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 – Wednesday, June 1 – Vernon Hill Elementary School holds a Head Start Recruitment Fair, Jeremiah’s Inn set to launch its 28th Annual Food Drive, Veterans Inc. announces its 17th Annual Stand Down, Green Hill Golf Course has a package deal for Father’s Day and gas prices show no increase this week.
Worcester Child Development Head Start Recruitment Fair
Vernon Hill Elementary School, at 211 Providence Street, hosts a Worcester Child Development Head Start Recruitment Fair on Sunday, June 5, from 10 AM to 3 PM.
The event features raffles, prizes, giveaways, face painting and more.
Worcester Child Development Head Start Recruitment Fair on June 5, 2022!https://t.co/yOKwjodKCL pic.twitter.com/LV7lGvpF68
— Worcester Schools (@worcesterpublic) May 31, 2022
Jeremiah’s Inn 28th Annual Food Drive Starts Monday
Jeremiah’s Inn launches its 28th Annual Food Drive on Monday, June 6. There will be collection boxes on site through June 12 at Shaw’s Supermarket at 14 West Boylston Street, the main food drive site. Staff and volunteers will be on-site at Shaw’s from 10 AM to 6 PM on Wednesday, June 11, and Thursday, June 12.
Jeremiah’s Inn seeks non-perishable food and monetary donations during the drive, which will aid those in Worcester who are currently struggling with hunger.
Jeremiah’s Inn transforms the lives of people impacted by the effects of hunger and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) through innovative programs that celebrate the diversity and inherent worth of all individuals, and through community education that builds awareness of and advocates for those in need. Since 1996, Jeremiah’s Inn has been licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Bureau of Substance Abuse Services to operate a Residential Recovery Program for men.
17th Annual Stand Down at Veterans Inc.
Veterans Inc. holds its 17th Annual Stand Down, a resources fair for Veterans and their families, on Friday, June 17.
The event is free to all veterans and their families. Pre-register in advance at veteransinc.org or by calling (508) 552-1055. A DD-214 or VA card is required upon entry.
Help us spread the word! If someone you know is a veteran in need please have them register for our annual Stand Down on June 17th. Register at https://t.co/zb5GDRMzaP or call 508-552-1055. pic.twitter.com/QX54pw23V9
— Veterans Inc. (@veteransinc1) May 31, 2022
Green Hill Father’s Day Gift Package
Green Hill Golf Course offers a combined gift card for Father’s Day that includes $50 in credit for golf and $50 for the Grill on the Hill restaurant.
Purchase can be made over the phone by calling (508) 799-1359 or at the pro shop at 1929 Officer Manny Familia Way.
Average Gas Price Remains the Same in Massachusetts
AAA Northeast reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price is the same as last week, averaging $4.73 per gallon. That price is 54 cents higher than a month ago ($4.19) and $1.81 higher than May 31, 2021 ($2.91). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 11 cents higher than the national average.
A dip in gasoline demand provided drivers with a bit of stability at the pump, as the national average for a gallon rose less than three cents over the past week to reach $4.62. But this respite could be brief. Crude oil has moved above $115 a barrel due to fears of further global supply constraints caused by a European Union (EU) ban on Russian oil exports. And domestic gas demand may again start to climb as drivers fuel up for the three-month-long summer travel season, which began this Memorial Day weekend.
“So far, the pent-up urge to travel caused by the pandemic outweighs high pump prices for many consumers,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “But 67% of drivers recently surveyed told us they would change their driving habits if gas hit $4.50 a gallon. That number rises to 75% at $5 a gallon. If pump prices keep rising, will people alter their summer travel plans? That remains to be seen.”
AAA Northeast’s May 31 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 3 cents higher than last week ($4.59), averaging $4.62 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 45 cents higher than a month ago ($4.17) and $1.58 cents higher than this day last year ($3.04).
Comparison to neighboring states, according to AAA Northeast:
