🪱 Hello Wormtown, thanks for stopping by!
Big news: our updated website is now live — wormtownweekly.com! It’s the new home for recent issues, local spotlights, and ways to get involved. Please give it a look, kick the tires, and tell me what’s missing or what would make it more useful for you. You’ll also notice we’ve finally published our first local directory — the local brewery directory is live, so please take a look.
Quick reminder: Wormtown Weekly isn’t a national media brand with offices everywhere — it’s a small, local effort run by a neighbor who actually lives here. That means your feedback really shapes what we publish.
Got suggestions or found a typo? Email me directly at [email protected]. Thanks for reading and for keeping it local.
Here's what we're talking about this week:
- Free Santa photos in West Boylston
- Shiny new Apple store now open in Millbury
- Sensory-Friendly “A Christmas Carol”
Read on!
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).
Not funny I know but typical for this time of year!
Local Business & Community Buzz
Shrewsbury — PFAS Treatment Plant Groundbreaking
Thu, Dec 11 • 1:00 PM
Shrewsbury breaks ground on a long-planned PFAS treatment facility to improve water quality for residents. Ceremony at 45 Main St.; the project targets removing “forever chemicals” to meet state and federal limits.
Sutton — Housing Authority Meeting
Thu, Dec 11 • 4:00 PM
Regular Housing Authority session at the Housing Authority Common Room. Agenda posted; meeting in the Community Room, 5 Church St.
Holden — Department of Public Works Meeting
Thu, Dec 11 • 5:30 PM
DPW meeting at Holden Town Hall (agenda & details at the link). Held in the DPW Facility Conference Room with a remote Zoom option; agenda posted on the town site.
Rutland — Development & Industrial Commission
Thu, Dec 11 • 6:00 PM
Economic development updates and business before the commission. Agenda is posted; the RDIC tracks available commercial properties and supports local business growth.
Paxton — Conservation Commission Meeting
Thu, Dec 11 • 7:00 PM
Public meeting on conservation matters (agenda at the town site). Hearings typically include wetlands filings (RDAs/NOIs) and related permitting.
Grafton — Affordable Housing Trust
Thu, Dec 11 • 7:30 PM
Monthly session of the Affordable Housing Trust. Meeting is listed for Conference Room A, Grafton Municipal Center (30 Providence Rd) with details/Zoom via the town calendar.
Millbury — Apple Blackstone Valley Opens
Fri, Dec 12
Apple’s new retail store debuts at the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley. Grand opening is at noon; this location replaces the Apple store at Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough.
Auburn — Arts & Craft Winter Fair (Auburn High School)
Sat, Dec 13 • 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
190+ vendors, food trucks, artisans, and community groups. Hosted at Auburn High School (99 Auburn St) with a huge local maker turnout.
West Boylston — FREE Santa Photos @ Pinecroft Dairy
Sat, Dec 13 • 12:00–3:00 PM
Bring the kiddos for free photos with Santa at Pinecroft Dairy. Pinecroft Dairy & Restaurant is at 539 Prospect St (family-friendly, BYOB eatery and ice cream spot).
Boylston — Wreaths Across America Day
Sat, Dec 13
Honor veterans with wreath placements at Pine Grove Cemetery & the Old Burial Ground. Organized locally by American Legion Post 398; sponsorships support wreaths for veterans.
Worcester — Market on Brussels Holiday Market
Sun, Dec 14 & Sun, Dec 21 • 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Outdoor holiday market behind the former Rotmans building (curated vendors & makers). Free parking signed at the end of Brussels St; great for last-minute local gifts.
Leicester — Christmas Parade of Lights
Sat, Dec 20 • 4:30 PM
Community parade through town with lit floats & holiday spirit. The town’s news post includes the street list/Santa route so families can plan a good viewing spot.
Upcoming Events
Arms & Armor Up Close (WAM)
Worcester • Sat, Dec 13
Hands-on gallery program exploring WAM’s Higgins Armory Collection. Expect short staff-led spotlights where you can examine replica pieces and ask questions; included with museum admission.
Sensory-Friendly “A Christmas Carol” (Hanover Theatre)
Worcester • Wed, Dec 17
Adapted performance with adjusted lighting/sound for a welcoming audience experience. Movement is welcome, house lights are kept up, and quiet spaces are available—ideal for neurodivergent guests and anyone who benefits from a relaxed setting.
Sister’s Christmas Catechism
Worcester • Fri–Sat, Dec 19–20
CSI: Bethlehem meets holiday comedy at the BrickBox/JMAC. This audience-participation spin-off of “Late Nite Catechism” tackles “The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold” with lots of laughs and local riffing.
Family Movie Morning: Moana (Auburn Public Library)
Auburn • Sat, Dec 20
Free family screening with a make-your-own lei craft. Hosted at Auburn Public Library (369 Southbridge St); check the library calendar for registration notes and room location.
Leicester Recycling Center Open
Leicester • Sat, Dec 20
Town recycling center is open to residents for pre-holiday drop-offs. Operates the 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM; a current sticker is required (see town site for accepted items/fees).
📣 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).
This week instead of focusing on one specific fur baby I want to highlight an upcoming event here in our area. Please check out the available kitties at https://www.4preciouspawsrescueincma.com/available-cats
You can also check out their Facebook page here.
Adopting one of these babies will 100% put a smile on your face I promise!
Upcoming Live Music
Matt Brodeur Music at Hillcrest Country Club
Leicester • Fri, Dec 12 • 8:00–11:00pm
Live set from Matt Brodeur Music at Hillcrest Country Club, 323 Pleasant St.
Giuliano Live at Vincent’s
Worcester • Fri, Dec 12 • 9:00pm
Solo set at Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk St.
Matt Brodeur Music at Spicy Water Distillery
Millbury • Sat, Dec 13 • 6:00–9:00pm
Acoustic evening at Spicy Water Distillery, 108 Elm St.
Flamenco Woo Holiday Party
Worcester • Sun, Dec 14
Holiday flamenco party with music and dance, 589 Park Ave.
Hip Swayers at Vincent’s
Worcester • Mon, Dec 15 • 8:00–11:00pm
Roots & honky-tonk at Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk St.
Little Sugar & The Big Spoonful at Vincent’s
Worcester • Sat, Dec 20 • 9:00pm–12:00am
Blues night at Vincent’s, 49 Suffolk St.
Bob Moon at Seven Saws Brewing
Holden • Sat, Dec 27 • 5:30pm
Acoustic set at Seven Saws Brewing, 112 Industrial Dr.
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604
The Pint
58 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA
A Shrewsbury Street staple with an easygoing, neighborhood vibe — The Pint pours a rotating mix of craft & domestic beers and cocktails, with a shuffleboard table and plenty of game-day energy. It’s the kind of spot locals use for low-key meetups before (or after) a stroll down the Street.
Need-to-know: open late (most nights until 2am), 50+ whiskeys behind the bar, and bar games including shuffleboard. Expect a rotating beer list and classic cocktails made fast and right.
Why we like it: friendly crew, strong drink list, late-night hours, and a reputation for standout Bloody Marys.
What locals say (Facebook):
- “One of my favorite bars.”
- “Best Bloody Marys on Shrewsbury St… homemade mix and awesome toppings.”
- “Super friendly staff and owners.”
Good to try: the house Bloody Mary, a pour from the whiskey shelf, or whatever’s new on the rotating craft taps; bring a friend for a quick game of shuffleboard.
More about The Pint | See reviews
We recommend you put them on your list to check out asap and tell 'em Wormtown Weekly sent you!
That’s a wrap, Wormtown—thanks for reading!
I’m off to “research” a Bloody Mary on Shrewsbury St. in the name of journalism. If I missed something in your corner of Central Mass, reply with your town and I’ll chase it down.
— Team Wormtown Weekly 🪱
PS. Do you know a business or individual that could use a shoutout? Let me know here! [email protected]
