Good morning, Worcester.

A fundraiser and vigil for Kevin Doherty’s family will be held Saturday, Oct.

11 at Scandinavian Athletic Club Park at 438 Lake St.—community members will support his loved ones with a silent auction, raffle, live music and food trucks after he was fatally shot on Aug. 28, with his fiancée Sarah Schofield expected to speak.

Worcester-based Commonwealth Electrical Technologies acquired NuWave Energy Solutions in Norwell after its private equity owner took a majority stake in February+ the deal is expected to expand its energy solutions offerings in the region.

At a gala on Oct. 3 at the AC Hotel in Worcester, over 300 community and business leaders celebrated Black excellence and honored David Connell and Deborah Hall, the first Black leaders of the Central Mass YMCA and YWCA.

Mayor Joe Petty and other officials presented them with keys to the city — a call to continue building unity and opportunity.

Tim Power, Hank Stolz and local experts talked about upcoming fall and Halloween events in Central Mass including Boo in the Woo and a Jack o’ Lantern display at Southwick Zoo—Lisa Malo from the Worcester BID noted the Festival of Lights has grown into a key winter event downtown while photographer Alan Dines explained his work helps him capture real, local moments.

Voting is open now for over 100 local artists and bands in the New England Music Awards—people can vote online once a day until Oct.

11, and winners will be announced on Nov. 16 at Six String Grill and Stage in Foxborough.

Orchestra Gold will perform a free concert at 6:30 p.m. on Oct.

11 at Doherty Memorial High School—partnering with Crocodile River Music as part of its African Music Series—and will include a dance class at 1 p.m. at Raices Latin Dance on West Boylston Street.

On Oct. 11, the Worcester Public Library will host a free Banned Books Week event that starts with a screening of the documentary 'The Librarians' at 1 p.m. and includes a read-in from 2 to 4 p.m.—the program highlights issues of censorship and the freedom to read.

At Clark University, competitive eater Crazy Legs Conti competed in a microgreens contest in a marketing class on Oct.

6 and barely won after struggling with spicy radish greens added by Clark senior Owen Chase—owner of Just for Fun Farms who uses his business to give students a real marketing lesson. The contest showed how a local business can mix fun with education in a unique classroom experience.

Rosane Ferreira— a Worcester mother arrested by ICE on May 8 on Eureka Street—shared her first interview after being released on Oct.

2 following a five-month detainment. She explained how her workday shifted when her daughter called as she was getting ready for her cleaning job.

Fire officials including Westborough Fire Chief Patrick J.

Purcell and the state fire marshal met Tuesday, Oct. 7 to urge homeowners to update their smoke alarms as many were found with dead batteries. They stressed that modern alarms with a 10-year battery reduce the risk of fatal fires and proper placement and safe disposal help avoid issues—especially from lithium-ion battery problems.

UMass Chan Medical School Chancellor Dr. Michael Collins said federal research funding uncertainty threatened scientific progress and Massachusetts jobs in an interview on Sept 28.

He noted that without bridge funding the state risks losing young scientists — and he praised Gov. Healey's plan for state support to offset the shortfalls.

Marlborough's Javian Huertas won Hometeam Football Player of the Week, presented by the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, by receiving 33,578 votes from over 122,000 cast—after Jennifer Toland selected standout local performances from the weekend games.

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.

Live Blues Performance by Troy Mercy

8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. — Vincent's — Entry fee unknown — Enjoy a night of blues with the uniquely captivating Troy Mercy and their rock & roll flair.

Live Music by Jim Infantino & Lisa Bastoni

1-5 p.m. — Hyland Orchard Pavilion — Check website for ticket info — Enjoy alternating sets from talented songwriters while picking apples.

Adirondack Thunder vs Worcester Railers

3:05 – 4:35 PM — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting match as the Worcester Railers take on the Adirondack Thunder in their eighth season of ECHL action.

Get the Led Out Tribute Concert

8-11 p.m. — Stadium Theatre — $34, $39, $44 — Experience the epic sounds of Led Zeppelin performed live with authentic energy and artistry.

Long Subaru 15th Annual Love-A-Pet Event

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Long Subaru — Free entry — Celebrate furry friends with adoptable pets and a cutest pet contest.