BEAR Month 2019

It's Not Just a Day Anymore!

Make February a bit more bearable by taking advantage of these special offers, events, exhibits, professional development opportunities, personal growth programs, and tours throughout the Brown community and beyond:

Art Exhibit: After Hours

The Brown Arts Initiative (BAI) is pleased to announce the 2019 installment of After Hours, the annual staff art exhibition at the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts. This year's exhibition features more than three dozen works submitted by 23 artists from 20 departments and offers a dynamic glimpse of the many talents and creative endeavors of Brown University staff. The exhibition will be on view in the Atrium Gallery of the Granoff Center from Wednesday, January 23 to Thursday, February 21, and is free and open to the public. In addition, all staff and exhibition participants are invited to attend the closing hors d'oeuvres reception on Thursday, February 21 at 5 p.m. in the Atrium Gallery. 

Art Exhibit: Alpert Medical School

View nearly 40 works by medical students, faculty, and staff at the Alpert Medical School. Located at 222 Richmond Street (second and third floors), the exhibit will be displayed through April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features a stunning array of drawings, sculpture, paintings, and photography.

Special Offer: Brown Theatre

From February 28 through March 10, take advantage of 50% off tickets for Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, in a new version written by Brian Friel. The play will be held at the Stuart Theatre at 75 Waterman Street; tickets may be purchased online or in person. To book online, visit the theatre arts website and on the booking screen, enter the code BEARMONTH to unlock the offer. This offer can also be redeemed at the Box Office located in the breezeway outside Leeds Theater in Lyman Hall; Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12 – 4 p.m. Offer subject to availability. Code can be used online or in person beginning February 5.

Special Offer: Dining Services

Visit the Blue Room anytime between February 19 and February 23, show your Brown ID, and enjoy a FREE cup of coffee or tea (any size) with the purchase of one food item.

Friday, February 1

Special Offer: First on the First

Did you know that on the first workday of each month faculty and staff may use the Nelson Fitness Center, OMAC, and Moran Aquatic Center at no charge? And, don't forget to stop by the Nelson Fitness Center lobby today for light refreshments, blood pressure screening, resources on heart health, a raffle, and more! Please present your Brown ID; click here for more information.

Tour: Brown University Herbarium

The Brown University Herbarium contains nearly 100,000 specimens of dried and pressed plants from Rhode Island, New England, North America, and nearly 30 other countries around the world. The specimens date back to the 1820s and document botanical diversity through time and across large geographic areas. Join Asst. Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Tim Whitfeld for a tour of one of Brown's hidden treasures! This tour begins at 12 p.m.; the Herbarium is located in the BioMed Center at 171 Meeting Street, 2nd floor. Click here to register.

Personal Growth: Faculty/Staff BODYPUMP

BODYPUMP is for anyone looking to get lean, toned, and fit - fast. Using light to moderate weights with lots of repetition, BODYPUMP gives you a total body workout. You'll burn plenty of calories, and you'll leave the class feeling challenged, motivated, and ready to conquer your health and fitness goals. This session will meet at 7 a.m. at the Nelson Fitness Center, Studio 1, and counts as a fitness program toward 2019 Wellness Rewards.  Participation is limited. Please bring your Brown ID, water bottle, and wear fitness attire. Showers are available. Click here to register.

Monday, February 4

Special Offer: Berk's Shoes & Clothing Store

Shop at Berk's today, 272 Thayer Street, and receive an extra 20% discount off one full-priced or sale item when you show your Brown ID.

Tuesday, February 5

Special Offer: The District

Visit The District at 54 South Street today and receive 15% off your bill. This discount cannot be combined with other offers and does not include alcohol. Please show your Brown ID when ordering. 

Personal Growth: Relaxation

Combat stress effectively by activating your body's natural relaxation response. Be guided through relaxation techniques with Work/Life Program Specialist Jen McKay using diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to help create calm and boost your energy and mood. This session will be offered at 12:30 p.m. at South Street Landing, Room 499. This wellness program counts toward 2019 Wellness Rewards. Click here to register.

Wednesday, February 6

Personal Growth: The Jewelry District: Past, Present & Future

Join us for a presentation on the history of the Jewelry District with Olin Thompson. Olin has over 40 years of experience as a corporate executive and consultant in the application of technology in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. He is also an avid historian who directs his energies on all things Providence. Olin is excited to provided a spirited look at the Jewelry District's past, its vibrant comeback today, and bright future ahead. This program will begin at 12 p.m. at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street, Room 499. Click here to register.

Personal Growth: Relaxation

Combat stress effectively by activating your body's natural relaxation response. Be guided through relaxation techniques with Work/Life Program Specialist Jen McKay using diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to help create calm and boost your energy and mood. This session will be offered at 12:30 p.m. at the Stephen Robert Campus Center in the Petteruti Lounge. This wellness program counts toward 2019 Wellness Rewards. Click here to register.  

Thursday, February 7

Personal Growth: Student Loan Refinancing

When is refinancing a good idea, and when should you avoid it? Join Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) at 12 p.m., to evaluate your existing loans and determine if refinancing is a path worth exploring. This financial program will be held at the Alpert Medical School, 222 Richmond Street, Room 280, and counts toward 2019 Wellness Rewards. Click here to register.

Friday, February 8

Personal Growth: Sleep

According to the CDC, approximately one third of Rhode Islanders report getting less than 7 hours of sleep on an average night. Not getting enough sleep can impact our mood, cognition, and overall health. Join Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Chuck Crew, Providence VAMC, to explore the importance of sleep and discover strategies to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. This hour long program will be held at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street, at 1 p.m. This wellness program counts toward 2019 Wellness Rewards. Click here to register.

Special Offer: P-Bruins

Watch the Providence Bruins take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 7:05 p.m. at the Dunk. Receive one game ticket, a popcorn, a drink, and a $3 Dunkin' Donuts gift card for just $22 per person.  Visit www.providencebruins.com/brown for this special offer for Brown staff members.

Sunday, February 10

Special Offer: P-Bruins

Watch the Providence Bruins take on the Syracuse Crunch at 3:05 p.m. at the Dunk. Receive one game ticket, a popcorn, a drink, and a $3 Dunkin' Donuts gift card for just $22 per person.  Visit www.providencebruins.com/brown for this special offer for Brown staff members.

Tuesday, February 12

Special Offer: The District

Visit The District at 54 South Street today and receive 15% off your bill. This discount cannot be combined with other offers and does not include alcohol. Please show your Brown ID when ordering. 

Personal Growth: Tax Tips

Join e4 Health for a program that will help you understand the secrets to reducing your taxable income and to help remove the mystery of the tax return. You will learn how to use deductions and exemptions to reduce your taxes, as well as discover simple changes to what you are already doing. This financial program counts toward 2019 Wellness Rewards; location to be determined. Click here to register.

Wednesday, February 13

Tour: The Brown University Greenhouse

Plant Environmental Center Director Fred Jackson will host his ever-popular tour of the Brown University greenhouses. Located on top of the Building for Environmental Research & Teaching at 85 Waterman Street, the tour begins at 12 p.m. Participation is limited; click here to register. 

Thursday, February 14

Personal Growth: Fad Diets vs. Healthy Diets for Weight Loss

There are many diets one could follow to lose weight. Unfortunately, most of the popular press deals with fad diets and seldom discusses a healthy diet for weight loss. How do you tell if a "new" diet is really just another fad diet? Join Associate Professor of Medicine, Clinician Educator Dr. Mary Flynn for a reality check and how to distinguish between a fad diet and a healthy diet with tips on food patterns that will lead to healthy long-term weight management. This program will be held at 12 p.m. at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street, Room 499. This wellness session counts toward 2019 Wellness Rewards. Click here to register.

Friday, February 15

Professional Development: Reducing Clutter in Presentations

Join Learning and Development Specialist Dave Ethier to learn effective techniques for crisp, clear presentations. This program will be held from 9 -11 a.m. at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street, Room 428. Participation is limited; click here to register.

Event: Brown Women's Basketball

Watch the Bears on the court as they take on Cornell at 6 p.m. in the Pizzitola Memorial Sports Center. Before February 8, present your Brown ID at the Ticket Office in the Pizzitola and receive up to four free tickets! The Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will not be available on game day.

Saturday, February 16

Event: Brown Men's Hockey

Watch the Bears on ice as they take on Colgate at 7 p.m. in Meehan Auditorium. Before February 8, present your Brown ID at the Ticket Office in the Pizzitola and receive up to four free tickets! The Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will not be available on game day.

Special Offer: P-Bruins

Watch the Providence Bruins take on the Charlotte Checkers at 8:05 p.m. at the Dunk. Receive one game ticket, a popcorn, a drink, and a $3 Dunkin' Donuts gift card for just $22 per person.  Visit www.providencebruins.com/brown for this special offer for Brown staff members.

Sunday, February 17

Special Offer: P-Bruins

Watch the Providence Bruins take on the Springfield Thunderbirds at 3:05 p.m. at the Dunk. Receive one game ticket, a popcorn, a drink, and a $3 Dunkin' Donuts gift card for just $22 per person.  Visit www.providencebruins.com/brown for this special offer for Brown staff members.

Tuesday, February 19

Special Offer: The District

Visit The District at 54 South Street today and receive 15% off your bill. This discount cannot be combined with other offers and does not include alcohol. Please show your Brown ID when ordering. 

Event: Professional Development Day

The Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity will be hosting its 4th Annual Professional Development Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Visit the OIED website for more information.

Event: BEAR Day

Join your colleagues to celebrate years of service and performance excellence at Brown! The ceremony begins at 3 p.m. in Salomon, with an hors d'oeuvres reception immediately following in Sayles Hall. No registration is required!

Wednesday, February 20

Professional Development: Can You Hear Me Now?

Join Learning and Development Specialist Dave Ethier to learn the five levels of listening, how to assess your current listening skills, and the strategies to employ to become an active listener. The workshop also touches on the basics of body language, voice inflection, and visual listening. This program will be held from 9 -11 a.m. at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street, Room 428. Participation is limited; click here to register.

Personal Growth: Make the Most of Your Retirement Savings

Join Fidelity for an educational workshop where you'll learn strategies and tips to help you manage your financial future with confidence. This workshop is designed for employees who are two to 10 years from retirement, 55 years old or older, and want to learn how to develop a retirement income plan. You'll learn the benefits of saving as much as possible for retirement, how much to save, the advantages of saving more, and ways to grow and preserve savings to last a lifetime. This program will be held at 12 p.m.; location to be determined. This financial program counts toward 2019 Wellness Rewards. Click here to register.

Thursday, February 21

Special Offer: Faculty Club

The Faculty Club wants to honor all Brown staff with a reduced price BEAR Month Lunch of $8 per person! Call x3-3023 for reservations. Non-members are welcome and may pay by cash or credit card. The Faculty Club is located at 1 Bannister Street (formerly Magee Street).

Event:  Closing Reception, After Hours

All staff are invited to attend an hors d'oeuvres reception to celebrate the closing of the After Hours staff appreciation art exhibit. The reception will be held at 5 p.m. in the Atrium Gallery at 154 Angell Street. No registration is necessary.

Friday, February 22

Special Offer: Brown University Bookstore 

Visit the Bookstore today and receive a 20% discount on select merchandise with your Brown staff ID. Bookstore hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Monday, February 25

Special Offer: Meeting Street Cafe

Visit Meeting Street Cafe at 220 Meeting Street today and receive 20% off your purchase! You must present your Brown ID to receive this special offer.

Tuesday, February 26

Personal Growth: Must Love Dogs at the Providence Animal Rescue League 

Join us for the third program in our Providence Animal Rescue League Series at South Street Landing. The PARL staff will focus on the dog program at their shelter, from intake to outcome, and what PARL's behavior modification efforts entail. This program will begin at 12 p.m. at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street, Room 499. Participation is limited. Please note that this session will not cover training or advice about your own animals. Click here to register.

Professional Development: How Not to Write

Take the first step toward clear, correct, concise, and complete business communications! You will learn to position prepositions, root out passive sentences, eliminate extraneous words, and punctuate with perfection! Join Angel Hilliard for an amusing look (yes, it's possible) at the ins and outs of grammar and good writing. This workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street, Room 498. Participation is limited; click here to register.

Thursday, February 28

Professional Development: Just Enough Project Management

This introductory course in the basics of project management will give participants the tools they need to lead a successful project.. This workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street, Room 498. Participation is limited; click here to register.

Friday, March 1

Event: Brown Men's Basketball

Watch the Bears on the court as they take on Columbia at 5 p.m. in the Pizzitola Memorial Sports Center. Before February 8, present your Brown ID at the Ticket Office in the Pizzitola and receive up to four free tickets! The Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will not be available on game day.