This newsletter is brought to you by Human Resources.
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Cornell Stands Against Domestic Violence |
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Everyone deserves healthy relationships. Older adults may be harmed by spouses or partners, adult children or other family members, caregivers, or persons in a position of authority. Elder abuse is a broad term that applies to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of an older individual in a trusting relationship with the offender. Elder abuse is a hidden yet growing problem in the United States. It carries significant public health and societal implications.
Prior to the pandemic, it was estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men would experience domestic or intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetime. Nationally and locally, hotlines and shelters have reported a significant rise in the number of individuals seeking help during COVID-19.
The willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one person against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary; however, the one constant component is one person’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other.
Who is affected by it?
Everyone and anyone. Domestic violence affects people regardless of age, education level, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or any other form of identity. Trauma associated with domestic violence can have long-lasting and multi-generational impacts.
Concerned about someone? Be an ally by listening without judgment. Ask what the person needs and how you can help, share resources, and let them drive the decision-making.
Need help?
Call the Tompkins County domestic violence hotline at 607-277-5000, New York State hotline at 800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121, or chat privately with an advocate at opdv.ny.gov. Cornellians may also get help through the free Cornell Victim Advocacy Program.
In the area of elder abuse, our local Department of Social Services Adult Protective Services, 607-274-5323, investigates reports of abuse or neglect of adults, provides financial management, case management, and legal interventions necessary for the protection of at-risk adults. The Tompkins County Office for the Aging, another resource available, can be reached at 607-274-5482.
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Confidential Counseling and Support
Available to Retirees
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Did you know as a Cornell retiree, you remain eligible to receive a free assessment, counseling, and referrals through the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)?
What kind of services does FSAP provide?
FSAP provides support tailored to meet the unique needs of Cornellians, including confidential counseling, consultation, referrals, and crisis response. Learn more on their Services page.
Is there a fee to use FSAP's services?
Counseling and consultation services are provided as a benefit to eligible individuals. There is no charge for services.
What kind of issues can FSAP help with?
They can help you with a variety of concerns, including (but not limited to):
- emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, and grief
- relationship, family, or couples conflicts
- pre and post-retirement transition challenges
- problems with drinking and/or drug abuse
- stress-related to financial difficulties
Where are appointments offered?
FSAP is currently offering appointments by telehealth and in-person at their main office; see their Services page for details. Individuals seeking in-person appointments at previous satellite locations (see our Appointments page) may speak with a counselor virtually.
The best way to schedule an appointment is by phone 607-255-2673.
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Local & Virtual Offerings |
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Ithaca College Gerontology Institute Book Discussion
Tuesdays, October 26, November 2, 9 and 16, 2:45 - 3:45 PM
The Ithaca College Gerontology Institute invites community members to participate in a 4-session online book discussion group about creativity and mindfulness. The group will be facilitated by Mary Ann Erickson, Associate Professor, and will also include students from her Lifespan Creativity class.
The group will read and discuss On Becoming an Artist: Reinventing Yourself Through Mindful Creativity by Ellen J. Langer. The publisher's Description of the Book: "On Becoming an Artist is loaded with good news. Backed by her landmark scientific work on mindfulness and artistic nature, bestselling author and Harvard psychologist Ellen J. Langer shows us that creativity is not a rare gift that only some special few are born with, but rather an integral part of everyone's makeup. All of us can express our creative impulses - authentically and uniquely and, in the process, enrich our lives."
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Museum Book Club - Ninth Street Women: Five Painters and the Movement
Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 4:00 PM
Artists Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler shared a history that makes a fascinating tale of determination, drive, talent, and guts. Each woman was key to the evolution of abstract art in America, but they have often been overshadowed by their male counterparts—some of whom were their partners.
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Science in the Virtual Pub: The Art and Science of Malting
Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 6:00 PM
The art and science of malting -- hops may be considered the sex organs, but malt is the heart of beer! Dr. Bob Johnson, hop farmer and former biology professor, will begin with a historical introduction to the process of malting, its influence on brewing styles, and its importance to early brewing.
He’ll then lead us on a more in-depth look at this germinating grain and how the seed modifies to provide brewers with the starch, converting enzymes, color, taste, and texture/body components that are the hallmark of fine brews worldwide.
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Haunted History Tours of Ithaca
Although Ithaca might be better known for its gorges, vibrant community, and colleges, it also holds a macabre past. Join Heritage Ambassador Sherri La Torre and The History Center in Tompkins County for a haunting exploration of murder, jealousy, insanity, and perhaps some ghostly visits along the way.
The walking tours, which begin at 6:00 or 7:30 PM, will take place in downtown Ithaca and last about 1 hour. Groups will meet at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons outside The History Center in Tompkins County. Tour size is limited, and distancing/mask-wearing among participants will be strictly enforced.
Available tour dates: Thursday 10/28, Friday 10/29, and Saturday 10/30.
Tickets are $15/person and directly support History Center programs and exhibits.
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Office for the Aging Feedback and 2021 Public Hearing
The Tompkins County Office for the Aging will conduct its annual Public Hearing on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 2:00 PM. The Public Hearing will be held virtually this year and streamed on the county's YouTube channel. The Public Hearing provides a venue for community members to learn about programs and services provided by the Office for the Aging. It is also an important opportunity for the public to offer feedback about issues affecting older adults in our community and to provide input for the department's plan for 2022.
They invite you to read the plan abstract for 2022 and provide input through a very brief survey. You may access this survey here or by calling 607-274-5482 to have a staff person record your feedback over the phone.
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Ithaca City Cemetery Tours
Interested in exploring one of Ithaca's largest green spaces? Learn about the Ithaca City Cemetery's evolution from village burying ground to Victorian landscape for the dead as we walk through various sections of this 16-acre historic municipal cemetery.
Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. This tour lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes and will take place rain or shine (but not during thunder/lightning storms) and involves uphill and downhill walking.
The tour begins at the main entrance to the Ithaca City Cemetery on University Avenue. Parking is available on University Avenue, Linn Street, and Stewart Avenue.
Tickets are $5 for the general public; kids 12 and under are free (Discussion of some tragic historic events may not be suitable for small children.) Fees go to support the ongoing conservation of this historic cemetery.
Space is limited. Registration is required - see links below for tour dates.
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Sunday, November 7, 2021, 4:30-6:00 PM
Location: Held at The Metal Smithery, South Hill Business Campus, 950 Danby Road, Suite 30, Ithaca
This workshop is offered as a collaboration between Hospicare and The Metal Smithery. It offers adults, age 18 or older, who are grieving the loss of a loved, an opportunity to process their grief and memorialize their loved ones through metalworking.
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October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
With colder days coming soon, now is a great time to add a snuggle buddy to your life! Check out the list of available dogs at the SPCA of Tompkins County. Don’t want to adopt a furry friend but want to help the cause? Consider donating some urgently needed items to the shelter.
You can also think about adding a RoboPet to your life! RoboPets are a great way for socially isolated older adults to experience companionship without constant caretaking or cleanup! Call the Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA) to “adopt” a pet -- choose from several cats and dogs. Pick up the pet from the office or one of the staff can drop it off to you.
Call the COFA office at 607-274-5482 for more information.
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Ithaca Train History
Cornell emeriti Jack Bradbury and Sandy Vehrencamp recently completed a project to learn more about the train systems that ran through and around Ithaca during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This undertaking, a hobby based solely on their own curiosity, took several years to complete. They were able to locate and visit nearly all the former train depots and stations, many stretches of rail bed including those developed into rail trails, and various other relics. In response to interest expressed by friends, they have written a field guide to these relics and it is available for free (with no guarantee that they got everything right)!
To find out more about the project and obtain the links to maps, download this short PDF document.
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Volunteer/Job Opportunities |
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Temporary Undergraduate Coordinator Opening
The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering is seeking a temporary Undergraduate Coordinator (Student Services Assistant V) to fill in for an employee who is on leave until at least the end of the calendar year. This is a 20 hour per week position which could involve additional hours if needed and if the successful applicant wishes. Some of the work may be performed remotely. We would prefer someone with experience in the UG Coordinator role, and experience with CCI and PeopleSoft.
Position responsibilities include:
- Oversee the maintenance and security of the permanent records of all students matriculated; maintain course and grade records.
- Advise faculty, staff, and students on undergraduate degree requirements, and verify student-submitted graduation checklist for accuracy.
- Counsel students that might involve difficult or sensitive situations that could involve working with Professional Counseling services (CAPS).
- Coordinate with tenured, tenure track, and visiting faculty members to schedule classes, make room assignments and update course rosters for graduate and undergraduate courses which change topic, faculty, time, and location every semester.
- Provide course support to faculty, this includes working with Canvas, Faculty Center, and submitting course proposals on the course proposal site; do course balancing which requires a look at each student record on people soft and notify all students that are dropped for lacking the class pre-requisites.
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Cornell Store and Cornell Dining Hiring Part-Time Positions
Hello Cornell Retirees! We are looking for people to work part-time with the Cornell Store and Cornell Dining. It’s a great way to earn extra money and get involved back on campus.
If you are interested or have any questions please contact Darren Murphy at djm459@cornell.edu or 607-255-1401. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Longevity Explorers Needed
Interested in how technology can impact the lives of older adults?
Longevity Explorers evaluate products and services geared toward older adults and provide summaries of their thoughts and recommendations.
Meetings occur on the 4th Monday of the month via zoom.
For more information, contact: Lynn Gitlow, at the Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Department.
From the Longevity Explorer website:
“We see ourselves as “explorers” of the future of aging. We want to explore new approaches to living as we grow older, and new products and services. We see the community of Longevity Explorers as a place to explore new ideas and a place where innovative people come to learn how we think about growing older and to get help developing new and better products and services for future generations.
This community leverages the insights, and years of accumulated wisdom, of older adults themselves to accelerate the emergence of novel solutions to some of the challenges of aging. We are especially interested in technology-enabled products that can push off the time at which functional decline gets in the way of living life to the fullest.”
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Miscellaneous Articles & Webinars |
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