🪱 What’s Up, Wormtown?
Did you know the first Thanksgiving in 1621 lasted three whole days and included a variety of shellfish, venison and local fowl — right here in Massachusetts? 🍂 Fast-forward to today and we’re loading up our plates a little differently. And speaking of loading up: just 42 days until Christmas—yes, we’re counting. 🎄
In this week’s issue:
Paint Night in Worcester
Dungeons & Dragons? Yup
Millbury Bike Lane Project on the Move
How early do you start Christmas shopping?
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 News — Fresh From Around the Wormtown Area
Here’s what’s happening in our neighborhoods — from civic updates to community wins and local milestones.
🏋️♂️ Grafton Installs Free Outdoor Fitness Court
Grafton’s new Fitness Court®, located next to the Grafton Municipal Center, is opening Nov 19. Open to residents 14+, it offers free outdoor workouts as part of a Blue Cross–backed health initiative.
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🚒 Millbury Appoints New Fire Chief
Mark Strom, a lifelong Millbury resident with deep family ties to firefighting, has officially stepped in as the town’s new Fire Chief — continuing a multigenerational commitment to local service.
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💵 West Boylston Sets FY2025 Tax Rate Hearing
The West Boylston Select Board will hold a tax classification hearing on Nov 19 at 6:00 PM at Town Hall to determine the FY2025 property tax structure across all land-use classes.
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🚧 Millbury Bike Lane Project Moves Ahead
Work on Millbury’s North Main Street bike lane & intersection improvements is underway, with concrete work beginning mid-November and paving scheduled shortly after. The project ties into the Blackstone River Bikeway.
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🩺 Grafton Highlights Health Topics for November
From Diabetes Awareness Month to Norovirus prevention and Thanksgiving food safety, Grafton's Board of Health is sharing key health reminders and wellness tips throughout the month.
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📅 Upcoming Events — Around Worcester & Nearby
Mark your calendar — here are community happenings across Worcester County (non‑live‑music) that you won’t want to miss.
🖌 Dungeons & Dragons (8th‑12th Grade) — Auburn
Thu, Nov 13 • 3:00–5:00 PM • Merriam Room, Auburn Public Library (369 Southbridge St)
Teens: join a fun D&D session in a relaxed library setting — story, dice, snacks.
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🎨 Paint Night & Community Makers Meetup — Worcester
Thu, Nov 13 • 6:30–8:30 PM • Creative Hub Worcester, 653 Main St
The inclusive Queer Artist/Maker Night: bring your materials or use supplied ones; all skill levels welcome.
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🌲 Books & Blankies: Storytime for Babies — Paxton
Fri, Nov 14 • 10:00–11:00 AM • Richards Memorial Library, 44 Richards Ave, Paxton
Cozy storytime for the littlest readers (ages 0‑2) with books, blankets and playtime — invite a friend.
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♻️ Recycling Center Open Day — Leicester
Sat, Nov 15 • 8:00 AM–1:00 PM • Manville Street Recycling Center, Leicester
Drop in during this open‑day to recycle items, ask questions, and learn about Leicester’s latest sustainability efforts.
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🌿 Fitness Court Grand Opening — Grafton
Wed, Nov 19 • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM • Grafton Municipal Center, 30 Providence Rd, Grafton
Free outdoor Fitness Court® launch — all ages 14+ welcome, come try out the workout gear and celebrate health in the community.
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📖 November Open House — Worcester JCC
Sun, Nov 16 • 11:00 AM–2:00 PM • Worcester JCC, 633 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA
Membership open house with refreshments, food trucks & family‑friendly activities — check out the facility and community vibe.
Read More
📣 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 Minnie
Minnie is a 14 years, 8 months old female Domestic Shorthair/Mix cat who weighs 13 pounds.
She is a gentle kitty, looking for Peace and Love
Age: 14 years
Gender: Female (Spayed)
Adoption Fee: $50
Minnie is a quiet, graceful lady with a heart full of love and is craving serenity. At 14 years old, she's past the kitten chaos and ready to spend her golden years in a calm, caring home where she can truly feel safe and cherished.
She thrives in peaceful surroundings and would do best as the only pet in the household. Minnie's ideal match is someone who understands the beauty of a slow morning, a cozy blanket, and the quiet companionship of a cat who simply wants to be near you.
Perfect for someone seeking a mellow, loving companion
If you've got a quiet home and a kind heart, Minnie might just be the perfect addition to your life. Come meet her and let love find its way.
Our walk-in adoptions are Mondays, Wednesday's and Thursday 12:00-4:00. Can't make it then, please complete the online adoption inquiry form on our website. Please use your computer and not the phone. And we can set up a meet & greet to adopt.
Additional Information
Declawed: No
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
To adopt Minnie 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 Around Wormtown
The pumpkins are out, the power chords are in. Here’s what’s buzzing on the local music scene this week.
- 🎤 Matthew Roy @ The Dark Horse Tavern
Thursday, Nov 13 • 6–8PM • 12 Crane St, Southbridge, MA
Local favorite Matthew Roy returns with two hours of acoustic goodness. - 🎸 The Sticky Bandits @ St. Charles Hotel
Friday, Nov 14 • 8–11PM • 126 W Main St, Millbury, MA
They're back and bringing the energy to downtown Millbury. - 🎶 2 Pieces Acoustic - 80s Rock Show @ Old Time Inn
Saturday, Nov 15 • 8–11PM • Millbury Old Time Inn
A night full of 80s hair metal and 90s bangers — you know you want this. - 🍺 Corey Knapp Live @ Seven Saws Brewing
Saturday, Nov 15 • 1–4PM • Seven Saws Brewing, Holden, MA
Singer/songwriter Corey Knapp takes over the taproom. - 🎵 Ryan Hood @ Specialty Sandwich Company
Wednesday, Nov 19 • 5:30–8:30PM • Holden, MA
Grab a sandwich, sip a brew, and vibe to local talent Ryan Hood. - 🎤 Sabrina & The Tramps @ Dark Horse Tavern
Friday, Nov 21 • 8–11PM • 12 Crane St, Southbridge, MA
Full band energy and crowd favorites at one of Southbridge’s best spots. - 🎹 Nick Anderson @ Millbury Old Time Inn
Saturday, Nov 22 • 8–11PM • Millbury, MA
Acoustic magic and bar vibes—Nick always brings the weekend feels.
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
Jutha and Matthew Parent are the husband and wife duo who own a new Worcester bakery called Yolk & Egg. (Courtesy: Matthew Parent)Matthew Parent
🥐 Local Business Spotlight: Yolk & Crumb — Worcester’s Newest Bakery Sensation
A Sweet Arrival
Worcester’s pastry radar lit up recently with the arrival of Yolk & Crumb, located at 1130 Pleasant St., in the heart of Tatnuck Square. From morning one, the lines told the story: this was more than just a new bakery opening—it was an event. Local coffee meetups turned into pastry pilgrimages, and folks weren’t just stopping in—they were staying for the treat.
Why the Hype?
- Quick sell-outs: The bakery publicly announced it had completely sold out within its first week, noting: “After your overwhelming support … we’ve completely sold out.”
- Rave reviews: "AAND- the chorizo scone was amazing! Definitely the star of the show with our order!!" says Jennifer F. from Boston
- Social buzz: On Instagram and Facebook, posts like “It was so exciting to open this past weekend in Tatnuck Square Worcester” show genuine community excitement.
What They’re Serving
While the complete menu is still rolling out, early reports highlight fresh croissants, light yet flavorful cakes, and pastries that pair beautifully with a strong brew. One local review raved: “Strawberry cake was EXCELLENT. Super light, moist, right amount of flavor. I immediately craved a cold glass of milk.”
The Experience
Walking into Yolk & Crumb feels a bit like discovering a hidden gem. There’s the early-morning hum of ovens, the aroma of butter and yeast, and a warm welcome from the team. Their hosts don’t just serve pastries—they serve community. Reddit users in the Worcester thread noted the opening day line and the palpable excitement:
“Yolk & Crumb is crazy … opened up this morning to a massive line.”
Why It Matters for Worcester
This isn’t just a new business—it’s a statement. Yolk & Crumb shows what happens when local ambition meets community appetite. For Worcester and surrounding towns (hello Auburn, Shrewsbury, Millbury…), it becomes another top-tier spot to showcase: where you can drop “Go to Yolk & Crumb” and mean something memorable. It elevates the region’s food-scene reputation while remaining grounded in local roots.
Quick Snapshot
- 📍 Address: 1130 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602
- 🕒 Opening Hours: Early mornings (check social channels for daily updates)
- ✅ Why go now: Fresh opening, high demand, outstanding early reviews. If you go early, you might just snag one of those pastries before the “Sold Out” sign pops up again.
Bottom line: Whether you’re craving a buttery croissant, a killer slice of cake, or simply want to feel the buzz of something new and local—Yolk & Crumb is your next stop.
Go, grab, enjoy—and tell ’em Wormtown Weekly sent you. 🪱
Thank you!
As the temps drop and the lights start going up, we’re feeling extra thankful for all of you who read, share, and live that Wormtown spirit every week. 💚
Eat well, shop local, and remember — 42 days ‘til Christmas. Pace yourself, Central Massachusetts! 🪱✨
PS. Do you know a business or individual that could use a shoutout? Let know here! [email protected]