Simon's Rock Global Climate Education Initiative

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Bard College at Simon's Rock is joining more than 300 universities, high schools, and other organizations around the world to focus on climate change 
 
On Sunday, March 27 through Thursday, March 31, Simon's Rock will host an open dialogue on the topic of "Climate Solutions and Justice" in Massachusetts. 
 
Members of the public can attend remote events via the links in the brochure.
 
This will be one of many similar events held across the planet in late March, as part of the WorldWide Teach-in on Climate and Justice sponsored by Bard College in New York. Worldwide, from Austria to Alabama, Kyrgyzstan to Kentucky, Colombia to Colorado, and Malawi to Minnesota, students, teachers, and community members will discuss steps that can help move the needle on solving climate change, while creating jobs and income. Members of the public can find events around the world and register here. 
 
"We have ten years to solve climate, and we can get a lot done in this decade. But only if we focus the world on climate solutions and a just transition," said Amanda Landi, lead organizer of the event at Simon's Rock. "We are proud to be a lead college for this global climate education project. Please join us for this important conversation."
 
In Great Barrington, the discussion will feature Simon's Rock faculty, speaking on topics ranging from climate change and indigenous peoples, how artistic disciplines engage with the climate, strategies for local climate action, thermodynamics, mathematical models for understanding climate-based scenarios, and more.
 
"It's energizing to be part of a worldwide event bringing awareness and momentum to the climate justice movement," said Jennifer Browdy, head of the Languages and Literature Division at Simon's Rock. "It's going to take input from all of us, in all the academic disciplines and fields of endeavor, to bring our Earth back into balance. If we work together, we can make it happen!"
 
Eban Goodstein, economist and Director of the Solve Climate project at Bard College urges climate-concerned teachers at the college, university, and high school level to kick off Earth Month by having students attend the Teach-in-- either live or recorded-- and then engage students in this critical dialog. 
 
"You don't have to be an expert on climate to talk with your students," said Goodstein. "Every subject contributes to understanding climate solutions. Whether you are teaching art, literature, business, philosophy, or any other discipline, you can use the Teach-in to #MakeClimateAClass at Simon's Rock." 
 

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Landing at Laurel Lake Celebrates Renovations

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The stovetops were removed from some of the kitchenettes as safety measures. 
LEE, Mass. — The Landing at Laurel Lake has made renovations to its assisted living building to better help residents continue living with some independence.
 
Some of the changes include carpet removal, shifting tubs to walk-ins, and taking out some stovetops. 
 
The Landing hosted an open house last Thursday for the community to come in and see the renovations.
 
"It's really bringing people in to see the renovations so they know that we have something really cool in our community," said Executive Director Matthew Pinto, a dementia specialist who was hired about six months ago.
 
"The importance of the new renovations is to modernize some things to make it simpler for them. Like the rooms, we are trying to do away with the transitions in the rooms for people that have wheelchairs."
 
Residents sometimes had trouble with the carpeting if using a walker or wheelchair, it's easier for some to walk into their shower, and the stovetops would sometimes be left on. 
 
Pinto said the residents had a hand in the renovations, like helping choose paint colors and what they would like the facility change, which will help future residents with their stays.
 
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