Hey Wormtown — we’re in that “winter’s still here but spring is on deck” stretch, so consider this your official countdown to longer days and fewer icy side streets. In the meantime, we’ve packed this issue with plenty to keep you moving: local happenings for the week, some can’t-miss weekend plans (hello trivia + open mic vibes), and a couple of Worcester eats worth the detour. Grab a warm drink, crank up the Wormtown moxie, and read on — your next great night out (or new favorite spot) is probably in here.

🧾 Local Business & Community Updates

What’s moving, opening, funding, or worth knowing across Wormtown and the surrounding towns.

Worcester — QCC students showcase research at Honors Colloquium.
Quinsigamond Community College’s Commonwealth Honors students presented research posters at a recent Honors Colloquium Student Showcase—this year’s themes included everything from microbes + society to “The World in 2050.”
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Worcester — QCC’s official release adds details on the Showcase + course themes.
If you want the full rundown (including the course theme “The Small Engines of Humanity” and examples of student projects), QCC posted an official recap on 01/30/2026.
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Holden / Paxton / Rutland / Boylston / West Boylston — $10,000 local small-business grant pool (deadline 02/07/2026).
The Wachusett Area Chamber’s 2026 Business Grant Program is taking applications, with a doubled funding pool and a simple online form. If you’re a member business, this one’s worth a look.
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West Boylston — Business After Hours at School Yahd (02/23/2026).
A local networking night with the Chamber—meet people, swap cards, and pretend you’re not secretly just there for the snacks.
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Sutton — Sutton Power Choice electric supply rates moved lower starting January 2026.
The Town’s group electricity buying program shifted to a new supply contract (First Point Power). The town notes most participants should see the new, lower price reflected on bills around February 2026 depending on meter read timing.
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Paxton — Zoning bylaw changes now in effect (posted 01/08/2026).
Paxton posted an update confirming the Attorney General reviewed zoning changes (with partial approval) and outlined what’s now in effect and what’s still under review from the 12/01/2025 Special Town Meeting.
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Shrewsbury — PI (Physik Instrumente) moved into a new 140,000 sq-ft HQ + manufacturing facility.
PI announced it moved into an expanded Shrewsbury facility to support growth in U.S. production, engineering, and customer support (with upgraded production/service areas and cleanroom environments).
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Northborough — Blue Square Pizza lists a Northborough location at 309 Main St (scheduled orders).
Blue Square’s online ordering page now includes a Northborough location—handy if you’re planning ahead for a pizza night (or trying to bribe your family into doing something fun).
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Grafton — Touchstone Community School Early Childhood Open House (02/07/2026).
A free open house for families exploring early childhood options—meet teachers, see the program, and get a feel for the school community (Grafton location).
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Local Business Spotlight: Wonder Bar 🍕

A Worcester classic that’s been serving up thin-crust, homemade pizza and old-school neighborhood vibes for generations.

Where: 121 Shrewsbury St, Worcester MA 01604
Phone: (508) 752-9909
Hours: Tue–Thu 12:00–8:00 • Fri–Sat 12:00–9:00 • Sun–Mon Closed

Why we like it

• A legit Worcester institution (the kind of place locals argue about in a loving way).
• Thin-crust pizza that’s simple, crisp, and ridiculously snackable.
• More than pizza: solid apps, sandwiches, and sauces that people genuinely rave about.

What customers are saying

“White clam sauce is just DELICIOUS!!!”
“Yummy pizza and cold drinks. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.”

Website: Read More   •   Menu: Read More

Upcoming Local Events

Thu, Feb 5 • Southborough
Recreation Commission (Virtual Meeting) (7:00 PM)
Town meeting listing + details/links on the event page.
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Thu, Feb 5 • Worcester
Teen Crafternoon: Bead Therapy (3:00–5:00 PM) — Worcester Public Library (Main Library)
Craft time for teens at the library.
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Thu, Feb 5 • Worcester
Thursday Trivia Night at BirchTree (6:00–9:00 PM) — BirchTree Bread Company (138 Green Street, Worcester)
Recurring event: EVERY Thursday — bring your team, test your knowledge, and compete for prizes (top three teams).
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Fri, Feb 6 • Sutton
Wake Up to Winter with Yoga (12:00–1:00 PM) — Sutton Town Hall (3rd Floor Meeting Room)
Drop-in yoga (ages 14+). Bring a mat.
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Sat, Feb 7 • Northborough
Saturday Storytime (10:00–11:00 AM) — Northborough Free Library (Children’s Program Room)
Family storytime + a craft (no registration required).
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Sat, Feb 7 • Northborough
Little Innovators Big Dreams (STEM Workshop) (2:00–3:00 PM) — Northborough Free Library (Children’s Program Room)
STEM workshop for kids entering grades 3–5 (catapult build session).
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Sat–Sun, Feb 7–8 • Worcester
ASC – King of the Jungle (Cheerleading Competition) — DCU Center
Multi-day competition weekend (ticketing + venue details on the event page).
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Tue, Feb 10 • Northborough
Art Club (6:30–7:30 PM) — Northborough Free Library (Children’s Program Room)
Hands-on art program for kids in grades 3–5.
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Wed, Feb 11 • Worcester
Community English with Drama (5:30–6:30 PM) — Worcester Public Library (Main Library)
Practice English through conversation + drama activities.
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Wed, Feb 11 • Worcester
Craft Nights at BirchTree (3:30–5:30 PM) — BirchTree Bread Company
Monthly recurring: First Wednesday of the month. Hosted crafting projects + open studio time (coffee, treats, and cozy vibes).
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Thu, Feb 12 • Northborough
Young Scientists — Northborough Free Library
STEM series for ages 3–6 (parent/caregiver attends).
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Thu, Feb 12 • West Boylston
Mother Goose Story Time (10:15–10:45 AM) — Beaman Library
Gentle literacy program for ages 0–5 with caregiver (drop-in).
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Thu, Feb 12 • Worcester
The BIG Celebration Presents: Big Bites (5:00–9:00 PM) — Top of the Tower
Food + community fundraiser event supporting local mentorship programs (ticketed).
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Thu, Feb 12 • Paxton
Open Space & Recreation Planning Committee Meeting (6:00 PM)
Town meeting listing (click through on the calendar for details).
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Meet Baylee 🐾

Baylee is a 1 year, 6 months old female German Shepherd/Mix who weighs 68 pounds.

Meet Baylee, a silly, playful, and adventurous shepherd mix. There is nothing Baylee loves more than playing with toys (especially in the snow—she’s a huge fan). She is a true fetch fanatic and could spend all day with her favorite tennis balls and stuffies. She even carries them with her on walks! She is incredibly food motivated and loves to learn.

Baylee is super smart and has already mastered sit, paw, and down. While she is still learning to calmly walk on leash, she has made great progress. Baylee has enjoyed going on hikes with her favorite staff members and would thrive in an active home where she has the opportunities to get all her energy out.

Due to her size and exuberant personality, she would do best in a home with older teens who are big enough that she can romp around and continue training with. She would prefer to be the only dog so she can soak up every minute of attention, but might be able to have dog friends.

Interested in adopting Baylee?
Please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 12:00–3:45pm.
Please bring everyone who would live with Baylee.
If you’re unable to come during those hours, email [email protected] to see what other times may be available.

Additional Information
Spayed / Neutered: Yes

Live Music This Weekend

Fri, Feb 6 • Worcester
Open Mic Night at BirchTree (6:00–9:00 PM) — BirchTree Bread Company
A welcoming open mic for local musicians/poets/performers. (BirchTree runs this as a recurring “First Friday” open mic.)
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Fri, Feb 6 • Auburn
Dock 10 @ Halligan’s Bar (8:00 PM) — Halligan’s Bar
Live band night in Auburn (event details + time on the event page).
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Sat, Feb 7 • Worcester
Evil Felipe + Fugue + Don’t Tell Iris (8:00 PM; doors 7:30) — WCUW Frontroom
Local-heavy lineup at the Frontroom. $15 (cash/Venmo) at the door.
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Sat, Feb 7 • Worcester
Jorge & Mateus — “20 Years” (8:30 PM) — DCU Center
Big arena show downtown (tickets + policies on the event page).
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Sat, Feb 7 • Worcester
Pink Talking Fish (w/ Leon Trout) — Off The Rails Music Venue
All-ages show at Off The Rails (ticketing + details on TicketWeb).
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Sat, Feb 7 • Grafton
Bryant Murphy (8:00 PM) — Town House Tavern
Town House Tavern’s weekly Saturday live music series.
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That’s a wrap 🪱

Thanks for reading Wormtown Weekly—seriously. Every time you open this email, you’re helping keep the local lights on, the good people employed, and the heart of Central Mass beating strong.

If you try a new spot, hit an event, or discover a hidden gem this week, hit reply and tell us about it. We love sharing what’s working in Wormtown (and we’re not above a little friendly town-to-town bragging).

Until next week—keep it local, keep it kind, and carry that Wormtown moxie like a badge of honor. 🪱

— The Wormtown Weekly crew