CSI hosts second annual book fair
The second annual Book Fair was held at the Padovano Commons on April 3 in a collaboration between The Center for Student Involvement and the Ramapo Bookstore.
As students walked in, they were greeted by a table offering free book-themed and meme stickers. Attendants had the option to take as many as they liked for themselves and their friends.
Books of different varieties and genres were featured at the event, from “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger to “The Duke and I” from the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn and “Jaws” by Peter Benchley.
Along with the books, there was a small selection of bookish gifts, such as crocheted items from Knitster Goddess. Items included tiny crocheted ghosts and whales as well as flower bookmarks perfect for any book lover.
The event concluded with faculty member and author, Dr. S.V. Gonsalves-Domond, hosting a reading from their new children’s book, “Laci, The Largemouth Bass.”
jcaramag@ramapo.edu
Therapy pets vist Ramapo’s Wellness Room
The Center for Health and Counseling Services hosted their fourth event with Creature Comfort Pet Therapy in the Wellness Room last Wednesday.
Creature Comfort Pet Therapy was founded in 2011 by Joan Baer and Annie Murphy, who made it their mission to “enhance people’s lives through therapeutic visits with caring volunteers and their pets.”
This particular visit hosted Snickers, a very fluffy five-and-a-half pound Mini Rex mix Rabbit. Although his favorite pastime is napping, he was very awake and ready to help students de-stress.
Creature Comfort Pet Therapy lists a multitude of benefits that can come from these events, ranging from lowering blood pressure to lifting spirits.
“Animals improve mental health. We need more of this,” Katelyn Molina, a junior biology major who plans on becoming a veterinarian said.”This is super beneficial to all students and this is an amazing service.”
Hosting these therapy animal visits also helps to make students more aware of the Wellness Room, which was unveiled last semester. The room located in E216 features a massage chair, light therapy lamps and an array of activities from bracelet making to coloring books. The animal visits are just one of the elements that they have added.
Although Snickers did not bring any friends this time around, he and his owner, Lauren Capozza, made the environment fun, calm and welcoming. Capozza was informative, answering questions about how she got Snickers and what owning him is like.
The next therapy visit in the Wellness Room will take place from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16. Reservations can be made through the Center for Health and Counseling Services website. The entire campus can see the animals in the Grove on Wednesday, May 1 or Wednesday, May 8, also from 1-3 p.m.
ajones11@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Amanda Jones
