Good morning, Worcester.

Local restaurateurs in Worcester and nearby towns have started pay-it-forward programs to offer meals to SNAP recipients affected by reduced benefits from the government shutdown (The Clam Box in East Brookfield served over 100 meals as of Nov 6th).

Other local spots like Savage Smash and Taqueria del Pueblo have also given prepaid meals and food items (with donors helping cover extra costs) to help families in need.

Voting for WBJ’s 2026 Best of Business awards is now open for companies in Central Massachusetts—52 categories can be voted on until Friday, Nov.28.

Voters must fill out at least 10 categories per ballot—winners will be announced on Jan.12 and honored at a networking session in January.

Worcester-born artist John Adams Griefen, known as a color field pioneer, died Oct.

10 in Bergerac, France at age 83—his large acrylic paintings are in collections including the Worcester Art Museum.

The 'Turn It Down' All-Starts will perform an acoustic version of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band at Brickbox Theatre (20 Franklin St.) on November 15 at 7 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting Pernet Family Health Services.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute received $5.2 million from the state, the City of Worcester Biomedical Initiatives and 30 partners to create the BioHub that will launch 24 pilot projects, train over 500 people and add 3,000 bio-industry jobs over the next three years using its Bio-manufacturing Education and Training Center—highlighting a growing focus on biotechnology in our area.

On Oct 31, city officials installed a granite sign near the Billings Square rotary to welcome visitors to Grafton Hill—its rounded Worcester seal and 'Welcome to Grafton Hill' message honor the neighborhood's history.

Local businesses collaborated with Serrato Signs, Empire Granite and JAM Corp while a CSX community fund paid for the project.

Local college men's basketball season begins this week with many Central Mass stars ready to play bigger roles.

Coaches from Nichols, Worcester State and Clark (including sophomores and walk-ons) say fresh talent will add energy as seniors step aside.

Tim Foley, the voice of the Worcester Railers, previewed three theme nights, noting that today's Railers Fight Cancer Night will have special jerseys and a Bruins Alumni pregame match—followed by Autism Acceptance Day on Sunday for a sensory-friendly game experience and a Taylor Swift-themed Eras on Ice event. He said the team’s physical play has built early momentum despite a slow season start.

Maine Mariners at Worcester Railers

3:05 – 4:35 PM — DCU Center — Tickets required — Catch the Worcester Railers take on the Maine Mariners in an exciting ECHL matchup.

Trois-Rivières Lions vs Worcester Railers

7:05-8:35 p.m. — DCU Center — Tickets available — Watch the Worcester Railers take on the Trois-Rivières Lions in an exciting hockey matchup.

Trois-Rivières Lions vs Worcester Railers

6:05-7:35 p.m. — DCU Center — Tickets available — Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Trois-Rivières Lions in an exciting ECHL matchup.

Maine Mariners at Worcester Railers

10:00-11:35 a.m. — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill as the Worcester Railers skate into action against the Maine Mariners in an exciting ECHL matchup.

Macbeth

7:30 p.m. — Worcester State University — $7-$15 — Experience Shakespeare's timeless tragedy of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of power.

Maine Mariners vs Worcester Railers

7:05-8:35 p.m. — DCU Center — Tickets available — Catch the Worcester Railers in action as they battle their rivals on home ice.

Atreyu Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Palladium — $54+ — Experience an electrifying performance by Atreyu at one of Worcester's premier venues.

Blind Guardian Somewhere Far Beyond Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticketed event — Celebrate 30 years of German speed metal with Blind Guardian as they bring their classic album to life.

Yacht Lobsters Concert

7-8 p.m. — Off The Rails — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the nostalgic sounds of 70's and early 80's Soft Rock with the Yacht Lobsters.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve

3:00-4:30 p.m. — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic holiday rock opera with an all-new production from TSO.