Hello Central Massachusetts! Most people are counting down to Christmas (84 days, btw). But as lovers of sleep, we’re counting down to the end of daylight savings time (32 days).
Here’s what’s happening around town this week…
What’s up at Saint V’s?
New Sports Complex Coming to Worcester
Happy Birthday Whittier Farms!
An All New Local Business Spotlight!
📰 Local Biz + Community Buzz
Because sometimes the most entertaining stories don’t come from Netflix, they come from Worcester’s business scene. Here’s the good, the bad, and the farm-fresh this week:
1. Chip Norton’s $70M Plot Twist
One of Worcester’s big real estate guys, Charles “Chip” Norton (yep, the one behind Mercantile Center), just filed for bankruptcy. Turns out his projects were carrying nearly $70 million in debt. Yikes. Worcester Monopoly is getting spicy.
👉 Read more here
2. Saint Vincent Hospital Under the Microscope (Again)
Massachusetts regulators have reopened their investigation into Saint Vincent Hospital after new complaints rolled in from staff and unions. Patient safety, staffing, and leadership are in the hot seat.
👉 More details
3. WooSox Extend Their Stay at Polar Park ⚾
Good news for baseball fans: the WooSox aren’t going anywhere. The team has extended its lease at Polar Park, keeping the heart of Canal District lively (and giving you plenty more chances to eat ballpark hot dogs).
👉 Read about it
4. Game On: New Sports Complex Coming to Worcester
Worcester’s getting a 38,000-square-foot sports center, plus two restaurants, retail, and a physical therapy clinic. Soon you can shoot hoops, then grab a burger without moving your car.
👉 Project details
5. Whittier Farms Turns 80 🎉
Down in Sutton, Whittier Farms is celebrating 80 years of farming, food, and community. Expect cows, nostalgia, and maybe some fresh cheese curds.
👉 Celebrate with them
🍂 Upcoming Events Around Worcester✨ Fun fact: Worcester has more Dunkin’s per square mile than some towns have squirrels — and that’s saying something. Luckily, this week’s lineup of fall fun offers plenty more than just caffeine. 🍞 BirchTree Bread Company – Open Mic Night
Friday, October 3, 2025 — 6:00–9:00 PM 🎃 Tower Hill Botanic Garden – Pumpkin Nights
October 3–31, 2025 🐑 Harvest Festival at Old Sturbridge Village
October 4–5, 2025 🎪 Douglas Oktoberfest 2025
Saturday, October 4, 2025 — 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 🎉 Worcester Armenian Festival — A Taste of Heritage
October 4, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM & October 5, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 🧛 Spooky Walk at Elm Park
October 10–12, 2025 🍏 AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain
October 18–19, 2025 |
Have a Heart!
Do you know me? I was found on Vernon St in Worcester on 10/2/25. The name they gave me at WARL is Pearl. I was not wearing identification. If you own me, or know who I belong to, please contact the shelter at 508-853-0030 ext.1 or [email protected]. Proof of ownership is required for reclamation. Thank you.
Photo courtesy of Worcester Animal Rescue League
Upcoming Live Music Events
🎶 Upcoming Live Music Around WorcesterBecause nothing pairs better with fall in Central Mass than cider donuts, a flannel shirt, and live music. Friday, October 3
The Story So Far
STARSHIP feat. Mickey Thomas + Foghat
Loss Becomes + Fallen Monarch Saturday, October 4
Black Violin — Full Circle Tour
Jabbawaukee
The Gobshites Sunday, October 5
Musicians of the Old Post Road 🎤 Other Local & Recurring
Wootenanny Open Mics
Husky’s Pub Open Mic
Club 321 – Reed Foehl |
🌳 Local Business Spotlight: BirchTree Bread Company
138 Green St #5, Worcester, MA
If you’re in Worcester and looking for a warm, inviting spot that blends bakery charm with restaurant flair, BirchTree Bread Company is a gem worth celebrating. Located at 138 Green Street, BirchTree offers an experience that feels both thoughtfully crafted and neighborly comfortable.
A Bit of Their Story
BirchTree didn’t start out as a restaurant. The roots go back to Crust Bakeshop, opened in Worcester in 2014. Alexis began working at Crust in 2014, and Nate (her partner) had been working nearby at Armsby Abbey since 2015. After Alexis purchased Crust and they began collaborating full-time in 2018, the idea of expanding into a full “bread + food” concept took shape.
In 2021, when the opportunity arose for BirchTree itself to be for sale, they took the leap—just as their family was growing. The transition has been filled with challenges, but also deep fulfillment.
They often talk about two guiding principles:
Food made from scratch — breads baked daily, house-made dressings, hand-cut fries, aiolis, etc. You can taste the care in every bite.
A welcoming, flexible space — “the Tree” hosts everything from brunch to weddings, remote-work afternoons to birthday dinners. It’s meant to feel like a gathering place for all kinds of moments.
Their food-meets-community philosophy has made BirchTree more than a place to eat; it’s a place to connect.
📅 October 2025: What’s Happening at BirchTree
BirchTree’s October calendar is already filling up with music, gatherings, and community-oriented events.
Date | Event | Time / Notes |
|---|---|---|
Fri, Oct 3 | Open Mic Night | 6 - 9 PM |
Sun, Oct 5 | Clothing Swap w/ The Thicket | 3:30 - 5:30 PM |
Sun, Oct 19 | Drag Story Time | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at BirchTree. Reading begins ~3:30 PM; each family gets a book to take home. |
Fri, Oct 24 | Matt Robert Live | Starting at 6:00 PM. A concert evening. |
They’ve also announced a Coffee Social Hour — a new offering that gives access to the private event space with bottomless coffee and breakfast platters (ideal for team meetings or get-togethers).
Thank you!
You’re officially caught up on Central Mass. Now reward yourself with a beer, a nap, or both. (We don’t judge.)
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