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Join us at Winter Employee Celebration

Cornell Employee Celebration is for staff, faculty, retirees and their families. The event features athletics events, a Cornell community dinner, and additional activities. Saturday, February 16th Bowling at Helen Newman, 12:00pm – 6:00pm Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Yale, 3:00pm Cornell Community Dinner in the Ramin Room, Bartels Hall, 4 - 6:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Yale, 7:00 p.m.   Reserve your Winter Employee Celebration Tickets can be purchased weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Athletic Ticket Office in Bartels Hall, by calling 255-4247, or  through their online system .   We’re looking for volunteers to help at the dinner!   All employees, retirees, students, and their families or friends are invited to volunteer to work at the Employee Celebration Community Dinner. In return, each volunteer will receive a free ticket for the athletic games that day and a meal, plus an event t-shirt.  Shifts: Set up: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Serving: 3:15 - 6:30 p.m. Clean up: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.   Visit our website to complete the volunteer form and get more information about the event ( https://hr.cornell.edu/employee-celebration) Please choose your preferred shift to work – if you are available to work more than one shift click all that apply. If you have any questions please contact the Employee Celebration Team at empcelebration@cornell.edu.

Retiree Reflections

Retiree Reflections is dedicated to sharing retiree experiences within our community. To share your story, email worklife@cornell.edu . by Vivian Hsiao, retiree Nurse Practitioner, Cornell Health After providing health care to Cornell students, faculty, and staff for over 30 years, in 2017 I retired from my nurse practitioner position at Cornell Health (formerly Gannett Health Services). Having stepped away from a full time job, I still wanted to be involved in health care in some way, but not in a direct provider role. Also, I wanted to find a volunteer activity that would bring me in contact with new aspects of Ithaca and Tompkins County that I had not encountered during my time at Cornell.     Over the past several years, I had heard Cancer Resource Center (CRC) public service announcements on the radio, and I had been impressed by informative newspaper columns written by Bob Riter, former CRC Director. So, after I retired and considered doing some community work, it was logical to look into the CRC as a possible volunteer site.   Since starting at CRC in June, I’ve found that it is the ideal place for helping me to transition from the daily responsibilities of a full time job to the rewarding activities of a volunteer position. During my weekly CRC office shift, some of my functions include greeting and assisting clients and visitors both in person and over the phone, doing some filing and data entry, assembling printed materials, maintaining CRC’s boutique of free wigs and other supplies for survivors, assisting with fund-raising activities, and performing a range of other projects to support the staff in accomplishing the agency’s objectives.  Staff members have been wonderfully supportive and patient as they've taught me new office routines and responsibilities. I've been impressed by the high standards that CRC staff members and volunteers maintain as they provide one-on-one services to clients, both at the State Street office and at Cayuga Medical Center. They are consistently warm, caring, and understanding. In so many ways they demonstrate their commitment to seeing that "no one should face cancer alone." It has been most gratifying to have a place in this organization that does so much to help individuals and families who have been affected by cancer. Interested in volunteering with CRC? Keep reading, more details below!

Happening on Campus

Estate Planning Practicum Cornell Law School is pleased to announce the return of our Estate Planning Practicum in the Spring of 2019. As in the past, the course will assist those who do not have access to an estate planning attorney and will provide clients with a basic estate plan that includes a last will and testament, a living will, a health care proxy and power of attorney, all tailored according to the client’s wishes. Law students will prepare and finalize these documents under the supervision of attorneys who specialize in trusts and estates. Clients must meet income eligibility guidelines as this service is free of charge. The income limits are as follows:     Single - less than $25k annually, Family - less than $50k annually .  Clients should be aware that this service requires at least two visits to meet with students at the Law School (on the Ithaca campus). In addition, once chosen to participate, clients will be expected to sign a written commitment to follow through with appointments, giving at least 24 hour notice if an appointment will be missed.  Spots are limited so if you are interested and meet the income guidelines, please email Joey Gates at jdg43@cornell.edu and you will be placed on a list. Notification of client selection will begin in January of 2019.

Medicare Basics February 12, 2019, 12:00 - 1:00 pm 140 East Hill Office Building 395 Pine Tree Rd Ithaca, NY Medicare Basics is an introduction to the federally administered health insurance program that provides coverage to persons 65 and older, and persons under 65 who are disabled. Seniors, those caring for them, and anyone interested in the topic are welcome to attend. The presentation will cover the different ways you can receive your Medicare benefits, how Medicare works with other health insurance, and financial-assistance options that may be available to you. Information will also be provided on the free tax counseling services provided at Lifelong, Ithaca and Ulysses Philomathic Library in Trumansburg. Presented by Liza Burger, MSW, Coordinator, Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Registration required. Remote option available.

Aging in Place - Love Living at Home February 21, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00pm Weill Hall 237 Tower Road Ithaca, NY Love Living at Home (LLH) is a new nonprofit in Tompkins County to support older people who want to remain at home as long as possible. LLH follows a national model that seeks to improve access to services, increase socialization and civic engagement, and strengthen a sense of community among its participants. These virtual retirement Villages are a consumer driven strategy to support successful aging at home. Home is not a place on a map - it is a gateway to relationships and resources for older adults who desire to live in the homes and neighborhoods they love. Come find out more – Elena Flash will be discussing the ins and outs of this wonderful program.  Elena has 30 years of experience as an attorney for nonprofit, health care and long-term care organizations. She has worked with nonprofit organizations from formation to dissolution on corporate affairs, tax law, and regulatory and contract issues. Elena has extensive experience working with service providers in the long-term care industry. Registration required. Room number will be announced with registration confirmation.

Climate Change Solutions

by Michael P. Hoffmann Executive Director,  Cornell Institute for Climate Smart Solutions We have been seeing a lot in the news about climate change lately, from the fires in California caused to a large extent by the hotter and drier conditions, to the hurricanes that now come with record-breaking rainfall. The climate is changing and we are the cause. The science is solid and the evidence is all around us.   It can seem a bit overwhelming at times, and in reality, this isn’t too far from the truth but at Cornell there is a great deal of effort underway to address this grand challenge. These efforts focus on adapting to the new conditions as well as minimizing or mitigating our impact on the climate. There is a particular emphasis on climate change and agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences including improving soil health to hold carbon as well as moisture and nutrients, modeling to help predict what the future holds, breeding for crops that at more climate change resilient, and help us all communicate about this topic that can be difficult to talk about.   At the Cornell Institute for Climate Smart Solutions (CICSS) we, along with many partners, focus on helping farmers in New York and across the Northeast adapt to the new normal. This includes warmer temperatures, longer growing seasons, a 71% increase in heavy precipitation events, and more intermittent droughts. Agriculture is no longer business as usual. It is getting more challenging.   Solutions being developed include new climate smart farming decision tools. In 2016 we had a warm winter and then winter returned with cold temperatures that decimated the apple and cherry crop. Also, in 2016, we had a serious drought that took its toll on many farms across the state. To help with these and other new norms, there now exists a new climate smart tool that gives farmers a good prediction of frost risk to their fruit crops as well as a tool that predicts out 30 days, crop stress due to the lack of moisture and when irrigation will be needed. These early-warning systems have not been available in the past. What is also somewhat unique is that the tools are site specific (e.g., the location of the farm) and crop specific.   The most recent tool – climate change in your county – should be of interest to just about everyone in the Northeast because it depicts changes in temperatures, precipitation, and growing season length (of interest to gardeners) from the 1950’s to current times and also predicts how things will be changing out to the year 2100. It puts climate change in your backyard. It makes it very relevant to where you live.   Climate change is here to stay and will only intensify unless we make big changes and very soon. There are big solutions and there are things we can all do. It is time to start talking about it and taking action.

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Don't Get Ticked NY Saturday, January 26, 2:00-3:30 pm Tompkins County Public Library 101 East Green Street Ithaca, NY FREE! Come learn about the habitat, biology, identification, and control of tick species found in our area. Learn how to monitor your yard for high density tick populations and how to reduce their occurrence. We will also cover some of the basics about what to do if you find a tick on your body. All families will leave with a tick kit to carry on hikes and the like. Refreshments will be provided. Questions? Contact Jennie Cramer, Horticulture Program Manager, at jrc10@cornell.edu or call her at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 ext 146 .

2019 Master Composter Training Application Deadline: Monday, January 28th (10) Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30 pm, from February 7 – May 2, 2019 Tompkins County Cooperative Extension 615 Willow Ave Ithaca, NY Master Composters are an enthusiastic group of community volunteers who reduce waste by promoting responsible composting in Tompkins County. Training involves 20 hours of class time covering composting in depth, and 20 hours of volunteer time. After training, Master Composters give back to the community through a variety of outreach activities. The 2019 Master Composter volunteer training will be held each Thursday evening, 6:30 to 8:30pm from  February 7 to May 2, 2019  at Tompkins CountyCooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue in Ithaca. To accommodate school breaks and holidays, class will not be held on three (3) Thursdays during this time period: Feb 21, Mar 14and Apr 4. At the beginning of training, a $60 training deposit is collected. When a Master Composter completes their volunteer hours, the training deposit is returned in full thereby making Master Composter training FREE. More information, including the volunteer Job Description available online at  http://ccetompkins.org/mc Application deadline: Monday, January 28;  an   online application  is available. Contact Adam Michaelides at 607-272-2292 or  acm1@cornell.edu  to express interest or with any questions.

Radon Action Event Thursday, January 31, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm 615 Willow Avenue Ithaca, NY January is Radon Action Month! Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Though it is naturally occurring in rocks and soil it can accumulate in your home. Do you know how much Radon you have in your home and what the acceptable level is? Do you want to learn how to test your home? Come to a free half hour presentation and learn how to perform a home radon test. Then receive a FREE home radon test kit while supplies last. Please   pre-register online here , so we can contact you in case of last-minute cancellation; drop-ins welcome.  Can't attend the event but still have questions about Radon or home indoor air quality? Stop by our table at the Tompkins County Public Library between January 7th and January 18th or Call the Consumer Help Line at (607) 272-2292.

Scams Targeting Senior Citizens Thursday, February 14, 2019, 11:00 am-1:00 pm CCE-Tompkins Education Center 615 Willow Avenue Ithaca, NY FREE! Mike Danaher, New York State Assistant Attorney General, will discuss scams and frauds that may affect older adults, including how to recognize and protect yourself and others from becoming a victim. The free presentation starts at 11:00am and last about an hour.  Consumers may stay after the presentation and consult individually with Attorney Danaher about specific consumer issues that they have been unable to resolve locally. Plan to arrive by 12:30pm for a consultation; no advance registration is needed. For those who are unable to attend, the presentation will be taped and broadcast on Time-Warner public access channel 15 on Mondays during the month of March at 7am, 1pm, and 7pm.

January is National Mentoring Month - Make a REAL Difference in a Child’s Life! The Mentor-Student Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H seeks volunteer mentors to work one on one with middle school students who benefit from having a positive role model in their lives. This opportunity involves attending a 12-hour training, receiving ongoing support, and meeting with your student from 3:25-4:35 PM two times per week. This is a win/win experience for both student and mentor as you learn and grow with each other. Please contact Susie Kossack, Coordinator, at 607-275-6250 or mskossack@yahoo.com .

Community Events

Need to Declutter? Robin Schwartz, Ithaca based Professional Organizer and Declutter Coach, is starting a new five session workshop in late January in downtown Ithaca. The workshop “Controlling Clutter Before it Controls You: Learning to Edit Your Belongings for Amazing Peace of Mind” is designed to help you finally tackle your house or office piles easily, tranquilly, (and finally)!  The full description is at her website along with an online poll to help her determine a date/time for the first session, which will be between January 23 rd and the 30 th .

Montezuma Winter Events Are you looking for something fun and exciting to do this winter? The Montezuma Audubon Center’s programs are a great way to explore the winter wonderland with friends and family! Some upcoming events: Feb. 2, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.  Bird Banding with Dr. John Van Niel Feb. 2, Saturday, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Paint and Taste Feb. 9, Saturday, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.  Sweetheart Snowshoe & Bird Friendly Chocolate Tasting

Science on Tap January 30th, 2019, 7:00 pm Dr. Peter Wittich - Particle Physics Northstar House's Casita Del Polaris 1201 North Tioga Street Ithaca, NY Ever wondered how particle accelerators work, and what they have to do with astrophysics? Cornell physicist, Prof. Peter Wittich, will talk about the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and how CERN scientists are using the Higgs Boson to search for dark matter and other mysteries of the universe like extra dimensions. Designed to appeal to all audiences  "Science on Tap"  aims to connect the Ithaca community with Cornell researchers in an authentic seminar setting .  From astronomers to zoologists, come engage with scientists on topics surrounding the latest and greatest research going on in your community and how it relates to you. Open to all who are curious, any age, free admission!

Employee Assembly Update

by Hurf Sheldon, Retiree (2016), Computer Graphics & Employee Assembly Retiree Representative - hts1@cornell.edu Hi Retired Folks!  Peggy Andersen ( paa11@cornell.edu ) and I are retiree co-representatives to the Employee Assembly (EA) . Since June of 2016, retired staff have a voice in campus governance for the first time. We fill a single seat on the EA. This was arranged so that the work load stays light.  We have one vote, yet have two voices to bring a retiree perspective to conversations within the EA.  Some highlights: Retiree transportation needs, including parking, were addressed in the EA's support document to the Cornell Transportation Study that is under way now. The perspective of retired individuals has been incorporated in discussion with HR in various ways to help Cornell employees become better connected to benefit and education resources available. We, the EA retiree representatives, serve as members of the Cornell HR Retiree Engagement Advisory Committee (HRREAC). As a result, there is open communication between the staff and faculty retiree representatives, EA, Human Resources, and other departments represented. This committee's focus is on Cornell as a "retirement friendly campus" and we advise on issues related to the transitional experience, awareness of benefits, events/activities, and other specific issues commonly faced by retirees.  The EA Benefits & Policy Sub-committee is actively working with Human Resources Benefits and Work/Life to better understand the resources and support available and to consider ways of encouraging more retirement planning from the date of hire.   In June we will be seeking a replacement for one of us in order to stagger the two year terms in the EA position. This is an excellent way to see another side of Cornell and be involved in decisions that can make Cornell a better place and enhance the retirement experience.

Employment & Volunteer Opportunities

History Center Seeking Ambassadors The History Center in Tompkins County (THC) and Historic Ithaca (HI) partner for the third time to train Tompkins County Heritage Ambassadors. The Ambassadors support Ithaca Heritage events and the county's broader heritage network.   This six-week training program is a free, fun, and engaging opportunity for interested area residents. It introduces volunteers to Tompkins County's history and rich heritage. Past sessions have focused on the county's people, land, architecture, culture, enterprise, and more.   The next Heritage Ambassador training runs six consecutive Wednesdays, beginning February 27, 2019 and ending April 3, 2019. All meetings are held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at a downtown Ithaca location TBD. To participate in the Spring 2019 Heritage Ambassadors training, submit the electronic application at  bit.ly/registerHA2019 by Thursday, February 21, 2019.    For more information, contact Rod Howe at  director@thehistorycenter.net or Pat Longoria at  pat@historicithaca.org.

Cancer Resource Center Volunteers are the heart and soul of our agency. They are involved in supporting not only our clients, but the CRC staff too. We greatly appreciate the time and energy they give to our community.  Ride Provider Volunteers are needed to give occasional rides to medical appointments for clients who don’t have reliable transportation or are too weak to drive. They may also be requested to accompany the client into their doctor’s office to provide support during the appointment. Friendly Correspondent For people who are looking to volunteer in a meaningful way, but are very limited with their time, an option is to maintain regular correspondence with clients via letters/cards, phone calls or e-mails. Cancer Resource Center Office Volunteers staff our reception area during regular business hours. They answer phones, greet visitors, meet with clients, and do projects as needed. Cancer Support at Cayuga Medical Center Volunteers are a regular presence in the waiting room of Radiation Medicine and the chemotherapy suite. They greet patients as they arrive for appointments, talk with family members, serve coffee and treats, and sometimes accompany a patient during a consultation with the doctor. Apply online or call Sharon Kaplan at 607-277-0960.

Lifelong's Free Tax Program – Volunteers Needed Tax Preparers   - Lifelong’s Tax Preparers are a diverse, skilled and fun group of volunteers who enjoy the challenge and the camaraderie of being part of the program and of giving back to the community.  Preparers use materials provided by the IRS plus a week- long training session delivered by experienced volunteers to pass the on-line exam required by the IRS. Tax clinics are held at Lifelong Thursday/Friday/Saturday from late January until the tax deadline in April. Tax Preparers generally work one to two 4 ½ hour sessions per week.   Tax Greeters   - TCE Greeters are the first point of contact with the several hundred taxpayers who come to Lifelong for this free and valued service.  They welcome taxpayers at the Thursday/Friday/Saturday clinics, generally working one 4 ½ hours shift per week. Tax Greeters are also key to the clinics running smoothly as they respond to on-tax questions from taxpayers, monitor wait times and insuring taxpayers are matched with the right volunteer preparer for their particular return.  A minor amount of reading preparation from IRS supplied materials and passing a short certification exam is required. Interested??  Please contact Liza Burger or Mary Pat Dolan @ 273-1511

Paleontological Research Institution Be a part of natural history! Ithaca-based Museum of the Earth (and its parent the Paleontological Research Institution) provides vital research and programming on the history of life and Earth’s environment. Our audience includes everyone from young children to scientists. We are always in need of volunteers to help strengthen our content and expand our accessibility. You can help! Current opportunities include:   KDT Education Docent (Ongoing):   Our Museum Education Staff seeks volunteers to assist with our Kids Discover the Trail programming at the Museum of the Earth. Volunteers should have an interest in facilitating programs for first grade students visiting the Museum from throughout Tompkins County. Specialized knowledge of geology or paleontology is appreciated, but not required. Our staff will provide all necessary training for planned activities.   KDT Volunteers should be available on a weekday morning for an approximately 4 hour shift between 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. These programs will be offered to first grade students beginning early 2019. Training sessions will occur the second Wednesday of every month until programs begin, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.   Research Library Inventory Help (Through January 2019):   We seek assistance in compiling a list of volumes recently donated to PRI's Research Library. This will include, where possible, listing titles, authors and compiling a total number of volumes. Work will be done from photographs, and so can be completed remotely.   Those interested can contact  Patrick Branigan, Volunteer Coordinator , at  volunteer@priweb.org  or by telephone as listed below.

Free Science Workshop Volunteers Needed At the Free Science Workshop (FSW), we provide a supportive and interest-driven space for low-income, underserved, and minority youth and their families to explore their world through science and making. At FSW, youth discover the wonders of STEM through free engaging hands-on programming and mentorship.   We are currently seeking volunteers to help mentor and guide youth as they explore STEM-related fields at the workshop. Applicants should enjoy working with kids age 6 to 12, feel comfortable facilitating open-ended informal science exploration, and be able to make a weekly commitment to help us. Could you or someone you know be our next great mentor?  Our science workshop at 210 Hancock Street currently needs volunteers on Mondays from 3:00 – 6:00PM and Tuesdays from 3:00 – 5:00PM.   We would also be happy to discuss other ways to get involved, including guest scientist visits, administrative tasks or community building. Here is the link to the volunteer application: https://goo.gl/forms/ZBe8oGLahQ33RSJJ2

Cornell University | 607-255-0388 | hr.cornell.edu/retirees | cornellretirees@cornell.edu

CORNELL RETIREES