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!
Featured Retiree Event
October 15 - Retirees Rock Lynah Rink! Free for Retirees!
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Cost: Retirees are FREE ; $5/guest (limit 4) Ticket deadline is October 10!

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. – Pre-Game Party, Hall of Fame Room, Friends Hall (across the street from Lynah Rink)
  • Tickets must be reserved in advance and can be picked up at the pre-game party at 3pm.
  • Refreshments, special guests, and more!

5:00 p.m. – Puck drops at Lynah Rink

Tickets: Advance reservation and/or purchase required: online, in-person or by phone. Ticket deadline is October 10!

To reserve tickets, visit hr.cornell.edu/retireesrock

Free parking in Hoy Garage

Questions?
Contact Work/Life in Human Resources at 255-0388 or cornellretirees@cornell.edu.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Human Resources and the Department of Athletics and Physical Education.
FYI: Important Information
Endowed Mailing in October
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Endowed Retirees Heads Up!
 
Aetna will be sending information in mid-October about the 2018 health rates, plan changes and the open enrollment period.  The open enrollment period runs October 23-November 10, 2017 .
 
Important :  No action is needed if you wish to remain enrolled in your current Aetna health plan for 2018. If you have questions, please call Aetna’s Retiree Service Center at 1-800-338-4533
(TTY: 711) .
Identity Theft Protection
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Check out information on Cornell's Identity Theft page . 
 
Protect your personal identity and financial information by taking these steps:
 
1. Freeze your credit report to prevent attackers from obtaining credit histories and opening new lines of credit:   https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs
 
2. Create your online Social Security account -- regardless of your age or retirement eligibility -- to prevent attackers from doing so:   https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
   
If you already have an account, regularly review your statements and be alert for benefits activity you didn’t initiate.
 
3. If you aren’t already using Cornell’s Two-Step Login service, sign up and then choose the option to expand where you use it:  https://it.cornell.edu/twostep/get-started-two-step-login  
 
4. Be suspicious of ALL phone calls and emails that request personal information or threaten that you'll lose access to something if you don't log in or respond. If you think it might be real, look up the company's contact information and ask. For more tips to spot fraudulent emails, visit:   https://it.cornell.edu/spot-phish  
CRA Notes ...
CRA - A New Beginning

As you may remember, the Cornell Retirees Association (CRA) voted in May to reorganize as a "Steering Committee" which will work with Human Resources in planning and presenting programs and activities for Cornell Retirees. What a wonderful opportunity to develop new ideas and have new retirees participating! 

The Division of Human Resources is very supportive of retirees and CRA. They are working hard to find a path to building a more active organization. They want retirees to be involved and look forward to working with this new committee. 

I am grateful for 10 years of participating with CRA and look forward to seeing a new approach become a reality. I hope many of you will get involved in this “New Beginning,” and enjoy your future as a Cornell Retiree!

Thank you for your support in the past!

Jeanette Miller
CRA BBQ 2017 in Review

On September 14, nearly 90 Cornell retirees and guests attended the CRA BBQ named in honor of the late George Peter. We were happy to have one of George’s daughters in attendance.

Several rounds of Bingo were played with winners claiming Cornell books, note cards, and garden flags as prizes. A little rain thwarted the outdoor games that were planned, but it did little to dampen the spirits of those gathered. Everyone enjoyed delicious barbecued chicken and many stayed after lunch to engage in lively conversation.

Jeanette Miller, outgoing CRA President, was recognized for her dedicated service as a CRA Board Officer for the past ten years and received a bird book and membership renewal to the Lab of Ornithology.

Many thanks to Dominic Versage for calling Bingo, Bruce Rich for use of his sound system, retirees and HR staff who helped with set-up and clean-up. Special thanks to retirees for their many donations to the United Way Day of Caring…over 100 items were collected. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated! Thank you!
Campus Events & Activities
Cornell Fall Employee Celebration - Ticket Deadline Sept 29!
Saturday, October 7
1:30pm football game Cornell vs. Harvard
3:30 – 5:30pm meal in Barton Hall

Retirees and their families are invited to Cornell's Fall Employee Celebration.

TICKETS: Advance Tickets Required. Ticket deadline is September 29 . Your $5 ticket, which includes dinner and the football game, may be purchased at the Athletic Ticket Office in Bartels Hall (M-F 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or call 255-4247. You can receive a free ticket if you volunteer. See below for details!

CU COMMUNITY DINNER: Prepared by Cornell Catering, dinner will include bbq chicken and pasta with grilled vegetables and marinara sauce. Vegan and gluten-free option available.
ACCOMMODATIONS: To request accommodations to participate in this event, contact Cheryl McGraw at  crm54@cornell.edu .

PARKING: Free parking at Hoy Garage with Cornell University ID.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: All volunteers scheduled for set up (12:00 – 1:30pm), serving (1:15 – 3:30pm) or clean-up (4:30 – 5:30pm) will receive an Employee Celebration t-shirt and complimentary meal/game ticket for the day’s events. Please contact empcelebration@cornell.edu   to volunteer for this event. Volunteers signed up before September 18 will be entered in a special EARLY VOLUNTEER DRAWING with an opportunity to win local dining certificates, athletic tickets and much more!

SPONSORS: Division of Human Resources, Department of Athletics and Physical Education, Department of Infrastructure Properties and Planning, Cornell Catering, Cornell Cinema, Pepsico
Cornell Botanic Gardens - Shrub Tasting Event September 30
Shrub Tasting Event: Saturday, Sept. 30
New to the gift shop are a delicious selection of shrubs —syrups that combine fruit, sugar, and vinegar you can add to a refreshing non-alcoholic drink or cocktail. Come taste the Caramelized Apple Shrub from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. as a way to celebrate Finger Lakes Cider Week . All shrubs in the gift shop will be 20% off all weekend.
Fall is for planting at the Cornell Botanic Gardens

Plants for sale while they last!
From now through late fall, choose from a selection of chrysanthemums, grasses, and flowering perennials. After Thanksgiving, poinsettias will be available. 

Featured fall merchandise
The shelves are stocked with new additions for the season including silk screen printed hand towels by Ithaca's Planetarium Handcrafted Textiles as well as handcrafted Cornell Botanic Gardens mugs by Ithaca artist Julia Dean .

Fall is for planting sales
  • From now until the end of October, you wil receive 20% off all planting kits and seeds. 
  • From September 29 - October 1, receive 20% off all gardening tools.
2017 Fall Lecture Series Line-up
Lab of Ornithology Seminar - October 2
What : Monday Night Seminar
When: October 2, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Where : Cornell Lab of Ornithology auditorium, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca
Speaker : Noah Strycker, author, magazine editor, tour leader
Title : Birding Without Borders: An Epic World Big Year
Description:  In 2015, Noah Strycker of Oregon became the first person to see more than half of the planet’s bird species (6,000+) in a year-long birding trek to seven continents with only the pack on his back. Hear about this amazing adventure which included sightings of Adelie Penguins in Antarctica, a Harpy Eagle in Brazil, a Spoon-billed Sandpiper in Thailand, and a Green-breasted Pitta in Uganda. And let's not forget the blood-sucking leeches, floods, mudslides, and other "special" moments! His book about the adventure is due out on October 10.

Admission: Free
Contact : (800) 843-2473, cornellbirds@cornell.edu
Cornell Cinema - Free Screening - October 2
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

Filmmaker Visit and Free Screening: Mon Oct 2, 5:00pm, FREE.
Director Lorenzo Benitez ’19 introduces a free screening of  Six Months to Salvation . Seven volunteer English teachers from Australia gradually confront the colonial implications of their work in rural Thailand. 
Cornell Health Offers FREE Flu Shots to Retirees Starting October 5
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Getting vaccinated each year is one of the best ways to protect yourself – and others – against  seasonal influenza . Cornell Health, formerly Gannett Health Services, provides flu shots (both regular dose, and high dose for those age 65+) and FluMist nasal spray (when available). [ learn more about flu vaccines ]

Flu shots are provided free of charge to Cornell students, faculty, staff, and retirees!
Eligible community members (see above) may stop by any of our fall flu vaccine clinics. Most clinics do not require an appointment, but remember to bring your Cornell ID card.

Fall Flu Vaccine Clinics
Our first Fall 2017 clinics have just been scheduled. NOTE: We are in the process of confirming additional locations/dates. Please check back for our complete clinic schedule .
  • Thursday, October 5 (*no appointment required!*)
  • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Cornell Health, Level 1 Conference Room
CAPE Lecture on October 19
CAPE Fall Lecture Series – Thursday, October 19
Boyce Thompson Institute Auditorium
10:30-11:30am. Come any time after 10am for refreshments in the lobby!

Elaine Wethington, Human Development & Sociology
“New Research on Aging Lives: An Opportunity to Promote Social Change”

The field of gerontology has grown in importance along with the aging of world populations. Aging of populations has been accompanied by increasing good health reported by older adults, although there is an increase in chronic disease. Negative stereotypes about aging, however, continue to dominate social discourse about the impacts of population aging, and evidence has emerged that negative stereotypes have the potential to harm aging adults. Prof. Wethington will discuss research projects conducted in the Cornell Edward R. Roybal Center that are relevant to promoting a more positive view of aging, and getting the word out more broadly. 
Cornell Homecoming 2017 - October 20-21
Friday , 7pm, Fireworks/Laser Light Show
Saturday , noon to 3pm, Big Red Fan Festival
Saturday , 3pm, Cornell vs Brown Football 
And much more! Visit  homecoming.cornell.edu .  

Big Red Fan Festival, Crescent parking lot
Everyone is invited to celebrate Cornell's  Homecoming  and Big Red football with an assortment of free events geared toward all ages, including demonstrations from colleges and units, tailgate parties, rides, music, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Spend a Saturday in NYC on November 11
Sponsored by Cornell Recreation Connection
Additional trips are scheduled for Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Sign up early to ensure that these trips continue!
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
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 Program - Calendar of Events
A blending of social events and programs held throughout the year. Please register at links below.
  • Apple Orchards Tour, October 11, 12-1PM, Cornell Orchard Store 709 Dryden Rd
  • Register here
  • You come for the apples, cider, fresh produce and other goods. But did you know that Cornell Orchards is first and foremost a research and teaching site? It serves the Horticulture Section and other units in Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as well as local area schools. It’s where learning grows by research, teaching and outreach. Tour led by Eric Schatt Adult education lead for Cornell Orchards. Meet outside the orchard store, limited parking is available, additional park mobile parking across the street at the vet school. Limited to 40 people. Questions? Contact Keri Johnson (607) 255-3886.

  • Holiday Party, December 13, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, HNH Classroom
  • Register here
  • Bring a dish to pass and ring in the Holidays with a bit of cheer, food and friends! Cornell Wellness will provide the rest. Let’s get together one last time before the new Year. Questions? Contact Keri Johnson (607) 255-3886.

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. These classes are 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  kaj84@cornell.edu .
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
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.
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?
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
Happenings at The History Center in Tompkins County
HistoryForge Day: Connecting the Generations
Saturday, October 7, 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Program Schedule: Fall Creek/DeWitt Park, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM; Henry St. John, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Southside, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Three houses in three neighborhoods in Ithaca, NY (Fall Creek/DeWitt Park, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Henry St. John, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, and Southside, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM) are chosen to share information about who lived there in 1910. Docents will have a series of questions to engage participants about the lives of the residents. Where did the children attend school, where did the adults work, where did they go to church? If they settled here from another place where did they come from? You will also learn about the buildings in which they lived. From the 1910 census we will have information about relationships, age, race, country of emigration, occupation, literacy, employment and other attributes. You will also learn about the neighborhoods and what was happening in the 1910-1920 decade.  This event is sponsored by M&T Bank.
 
Please register here: https://goo.gl/5b4Uup . Further information and directions will be sent to registrants. Learn more about the HistoryForge project on our website: www.thehistorycenter.net . For questions, contact Ksenia Ionova by phone 607-273-8284 Ext. 227 or by e-mail at Community@TheHistoryCenter.net .

Other events at The History Center :
  • Talk "Town of Enfield: Schools as a Center of Our Community" with Sue Thompson
  • Tuesday, October 3, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (at The History Center)

  • First Friday Gallery Night: Artist Talk with Christine Nobles Heller and a Preview of the Opera "Pushed Aside"
  • Friday, October 6, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (The History Center)

  • Snyder Hill Farm Tour
  • Saturday, October 14, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Snyder Hill Farm
  • Near the Ithaca/Dryden town line east of East Hill Plaza
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.
Cornell Cooperative Extension October Events - Sign Up Now!
For workshop details, including cost/registration, visit: http://ccetompkins.org/events

AARP “Smart Driver” 2-Day Course
Monday & Tuesday October 30 & 31, 9:00 am-12:30 pm (both days required)
CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $20/AARP members, $25/non-members payable at the first class by check or money order, payable to AARP.

Way2Go, in partnership with AARP, offers the nationally recognized “Smart Driver” workshop . Participants must attend BOTH sessions and must bring their driver’s license and AARP card (if a member) to class. Course participants receive a three-year insurance discount for completing the course and can reduce up to four violation points on their driver’s license. Suitable for drivers of all ages. Questions? Contact: Norma Gutierrez, ng32@cornell.edu , (607) 272-2292 ext. 162 (Voicemail #248).

Other upcoming workshops include:
  • Harmful Algal Blooms, Saturday, September 30, 9 am - 12 pm
  • Green Buildings Open House, Saturday, September 30, 10 am - 4 pm
  • Treasure Hunt on the Reuse Trail, starts Sunday October 1 thru October 31
  • Native Plants for Pollinators, Wednesday, October 4, 5:30-6:30 pm
  • Seed Saving 101, Wednesday, October 4, 6:00-7:30 pm
  • Consumer's Rights & Responsibilities in the Marketplace, Thursday, October 12, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
  • Introduction to Permaculture Design, Thursday, October 12, 6:30-8:30 pm
  • Impacts of Invasive Plants on People and Wildlife, Wednesday, October 18, 6:30-8:00 pm
  • Winterizing Your Garden, Thursday, October 19, 5:30-6:30 pm
Special Invitation from Lifelong! Come and Celebrate with Us!
Saturday, October 14th from 2-4PM
119 West Court Street, Ithaca

Lifelong is having a party to celebrate its 65th year and you're invited!
  • Local favorite RADIO LONDON will be performing
  • Dancing
  • Light refreshments
  • Tours
  • Good company, good conversation, and FUN!
  • Official cake cutting ceremony will be at 3PM.
  • Free and open to the public – hope to see you there!
Lifelong Membership Drive - Join Now and Get a Free Class!
2017 Lifelong Membership Drive
Between now and the end of 2017, become a member of Lifelong and, in addition to our regular benefits, receive a voucher for:
  • 1 Free Activity Class
  • 1 Free $10 Lifelong Learning Class

If you're already a member, refer a friend. If they become a member, you'll get the same benefit! Thank you for your support! Call Lifelong at 273-1511, email lifelong@tclifelong.org or stop by our office at 119 West Court Street, Ithaca. The Fall catalog is now available online ! For more events and information, please visit online .

Medicare Basics Course at Lifelong
Open Enrollment is quickly approaching. A Medicare Basics course will be held at Lifelong with Sarah Jane Blake, Tompkins County Outreach Coordinator for NY Statewide Senior Action Council on Monday, 10/23/17 from 5:45-8:00pm (no charge) and Tuesday, 11/7/17 from 1:45-4:00pm (with Lifelong membership).

Open Enrollment Clinics at Lifelong
Free Medicare Clinics (first come, first served) will be held at Lifelong. It is helpful to bring along a list of prescriptions, your Medicare card or any other health insurance cards or information and documentation of monthly or annual income.

  • 10/17, 1:00-3:00
  • 10/24, 1:00-3:00
  • 10/31, 2:00-4:00
  • 11/8, 12:00-2:00
  • 11/15, 12:00-2:00
  • 11/28, 10:00-12:00
  • 12/5, 10:00-12:00
Planning for End of Life - October 28 Community Event
Talking about death won’t kill you - it can help you make informed decisions about end-of-life plans for yourself and others.   Many people die in ways inconsistent with their values and wishes. Planning ahead provides an opportunity to think about and communicate what you do and don’t want at the end of life. 

Join us—Saturday, October 28, 2:00-4:00 pm, The Space@Greenstar, 700 W. Buffalo Street, Ithaca (enter on Court St. at Fulton) —to develop the practical know-how needed to plan well for the end of life.

Staff from local organizations* can help you explore: 
  • advance directives: health care proxies & living wills
  • accessing palliative care
  • Alzheimer’s resources
  • hospice care
  • organ donation
  • funeral planning and how to control costs
  • green burial

The format is open, so you can drop by for a few minutes or stay for two hours.   Facebook Event Link
* The Art of Dying Well, Alzheimer’s Association, Cayuga Medical Center, Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Finger Lakes, Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, Hospicare, Human Services Coalition, Office for the Aging, Visiting Nurse Service  
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 ma937@cornell.edu."
Cornell University | 607-255-0388 | hr.cornell.edu/retirees | cornellretirees@cornell.edu