Local buzz, fall events, and live music all around Central Mass 🍂
🛠 Worcester: The City That Tightened the World
Before Silicon Valley had startups, Worcester had wrenches. The monkey wrench was born here in 1840, proving this city’s always known how to fix things its own way. This week, we’re spotlighting local businesses making moves, the best fall events you can’t miss, and live music that’ll make you forget how early it gets dark now. Grab your cider, grab your flannel, and let’s get into it.
In this weeks issue:
- Park n Shop fined
- New Microbrewery!
- More Fall Fun 😀
🏢 What’s Happening with Local Businesses
From big developments to small-town wins, here’s what’s buzzing in the Central Mass business scene this week.
🛒 Imperial Park ’n Shop Fined — Auburn
The longtime Auburn supermarket Imperial Park ’n Shop faces up to $300,000 in fines for improper asbestos removal during recent renovations. The case was settled with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, with funds going toward environmental remediation.
Why it matters: Even a local grocery store renovation can carry major environmental stakes — and this one’s a reminder that safety matters behind the aisles.
🏗 Grafton Woods Luxury Apartments Move Forward — Grafton/Worcester Line
A 491-unit luxury apartment complex known as Grafton Woods has received approval to move ahead on the Grafton/Worcester border. The project includes five four-story buildings, underground parking, and a small commercial area for cafés or retail.
Why it matters: It’s one of the largest mixed-use projects in the region and signals continued growth along the Route 122 corridor.
🍺 New Microbrewery & Restaurant Planned — Grafton
A new development proposal in Grafton aims to bring a restaurant, microbrewery, and retail space to 215 Worcester Street. The plan includes a shared parking area and outdoor dining spaces designed for community use.
Why it matters: The craft beer scene keeps expanding beyond Worcester, and Grafton could soon have its own spot to grab a local pint without the city traffic.
🏫 Auburn Chamber Launches Teacher Mini-Grants Program — Auburn
The Auburn Chamber of Commerce has announced new teacher mini-grants to support classroom projects and innovative learning ideas across the local school district. Local businesses contribute to the fund annually.
Why it matters: It’s community reinvestment in action — local businesses funding local education, keeping the next generation inspired right here at home.
📚 That’s Entertainment Expands Community Events Space — Worcester
Worcester’s beloved comic and collectible shop That’s Entertainment has expanded its event area to host more gaming nights, art showcases, and pop-culture events. The move supports local creators and brings more foot traffic to Park Ave.
Why it matters: Independent retailers are finding new ways to stay vibrant — by turning their spaces into community hubs.
🎃 Upcoming Local Events
🍂 If you don’t end up covered in hay or cider this week, you’re doing fall wrong. Here’s what’s brewing around Worcester and the nearby towns once mid-October hits.
🌲 Haunted Woods Hayride — Grafton
When: Oct 17 & 18 • 6:30–10:30 PM
Where: 68 Brigham Hill Rd, Grafton
Details: Creepy wagon rides and spooky walks through the woods, perfect for thrill-seekers and scream enthusiasts.
🔗 More Info
🦉 Boo Meadow Brook — Worcester
When: Oct 17 • 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center & Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester
Details: Family-friendly spooky stroll through the trails with treats, crafts, and plenty of flashlight fun.
🔗 Event Details
🚗 Greendale YMCA Trunk or Treat — Worcester
When: Oct 17 • 5:30–7:30 PM
Where: 75 Shore Drive, Worcester
Details: Decorated car trunks, candy, costumes, and community spirit. It’s free — and safe for little ghosts.
🔗 More Info
🎪 The Haunt: The Carnival Comes to Deadwoodville — Hopkinton
When: Opens Oct 17
Where: Hopkinton Center for the Arts
Details: Twisted carnival theme with sideshow scares and immersive performances — definitely not for the faint of heart.
🔗 Event Page
🖼️ “Above & Beyond” Glass Exhibit — Worcester Center for Crafts
When: Oct 17 – Nov 1
Where: 25 Sagamore Rd, Worcester
Details: See the work of Priscilla Lo and other regional artists as part of a stunning fall exhibit.
🔗 Exhibit Details
😂 Comedy Night at O’Connor’s — Worcester
When: Oct 25 • 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: O’Connor’s Restaurant & Bar, 1160 W Boylston St, Worcester
Details: Laugh away the fall chill with local comedians and some of the best pub grub in town.
🔗 Tickets
Meet Max
Max is a 1 year, 7 months old male Domestic Shorthair/Mix cat who weighs 10 pounds.
Photo courtesy of WARL
Male/Neutered
Adopt a Spirit Cat: A Journey of Quiet Love
Not every cat is a lap cat. Some are Spirit Cats. Gentle souls who move through the world with caution, sensitivity, and quiet grace. These shy adult cats have faced challenges that make change difficult, and they need a special kind of adopter: someone who sees love not just in cuddles, but in quiet companionship, slow progress, and the magic of earned trust.
What Makes a Spirit Cat Special?
They thrive in calm, peaceful homes. Perfect for introverts or quiet households. They may hide from visitors, but they'll seek out the ones they trust. They often bond deeply with just one or two people, forming a connection that's truly profound.
Patience, understanding, and a gentle heart. Max would do best in a thoughtfully prepared space where he can feel safe. And time, because trust isn't instant, but it's worth every moment
Adopting a Spirit Cat isn't about instant affection. It's about being the person who stays, who waits, who believes in quiet miracles. And when that first nuzzle comes, or they choose to sit beside you for the first time it will mean everything.
Make a difference. Adopt a Spirit Cat. Because sometimes, the quietest cats have the loudest impact on our hearts.
Additional Information
Declawed: No
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
To adopt Max and in turn help your own heart and soul please reach out to the Worcester Animal Rescue Leage (WARL) at [email protected] or call (508) 853-0030
Upcoming Live Music Events
🎸 Live Music Lineup — Worcester & Nearby
Central Mass is alive with guitars, good beer, and a few questionable dance moves. Here’s what’s coming up starting October 16 — from pub gigs to tribute bands and open-mic legends.
🎤 Thursday, October 16
- 💃 Line Dancing with Michelle — Off The Rails, Worcester • 7:00 PM (Free)
Learn some moves, make new friends, and maybe don’t spill your drink on the dance floor.
🔗 Event Details
🎸 Saturday, October 18
- 🎶 A Farewell to Kings – Rush Tribute — Off The Rails, Worcester • 8:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM)
Celebrate the music of Rush with this high-energy tribute show.
🔗 Tickets & Info
🎵 Thursday, October 23
- 🎤 Noah Hicks — Off The Rails, Worcester • 8:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM)
Country flair meets small-town charm — perfect mid-week night out.
🔗 More Info
🎸 Saturday, October 25
- 🎶 Electric Flannel — Off The Rails, Worcester • 8:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM)
Local band night — loud, lively, and loaded with 90s alt-rock nostalgia.
🔗 Event Page
🎷 Throughout October
- 🎤 Mama Kilsmith’s Open Mic — Timberyard Brewing, South Spencer • Recurring Nights
A cozy local open mic hosted by Mama Kilsmith — expect guitars, laughter, and surprise guests.
🔗 Facebook Events - 🎸 Ralph’s Rock Diner Live Stage — Worcester • Ongoing Weekends
A true Wormtown institution with rotating local rock and indie acts. Check their calendar for who’s up next.
🔗 Calendar
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
🪚 Local Business Spotlight: Koopman Lumber
If you’ve ever driven through Whitinsville, Uxbridge, or North Grafton and spotted a small city made of lumber piles, you’ve already seen Koopman Lumber in action. A family-owned business since 1939, Koopman has grown from a single store to a full-service supplier helping Central Mass build, paint, plant, and renovate just about anything.
🏡 What They Do
- Full-Line Building Supply: Lumber, hardware, paint, windows, doors, and everything a pro or DIYer could want.
- Equipment Rentals: Their North Grafton location rents everything from pressure washers to backhoes — perfect for weekend projects or contractors on the go.
- Design & Showrooms: Whitinsville features kitchen, bath, and window displays with expert designers who actually know what they’re talking about.
- Pro Services: Deliveries, estimating, and contractor programs — Koopman’s been serving local builders long before “contractor loyalty” was a marketing term.
⭐ Why We Love It
Koopman Lumber is proof that you can grow big without losing your local touch. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen or fixing the deck after last winter’s “character-building” snowstorm, they’ve got the supplies, the knowledge, and the friendly advice to keep your project moving.
📍 Locations: North Grafton, Whitinsville, Uxbridge, Sutton & more across Massachusetts
🔗 koopmanlumber.com
Thank you!
Another week in the books, another cider in hand. Stay warm, stay local, and remember — the best part of fall isn’t pumpkin spice, it’s local pride.
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