Good morning, Worcester.

RFK Community Alliance President and CEO Michael Ames will step down by Friday and be replaced by interim COO Kathy Mills as part of a planned leadership transition.

Ames will remain as a consultant to help ensure a smooth handover for the nonprofit that serves children, adults, and families in the region.

American Airlines will start daily flights from Worcester Regional Airport to Philadelphia on July 5 as it replaces its New York City service with the new route—booking opens Monday per the Massachusetts Port Authority.

The WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown pitch competition held today at Off the Rails in Worcester awarded $15,000 to six student-run startups and featured 15 competitors from four local colleges pitching to three Central Massachusetts business leaders—part of Startup Week Worcester.

Panel sessions on entrepreneurship will continue with discussions scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Worcester police arrested Charles Yawn, 30, early on April 19 after he robbed the 711 store at 1326 Main St by showing a knife and striking an officer during his arrest, and he now faces charges for armed robbery, assault on a police officer, and an outstanding warrant.

Diocese Bishop Robert J.

McManus and Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy held a Mass at *12:10 p.m.* April 21 at Cathedral of Saint Paul in Worcester to honor Pope Francis following his death, and tributes came in from across the state with comments by U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern and Gov. Maura Healey. The event united local Catholics in remembering his compassion and service.

Worcester Art Museum and Open Door Arts partnered to show 'Shared,' an exhibit featuring works by eight Massachusetts artists with disabilities at the Higgins Education Wing, open free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until May 22—featuring paintings, ceramics, drawings, and sound art.

Worcester State University will confer degrees on over 600 undergraduates at its 149th Commencement on May 17 at the DCU Center where Dr. Debra Maddox will speak and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren will deliver remarks—Daniel Hsu will present the Senior Class Address.

College presidents from five Worcester schools oppose the city council's plan to ask voters if college endowments should pay a 0.5% tax because they say the tax will hurt students and add more stress on schools.

They wrote in a letter that the idea is short-sighted and may be illegal—raising hard questions about its timing and impact on current tax payments.

Poetorium Too at TidePool Bookshop

5-7 p.m. — TidePool Bookshop — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of poetry featuring three local poets and an open mic session.

The Awesome 80’s Prom featuring Debbie Gibson

7 PM – 2 AM — Mechanics Hall — $45+ — Experience a monumental throwback party with live music and special guest Debbie Gibson!

Toledo Mud Hens at Worcester Red Sox

4:05-8:05 p.m. — Polar Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting showdown between the Toledo Mud Hens and Worcester Red Sox.

Through the Listening Glass

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Museum of Worcester — Cost info not provided — Escape with the ethereal, other-worldly sound of the Glass Armonica.

Judy Collins Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the stunning voice of Grammy award-winner Judy Collins as she performs timeless folk classics.

Lunch & Learn: HR Essentials for Startups

12:00 – 1:30 PM — WorcLab Incubator & Coworking space — Free — Gain essential HR insights tailored for startups in an interactive session.

Northeast Section IFT Food Industry Expo

Various times — DCU Center — Entry ticket fees apply — Check out the latest innovations in the food industry at this major expo.

CoComelon: Sing-A-Long

4-6 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience a lively Broadway-style production featuring favorite sing-along songs from CoComelon.

Conservatory Spring Reflection 2025

1-2:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty of spring in an engaging performance reflecting nature's renewal.