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The Evolution of Trees – A Walk Through Time
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 AM
F.R. Newman Arboretum
Register
How did the trees we know and love today come to be? Join David Weinstein, Forest Ecologist and Senior Research Associate Emeritus from Cornell’s Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, and Christina Stark, Senior Extension Associate Emerita, Division of Nutritional Sciences, on this walk through 380 million years of tree evolution, using representative trees in the F.R. Newman Arboretum to explore the major stages in the development of modern trees. Visit trees that have barely changed in over 200 million years and learn about what changes are happening right now. You will also gain insights into the importance of certain trees to various cultures.
Walks will be held rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Please also review the cancellation policy.
Meet inside the Forest Home Drive entrance to the Arboretum, near the Flat Rock area and Plant Production Facility. Parking nearby.
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Edible Invasive Species
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Register
Invasive species can wreak havoc in a garden, lawn, or woods and their control is difficult. However, many of our most problematic invasives are edible! Learn which species and when to harvest them so you can make invasive species management more delicious.
Instructor Marissa Nolan is the Horticulture Team Lead at CCE Tompkins and has more than ten years experience in environmental education. She studied environmental interpretation at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and previously worked in forest restoration and management of invasive species.
This class is offered in person at the CCE-Tompkins Education Center (615 Willow Ave, Ithaca) or via Zoom. This program is valued at $20, however, please pay what you are able. Paying more than $20 will help others attend the class.
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"King Alcohol Ends Reign" - Ithaca's Prohibition History Walking Tour
Various dates in June, The History Center, Ithaca
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity.
“King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from The History Center, this 60–70 minute experience takes you to the actual sites of speakeasies, dry raids, church protests, saloons, and reform rallies—uncovering how Ithaca became one of the first cities in New York State to go dry.
Through historic images, newspaper headlines, and stories of resistance and reform, you’ll see the city in a whole new light with The History Center. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll never look at downtown Ithaca the same way again.
For more information and tickets, please visit the tour web page.
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Summer Events at the Johnson Museum of Art
The Johnson Museum of Art has some great events coming up in July - check them out!
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Museum Highlights Tour - Saturdays, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, 11:15 AM –12:15 PM, Meet in Appel Lobby. Explore the Johnson Museum on this free, one-hour guided experience, highlighting artworks on view from the permanent collection as well as in the special exhibition Here & Now: Artists of Central New York. No registration required.
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Community Workshop: Fly Tying - Saturday, July 5, 2025, 1:00–3:00 PM. In this workshop, Daisy Wiley will share information about the origins of Victorian salmon fishing flies, their historical environmental impact, and current ways to reimagine these objects. Participants will create their own fly using locally sourced materials and are encouraged to bring their own, such as feathers, fur, and yarn. Email eas8@cornell.edu to register. Registration required.
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Community Workshop: Painting Wax Tree-Molds - Saturday, July 12, 2025, 1:00–3:00 PM. In this workshop, Deale Hutton will explain her process of creating wax casts of tree bark damaged by emerald ash borers. Participants will receive their own wax cast and paint the intricate designs left behind by these invasive beetles. This workshop is beginner-friendly but limited to participants age 14 and older. Space is limited; email eas8@cornell.edu to register. Registration required.
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Lifelong Day Trips
Lifelong still has some space for day trips this summer and fall. Sign up today and join us for 2025 trips that still have space! You do not need to be a Lifelong member to participate.
Some upcoming trips:
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Take Me Out to the Ballgame - Sunday, July 6, 2025. Minor League Mets vs Red Sox, NBT Stadium, Syracuse. Private luxury suite with all-you-can-eat gourmet buffet. $155 for members and $160 for non-members.
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Sonnenberg Gardens and Sauders Store - Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Visit the historic Sonnenberg Gardens and wonderful Sauders store! Lunch included.$99 for members, $109 for non-members.
Bus typically picks folks up at two convenient locations around town. For more information about these and future trips, please visit the Lifelong web site or call 607-273-1511.
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Behind the Scenes: Greystone Tour and Reception
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Tickets
Join Wharton Studio Museum and Historic Ithaca for a tour and reception at a unique historic property in Cayuga Heights. Completed in 1913 by New York architect John Van Pelt, Greystone, now the Sigma Chi fraternity house, was once the home of glamorous silent movie star Irene Castle and her husband Robert Treman. Castle starred in Patria and other Wharton, Inc. Studio films.
Explore this special property and its grounds and learn about Greystone's role in the 1918 film A Romance of the Air, which the Wharton brothers had a hand in producing.
Ticket price include one drink ticket and light fare reception along with access to the grounds and main floor of the property.
For more information visit historicithaca.org
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Workshop: Creative Writing at the Johnson Museum of Art
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Register
Join this art-inspired creative writing workshop at the Johnson Museum of Art! Staff from the Museum’s education department will facilitate close-looking activities with artworks from the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
Following these warm ups to hone our observation and descriptive skills, Yessica Martinez will lead the group in a writing process, with time for read-alouds, group discussion as well as individual exploration of the galleries. The fun, low-stakes writing exercises will introduce you to the joys of poetry and result in a piece that feels intimately yours.
With a global collection of art spanning diverse cultures and time, as well as two special exhibitions exploring themes of the home in addition to work by local artists, there will be something to inspire everyone! No experience is needed, all are welcome.
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Ecological Landscape Design Lecture and Tour
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Register
Matt Dallos, owner of Thicket Workshop, will speak about the practices and ideas that support ecological landscape design. While both local and regional projects will be discussed, the primary case study will be a meadow-type planting installed in 2021 on Cornell’s Libe Slope. Dallos will also explore the 20th century history of ecological garden design and its relevance to local environmental action in our age of climate crisis.
Following the talk, attendees will visit the project on Libe Slope for further discussion. Attendees may join the lecture remotely, but only in-person attendees will get the Libe Slope tour.
Dallos runs Thicket Workshop, a plant-focused design firm (based in Ithaca) that creates public and private ecological landscapes. He received an MS in landscape architecture from Penn State and a PhD in environmental history from Cornell.
This program is valued at $20, however, please pay what you are able. Paying more than $20 will help others attend the class.
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Cornell Summer Friday Concert Series
Check out Cornell University's School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions' fantastic lineup of summer concerts and lectures—always free and open to the public. Performances include Latin jazz, rock, and reggae, plus engaging lectures from Cornell deans and faculty.
First up this year is Samite, on July 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM. Samite returns to Ithaca with his pan African band that includes one of his earliest band mates from Uganda, Vincent Othieno. His infectious beats will get you up and dancing on the Ag Quad.
Parking on campus is free after 5:00 PM.
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Sapsucker Sits at the Lab of Ornithology
Join the Lab every Tuesday through October 7 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM for stationary birding on the shore of Sapsucker Woods Pond. The pavilion area offers a partially-shaded spot to observe birds around the pond, woods, and feeder garden area. Binoculars and spotting scopes are available for use and staff will gladly provide tutorials at any time. Folding chairs are available for all attendees but please feel free to bring your own seat. Come and go as you please.
The parking lot has six van accessible spaces with no-curb access to paved areas. The event location has a hard-packed wood chip surface located roughly 500 feet from the parking lot over flat concrete sidewalk, stone slabs, and a small wooden footbridge. A wheelchair-accessible porta-potty is available in the parking lot and a wheelchair accessible, all-gender/family restroom and water fountain are available in the Visitor Center after 10:00 AM. Two wheelchairs are available for your use on site.
Thank you in advance for leaving your pets at home as they are not permitted on their grounds. This is a free event is open to anyone who wants to enjoy birds and nature! No registration is required. Rain or shine.
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Care.com Care Talks
With virtual Care Talks, you’ll access free, exclusive events from expert speakers offering advice and guidance to help you better care for yourself and your family.
Check out these upcoming virtual events:
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Sleep Basics - Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 1:00 PM. In this webinar participants will learn the physical and mental benefits of a good nights' sleep, how to establish daily habits that promote sleep and ways to improve your sleep environment. Relaxation and dealing with insomnia techniques will also be discussed.
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The Importance of Having a Will - Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 1:00 PM. This webinar will help you understand the basic principles and important components of a will, in addition to alternative options.
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Tools to Live Your Best Life - Thursday, July 10, 2025, 1:00 PM. This session walks participants through the various tools to enhance their lives and reminds and teaches them the importance of prioritizing their mental and physical health.
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Caregiver 911 - How to Prepare for Emergencies - Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 1:00 PM. How prepared are you to help an older loved one -whether they live near or far, at home or in a senior living community - face the aftermath of fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and other devastating events? Learn how to plan ahead.
For additional Care.com webinars and past recordings, please visit their web page.
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Access Outdoors Expo
Saturday, June 282, 2025,10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Stewart Park, near Paddle-n-More
The Outdoors are for everyone!! Come explore what adaptive programs and resources are available in our community. Meet with groups who offer programs and lessons in adaptive climbing, paddling, skiing, biking and more.
This is a great chance to talk with staff and see and experience adaptive recreation gear that you may not be aware of. Event organizers: Cornell Outdoor Education, Paddle-N-More, Friends of Stewart Park.
A few programs you can expect to see:
- Adaptive Climbing Group
- Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports
- Bike Walk Tompkins
- ARISE & Ski
- Recreate Today
For more information or questions, Email Bode at cb896@cornell.edu.
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Upcoming Cornell Financial Webinars
TIAA and Fidelity have some virtual financial webinars coming up this summer - check them out!
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Learn the Basics of When and How to Claim Social Security - Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 10:00 AM. If Social Security is expected to be your primary source of income in retirement, learn when and how to claim your benefit in this Fidelity webinar.
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Navigating the Sandwich Generation: Financial Strategies for the Caregiving Squeeze with TIAA - Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 10:00 AM. Learn how to manage caring for your aging parents while supporting your adult children and how it can be done.
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Managing My Money with Fidelity - Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 2:00 PM. This workshop will provide manageable strategies, tools, and tips that can help you take control of your spending, saving, and debt.
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