Courtesty of ChangedotGov

President Obama announced the winners of the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recently.  I am proud to say four Worcester Colleges made it to the list.

The initiative was started in 2006 to recognize colleges and universities that contribute to their communities in significant ways.  An important part of it is volunteerism.

The awards are tiered with the most exceptional being on the Presidential Awardee list, the next best being on the Honor Roll with Distinction list and the next best being on the Honor Roll List.

Though Massachusetts did not make the first tier there were a variety of colleges and universities from Massachusetts on the other 2 lists.  Worcester's College of the Holy Cross was 1 of only 4 Massachusetts Colleges that was on the Honor Roll with Distinction list.  Worcester's Assumption College, Clark University and Worcester State College made it to the Honor Roll list.

Similar to what President Kennedy did with the Peace Corp, President Obama hopes to "move mountains" with the help of people willing to volunteer their time on important issues.  You can find more details about this specific initiative at LearnandServe.gov.  In a nutshell the Higher Education Community Service Award:

annually recognizes institutions of higher education for their commitment to and achievement in community service. The President’s Honor Roll increases the public’s awareness of the contributions that colleges and their students make to local communities and the nation as a whole. President Obama has pledged to make service a central cause of his administration and wishes to commemorate the significant role that higher institutions, their students, staff, and faculty play in helping to solve pressing social problems in the nation’s communities.

In today's world we need all the help we can get to solve not only social problems but economic ones as well.  Massachusett's rich education environment is a fully untapped source of insights that can help push many balls forward.  Hopefully next year we will not only rise on the list but add more colleges and universities statewide that did not make the list.

Courtesty of NECN

While campaigning Mayor O'Brien emphasized the importance of improving the local economy and improving the business climate in Worcester. As part of that initiative he recently started his "Locally Owned, Locally Made" campaign where he visits local Worcester businesses. The point is to promote the businesses in manufacturing.

The first business highlighted is the maker of the Worcester's Keys to the City which is located right next to Worcester City Hall. The key maker is Guertin Graphics and Awards. They make more than just keys. They engrave all sorts of trophies and awards as well. They've been in business for over 40 years.

This is a great initiative that will hopefully be expanded to include non-manufacturing businesses.  The "Think Local" movement has been going on for a while all across the country as the bad economy drives small local businesses to the brink.  Restaurants, dry cleaners, plumbers and electricians are also part of the local economy.

Highlighting businesses is a good start.  The next stage needs to include attracting new business to Worcester.  This is a necessary piece of creating jobs.  Capitalizing on its manufacturing strengths while exploring and developing new industries in the the Worcester area is the challenge that Mayor O'Brien will need to spearhead.  The coordinated cooperation between all stakeholders in the community that the Mayor highlighted in his inauguration speech will be critical for job growth in Worcester.

Here is the Mayor visiting Guertin courtesy of NECN:

Courtesy of GoogieMan

As a Boston sports fan it is hard to argue Curt Schilling's role in the Red Sox folklore.  How can anyone forget the bloody sock incident?  Though Schilling has been out of baseball since 2007 he continues to be in the spotlight because of his many roles in the Massachusetts community and in business.  He has most recently been chosen to be the speaker at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute's commencement this May 2010.

Thankfully this new honor in Worcester will overshadow the strange controversy regarding Schilling's former doctor, the very one that worked on the bloody ankle.  The Worcester Telegram is reporting that the former Red Sox team doctor Dr. William Morgan has given up his license while he is investigated for something that has not been made public yet.  Dr. Morgan was also the team doctor for the Worcester Sharks until last year when he apparently left St. Vincent Hospital.

Since Schilling's departure from professional baseball he has gone on to be more vocal in politics and the charities he is passionate about.  He is a big supporter of ALS and even gives the proceeds from his WEEI talk show to that cause.  Schilling and his wife also have their own charity  The Shade Foundation that focuses on sun safety due his wife's own bout with melanoma.  He and his wife are involved in other causes as well.

The WPI press release brings to light something that may not be as in the spotlight as some of these other things.  Schilling's company 38 Studios has been involved in supporting students at the Interactive Media and Game Development program that was started in 2005.  The game development industry continues to evolve and Schilling's company is growing in anticipation of the growth in online multi-player games.  It will be interesting to see what insights Schilling will share with the graduates in May.  His varied background and interests are sure to make for a treasure-trove of advice.

©DirectoryofWorcester.com

The Worcester Business Journal reported today that WPI is issuing bonds through MassDevelopment to build modern sports and recreation facilities. Currently budgeted at $56million it will be competitive with many of the modern sports and recreation facilities that have been built recently by the likes of Boston University and MIT.

WPI has put together a great project minisite that describes the project which includes renderings from architects about what the buildings will look like. They also include a video of Dr. Berkey presenting the project and highlighting the need for such a facility.

Sports can be such a great part of community and Worcester is lucky to have a variety of colleges and universities that offer that to us. Just think of how Holy Cross continues to entertain us with their football program. This addition to WPI will also help make sure they don't lose prospective students and athletes to schools that have modern facilities. The project will be started after commencement this year.

This project is part of a bigger 7 year capital campaign plan and some of the money from the bonds will be going to some of the maintenance and repairs that are part of that campaign. This all depends on continued support from the WPI alumni to raise the $200 million target for this campaign.

WPI was very competitive in basketball this past season on both the women's and men's sides. They also were competitive in rowing which we also highlighted with their representation at the Head of the Charles Regatta this past fall. Hopefully the alumni and the Worcester community will be able to make this happen.

For more information on how you can help please visit WPI's website.

The Senate Race has been interesting with the 4 Democratic Candidates of course dominating the coverage, Massachusetts is a democratic state.  The debates were critical for me in making my decision which I won't be revealing.  Worcester's own Congressman Jim McGovern endorsed Coakley's opponent fellow Congressman Michael Capuano.

Coakley has been considered a front runner with Capuano a distant second.  Recent reports indicate that it may be anyone's game and the outcome will depend on voter turnout.  Pagliuca and Khazei have also run strong campaigns in there own rights.  So I urge everyone to get out and vote in this important election for the next Senator of Massachusetts.

For some people this actually works out better since dragging your whole extended family to an event like this is probably less likely than bringing a few people interested in the historical aspect of the holiday.  You will also enjoy the food I'm sure!

Though the Old Sturbridge Thankgiving Day Buffet is sold out it isn't too late to check out some other restaurants that will at least allow you a great Thanksgiving Meal without having to cook.  Here is a list compiled by CentralMass.org with restaurant alternatives.

If you aren't a Black Friday shopper they had a great alternative listed.  Sadly the reference to Wachusett Skiing on Friday is not updated.  I checked their website and because of the mild temperatures their opening day is postponed.  That would have been a great way of burning some of those Thanksgiving Day calories.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

©DirectoryofWorcester.com

The Holy Cross Crusaders are on the verge of winning first place in the Patriot League.  Tomorrow they face the Lafayette Leopards in what is one of the most anticipated games in recent Holy Cross Football.  Both teams have identical records of 8-1 overall and 4-0 in the Patriot League.

Quarterback Dominic Randolph continues to impress and even is garnering interest from the NFL.  Throwing for over 10000 career yards he is favored to win the Walter Payton Award.  This is probably the last chance to see him play in Worcester even if they do make the playoffs.  Though sadly the success of Randolph and the Crusaders this year has not been enough to fill Fitton Field perhaps the excitement of a Division Title game will bring the crowds out.  We have been to a couple of games this year and he is a pleasure to watch.  His composure reminds me a lot of Tom Brady.

If you can't make it out to the field you can catch the game on WCTR-3 or even on the internet via Crusader Vision.  The game starts at 12:30pm.

UPDATE:  11/25/09

By now you know that the Crusaders won the Patriot League Title and are headed to the playoffs.  They will be playing Villanova this Saturday at Noon in what promises to be an exciting game.  Sadly they will be away in Pennsylvania but you can catch the game via radio at WWFX 100.1 FM, they also broadcast via the internet.  Go Holy Cross!!!

©DirectoryofWorcester.com

Worcester is planning to celebrate Veterans Day with pancakes.  OK, OK with more than pancakes.  According to the Telegram a pancake breakfast is to be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St..  The pancakes are very appropriate given that the mission of Massachusetts Veterans, Inc. is to help homeless veterans with shelter and food.  You can get more information regarding the parade and the wreath laying on the announcement.

Veterans Day this year has become even more symbolic because of the unfortunate incident at Fort Hood in Texas.  Though Memorial Day is focused on those that died in military battle, Veterans Day is meant to honor both the living and the dead who have served in the US military during both war and peace.  The Fort Hood Memorial Services to be held tomorrow will be especially significant being on Veterans Day.  Though I've had cousins in the armed forces we have been blessed with never having to bury one.

In this hustle bustle world it is easy just to think of Veterans Day as just another day off but we should remember the sacrifices that our military and their families make each and every day.  Whether you have family in the military or not they work and fight everyday for all of us.

If you need a refresher on what Veterans Day is all about visit the government website which also includes a great teaching guide for children.

Awareness leads to realizing that you need to know more about breast cancer and lead you to information that emphasizes the importance of early detection.  Early detection can be in the form of self-exams or routine mammograms that are recommended for women 40 and over.  NECN recently highlighted Ann Zelesky an associate athletic director at Holy Cross here in Worcester who believes early detection led to her having a better outcome.  She is currently cancer free.

The Susan G. Komen foundation has a lot of great information on their website.  It includes a statistics section with Flash based movies that go through both the statistics and risk factors for getting breast cancer.

Though progress continues to be made in the areas of diagnosing and treating breast cancer plenty of women(and some men) die from breast cancer.  Odds are you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.  Besides being aware of your risk factors and doing your part with self-exams and regular screening there is more that all of us can do.

Spread the word not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month but year round.  If you can give of your time and money to further research that hopefully will lead to a cure someday soon.

Here is the video from NECN about the woman from Holy Cross:

As the Halloween season comes to a close there are usually many activities going on for kids.  Check out your schools and youth centers for specifics.  I am honestly surprised at how hard this type of information is to find though.

General family activities that I was able to find include:

Pipe Screams - Wacky Halloween Organ Concert at All Saints Church this Friday night

Haunted Higgins at the Higgins Armory Museum

To put on the calendar for next year is the Great Pumpkin Fest which took place this past Saturday at the Ecotarium.  Definitely a kids event that should not be missed.

The Dance and Party scene is abundant in Worcester.  Here are some of the events I found.

Halloween SALSA Dance and Food Drive on Halloween night at the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre

Halloween Party hosted by Moonshine Jillian's - Worcester

The Deadites Halloween Extravaganza Lucky Dog Music Hall

Dogfish Head Halloween Bash The Dive Bar

Play for Blood Halloween Party Tammany Hall

"Dirtnap Entertainment Halloween Spooktacular 2009" London Billiards / Club Oasis

If you can't find something you like you can always check your favorite Worcester area restaurants, bars and nightclubs to see if they have anything special going on Friday or Saturday night.

If you want to explore options outside of Worcester, Salem is always a good choice for Halloween.  I believe the Globe called it the North Pole of Halloween.  Enjoy and stay safe!

Most of the show events are free with a business card.  But the Luncheon featuring the Governor and the morning Breakfast Club events require fees and registration.  Tickets for the luncheon are $50 per person($60 late registration) or $475 for a table of 10.  Breakfast Club tickets were $35 through October 23d but are now $45.  The Breakfast Club featured speaker is Richard Yamarone a leading economist working for Argus.  For more information about late registration you should contact Mary Hubbard until noon tomorrow October 28th, 508-753-2924 ext. 229.

This is a great event to not only connect but get some free business education through the free seminars that are going to take place.  Today's business environment requires that you move quickly based on new opportunities and threats.  Connecting at an event like this or even with membership in the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce are investments that can pay off.  The pay off can be in more business opportunities or avoiding costly mistakes because you were uninformed about all the issues and challenges facing business today.  For more information visit the official New England Business Expo site.

©DirectoryofWorcester.com

If you aren't from Worcester you may not see it as a good place for the sport of rowing but you would be wrong.  Lake Quinsigamond has been the home of competitive rowing since 1857.  This past weekend I spent some time covering the Head of the Charles Regatta on the Charles River.  This prestigious rowing event welcomes rowers from not only the country but the world.

This year the weather was fifty fifty with Saturday being a beautiful day for rowing and Sunday being a "blizzard".  I confess I did not attend much of the Sunday activities due to the weather.  You have to admire the competitiveness of the rowers that participated on Sunday.  They did not let the Noreaster dampen their spirits.

As I was listening to the announcer/spotter on Saturday he noted that someone from the Quinsigamond Community Rowing Club was helping him out.  Contrary to popular belief the event is not just colleges.  Countries and community rowing clubs are represented as well.  It definitely felt more like attending an Olympic event.  The strength and conditioning needed is Olympic level.  It is definitely harder than it looks.

Of the Worcester Colleges that participated Worcester Polytechnic actually medaled in the Men's Varsity Eight race by coming in 4th.  Assumption College and Holy Cross also participated.  There are 55 races to compete over the course of the 2 days.  Full 2009 Head of the Charles results can be found on the official website.  This weekend WPI is hosting the Quinsigamond Invitational for Novices on Saturday.  Hopefully the weather forecast will improve since the current forecast is for rain.

For more information on learning to row in the Worcester area or viewing the regattas on Quinsigamond Lake visit the Quinsigamond Rowing Association site.  Though the season is close to it's end activities will start back up in March.

Here are the areas to think about:

• Halloween Party Invitations
• Halloween Party Themes & Party Supplies
• Halloween Party Games & Recipes
• Halloween Party Decorations

You can be tempted to think of these in order but you need to think them all through so that you will have a party that comes together well.  I am going to lay them out they way that I think of them.

Halloween Party Themes & Party Supplies

For kids you usually find a good deal of theme ideas.  You can get ideas by visiting your local department stores like Target or the Worcester area stores mentioned in Part 1 of the Worcester Halloween Planning Guide.  Pirate themed parties continue to be popular not just for kids but for adult Halloween parties too.  Harry Potter themed parties can also be a good choice depending on the age group of the kids.  You can also usually get Party Supplies to that match your theme at the stores.  The online costume stores mentioned in Part 1 also offer party supplies so you may be able to get it all in one place.  CelebrateExpress/CostumeExpress also seems to be a popular online choice.

Halloween Party Decorations

Decorations can also be a part of the section above but I break it out because I think it covers to parts.  The first is decorating the inside of your house for your party and the other decorating the outside of your house not just for the party but for visiting trick or treaters too.  Decorating the inside of your house should be based on the theme of your party.  Party props are also available at local stores if you can't find what you are looking for online.  There are cool options like mummies and monsters that can be placed around the house.

Decorating the outside of your house is usually very easy.  There are so many standard decorations like ghosts, witches and pumpkins that can do the trick.  It all depends on how into it you are.  You can actually go all out with props leading to your door that convey a haunted house type of feeling.  It's all up to you.  Again ideas are aplenty at both the local Worcester and online Halloween stores.

Halloween Party Games & Recipes

Once you have your theme picked out you may have specific Halloween Party Games in mind.  Many folks just choose the traditional "bobbing for apples" type games.  If you want to go all out you can Google "Halloween Party Games" and you will get more ideas than you can handle.  Of course, kids parties will have different games than adult games so be sure to check out both depending on your party.

Halloween recipes to horrify and gross out your guests are also abundant on the internet.  Food related stations like the Food Network offer some ideas in that area.  Home magazines like Woman's Day and Better Homes and Gardens also offer some great ideas.  For kids you might want to consider some Halloween recipe ideas from Disney.

Halloween Party Invitations

Why leave this for last?  It all depends whether you want to send out themed party invitations or not.  If you haven't decided on your Halloween Party theme you can't send them out.  If you don't care and just want to send out generic Halloween party invitations that is a good choice too.  That way you make sure your guest keep the date free without pressuring you into party choices before you are ready.

In the last part of our 2009 Worcester Halloween Guide we will be providing information and ideas for Halloween Events and Activities in the Worcester Area.

©DirectoryofWorcester.com

As Worcester gets closer to its Mayoral elections the debates are heating up.  The telegram recently wrote about a mayoral forum where the "gloves came off".  There is no arguing that Worcester is in for challenging times.  This isn't just the case for Worcester but most cities and towns across the Commonwealth will need to make hard choices about what will benefit their citizens the most.

I am not making judgment calls on any single individual since what got most of my attention in the article was the reference to changing Worcester's form of government to provide for a stronger mayor (which most of the candidates disagreed with).

Worcester sits at a crossroads where it needs to capitalize on the visibility that has been increasing for the city.  Whether you look at the Forbes Most Livable Cities designation or Chronicle's recent show spotlighting Worcester you can sense that Worcester is on the road toward better things. Besides hard decisions about cost cutting there has to be as much or even more focus on getting revenue higher.  That will only happen with attracting business and job growth.

A strong Mayor with a clear vision could probably move the ball forward more than a divided City Council with a variety of goals.  It is hard not to look at Boston as an example but the City of Boston is currently a bad example of the strong mayor model since Menino has been office so long it appears he has a kingdom.

I found a job description for Mayor on EHow interesting.  It describes the difference between the strong mayor/weak mayor models.  If you think that the Mayor is truly just a figurehead then the focus should be on the City Council since they are the ones making the decisions including appointing the City Manager which runs the day to day operations of Worcester.

Get informed and vote!  The Telegram has put together a great page with information relevant to the Worcester 2009 elections.

Whether you like Halloween or not if you have children it is hard to avoid celebrating it in some way.  This year Halloween falls on a Saturday which really expands everyone's options for making it a bigger event.  Adults won't have to worry about getting up the next morning if they decide to throw a big party.

Our 2009 Worcester Halloween Planning guide will cover everything you need to consider from costumes to parties and activities in between.  That's why we have decided to make this a series of posts that we will finish this week.

The first topic we are covering is costumes.  Costumes are a big part of Halloween especially for kids.  Since Halloween costumes can be pretty expensive it is important to plan ahead.  Costumes can cost from as little as $10 to over $100 so decide what you are looking for in advance and have a budget in mind.  It is easy to get carried away and spend a lot of money for something many people use only once.

Picking your children's costumes really need to involve them.  It depends on their interests and what is popular this year.  Many costumes are based on characters from movies and shows that are popular that year.  A good example of this can be seen in this year's popular kids costumes.  Girls still love Hannah Montana.  Popular shows and movies like Wizards of Waverly Place and High School Musical also have costumes for characters from those shows.  Boys usually gravitate toward superheroes.  This year with the GI Joe movie, Transformers, Wolverine and Star Wars there are many offerings for those characters.  On the adult side Michael Jackson costumes are this year's rage.  Harry Potter continues to be popular across the board.

Many more people than you think are ordering costumes online.  BuyCostumes offers costumes at different price ranges which is great for exploring cheaper options.

Costume Craze also has many costumes across a range of prices and is currently offering a flat shipping fee of $2.99.

Here are 2 Halloween Costume stores in the Worcester area that you can actually visit:

• Halloween Outlet located at 540 West Boylston St in Worcester
• Halloween Costume World located at 480 Water St in Fitchburg

Making your own costume is also a good choice, especially if you have more time than money.  I found a segment on NECN offering costume ideas.  Not only do you save money but it makes for a great family activity.

Our next post will cover Planning for Your Halloween Party.