Good morning, Worcester.

On Monday at around 3:58 p.m. an 8-year-old non-verbal autistic boy who escaped through a first-floor window was rescued from chest-deep water in a Milford pond by Officer Brian Sanchioni and K-9 Titan—who tracked him along a stream for about 600 feet before reuniting him with his mother and taking him to Milford Regional Medical Center for a precautionary evaluation.

The Chaos and Carnage traveling music festival will take place at the Palladium, 261 Main St in Worcester on May 4 at 4 p.m.—Veteran rockers Dying Fetus and Cradle of Filth will top a lineup of a dozen metal bands with tickets costing $39.50.

Two new student art exhibitions are now on view at Worcester State University’s Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery — the Spring 2025 Student Thesis Art Exhibition featuring five student artists mentored by art professor Stacey Parker and Currents 25 showcasing work from current art classes — and both run through May 17.

Worcester School Committee member Maureen Binienda urged the district to choose an interim superintendent from within the school system after Superintendent Rachel Monárrez will step down on June 18 — a move intended to keep the school plan steady and ensure safety.

Binienda said the temporary leader — who may later be considered for the permanent role — will help avoid a national search while supporting educators during the transition.

A special edition of UMass Chan magazine celebrates Victor Ambros, PhD, who was named a Nobel laureate for being a co-discoverer of microRNA.

The issue is released electronically because of lower National Institutes of Health funding and highlights work by Ambros, his partner Rosalind (Candy) Lee, and the students he mentored.

UMass Chan Medical School will honor Mary Callery O’Brien, MD, who received the 2024 Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Teaching as she delivers the Last Lecture on May 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. Her talk will focus on advancing diverse and inclusive medical education (highlighting the key role of collaboration) with the event livestreamed (via the UMass Chan YouTube channel).

Molly McGovern, daughter of Rep. James McGovern, died unexpectedly on April 23 while visiting family friends in Assisi, Italy, and funeral services for her will be held Friday, May 2 with visiting hours from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Bernard's Church, 228 Lincoln St.—a funeral mass follows Saturday at 11 a.m. with burial at St. John's Cemetery, arranged by Athy Memorial Home.

The Union Station commuter rail platform will be closed on weekdays until May 23 for track replacement work, so rail passengers must use a temporary loading area—located off Shrewsbury Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—for boarding.

This summer, travelers will have unique Airbnb options in Western Massachusetts that let them try something different from the usual lodging.

Guests can choose the Gingerbread House in Tyringham, a converted barn (30 minutes from Worcester) on a lavender farm, or a glass octagon cabin (with a full kitchen and outdoor deck) in Otis.

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.

Nekrogoblikon Concert

6-10 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sound of Nekrogoblikon as they bring their high-energy performance to Worcester.

Monthly Craft, Color, and Chat

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Morse Institute Library — Free entry — Enjoy crafts and connect with an accepting community for socializing and support.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

3:30 a.m. — The Mercantile — Cheap tickets available — Experience the stunning artistry of Van Gogh in an immersive setting.