Upcoming Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension Events

APRIL
Landscape Gardening Basics
Wednesday April 27, 7:00 -8:30pm
Trumansburg Middle School, Room 118, 100 Whig Street

Learn how to assess your site before you start planting, because our mantra should be “the right plant for the site.” Instructor Pat Curran, Horticulture Program Educator of CCE-Tompkins,  will discuss soil preparation, planting techniques, and how to minimize pruning. We will talk about trees and shrubs for specific site conditions and lower-maintenance perennials. You can have a look at the website here to get help with grooming and maintenance. There will be time for your questions, too.To learn more, or to sign up, please  visit the Trumansburg Community Education Program at http://www.tburg.k12.ny.us/commed/ for course description and the registration form.  For questions about the class or its content, please email Pat at pc21@cornell.edu.

Youth Salad Gardeners Program
Thursday April 28, 3:30 -4:30pm
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Rt. 89 at Cass Park, Ithaca

Get your hands dirty this spring at the Ithaca Children’s Garden.  The Salad Farmers Program is currently enrolling youth ages 4-12 for the spring program running on Thursdays April 28 – June 9, 3:30-4:30pm.  Design, plant, and tend your own salad garden plot full of lettuce, greens, carrots, radishes, beets and more. Learn new gardening skills, play games, and throw a salad party for family and friends.  No gardening experience necessary. Taking care of your lawn is also as important as the rest as suggested by Drake’s 7 Dees. The program takes place at the Ithaca Children’s Garden, southern end of Cass Park, Route 89 in Ithaca.Fee: $40; siblings receive a $5 discount.  For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo at (607) 272-2292 x186 or ithacachildrensgarden@cornell.edu

Understanding Natural Gas Development on Your Property
Thursday April 28, 7:00-9:00pm
Dryden VFW Post 8158, 2272 Dryden Rd. /NYS Route 13, Dryden 13053

The outlook for widespread natural gas development in New York is still unclear as policy makers and other stakeholders continue to debate the risks and benefits.  But much of upstate New York contains significant natural gas reserves that will continue to attract the gas industry. Therefore, rural landowners will still be faced with complicated decision regarding drilling and related activities such as pipelines, compressor stations, water storage and access roads. Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering the presentation to update landowners on the current status of gas development and to highlight key recommendations for those who choose to lease.Presentation by Ken Smith of CCE-Chenango, Sharon Anderson of CCE-Tompkins, and a panel including attorney Randy Marcus and others.  For more information, contact: Sharon Anderson at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 or ska2@cornell.edu.

MAY
11th Annual 4-H Rubber Duck Race & 5K Run
Sunday May 1, 10:00am-4:00pm
at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY

Come watch 3400 bright yellow rubber ducks tumble over Cascadilla Falls then bob down the creek in a frantic and fabulous race to the 4-H Education Center on Willow Avenue. (Ducks Drop at 2 pm into Cascadilla Falls, at Cascadilla Gorge Park, University Avenue & Linn Street.) A 5K foot race starts at CCE-Tompkins at 10:00am. Great prizes are given for both the 4-H Duck Race and 5K. Duck chances are $5/duck or a flock of 5 for $20. 5K pre-registration is $10 (first 50 registered receive a t-shirt) and $20 on the day of the race. Print an entry form from our website and mail it in. Proceeds benefit 4-H youth programs in Tompkins County. To volunteer, or with questions, contact Megan Tifft at (607) 272-2292 or met38@cornell.edu.

Compost Fair
Sunday May 1, 12:00-4:00pm
at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY

Celebrate spring’s arrival by stopping in the Compost Fair to see and experience ALL aspects of composting. There will be food, music, interactive displays, activities for kids and continuous tours of our composting demonstration site. Learn about the various ways to compost and have your questions answered by Master Composters – just in time for spring clean up and gardening! Prize drawings will be held at 3:30pm for all attendees.  The Fair will be held in conjunction with the 4-H Rubber Duck Race & 5K Run so there will be lots of displays and fun activities for children of all ages.  Admission is free and open to the public.

Parents Apart- (2) Monday workshops
(2) Mondays, May 2 & 9, 6:00-9:00 pm
Confidential location; TBA before 1st session

If divorce is your choice then without any second thought you can consult family law attorney serving Glen Burnie to help you legally.Parents Apart is a six-hour workshop for parents who want to learn how to help their child(ren) cope during their separation,  divorce and while obtaining custody with a lawyer . The workshop is taught by therapists, 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.  For domestic violence against men, they can get them from here! 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.

POSNC: Parents of Special Needs Children
May 2, 5:30-7:30pm
Groton Elementary School (cafeteria), 516 Elm Street, Groton

Meet other parents, make connections, share information and learn about resources at the next POSNC Support Group Meeting in Groton. Guest speaker clinical psychologist Dr. Jed Weitzen, Ph.D. (www.cayugacomp.com) will  join us to talk about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Bring your questions! Free meal and childcare available. Please call Elizabeth Wolff at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 or email ebw52@cornell.edu to let us know if you will join us for the meal, and to reserve a spot for childcare (space is limited!). Sponsored by CCE-Tompkins’ Groton’s Families! program with funding from NYS Children & Family Trust Fund. The Robert S. Smith Award provided start up funds for POSNC, in collaboration with Tompkins Community Action and CCE-Tompkins.

Volunteer Work Days at ICG
Tuesday, May 4, 5:00-6:30p
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Rt. 89 at Cass Park, Ithaca

Help maintain the Children’s Garden at its Cass Park site.  For all ages. For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo, Garden Manager at (607) 272-2292 x186, or lam26@cornell.edu.

Dividing Daylilies & Other Perennials
Wednesday, May 4, 6:00-8:00 pm
at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY

Spring is the best time to divide many perennials. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to divide daylilies, Siberian iris, Hosta, Bearded Iris, and Phlox, among others. Come prepared to work!  Rain or shine (indoors if wet).  Limited to 15 participants; prepayment required. Pre-registration recommended; call Pat Curran at (607) 272-2292.  Fee:  $5/person.

Parenting Teens & ‘Tweens Workshop: “Listen to me! I am talking to you!”
Saturday May 7, 10:00am-12:00pm
at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY

This workshop will help parents learn and practice basic communication skills to assist in talking with their teens and ‘tweens, while helping their adolescents learn how to effectively communicate with others.  Facilitated by Heather Sanford, M.P.A., Binghamton University. $15/workshop. Register for all 3 “Parenting Teens” workshops at a discounted rate.  Partial payment as ability allows is accepted! No one will be turned away! Contact Heather Sanford at hsanfor1@binghamton.edu or call (607) 272-2292 to register.

Free Guided Tree Walk
Saturday, May 7, 2:15-4:15 pm
EcoVillage, Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca

Join Akiva Silver, tree lore raconteur extraordinaire of Primitive Pursuits, and kindle your own passion and appreciation for the world of trees. Learn the edible, medicinal and utilitarian uses of trees, then this is the walk for you. Come dressed for the weather. Intended for adults, and children with supervision.  FREE!  Donations appreciated.  Please pre-register by calling Primitive Pursuits at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 so we may reach you in case of changes. Note: park near Song Common House.

Volunteer Work Days at ICG
Tuesday, May 10, 5:00-6:30pm
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Rt. 89 at Cass Park, Ithaca

Help maintain the Children’s Garden at its Cass Park site.  For all ages. For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo, Garden Manager at (607) 272-2292 x186, or lam26@cornell.edu.

Consumer Issues: Home Improvement Scams
Thursday, May 12, 11:00am-1:00pm
at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 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.

Exploring Credit & Debt Management Issues
Thursday, May 12, 6:00-8:00pm
at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 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.

Spring Garden Fair & Plant Sale
Saturday, May 14, 9:00am -1:00pm
NEW THIS YEAR- at NYS Armory, 1765 Hanshaw Road off Rt. 13, Ithaca

Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers and other garden groups offer perennials, specialty plants and gardening advice. You will find organically grown vegetable transplants and heirloom varieties.  A huge variety of annuals, herbs and many specialty perennials are offered by over 40 area growers. Flowering shrubs, trees, hardy roses and fruit crops round out the selection.  Free soil pH testing is available and educational exhibits and information are offered.  Kids can join the Ithaca Children’s Garden for a fun hands-on activity.  Bring baskets, wagons, and other containers for transporting plants.  For more information, call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 .

10th Annual Primitive Pursuits Day
Saturday May 14, 10:00am-4:00pm
4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Road, Ithaca

Enjoy old time music by local bands while wilderness skills instructors from across Central New York offer hands-on activities and workshops for kids and adults. Learn about tracking, herbs, arrow making, forest lore, matchless fire making and more!  Guided walks throughout the day. Music by Steve Selin & friends, and by Joe Chicone & The Rose Bud Ramblers. Free; suggested donation of $5-$10/individual and $15-$30 per family. For information contact, Dave Hall at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292  or email dh67@cornell.edu.

Volunteer Work Days at ICG
Tuesday, May 17, 5:00-6:30pm
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Rt. 89 at Cass Park, Ithaca

Help maintain the Children’s Garden at its Cass Park site.  For all ages. For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo, Garden Manager at (607) 272-2292 x186, or lam26@cornell.edu.

Coalition for Families
Thursday, May 19, 8:15-9:30 am
at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 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 email np20@cornell.edu.  Meets every 3rd Thursday.

4-H Kritter Kamp
Friday May 20 – Saturday May 21
4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Road, Ithaca

This overnight program is designed for youth 9-to-13 years of age who have an interest in learning about farm animals (dairy, beef, sheep, goats, rabbits) but who have little or no experience with them.  Youth will participate in a variety of learning experiences to discover facts about animal behavior and care, breeds, anatomy, the importance of agriculture and farm animals in our community and general safety with animals. They will be provided an animal and the equipment needed for the care and preparation of their animal for the show at the end of the program. The overnight program will end with a show and pizza party Saturday evening. $50; some scholarships are available.  Register by April 30th.  For more information, contact Sherron Brown at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 or scb42@cornell.edu

4-H Forestry Exploration: Wildflower & Fern Walk
Saturday May 21, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Road, Ithaca

This session of the FREE 6 week 4-H Forestry Exploration program will focus on types of ferns native to our area, and how to identify wildflowers. Youth will be introduced to nature journaling and sketching. Program takes place outdoors, so dress for the weather!  Participants may attend one or all of the sessions in this series.  Please preregister by calling Sherron Brown at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 or email scb42@cornell.edu.

POSNC: Parents of Special Needs Children
Monday May 23, 5:30-7:30pm
Groton Elementary School (cafeteria), 516 Elm Street, Groton

Meet other parents, make connections, share information and learn about resources at the next POSNC Support Group Meeting in Groton. Michelle Cole, South Central  Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS,  will join us to talk about Parent to Parent (www.parenttoparent.org) as well as online resources and social networking for parents of special needs children.  She will walk parents through how to set up a Facebook page, while setting up a page for the POSNC group!  Free meal and childcare available. Please call Elizabeth Wolff at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 or email ebw52@cornell.edu to let us know if you will join us for the meal, and to reserve a spot for childcare (space is limited!). Sponsored by CCE-Tompkins’ Groton’s Families! program with funding from NYS Children & Family Trust Fund. The Robert S. Smith Award provided start up funds for POSNC, in collaboration with Tompkins Community Action and CCE-Tompkins.

Save Energy, Save Dollars
Tuesday, May 24, 10:30am-12:30pm
at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 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 Carole Fisher at (607) 272-2292 or email crf11@cornell.edu to reserve a seat and an energy kit.

Volunteer Work Days at ICG
Tuesday, May 24, 5:00-6:30pm
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Rt. 89 at Cass Park, Ithaca

Help maintain the Children’s Garden at its Cass Park site.  For all ages. For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo, Garden Manager at (607) 272-2292 x186, or lam26@cornell.edu.

Finger Lakes Cheese Trail Open House
Saturday, May 28, 10:00 am-5:00 pm

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.

Volunteer Work Days at ICG
Tuesday, May 31, 5:00-6:30pm
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Rt. 89 at Cass Park, Ithaca

Help maintain the Children’s Garden at its Cass Park site.  For all ages. For more information, contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo, Garden Manager at (607) 272-2292 x186, or lam26@cornell.edu.