Good morning, Worcester.

The T&G Santa fund provided nearly 10,000 gifts for children in need on Monday, Dec.

8, thanks to contributions from local readers, businesses, and civic groups (including United Way of Central Massachusetts), and they now seek continued support.

A ceremony was held yesterday at the Franklin Street Fire Station to honor firefighter Jon Davies Sr., who lost his life in a 2011 house fire on Arlington Street.

A water main break on Cohasset Street early Monday, Dec.

8 caused flooding and a sinkhole at 43 Cohasset St. (nearly swallowing a car) and prompted DPW to shut off the water, while northbound lanes on Norton Drive remained closed for detours.

A dental insurance company will close its Worcester office and lay off 50 employees between Jan.

31 and March 31, 2026 after filing a workers adjustment notice on Dec. 2 + it administers the MassHealth dental program.

Merrimack Valley Ringers will perform a holiday concert at 2 p.m. Dec.

14 at Worcester Art Museum with free admission and a tour that includes shows in Shrewsbury and Leominster.

On Dec. 8, local high school principals, teachers, and counselors nominated four students for Telegram & Gazette Student of the Week for outstanding academic achievement and community service, including Zoe Bodinizzo, Alex Johnson, Sadie O'Toole, and Astrid Hernandez Tello.

Ryan Kittredge, president of ClearPath Financial Partners, tells Worcester residents that long-term disability insurance is a key safety net since group plans often pay too little if an injury prevents work — and he notes that life insurance needs decline with age as financial obligations ease.

UMass Chan is joining a national trial of a new magnetic therapy for postpartum depression.

The study enrolls 85 women and uses brain scans to guide 10 short treatment sessions a day for five days — the aim is to help women feel better faster.

Arris Partners acquired its second Canal District warehouse site ($2.4M) as a natural extension of property it already owned, according to co-founder John Garofalo.

The 72-unit Flats at Merrill Pond (328 Greenwood St.) in Worcester was sold for $14 million from a California investment firm to a local landlord managed by Bechara Fren, giving the new owner control of the apartment complex.

After the season ended this past weekend, Tommy Cassell unveiled his candidates (fifth annual) for Central Mass Football Player of the Year and is inviting locals to cast their vote by emailing him.

The candidates are noted for strong season stats and key on-field plays.

Saves The Day and Glassjaw Concert

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Palladium — $TBA — Experience an electrifying evening with indie rock legends in a vibrant venue.

45th Annual Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert

8-10 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — $47+ — Experience Worcester's festive holiday celebration with the Massachusetts Symphony and special guest performances.

Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay

8:30-9:30 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — $25.65 — Experience the music of Coldplay in a candlelit setting for a unique musical celebration.

A Christmas Carol

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Tickets from $102 — Enjoy a classic holiday tale brought to life in a stunning theatrical performance.

Fourth Annual Royal Holiday Ball

6-11 p.m. — Courtyard by Marriott Worcester — Cost not specified — Experience a magical evening of celebration, dancing, and festive treats fit for royalty.

Sans Souci Tribute to JGB

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Electric Haze Llc — Tickets starting at $15.44 — Experience a tribute to JGB with live alternative rock music.

A Christmas Carol

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a classic holiday tale brought to life in a beautiful theater setting.

Dueling Pianos Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Rascals — Ticket prices vary — Get ready to rock and roll at an electrifying musical experience where you choose the playlist.

Home for the Holidays Hockey Game

3:05-4:35 p.m. — DCU Center — $10 Kids Tickets — Celebrate the season with festive hockey, family fun, and a chance to win during the Ugly Sweater Contest.

New Year's Eve Celebration with Whiskey Boulevard

7 PM - 1 AM — Samuel Slater's Restaurant — $95 Dinner, $30 Celebration Only — Celebrate New Year's Eve with live music, dinner buffet, and a champagne toast at midnight.