Dear Faculty and Staff:

October signals a time of transformation, a new season evolving amid colors of crimson and gold.  It is a half-way marker, a time for transitioning from the beginning to the end of a fall semester.  And during this transitional period, the faculty and staff of St. Charles Community College have been engaged in many activities. September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time for celebrating the cultures and contributions of Hispanics and Latin Americans. On October 19, our Student Activities office will host Saul Flores, in his presentation the “Walk of the Immigrants.”  This is just one of the sessions included in SCC’s Multicultural Experience Series. For more information, please check out the following site: https://www.stchas.edu/about-scc/news/2020/9/Multicultural-Experience-Series-Starts-in-September

In addition to this, SCC’s Center Stage Theatre is going virtual with the comedy, "In the Tank,” a one-act play focusing on the life of two lobsters stuck inside a tank, waiting to discover their fate. The performance, which is available online Oct. 3-4, has two separate casts and was shot entirely in front of a green screen. The actors had no contact with each other during each of the recordings, which was by design. “During this era of COVID-19 we have seen the arts sector, as we know it, collapse,” said Matthew Kerns, director of In the Tank, “but, like a phoenix from the ashes, the artists are emerging and creating stories to be told through the new medium of virtual performing arts.” Tickets can be purchased online. Each ticket grants online access to the performance for 24 hours. 

Getting a flu shot this year is more important than ever. The St. Charles County Department of Public Health is joining with St. Charles Community College to distribute 800 flu vaccinations during a free, drive-through clinic from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the SCC Yellow Parking Lot. No appointment is required. An annual flu vaccination provides the best opportunity to strengthen the immune system and protect those six months of age and older against influenza. Shots decrease the risk for developing the flu, reduce the severity of illness in those who become infected, and minimize the spread of illness to those who are unable to receive vaccinations due to other health issues.

Last night we held our first on-campus Board meeting since the advent of COVID-19.  This meeting also represented the first Faculty Association presentation for Fall, facilitated by Assistant Professor and FA President, Nicole Pinaire. Nicole’s presentation served as a reminder of all the outstanding accomplishments of our talented faculty.  Each time I view a faculty presentation I am more inspired and proud to be part of SCC.  I wish to extend my appreciation to all our faculty members for their dedication to our students and our college.  I have attached a copy of Nicole’s presentation for your review. 

 Wishing you a great week!

 Barbara