Glenmeadow to Offer Three Free Educational Programs in Fall

LONGMEADOW — Glenmeadow will kick off its fall Glenmeadow Learning series on Sept. 4 with a panel presentation on the two-party system in America, and programs will also be held in October and November.

“Both Sides of the Aisle: A Conversation about America’s Two-Party System” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Storrowton Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

In October, Glenmeadow will present “Get Tech-Savvy: An IT Primer for Older Adults” on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. And on Nov. 19, “Environmental Responsibility: Taking Steps to Protect Our Planet” will be offered.

Glenmeadow Learning programs are free, but space is limited, and reservations are required. To register, contact Jazlyn Wanzo at jwanzo@glenmeadow.org. For more information, or to register online, visit glenmeadow.org/events.

“Both Sides of the Aisle” will be led by Rob Genest, op-ed editor for the Springfield Republican, who will serve as moderator.

Panelists will be Donald Robinson, professor emeritus of government at Smith College; Samuel VanSant Stoddard, assistant professor of political science at College of Holy Cross; Ron Chimelis, op-ed writer for the Republican; Matt Szafranski, editor/founder of Western Mass Politics & Insight; and Brooke Hauser, editor of the Daily Hampshire Gazette in Northampton.

“Get Tech Savvy” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at West Springfield Public Library, 200 Park St., West Springfield.

Three IT professionals — Derek Allard, owner of Tunnel 7, which offers digital design and marketing services; Patrick Lostaglia, Glenmeadow’s network administrator; and Ryan Askew, owner of Ryan Askew Web Design & Development — will discuss how today’s technology makes it possible for us to connect with friends and loved ones who are far away through apps on our computers, tablets, and even our telephones.

“Environmental Responsibility” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St., Agawam. It will be led by Terra Missildine, the founder of Beloved Earth, the first eco-friendly cleaning company in Western Mass.

Missildine will speak about how her mission to protect the Earth began and why it’s important for everyone to commit to that ideal. She will also outline what individuals, organizations and legislators can do to begin to bring about positive change and environmental healing. She will offer samples of earth-friendly products.