David Ruggles Center to host worker-owned coop discussion
NORTHAMPTON — A benefit for the David Ruggles Center featuring a presentation about the history of work-owned cooperatives in Northampton will take place on Sunday, April 26, at 3:30 p.m. at Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity, 130 Pine St.
The presentation, led by Christopher Clark and Steve Strimer, is called “All are interested in all: The 1840s Worker-Owned Cooperative at the Center of Florence’s Progressive Past.”
Tickets available at bombyx.live: $5-$25. Proceeds benefit the David Ruggles Center.
Organizing businesses into worker-owned cooperatives feels today like an idea whose time has come. A new model is emerging that is productive and profitable and works for everyone, not just a select few.
In fact, this is not a new idea or model, but has deep roots in Valley history. Clark, an historian and author of the “Communitarian Moment: The Radical Challenge of the Northampton Association,” and Strimer, a 30-year member of Collective Copies, explore a bold experiment that created a democratic workplace in Florence in 1842. The conversation will be moderated by public historian Tom Goldscheider of the David Ruggles Center. Introducing the panel is Larisa Demos, the current Board president of the Valley Alliance of Worker Co-operatives.
UMass Dash & Dine race coming up
AMHERST — Community members are invited to take part in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Dining Services’ 15th annual UMass 5K Dash & Dine on Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m.
The event aims to promote health and wellness at UMass while raising funds for The Amherst Survival Center (ASC).
Over the past 14 years, the Dash & Dine has raised more than $60,000 to support ASC. UMass Dining’s partnership in the Campus Pantry, Amherst Survival Center at UMass has also provided more than 150,000 meals to over 2,800 campus community members this academic year.
The fee is $15 for all Five College students ($20 on event day), $25 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff ($30 on event day), and $30 for the general public ($35 on event day). Children 8 years old and under are free to participate. The fee includes registration and a complimentary meal at the university’s award-winning dining facilities in the Berkshire Dining Commons, 121 Southwest Circle, Amherst.
Online registration ends at midnight on April 24; walk-up registration will be available on event day. An event schedule, registration form and opportunity to donate can be found on the UMass 5K Dash & Dine website.
Home heating assistance deadline is April 30
BOSTON — As the home heating season comes to a close, Massachusetts residents have until April 30 to apply for support from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). HEAP provides financial support to eligible households to pay a portion of their winter heating bills. Residents can learn more and submit an application at mass.gov/heat.
Following a colder-than-average winter that increased heating usage across the state, many households continue to face elevated energy costs, compounded by rising energy prices. Residents may apply for assistance to receive assistance for heating expenses during the winter months.
HEAP is a free, statewide program that provides grants paid directly to heating providers to help eligible households cover winter heating costs. The assistance does not need to be repaid. The program is available to both renters and homeowners and covers all heating sources, including oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal.
Eligibility is based on several factors including household size and income, and households do not need to be on public assistance or have overdue bills to qualify. Residents whose heat is included in their rent may also be eligible.
Residents can apply online or connect with their local HEAP agency at mass.gov/heat.