This newsletter is brought to you by Human Resources with the support of the Cornell Retirees Association (CRA). Have a suggestion or lead? Let us know!
Spotlight on Retiree Volunteering
Cornell University retirees Mary Lou Tenney, Marlene Reitz, Carl Ginet (pictured at right), Alan Wood, and Bill Maxwell all volunteer for Tompkins County FISH (Friends in Service Helping) – providing medical rides primarily to elderly citizens who may be frail or who no longer drive.

This is a nice way to serve the community. “FISH drivers come from a lot of different backgrounds, but everyone is committed to make another's medical needs easier. Doctors, labs, physical therapy, etc. are good for keeping healthy, but a person will not benefit from these if they can't get there. Buses have some restrictive routes and taxis might cost much more than a person could afford,” explains Marlene Reitz, who worked at Cornell for 28 years and retired in 2005.

You can volunteer as little as once a month – either as a driver or helping to coordinate rides. “It’s wonderful knowing that I contribute something of great value to the people I drive, and, in my 80s, do it with ease and enjoyment,” states Carl Ginet, emeritus professor, 85, who retired in 1999 after 28 years as a professor of Philosophy.

Alan Wood, 76, states, “The best part is the appreciation people have for helping them. For instance, a few years ago an elder man who lived out in the country needed transportation for radiation treatment 3 times a week for 6 weeks. He took down every driver’s phone number in case there was a cancellation. A month after his treatments ended he called every driver to tell them that he was cancer free.” Alan is an emeritus professor who retired in 2001 after 33 years as a professor of Virology at Boyce Thompson Institute.

Rich “Max” Maxwell, 83, enjoys chatting with his passengers. Since Ithaca is such a small town, Max says, “I often have some connections to riders who were or are at Cornell.” He volunteers every Friday for about 4 hours. Max is an emeritus professor, retiring after 37 years as the Andrew Schultz Jr. Emeritus Professor of Industrial Engineering.

Would you like to try volunteering for FISH?
  • Most of the FISH clients are elderly. It is an easy way to make a real difference
  • FISH never asks for money from clients. 
  • FISH is a member of the United Way of Tompkins County
  • Commitment of time is individual, according to what fits for your lifestyle

FISH is looking for more volunteers. Mary Lou Tenney retired in 1999 after 15 years as an extension associate in the Div. of Nutritional Sciences explains, “I like being able to meet new people of all ages and stages of life. I enjoy being able to help and am rewarded by their gratitude. Normally I drive 4-5 times/month. Volunteers are great people and I enjoy the few times we meet each year. Try it, I am sure you would find it rewarding, too.”

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Eleanor Cary -  [email protected]  - 257-5692 or visit fishoftc.org . Article author Beth McKinney, director of Cornell Wellness, still works full time. She is a “caller,” setting up rides as they are requested.
Job Opportunities
Casual Paid Positions: Athletics Game Day Staff
Are you a sport enthusiast or interested in Big Red sports? Do you have some free time during evenings and weekends in your busy retirement schedule? Would you like to earn extra income? Cornell Athletics is now hiring "game day" staff, including ticket sellers, ushers, and parking attendants! Help provide a great fan experience for the Cornell Big Red! Enjoy the sports you love while getting paid. Commit to an entire season or just a few games here and there! Athletic Ticketing Game Day staff will provide excellent customer service, have strong interpersonal skills, and be approachable, responsible, dependable & punctual.

Game Day positions include:
  • Ticket Seller - Working knowledge of computers and experience in handling money. Physical requirements include standing for 4-5 hours at a time, both indoors and outdoors. Background check required.
  • Usher/Ticket Taker - Assist guests at athletic events by: collecting/scanning admission tickets or passes from guests, assisting in finding seats, searching for lost articles, and locating such facilities as rest rooms and concessions.
  • Parking Attendant - Responsible for taking payments for vehicles as they enter parking facility, verify guests with pre-purchased passes, and directing guests towards paid parking alternatives.

Click here f or more information or call the Ticketing Office, 607-255-4247.
Part-Time Consultant Positions at FarmNet
The mission of New York FarmNet is to provide farm families with free, confidential consulting services to develop skills to improve financial and production efficiency, and overcome business and family challenges.  Click here to learn more.

We are currently seeking individuals to provide Farm Family (social work) OR Financial Consultation with families to make an initial assessment, assist in identifying problems and assist in identifying and prioritizing solutions based on the needs of the farm family, and assist in developing and enacting an "Action Plan.”

Part-Time Farm Family Consultant - Requires an M.S.W, masters in counseling, or equivalent degree/certification. Significant, successful experience working with clients on communications skills, interpersonal relationships, goal setting, and/or addiction, family, and mental health counseling. 

Part-Time Financial Consultant - Requires a BS in agricultural economics or related field. Significant, successful experience performing farm financial and management analyses, working with lenders and directly with agricultural producers is required. 

For more information and to apply, email Edgar Johnson or call 607-254-3337.
Campus Events & Activities
CRA Annual BBQ Deadline is Sept 1 - Last Chance to Sign Up!
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CRA Annual George Peter Barbecue
Thursday, Sept 14, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
CRC Park, Monkey Run Rd (at the intersection of Hanshaw Rd and Lower Creek Rd), Ithaca

Reservations required in advance ! Deadline: Sept 1 or when venue capacity is reached. Call 607-255-0388 for help with registration. Limited seating. Confirmations were sent to all registrants. If you did not receive a confirmation email, contact Kathee Shaff   or call 607-255-0388.

Activities begin at 11 a.m. The traditional BINGO will be available as well as some new activities including horseshoes, corn hole, badminton, and more. Lunch, catered by Bob’s Barbecue, served at 12 p.m., includes: 1/2 barbecued chicken or vegetarian lasagna, salt potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, watermelon, and lemonade, water, and coffee. Parking is available on the grass along the driveway. Accessible parking is available next to the pavilion. This is a  FREE event sponsored by Cornell Human Resources.  Limit of 1 retiree and 1 guest per reservation. Click here for reservations.  
Cornell Employee Celebration (retirees invited!) - save the date!
Saturday, October 7
1:30 football game Cornell vs. Harvard
3:30 – 5:30 pm meal in Barton Hall

Cornell Employee Celebration is for staff, faculty, retirees and their families and features athletics events, a Cornell community dinner, and additional activities. More details to come.
Cornell Cinema - Fall Schedule Available Now
Fall schedule available online. Ticket Prices: $8.50 general admission/$6.50 seniors/$6 CU graduate students/$5.50 students and kids 12 & under/$5.50 matinees (before 6:00pm). Special event prices may apply. Advance tickets are usually available at the website.. All screenings in Willard Straight Theatre except where noted. http://cinema.cornell.edu

Dial M for Murder (3D) - Thursday, Aug 31, 7:00pm or Saturday, Sept 2, 9:15pm    
A Fish Called Wanda w/CU Provost’s Visiting Professor John Cleese in conversation w/ Jonathan Kirshner (Government) - Sunday, Sept 10, 7:00pm    
Cornell Botanic Gardens Lecture and Garden Party
Date/time: Wednesday, August 30; 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free - No pre-registration required.
Location: Call Auditorium in Kennedy Hall for lecture. Nevin Welcome Center for Garden Party.

August is an ideal time to visit the Cornell Botanic Gardens and we are offering many ways to enjoy the beauty of plants and nature. Join Cornell Botanic Gardens for its annual Harder Lecture and Garden Party. The Harder Lecture showcases authors and poets who write at the intersection of art and nature. Its aim is to illuminate the beauty, strength, and fragility of our natural world, as viewed through the lens of literature. The series kicks off with Cornell English Professor Ishion Hutchinson. The lecture will be followed by a Garden Party, celebrating Hutchinson’s work and the splendor of Cornell Botanic Gardens at its summer peak. The party will be held in the gardens surrounding the Nevin Welcome Center, 124 Comstock Knoll Drive. Click here for the 2017 Fall Lecture Series.
Spend a Saturday in NYC on Sept 9
Sponsored by Cornell Recreation Connection
Additional trips are scheduled for Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Discounted fare is $54/person for Cornell Retirees and up to 4 guests. Contact Swarthout Coaches to make a reservation. Payment is due at the time of reservation.

Itinerary for “Day on Your Own in NYC” bus trips
  • 6:30 am - leave Cornell’s B-Lot (must have boarding pass to board the bus)
  • 11:30 am - arrive in NYC with stops at Bryant Park & Macys (34th Street/7th Ave)
  • Bus leaves Bryant Park ONLY at 8:00 pm sharp returning to Cornell at ~12:30 am
The 35th Annual Pawprint Photography Contest
Please submit photos electronically, now through Sept. 22, by emailing them to Aggie Binger , with the subject line: 2017 Photo Contest. Entries will not be posted online until AFTER the deadline. See  guidelines and information .
Out on the Trails
Cornell Botanic Gardens and partner organizations have launched a new website designed to help outdoor enthusiasts of any age, ability, or interest find the perfect trail experience. Out on the Trails is a GPS-enabled, mobile-optimized site that maps all of the trails in Tompkins County, and invites users to search by the experience they seek. Criteria include distance, difficulty, scenic views, wildlife viewing, or picnicking, and also access directions to trailheads and information on parking. Use a desktop computer or grab a smartphone to explore the 32 miles of trails in the Cornell Botanic Gardens' natural areas, as well as more than 200 additional miles throughout the area.
Wellness News
Healthy Living Fall Schedule Announced
The fall schedule goes through Friday, December 15 . There are two new late afternoon classes (Sit & Be Fit and Strength & Balance) offered for those who are not available to make morning classes. Classes will be held on the third floor in Appel Commons.

Join the email list if you haven't already! Class info, events, and cancellations is distributed to the list. Remember, you no longer need to register for the group fitness classes, just swipe your CU ID card and head to class. Questions? Visit the website or contact Keri Johnson  at (607) 255-3886 or  [email protected] .
Volunteer Opportunities
Docent and Volunteer Opportunities at the Johnson Museum
Tuesday, August 29 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Be part of the museum! The Johnson Museum of Art will hold a hands-on interactive session for adults who wish to participate in the museum's educational programs as volunteers or docents. No previous art knowledge is required, but a strong and enthusiastic desire to work with school-age children is a must. Docents lead interactive tours for groups of children, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tues-Fri. Contact Carol Hockett at 607-254-4654, or visit http://museum.cornell.edu/get-involved
Lab of Ornithology - Volunteers Needed
Provide help with youth education programs, lead guided tours, and interact with visitors. Attend a volunteer information session on September 7 at 6:00 pm. Must complete training for a specific volunteer appointment and commit to at least 5 hours/month. Volunteers receive complimentary Cornell Lab membership; 10% discount in Wild Birds Unlimited store; Program discounts; Training and continuing education opportunities. C all (607) 254-2109.

Migration Celebration Volunteers Needed

When : September 16, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Where : Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Visitor Center, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca
 
Rain or shine, this is always a great time! Volunteer training sessions are being held September 9 and 12. Sign up by Sept. 1  for a training session. Full day volunteers receive lunch and a free Cornell Lab t-shirt. Volunteers needed for: Delivering fliers; Event set-up; Interactive exhibits; Family activities; Special workshops; Overall event support. Contact Anne Rosenberg to sign up or call (607) 254-2109.
Join the Team of Volunteers at Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE)
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with CCE! In addition to many free or low-cost classes, CCE offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities that may correspond to your interests. Through duties as diverse as teaching others to prune trees or make compost, answering callers' questions on consumer or gardening issues, mentoring young people as they acquire new skills, or serving as board members or on committees that guide our work, volunteers represent Extension's far-reaching roots in our community. Check out the volunteer opportunities listed on our website  and consider joining our team today.
Unwind and Volunteer at Cornell Botanic Gardens!
Tuesdays are drop-in volunteer nights this summer at Cornell Botanic Gardens! Join us on August 29 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Nevin Welcome Center. Stop by and unwind from your day with some evening weeding therapy. Meet new people, learn about plants from a knowledgeable staff horticulturist, and help keep our gardens looking beautiful. Wear comfortable clothes and bring your own garden gloves and hand tools, if you have them. Open to ages 15 and older. Cancelled in the event of rain. Registration not required.
Cornell International Friendship Program
In need of more local Cornell retirees and other community members!
Hundreds of foreign students and scholars from all over the world attend Cornell each year and experience life in the U.S. for the first time. CIFP connects an international student or scholar with a local family or individual for the purpose of cultural exchange. It’s sort of like having an exchange student, but they don’t live with you. They live and study at Cornell but get together with their new local community friend to enjoy activities or events such as Thanksgiving dinner, sporting events, museum visits, shopping, visiting the Ithaca Farmers Market or local parks, etc. There is no cost to be in the program and no connection to Cornell is needed. For information , call 607-255-3815.
Step Up to Home Plate!
Cornell retirees are invited to serve as host families through Home Plate, a program started by Cornell Student Assembly’s City and Local Affairs Committee.
Home Plate connects Cornell students with the Ithaca community by matching small groups of students with local families for regular meetups, usually dinners hosted by the families. Dinners offer a great opportunity for both sides to learn about one another and establish meaningful relationships. The program allows students to get off campus, have a home-cooked meal and find a home-away-from-home in Ithaca, and families report they enjoy engaging in conversations with students. Questions?
Patio Partners Program at Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home in Ithaca
Oak Hill Manor, 602 Hudson Street, Ithaca, is seeking volunteers for one-hour time periods to monitor the outside patio, allowing capable residents to be outside during nice weather, breathe fresh air, listen to the birds, and smell the flowers. Volunteers stay outside (on patio or under porch cover) and monitor and engage with residents. Volunteers will be asked to attend a group orientation prior to volunteering. Contact Deborah Dahl, Activities Director 607-272-8282 for information.    
Cancer Resource Center (CRC) Seeks Financial Advocates
Want to volunteer, but need flexible hours? We have a job for you! Seeking Financial   Advocates to help our clients sort through medical bills, manage complex insurance issues, complete applications, connect with resources, etc. Advocates gather monthly to discuss cases and receive specialized training. No experience necessary. Contact Sharon Kaplan for information, 607-277-0960 .
Community News
Come Dig with Us! Archaeology Day Camp
Saturday, August 26, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Eight Square Schoolhouse - 1748 Hanshaw Rd., off Route 13 North, Dryden, NY 13053
Fee: $35. For more information , (607) 273-8284 

The History Center in Tompkins County invites teens and adults to join an archaeology field school. The Eight Square Schoolhouse is a one-room brick school built in 1827 that has been used by generations of students and teachers, and currently hosts living history classes for local students. Since 2010 archaeologists have identified several 'middens' on the Eight Square Schoolhouse property - 'middens' are the archaeological term for 'trash dumps', and they have produced a wealth of artifacts that are helping archaeologists piece together the lives of teachers and students from the 19th and 20th centuries. Participants will learn archaeological field techniques and research skills and contribute to the historical record of this one-of-a-kind schoolhouse site in New York State! No experience necessary. Contact Carole West or call 607-273-8284.
"Six Mile Creek" Interactive Project Talk
Friday, September 1, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The History Center in Tompkins County
401 East State Street, First Floor, Suite 100, Ithaca

In conjunction with First Friday Gallery Night and the current exhibit "The Altered and Preserved Landscape," The History Center will be featuring a historical presentation on the sights and sound of Six Mile Creek. Presented by Kim Haines-Eitzen, Susan C. Larkin, and Timothy Larkin, the authors of the "Six Mile Creek" interactive display. Less widely known is the rich and varied history along the banks of the creek. For over 200 years, the creek has been enjoyed for pleasure and recreation and harnessed for industry and profit. For more information , call (607) 273-8284.
CarFit - Free Car Safety Educational Sessions
Saturday, September 23, 10:00am-1:00pm
Cayuga Medical Center, Therapy Clinic
10 Brentwood Drive, Suite A parking lot, Ithaca
Appointment required: Register online, email Eleanor Liebson or call (607) 274-4159. 

CarFit is a hands-on educational program for older drivers. Trained technicians work with each participant for about 20 minutes to help them "fit" their vehicle for maximum comfort and safety. A CarFit review includes twelve key areas, such as how to properly adjust one's mirrors to minimize blind spots, ideal foot positioning on gas and brake pedals to reduce fatigue and reaction times, and safe positioning of the seat and steering wheel. Co-sponsored by Way2Go at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.
Aging in Place
Love Living at Home (LLH) is part of a new and exciting national movement of people who are taking charge of their futures as they age. The Village Movement is an “aging in place” initiative that is at the forefront of a new approach to age and aging. There are now more than 200 Villages in the U.S. and nearly that many more in development. While part of this national movement, LLH is a grass-roots organization run by local members and volunteers. We are Tompkins County’s own Village – one we hope will grow to reflect the diverse and unique character of our area. Join us Saturday, August 26 , 10-11:30 a.m. at Lifelong (119 W. Court St, Ithaca) to learn how you can be involved!  www.lovelivingathome.org
7th Annual Silent Movie Under the Stars
Saturday August 26 ~ 8:15 PM (Taughannock Falls State Park)
Join Wharton Studio Museum for a lakeside, big-screen showing of Wharton, Inc. Studio's The Great White Trail , filmed 100 years ago this year at Robert H. Treman State Park! Live music and original score will be performed by Door #3 featuring Chris White, Peter Dodge, and Tenzin Chopak. Bring a picnic, lawn chair and blanket and enjoy lovely Taughannock Falls State Park. Movie begins at sundown, ~8:15pm.
Campus Club Fall Coffee and Activity Group Registration for Women
Thursday, September 7, 2017, 11 AM – 1 PM - Ramada Inn, 2310 N Triphammer Rd
Women from across the community are invited to explore the 2017-2018 season of engaging social and cultural activities sponsored by Campus Club at Cornell . Meet volunteer group leaders and new friends over refreshments. Join the group and choose among this fall's 25 varied activity groups. Bring a friend, and meet some of the 350 Ithaca women already enjoying the connections found through Campus Club events. If unable to enjoy the Coffee and Signup in person, see activity group choices and join online.

The Campus Club at Cornell brings women together in friendship. The Club’s roots are in Cornell and have spread to include the greater Ithaca community. Open to all Ithaca area women including faculty, staff, alumnae, and spouses, partners, family members/friends.
“Controlling Clutter Before it Controls You” Workshop
Presented by Robin Schwartz, Organizing Consultant. This workshop is for everyone who wants to begin a decluttering and organizing project! Four 2-hour sessions are spaced 1 or 2 weeks apart (which leaves plenty of time for decluttering homework) with a fifth session a few months after to compare success stories. For a detailed list of what this workshop covers, cost, and testimonials, visit the web . Dates/times scheduled to work for those who sign up. Registration  is required.
Q&A Session at Longview - an Ithacare Community
Wednesday, September 13 from 3:00 - 4:30 p . m .
Auditorium at Longview, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Ithaca
Justina Fetterly , Director of Development & Community Relations, ( 607 ) 375-6315
 
Everyone is invited to bring questions about Longview  and its services for those aged 55+ to this informal session. Staff will be present to provide answers about independent senior living, assisted living, and enhanced assisted living, the facilities, and other topics that may arise. To highlight the event, Longview is offering first month free when signing an independent apartment lease (promo ends March 1). Refreshments will be available and a tour of the facility will follow the presentation. Guests are welcome to submit questions ahead of time or call 607-375-6315 for information.
Funding Available for Home Accessibility Modifications
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, through an Access to Home Grant from the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation, provides accessibility modifications for homeowners with disabilities and for those who are frail or elderly and are encountering difficulties with activities of daily living. It provides home modifications to the physical environment that will allow residents to maintain their independence and age in place in a healthy, comfortable and safe home. This may include wheelchair ramps, stair and platform lifts, accessible showers with grab bars and seats, widening doorways for wheelchairs, e asy-to-reach work and storage areas and other kitchen modifications, relocating bathrooms and more . Contact Patrick Mitchell, 277-4500 ext. 216 for information.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Classes - Fall 2017 
Tuesdays, September 19 - October 24  - 5:30pm - 7:00pm 
Longview, 1 Bella Vista Dr. (off Rt. 96B) Ithaca, NY 
Presented by the Tompkins County Office for the Aging
Register as early as possible as class size is limited. 
To register, call: 607-274-5482. Classes are Free.

Feeling s t r e t c h e d ??? Let’s Face It… Caring for someone with a chronic illness such as dementia, heart disease, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, or chronic cancer can be stressful physically, emotionally and financially. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week educational program designed to provide you with tools you need to take care of yourself. You will learn to: 
  • Reduce stress; Improve self-confidence; Better communicate your feelings
  • Balance your life; Increase your ability to make tough decisions
  • Locate helpful resources

The program consists of 90-minute class sessions, offered free of charge to those caring for spouses, parents, or other adult relatives/friends. Questions, call 607-274-5482.
Cornell Cooperative Extension September Events - Sign Up Now!
For workshop details, including cost/registration, visit: http://ccetompkins.org/events
Cover Crops for the Home Garden - Wednesday, September 6, 6:00-8:00pm
CCE-Tompkins, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
Cost: $5-$10/person self-determined sliding scale; pay what you can afford. 
Registration is required.  REGISTER ONLINE , call (607) 272-2292, or come by CCE-Tompkins during business hours to sign up. Questions? Contact Jennie .

Other upcoming workshops include:
  • Kitchen Garden Tour #2: Tuesday, Sept 12, 6:00-7:30pm
  • Natural Leaders Nominations-Group begins: Tuesday, Sept 12, 5:30-8:30pm
  • Tenant/Landlord Rights & Responsibilities: Thursday, Sept 14, 11:00am-1:00pm 
  • Advanced Compost Series: 3 Thursdays: 9/14, 9/21, 10/5; 6:00–7:30pm
  • Heirloom Tomato Festival: Sunday, Sept 17, 11:00am-2:00pm
  • Drinking Water Wednesday: Wednesday, Sept 27, 5:30-7:00pm
  • Dividing Perennials: Thursday, Sept 28, 6:00-7:30pm
  • 2017 Green Buildings Open House: Saturday, Sept 30, 10:00am-4:00pm
Lifelong's Fall Catalog is Available
The Fall catalog is now available ! Attend our course overview on Tues., Aug. 29 from 5:30-7p.m., just before the courses begin. Learn more about the courses being offered, chat with some instructors/staff and enjoy light refreshments. Call 607-273-1511 or email [email protected]
Participate in Campus Research
Recruiting Seniors for a Cornell Study on Mature Blended Families
"I am a PhD student at Cornell's Policy Analysis and Management Program. I am collecting data for my dissertation, which is focused on mature blended families. I want to understand what are the challenges faced by older step-parents, how they manage their relationship with adult step-children, and how much support they receive from their stepchildren. I am recruiting seniors (age 60+ who are step-parents) who live in upstate NY to participate. Each volunteer participates in a 90-min interview and is compensated $30. All information is kept confidential, and I can meet wherever is convenient. I am interested in recruiting individuals from age 60 to 85. Email me at [email protected]."
Cornell University | 607-255-0388 | hr.cornell.edu/retirees | [email protected]