Pair of authors to speak on social change

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library will welcome western Massachusetts authors Noelle Janka and Omkari Williams on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. to talk about their books “Rebel Healing: Transforming Ourselves and the Systems That Make Us Sick” and “Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World (Without a Bullhorn).”

Janka is a holistic career coach for social change leaders. She has supported clients with their healing and career development for more than a decade via transformational workshops, writing salons, coaching groups, yoga instruction and individual coaching. A former grassroots organizer, Janka has worked on political, environmental and other kinds of campaigns across the country. She is an alumna of Vanderbilt University and Green Corps, a Gateless Writing teacher and master urban gardener who loves tending her plot at Just Roots.

Williams talks to audiences around the country about bringing a micro activist lens to their work of change-making. On her podcast, “Stepping Into Truth,” she interviews activists working in areas as diverse as farming while Black, reproductive rights and ocean health.

Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Brainstorming planned for Teen Room mural at library

GREENFIELD — Teens ages 13 and up are invited to join the Greenfield Public Library’s Teen Room Mural Committee.

On Monday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m., participants will meet with artists Jack John Brown (illustrator) and Jess Marsh (Hired Hand Signs) to brainstorm what a Teen Room mural should look like. Pizza will be served.

Participants will meet two more times and additional programming will be offered once the mural’s theme is picked. The Teen Room Mural Committee will also be responsible for creating and hosting a grand opening party upon the mural’s completion.

To get started, fill out the survey at forms.gle/dzgppx4Uh16oc5Ln8. For more information, contact Francesca Passigilia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov.

Library offering Pocket
Constitutions

GREENFIELD — In observance of Constitution Day, the Greenfield Public Library will give out free Pocket Constitutions on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Constitution Day is a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on Sept. 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.

Registration is not required, but supplies are limited: one copy per person will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alber Hearing Services announces essay contest, hearing aid giveaway

GREENFIELD — Alber Hearing Services is now accepting submissions for its fourth annual essay contest and hearing aid giveaway.

This annual contest is held to highlight the importance of hearing health during Audiology Awareness Month in October. The winner will receive a free pair of rechargeable Oticon hearing aids, valued at $7,100.

Anyone may nominate themselves, a family member or a friend by submitting a one-page typed or hand-written essay explaining why the nominee will benefit from hearing aids. Essays may be emailed to lacey@alberhearing.com, or dropped off in person or mailed to Alber Hearing Services, Attn: Lacey, 33 Riddell St., Suite 5, Greenfield, MA 01301.

The deadline for essay submissions is Thursday, Oct. 10. Contestants must be able to come to Alber Hearing Services in Greenfield for a hearing evaluation in mid-October to determine their level of hearing loss. The essays will be reviewed by a panel of judges who are unaffiliated with Alber Hearing Services, and the winner will be announced in late October.

People who are hearing-aid candidates can often be fit with small, behind-the-ear amplification devices and walk out of a doctor’s office hearing better right away. In addition to the benefit of improved hearing, they also help people regain autonomy, enhance social connection and improve cognitive function.

“I learned a simple lesson early on in my career: hearing aids change lives,” Dr. Lisa Alber, owner and audiologist at Alber Hearing Services, said in a statement. “Oftentimes, people with hearing loss don’t realize what they’ve been missing.”

While some insurance plans offer hearing aid benefits, the majority do not, making amplification technology cost-prohibitive for many people.

“Awarding a community member a free pair of hearing aids is one way we can make a big difference in someone’s life,” Alber said. “I encourage as many people as possible to participate in our essay contest. It is our hope that this giveaway will stimulate conversations among family and friends about hearing health.”

For more information and contest details, go to alberhearing.com/essay.

‘Cathedrals’ being screened at library

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library will host a screening of the documentary “Cathedrals” by Greenfield filmmaker Don Wright on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 5:30 p.m.

Alongside Director Dan Algrant, Wright worked on the 1976 film about a Boston affordable housing project. The documentary reveals how deeply entrenched American policies have impacted lives, offering insight into issues of race and inequality.

Doors open at 5 p.m. The film will start at 5:30, with time for questions and discussion at the end of the program.