CultureCorner

Abstract: Every year, we set aside three days in the fall for something we like to call "Fall Fest." This isn't just another set of meetings or routine check-ins. Fall Fest is a dedicated time for our entire staff to come together in person and focus on growth, connection, and fun. It’s a tradition that not only refreshes and energizes our team, but also strengthens the foundation for our future success. Body: ​Every year, we set aside three days in the fall for something we like to call "Fall Fest." This isn't just another set of meetings or routine check-ins. Fall Fest is a dedicated…

​​​​This year we used Elfster.com, an online Secret Santa Generator, for some hybrid holiday cheer. Elfster is a free, simple way to set up an online gift exchange for your friends, family, or coworkers.   Less work: As the person setting up the exchange, I didn’t want to do any work, so this was for me! I was able to set a spending max, send a link via email, teams, or social media to anyone that wants to participate and set a date to RSVP by.   Hybrid teams: Our office has a mix of in-person and remote team members that opted to participate in the gift exchange and…

​Written by: Sue Keegan, Director of Education​The Samaritan Center​, a nonprofit organization that works to fight hunger in the greater Syracuse community by providing nutritious hot meals to anyone in need 7 days a week, needs more than 35 volunteers a day to help meet their guests’ needs.Lisa Lounsbury and I were two of those volunteers Monday morning.  We worked with a team of amazing volunteers and staff who each had a task or responsibility assigned to them.  Michael Martini, the kitchen coordinator, gave Lisa and I (in my opinion) the primo task... serving food to the people the mission serves.What I learned from watching and interacting…