Press Releases for 2001

Archives: 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 - 2002 - 2001 - 2000

October 25, 2001 – City to host 2nd Annual Firefighters Memorial Safety & Survival Seminar

Muster and Trade Show added components

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined by Worcester Fire Chief Gerard Dio and Deputy Chief Walter Giard for a press conference today at the old Belmont Home, detailing the upcoming 2nd Annual Worcester Firefighters Memorial Safety and Survival Seminar to be held at the Worcester Centrum Centre on October 26 - 28, 2001. The press conference concluded with a demonstration of survival and escape techniques by members of the Worcester Fire Department."

Although December 3, 1999, is never far from the thoughts and hearts of those of us in Worcester, the events of September 11, 2001, have once again reinforced upon us the tremendous service the men and women of our local fire, police and emergency services carry out on a daily basis… and the ultimate sacrifice they are all too often called to make in the name of their job," Hoover said. "This weekend the City of Worcester will host the 2nd Annual Firefighters Memorial Safety and Survival Seminar. Designed to raise safety among firefighters from across the country, the impressive caliber of this program is a direct tribute to the incredible skill, professionalism and expertise that can be found throughout our Fire Department."

Last year's seminar, a series of educational and training experiences designed to raise safety among firefighters from across the country, drew over 1,000 firefighters from 38 states and two provinces of Canada.

New components to this year's event will be an Old Time Fire Muster from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2001, as well as a Comprehensive Firefighter Exhibition from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28, 2001, at the Centrum Centre, demonstrating the latest in fire service technology as well as antique trucks and paraphernalia. The Muster is free, admission to the trade show is $5 for adults - children are free. All events are rain or shine.

All profits are to benefit the Fire Department of New York City.

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October 4, 2001 – Third Annual World Smile Day planned

'Circle of Happiness' to surround Worcester Common

The City of Worcester will once again play host to the third annual World Smile Day on Friday, October 5, 2001, named to honor Worcester native Harvey Ball who first penned the now world-famous smiley face in 1963. Event organizers this year are encouraging community members to really paint - or rather chalk - the town red…and yellow and green or whatever else strikes their smile day artistic fancy.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 5, community organizations and businesses are invited to join renowned sidewalk muralist 'Sidewalk Sam' to create their own World Smile Day artwork on the sidewalk around Worcester Common. Nearly fifty community organizations are expected to participate.

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover said, "We in Worcester are proud of Harvey Ball - one of our most famous citizens, and are honored that such a kind hearted and generous spirit called this City home. Those of us who knew him, are better for it. But even those who never had the opportunity to meet him can carry on his inspirational legacy… one smile at a time. Particularly in light of the recent national tragedies, it is important for our community to come together to celebrate the goodness that Mr. Ball and his smiley face have come to represent."

"We are really excited about truly involving the entire Worcester community in this year's World Smile Day celebration," said Charles Ball, son of smiley creator Harvey Ball and Executive Director of the World Smile Corporation. "It is truly amazing the impact my father's simple drawing has had and we hope to encourage local residents to make a similar impact with their own artistic talents. Our motto is to help one person smile - with this fantastic undertaking we're hoping to help the entire City smile!"

At 12 noon all of Worcester is invited to the Common to enjoy the Circle of Happiness and for the presentation of World Smile Day Ambassador Awards, recognizing unsung heroes among students from the Worcester public schools. More than twenty Worcester school children will be recognized for their efforts in making the world a better place.

Related World Smile Day activities:

On Wednesday, October 3, 2001, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. the Worcester Historical Museum will award its first annual Harvey Ball Smile Award. This award is to be given to recognize the efforts and/or achievements of an individual in the Worcester community whose contributions are significant but generally unrecognized. In short, someone who has made Worcester smile.

On Thursday, October 4, 2001 at 7 p.m. a college a cappella concert will be held at Clark University's Atwood Hall, featuring the voices of eight local college a cappella groups. The event is free and open to the public.

On Friday, October 5, 2001, anyone wearing a World Smile Day Ambassador pin or sticker will receive complimentary travel on the WRTA. Stickers are available at the Information Booth of City Hall, at the Office of Congressman James McGovern, 34 Mechanic Street, and at the Tatnuck Bookseller, 335 Chandler Street. _ On Friday, October 5, 2001, more than 10,000 World Smile Day cards created by Worcester school children, through a program sponsored by the Worcester Historical Museum, will be delivered to area hospitals, senior centers, nursing homes as well as to New York City and Washington D.C. World Smile Day e-cards will also be available to be sent from the World Smile Day web site www.worldsmile.com

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September 21, 2001 – Union Station/Washington Sq. to get sprucing

Collaborative cleanup planned

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover announced today that the City of Worcester in collaboration with the Worcester Business Development Corporation, will stage a massive clean up of the environs in and around historic Union Station in Washington Square on Monday, September 24, 2001. Weeding, trash removal, power-washing of the entryways, sidewalks and common areas is planned, while the sidewalks and platform areas will be complemented by fall flower plantings in front of the station.

In addition to the City and WBDC, the Massachusetts Highway Department, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), CSX Railroad, Providence & Worcester Railroad, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, Worcester Common Outlets, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School are participating.

"We are pleased to be joining with so many of our local and state partners to participate in this cleanup," Hoover said. "We want to send a clear message to the neighborhood, to the community at-large, as well as to potential developers and tenants, of our firm commitment to making this station a truly vibrant hub, and to continue to build on the momentum we realized in resurrecting this building from utter shambles to a shining beacon of welcome to our All-America City."

"This cleanup operation is a comprehensive effort of all the participants to prepare the building for potential developers by properly highlighting the beauty of the building. The public often comes in to simply admire its exquisite interior, we want to make sure the same is true for the exterior as well," said Chief Development Officer Philip J. Niddrie. "It is very important to the taxpayers that we maintain our public buildings properly."

Chair of the Worcester City Council's Commerce and Development Committee, which oversees the redevelopment of Union Station, Stephen Patton said, "This is a great first step to ensuring that Union Station is maintained as a quality landmark in the City. I am looking forward to the next step which is WBDC's recommendations which will constitute a reconfiguration of Washington Square as well as plans to create the Intermodal Center that we collectively envision for this magnificent building."

"We anticipate having a series of recommendations for the City Manager in December, and this clean up is an interim step to ensure the long term success of the facility," said Project Manager Joan McCallion.

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September 19, 2001 – Local artists urged to talk trash

Arts District planning public art project

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover and the Arts District Task Force are calling upon local artisans to talk some trash… or more specifically lend their talent to discourage littering.

"One man's trash is another man's treasure," quipped Hoover. "In this instance, we are counting on our local artists to help transform ordinary trash receptacles into real works of art and in doing so, help transform the neighborhood into a source of great pride for local residents and business people alike."

In response to excessive litter in the Arts District neighborhood, the City's Department of Public Works has agreed to donate fifteen recycled trash receptacles to be designed with paint by local artists. The trashcans will be installed on Main Street along the Arts District, and through a program developed by the Arts District Task Force will be maintained by area business owners and organizations.

"This is truly a win-win for everybody," said Ruth Penka, ARTSWorcester Executive Director and Chair of the Arts District Task Force. "The neighborhood will be made more attractive thanks to the talents of our local artists and at the same time will be made cleaner thanks to the generosity of the City's Department of Public Works. We couldn't think of a better project for our first foray into public art."

Interested artists have until September 28, 2001, to submit design ideas to the Arts District Task Force, care of ARTSWorcester, 660 Main Street, Worcester, or contact (508) 755-5142 for further information.

The Trashcan Art Project is a collaborative public art project of the City of Worcester's Department of Public Works and the Arts District Task Force as well as neighborhood businesses and organizations throughout the Arts District. The project is funded, in part, by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

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August 9, 2001 – QCC to announce new downtown campus

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover invites you to join him and Quinsigamond Community College President Sandra Kurtinitis for an announcement of a new downtown campus, College at the Mall, at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, August 14, 2001, 2nd Level of the Worcester Common Outlets (adjacent to Bed, Bath & Beyond).

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July 16, 2001 – City celebrates preservation of open space

90 acres added to wildlife sanctuary

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined by Congressman James P. McGovern, Secretary of Environmental Affairs Robert Durand and Bishop Daniel P. Reilly today for a celebration of the City's recent acquisition and preservation of a critical parcel of open space on Dunkirk Avenue.

The Broad Meadow and Oak Savannah Land, commonly referred to as Parcel K, representing some 90-acres of open space, is now a contiguous part of the City's Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

The parcel, previously owned by the Diocese of Worcester, was purchased by the City through the cooperative efforts of the Greater Worcester Land Trust, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Worcester Conservation Commission, and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Division of Conservation Services which contributed $406,000 through a self-help grant and funding from the Land & Water Conservation Fund.

Hoover said, "On behalf of the City of Worcester I would like to thank our many partners who made today possible - clearly this parcel was an important one in our effort to preserve and protect open space in the City."

Representative McGovern said, "The Broad Meadow Brook acquisition is a terrific example of partnerships at work. Federal, state, local and private resources were pooled to preserve an extraordinary part of Worcester's environmental legacy. The reason I got involved in resurrecting the Land and Water Conservation Fund was to help fund projects just like this - preserving urban land as green space for our children and our grandchildren."

City Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. said, "The acquisition of this land reaffirms the City of Worcester's commitment to acquiring and preserving open space for future generations. The addition of this particular parcel further strengthens the Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary as one of the largest urban preserves in the United States."

"Preserving this open land is a double blessing for city residents," said Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, Bishop of Worcester. "By respecting the environment, residents can enjoy nature's beauty for generations to come as we assure effective stewardship for future charitable operations to area residents for which the land was originally obtained."

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July 10, 2001 – Ribbon cutting held for platform extension

Union Station offers additional accessibility

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined by federal, state and local dignitaries as well as members of the area's disabled community to mark the completion of the platform extension at Worcester's historic Union Station.

"There is little doubt about the tremendous impact commuter rail service has had and will continue to have on our City," Hoover said. "The completion of this platform extension was an important piece in ensuring this valuable resource was accessible to all of our residents."

"On behalf of the City of Worcester I want to extend my gratitude to all those who made today possible - our friends at both the state and federal level who as always came through with the financial resources to make this happen; our friends at the Executive Office of Transportation and at the MBTA who logistically made this happen; and perhaps, most importantly to those members of our disabled community who worked so diligently to see this project through to completion," Hoover said.

Prior to the extension just two of seven cars of an MBTA Commuter Rail trains were accessible to handicapped individuals. With the completion of the platform an additional three cars will be fully accessible.

Kevin J. Sullivan, Secretary of the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction said, "The Swift Administration has worked diligently to not only increase the number of trips between Worcester and Boston ahead of schedule, but also to ensure that these trips are accessible for all individuals. This platform extension project is another step in our effort to make Union Station as attractive a transportation alternative as possible."

General Manager of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Robert H. Prince said, "The completion of this platform great news and means that everyone can now take advantage of the great service between Worcester and Boston."

Corey Nelson, spokesperson of Rights, Equality and Dignity for the Disabled said, "When people work together as a team, so much more can be accomplished. The extended platform here at union station for example, will benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities. We are excited about the many proposed construction projects coming up and look forward in providing our expertise in these planing processes. When you have teamwork, everybody wins."

Joseph Bellil, Acting Executive Director of the Center for Living and Working said, "As a result of the Worcester community working together, the platform issue has been resolved. The resolution resulted in a win-win situation for all parties involved. Everyone can now enjoy even greater accessibility to the trains and increased protection from inclement weather at the beautifully restored Union Station."

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June 29, 2001 - Arts District cornerstone gets financial boost

State delivers $1.2M for Odd Fellows project

Assistant City Manager Paul V. LaCava and Chief Development Officer Philip J. Niddrie welcomed state officials to Worcester today for an important announcement about The Community Builders' Odd Fellows Redevelopment Project in Worcester's Arts District.

They were joined by Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jane Wallis Gumble and Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Steven D. Pierce who delivered $600,000 from the state's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Odd Fellows project is one of 23 projects to be funded through the trust which was enacted last summer.

The $600,000 follows $500,000 in City HOME funds committed by the City's Executive Office of Neighborhood Services early last year. The state funding was a critical final piece in The Community Builders financing plan to redevelop the former Odd Fellows Building at 674 Main Street to include 24 loft apartments, as well as commercial space providing gathering, exhibition, and work space for cultural activities.

Ms. Gumble also announced that the Odd Fellows project is to receive an additional $600,000 in Home Stabilization Funds from the Department of Housing and Community Development, making the total state contribution to this project $1.2 million.

LaCava said, "On behalf of City Manager Tom Hoover, it is my privilege to welcome Ms. Gumble and Mr. Pierce to Worcester today. We are most grateful for their delivery of critical funding to support this project which will result in 24 units of much-needed mixed-income housing as well as commercial space integral to the development of the Arts District. We are also greatly appreciative of members of our state delegation who worked so diligently to ensure the delivery of this important financing piece. The redevelopment of the Odd Fellows property, vacant since the 1970's, will greatly enhance the immediate surrounding Beacon Brightly and Main South neighborhoods while bolstering considerable ongoing state, City and private investments in affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization within blocks of this project."

Gerald Joseph of The Community Builders said, "Being part of the creation of Worcester's Arts District and having the opportunity to work with so many good people committed to making it a reality is very gratifying. We are thankful for the tremendous amount of support we have received from the City administration, our good friends in both the state and federal governments, and last, but certainly not least, ARTSWorcester and our other neighbors here in the Arts District - it is only through the shared vision and dedicated efforts of these groups working in continued partnership that this type of project happens. The Community Builders is thankful to DHCD and MHFA for finding this project deserved of funding."

State Representative Vincent A. Pedone said, "I am thrilled that the Odd Fellows Building has been awarded this funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The redevelopment of the Odd Fellows Building will set into motion the City's plan to revitalize the Worcester Arts District. The City of Worcester and The Community Builders have worked diligently towards this goal, but it would not have been attained without the support of the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Housing and Community Development."

Ruth Penka, Executive Director of ARTSWorcester and chair of the City's Arts District Task Force said, "ARTSWorcester is so pleased to be a part of the vision for the first building redevelopment project by The Community Builders here in Worcester's Arts District. We applaud the City administration and our state delegation for their commitment to the Arts District, and for their collaborative efforts on behalf of the literary, performing and visual artists who will enjoy the benefits of their vision."
According to neighborhood advocate Barbara Haller, "The people of Beacon-Brightly have always known that one of the cornerstones of our revitalization is the preservation of outstanding architecture. We have long waited for the Odd Fellows building to awaken from its disrespected condition and rejoin our community. We take great delight in knowing that this project is on the road to reality. And yet the celebration today is a celebration of more than a building façade. It is a celebration of the power of a persevering vision and loyal partnerships. It is a celebration of our future. The City Manager's Advisory Committee on Beacon-Brightly is proud to have played a small advocacy role in this project. We are grateful to all who continuously support the Beacon-Brightly vision, especially City Manager Thomas Hoover and his dedicated staff, State Representative Vincent Pedone and the Central Massachusetts delegation, Ruth Penka and her ARTSWorcester organization, and Christine Proffitt and the Worcester Cultural Coalition."

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June 20, 2001 – Worcester's New Cultural Logo Unveiled

Symbol unites City's many organizations

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined by members of Worcester's Cultural Coalition and Cultural Corridor Focus Group today to unveil the City's new cultural logo. The logo came about as the result of a Call to Artists presented earlier this spring when local graphic designers and artists were asked to develop a symbol intended to represent and promote all of the City's cultural organizations.

Over eighty submissions were received from professional designers and artists, college students, high school students, and many members of the community who wanted to participate. Darlene Haddad, a Worcester native who presently resides in Oxford, submitted the winning design.

"Worcester is such a great community, alive and full of energy, cultural diversity, arts, and entertainment - the challenge of trying to give all of that an identity appealed to me," Haddad said. "When I started to design the icon I realized how difficult the task actually was because the logo needed to encompass so many different organizations and cultural aspects of Worcester."

"In the end, I think this symbol is energetic and funky, and is open to various interpretations which is great because each of the City's cultural groups, as well as each member of the community, can truly embrace it as their own," Haddad said.

Haddad holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Studio Art from Clark University and is employed by Folio, Inc. of Northborough. In addition to being selected for this honor, Haddad currently has a collage in the ARTSWorcester Biennial 2001 Exhibit. She will receive $1000 in prize money from Worcester's Cultural Coalition for her winning design.

"Worcester's cultural resources play a critical role in economic development here in the City. In short, they assure a superb quality of life which attracts individuals who want to not only visit, but live, work, go to school and conduct business here," Hoover said. "I want to congratulate Ms. Haddad on her winning submission. This new logo will help us to accentuate all the remarkable institutions Worcester is home to, and to ensure that arts and culture continue to play a vital role in our planing and development efforts."

According to Christine Proffitt, Worcester's Cultural Development Officer, the design is intended to represent all of the City's cultural organizations and will be displayed at various cultural institutions and events, used in marketing materials which promote Worcester's arts and cultural offerings and highlighted throughout Worcester's Cultural Corridor.

"This new symbol will be used to raise the level of awareness of Worcester as a City of Culture," Proffitt said. "Worcester's new cultural logo is not meant to replace the City's seal or ‘Right Place, Right Time' logo, but rather will be used specifically to promote Worcester's cultural assets collectively and will help advance the Coalition's and City's shared goal to create a strong cultural identity for the City of Worcester."

Kent dur Russell, Executive Director of the Higgins Armory Museum and Chair of the Cultural Coalition agreed, saying, "This new symbol will serve as a tangible identity for the strong partnership which has developed since the inception of the Worcester Cultural Coalition and the great strides we have made in ensuring the continued growth, prosperity, and recognition of the City's cultural community."

Sarah Buie, Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Director of the Studio Art Program for Clark University's Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Jean Beckwith, Editorial Designer for the Telegram & Gazette newspaper, and James Casey, Principal of Casey Design, served as jurors charged with narrowing down the field of anonymous entries. Of the two finalists selected by the jurors, Haddad's was approved unanimously by members of Worcester's Cultural Corridor Focus Group and Cultural Coalition.

The jurors' statement reads as follows:

"We were very impressed with the high number and wide range of submissions for Worcester's cultural logo contest. The entries were well rounded and exhibited a tremendous level of community involvement, and made for a challenging jurying process. To create an icon or logo that conveys such a diverse range of organizations and creative disciplines was a tall order. We strongly believe the winning cultural logo successfully accomplishes this. It appears to be alive as it generates a high level of energy. Its irregularity and looseness gives it a sense of dynamism or coming into being. It is fresh and playful yet sophisticated. The design's great strength is that different people can interpret it in different ways and lends itself to many applications. Art is often defined in these terms. We offer our congratulations to everyone who thought the concept through to the point of submission and applaud the Cultural Coalition's and the City's ambition in embarking on such a progressive and unique project - one that recognized and embraced the artistic talent in the community."

Worcester's Cultural Coalition serves as the unified voice of Worcester's cultural community whose members are the leaders of the City's forty arts and cultural organizations. The Coalition's mission is to draw on Worcester's rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization and create a strong cultural identity for the City of Worcester. Worcester's Cultural Coalition Initiative is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Economic Development Grant Program, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, City of Worcester, and the City's cultural organizations.

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June 13, 2001- Ribbon cutting held for new downtown entertainment complex

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined by local downtown business and political leaders today at a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of The Atrium Entertainment Complex at One Exchange Place in Worcester.

"We are thrilled to welcome this exciting new venture to Worcester," Hoover said. "This vibrant mix of entertainment venues, all under one roof clearly create a destination, and will go a long way in helping to generate the vibrancy we desire for our downtown."

David Domenick, proprietor of The Atrium, said, " We wouldn't be doing this if we didn't believe in the City of Worcester, particularly the potential of downtown. We are grateful for all the support we have received as we have worked to get this venture off the ground and look forward to welcoming residents from the City and throughout the region for good food, good drink and good fun."

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President Mark Love said, "On behalf of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce it is my pleasure to welcome you to the neighborhood. Like you, we believe strongly in the potential for Worcester's downtown and want to offer our support in ensuring that the The Atrium Entertainment Complex is a successful component of its revitalization."

Sandra Dunn, General Manager of the neighboring Worcester Centrum Centre said "Entertainment, dining, and an overall nightlife enhances the downtown experience and is critical to the ongoing development of this area. Our patrons, conventioneers, employees and visitors to downtown couldn't be more delighted to see the Atrium opening its doors -- and what could be better than a three for one with diverse choices!"

Following a brief speaking program guests were invited to tour each of the three theme clubs which make up the new complex, including: The Z-Bar, an upscale sports pub serving lunch and dinner; My Martini, a cocktail lounge with raw bar; and the Jailhouse Café, a rock 'n' roll video club.

The Atrium Entertainment Complex is scheduled to officially open for business on Friday, June 22, 2001.

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May 1, 2001- Calling All Artists

Local talent sought to design new cultural logo

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover and Cultural Development Officer Christine Proffitt announced today that the City and the Worcester Cultural Coalition are reaching out to local artists and designers to create an exciting new symbol which captures and identifies the rich diversity of Worcester's art and cultural community.

"Worcester's cultural resources play a critical role in economic development here in the City. In short, they assure a superb quality of life which attracts individuals who want to not only visit, but live, work, go to school and conduct business here," Hoover said. "The creation of this new logo will help accentuate all the remarkable institutions Worcester is home to and ensure that arts and culture continue to play a vital role in our planing and development efforts."

The design is intended to represent all of the City's cultural organizations and will be displayed at various cultural institutions and events, used in marketing materials which promote Worcester's arts and cultural offerings and highlighted throughout Worcester's Cultural Corridor. The winning entrant will receive $1,000 in prize money.

"This new symbol or logo will be used to raise the level of awareness of Worcester as a true City of Culture," Proffitt said. "It will speak to the City's commitment to preserving and promoting its wealth of breathtaking masterpieces and historical treasures, and serve as an excellent example of the important work which can be accomplished through public-private partnerships."

Kent dur Russell, Executive Director of the Higgins Armory Museum and Chair of the Cultural Coalition agreed, saying, "This new symbol will serve as a tangible identity for the strong partnership which has developed since the inception of the Worcester Cultural Coalition and the great strides we have made in ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the City's cultural community."

"We really look forward to seeing just how creative our local talent can be," Proffitt added. "This call to artists and designers is truly unique in that the winning design will serve to represent not only one organization, but will become a highly visible symbol for all of Worcester's diverse arts and cultural organizations."

All artists and graphic designers living or working in Central Massachusetts are invited to participate. Entries must be delivered or postmarked by June 6, 2001. Favorable consideration will be given to a design that can be reproduced online and in a variety of media including posters, brochures, signage, maps, and banners. To receive a prospectus, contact Christine Proffitt at proffittc@ci.worcester.ma.us or at 508-799-1175.

Sarah Buie, Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Director of the Studio Art Program for Clark University's Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Jean Beckwith, Editorial Designer for the Telegram & Gazette newspaper, and James Casey, Principal of Casey Design, will serve as jurors to select three finalists. The winning entry will be chosen by members of Worcester's Cultural Corridor Focus Group and Cultural Coalition, and announced in mid-June.

Worcester's Cultural Coalition serves as the unified voice of Worcester's cultural community whose members are the leaders of the City's forty arts and cultural organizations. The Coalition's mission is to draw on Worcester's rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization and create a strong cultural identity for the City of Worcester.

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March 27, 2001- Manager announces Storm headed for Worcester

Women's Pro Football to host tryout in City


City Manager Thomas R. Hoover announced that a storm is headed for the City of Worcester - the New England Storm Women's Professional Football Team that is. The team will host an open tryout from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, 2001, at the campus of Holy Cross College.

The WPFL is a professional, full-contact woman's tackle football league. In their inaugural season, the New England Storm 2000 team was the first-ever to win the WPFL Eastern Division, National Conference and WPFL Championship Game Title 1 Runner-ups.

The tryout will be an NFL style tryout, combining a 40-yard dash, short shuttle, bench, agility drills, ball handling drills, and vertical leap. Potential players can pre-register on the Storm web site at www.NewEnglandStorm.com. The tryout is open to all women over the age of 18. Last year the Storm attracted over 200 female athletes from throughout New England for its 2000 season.

"With our central location, Worcester is a natural fit for the Storm which is looking to attract prospective players from throughout Central Massachusetts and New England," Hoover said, noting he is working through his Sports Council to bring the team's mini-camp and a youth clinic to Worcester later in the spring.

According to team owner and General Manager Melissa Korpacz, in addition to its convenient geographic location, Worcester's high volume of college students made it an appealing site to host a tryout. "The more we learned about Worcester, the more excited we became," she said. "With its easy access and wealth of students to draw from we're excited to share our team with the City of Worcester and surrounding communities, and look forward to strengthening that relationship as we strive to build another winning team and loyal fan base."

Sports Council Chairman Dennis Irish said, "The Sports Council is delighted that we were able to facilitate this tryout. Bringing the Storm to Worcester is consistent with our vision of the City as a venue for sports, particularly women's athletics, and continues a string of successes we have realized including securing NCAA basketball, and Prep School Basketball."

College of the Holy Cross Athletic Director Dick Regan said, "This is one more sporting event for the City of Worcester and we're glad we could be of assistance."
"After all the snow we've suffered through," Hoover quipped, "this is one storm we're pleased to welcome to Worcester!"

The WPFL 2001 season begins July 21, 2001 with a ten game schedule. The New England Storm will play in the North division, which includes the New York Sharks (Long Island) and the Syracuse Stings. Among other teams in the league are the Miami Fury, Tampa Tempest, and the Los Angeles Breakers.

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March 13, 2001- City of Worcester selected for national arts study

18-month project to examine economic impact of cultural organizations

Worcester City Manager Thomas R. Hoover announced today that the City of Worcester was recently selected to participate in a national study being conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading arts information clearinghouse with a 40-year record of objective arts industry research. The study is being supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and American Express.

"The City of Worcester is obviously excited to have been selected for participation in this important study," Hoover said. "The results will be tremendously helpful as we work to strengthen the presence of our City's rich and diverse arts and cultural resources."

The project, entitled "Arts and Economic Prosperity," is a follow-up to Americans for the Arts' 1994 benchmark study, "Jobs, Arts and the Economy," which has become the most frequently cited source of statistics used to demonstrate the impact of the nation's nonprofit arts industry on local, state, and national economies.

The groundbreaking Arts and Economic Prosperity project will measure not only the expenditures by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, but will capture demographic data and travel patterns of arts audiences as well. It will also assess for the first time on a national scale the "value added" component, that is induced spending by arts audiences. Some 90 communities representing 35 states are participating in this new study. Selected communities represent a broad geographic diversity, range in size from small rural to large urban, and include emerging as well as established arts communities.

The City's Cultural Development Officer, Christine Proffitt, will serve as the liaison between Americans for the Arts and the City's 35-plus arts and cultural organizations. According to Proffitt, "we already know that Worcester's exceptional arts and cultural organizations contribute significantly to the high quality of life here and we recognize that our cultural organizations are an important factor in the health of our economy - they contribute real dollars, provide a large number of jobs, and attract over a million visitors and participants each year. The results of this study will demonstrate just how significant of an industry the cultural sector is on a national as well as local scale."
"Visitors to cultural organizations and participants in cultural events create not only a direct impact but a significant indirect impact on the economy by making additional local expenditures such as paying to park a car, or purchasing a meal before or after an event," Proffitt said. "This study will provide us with information as to the extent of that impact and will be used as an important advocacy tool to support the case for increased private and public sector funding for arts and culture."

Chair of Worcester's Cultural Coalition and Executive Director and CEO of Higgins Armory Museum, Kent dur Russell, believes that the study "will ensure that the work we're doing locally to foster economic revitalization through arts and culture and to create a strong cultural identity for the City of Worcester will be recognized nationally."
Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research and Information for Americans for the Arts said, "This study will demonstrate the important role that arts and culture plays in the Worcester economy. Expenditures by arts organizations and their audiences support local jobs and generate government revenue. The City of Worcester is an important component of the country's cultural ecology. Worcester's participation will demonstrate that arts and culture has a positive impact on communities of all sizes and types across the country."

Mary Kelley, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council said, "We are very pleased that Worcester has been selected to participate in this study as it is an important City that is doing wonderful work in the arts."

Other Massachusetts communities selected for participation in the study include Gloucester and Lee. Participating communities will receive prior written reports detailing their individual results in spring 2002. The final report of Arts and Economic Prosperity measuring the impact of the nonprofit arts industry on the nation's economy is to be released in summer 2002.

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February 9, 2001- Purchase of Odd Fellows Building Announced

$4M rehab to bring housing, commercial development to Arts District


City Manager Thomas R. Hoover joined The Community Builders, Inc., and ARTSWorcester today to announce the purchase and planned redevelopment of Main Street's, Odd Fellows Building. The Community Builders, Inc. the largest private, non-profit development corporation in New England, has purchased the former Odd Fellows Hall and is developing plans for the historic structure's redevelopment as a signature mixed-use project in the Worcester Arts District.

A beautifully preserved 1906 example of Beaux-Arts Classicism, The Odd Fellows has been vacant since the early 1980's. Its successful revitalization will represent a major milestone in the City, Community Builders and ARTSWorcester's effort to work together towards the development of a thriving Arts District on Main Street.

Preliminary plans for the Odd Fellows include the renovation of the upper three floors to provide 24 loft apartments available to low and moderate income as well as market rate paying individuals and families. The first two floors of the Odd Fellows will be developed as commercial space providing gathering, exhibition and work space for arts activities. The concept for the creation of a mix of loft apartments, art exhibition /performance space, and artists' work space within the Odd Fellows Building, reflects an important collaborative effort by The Community Builders, ARTSWorcester and the City of Worcester to develop a key project that could achieve some of the goals set forth by the Arts District Task Force.

The Community Builders and ARTSWorcester are currently meeting and working with the Colleges of Worcester Consortium institutions to develop conceptual plans that could provide for shared arts space and programs as an integral part of the development of the Odd Fellows Buildings' lower two floors. The successful development of collaborative arts space could provide a foundation for a new joint college, community and cultural institution presence in the Arts District.

"We are excited by the high level of interest and the positive response we've received from colleges, universities and Worcester's supportive cultural community to date. We will continue to meet and work with the Consortium institutions towards creating the concept for innovative and inclusive programs at the Odd Fellows," said Lisa Barthelson, Project Consultant for The Community Builders.

The City has committed $500,000 in City Home Funds which will be used as an important match for additional state and federal funding for the project. Though additional funding for this project is still being sought, the purchase of the Odd Fellows, in combination with Eddie Santiago's redevelopment of the Mart into a regional Supermarket and Cash & Carry store represents a significant component of the City's Vision for the new Arts District.

The redevelopment of the two-acre Odd Fellows and Mart site represents a significant first step in the continued revitalization of this portion of Main Street. The two represent a combined investment of over $5 million dollars. The City of Worcester has acted as an important development partner by providing both HOME Funds and a Façade Grant to the Odd Fellows as well as a Tax Incremental Fund Agreement and Façade Grant for the Market.

"This is an exciting day for the City of Worcester," Hoover said. "As the future home of residential units as well as commercial space, this building will serve as the cornerstone of our planned Arts District and a critical component in the revitalization of our Main South area."

"Being able to be part of the creation of Worcester's Arts District and having the opportunity to work with so many good people committed to making it a reality is
very gratifying." said Jon Juhl of The Community Builders Worcester Office. " The addedbenefit of restoring an historic building which played an important role in Worcester's storied past and making it a part of its future, makes this an even more special undertaking. Its only through the vision and hard work of the City, ARTSWorcester, the Beacon-Brightly Coalition, the Arts District Task Force and others that this type of project happens."

"I applaud The Community Builders and Eddie Santiago for their ability to work cooperatively towards a vision for this site which will create jobs, create housing, and no doubt will create a spark for further revitalization of this neighborhood," Hoover said.

Since its creation in 1964, the Community Builders has assisted in the development of over 14,000 housing units and currently manages 6,000 housing units throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic region. The Community Builders' mission is "to build and sustain communities of choice where residents achieve their full potential." The Community Builders maintain an office in Worcester, and own and manage both Plumley Village and the Aurora Hotel in Worcester.

Gerry Joseph, Regional Director for The Community Builders explained, "When Eddie Santiago asked The Community Builders to partner with him in the redevelopment of this site, we felt his vision for the former Mart was an exciting opportunity to become involved in revitalization of this important section of Worcester. We feel The Odd Fellows redevelopment is an important first step towards the creation of an energetic arts community on Main Street. The combination of The Community Builders' restoration of the Aurora Hotel, Santiago's renovation of the Mart site, and the creation of a unique Arts District streetscape, can act as a catalyst for the successful redevelopment and expansion of accessible space for the arts within the District."

"With the help of the Massachusetts Life Insurance Community Investment Initiative, the Odd Fellows Building has been purchased. In the coming months, we need to continue to work closely with the City, ARTSWorcester and the Worcester community to secure the remaining financing to bring this important project to fruition. We hope the redevelopment of the former Mart building and Odd Fellows will signal other developers and owners to invest in the revitalization and the realization of the City's vision for the Arts District as a hub of community activity and an integral part of Worcester's Cultural Corridor," Joseph said.

Ruth Penka, Director of ARTSWorcester and chair of the City's Arts District Task Force said, "ARTSWorcester is so pleased to be a part of the vision for the first building redevelopment project by The Community Builders in the Worcester Arts District. The former Odd Fellows Buildings is an architectural jewel in the rough that will become a shining symbol of success as both an art center and living space for artists and art patrons throughout Central Massachusetts."

"ARTSWorcester applauds The Community Builders, the City of Worcester and the private funders for their collaborative efforts on behalf of literary, performing and visual artists who will enjoy the benefits of their vision for many years to come," Penka added.

Barbara Haller, Chair of the City Manager's Advisory Committee on Beacon-Brightly said, "This announcement is a cause for celebration in our neighborhood, in the Arts community, and in our City. This building will continue the revitalization of Beacon-Brightly, boost the development of the Arts District, remove one more vacant building, preserve an irreplaceable historic structure, and provide needed living space."

"The Community Builders, ARTSWorcester, and the City of Worcester prove to us once again that the power of leadership, partnership, perseverance, and common goals can overcome the power of decline, contention, and skepticism. Kudos to all of the movers and shakers on this project," she said.

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January 10, 2001- Expressive Constructs Inc. plans expansion

Life science leader growing in Worcester

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined today by Congressman James P. McGovern, Dr. Mitchell C. Sanders, founder of Expressive Constructs Inc. (ECI) and Vice President of Development for Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative (MBI) Kevin O'Sullivan for a ribbon cutting ceremony and announcement marking ECI's move into the City's Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park Building Four located on Plantation Street.

Expressive Constructs Inc. is a leader in the development and licensing of innovative gene expression and bacterial detection platform technologies. Based on a profound understanding of bacterial virulence mechanisms, ECI has developed a new paradigm for bacterial detection systems. The company has three target markets for its products consisting of medical devices, food testing and research product applications.

"It is well documented that the bulk of future economic growth will be generated through expansion of our existing businesses so we are therefore pleased to join with MBI to welcome ECI to Worcester's Biotech Park," Hoover said. "As a leader in its field, ECI brings great prestige to our City. Their cutting-edge research and technology will no doubt make a dramatic impact on the way food testing is performed throughout the United States. We look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure their future success."

"Today's announcement by ECI helps solidify Worcester's reputation as a national leader in the biotech filed," Rep. McGovern said. "ECI's work is critical in our efforts to ensure a safe food supply. Further bacteria and other organisms have shown a troubling ability to develop resistance to traditional eradication strategies. I want to thank Manager Hoover, Kevin O'Sullivan, and especially Dr. Sander and all the people at ECI for their continuing commitment to cutting-edge science and to economic development in our City."

"Our success is due in part to the high caliber of our science and the dedication from the Worcester community to help startups grow," Dr. Sanders said. "Moving to the Biotech Park will give us top-tier exposure for our top-tier product development program."

"ECI Biotech plans to license its core competencies to the best strategic partners thereby creating sufficient and steady flow of revenue that will accelerate growth of the company. We are dedicated to serving our multi-billion dollar customers in order to turn common problems into discoveries," Dr. Sanders added. "Over five million pounds of meat and poultry were recalled this year in the United States due to bacterial contamination our simple and rapid bacterial detection systems will address this major health problem."

O'Sullivan said, "Expressive Construct's growth into our Biotech Park is another wonderful example of ECI's ability to utilize the local core scientific and academic resources at WPI while at the same time strengthening the city of Worcester's reputation as a great place to start and grow life science businesses. MBI is certainly grateful to Mitch Sanders and his team for their continued commitment to the city."

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January 4, 2001 - City marks bright lights in downtown development

Sovereign & Mass Electric team up to brighten Worcester's Centre City

City Manager Thomas R. Hoover was joined today by Ann Carlson, Sr. VP, Market Manager for Sovereign Bank New England, Rita Moran, Vice President of Massachusetts Electric, Centre City Development Council Chairman John Merrill and other local officials to kick off a downtown lighting program. Sovereign Bank, located at 446 Main Street, is the first downtown neighbor to renovate its lighting under Massachusetts Electric's Conservation Rebate Programs to support the Center City Development Council's quest to invigorate after hours activity in Worcester's downtown.

"As a well-noted and highly visible landmark, the infamous 'glass tower' is a critical cornerstone in our program and will serve, we believe, as a catalyst for other Centre City buildings to take part," Hoover said. "It is our firm conviction that a well-lit Centre City is perceived as a safe place to be and will encourage additional patronage of Centre City activities and amenities. We thank Sovereign Bank for being the first to take part in this important effort and for serving as a beacon to welcome one and all to our downtown."

"As a new Business partner in the Centre City community, Sovereign Bank is pleased to light up this building as part of the Centre City development effort. We hope others will join us to spotlight some of the continuous improvements taking place in downtown Worcester," Carlson said.

Under Mass Electric's programs, Sovereign upgraded 1,625 perimeter lighting fixtures with energy efficient T-8s. In doing so, Sovereign has both minimized the operating cost of these fixtures (savings of approximately $6,000 per year), and has eliminated PCB ballasts in the perimeter lighting fixtures.

Under Massachusetts Electric's Energy Initiative Accelerated Application Program, Massachusetts Electric contributed $27,000 toward the $36,000 project and assumed responsibility for ballast disposal. Sovereign plans to install automated controls to activate the perimeter lighting during evening hours, creating an anchor showpiece for the downtown area.

City Councilor and CCDC member Michael C. Perotto said, "I'd like to thank Sovereign Bank and Ann Carlson in particular for moving forward in illuminating the Sovereign Bank Building. This is an issue I have been discussing on the City Council floor for four years. I look forward to the City administration moving forward in the next fiscal year to illuminating City Hall. When you light up the City, you light up the hearts of the citizens of Worcester."

City Councilor and CCDC member Dennis L. Irish said, "This is a wonderful contribution on behalf of Sovereign Bank to bring more light to downtown Worcester. I hope other businesses will follow their lead, and I hope the City will be able to find the resources to follow the private sector's example."

According to the City's Chief Development Officer Everett Shaw, the City itself is presently researching means of financing the "lighting up" of City Hall, recognizing that as the tangible face of the public sector in the Centre City the building should be a source of great civic pride. "We, in cooperation with Massachusetts Electric, are also in preliminary discussions with several other downtown property owners to begin the process of getting their buildings illuminated as well," he said.

John Merrill serves as the Co-Chair of the Centre City Development Council, which recommended implementation of an exterior lighting program to the City Manager. "The lighting up of our Centre City will go a long way in making it a more attractive destination for those seeking to live, work and conduct business in Worcester. The Centre City Development Council is grateful that Sovereign Bank has taken the lead in implementing this important initiative," he said.

The City's Director of Marketing Susan Black agreed, saying, "Lighting up our Centre City will not only help to convey the message that 'we are open for business' but it also helps to convey a sense of vitality and safety to our downtown. We are fortunate to have one of the safest downtowns for a city of our size. But as we all recognize, perception plays an important role in conveying messages and the perception that our Centre City is safe will be helped by a well lit area. Also, since so much of our Centre City is clearly visible from the Interstate, we want to showcase the whole area by lighting it up. We want to show people that Worcester's Centre City is alive and full of activity."

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