Good morning, Worcester.

Second Chance Animal Services rehomed 23 Golden Retriever puppies and three adult dogs rescued from an animal cruelty case and received over 3,000 adoption surveys, while about a dozen dogs, 13 cats, and two rabbits remain in need of homes.

Lindsay Doray said that a forthcoming Puppy Yoga fundraiser with Timberyard Brewing Company will help raise funds for other animals in care—she hopes that the interest in Goldens encourages more adoptions.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass. and MetroWest is asking local volunteers to become mentors—over 100 children wait to be matched with a caring adult.

CEO Connie Askin said mentors need only a few hours every week to help kids build confidence and overcome challenges at school.

Following a ceiling fire on September 6 that closed TheCommon—formerly Midtown Mall—only Worcester Common Fitness and Kim's Jewelry had opened as of Friday, Sept.

26 while other businesses remained locked with visible damage. Odd by Worcester Brewing and Broth are expected to open within the next month while Evil Eye Tattoo reported safety concerns over incomplete repairs.

A guest columnist who grew up in Worcester urges lawmakers to pass a universal FAFSA law that would require all high school seniors to complete or opt out of the form—an idea modeled after improvements seen in Louisiana and Alabama—to help low-income and first-generation students navigate college aid. She warns that without this policy, low completion rates could continue to limit access to aid in our state.

St. John's football coach Gary Senecal (an Army Reservist for 13 years who learned from coaches Kilcoyne and Chesney) is teaching his players essential life values on and off the field.

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.

Johnny Mathis Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless voice of Johnny Mathis, an icon of pop music since the 1950s.

Rock The GazBar

10:30 a.m.–11:59 p.m. — The GazBar Sports Grill — Registration fees apply — Run, walk, or cheer on participants during a fun 5k event for all ages.

Toronzo Cannon Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Bull Run Restaurant — Check for ticket prices — Experience the electrifying blues sounds of Toronzo Cannon from Chicago.