Good morning, Worcester.

Community Harvest Project partners with the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District to recruit volunteers for the Out to Lunch Festival, where residents can learn basic farming skills and harvest fresh produce grown on farms in Grafton and Harvard for local hunger relief organizations (no farming experience is required).

Saint-Gobain expanded its Northborough presence with a new $30M fire lab at Thursday’s ribbon cutting — group chief innovation officer Anne Hardy said the strategic investment will boost innovation.

Local bars in Worcester served alcohol until 3 a.m. from June 11 to July 31 for the country’s 250th anniversary and World Cup but now must close at 2 a.m. Stacey Blanchette of Dirt McGirt's (Main Street) said the extra hour boosted business and spurred talk of a rule change.

After tests showed cyanobacteria levels dropped to safe levels, activities at Coes Pond resumed on Friday, July 31.

A treatment is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3 so people and pets should avoid the water until Tuesday.

Colleen Carney (formerly vice president of risk and revenue) was promoted to chief risk officer at Webster First Federal Credit Union on Friday in Worcester; the credit union has expanded its risk management role to support its growing operations.

Ryan Kittredge of ClearPath Financial Partners explained that retirement tax planning should focus on reducing lifetime taxes rather than just this year's bill.

He recommends coordinating income sources, timing Roth conversions, and planning with advisors three to five years before retiring.

Today, the AG's office awarded over $424,000 to 38 organizations for youth summer job programs—six of which are in Worcester County, supporting health, professional development and community well-being initiatives.

Radio Worcester hosted a panel that discussed the state's plan to expand its lottery to online platforms and a pending review board for police accountability.

They also looked at a church noise complaint and a proposal for a local monument commemorating the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

On Thursday night, the House passed a bill to boost primary care spending gradually to 15% by 2036 with a 158-0 vote; the bill sets targets and new payment models to help patients access care more easily.

Worcester Red Sox vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs

12:05-1:05 p.m. — Polar Park — $40-$50 — Reserve your parking now for a thrilling game between rivals at Polar Park.

Summer Dance Intensive Week

Various times — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Cost information not specified — A week-long immersive program for young dancers to explore various dance styles and techniques.

Sonoma at the Beechwood: 5-Course Beer Dinner

Join Sonoma Restaurant at the Beechwood Hotel on Thursday, August 13, for an exclusive Five-Course Summer Beer Dinner featuring chef-crafted cuisine expertly paired with premium craft beers from some of New England's finest breweries. Tickets are $85 per person; reservations are required by calling 508-453-1174.