Good morning, Worcester.

On Thursday morning, Shrewsbury police rescued a 42-year-old man who struggled to stay afloat in the chilly waters of Lake Quinsigamond below Burns Bridge — officers on Route 9 tossed him a Manny Tube and guided him to shore before he was treated and taken to a hospital.

Alan Seiffert became the new president and CEO of Hanover Theatre in January after moving from New York and he is working to broaden the theater’s audience by planning to bring more dance companies, diverse musical acts and shows to other locations.

He said his goal is to make the theater a cultural touchstone for Central Massachusetts—an effort that builds on the venue’s strong reputation.

Music Worcester will host Bach’s Birthday Bash at Mechanics Hall beginning today and continuing through March 23 — a three-day event of captivating performances celebrating Bach.

Local music fans are invited to enjoy the genius of Bach at this historic venue.

The Worcester Business Development Corporation plans to turn 51 acres of former Saint-Gobain land into an industrial park for climate-friendly manufacturing if permits and funding come through.

Thirty acres will be cleared by the end of May and construction is expected to finish in three years—though federal reimbursement uncertainties and potential geothermal costs remain.

At a meeting on March 19th at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, college students met with U.S. Rep. James P.

McGovern to say that cuts in federal aid might force them to skip college. Students said that help such as Pell grants lets them attend, and McGovern said he will share their worries in Washington—an effort that could change policy.

MassDOT awarded $1.2 million in grants through the Rural Intercity Bus Connections program to improve bus routes for rural travelers.

The funds will support services such as Greyhound's Boston-to-Albany line and a Pioneer Valley Transit Authority route from Amherst to Worcester (which received $49,980) to help people reach more cities.

Eight Worcester police officers earned more total gross pay in 2024 than interim Police Chief Paul Saucier’s $272,966, according to city payroll data.

Their higher earnings came mainly from overtime and detail pay—figures show that some officers received up to $300,477 in total gross pay.

The City Manager's office announced on March 19th that it streamlined special event permits and waived 18 fees to help festival organizers plan events.

Festival organizers such as stART and Pride Worcester welcomed the move—saying it will cut costs and ease planning for upcoming events in the city.

Worcester officials said the city paid over $565 million in 2024 to 8,162 workers—an increase of 6.3% from 2023 with 146 new hires.

Top earners include City Manager Eric Batista at $332,289, and 98 employees earned over $200,000—most from the police department.

Holy Cross hockey will face Bentley tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the sold-out Hart Center for the AHA final as the Crusaders chase their first league championship and automatic NCAA berth since 2006; coach Bill Riga praised the team's focus and the return of key players (including captain Matt Shatsky) from injury as they prepare for this national stage matchup.

Stick to Your Guns Concert

Stick to Your Guns will perform live at the Palladium, coinciding with the release of their new album KEEP PLANTING FLOWERS.

Party101 Featuring DJ Matt Bennett

The Party101 event with DJ Matt Bennett will take place at the Palladium in Worcester, MA, offering an evening of music and entertainment.

Troy Mercy Concert

1-5 p.m. — Starlite Gallery — BBQ available — Experience the bold sounds of the Boston duo TROY & HADLEY as they bring their 21st Century Brave New Blues to Southbridge.

On-Site Tour of Senior Living Awards

9 AM - 7 PM | The Overlook | Free entry | Explore a premier senior living community celebrated for its exceptional care and engaging activities.

NEWWA Spring Conference and Exhibition

6 PM – 6 PM — DCU Center — Registration fee applies — Connect with 3,000 industry professionals at this premier water works event.

MAAPS School Conference for Special Education Professionals

9 AM – 12 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Westborough — $50 early bird; $75 after March 1 — A professional conference connecting school representatives with admissions teams from over 50 special education schools.

Sonic Bomb Live Concert

8 PM – 2 AM — Ralph's Diner — 21+ entry — A night of electrifying performances featuring Sonic Bomb, Inverter, and Tree at a historic venue.

Clue - A New Comedy

6:30-8 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Cost info not available — Unravel the mystery of murder in this comedic twist on a classic tale.

Come From Away

8 PM — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a musical that celebrates human connection in the face of adversity.

Yoga at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Mercantile Center Garage — Ticket prices vary — Experience yoga amidst Van Gogh's masterpieces in a tranquil, immersive setting.