Good morning, Worcester.

Former Hanover Theatre CEO Troy Siebels was named interim executive director of the Worcester Guardian.

Siebels left The Hanover on June 30 and will focus on building partnerships + fundraising to support independent local news.

A Tennessee-based franchise operator plans to build a new Taco Bell at 79 Pullman St in Worcester as it awaits a Monday permit review by the Zoning Board — the 2,250 sqft restaurant will have a 214-foot drive-thru lane and hire 20 to 30 workers.

The Asa Waters Mansion in Millbury hosts a 3-day Civil War living history event this weekend with nearly 100 reenactors portraying Union and Confederate forces (celebrating America’s 250th, Massachusetts’ 250th, and the mansion’s 200th anniversaries).

Visitors can enjoy tours, battle reenactments, and dress parades with free and ticketed options.

Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend is running today through Sunday, Aug.

9, offering sales tax savings on qualifying items. BBB of Central New England advises shoppers to plan ahead + make a list and research prices to avoid impulse buys.

A study by Brown University and the Mass DOE released on July 28 found that Worcester high school students new to English graduated at a 55% rate (10% above the state average of 45%), highlighting the district’s focused enrollment process.

Open Sky Community Services in Worcester and Polus Center in Athol received $500k in grants from the Gov. Maura Healey Administration on Wednesday, part of a $5.9M package to boost workforce programs.

Open Sky will train 50 assistants while Polus will support training for 72 teaching and special education aides.

Governor Healey signed a new home care law on Friday that directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to set up a licensing system for home care workers with background checks + driver record reviews and annual training standards.

The law aims to strengthen safety for both workers and clients.

UMass Memorial Health has finalized transfers for Community Healthlink’s mental health and substance use treatment programs to local nonprofits in Worcester and beyond; the move comes as the system closes the affiliate due to financial challenges and plans layoffs by Sept.

16.

Holden resident Owen Quinn shot a record 62 at Wachusett Country Club on Friday, July 31, setting a new course record; he tied a record at Worcester Country Club in 2022 and will seek employment outside golf this fall.

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.