Here is your virtual blotter on things to catch up on in Worcester this week. We want to begin by sending our condolences to the families and loved ones of young people killed over the last few days in the City. You can donate to support the families of Joshua Lopez and Davie Dexter in this difficult time.
One of the big stories this week was the release of Clark University’s report from Bowditch and Dewey regarding the events of June 1, specifically in connection to Clark University students. Nicole, Worcester shared some of her concerns, and Bill Shaner calls for an independent investigation of the entire evening, not just Clark’s involvement.
Nicole also wrote about the Board of Health meeting at which the Board was to finalize recommendations to make to the Worcester Police Department. Also in the spirit of documenting public meetings, the guys at Seltzer Time had on Jenny Pacillo, “Worcester’s Best Waitress, mother of two, wrestling fanatic” and the prolific JennyDanger on twitter, on the important of city meetings.
In the world of education, there was a lot going on. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released some guidance and requirements for school districts making plans for the Fall. As you might expect, Tracy Novick has you covered, or at least has the Board of Ed meetings covered. She also has some things to say about the opening guidelines.
As for Worcester’s reopening plans, the School Committee will be focusing on potential hybrid models for the Fall, recognizing that it’s nearly impossible (maybe completely impossible) to open up with everyone full time. You can watch the full meeting here.
Clive McFarlane caught up with Etel Haxhiaj, former City Council candidate and current Directer of Public Education and Advocacy at Central Mass House Alliance. They discussed the progress and continued challenges with housing during the pandemic. If you followed the municipal elections last year, you may know that Ms. Haxhiaj came to the US as a refugee. She and many other neighbors in our city come to us having sometimes experienced great violence, and trauma, and even bombings. If keeping kids up all night and freaking out puppies isn’t enough to reconsider the volume of fireworks, maybe remember that whether refugees or veterans, for many of your neighbors, the fireworks are not just an annoyance.