In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Tuesday, June 29 – Joyner Lucas is hosting “Joyner Fest” on Labor Day weekend at The Palladium, Worcester Historical Museum to host a weekend of events for Harvey Ball’s 100th birthday, the Worcester Leadership Institute enters its eighth year, Auburn opens an extreme heat cooling center and the average gas prices in Massachusetts rise three cents this week.
Joyner Fest Coming to The Palladium this Fall
Rapper Joyner Lucas is hosting “Joyner Fest 2021” this Labor Day weekend at The Palladium.
The Worcester native and South High Community school graduate will be performing two albums — “ADHD” and “Evolution” — live outdoors on Sunday, Sept. 5.
The event for all ages will feature food, games, giveaways and much more.
In January, Lucas received the Key to the City of Worcester.
This past October, Lucas released the 13-track EP “Evolution” which included collaborations with The Game, Iyla, Rick Ross, Ashanti, and Elijah James.
In 2017, the video for Lucas’ hit single “I’m Not Racist” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.
Worcester Historical Museum Hosts Harvey Ball’s 10oth Birthday Celebration
The Worcester Historical Museum [WHM] hosts a weekend to celebrate Harvey Ball’s 100th birthday from Friday, July 9 through Sunday, July 11. The event kick off at 4 PM at the Worcester Common at Worcester City Hall at 455 Main St.
Admission to the kickoff event is fee. The first 100 attendees receive a numbered commemorative souvenir birthday celebration pin – designed by Liam Monahan, the winner of WHM’s Harvey Ball 100th Birthday Logo Contest.
WHM calls on all businesses, restaurants homeowners and beyond join the celebration by offering a signature Smiley drink or special Smiley dinner, paint or draw a Smiley at the entrance of your business, on your driveway, or on the sidewalk.
Worcester Youth Leadership Institute Enters Eighth Year
The Worcester Youth Leadership Institute, led by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, enters its eighth year in 2021.
The program offers students an in-person, six-week learning experience which exposes them to a variety of businesses, Worcester industries, and mentors. The Institute is part of a broader effort by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to develop and mentor Worcester’s future leaders.
Coordinated by Walter Jovel, the Institute identified 25 youth, ages 15 – 21, taking part in the city’s YouthWorks employment program. Their employer nominated each of those selected.
The 25 participants, all ages between ages 15 and 21, are part of the Worcester Youthworks employment program, received nominations from their employer.
YouthWorcester participants are working Monday through Thursday at the City or at area nonprofits. Topics will include leadership focus areas from the Worcester fabric, such as entrepreneurism, economic development, public health, nonprofit organizations, and city government.
The Institute, coordinated by Walter Jovel, runs from July 9 to August 13. It introduces the participants to the business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors in a variety of ways, including talks and question-and-answer sessions with the leadership structures of various sectors and organizations.
Auburn Opens Extreme Heat Cooling Center
The Town of Auburn opened an extreme heat cooling center its Senior Center at 4 Goddard Drive.
The center is open to all residents who need reprieve from the expected high temperatures on Tuesday, June 29, and Wednesday, June 30. Access to the facility is open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Those with questions can call the Auburn Senior Center at (508) 832-7799.
Gas Prices Up Three Cents This Week in MA
AAA Northeast reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price up three cents from last week, averaging $2.98 per gallon. That price is the seven cents higher than a month ago ($2.91), and 88 cents higher than June 28, 2020 ($2.10).
While it is typical to see gas prices increase ahead of a holiday, especially during the peak summer driving season, pump price increases as of late have been noticeable.
“Today, 89% of U.S. gas stations are selling regular unleaded for $2.75 or more. That is a stark increase over last July 4 when only a quarter of stations were selling gas for more than $2.25,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “Road trippers will pay the most to fill up for the holiday since 2014.”
Massachusetts’s average gas price is 11 cents lower than the national average.
AAA Northeast’s June 28 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be two cents higher than last week, averaging $3.09 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 5 cents higher than a month ago ($3.04), and 92 cents higher than this day last year ($2.12).
Comparison to neighboring states, according to AAA Northeast:
Lead image courtesy: EDITED – thecomeupshow on Visualhunt.com / CC BY
