🪱 Happy Thanksgiving Wormtown!
Did you know that Massachusetts is home to one of the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving football rivalries—Needham vs. Wellesley—kicking off in 1882, long before the forward pass was legal. Perfect proof that in the Bay State, turkey, pie, and bragging rights all share the same plate. 🦃🏈
While today is the traditional day to push the limits on those sweat pants, the weekend is not far away. Check out what’s up in our area!
In this week’s issue:
Turkey Trot 5K in Northborough
Coats for Kids Fundraiser
One more chance to win that sweet victory pizza
Did someone say free pizza, again?
🍕 I know we just did this last week but I've received so many votes for many different pizza places. Since there are so many to choose from I'm running the survey for one more week to make sure everyone gets their favorite in! In next week’s issue I'll announce the best pizza location based on votes AND award a $25 gift card to a lucky reader. Every vote enters you in for a chance to win! 🪱
It’s just 2 questions, takes about 30 seconds to complete.
This section features snapshots, screenshots, and overheard gems pulled straight from local Facebook groups, forums, and feeds — the places where Worcester County folks show their true colors (and occasionally their potholes).
From laugh-out-loud moments to heartfelt posts, it’s all about celebrating the unique voice, wit, and warmth of our community.
Got a screenshot or photo that made you say “yup, that’s Wormtown”? We want it! If you’ve spotted something post-worthy and local, send it our way for a future issue.
Just email it to [email protected] with a short note, and we’ll take a look.
No town roasts, just love (and maybe a little side-eye for those double-parkers).
🏢 Local Business & Community Buzz
Apple Store Relocates To The Shops at Blackstone Valley — Millbury
Apple will move from Solomon Pond Mall to a new store at The Shops at Blackstone Valley on Dec. 12.
Why it matters: A marquee brand draws foot traffic and boosts retail gravity in Millbury.
‘Dirty Soda’ Shop Puts Clinton On The Sweets Map — Clinton (nearby)
The Fountain Confections blends retro candy-shop vibes with the TikTok-fueled dirty soda trend.
Coats For Kids Fundraiser — Worcester Public Schools
District-wide effort to provide new winter outerwear for students in need across Worcester.
Ecuadorian-Peruvian Restaurant Planned For Former Flying Rhino — Worcester
A new concept, Mercado, is eyeing the 278 Shrewsbury St. space, adding fresh Latin flavors to Restaurant Row.
Why it matters: Another locally driven opening for the Canal District/Restaurant Row scene.
Physik Instrumente Opens New U.S. Headquarters — Shrewsbury
The precision-motion tech company consolidates operations into a larger Shrewsbury facility.
Why it matters: Advanced manufacturing jobs and investment on Route 9.
City Pushes ‘Shop Small’ For Small Business Saturday — Worcester
Worcester highlights the local-multiplier effect ahead of Nov. 29’s Small Business Saturday.
Theatre Café Marks 15 Years — Worcester
The longtime Pleasant St. spot celebrates a milestone—proof that indie cafés can endure downtown.
📅 Upcoming Events:
Thanksgiving weekend picks around Central Mass—family runs, lights, markets, and more.
🦃 Northborough Turkey Trot 5K — Northborough
Start your holiday with a community 5K benefiting local causes.
🗓 Thu, Nov 27, 2025 • 8:00 AM
Marion E. Zeh Elementary School, 33 Howard St, Northborough, MA
🦃 Gobble Wobble 5K & Walk — Southborough
A Thanksgiving morning tradition with a timed 5K and a family walk.
🗓 Thu, Nov 27, 2025 • 8:30 AM
Trottier Middle School, 49 Parkerville Rd, Southborough, MA
🎁 Holiday Festival of Crafts — Worcester
The Worcester Center for Crafts’ signature marketplace returns Thanksgiving weekend.
🗓 Fri–Sun, Nov 28–30, 2025
Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Rd, Worcester, MA
✨ Night Lights: Dazzling Gardens — Boylston
Timed-evening light displays at New England Botanic Garden (closed Thu 11/27).
🗓 Fri–Sun, Nov 28–30, 2025 • Evening entry
New England Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA
🩰 The Nutcracker — Hanover Theatre, Worcester
Thanksgiving-weekend performances of the classic holiday ballet.
🗓 Fri–Sun, Nov 28–30, 2025 • Multiple showtimes
2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA
🦙 Small Business Saturday: Alpaca Farm Tours & Vendor Fair — Grafton
Meet the herd, shop local makers, and sip hot cider at Angel Hair Alpacas.
🗓 Sat, Nov 29, 2025 • 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
66 Wesson St, North Grafton, MA
📖 “A Christmas Carol” with Gerald Charles Dickens — Sutton
Dickens’ great-great-grandson performs the classic at Vaillancourt Folk Art (multiple shows).
🗓 Sat–Sun, Nov 29–30, 2025
Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main St, Sutton, MA
🎅 Santa Visits at The Farmer’s Daughter — Auburn
Photos with Santa and a full holiday setup at the farm.
🗓 Fri–Sun, Nov 28–30, 2025 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
150 Millbury St, Auburn, MA
📣 Got an Event Coming Up?
Whether it's a craft fair, a concert at your cousin's brewery, or a holiday lights display so bright it scares the turkeys — we want to hear about it!
Share your upcoming Central Mass event and we’ll help get the word out to thousands of locals who actually read the newsletter (seriously).
Meet Cashew
Cashew is a 10 years old male Short Coat Chihuahua/Mix who weighs 7 pounds.
Cashew is a little 7-pound chihuahua with a big heart and a resilient spirit. He came to WARL as a stray in need of medical care, and our veterinary team jumped into action and helped him feel his best by treating a chronic dry-eye condition that had caused blindness and discomfort in his left eye. To relieve his pain, the injured eye was removed, along with two diseased teeth-and this brave little guy has been feeling so much better ever since. His current first pic is while he is healing from surgery. Cashew will need a check back at WARL to remove his sutures.
At 10 years old, Cashew knows what he likes. Once he trusts you, he becomes a devoted companion who adores being the center of your attention and world.
Cashew is looking for a new home (if there are to be kids they should be older/ teens) with plenty of lap space, gentle and someone who enjoys taking him on walks. We're not sure how he feels about other dogs, so any canine friends should meet him first. This special little pup is ready for comfort, kindness, and a soft place to land and kind people.
If you are interested in adopting Cashew, please come to the shelter on Monday or Wednesday between 12-4pm( we are closed for Thanksgiving this week). If you are unavailable during these times, please email [email protected] to see if there are other available times to meet Cashew.
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
To adopt Cashew and in turn help your own heart and soul please reach out to the Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL) at [email protected] or call (508) 853-0030
🎸 Upcoming Live Music:
Thanksgiving weekend shows across Central Massachusetts
Little Lies — Fleetwood Mac Tribute — Auburn
Big harmonies and Rumours-era favorites at Halligan’s Bar.
🗓 Fri, Nov 28, 2025 • 8:00 PM
Halligan’s Bar, 889 Southbridge St, Auburn, MA
Nibot — Northborough
Early evening set at American Legion Post 234.
🗓 Sat, Nov 29, 2025 • 5:00 PM
402 W Main St, Northborough, MA
Triple Tribe — West Boylston
Funk/reggae grooves at The Mill 185.
🗓 Sat, Nov 29, 2025 • 6:00–9:00 PM
The Mill 185, 185 W Boylston St, West Boylston, MA
Matt — The Mill @ French River (Webster)
Solo Acoustic
🗓 Sat, Nov 29, 2025 • 7:00–10:00 PM
9 Frederick St, Webster, MA 01570
Dave Rivers — Grafton
Singer-songwriter night at Town House Tavern.
🗓 Sat, Nov 29, 2025 • Time TBA
Town House Tavern, 297 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA
Interstellar — Millbury
Classic & modern rock at The St. Charles Hotel.
🗓 Sat, Nov 29, 2025 • 8:00–11:00 PM
126 W Main St, Millbury, MA
New England Yacht Club — Auburn
High-energy party band returns to Halligan’s.
🗓 Sat, Nov 29, 2025 • 8:00 PM
Halligan’s Bar, 889 Southbridge St, Auburn, MA
Trudeau Hamlin Duo — Holden
Sunday session at Seven Saws Brewing.
🗓 Sun, Nov 30, 2025 • 3:00–6:00 PM
Seven Saws Brewing, 112 Industrial Dr, Holden, MA
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
Image Credit - sculptpilates508.com
🌟 Local Business Spotlight
Sculpt Pilates 508 — Worcester & Sutton
A locally owned boutique studio specializing in reformer & mat Pilates—with bonus barre, yoga, and HIIT—for workouts that are welcoming, high-energy, and seriously effective.
Why we love it: Two convenient studios: a flagship in the heart of Worcester and a brand-new Sutton location. Friendly instructors, clean studios, and classes for every level—from first-timers to “feel-the-burn.”
📍 Worcester: 490 Shrewsbury St #5, Worcester, MA 01604
📍 Sutton (NEW): 156 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Sutton, MA 01590
Thank you!
Thanks for reading, Wormtown! Enjoy today and the weekend with family and friends - Happy Thanksgiving!
— Team Wormtown Weekly 🪱
PS. Do you know a business or individual that could use a shoutout? Let me know here! [email protected]
