Social Activities
Our Social Activities offer you another way to spend time with other women who’ve also heard the words “You have cancer.”
Perhaps you’re not interested in a support group but would still like to meet and interact with other women in a safe, comfortable environment. Maybe you’re looking for a way to “escape” for a little while, to focus your mind on a fun, relaxing or creative activity, with others who understand what this feels like. Our social gatherings have what you’re looking for.
Our goal is to provide a variety of options to meet your needs and to enhance your quality of life while living with cancer.
Some social activities meet monthly. Others meet at different intervals throughout the year. Please view this page often to check for new offerings. You can also visit our calendar.
All of our programs are free. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Call us: 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290.
Healing Arts: Painting Landscapes with Watercolors
WHEN: Tuesday, September 19, 4-6pm
WHERE: Zoom video conference
Open to people living with breast, ovarian, or any gynecological cancer. Space is limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required no later than 5pm (NY time) on Monday, September 18. For information or to register, call Support Connection: 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290.
Relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself in this virtual drawing and painting with watercolor art program, offered in collaboration with The Art Effect. No previous drawing or painting experience necessary.
In this workshop, you will learn to capture natural scenery, real or from imagination, then finish your composition with watercolor painting. The instructor will guide you through each step of the process providing explanation and demonstration of drawing and watercolor painting techniques. Focus will be on a relaxing, enjoyable experience providing opportunity to express your creativity through drawing and painting. All skill levels welcome.
Program supply list will be provided at time of registration.
Class size is limited.
October Book Club
WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 7-8pm (NY time)
WHERE: Zoom video conference
Open to people who have or have had breast, ovarian or any gynecological cancer. Pre-registration is required no later than 5pm (NY time) Wednesday, October 4. To learn more or to pre-register, call Support Connection: 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290.
At this session, we will discuss Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo.
Master Slave Husband Wife is the true story of William and Ellen Craft, a couple who escaped slavery through daring, determination and disguise, with Ellen passing as a wealthy, disabled White man and William posing as “his” slave.
Master Slave Husband Wife tells one of the most important stories of American Slavery and Freedom. With prose that is suspenseful, brilliantly detailed, historically precise, and simply gorgeous, Woo depicts the Crafts and their historic role in antebellum America stunningly. This is a story that will stay with you for a lifetime.”
—Imani Perry, Winner of the 2022 National Book Award
Discussion leaders: Fran Contino and a Support Connection Peer Counselor.
We are always looking for good book suggestions. Please send suggested titles to robin.perlmutter@supportconnection.org.
Music Therapy
WHEN: Monday, November 13; 7-8pm (NY time)
WHERE: Zoom video conference
This program is being offered in loving tribute to Don, one of Support Connection’s greatest cheerleaders. Don had a true love and appreciation for music. He encouraged others to find joy in music and understand the benefits it has on health and well-being. This program is being offered in his honor and is open to all cancer survivors and caregivers. Preregistration is required. To register, call Support Connection: 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290. Must register before 5pm on Friday November 10th. Space is limited.
Music Therapy is a fun and creative source of socialization and stress relief. Research shows that listening to and making music promotes relaxation, reduces pain, boosts mood, and improves sleep. This workshop will be an interactive mix of relaxation experiences, playful creativity, and social connection. In addition to group activities, you will learn simple techniques you can use at home to promote relaxation, increased physical comfort, and improved sleep. No instruments or prior musical experience are needed, and the session will be tailored to the needs and musical interests of those who attend. Participants are welcome to attend with their cameras off if they prefer their privacy and if they want to lie down.
Instructor: Julie Sherwood, MA, LCAT, CTS, MT-BC For many years, Julie has been helping people overcome stress, pain, and anxiety. She has been a staff music therapist at the Music Therapy Institute at the Music Conservatory of Westchester for almost 10 years and is proud to have been a part of their outreach programs in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. She has facilitated wellness workshops for patients, staff, and caregivers of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, Jefferson Health, the Veterans Health Administration, and many other organizations. She also worked with oncology patients and their caregivers for several years at Overlook Medical Center. Julie was an invited presenter for the “Less Stress, More Peace Caregivers Summit,” Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio, and the nationwide Reimagine Festival, where she supported patients and caregivers with her online “Comfort for Caregivers” programs. Julie loves uplifting others and believes no matter what we may be going through in life, we can always find more health, happiness, and inner harmony along the way.
