This newsletter is brought to you by Human Resources with the support of the Cornell Retirees Association (CRA). It replaces the CRA Newsletter that was published three times a year and will now be sent on at least a monthly basis.Articles, events, and opportunities for retirees will be included. Have a suggestion or lead? Let us know!
Features
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CRA Annual George Peter Barbecue
T hursday, 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!

The Cornell Retirees Association (CRA) invites all Cornell retirees to the annual barbecue, named in memory of the late George Peter. George was a past CRA president, officer, and board member – and an inspiration and dear friend to many. Come and catch up with fellow retirees and friends!  

Activities begin at 11 a.m. Lunch, catered by Bob’s Barbecue, will be served at 12 p.m. Menu 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.  

Reservations must be made by September 1. In the event registrations exceed pavilion capacity, a waiting list will be created. If your ability to attend changes after RSVP'ing, please notify Kathee Shaff at [email protected] so that seats can be offered to those on the waiting list.  


Opportunity for Cornell Retirees to Support the United Way. 
The United Way of Tompkins County will hold its annual Stephen E. Garner Day of Caring Food & Personal Care Items Drive in September. THANK YOU to Cornell retirees who contributed generously last year and donated over 170 items! Let’s keep up the good work and support our local community again this year! Please bring items to the BBQ. Food and personal care items will be given to local food pantries and community organizations for distribution throughout Tompkins County.   Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. 

Any questions, please email or call: 607-255-0388.
Campus Events & Activities
Pawprint 2017 Photo Contest Accepting Submissions 
The 35th Annual Pawprint Photography Contest is now open! 

Start thinking about summer and those great photographs you are going to take.  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.

The tentative schedule for this year’s contest is:
  • Sept. 22, 11:59 p.m.: deadline for all photo submissions (note: date is earlier than recent previous years)
  • Oct. 13: winners for each category announced; voting begins for People’s Choice among these winners. Deadline for voting: Oct. 20
  • Oct. 27: People’s Choice and Grand Prize winners announced
  • Oct. 30-Nov. 17: prizes available for pick-up or delivery

Botanic Gardens Summer Tours

Cornell Botanic Gardens in June
Cornell Botanic Gardens is the arboretum, gardens and natural areas of Cornell University. During June our rhododendrons, irises, and peonies should be blooming, and you may still find many spring wildflowers in the Mundy Wildflower Garden and natural areas. At the Nevin Welcome Center and gardens on Plantations Road you can take a tour, chat with one of our wandering volunteer Garden Guides, pick up a visitor map and explore on your own, browse the exhibits and Garden Gift Shop, or just relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the gardens and grounds. 

Garden Tours start June 17
Enjoy a guided tour through the  gardens  around the Nevin Welcome Center and discover the beauty and diversity of our numerous theme gardens, including the Herb Garden, Flower Garden, Groundcover Collection, Tropical Container Display, and more. Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine. Actual tour content will vary from week to week depending on what's in bloom and the interests of the group.

Date/time: June 17 - October 1; Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.  
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Instructor: Volunteer docent
Location: Meet at the  Nevin Welcome Center

Guided Gorge Hikes Start June 17
Explore Cascadilla and Fall Creek Gorges with Cornell's knowledgeable Gorge Stewards, which run every Saturday and Sunday, June 17 through September 3. 
Have you wondered how the gorges throughout the Finger Lakes were formed? Do you want to know more about the natural and cultural history of the region? There are hidden waterfalls and millions of years of history to see and understand during hour-long hikes through Ithaca's most iconic settings. The hikes are moderately strenuous, including walking on uneven surfaces, inclines, and plenty of stairs. Tours will NOT run in inclement weather.

Fall Creek Gorge Hikes:  Saturdays and Sundays; 11:00 a.m. Meet at the information sign on University Avenue across from the Johnson Art Museum.

Cascadilla Gorge Hikes:  Saturdays and Sundays; 1:00 p.m. Meet at the information sign in Treman Triangle Park, off Linn Street in downtown Ithaca.

All tours are free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required.
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 of trails throughout the area.
Volunteer Opportunities
Staff Development Day - Ambassadors Needed
Wednesday, July 12, 9am - 4pm, Physical Sciences Building
Staff Development Day is a unique approach to workplace learning that gives all Cornell University employees the opportunity to invest in their personal and professional growth and well-being. Now in its 19th year, the day's events will center on various aspects of education exploration, professional development, wellness and community in the workplace. In years past, retirees have acted as "ambassadors" and enjoyed returning to campus and helping out. Volunteers are needed again this year. If interested in volunteering, please contact Deb Billups.

Opportunities include:
  • Greeters: Welcome staff to the event and provide directions to the workshops
  • Resume Critiquing and Mock Interview receptionist – helping staff sign-up and coordinate the flow of participants with the consultants (8:45 am – 12 pm  or  
    12 pm – 2 pm)

  • Evaluations/Door Prizes: Help staff fill out evaluations (which serve as door prize slips), draw door prizes, and manage the give-ways
The times to volunteer are:
  • 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
  • 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm


Cornell International Friendship Program

Cornell International Friendship Program (CIFP) needs the participation 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.

The problem is that there are fewer local individuals and families than there are international students and scholars that request to be matched. That’s why we’re letting you know about this wonderful program offered by Cornell. There is no cost to be in the program and no connection to Cornell is needed. 

For more informationcall 607-255-3815.

Heritage Ambassadors Training Offered by The History Center
The 2017 Heritage Ambassadors Pilot Training Program will start on Wednesday, June 21 and will run through 6 consecutive weeks through July 26 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Details include dates/time commitment. If you are interested in becoming a Heritage Ambassador, please contact Rod Howe, Executive Director of The History Center, 607-273-8284, ext. 222.
Wellness News
Healthy Living Summer Schedule

Healthy Living Program for the Summer

Sailing Lessons and Discounted Memberships
Sailing Lessons  Registration is required. You must be 16 yrs. or older to participate. For information contact Pat Crowley directly at the Sailing Center. 

Cornell Wellness is excited to announce the 2017 sailing lessons open to the entire Cornell community and discounted seasonal memberships. Each class will consist of three lessons held on consecutive days. A class will cost $110 per person. A small participant to instructor ratio of 4:1 will ensure a great experience. If you are looking to learn all about sailboat safety, getting a boat ready to sail, and controlling the sailboat in the water - this class is for you! Instruction will be given on 19-26' keel boats. Boats and PFDs (life preservers) are provided. You just bring yourself and wear comfortable weather appropriate clothing.  Note: classes must have 4 people minimum to run; maximum capacity 12. 
  • Class 6: June 28, 29, 30 (Wed-Fri) 3:00-5:30 p.m.
  • Class 7: July 5, 6, 7 (Wed-Fri) 3:00-5:30 p.m.
  • Class 8: July 12, 13, 14 (Wed-Fri) 3:00-5:30 p.m.
  • Class 9: July 19, 20, 21 (Wed-Fri) 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Community News
Volunteer Fair Downtown

Thursday, June 22, 10 am-12 pm

Lifelong, 119 West Court Street

Downtown Ithaca  Information

Partnering with the Tompkins County United Way site "Get Connected," Lifelong is launching a new volunteer program, designed to link seniors with volunteer opportunities throughout the county.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Are you looking to meet new people, make new friends, do something new, and don’t know where to turn?
Join Volunteers Connected at the Lifelong Volunteer Fair: 

  • Visit booths from Tompkins County non-profits who are looking for volunteers.
  • Talk directly with Volunteer Coordinators and Active Volunteers
  • Use our computers to visit the United Way website, Get Connect, to do your own search
  • Refreshments and Door Prizes 
Funding Available for Home Accessibility Modifications

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services has been awarded an Access to Home Grant thru the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation. These funds allow us to provide accessibility modifications for homeowners with disabilities and for those who are frail elderly and are encountering difficulties with activities of daily living due to aging. The program's aim is to provide 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.

The program serves low- and moderate-income homeowners and renters (landlords must agree to terms of funding) throughout Tompkins County. The program is also able to assist homeowners in mobile home parks.

Examples of modifications

  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Accessible showers with grab bars and seats
  • Comfort-height toilets
  • Easy-to-reach work and storage areas and other kitchen modifications
  • Widening doorways for walkers and wheelchairs
  • Remedying trip hazards  and installing door levers
  • Modifications for those with impaired hearing or sight
  • Locating a bathroom or bedroom from the 2nd to the 1st floor and more . . .

Please contact Patrick Mitchell or call 277-4500 ext. 216 for more information or to obtain an application.

Cornell Cooperative Extension
Cooperative Extension  puts a wealth of useful, research-based information at your finger tips! In addition to what you'll find on their website, they offer free or low-cost workshops on topics that range from how to start an organic garden to making a home spending plan. Explore their links, check out upcoming events, then give them a call or visit the CCE-Tompkins Education Center to learn more. Here is a sampling of upcoming classes. Please click on the titles below for descriptions, registration fees, and details.

Managing Disease on Tomato Plants
Thursday, June 22, 6:30-8:30pm
CCE-Tompkins, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca

Gardener’s Plastic Pot Swap AND Canning Jar Exchange
Friday, June 23-Monday, June 26, 9:00am-6:00pm

CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
 


Compost with Confidence Series: #1 “Getting Started”
Saturday, June 24, 12:30-1:30pm

Ithaca Community Gardens (meet at the ‘compost demonstration site’ sign on the railroad side of the gardens)


Fresh from the Garden: Homemade Jams
Tuesday, June 27, 6:30-8:30pm
CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY

Lifelong Walks in the Community
LIFELONG WALKS! Meet every other Wednesday at 1:15 PM in the Lifelong lounge at 119 West Court Street, Ithaca. Participants must be able to walk independently, 1 - 2 miles. Lifelong membership is required.


  • July 5 - Wayne Myer's Garden and Mill (Spencer)
  • July 19 - Calvary Baptist Church, 507 N. Albany St.
  • August 2 - Stewart Park with artist Christi Sobel
  • August 16 - Arboretum
  • August 30 - Game Farm
  • September 13 - Downtown Ithaca Mural Walk
  • September 27 - Sciencenter
  • October 11 - Beebe Lake
  • October 25  - Inlet and Marina

Please note: All participants in the walk program must be members of Lifelong. Member-ship forms are online, in the catalog, and at Lifelong. Contact Lifelong at 607-273-1511.

Fall Creek Neighborhood Garden Tour - Sunday, July 9
The 15th Annual Fall Creek Neighborhood Garden Tour will be held Sunday, July 9 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm, rain or shine. Visitors will not only see enticing, well-tended front yards but also the hidden delights of private backyards. Begin the free self-guided tour at Ithaca's Thompson Park at the corner of N. Cayuga and Cascadilla Creek where brochures with garden descriptions and maps will be provided. Local garden centers will be providing raffle prizes and part of the proceeds will be donated to local Youth Gardening Education. Hosted by Fall Creek Garden Club.
Cornell University | 607-255-0388 | hr.cornell.edu/retirees | [email protected]