell compiled local basketball performances for readers to vote on the Hometeam Boys' Basketball Player of the Week presented by the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.

Last week, Doherty's Hezekai Brown won with 10,325 votes (41.3%) among more than 24,000 votes.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience Shakespeare's enchanting tale of love and magic come to life.

Be My BBQ Valentine Night with The Deloreans

9-11 p.m. — Firefly's BBQ — $5 Cover — Enjoy a night of brass-kickin' Rock and Soul from the 70s and 80s with The Deloreans.

Lunar New Year Celebration

10 AM – 5 PM — EcoTarium — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the Lunar New Year with lively performances and engaging educational programs.

Lunar New Year Celebration

10 AM – 4 PM — Worcester Art Museum — Free admission — Celebrate the Year of the Horse with art, music, dance performances, and activities for all ages.

Cirque Kalabante

7-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket required — Experience an unforgettable night of thrilling performances with Cirque Kalabante.

Aaron Diehl Trio Performance

8:00 p.m. — Prior Performing Arts Center — Ticket information not provided — Experience the sophisticated musical blend of jazz and classical with the acclaimed Aaron Diehl Trio.

Back In Black - AC/DC Tribute Concert

8-11 p.m. — Rascals — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to the electrifying tribute to AC/DC while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Rascals.

Worcester Spring Home Show

4 PM – 1 PM — DCU Center — Free entry — Discover innovative home improvement ideas and connect with local experts to transform your space.