Learning from Our Neighbor series

A new series aimed at offering shared insights and knowledge will premiere Monday, Nov. 18 at noon in the Performance Center on the 11^th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Ralph Singh will present Toward a Theology of Community: Arson, Forgiveness and Healing. Following Sept. 11, 2001, four teens torched the Gobind Sadan place of worship north of Central Square. Learn how a powerful statement of forgiveness drove out hatred, opened the door for healing and galvanized the community. Singh is an author, educator, inspirational speaker and a community builder. He was founding president of Gobind Sadan USA, helped launch the North American Interfaith Network, and is chair and chief storyteller of the Wisdom Thinkers Network. The presentation is sponsored by Upstate’s Spiritual Care Department and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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Child Life seeks volunteers

Child Life seeks volunteers to help pediatric patients and their families celebrate the holidays. For more information and to sign up, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050849A5AC29A0FC1-52781113-2024#/. Questions? Email Rachel Stinson at [email protected].

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Productivity Enhancement Program for state employees open now

The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) is open now through Dec. 9 for eligible state employees who are represented by: CSEA, PEF, UUP, PBANYS, NYSCOPBA, and M/C-affiliated. PEP allows eligible employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation and/or personal leave) in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis for 2025. In no case can the credit available under the program be applied to the employer share of NYSHIP premiums. For more information and enrollment forms, visit: https://solutions.upstate.edu/TDClient/650/HRPortal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=10995 (Upstate login is required). Enrollment closes Dec. 9.

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Open enrollment for the Flex Spending Account Program for state employees is open

The 2025 Flex Spending Account (FSA) Program open enrollment period for New York state employees is now through Dec. 9 (closing at 11:59 p.m.). To be eligible to enroll in the FSA Program, state employees must be annual salaried, work at least half time, meet the eligibility criteria for enrollment in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP), and be expected to be employed for the entire 2025 calendar year. Please note that if you wish to continue your current enrollment, you will need to re-enroll for the 2025 plan year. For more information and how to enroll, visit:  https://oer.ny.gov/how-to-enroll.

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Open Enrollment for Research Foundation employees 

The health, dental, vision care plans, and Flex Spending Account open enrollment period for Research Foundation employees is open now through Nov. 30. The Benefits Bulletin (October 2024 edition) was mailed to the homes of all eligible staff. 

 

Important reminders:

• Print confirmation statements after making any changes for open enrollment.
• Employees MUST re-enroll in flexible spending benefits each year at: www.rfsuny.org/selfservice.
• Employees participating in Dependent Care Spending must elect the subsidy if they wish to receive it.

The Research Foundation Central Office benefits department will host office hours Nov. 15, 22 and 29 from noon to 1 p.m. The open hours are for staff to call in and ask any questions related to open enrollment. Dial-in #: 877-853-5247 Meeting ID: 879 6110 8721. Questions? Email Heidi Steckel at [email protected].

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Applications sought for 2025 Your Cause charity

Team Upstate seeks applications for a Central New York agency to be its featured Your Cause charity in 2025. The Your Cause program offers Upstate employees an opportunity to nominate a charity that will be the focus of Upstate volunteer outreach through the year. The 2024 Your Cause agency was Empower Parkinson, Inc. To nominate an agency for the Your Cause sponsorship, individuals need to complete and submit application form by Nov. 30. Team Upstate committee will review applications and announce the winning organization in December. The application is available here: https://www.upstate.edu/teamupstate/your-cause/index.php. Completed applications should be emailed to Nancy Prott in the President’s Office at [email protected]. 

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Nominations sought for Chancellor and President awards

Nominations are sought for the 2025 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards and Upstate President’s Awards. These honors recognize major contributions to the missions of Upstate Medical University and SUNY. Honorees will be recognized at the 2025 Fall Faculty Convocation. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to submit nominations. A description of the awards, requirements of the nominations, a list of previous awardees, and the nomination form can be found at https://www.upstate.edu/academic-affairs/about/faculty-awards/index.php. Nominations and supporting documentation must be in PDF format, and the deadline for nominations, including all supporting documentation is Dec. 16, 2024. Questions? Email Cheryl Alger at [email protected].

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Advocates seek support for robotic pet therapy program

Since 2019 the Robotic Pet Therapy Program has offered comfort and companionship to Upstate patients, especially elderly patients with dementia and those with developmental disabilities. The dogs or cats go home with the patients and a continuous supply is needed to sustain the program. Advocates for Upstate, in support of Upstate Nursing, seeks pet sponsors. A pet can be sponsored for $100. Sponsors are entitled to recognition by the recipient and their family, and on the Advocates website and social media. For more information, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/advocates/pets.php. Questions? Email Jonathan Adler at [email protected].

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Healthy cooking for diabetes presentation is Nov. 13

Healthy cooking for diabetes will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the teaching kitchen at Nappi Wellness Institute. This hands-on session will teach cooking techniques, food preparation, and nutritional benefits of various foods. Space is limited. To register, call Upstate Connect at 314-464-8668. Questions? Email [email protected].

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Shirt sale is Nov. 13

The Upstate Emergency Department will hold a shirt sale Nov. 13 from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital. Proceeds benefit the ED clothing closet and staff recognition efforts. Questions? Email Tracy Dence at [email protected].

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Wellness Speaks is Nov. 13

Holly Vanderhoff, PhD, associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will present on positivity during Wellness Speaks Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. via WebEx. Vanderhoff will discuss the concept of toxic positivity, recognizing thought patterns that are not healthy, and strategies in engaging in positive thinking that does not reject difficult emotions. To register, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/weblink/register/r9a13f1e96b067a6123e4413f8f3d1575. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].

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High-frequency focal therapy for prostate cancer discussion is Nov. 13

Joseph Jacob, MD, MCR, Upstate Urology, will discuss high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for treating prostate cancer Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. at HealthLink/Oasis 6333 State Route 298, E. Syracuse and via Zoom. HIFU is an outpatient, non-surgical option that destroys the cancerous part of the prostate gland with ultrasound waves, leaving healthy tissue alone. Dr. Jacob will discuss who would be a candidate for this therapy, what the treatment entails, side effects, recovery, and the pros and cons of this option. Jacob will also discuss the questions patients should consider when evaluating treatment options. To register, visit: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpceygqz0uEtV7TEsuRfkAc-exffC7LTPn#/registration. Questions? Email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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EAP cider and donuts event Nov. 13, 15

Upstate’s Employee Assistance Program will host a cider and donuts event in three locations around campus. The Upstate community is welcome to attend. Questions? Email [email protected]. The schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 13 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the third floor conference room at Telergy
• Nov. 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in room EDU 5 at Upstate Health Care Center

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Pet a Pooch for staff is Nov. 13 and 19

A Pet a Pooch session for staff will be held Nov. 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Community and Nov. 19 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in room 6137 Upstate University Hospital. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].

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HealthLink on enjoyable and healthy holiday eating is Nov. 14

Heather Dorsey, RD, CDN, outpatient dietitian and nutrition counselor, will present Healthy and Enjoyable Eating for the Holidays Nov. 14 at noon at HealthLink/Oasis Center 6333 State Route 298, E. Syracuse and via Zoom. Topics covered include: healthy eating to fuel mind and body, positive ingredient substitutions, choosing nutritious options when dining out, and recipes for holiday gatherings. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsdOuhqz8qHNEpEkcJSAf4PRjVb-575HmG. Questions? Email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Yoga for All is Nov. 14, 15, 21, 2

The Yoga for All schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 14 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor
• Nov. 15 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi
• Nov. 21 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor
• Nov. 22 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi

For more information and for the virtual link, please email [email protected].

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International Student Association Global Fashion and Talent Show is Nov. 15

Upstate’s International Student Association will hold the Global Fashion and Talent Show Friday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Campus Activities Building. The event will showcase the vibrant and diverse fashion trends from cultures around the globe, bringing together creativity, traditions, and style from every corner of the world. The Upstate community is welcome to join in, celebrate diversity, and enjoy delicious food options from various regions of the world. Friends, family, and students are welcome. To participate in the talent or fashion show, visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RNxED_bwzcljFurtyDq4tQp4YhDvFEXQ2RjBLElpg0c/edit?gid=0#gid=0. Questions? email Sucheta Bhattacharya at [email protected]

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Non-Profits at Noon speaker series is Nov. 15

Robert Searing from the Onondaga Historical Association will speak at the next Non-Profits at Noon speaker series Nov. 15 from noon to 12:30 p.m. via WebEx. The series offers a chance to meet and greet virtually with various non-profit leaders and learn how the Community Giving Campaign impacts poverty, history, and the arts in and around CNY. For more, see: https://www.upstate.edu/communitygiving/pdf/non-profit-at-noon-flyer.pdf. To join the session, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=maebf2b85421c5b8910e86acf866685c7 and use Meeting Number: 2303 427 4444 and Password: noonseries2. For more information e-mail Matthew Capogreco at [email protected].

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Limb Preservation Symposium is Nov. 16

The third annual Limb Preservation Symposium: Innovations and Advancements will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 in 4414 Academic Building. Registration begins at 7 a.m., program begins at 8 a.m. The symposium offers 3.5 AMA PRA ACCME category 1 credits for participants. To register, visit: https://www.eventsquid.com/event/25430.

For more information, email Rosemarie More at [email protected].

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Health Justice Conference deadlines are Nov. 17 and Dec. 1

Deadlines for the 2025 Health Justice Conference are Nov. 17 for oral presentations and Dec. 1 for poster presentations. The event is an annual student run conference that seeks to promote advocacy. This year's theme for HJC 2025 is Beyond Labels: Unveiling Intersectional Pathways to Health Equity. We invite proposals for presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that delve into innovative strategies, research findings, and policy recommendations that promote health equity across various dimensions of identity and experience. Posters describing community projects related to health justice, literature reviews, research on health justice-related topics, or educational/clinical initiatives to promote health equity are encouraged. Questions? Email [email protected].

Oral presentations due Nov. 17, here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfohhvggT4dhycXdNaJtI22BNAH2qOVe1McDCjDvB3YnP_RDw/viewform?usp=sf_link.

Poster presentations due Dec. 1, here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkoHWTyWnpS3XNFAU8xVtGHQkx9kAZtzRjenDZZEDKKI16zg/viewform?usp=sf_link.

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Stress and stroke risk presentation is Nov. 18

Michelle Vallelunga, MS, RN, CNRN, SCRN, Upstate Stroke Center, will discuss how stress impacts stroke risk and steps to reduce risk Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Vallelunga will review stress-reducing skills and techniques, including mindfulness practices, learning how to slow down, and saying no. Different types of strokes, key risk factors, and what to do if a stroke is suspected will also be discussed. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtcOGopj4qHtAenrMKlcl4s1IDZxkuVK6g. Questions? Email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Upstate Cancer Center to host lung events Nov. 18 through 22

Upstate Cancer Center will host events in recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the Great American Smokeout. The schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 18 to 22: Stop by the atrium of Upstate Cancer Center Nov 18 through Nov 22 to sign the banner for Shine a Light on Lung Cancer. Sign your name to honor someone who has battled or is battling lung cancer. The banner will be displayed at Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Night at the Syracuse Crunch game Saturday, Nov 22.
• Nov. 21: Upstate Cancer Center will host MEGA Lung, a giant inflatable lung Thursday, Nov 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the atrium of Upstate Cancer Center. Stop by to walk through, learn how to maintain your lung health, and get a photo with the lung. Smoking cessation and We Matter information tables will also be available.
• Nov. 22: Help us Shine a Light on Lung Cancer with the Syracuse Crunch Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Shine a Light on Lung Cancer aims to raise awareness for lung cancer. Giveaways, information tables, digital messages, in-game announcements, and more will be offered.

For more information about these events, email [email protected].

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Tranquility Tuesday is Nov. 19

Tranquility Tuesday will be held Nov. 19 (and every Tuesday) from 12:30 to 12:45 p.m. on the second floor of Nappi Wellness Institute or virtually via WebEx. To join the virtual option, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m4cf0ace0b87237183612a0b6496ca516 (Meeting ID: 2305 438 7566, Password: jyYW3FriJ74). Each session is a unique meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation practice experience. Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected].

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Volunteers sought for breakfast service at Samaritan Center Nov. 20

Join members of Upstate Emerging Leaders United at the Samaritan Center (215 N. State St.), as the group helps with breakfast service Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6:15 to 9 a.m. The Samaritan Center mission is No One Goes Hungry. To participate, or for more information, email [email protected] or [email protected].

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Patient Experience/Patient Relations event is Nov. 21

Patient Experience/Patient Relations will host a facts and snacks education session regarding Service Recovery Nov. 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. in 1502 Upstate University Hospital. Snacks will be provided. Space is limited. To sign up to attend, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/pdl/intra/register/.  Email Cassandra Cleary at [email protected] if unable to attend in person and would prefer a Teams link.

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Upstate Mammo Van event is Nov. 22 

Upstate’s Mobile Mammography Van will host an event for the Upstate family only, to include students, staff, volunteers, and family members. The event will be held Friday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Upstate Bone and Joint, 6620 Fly Rd. Appointments are preferred. To make an appointment, call 315-464-2588 or visit www.upstate.edu/noexcuses.

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Ambulatory Lecture Series is Nov. 27

The Ambulatory Lecture Series will be held Wednesday, Nov. 27 from noon to 1 p.m. in the fifth-floor conference rooms (5143/5147) at Nappi Wellness Institute. The series focuses on ambulatory departments and clinics and how they help patients, services offered, and how to refer patients to these clinics. The lecture series is also offered via WebEx, here: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=mc9070d3f534f6e3660f8edf04bf9aac2 (meeting number: 2312 223 1466 password: Ambulatory1). Questions? Email Beth Wells at [email protected].

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Holiday closures for Nov. 29

• Property Management Surplus Warehouse will be closed Nov. 29. Questions? Email Sean Barkley at [email protected].
• Record Storage Warehouse will be closed Nov. 29. Questions? Call 315-464-5814 or email [email protected].

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Children’s Hospital fundraisers end Nov. 30 and Dec. 31

• Valvoline is raising money for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Now through Nov. 30, stop by Valvoline for an appointment and an opportunity to earn a coupon by donating back to the children’s hospital. Email [email protected] for more.
• Ace Hardware will round up purchases and donate the money to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital now through the end of 2024. Email [email protected] for more.

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Payroll relocation rescheduled for Dec. 2

Payroll Services will relocate from Jacobsen Hall to the KPH building (formerly the Telergy building) in East Syracuse Monday, Dec. 2. Upstate ID badge inquiries will still be available at Jacobsen Hall, Community, and will be added at the new KPH location. Payroll representation will be available in Jacobsen Hall while that space is converted for its new purpose. Payroll and timekeeping contact information will remain the same. Call 315-464-4840, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. 

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Registration for bioethics conference to open Dec. 2

Registration will open Dec. 2 for the third annual Paul Schyve, MD, Center for Bioethics Conference. The event will take place May 2 and 3, 2025 at the University of Rochester Medical Center Saunders Research Building and School of Nursing. Upstate’s Center for Bioethics and Humanities is an event co-sponsor. A call for abstracts and registration will be forthcoming. For more information now, visit: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/medical-humanities/recent-news-and-events/activities-events/annual-bioethics-conference.aspx.

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Giving Tuesday is Dec. 3

Giving Tuesday, the international day of giving, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 3. The Upstate Foundation welcomes individuals to make a gift supporting Upstate’s collective mission of patient care, education, scientific research, and community health and well-being. Matching funds will be available Dec. 3 to double the impact of gifts.

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Retirement reception for Julie White is Dec. 9

A retirement reception for Julie White, PhD, dean of Student Affairs and vice president for Educational Services, will be held Monday, Dec. 9 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the atrium of the Health Sciences Library on the first floor of Weiskotten Hall. The Upstate community is welcome. For more information, email Lori M. Ferguson at [email protected] or Sharon Huard at [email protected].

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Upstate Global Health seeks participants for two studies

Lyme Diagnostic Study: Global Health seeks participants ages seven and older who have been recently diagnosed or suspected by a practitioner with Lyme disease and developed a rash. The study is investigating whether an investigational new blood test, called LIAISON LymeDetect, can determine whether the germ that causes Lyme disease is detected sooner than conventional diagnostic tests. Currently available blood tests for Lyme disease can sometimes fail to confirm the illness during early infection. For more information, call 315-464-9869 or email [email protected].

Dengue Fever Study: Global Health seeks healthy participants ages 18 to 55 to join a dengue research study focusing on prevention and treatment. For more information, call 315-464-9869 or email [email protected].

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Library access to Overdrive

The library now has access to Overdrive and its companion app, Libby. This service allows you to borrow audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines via your own devices. The collection includes many new bestselling titles. The service is available to Upstate affiliated individuals. For more information and to get started, visit: https://guides.upstate.edu/mobileresources/libby. For more information, email: [email protected]. Recommendations for library collections? Visit: https://library.upstate.edu/services/purchase-recommendations.php.

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The Informed Patient

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured interviews about healthy eating for the holidays and memory tests for those over 60.

• A registered dietitian outlines strategies for eating well as the end-of-year holidays approach. Heather Dorsey, RDN, advises on things to think about regarding restaurant menus, buffet tables and parties.
• Memory screenings – mini-cognitive tests – for people older than 60 are being conducted and evaluated in Central New York. Sharon Brangman, MD, chief of geriatrics, talks about memory as people age, as well as about the tests themselves.

The Informed Patient podcast and HealthLink on Air radio show are produced by Upstate Marketing and University Communications. The Informed Patient interviews are available through various podcast platforms, including YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTRingYNAhMI-BCsmNqTAx-7FAQMdNNlH.

HealthLink on Air is broadcast on WRVO Public Media at 6 a.m. Sundays. Audio and transcripts of the podcasts and the radio shows are also available here: https://www.upstate.edu/informed/index.php. To suggest an Upstate expert or topic for a possible podcast, email Amber Smith at [email protected].