Good morning, Worcester.

Second Chance Animal Services rescued 26 golden retrievers in East Brookfield — including 23 puppies rescued in August and 3 mothers — and the animals are thriving in foster care.

They will be available for adoption on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m and a yoga class at Timberyard Brewery will let some puppies meet potential families, with tickets at $23.18 and 50% of proceeds benefitting the agency.

A nonprofit purchased the old fire station at 108 Beacon St. and the adjacent building for $1.3 million in March and will renovate the site next year to serve as a headquarters for its urban farming and community gardening programs—expanding services for local residents.

The Greater Worcester Land Trust is hosting Hike Worcester Week to offer residents guided hikes and rewards while encouraging them to explore local trails and see wildlife.

Radio Worcester airs programs that bring a local perspective on national and global topics to keep listeners informed.

A Worcester bakery owner, Jennifer Sowden, attended the Wicked Gluten Free New England Expo (held on Sept.

20) to showcase her gluten-free pretzels and announce plans to ship cake and brownie mixes nationwide. She worked long hours (despite a website crash) to fill pre-orders and will attend future expos in Connecticut and Philadelphia.

Former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty will speak at Hanover Theatre Conservatory on Friday, September 26th at 5 p.m. She will discuss her new book My Russia: What I Saw Inside the Kremlin—there will be a Q&A with former Congressman Peter Blute and a book signing with free tickets available via advance signup.

Foghat will perform with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester on Oct.

3 at 7:30 p.m., offering classic rock hits and new songs from their Grammy-nominated album Sonic Mojo. The concert will bring a mix of old favorites and fresh tunes that span generations—highlighting decades of rock music for local fans.

Production crews are filming scenes for 'The Walking Dead: Dead City' in downtown Worcester this week — they are transforming a 72nd Street subway stop with abandoned taxi cabs and dense overgrowth.

Filming will continue until Wednesday, Sept 24.

Worcester Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen announced a new five-year Future Teacher Pipeline—designed to give high school juniors and seniors early college courses and potential internships aimed at preparing them for teaching—that builds on his own long career in the schools. The school committee approved his proposal and will consider adding financial support options as the program develops.

The National Book Award-winning poet Martín Espada will read for 45 minutes from his new book Jailbreak of Sparrows at Worcester State University on Friday, October 3 at 2 p.m. and will also get an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Homecoming and Family Weekend — followed by a book signing and reception.

Researchers at WPI published studies in Joule and Materials Today that show a safe way to recycle lithium-metal batteries—turning old anodes into nearly pure lithium carbonate—and a new iron-doping method that improves solid-state battery design.

Their work will help produce safer, lower-cost batteries—vital for cleaner energy options.

UMass Chan Medical School has two pollinator habitat gardens maintained by the Pollination Association that feature over 20 native flowering species to support bees, butterflies, and other insects — one located near the student-run community gardens along North Road and the other by the Lamar Soutter Library. Volunteers planted the gardens as part of the Bee Campus USA commitment and they help advance the campus sustainability and educational efforts.

Four investors closed the sale of the S.K.

Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion in South Gardner for $1 million on Sept. 19 and plan to expand access by offering overnight stays, event rentals, and filming opportunities. They will keep current ghost tours and staff while renovating the exterior and hosting year-round community events (historic).

Grace Woodsmall of Wachusett won last week’s T and G Hometeam Central Mass Field Hockey Player poll with 11,964 votes, while Teagan Arnold and Avery Russell received 6,865 and 1,509 votes respectively.

Jennifer Toland selected top plays from local games to highlight the strong performances by the players—reflecting the growing field hockey excitement.

Jennifer Toland compiled top Central Mass football players' performances for a weekly vote, and Northbridge's Joel LaChapelle won last week's poll (6,624 votes) as more than 16,000 local fans participated.

Shrewsbury High won its week 3 games by defeating Hudson 14-6 on Sept 12 and shutting out Haverhill 35-0 last Friday—tying for first in the Midland-Wachusett League A Division as coach John Aloisi celebrated his 100th win and saw his son make his varsity debut.

For Week 4, the Colonials will face in-town rival St. John's while Northbridge and Auburn renew a long rivalry and Uxbridge tries for its 29th straight win.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience world-class Irish music and dance that brings the spirit of Ireland alive on stage.

The Best Little Food Truck Festival in Milford

12-5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Milford — Free entry — Enjoy delicious food trucks and live music while supporting a good cause.

22nd Annual Home Run 5K Road Race/Walk

10 AM — Jewish Healthcare Center — Registration fee required — Celebrate community health with a fun-filled 5K run and walk.

Bonsai Workshop at Dirigible Brewing

7-9 p.m. — Dirigible Brewing Company — Registration required — Create your own bonsai tree while enjoying handcrafted beers and a cozy atmosphere.

Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas and Foghat

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Cost info not provided — Experience the legendary voices of Mickey Thomas and the rock sounds of Foghat.

Scott Heron: Jam Camp North

10 a.m. — Prindle Pond Conference Center — $ — A weekend of jamming in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere featuring old-time and bluegrass music.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire

2:30-4:00 p.m. — DCU Center — Ticketed event — Experience the thrill of monster trucks in an exciting new Glow-N-Fire show!

Savage Ga$p, Grim Salvo, and Witchouse 40k Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying performances of Savage Ga$p and friends live in Worcester.

Rhett Miller Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Off The Rails — Tickets starting at $30.50 — Enjoy a night of music with Rhett Miller at this popular Worcester venue.

Pink Martini Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices range from $87 to $303 — Experience an evening of eclectic music from the beloved Pink Martini.