Summer at the Sangha 2026 – Week 3

Week 3 Sessions

MONDAY JULY 20TH

AM – Live Animal Education Experience with Sweetbriar Nature Center

We are privileged to have Sweetbriar Nature Center with us again this summer. Sweetbriar provides natural science education for Long Island residents of all ages and engages in native wildlife rehabilitation services. They promote appreciation and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island. During today’s session, Sweetbriar will introduce participants to various animals who reside at their center, offer hands-on touch, and discuss details about animal attributes, behavior, and habitats. We welcome this educational opportunity whereby Sweetbriar Nature Center staff shares their insights about the wildlife in our midst. We look forward to a visit with mammals and reptiles alike!

PM – Reiki and Sound Healing Methods with Brenda Hohner, Reiki Master

During our afternoon class, Reiki Master, Brenda Hohner, will educate participants about how to use sound vibrations and energy for self-healing. Sound healing is a holistic, non-invasive practice that uses specific tones, frequencies, and rhythmic vibrations from instruments like crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes to promote deep relaxation and ease stress. We will be provided with scientific information and insights about various wellness methods, be shown how to handle sound instruments, and then have a singing bowl demonstration and experience to extend the learning. We can make connections to the power of sound influencing marine life and other organisms on Earth, too. We are grateful to have Brenda back again this year!

WEDNESDAY JULY 22ND

AM – Frida Kahlo Art & Spanish Inspiration with Jeanette Morales-Rodriguez, Educator

We are happy to offer a class based on the amazing life and work of artist Frida Kahlo! Join Jeanette Morales-Rodriguez, SUNY Old Westbury MALS graduate and Spanish teacher, who will facilitate this unique educational opportunity to celebrate the artist and activist Frida Kahlo. Participants will be introduced to Frida’s life and art and inspired by her philosophical life lessons taught to us in English and Spanish. Enjoy creating your own artwork, including a self-portrait based on Frida’s artistic creations. There is much that art history and education have to teach.

PM – Drumming Circle Culture Comes Alive with Drumming Facilitators, Malcolm Hall and Rob Guardio

We welcome participants to embark on the joy of drumming as we co-create rhythms using drums and other percussion instruments, guided by Malcolm and Rob. This hands-on community class is inspired by drumming in indigenous cultures of the world. Drumming circles are communal in nature, serving as a group conversation, allowing everyone to be heard. Facilitators start with a simple, steady beat and together form patterns as others participate based on how they feel, going with and contributing to the group rhythm. Malcolm brings extensive drumming experience from his indigenous Gyanese culture and professional music and theatre experience to teach our program participants the history of drumming circles, and Rob will share his personal experience to shed light on drumming as a therapeutic outlet, which can reduce stress and boost the immune system.

FRIDAY JULY 24TH

AM – Medicine Wheel Herb Garden & Legend Learning with Christine Keller, Educator and Rob Guardio, Mentor

During this morning’s session, we will take the nature trail to our Meadow Farm, where we will spend time learning about the history, meaning, and medicinal properties behind special herbs to be planted in our Medicine Wheel Herb Garden. We will begin by listening to the Penobscot Legend about Arrowhead Finger to set the stage for being caretakers for one another and Earth, understanding the role plants play in the process. We will then consider a garden design suitable for these special herbs and proceed with a planting experience. Learning in theory and practice is an educational method helpful for all involved.

PM – Paint Dyeing with Magical Indigo Leaves with Bernadette Puleo, Indigo Artist

This afternoon, Bernadette Puleo of Indigo Garden Arts will lead us in using leaves of the Japanese Indigo plant and a sprinkle of salt to dye silk purses and scarves. Bernadette will explain the history of indigo dyeing, a universal practice that has been used to dye textiles for over 6,000 years, with various techniques developing in different places over time. Participants will experience one of those dying techniques. Then we will proceed to stencil or hammer the newly dyed purses and scarves with a design using Indigo pigment, sediment that has settled at the bottom of jars for this purpose, or by using rolled-up Indigo leaves, experimenting with color. We will experience the magic of Indigo, creating beautiful patterns that are uniquely ours.

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