September & October Events from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County

Summer Sprouts
Wednesday, September 7, 10:00-11:00am
at 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 (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. Call or email to reserve a seat and an energy kit. Carole Fisher at (607) 272-2292 or crf11@cornell.edu.

Consumer Rights & Responsibilities in the Marketplace
Thursday, September 8, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
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 (607) 272-2292 or crf11@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 ams69@cornell.edu.

Senior Driving Retirement: It Isn’t The End
Tuesday September 13, 2:00-3:00pm
at Titus Towers Retirement Homes, 800 South Plain Street, Ithaca
Whether you are retiring from driving or just thinking about it, it is important to learn about all of the transportation programs and services available in Tompkins County. At this FREE workshop you’ll learn how you can retire from driving and still get to where you need to go, using transportation options such as TCAT, ADA Paratransit, Ithaca Carshare, CityVan, Fish, Gadabout and MORE!. Those who want to talk to a friend or family member about retiring from driving are also welcome! For more information, contact Ray Weaver at weaver@cornell.eduor (607) 272-2292. Co-sponsored by Lifelong and Way2Go transportation Education program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.

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. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County at (607) 272-2292 to reserve a seat, or contact Helen Ranck at 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 (607) 272-2292 x186 or 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 is “PROSPER, a community collaborative for building youth life skills and strengthening families”, with Kim Kopko, Sr Extension Associate, Parenting In Context Project Cornell University.For more information, call Nancy Potter at (607) 272-2292 x127 or emailnp20@cornell.edu.  Meets every 3rd Thursday.

Senior Driving Retirement: It Isn’t The End!
Thursday, September 15, 1:00-3:00pm
LIfeLong Learning Center, 119 West Court Street, Ithaca
Whether you are retiring from driving or just thinking about it, it is important to learn about all of the transportation programs and services available in Tompkins County. At this FREE workshop you’ll learn how you can retire from driving and still get to where you need to go, using transportation options such as TCAT, ADA Paratransit, Ithaca Carshare, CityVan, Fish, Gadabout and MORE!. Those who want to talk to a friend or family member about retiring from driving are also welcome! For more information, contact Ray Weaver at weaver@cornell.eduor (607) 272-2292. Co-sponsored by Lifelong and Way2Go transportation Education program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.

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 hkr24@cornell.edu.

Weatherize/Repair Your Older Windows
Wednesday, September 21, 7:00-9:00 pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
Learn simple methods to repair and weatherize older windows, that can help save money on your energy bills and increase comfort without the expense of replacement windows. Workshop covers replacing worn parting bead to tighten up your window; repairing sash cords on double hung windows with weights, re-glazing an older window, and energy efficient window treatments. Presented by Mark Pierce, Cornell Cooperative Extension Associate. FREE! Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County at (607) 272-2292 to reserve a space.

“Learn To Burn” Workshop
Friday, September 23, 6:00-8:00pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
As temperatures drop and fuel prices rise, many people are considering heating their homes with wood. This workshop will cover how to buy and dry firewood, best burn practices, proper maintenance of wood stoves, and an overview of the latest high-efficiency technology now available. $5/person, please pre-register by calling (607) 272-2292. For more information, contact Guillermo Metz at gm52@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 coverscomposting basics in addition to rotating topics.  This session also addresses how to compost indoors using a double bin system. Questions? Contact Adam Michaelides at (607) 272-2292 or erf59@cornell.edu

Introduction to Facebook & Zimride for Seniors
(2) Mondays, 9/26 AND 10/3, 2:00-4:00pm
at Lifelong Learning Center/computer lab, 119 West Court Street, Ithaca
In this FREE 2-session workshop, seniors will learn how to create a Facebook account for communicating with friends and family. It’s a web site for everyone; lots of parents and grandparents use it to communicate with children, grandchildren, and far-flung friends. Class will be divided into two sessions and instructor Ben Ortiz of Way2Go will have a camera on site to take photos for your Facebook page. You’ll also learn about Zimride Tompkins, the county’s rideshare matching website! Call Lifelong at 273-1511 to sign up! Co-sponsored by Lifelong and Way2Go transportation Education program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.

Getting Your Landscape Ready for Winter
Wednesday, September 28, 6:30-8:30 pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
This class will cover what can still be planted, when and what to cut back, when and how to mulch, how much to water, how to protect woodies from deer and rodents, and other seasonal tasks to prepare your landscape plants for winter’s challenges. Fee: $5. Pre-registration preferred. Please call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County at 607-272-2292, or email Patricia Curran at pc21@cornell.edu with questions.

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 EVENTS

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.

Harvest Dinner at Stick and Stone Farm
Sunday, October 2, 4:30pm reception, 5:30pm dinner
Stick and Stone Farm, 1605 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca 14850
Menu and wines from Red Newt Cellars Winery & Bistro. Visit Healthy Food for All for most recent updates. 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.

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 the Way2Go Transportation Education Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or email weaver@cornell.edu.

Secrets to Successful Canning and Freezing
Wednesday October 5, 7:00-08:30pm
at Groton Public Library, 112 E. Cortland St. Groton, NY 13073
Learn about home canning and freezing — the difference between boiling water bath and pressure canning, how to preserve foods safely, how to get the best results when you freeze food, etc. Presented by Carole Fisher, CCE Educator and Master Food Preserver of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. For more information, call Groton Public Library at (607) 898-5055.

Moving at the Speed of Green
Thursday, October 6, 12:00-1:00pm
at City Hall  Common Council Room-3rd Floor, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca
This FREE workshop at Ithaca City Hall is tailored to the needs of business owners and will focus on  how employers can provide helpful transportation benefits to their employees for little or no cost to themselves! Learn about CityVan, Zimride, TCAT, Ithaca CarShare and MORE!  For more information, contact Ray Weaver of Way2Go at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, (607) 272-2292 or email weaver@cornell.edu. Sponsored by Way2Go, a grant-funded program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.

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 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 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.

Fall Harvest Festival for Kids
Monday, October 10, 1:30-5:30pm
Former P&C Market, 212 Hancock Street, Ithaca
Spend the school holiday celebrating the Fall harvest. Children of all ages are invited to enjoy hands-on, harvest-themed activities such as pumpkin painting and more! See harvest foods being prepared and sample the results! FREE to the public. Contact Debbie Teeter at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 or dlt22@cornell.edu for more information.

Charitable Giving Update
Thursday, October 13, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
at 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 (607) 272-2292 or crf11@cornell.edu.

Scarecrow Jubilee & Pumpkin Jam
Saturday, October 15, 2:00-6:00 pm
at 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 (607) 272-2292 x186 or LAM26@cornell.edu.

Save Energy, Save Dollars
Tuesday, October 18, 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. Call or email to reserve a seat and an energy kit. Carole Fisher, (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 is the “2010 Youth Development Survey of Tompkins County” with Kris Bennett, Youth Services Department planner.  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.

African Violets for Everyone
Wednesday,  October 26, 6:30-8:30pm
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
African Violets are one of the few houseplants that flower well at home and are easy to grow. This workshop with Professor Tom Weiler will cover the range of varieties available, culture, propagation, grooming, repotting, insects/diseases, and sources for plants. Fee: $5/person, please call to pre-register!  Contact Patricia Curran at (607) 272-2292 or emailpc21@cornell.edu with questions.

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 coverscomposting 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 Adam Michaelides at acm1@cornell.edu or Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292.