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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Great Barrington Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.
 
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
 
The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.
 
"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said. 
 
"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."
 
The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris. 
 
Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.
 
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