This newsletter is brought to you by Human Resources.
|
|
We would love to have our retirees be more connected - both with campus and each other! We have had some suggestions made, including having an e-list where retirees can post announcements and/or a private Facebook page specific to retirees. Please let us know your thoughts by completing the poll below: |
|
|
Which would you most be interested in having as a communication tool?
|
|
|
|
Special Virtual Retiree Event! |
|
Where Are the Aliens?
Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 12:00–1:00 PM
While it seems a safe assumption that Earth is not the only place in the whole cosmos with life, the question of how common or rare it is, and how often it evolves into beings such as ourselves, are impossible to answer . . . for now.
Join Zoe Learner Ponterio from the Cornell Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility in this virtual webinar and play with some exercises in philosophy and basic math to explore how we would even answer such questions, breaking down the Fermi Paradox and using Fermi Problems to understand the Drake Equation.
|
|
Our Talented Retirees: Retiree Spotlight |
|
Retiree Spotlight is dedicated to sharing retiree experiences within our community. To share your story, email worklife@cornell.edu.
|
|
Michael Busch, "Female Icons of 1930's Hollywood" Gallery Night
Friday, March 4, 2022, 5:00-8:00 PM
Michael Busch, a Cornell retiree, graduated with departmental honors from the Art Department at SUNY College at Cortland where he studied painting with George Dugan and Steven Barbash. His last exhibition was in the late 1980s when he exhibited a series of large drawings (in the neighborhood of 5 feet square) dealing with figures, many larger than life-size, mainly in interior spaces and portraits in a photorealist manner. Previous painting exhibitions included still life (the famous lemon series) and the landscape. He is interested in the study of light and composition and in the “domestic tone” which runs through the work of figurative painters. After a long sabbatic, he is again producing art.
This exhibit of his mixed-media drawings (pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, and gouache, mainly) of iconic women of the films of the 1930s', will be displayed along with annotated information about each film star, along with images of some of his memorabilia.
You can find more of his work on his web page.
|
|
Jane Leclere Doyle Launches New Book - Yosef's Path
Jane L. Doyle moved to Ithaca with her husband Jeff in 1984 when he accepted a professorship in the Bailey Hortorium (which merged with Plant Biology in about 2000). Jane began working in the Bailey Hortorium in 1984 and published over 25 papers in Plant Molecular Biology in her 30+ years as a research technician. She retired from Cornell in 2015 and has published many literary works, the latest being a book called Yosef's Path.
Book synopsis: An old man in shackles, at the behest of fellow prisoners, recounts the story of a man who helped change the Modern Western World.
The path from adolescence to adulthood is difficult and long, requiring gentle or sometimes harsh guidance. Kobi, the youngest of six children, must negotiate that while adjusting to his father's new bride, and the upheaval she and her circumstances bring.
Join Kobi as he transitions into adulthood and reveals the story of a very influential man.
|
|
Cornell Wellness Programs |
|
Cornell Wellness recently announced some important updates and upcoming programs:
-
Recreation Facilities Update: Access to Rec facilities (fitness centers, pools, group fitness classes, gymnasiums) is now open to retirees, spouses, and partners with Wellness Recreation memberships. Please be aware that Cornell issued a New Mask Policy. Cloth masks are no longer acceptable types of masks. Acceptable types of masks are listed on the new mask policy page.
-
Wellness' Healthy Living Program: There are three new in-person classes that started Tuesday, February 15th. Classes will be in Helen Newman Hall Dance Studio and pool. An active Wellness/Recreation membership is needed to join in the fun, you can purchase a membership here. Additional virtual classes are held Monday-Friday via zoom, please contact Keri Johnson, program coordinator at kaj84@cornell.edu, to gain access to the program and zoom links.
-
4-Week Stretching & Mobility Series (Virtual): Tuesdays, March 1-March 22. Do you often feel stiff or sore and want to feel more limber? Register for this 4-week class if you are looking to learn more about stretching and increase your list of go-to movements to keep your body mobile and more comfortable. An active Wellness Recreation Membership is required to register for this class. No equipment is necessary for this class, but we will cover how to use objects around your house to aid your stretching. Register
-
You're Not Alone: Are you wanting to explore your relationship with alcohol? And, depending on what you discover, take steps towards actionable change? Beginning February 21, over a six-week period, you're invited to do just that with Cornell Wellness. Take this opportunity to explore and try out actionable steps towards creating a different relationship with alcohol. If you are not comfortable registering for this offering, you can still get great information over the six weeks on the Wellness web page. Register
Scholarships are also available for membership fees - the Toni McBride Wellness Scholarship offers need-based reduced fees and full scholarships to those who wish to purchase a 1-Year Wellness Recreation Membership.
|
|
Local & Virtual Activities |
|
Soup and Hope: Alan Mathios
Thursday, February 24, 2022, 12:00 PM
Alan Mathios is a Professor in the newly formed Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University. He came to Cornell in 1992 (from the Federal Trade Commission in DC) into what was then the Department of Consumer Economics in the College of Human Ecology. Over the many years at Cornell, he held a number of administrative positions culminating in his serving in the awesome role of Dean of the College of Human Ecology from 2008-2018. He also has been an active member of the Ithaca Community. Alan served on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County (CFTC) for six years (two of which he was the Chair of the Board) and currently serves on the Development Committee of the CFTC. He is also currently serving as a Trustee for Kendal of Ithaca. Alan is married to Mary, has two daughters (Michelle and Erin), and loves to hike (trying to complete the entire Finger Lakes Trail), read, listen to all types of music, and he ‘attempts’ to play the piano.
The title of his Soup & Hope talk is "Hope and Being in the Right Place at the Right Time." In this talk, Alan will share some of the key decisions that shaped his journey from life in a small family apartment in Queens to his role as Dean at Cornell.
|
|
Cornell Cooperative Extension Offerings
Cornell Cooperative Extension will help to usher in spring with some classes to prepare your home and garden! Check out these virtual offerings coming up in March:
-
Home Fruit Tree Pruning - Tuesday, March 1, 6:00-7:30 PM. Pruning your home fruit trees is key to robust disease resistances as well as vigorous fruit production. Join Agriculture Issue Leader and farmer Graham Savio as he shows you the best techniques for pruning pomme fruits (apples, pears) and stone fruits (apricots, plums, cherries, peaches). He will show you the basics of pruning each type of tree as well as general pruning tips and strategies for renovating old overgrown apples, which are common in our region. Register
-
Seed Starting - Tuesday, March 8, 6:00-7:30 PM. Grow everything from artichokes to zucchini from seed at home and save money while you get your garden started early. This class will cover techniques such as cold stratification and scarification as well as simple recipes for making your own potting and fertilizer mixes. We’ll talk about tools such as grow lights and heat mats and soil blocks. Instructor Chrys Gardener currently teaches online courses in Organic Gardening and Garden Design at Cornell's School of Integrated Plant Science. Register
The cost for either class is $0-$40/person self-determined sliding scale, pay what you can afford. Questions? Contact Maria Christian at (607) 272-2292 ext. 130.
|
|
What's Bugging You: Recognizing and avoiding woodpecker damage on your home
Friday, March 4, 2022, 12:00-12:30 PM
Each month, experts will share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. Discussions end with an IPM Minute and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems.
Recordings of past events can be found here.
|
|
The Cornell Concert Series Returns to Bailey Hall
On Sunday, March 8th, the concert season opens with a collaboration unlike any we have presented before. The Cornell Concert Series, in partnership with ONEcomposer, presents a celebration of our country’s legacy of Black women composers in a concert that combines the incredible talents of soprano Karen Slack, the Miró Quartet, and collaborative pianist Erika Switzer.
Then, on Friday, March 18th, the Irish supergroup Lúnasa will bring down the house just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
For tickets and full program listings, please visit the event web page.
|
|
Virtual Book Talk - Stories from an Ancient Land: Perspectives on Wa History and Culture
Thursday, March 17, 2022, 4:00 PM
The Wa people, who live between Burma and China, undercut many stereotypes about primitive mountain-folks. They are often labeled headhunters, but Magnus Fiskesjö’s new book, Stories from an Ancient Land: Perspectives on Wa History and Culture (Berghahn Books, 2021), confirms that taking head trophies is actually a recent borrowing from the Chinese army, where it was standard war practice, not a “primitive custom.” Also, the Wa were never isolated, but rather deeply integrated into the world economy for centuries—opium was a major export industry that helped sustain their independence until their ancient lands were annexed by Burma and China. Perhaps above all, the Wa people's fierce egalitarianism, their rejection of kings and hierarchies, as well as their deeply entrenched, armed autonomy based on their surprising wealth, pose a real challenge to the usual typologies of politics and economy.
|
|
Cornell Cinema Reopens
Cornell Cinema has reopened for in-person screenings in the historic Willard Straight Theatre where a wide range of films will be shown for the lowest ticket prices in town.
|
|
The Cornell Outing Club
The Cornell Outing Club(COC) is a community of outdoor lovers who strive to provide opportunities for all members of the Cornell and Ithaca community to enjoy and benefit from the outdoors. With over 100 members and an active E-board at the helm, COC brings its aims to life by leading trips of all types and for all skill levels!
Whether you're looking to learn a new activity, develop your skills, or looking to meet other people who share your passion for outdoor adventure, there's a place in the club for anyone and everyone. Their goal is to create opportunities for community members while recognizing and removing barriers to outdoor recreation.
If you are interested in learning more about this club you can contact them via email or visit their web page.
|
|
Love Living at Home Information Session
Tuesday, February 22, 2022, 4:00 PM
Are you 62+ and looking for a special community, or do you have an aging parent or friend? Learn how you can be part of a caring, connected, and ready-made community.
The session will cover:
- The Love Living at Home (LLH) mission
- Why it's important
- How to get help
- The benefits of staying engaged
- Volunteers provide LLH services
- How to get involved
|
|
Virtual Spousal Loss Support Group
March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2022, 12:00-1:30 PM
Join this 5-week group, facilitated by Laura Ward, LMFT, CT, offering men and women who have lost a spouse or partner the opportunity to process their loss in a supportive and confidential setting. Participants must commit to all 5 sessions.
Registration is required by February 25th. For more information contact the Bereavement staff via phone at (607) 272-0212 or email.
|
|
Cornell Caregiver Support and Education Network - Nutrition and Boosting your Immune System
Tuesday, February 22, 2022, 12:00-1:00 PM
Join Diane Bradac from Work Life, Kerry Howell, and Jeremy Stewart from Cornell Wellness for an active discussion on nutrition, health, and boosting your immune system with a facilitated question and answer session.
Please email Work/Life to get the zoom link for the meeting.
|
|
Volunteer & Employment Opportunities |
|
Beautification Brigade Volunteer Trainings
Tuesday, March 15, 7:00-8:15 PM or Wednesday, March 23, 7:00-8:15 PM
You’ve seen the flower-painted van around Ithaca, now’s your chance to join the Beautification Brigade and help keep Ithaca Gorgeous! Have fun while you meet others and learn gardening techniques, no experience is needed. The Beautification Brigade takes care of public flower plantings in Ithaca. The free, virtual training will be about an hour-long, with time for any questions at the end. You only need to attend one of the training sessions - the information will be the same on both dates.
Contact Janine Willis, Community Beautification Coordinator at beautification@cornell.edu or (607) 272-2292 ext. 123 with any questions
|
|
Now Hiring Boat Stewards for the 2022 Boating Season
If you like working outdoors, interacting with the public, and want to help protect New York’s waters from aquatic invasive species, be sure to check out the SLELO PRISM website for a listing of positions across New York State.
|
|
Parkinson Disease Research Project
Do you or someone you know have Parkinson disease? Physical therapists at Ithaca College are recruiting participants for a research project investigating the impact of exercise instruction using telehealth for people with idiopathic Parkinson disease.
Eligible participants will be provided exercise instruction over “Zoom” either individually or in a group with other people with Parkinson disease. The exercise sessions will last 1 hour and will be held 2 times per week for 8 weeks. Participants will receive small exercise equipment and a wrist-worn heart rate monitor to use while participating in the program and will be able to keep this equipment at the end of the study. Before the beginning of the 8-week program and at the end of the 8-week program all participants will come to Ithaca College for a testing session to examine coordination, walking, balance, and endurance. To be eligible to participate, individuals must have a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson disease, be able to walk safely without help, be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and have access to a computer or tablet that can be used with the Zoom platform. Those with medical conditions limiting the ability to exercise or significant cognitive impairment will not be eligible to participate in this study. This project is grant-funded by the Parkinson's Foundation and is approved by Ithaca College Institutional Review Board (#271).
If you would like more information about this program, please contact our research team at pdresearch@ithaca.edu or (607) 274-5824.
|
|
Miscellaneous Articles & Webinars |
|
|
|
|
|
|
