Good morning, Worcester.

Jason Homer, who led Worcester Public Library nearly six years, will leave for the Baltimore County Public Library, with his final day on Nov.

6 and Tressa Santillo serving as interim director during the search; a farewell celebration is set for Oct. 27 at the Main Library + Salem Square.

Southbridge nonprofit Wardrobe on Wheels (run by Brooke Roberts) received a $15,000 grant from Spectrum Health Systems to purchase a bus for expanding its mobile clothing boutique.

The organization held an event Sept. 30 at the Spectrum Health building in Southbridge.

Voters in Dudley rejected a referendum to fund $11 million in improvements for schools in the regional district on Tuesday, Sept.

29, while Charlton voters supported it. The school committee will now rework its plan to address needed upgrades in its seven schools.

Nursing graduate Emily Spearin from Worcester State raised nearly $4,000 for the Nursing Student Support Fund so future nurses can cover costs like uniforms and books, and she now begins work in the Burn Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Rhode Island Hospital.

At Worcester State, the Jill Bilodeau Memorial Nursing Scholarship has grown over 25 years to now award two $5,000 scholarships annually, with three to be given this fall.

Jill’s family started the fund after her tragic loss — a tribute that helps more students become nurses.

A $25,000 grant from Santander Bank is supporting Worcester State students by awarding a $500 stipend to those who complete unpaid experiential learning opportunities + internships.

The grant eases financial pressure while helping students gain practical, career-building experience.

Mia Haynes ’27 excels on Worcester State’s women’s basketball team while leading her Christian Fellowship Club and focusing on her English studies with help from five donor-funded scholarships.

The Worcester native plans to coach or teach after graduation.

A July audit found recycling contamination in the center at 23.5% and in the southeast at 28.6%; the city will restart an education program this October (with 'Oops!' stickers, pamphlets, and bin pickup suspensions in November) to lower rates below 15%.

Worcester State students are using new continuous water sensors (from a Daniels Foundation grant) and a lightweight canoe to monitor local lakes, ponds, and streams in real time.

Their work helps spot issues like cyanobacteria growth and strengthen community ties for water protection.

The 28th annual UMass Cancer Walk raised over $500,000 for cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan despite its cancellation on Sept.

27 due to a nor'easter (heavy rain and strong winds). Fundraising remains open through December.

Akeyna is developing a light-based smart needle to alert injectors of vascular risks during dermal filler procedures as it advances prototypes and clinical research through the Auxilium accelerator.

The startup plans to complete trials in 12 to 18 months — a move aimed at making treatments safer for patients.

UMass Memorial Health announced on Wednesday that it named Chicago-area executive Jeff Biesczat as its new CFO to succeed long-time leader Sergio Melgar, who will retire in January.

Biesczat brings 14 years of health system finance experience.

Former Shrewsbury High golf star Ryan Kelley shared his mental health struggles on social media earlier this year after nearly taking his life in June 2025, and he now inspires others as his career takes a positive turn + a reminder to seek help.