Inside the Middle East Navigating Through the Storm to the Horizon's Edge With Avi Melamed Monday, March 10 | 7 PM Free and Open to the Public RSVP: community@slcjcc.org For More Information, go to slcjcc.org We are fortunate to have Middle East expert Avi Melamed return for a pivotal briefing on the storm of challenges facing the Middle East today. As conflicts intensify, involving multiple stakeholders with competing interests, understanding the core issues driving this crisis is essential. During this enlightening discussion, Avi will offer clarity and context to navigate these turbulent times and reveal the critical lessons this moment in history holds for the West. Avi Melamed, a former israeli intelligence official and senior Arab affairs advisor, is a trilingual educator, analyst, and author specializing in contemporary Middle East geopolitics. Avi's latest book, Inside the Middle East: Entering a New Era, has garnered global praise, including from the Arab world.

The Unhoused: An Expert Panel Discussion on Local Responses to the Homelessness Crisis Wednesday, March 12 | 7 PM Free and Open to the Public RSVP: community@slcjcc.org Frustration and concern about the rapid growth of homelessness on the Wasatch Front is at an all-time high. But what are organizations doing to try to solve the problem? Join us for a discussion with an expert panel on the local responses to the homelessness crisis. West-side Communities Reporter Jose Davila IV from the Salt Lake Tribune will guide the panel and audience for this informative evening. Panelist Members include: Wayne Niederhauser, Utah Homelessness Coordinator Preston Cochrane, Chief Executive Officer, The Other Side Village Allen Kent Powell, Retired Senior State Historian Sarah Strang, Chief Operating Officer, The Road Home Jeniece Olsen, Chief Operating Officer, The Fourth Street Clinic

When it comes to recovery after having a baby, the top 3 most important things are support, sleep, & NUTRITION! Come meet the Bud to Blossom Foodie Doula, Danka Orellana, and learn how you can help ensure you get the nutrients you need for an optimal recovery. How do you envision your postpartum period? Start planning for your postpartum recovery! Presented as part of the Bud to Blossom Postpartum Doula Event Series When it comes to having babies, it really does take a village! Come join the Bud to Blossom Doula team for a series of workshops and learn about all the different ways you can get support once your bundle of joy arrives! Join us for any or all of the four events: 1/16/25 What is a Postpartum Doula? 2/20/25 - All About Overnight Postpartum Doula Support 3/20/25 - The Foodie Doulas: Nutrition for Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Beyond! 4/17/24 - Mini Workshop - Planning for Your First Night, Week, and Month Home with Your Newborn

About Sierra Brooks and Bud to Blossom: Hello, welcome to Bud to Blossom! I'm Sierra Brooks: postpartum doula, Gentle Sleep Coach, and owner of Bud to Blossom ~ a postpartum doula agency. Our passion, mission, and focus is taking care of you so that you can be at your best to take care of your babies! We provide daytime and overnight postpartum doula support, Foodie Doula weekly meal delivery, and virtual Gentle Sleep Coaching for parents struggling with their little one's sleep. We'll ensure you eat nourishing foods that fuel your recovery, help you maximize your sleep, and provide all the guidance, resources and support you need to have the postpartum experience of your dreams! Our doula team provides in-home services in Salt Lake City, Park City, and surrounding areas in Utah. Learn more about us at: www.bud2blossom.com https://www.goldenbraidslc.com/events/foodie-doulas-nutrition-for-pregnancy-postpartum-beyond

Join Bill Allred, X96 Radio From Hell personality, Ken Sanders, owner of Ken Sanders Rare Books, and Jim Santangelo, Sommelier and owner of Wine Academy of Utah for a boozy book discussion and paired cocktail. Buy Tickets Here. https://50474.blackbaudhosting.com/50474/Literary-Libations---Willa-Cather Willa Cather explores the difficult lives of settlers in the Great Plains during the 19th century. During Cather’s career, she was an author, teacher, and magazine editor but never truly received the notoriety that her male counterparts of the era like Steinbeck and Faulkner received despite her equal talent. Cather was also a known lesbian, staying together with her partner Edith for 40 years. This is a 90 - 120 minute program, recorded live for future broadcast over various podcasts and YouTube channels. Must be 21 years and older to attend.

Come enjoy thought-provoking films at the Center for Arts and Media! Each screening will be followed by a discussion with SLCC faculty. Free and open to the public | No tickets required Screenings begin at 6 PM SLCC South City Campus Screening Room 1575 S. State Street, Salt Lake City Free parking after 5:00 PM on the east side of South City Campus using code SPRINGFILM at the kiosk. The Kids Are All Right Rated R Two children conceived by artificial insemination bring their biological father into their non-traditional family life.

Join Friends of Alta and Laura Vernon for a special talk about Ecology, economics, and the future of Great Salt Lake. Learn more about Great Salt Lake and what you can do to help. Laura Vernon Bio: Laura Vernon is the Great Salt Lake Basin Planner with the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Resources. For nearly 20 years she has worked with federal, state, and local governments and industry leaders on contemporary planning and environmental policy issues in the West. With a Master’s in Public Administration and BA in Psychology, her education and professional experience focuses on land use and water planning, public involvement, socioeconomic analyses, project management and strategic planning. She has worked on numerous exciting and innovative Great Salt Lake-related projects over the last 10 years including the development of the 2013 Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan and the recent explorations of the economic and ecological impacts of a declining Great Salt Lake. Currently, Laura is managing the first-ever Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Basin Plan. Free event but donations are welcome! https://events.humanitix.com/friends-of-alta-speaker-series-great-salt-lake-decreases-in-lake-level-increases-in-attention-and-opportunity

Join Friends of Alta and Laura Vernon for a special talk about Ecology, economics, and the future of Great Salt Lake. Learn more about Great Salt Lake and what you can do to help. Laura Vernon Bio: Laura Vernon is the Great Salt Lake Basin Planner with the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Resources. For nearly 20 years she has worked with federal, state, and local governments and industry leaders on contemporary planning and environmental policy issues in the West. With a Master’s in Public Administration and BA in Psychology, her education and professional experience focuses on land use and water planning, public involvement, socioeconomic analyses, project management and strategic planning. She has worked on numerous exciting and innovative Great Salt Lake-related projects over the last 10 years including the development of the 2013 Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan and the recent explorations of the economic and ecological impacts of a declining Great Salt Lake. Currently, Laura is managing the first-ever Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Basin Plan. Free event but donations are welcome! https://events.humanitix.com/friends-of-alta-speaker-series-great-salt-lake-decreases-in-lake-level-increases-in-attention-and-opportunity

Join Friends of Alta and Laura Vernon for a special talk about Ecology, economics, and the future of Great Salt Lake. Learn more about Great Salt Lake and what you can do to help. Laura Vernon Bio: Laura Vernon is the Great Salt Lake Basin Planner with the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Resources. For nearly 20 years she has worked with federal, state, and local governments and industry leaders on contemporary planning and environmental policy issues in the West. With a Master’s in Public Administration and BA in Psychology, her education and professional experience focuses on land use and water planning, public involvement, socioeconomic analyses, project management and strategic planning. She has worked on numerous exciting and innovative Great Salt Lake-related projects over the last 10 years including the development of the 2013 Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan and the recent explorations of the economic and ecological impacts of a declining Great Salt Lake. Currently, Laura is managing the first-ever Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Basin Plan. Free event but donations are welcome! https://events.humanitix.com/friends-of-alta-speaker-series-great-salt-lake-decreases-in-lake-level-increases-in-attention-and-opportunity

Join us for a highly-anticipated book reading and signing with the astounding Anne Marie Otanez. About the Book: *The Chief of Staff: An Insider's Perspective to Becoming a Strategic Partner in the Executive Suite* by Anne Marie Otanez provides an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted role of a Chief of Staff (CoS) in modern organizations. The book is structured as both a guide and a reference for individuals who aspire to serve in this capacity, as well as for those currently in the role seeking to enhance their effectiveness. The Chief of Staff, as presented in the book, serves as a strategic partner, advisor, and operational leader, tasked with ensuring the smooth execution of executive-level goals while navigating the complexities of organizational dynamics. Otanez draws from her personal experiences as a CoS to outline the responsibilities and expectations associated with the position. She emphasizes that the role is deeply collaborative and requires a blend of operational acumen, leadership skills, and emotional intelligence. A key theme throughout the book is the notion of the CoS as a "force multiplier," someone who amplifies the impact of the executive by managing priorities, addressing conflicts, and fostering alignment across departments. The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on core competencies such as strategic planning, decision-making, communication, and leadership. Otanez delves into the importance of mastering operational excellence-ensuring that all processes run smoothly and efficiently-and developing strong partnerships within the organization. The ability to anticipate challenges, think critically, and adapt quickly in ambiguous environments is presented as central to the role's success. Otanez also highlights the CoS's role in handling vulnerability fatigue, managing the emotional and interpersonal demands of high-stakes environments, and maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities. She stresses the importance of building trust with executives and peers, as this trust serves as the foundation for effective collaboration and influence. Key pillars of the CoS role, such as the ability to act as a trusted advisor, a liaison between teams, and a gatekeeper of the executive's time and priorities, are explored in detail. Additionally, the book addresses common challenges that Chiefs of Staff face, such as managing ambiguity, handling difficult conversations, and making decisions with limited information. Otanez provides actionable tips and strategies for overcoming these challenges, drawing on real-world examples from her career. Throughout the book, Otanez emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. She encourages Chiefs of Staff to remain adaptable, build robust internal networks, and continuously refine their skills to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of executive leadership. The book concludes with practical tools, including checklists and frameworks, to help Chiefs of Staff excel in their roles and drive long-term organizational success. With its blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and professional insights, *The Chief of Staff: An Insider's Perspective* is an essential resource for anyone looking to understand or advance in the CoS role, offering a blueprint for becoming a strategic partner in the executive suite. About the Author: Anne Marie Otañez is an accomplished Chief of Staff and author of The Chief of Staff: An Insider's Guide to Becoming a Strategic Partner in the Executive Suite. With over 20 years of leadership experience, including a tenure at Microsoft, Anne Marie has navigated the complexities of executive roles with resilience and grace. As a Black woman and daughter of immigrants, she brings a unique and empathetic perspective to leadership, emphasizing the importance of organizational alignment, team trust, and personal well-being. She is the Founder of Own Your Power with Anne Marie, an organization focused on Executive Coaching with an eye to the Chief of Staff domain as well as the creator of The Chief of Staff Academy. For more about Anne Marie, visit her website: www.annemarieotanez.com https://www.goldenbraidslc.com/events/chief-of-staff-with-anne-marie-otanez

Join us on the first Tuesday of each month for a mystical series of evenings celebrating Sufi Poetry. The Rumi Poetry Club was founded by Rasoul Shams in 2007, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Jalâluddin Rumi’s birth. Since then, they have celebrated the poetry, inspiration, and perennial teachings of Rumi and other poets of the heart, nature, and spiritual life from around the world. Rasoul Shams first learned of Rumi's poems in his Persian classes as a young boy in Iran. The works of Rumi and other Persian poets have been his spiritual companions for decades. He has studied and lived in India, Japan, and the USA. His books include Rumi: The Art of Loving, Rumi Essays: On the Life, Poetry, and Vision of the Greatest Persian Sufi Poet, The Words of Rumi, and Through Love Pain is Healed. https://www.goldenbraidslc.com/events/spring-with-rumi-april-2025