🪱 Heeeey, so you made it to Thursday!
Lots of things cooking this week - and speaking of cooking - lets talk about pizza.
In this week’s issue:
Crompton Collective gets the nod for local business spotlight
Business networking opportunities in Worcester
Residence Inn by Marriott in Worcester newly renovated
Did someone say free pizza?
🍕 Wormtown, it’s time to settle the slice debate! Click the button below to vote for your favorite pizza place. Every vote enters you into a drawing for a gift certificate from the winning shop—because free pie tastes like victory. 🪱
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).
Sent in by Jason H. - Millbury, MA
🏢 Local Business & Community Buzz
🏨 Newly Renovated Extended-Stay Hotel Opens in Worcester
The Residence Inn by Marriott Worcester (503 Plantation St.) is celebrating its updated suites and amenities for long-term travelers.
Why it matters: Signals confidence in Worcester’s hospitality growth heading into 2026.
📊 Worcester Housing Market Tightens Ahead of Winter
New November stats show only 2.16 months of housing inventory and a $396,500 median sale price in Worcester.
Why it matters: A hot market for sellers—and opportunity for home services and real estate pros.
📚 Business Networking Events Fill Worcester’s Calendar
Local entrepreneurs are filling up events across Worcester—from mixers to small biz seminars this month.
Why it matters: Time to shake hands, swap cards, and get noticed before 2026 hits.
💪 Planet Fitness Powers Into Auburn
A brand-new 18,000 sq ft Planet Fitness is now open on Southbridge Street, offering memberships and PF Black Card perks.
Why it matters: More fitness, more local jobs, and earlier hours (hello, 4 a.m.) for Auburn residents.
📅 Events Around Town
From code evenings to holiday photo ops — here’s what’s coming up in the Wormtown suburbs.
🧠 Trivia Night — Worcester (BirchTree Bread Company)
Join us every Thursday from 6–9 PM for Trivia Night at BirchTree Bread Company — great food, craft cocktails, local beer, and prizes for the top three teams.
🗓 Thursdays • 6:00–9:00 PM (next: Thu, Nov 20, 2025)
BirchTree Bread Company, 138 Green Street, Worcester, MA 01604
💻 Family Code Night — Grafton
Bring the family (laptop optional) for an evening of fun coding activities at the high school.
🗓 Thursday, Nov 20 2025 • 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Grafton High School, 24 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA 01519
📚 “Oreo Turkeys” Kids Craft — Auburn
A simple—and edible!—craft session at the library: turn Oreos into turkeys, kids ages 8-12.
🗓 Thursday, Nov 20 2025 • 4:00 - 4:45 PM
Auburn Public Library, Maggie Trafton Room, 369 Southbridge St, Auburn, MA
👥 Auburn Cultural Council Meet-Up — Auburn
Community arts meeting: get involved, hear upcoming town-wide arts plans, mingle with local creatives.
🗓 Thursday, Nov 20 2025 • 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Town Hall, 104 Central St, Auburn, MA 01501
🏨 Business Ethics 1-Day Workshop — Worcester
A full-day training session focused on ethical business practices for leaders and managers.
🗓 Thursday, Nov 20 2025 • 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Worcester, MA
🎨 Holiday Festival of Crafts — Worcester
A three-day artisan holiday market with 50+ fine craft artists under one roof — perfect for early gift shopping.
🗓 Friday–Sunday, Nov 28–30 2025 • Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-4PM
Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Rd, Worcester, MA 01605
🎅 Santa Visit at The Farmer’s Daughter Farm — Auburn
Santa arrives early this year at the farm! Visit, take photos, and enjoy cider donuts and hot cocoa.
🗓 Sunday, Nov 30 2025 • 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
150 Millbury St, Auburn, MA 01501
📣 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).
Image credit - WARL
Meet Winter
Winter is a 4 years old female Domestic Shorthair/Mix cat who weighs 7 pounds.
4 Years Old - Spayed Female
Adoption Fee: $145
Winter arrived with her buddy Mittens after their family welcomed newborn twins and could no longer care for them. She's a soft-spoken, sweet girl who has been through a lot of change recently, but she's on the mend and feeling better every day thanks to the medical care she received here.
Because she wasn't feeling her best when she first came in, her full personality is still blossoming, but what we are seeing is a calm, gentle spirit who enjoys quiet companionship and leans into affection once she feels comfortable. Winter is the type of cat who will likely thrive in a peaceful home where she can take her time settling in and showing you just how special she is.
If you have a cozy space and a kind heart, Winter may be the perfect match.
Walk-In Adoption Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 12-4 PM
Can't make it?
Complete our online adoption inquiry form on our website (computer recommended), and we'll happily arrange a meet & greet!
Additional Information:
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
To adopt Winter 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
🎸 Live Music: Nov 20–29
Fresh picks across Wormtown & the suburbs—save these dates and support your local venues.
Brian Walker — Northborough
🗓 Fri, Nov 21, 2025 • 6:00 PM
La Miette La Mai Thai Bistro, 278 Main St, Northborough, MA
Dan Gay & the South High Players — Worcester
🗓 Fri, Nov 21, 2025 • 6:00–9:00 PM
BirchTree Bread Company, 138 Green St, Worcester, MA
Kick off your weekend with Friday Night Live Music at BirchTree—cozy room, craft cocktails, local beer, and house-made eats.
Matt at Tatnuck Country Club — Worcester
🗓 Fri, Nov 21, 2025 • 6:00–9:30 PM
Tatnuck Country Club, 1222 Pleasant St, Worcester, MA 01602
An evening set with Matt in Tatnuck’s dining room—good vibes and a classic club atmosphere.
The Moonshine Band w/ Anthony Bisceglia — Millbury
🗓 Fri, Nov 21, 2025 • 8:00–11:00 PM
Millbury Old Time Inn, Millbury, MA
Early August — Rutland
🗓 Sat, Nov 22, 2025 • 12:00–3:00 PM
Lilac Hedge Farm, 216 Wachusett St, Rutland, MA
Pete & Steve — Paxton
🗓 Sat, Nov 22, 2025 • 1:00–4:00 PM
Seven Saws Skydeck, 603 Pleasant St, Paxton, MA
Joe Macey & Heather Ralston — West Boylston
🗓 Sat, Nov 22, 2025 • 6:00 PM
The Mill 185, 185 W Boylston St, West Boylston, MA
LoVeSeXy — Tribute to Prince — Worcester
🗓 Fri, Nov 28, 2025 • 8:00 PM
Rascals, 70 James St, Worcester, MA
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
Image Credit - Masslive.com
🌟 Local Business Spotlight
Crompton Collective — Canal District, Worcester
A beloved, locally owned marketplace inside the historic Crompton Loom Works, featuring dozens of independent makers, vintage vendors, and gift-worthy finds—all under one roof.
Why we love it: It’s Worcester’s handmade heartbeat—perfect for unique gifts, home decor, and supporting local creatives.
📍 138 Green St, Worcester, MA 01604
Paid lots nearby (45 Green St & 85 Water St) plus Canal District street parking. Check their site for current hours.
Thank you!
Thanks for reading, Wormtown! If this issue helped you find a new favorite or skip a pothole, we did our job. Send us your hidden gems and events, and we’ll keep the local love rolling.
— Team Wormtown Weekly 🪱
PS. Do you know a business or individual that could use a shoutout? Let know here! [email protected]
