There is a bit of a buzz in the air this weekend, and it’s not just the smell of damp grass and early spring coffee—though that’s definitely present if you head toward campus. First up, the David Ruggles Center is hosting an event that might sound like a niche history lecture, but it’s actually a deep dive into the local roots of worker-owned co-ops.
They are hosting a talk titled “All are interested in all: The 1840s Worker-Owned Cooperative at the Center of Florence’s Progressive Past.” It’s happening Sunday, April 26, at 3:30 p.m. at the Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity. Christopher Clark and Steve Strimer are going to be there, and honestly, the idea of a democratic workplace isn’t as modern as we like to pretend. It was happening here in 1842. If you want to go, tickets are on a sliding scale from $5 to $25 over at bombyx.live. It’s for a good cause, and the David Ruggles Center does good work—or so I hear from people who actually track this stuff.
Then you have the 15th annual UMass 5K Dash & Dine on Saturday, April 25. It starts at 11 a.m. and it’s one of those events that actually feels like it’s doing something—they’ve raised over $60,000 for the Amherst Survival Center since they started. Misryoum notes that the partnership with the Campus Pantry has provided over 150,000 meals this year alone. That’s a lot of food. The entry fee gets you a meal at the Berkshire Dining Commons, which, let’s be real, is probably the best part of the deal. Prices range from $15 for students to $30 for the general public, but prices jump if you wait until event day. Registration closes online at midnight on April 24, so—don’t forget that if you’re planning on running.
Also, if you’re worried about those winter utility bills, pay attention.
The Home Energy Assistance Program—everyone calls it HEAP—has an April 30 deadline. It covers oil, gas, wood, whatever you’re burning to stay warm. You don’t need to be on public assistance to qualify, which is something people always seem to assume. It’s for renters and homeowners alike, and the grants are paid directly to your provider. It’s essentially free money, or at least help that you don’t have to pay back, which is a rare thing these days. Check mass.gov/heat before the month is out, or you’ll be stuck with the bill. Actually, just go check it now, it’s probably better to be safe. It’s been a cold year, so don’t leave it to the last minute.