Tuesday, May 20 (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: The Betty Leonard Community Room
Come and play chess, one of the world’s oldest and most popular games, against other kids! One-hour meetings include 15 minutes of instruction by chess master Dana Mackenzie. For ages 6-18. We welcome all skill levels, but encourage beginners to at least learn the basic rules (how the pieces move) before coming the first time.
Note to parents: Chess is a great way for kids to build sportsmanship, concentration, and reasoning skills, while having a lot of fun!
Tuesday, May 20 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location: Garfield Park
Room: Garfield Park Branch Library, 705 Woodrow Ave, Santa Cruz, 95060
The modern world can be a source of excitement, growth, and impact. It also exacerbates painful feelings of stress, uncertainty, and overload. In this workshop led by educator, lawyer, and author Dr. Tom Bussen, attendees learn scientifically validated techniques to manage stress, build resilience, and enhance compassion for others, particularly within a workplace and classroom setting.
Participants to this dynamic and interactive workshop are empowered to transform stressors into opportunities for growth, to quiet the overactive mind and enhance focus and sleep quality, and to nurture greater compassion and altruism toward oneself and others. By integrating these evidence-based tools, participants gain actionable strategies to create healthier, more fulfilling lives, while fostering a thriving, productive environment in both professional and educational settings. Participants will:
Gain a new perspective into the benefits of meditation, combining modern research with ancient wisdom
Learn specific strategies to manage stress, making it a friend over an enemy
Learn specific strategies to cultivate more compassion, and improve mood and relationships
Practice individually and in groups, and begin to integrate these practices into your regular life
Dr. Thomas J. Bussen is an organizational behavioralist and author of four books, with a specialization in positive psychology, wellness, mindfulness, resilience, and compassion. On sabbatical from Miami University in Ohio, an experienced meditator and Buddhist Chaplain-in-training, he has taught meditation and wellness strategies in the USA, India, Nigeria, Nepal, and Bhutan.
A former Peace Corps volunteer, he has taught for most of the last decade at leading universities in Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, and in the United States and has consulted for organizations ranging from the US State Department and Transparency International to private entities. He holds an MBA and a Juris Doctor (JD) in International and Comparative Law from St. Louis University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Florida.
Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Register Now!
Wednesday, May 21 (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
Location: Scotts Valley
Room: Study Room A
Scotts Valley library is offering a new program for tweens to relax, hang with friends and play games! We're offering a variety of video, card and board games as well as snacks every Wednesday afternoon from 1-3pm. Come check it out and bring your friends!
Snacks courtesy of the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.
