It’s finally that time of year! The Ralph Myhre Golf Course and driving range are now open for the season.  Stop by the golf shop and grab a bucket of balls, sign up for a lesson or play a few holes!

There’s never been a better summer to pick up golf!  Click here to get all of the details

Yoga and our lunchtime workouts with Yoo-Sun and Jeff are on this month!  Our partnership with True Center Yoga continues and in July TCY is offering nine different yoga classes per week.  There is something for everyone including those who are completely new to yoga.  Check out the schedule here.  If you need a quick pick me up at lunch check out Yoo-Sun and Jeff’s classes.  Yoo-Sun focuses more on cardio while Jeff focuses on strength training and both will modify the workouts to meet all levels.  All the info you need about these classes and everything else we’re got going on is in the calendar (password GMHECWell-Being) and on our Facebook page.  

Get ready to get your challenge on!  Our first team-based physical activity challenge using our platform DIEMlife is coming soon.  In this point to point challenge, participants from our four GMHEC schools will work together to race from VT to CA.  Participants will walk, run, bike, dance, swim, row and engage in a variety of activities of their choice to earn steps to move their team to the destination.  The challenge will begin on Monday, July 13th and will last until the first team makes it across the country.  All participants will be eligible to win prizes including gift cards and Garmin Forerunner watches.  Everyone who participates will have an equal chance of winning a prize.  Additional details and registration information will be posted on the GMHEC Facebook page and the GMHEC Well-being website by Wednesday, July 8th.  We hope you’ll join us and support your team to earn the title of “Fastest Moving GMHEC College”.

Beginning mindfulness series:  Are you interested in learning more about mindfulness and how to implement a mindfulness practice into your life?  Join Coach Cami, founder of Guided Resilience for this eight week series.  Come away from this series feeling grounded with evidence-based self-care practices, supported in growing in self-awareness and a positive mind and feeling gifted with mindfulness skills and resources to support your growth.  Weekly on Wednesdays.  July 15^th through September 2^nd 4:00-5:00 pm EST.  We must have a minimum of ten participants to offer this program.  To register contact Rebecca.schubert@gmhec.org no later than 5:00 pm EST on Friday, July 10^th. 

Edge nutrition series:  Are you interested in learning more about using food as fuel, anti-inflammatory foods, protein needs, meal planning and understand food labels? If so, join the dietitians and health coaches from The Edge for this four part nutrition series. Offered via zoom, weekly on Thursdays from July 16th through August 6th from 12:00-1:00 pm EST. Preregistration is required and we must have a minimum of ten participants in order to offer this opportunity. To register contact rebecca.schubert@gmhec.org no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, July 10th.

Links in order of appearance above:

https://www.kidsvt.com/vermont/camps/Category?oid=2190688
https://www.findandgoseek.net/category/camps
http://www.acanewengland.org/families-public/finding-your-camp
https://www.middteens.org/
http://bristolskatepark.com/
https://bgcvergennes.org/

A reminder that during the COVID-19 pandemic, although we are not currently able to visit the campus, United@Work is still available to help Middlebury staff and faculty with resources for:

• transportation
• childcare
• housing
• low credit score
• substance use disorder
• medical bills
• money management
• COVID-19 information

Your United@Work Resource Coordinator provides confidential, compassionate support

Contact us at 802-349-0692 or via email to unitedatwork@unitedwayaddisoncounty.org

Monday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Middlebury’s emergency employee assistance fund, called the Chaplain’s Fund, has assisted well over 100 employees over the years who found themselves facing unforeseen financial emergencies. 

The Chaplain’s Fund, hosted by the office of human resources and administered by The Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, was recently strengthened by a generous gift from the Class of 2019/2019.5, and by current students within the Student Government Association contributing funds that were unspent during Middlebury’s shift to remote education due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In response to the current crisis, we have recently streamlined and simplified the application process for any benefits-eligible Middlebury employee who is experiencing COVID-related financial stress.  Employees can apply here, or please contact Ellen McKay at emckay@middlebury.edu if you need an application.

Our four week GMHEC/DIEMlife “Quest to Connect” will be wrapping up on Sunday.  Over the past four weeks participants have connected with their bodies, minds and communities.  We have shared and provided support to one another and along the way have enhanced our relationships and resilience and took home some cool prizes.  The winners for this week’s drawings will be announced on Monday.  Check out this awesome news about our partner, DIEMlife….As of today, DIEMlife has raised just under $100,000 to support restaurants and health care workers in New York City and with that money has provided over 3300 meals to these front line workers.  This is incredible but not surprising.  DIEMlife is an organization that lives its values and puts those values into action and is one of the main reasons we wanted to partner with them.  Our next DIEMlife Quest, a physical activity challenge, will be coming this summer and will be a great way for us to meet the needs of our competitive spirits and challenge one another to get moving. 

Here’s what we’ve got for you this week….

Financial well-being:

• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a wealth of information on everything from how to negotiate with your lender if you cannot make your mortgage payment to how to help protect older adults from financial exploitation.
• On Thursday, April 23^rd I had a conversation with Frankie Corrado, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Director at Robertson Stephens where we talked about some of the current economic challenges we are facing and we can better position our financial future.  Some great insights here.  You can view the recording here. 

Mental/emotional well-being:

• Chaplain’s Moment:  Join the chaplains from the Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life at Middlebury every noon time on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the foreseeable future for a 15 minute reflection on what is happening around us and within our spirits.  Rabbi Danielle, Chaplain Saifa, and Dean Mark will take turns leading a brief meditation on some piece of literature, poetry or world wisdom. There will be room for silence and reflection, and a bit of interaction to conclude. https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/8101629085  
• Guided mindfulness with Kendra:  Join Kendra Smith, yoga and meditation teacher for an hour of relaxation and time to reconnect with yourself.  Kendra will provide guidance and time for quiet reflection.  Ongoing Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 pm EST.  https://zoom.us/j/94204980963  Password 8026542000
• Get clear with what you want and who you want to BE: Powerful Intention setting Series with Beth Umba.  If not now, when?   The world is in a huge transitional time.  Life will not be what it used to be and that’s quite alright.  Join Beth, navigational coach who leans in with her keen sense of curiosity, intuition + humor while powerfully listening as she helps create inspirational futures for her clients.  Four, one hour sessions Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm EST beginning Wednesday, April 29^th.  Learn how to become the creator of your life experiences through the powerful practice of defining and setting daily intentions. https://zoom.us/j/5101754836
• Sleep better for a longer, healthier and happier life:  We know that a good night’s sleep is critical for good health, yet one in three adults do not get enough shut-eye. The cumulative long-term effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been associated with a wide range of deleterious health consequences including sleep disorders, 80% of which go undiagnosed. In a time when the entire world is experiencing increased levels of stress, it has never been more important to get good quality sleep, as sleep has many health benefits such as boosting your immunity. Join Dr. David Batman for a live webinar to learn how to improve the quality of your sleep and why sleep is the foundation of good health.  Thursday, April 30^th 2:00-3:00 pm EST.  Preregistration required.    Click here to register and be sure to input your own email address in the email field.   

For the kids:

• It’s playtime!…Grab your kids (grades K-5) and join CrossFit coaches Grant and Chanelle Shymske of Upper Arlington CrossFit for some fun and play.  This class involves movement, fun and games and is a great way for parents to have some fun with the kids and be active as well.  Suitable for children who enjoy some focus, building of skills, and some light hearted competition.  No equipment necessary but a backpack with books and some toys/furniture to climb on would be great.  Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 30^th.  10:00-10:30am EST.  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/931401684
• Yoga for kids: Led by instructor Deonne Myrick of True Center Yoga in Randolph this yoga class will enhance your kids’ flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness as well as their sense of calm and relaxation.  Ongoing Tuesdays, 3:15-4:00 pm EST.  Zoom info available here. 

Physical well-being:

• Yoga!  Ongoing with our partner True Center Yoga.  15 classes per week.  Check out their schedule here. 
• Move with Yoo-Sun: Yoo-Sun is Julliard trained violinist, teacher, trainer and co-founder of DIEMlife.  Yoo-Sun will lead us through a short but energizing cardio based workout that will leave us feeling energized and ready to tackle the rest of the day.  This workout is geared for people of all fitness levels and modifications to all exercises can be made by the instructor.  Monday, Wednesday and Friday through April 30^th.  12:00-12:30 pm EST. https://zoom.us/j/649464789
• Get the kinks out with Beth:  Join Beth Umba, massage therapist and yoga teacher for a stretch session to release the kinks in your neck, back and hips.  Sitting for long periods of time promotes muscle fatigue and muscle strain, and over time, pain.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join Beth as she guides us through some stretches that we can do right from our desk or home office to get our bodies feeling their best.  Tuesdays 10:00-10:30 am EST and Thursdays 3:00-3:30 pm EST through April 30^th.  https://zoom.us/j/5101754836
• Pump up your muscles with Jeff:  Join Jeff Morton, founder of Morton Training Systems for a 30 minute, total body strength training workout. Strength training is one of the best types of activities we can do to stay strong, have better body mechanics and prevent the aches and pains of sitting all day. This workout is appropriate for all levels and modifications of all exercises can be made by the instructor. Grab a set of dumbbells or two or a couple of soup cans and let’s get moving. Tuesday and Thursdays through April 30^th.  12:00-12:30 pm EST. https://zoom.us/j/3402261177
•      Let’s get cooking! Join chef and Registered Dietitian Gina Rancourt from Whole Health Nutrition as we prepare a delicious dinner of Crispy Asian tofu tacos, served with slaw and quick pickled vegetables.  Grab your ingredients ahead of time and cook along with us.  Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. 
• https://www.gotomeet.me/GinaRancourtMSRDNCD/crispy-asian-tofu-tacos-with-chef-gina or dial in by phone. 
• United States: +1 (646) 749-3112  Access Code: 624-982-101 
• New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: 
• https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/624982101  

• From The Edge…. The Edge is offering many free online classes for members and non-members and through a partnership with Les Mills they are offering free access to 85 Les Mills classes including classes for kids.  Check out their offerings here. 

I would also like to take this opportunity again to remind everyone about the resources that your college and Cigna have to support your well-being.  These resources include telemedicine and virtual visits with mental health providers, health and financial coaching, legal referral and more.  You can learn more about those resources here. 

And one more resource…from Virgin Pulse, a leader in the employee well-being arena.  Here you will find tip sheets on everything from creating a self-care routine while working from home to strategies to quiet your mind so you can sleep better.

Now for my ask….I’d love to get your feedback about what we’ve been offering, when activities are being offered and how we might be better able to meet your needs and interests.  Please take five minutes to complete this google form.  I very much appreciate your input and thank you in advance for your time.  It’s been so wonderful to see so many of you over these last five weeks and I look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks.  Take care and stay well.

To stay up to date with all of our events, check out the calendar on the GMHEC Well-being (password is GMHECWell-Being), join our Facebook group or subscribe to the All Things Well-being listserv by sending a request to Rebecca.schubert@gmhec.org

To support the well-being of our faculty and staff the GMHEC is offering a variety of events each day including yoga, strength training, cardio classes, cooking classes, professional development, fitness for kids and more.  All of these events are available on zoom.  Check out the calendar of events at https://gmhec.org/gmhec-well-being-calendar/.  We hope to see you.  If you have specific questions about these events or have suggestions for events you’d like to see offered, please contact rebecca.schubert@gmhec.org.

Dear Colleagues,

Given the extraordinary
circumstances, we recognize the increased demands that have been placed on our
organization to rapidly respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation.  As a
result, the deadline for the completion of the staff Annual Performance
Summaries (APS) has been extended to April 30, 2020.  We encourage
supervisors and staff to continue to engage in the meaningful dialogue the APS
affords as time allows.  Completed APS forms can be sent to hr@middlebury.edu.

Please feel free to contact us
with any questions.  Your efforts are greatly appreciated.