Lenox Library to Host Lecture by Jane Swift

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LENOX, Mass. — The Lenox Library will continue its Distinguished Lecture Series on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. when Jane Swift, Former Lieutenant Governor and Former Acting Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, will discuss "Women's Leadership in Public Life."
 
Jane Swift served for fifteen years in state government, including holding the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of Consumer Affairs, and Business Regulation and State Senator. She served as the youngest woman ever elected to the Massachusetts Senate, and as the first woman in United States history to give birth (to twins) while serving as Governor. Since leaving public office, she has held roles as a chief executive officer; a board chair, member, and committee chair to public, private, and not-for-profit institutions; an adviser to entrepreneurial education companies; and as a partner in a venture capital fund. She brings to each new challenge a transformational leadership style, a passion for educational excellence and innovation, and deep experience and success in leading mission-focused organizations. Most recently, Jane founded Cobble Hill Farm Education and Rescue Center in Williamstown, MA, serving as the Board President and its strategic leader.?
 
Jane is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford where she also received an honorary Doctorate degree. She has taught Leadership Studies at Williams College and at the Rappaport Center at Boston College Law School.
 
The lecture is free and open to the public. Please visit https://lenoxlib.org or the Library's Facebook page for more information.
 
Now in its 17th season, the Distinguished Lecture Series is organized and hosted by Dr. Jeremy Yudkin. Dr. Yudkin is a resident of the Berkshires and Professor of Music and Co-Director of the Center for Beethoven Research at Boston University. Every summer at the Lenox Library he presents pre-concert lectures for the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood season.

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Morris Elementary's Odyssey of the Mind Team Earns Spot at World Finals

LENOX, Mass. — Superintendent Dr. William Collins and Principal Brenda Kelley shared that Morris Elementary School's Odyssey of the Mind team recently competed in regional competition, securing first place in their division and a spot in the World Finals.

Grade 5 students at Morris Elementary School are using their minds to solve complex, open-ended problems through Odyssey of the Mind.

Odyssey of the Mind is an educational program that challenges students to solve open-ended problems imaginatively and theatrically while working as a team. 

Students who participate in Odyssey of the Mind begin preparing for the workforce early, developing their skills in engineering, innovation and creative problem-solving. 

The team is comprised of Grade 5 students Les Freeman, Johnson Green, Anna Kennedy, Raquel Levin, Zachary Streeter, Levi Stern and Ethan Winger and is coached by Josh Levin, Kim Winger and Seth Lipkin.

They traveled to Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, on Saturday, April 5, for the regional competition, where they competed against 99 teams.

The Morris team solved the problem "AstronOMical Odyssey," in which teams were tasked to create a humorous performance set in a team-created "historical" civilization that explains constellations and presents original stories. The performance also included a humorous astronomer character with a "stellar" costume, a lighting effect and a shooting star.

The team's performance can be viewed here.

"These students have put in countless hours designing their own solution, building their own props, and bringing their ideas to life," said Coach Josh Levin. "What’s amazing is that the work these kids are doing will set them up to be successful at problem-solving using both engineering and creative skills. This is what it’s all about! They did absolutely everything themselves. That’s the really amazing thing. No parent help, just encouragement."

Their win at the regional competition earned them an invite to attend the World Finals at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, from May 20-24, where they will compete against more than 800 teams from around the world. 

The PTO is seeking donations to help send the small but mighty team of students to the World Finals. To contribute to the PTO's fundraising efforts, contact Ashley Turczak at ashley.turczak@gmail.com.

"Our Odyssey of the Mind team is a perfect example of the creativity and persistence that our student body possesses," said Principal Kelley. "These students worked incredibly hard to come out on top at the regional competition, and we hope to see them move on to display their innovative talents at the World Finals. Congratulations, and good luck!"

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