As I mentioned in my December 2021 WORD article, the FA is proud to introduce our new wellness series, which is open to all college employees, not just FA members.

We are grateful to the members listed below who have graciously volunteered to host these workshops for their colleagues.

All workshops will be held via Zoom. Register by clicking the title of each workshop you'd like to attend, which will generate an email to Anita Greifenstein. She will add you to the registration list and send a Zoom link to all registrants ahead of each workshop.

Evening Yoga
Tuesday, February 15 (first session), 6:30 pm-7:15 pm
also meets February 22, March 1, March 8 and March 15
Lisa Melendez, Professor of Library Services

• Join librarian Lisa Melendez in experiencing how different tools of yoga can help you conserve energy, maintain balance in your system and support your well being. Suitable for all, the practices we’ll do will be gentle and aimed at helping you feel renewed as you transition into the later part of your day.  Any questions, contact Lisa by email or phone (631-451-4171).

Being with Uncertainty: Practical Mindfulness to Help Manage Anxiety
Friday, February 18 11-12:30
Evan Haun, Coordinator, Mental Health Services

• Koru Mindfulness is an evidence based 4-session mindfulness course, developed at Duke University, that teaches skills to manage anxiety and stress. This 90-minute virtual workshop, tailored to the needs of our SCCC employee community, will cover the background of Koru and mindfulness meditation and the research supporting its efficacy. The certified Koru teachers from Koru Mindfulness LI will guide us through two practical meditation practices that we can use during times of uncertainty and distress. No previous experience with meditation is needed and everyone can benefit! We hope to see SCCC employees from across the college attend.

Covid-19 Vaccines and the Future of the Pandemic
Wednesday, February 23, 4:30 pm
Dr. Mark Kenny, Associate Professor of Biology; Kim Jones, Associate Professor of Biology; Dr. Jay Wayne, Associate Professor of Biology

• Many people still have concerns about Covid-19 vaccines. This knowledgeable panel of microbiologists is reprising their very popular presentation from last semester's Professional Development Day. They will address your questions or those of your unvaccinated family, friends and students as well as discuss the likely future of Covid-19 and the pandemic.

How to Thrive in Life During and After a Pandemic with Lifestyle Modifications
Thursday, March 3, 4-5:30
Dr. Peter Smith, Associate Professor of Biology

• This lecture will discuss the role that nutrition, stress management, physical activity, sleep and other lifestyle modifications may play in keeping you healthy in all stages of life. Learn how lifestyle choices can predispose you to develop a variety of diseases or increase the likelihood that you’ll live long enough to tell your great-grandchildren about Covid-19. The human body is a remarkable machine whose systems can work synergistically to promote your best life or turn against you if you don’t respect the temple you’ve been given. Good news! Covid will not be a pandemic forever. The choices we make today can put us in a much better place to deal with whatever life throws at us in the future. I promise not to take away the chocolate cake, but we need to talk about the size and frequency of the chocolate cake.

Relaxing Art Therapy
Wednesday, April 6, 4 pm
Evan Haun, Mental Health Coordinator

• Explore creative and relaxing uses of expressive art making for preventing burnout, generating new insight and fostering communication. Engage in the experiential process for both personal enrichment and expanding your professional toolbelt. No background in art necessary to attend! Have paper handy (8.5x11" is fine) as well as any art supplies of your choice (markers, paint, colored pencils, etc.).