Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension Calendar of Events

September

Summer Sprouts
Wednesday, September 7, 10:00-11:00am
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Rt. 89 at Cass Park, Ithaca
Experience the wonders of gardening through stories and hands-on gardening projects, on Wednesdays from June 15 to September 14. Especially for young children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Each session includes a story, hands-on activity, and gardening in the Growing Gardens. FREE and open to the public; donations welcome. For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 x186 or email: lam26@cornell.edu.

Save Energy, Save Dollars
Wednesday, September 7, 6:30-8:30pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
Learn low-cost and no-cost ways to reduce home energy use and programs to help you afford home energy-efficiency improvements at this FREE workshop. Each participating household receives a free Energy-Savers kit worth $15 that includes weather-stripping, shrink window cover, outlet and light switch insulators, and more. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a seat and an energy kit, contact Carole Fisher at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or crf11@cornell.edu.

Consumer Rights & Responsibilities in the Marketplace
Thursday, September 8, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca
A NY State Attorney General’s Office representative will make a brief presentation, then consult with individuals on unresolved consumer problems until 1:00 pm. Free and open to the public. No appointment is needed. Presentations are taped and broadcast on Cable Access Channel 15 on Mondays at 7:00 am, 1:00  pm & 7:00 pm. For more information, contact Carole Fisher at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 orcrf11@cornell.edu.

Parents Apart- (2) Monday workshops
(2) Mondays, Sept. 12 & 19, 6:00-9:00 pm
Confidential location; TBA before 1st session
Parents Apart is a six-hour workshop for parents who want to learn how to help their child(ren) cope during their separation and divorce. The workshop is taught by therapists and attorneys and focuses on how children react emotionally to their parents’ divorce and/or separation, and what parents can do to help them adjust.  Registration is confidential and parents of the same child(ren) are placed in different workshops.  Fee: $50; reduced rates available.. For information, to pay by credit card, to request a reduced fee, or to discuss concerns about safety or other special circumstances, please call Anna Steinkraus at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 ext 145 or email ams69@cornell.edu.

Making Ends Meet
Tuesday September 13, 6:00-8:00 PM
at TCA Supportive Housing, 309 South Corn Street, Ithaca, NY
This FREE workshop will cover how to set financial goals, track spending, get the most for your money and ways to reduce energy bills. All participants will receive a free assortment of money management tools. Class size is limited; advance registration is required. To reserve a seat, contact Helen Ranck at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or email hkr24@cornell.edu for more information.

Summer Sprouts
Wednesday, September 14, 10:00-11:00am
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Rt. 89 at Cass Park, Ithaca
Experience the wonders of gardening through stories and hands-on gardening projects, on Wednesdays from June 15 to September 14. Especially for young children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Each session includes a story, hands-on activity, and gardening in the Growing Gardens. FREE and open to the public; donations welcome. For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 x186 or email: lam26@cornell.edu.

Coalition for Families
Thursday, September 15, 8:15-9:30 am
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
8:15-networking, tea/coffee, 8:30-intros & announcements; dialog begins at 8:45. Topic to be determined.  For more information, call Nancy Potter at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 x127 or email np20@cornell.edu.  Meets every 3rd Thursday.

Senior Driving Retirement
Thursday, September 15, 1:00-3:00pm
LIfeLong Learning Center, 119 West Court Street, Ithaca
Way2Go will host a FREE workshop at Lifelong Learning Center about Senior Driving Retirement. This workshop will explore options for alternative forms of transportation in Tompkins County, and how you can retire from driving and still get to where you need to go. This workshop is also for those who want to talk to a friend or family member about retiring from driving. Learn all about TCAT, ADA Paratransit, Ithaca Carshare, CityVan, Fish, Gadabout and MORE!  For more information, contact Ray Weaver of Way2Go at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or weaver@cornell.edu.

Harvest Dinner at Autumn’s Harvest Farm
Sunday, September 17, 4:30pm reception, 5:30pm dinner
Autumn’s Harvest Farm, 5374 McDuffie Town Road, Romulus, New York 14541
Chef Samantha Izzo of Simply Red Bistro at Sheldrake Point Vineyards and La Tourelle Resort and Spa will prepare a gourmet  dinner sourced and served at Autumn’s Harvest Farm in Romulus. Wines to accompany each course, from Hosmer Winery. Proceeds benefit “Healthy Food for All“, a collaboration between CCE-Tompkins and local farms to provide CSA scholarship shares for 125 families with limited incomes in our community. Tickets are $75-$150/person all inclusive, and may be purchased online or by check.  Visit:http://www.healthyfoodforall.org/ for more information or call Liz Karabinakis at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292.

Exploring Credit & Debt Management Issues
Tuesday September 20, 1:00-3:00pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
This FREE workshop covers ways to establish good credit, strategies for prioritizing debt, understanding your credit report and common pitfalls to avoid. All participants receive a free assortment of money management tools. Advance registration required. Contact Helen Ranck at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or emailhkr24@cornell.edu.

Compost with Confidence: Stealth Composting/ Indoor Bin System
Saturday, September 24, 10:00-11:00am
at the Compost Demonstration site, Ithaca Community Gardens at the entrance to the Ithaca Farmers’ Market
Master Composter volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County provide information & hands-on demonstrations on how to set-up and manage a successful composting system. Each class covers composting basics in addition to rotating topics.  This session also addresses how to compost indoors using a double bin system. Questions? Contact Liz Falk at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 orerf59@cornell.edu

First Peoples’ Festival
Friday-Saturday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 10:30 am-6:00 pm
DeWitt Park, Cayuga @ Buffalo Streets, Ithaca
Held in conjunction with Ithaca’s Apple Harvest Festival, this event celebrates the indigenous peoples of New York State with traditional music, crafts, displays & foods. Features displays by many Native American organizations and groups.  FREE.  For more information, contact Audrey Cooper at (607) 272-2292 or ajc39@cornell.edu.  Co-sponsored by the Multicultural Resource Center, American Indian Program at Cornell University, Cornell University, Ithaca College, Tompkins Cortland Community College and Wells College, and hosted by Dewitt Park and the City of Ithaca. This event is made possible with grant support from the Community Arts Partnership.

October

2011 GREEN BUILDINGS OPEN HOUSE
Saturday & Sunday, October 1-2, 10am-4pm
Various locations in Tompkins & surrounding counties
More than 30 homes and businesses that use renewable energy and/or eco-friendly building practices will be open to the public for self-guided tours during this two-day event. Homeowners and/or builders will be on hand to discuss their work and answer questions about solar energy, wind power, geothermal, solar hot water, straw bale construction, timber framing, non-toxic finishes, local and reclaimed materials, and more. The event is free, but we are collecting donations at the sites. Visit http://ccetompkins.org/gb-open-house for details on specific sites and which day they’re open.  For more information, contact Guillermo Metz at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 or gm52@cornell.edu.

AARP Driver Safety Program
Monday AND Tuesday, October 3 & 4, 9:00am-12:30pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
Way2Go, in partnership with AARP, will be hosting a Driver Safety Program meeting on 2 consecutive mornings. This program is designed with drivers aged 50+. AARP’s Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom refresher course, and could result in points be deducted from your license and a discount on car insurance! Fee: $12 for AARP Members; $14 for non-members.  For more information, contact Ray Weaver of Way2Go at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or email weaver@cornell.edu.

Parents Apart
Saturday, October 8, 9:00am-4:00pm
Confidential location; TBA before 1st session
Parents Apart is a six-hour workshop for parents who want to learn how to help their child(ren) cope during their separation and divorce. The workshop is taught by therapists and attorneys and focuses on how children react emotionally to their parents’ divorce and/or separation, and what parents can do to help them adjust.  Registration is confidential and parents of the same child(ren) are placed in different workshops.  Fee: $50; reduced rates available.. For information, to pay by credit card, to request a reduced fee, or to discuss concerns about safety or other special circumstances, please call Anna Steinkraus at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 ext 145 or email ams69@cornell.edu.

Finger Lakes Cheese Trail Open House
Saturday-Sunday, October 8 & 9, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Various locations
Visit artisanal cheese producers and sample their products on this day-long open house.  Many varieties are now being made, from cow, sheep & goat milk. Find addresses and directions at http://ccetompkins.org/cheesetrail or visit Finger Lakes Cheese Trail on Facebook.  For more information, call Monika Roth at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or email mr55@cornell.edu.

Charitable Giving Update
Thursday, October 13, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca
A NY State Attorney General’s Office representative will make a brief presentation, then consult with individuals on unresolved consumer problems until 1:00 pm. Free and open to the public. No appointment is needed. Presentations are taped and broadcast on Cable Access Channel 15 on Mondays at 7:00 am, 1:00  pm & 7:00 pm. For more information, contact Carole Fisher at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 orcrf11@cornell.edu.

Scarecrow Jubilee & Pumpkin Jam
Saturday, October 15, 2:00-6:00 pm
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Cass Park site, Rt. 89, Ithaca
Celebrate everything autumn at the Children’s Garden.  Scarecrow-making, pumpkin carving, live music, hands-on activities and harvest fun.  Great for all ages.  FEE: $10/family, suggested donation.  For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 x186 or LAM26@cornell.edu.

Save Energy, Save Dollars
Wednesday, October 19, 1:00-3:00pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
Learn low-cost and no-cost ways to reduce home energy use and programs to help you afford home energy-efficiency improvements at this FREE workshop. Each participating household receives a free Energy-Savers kit worth $15 that includes weather-stripping, shrink window cover, outlet and light switch insulators, and more. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a seat and an energy kit, contact Carole Fisher at (607) 272-2292 or crf11@cornell.edu.

Coalition for Families
Thursday, October 20, 8:15-9:30 am
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
8:15-networking, tea/coffee, 8:30-intros & announcements; dialog begins at 8:45. Topic to be determined.  For more information, call Nancy Potter at (607) 272-2292 x127 or emailnp20@cornell.edu.  Meets every 3rd Thursday.

Exploring Credit & Debt Management Issues
Thursday October 20, 6:00-8:00pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
This FREE workshop covers ways to establish good credit, strategies for prioritizing debt, understanding your credit report and common pitfalls to avoid. All participants receive a free assortment of money management tools. Advance registration required. Contact Helen Ranck at  (607) 272-2292 or hkr24@cornell.edu.

Save Energy, Save Dollars
Thursday, October 27, 6:30-8:30pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
Learn low-cost and no-cost ways to reduce home energy use and programs to help you afford home energy-efficiency improvements at this FREE workshop. Each participating household receives a free Energy-Savers kit worth $15 that includes weather-stripping, shrink window cover, outlet and light switch insulators, and more. Pre-registration is required. Call or email to reserve a seat and an energy kit. Carole Fisher, (607) 272-2292 or crf11@cornell.edu.

Compost with Confidence: Winter Composting
Saturday, October 29, 10:00-11:00am
at the Compost Demonstration site, Ithaca Community Gardens at the entrance to the Ithaca Farmers’ Market
Master Composter volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County provide information & hands-on demonstrations on how to set-up and manage a successful composting system. Each class covers composting basics in addition to rotating topics.  This session also addresses how to extend the composting season into the cold months and preparations needed to successfully compost over the winter. Questions? Contact Liz Falk at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or erf59@cornell.edu