UMass interactive performance explores nuclear weapons dangers

AMHERST — The Ellsberg Initiative for Peace and Democracy at the University of Massachusetts will host “Be Seriously Scared!” on Tuesday, April 14, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Old Chapel on campus. The free interactive program will combine performance art, historical storytelling, and documentary film to confront the ongoing dangers of nuclear weapons and explore pathways toward a world
free of nuclear war.

Created by filmmaker Michael Dwyer and performer Larry Jay Tish, “Be Seriously Scared!” is anything but a traditional lecture. The program incorporates theatrical elements — including hazmat suits, masks, and a Geiger counter — alongside a satirical game
show segment titled “NO Your NUKES!”, hosted by the character U.R. Fried.

Through storytelling, performance, and audience engagement, the program recounts the tragic events surrounding the 1954 Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb test in the Marshall Islands, which contaminated the Lucky Dragon No. 5 and hundreds of Japanese fishing
vessels with radioactive fallout.

The program also features a monologue performed by Tish from his forthcoming film project, “Tickling the Dragon’s Tail,” which explores the history and human consequences of the Castle Bravo nuclear test.

The event concludes with a screening of “Appreciation: The Tomiko Morimoto West Story,” a 20-minute award-winning short documentary directed by Michael Dwyer. The film highlights the life and legacy of Japanese American peace activist Tomiko Morimoto West
and will be introduced by the filmmaker.

Following the screening, peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Dr. Ira Helfand will offer brief reflections on the program and the current state of nuclear weapons. The audience and presenters will then engage in a discussion and Q&A exploring the legacy of nuclear weapons, the importance of public awareness and education, and the ways students and citizens can contribute to efforts toward nuclear disarmament.

Leverett to hold Earth Day cleanup, other events

LEVERETT — The Leverett Plastics Action Group is organizing the 6th annual Earth Day Clean up in conjunction with Art for the Earth at Leverett Crafts and Art Center on Saturday, April 11.

The communitywide clean up will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Art for the Earth from 1 to 4 p.m., with a break until the 6 p.m. performance to conclude the happenings.

Families wishing to participate in the cleanup can choose an area to clean by signing up at bit.ly/LeverettCleanup, and designating where they will be picking up trash. Participants can bring trash and recyclables to the Leverett Transfer Station at no charge. A prize (Coop gift certificate) will be awarded for the most trash collected.

The Highway Department will pick up large items left on the side of the road the following Monday. Participants can arrange pick up by emailing highway@leverett.ma.us. The Select Board and the Transfer Station are waiving fees that day for the cleanup trash.

Earth Day Cleanup coincides with “Hold the Foam,” an opportunity for Leverett residents to recycle Styrofoam. On three consecutive Saturdays, April, 11, 18 and 25, residents can bring their Styrofoam to the Leverett Transfer Station from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Earth Day itself, April 22, at 6 p.m., there will be a screening of “Microplastic Madness,” a family-friendly movie. Also, at the Leverett Elementary School, during the week of April 6-10, students can participate in “Plastic Free Lunch Week,”part of a national movement to reduce plastic in our schools.

Tapestry Health to host 2026 gala

HOLYOKE — Tapestry Health will hold its annual fundraising gala on Friday, April 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at The Log Cabin.

Guests will enjoy live music from Tony Harrington & Touch Band, hors d’oeuvres, and a
silent auction, all in support of Tapestry Health’s mission to provide vital and inclusive
sexual and reproductive health care, harm reduction and food access to residents across
all four counties of western Massachusetts.

For more information or to reserve a spot, visit http://tapestryhealth.org/2026gala or email giving@tapestryhealth.org.

Three County Fair to hold food drive

NORTHAMPTON — The Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages the Three County Fair and fairgrounds, will be conducting its annual food drive on Saturday, April 11, outside of the main office at 54 Fair St. between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Three County Fair has collected over 2,000 pounds in food donations each year to contribute to our local food banks.

The fair is seeking non-perishable, non-expired foods such as canned fruit, soup, tuna, and vegetables, plus cereal, pasta, sauce and peanut butter for area food pantries that have partnered with the fair, including the Northampton Survival Center, the Easthampton Community Center, the Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry at BUCC in Belchertown and the Westhampton Food Pantry located at the Westhampton Congregational United Church of Christ.

Vehicles can donate at least 10 non-perishable and non-expired food items in exchange for a pair of complimentary tickets to the 2026 Three County Fair, Sept. 4-7.  The fair requests that donations be compiled in disposable bags or boxes for volunteers to easily accept them from vehicles. Limit one pair of tickets per vehicle.