Are You Committed To Climate Action? Join The Cornell Climate Stewards Volunteer Training Certificate Program To Become Roosevelt Island Climate Science, Adaption And Mitigation Leader - Expect Significant Jump In Extreme Weather Over Next 20 To 30 Years Warns New UN Report

As previously reported, Engaged Roosevelt Island was formed in 2019 with the help of a grant from Cornell Tech:

... to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island. Throughout the year there will be engagement events to foster collaboration with residents, community groups, schools, building managers, island businesses, RIOC, RIRA and elected officials toward a cleaner and healthier neighborhood....

Following up on their February 5,2020 Eco-Ambassador program,  Engaged Roosevelt Island announced today:

Hello Engaged Roosevelt Islanders!

We are excited to make you aware of a wonderful opportunity to continue the work of Engaged RI.

Become a Climate Steward!

As you know, the mission of Engaged Roosevelt Island is to foster environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island. You will remember that back in February of 2020, a number of you attended our event where we discussed ways that you could become an “Eco-Ambassador”  -  someone who is interested in hands-on work to further our mission. Becoming a Climate Steward is a wonderful way to do that. Sign up to become a Climate Steward!  Please see the details attached and below to see if this VERY INTENSIVE program is right for you and how you can participate.

Thanks so much.

The Engaged Roosevelt Island Team

Cornell Climate Stewards Training   

Thursday evenings from 6:00pm - 8:00pm via Zoom  

From September 9, 2021 – December 9, 2021 
(12 weeks – skipping November 11^th & 25^th)  

  

Registration is now open! Space is limited. There are 10 spots available. 

This opportunity will be extremely valuable to the Engaged Roosevelt Island Eco Ambassadors.   

   

Cornell Climate Stewards is a volunteer training certification program created to help local residents become climate science, adaptation and mitigation leaders for their community. It provides training on these subjects and more through Cornell Cooperative Extension to interested volunteers in New York. The 2021 training will be led by Cornell, CCE, CUCE-NYC, and Sea Grant staff from across NYS.   

   

The program equips local volunteers with effective communication techniques and strategies to work with local governments. To complete the certification process post training, the volunteers will assist in developing projects in their neighborhood to become more climate smart.    

 

For registration details, click HERE. 

Registration Deadline: Friday, August 27th, 2021 (or earlier if course becomes full).

Roosevelt Island Cornell Climate Stewards have a difficult, but essential, job ahead.

Already, the consequences have been stark: deadly heat waves, devastating floods, raging wildfires.

But that’s only the beginning, according to the report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body of scientists convened by the UN. https://t.co/1wYFtTxFPW pic.twitter.com/vd4f4ZcKg5

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 9, 2021

The new @IPCC_CH Report shows what we have known for a long time — greenhouse gases from human activity are unequivocally driving the climate crisis.

The race toward net zero carbon emissions cannot wait. Our reductions must be rapid, cross-sector, large-scale, and immediate. https://t.co/kj7bZ4u3tO

— NYClimate (@NYClimate) August 9, 2021

Here's the UN Climate Change report.

Learn more about Engaged Roosevelt Island

and click here to register for one of the 10 Cornell Climate Stewards spots.

Roosevelt Island Earth Love Day Saturday April 24 At Rivercross Lawn - You're Invited For Eco Friendly Activities And Education, Plogging, Composting, Pollinator Seeds & Gardening Plus Sustainable Giveaways

 Engaged Roosevelt Island reports:

Hello Engaged Roosevelt Island Neighbors,

Happy Earth Day! We wanted to be sure you are aware of RIOC’s #EarthLove Day this Saturday, April 24th from 10 AM – 1 PM. at the Meditation Lawn adjacent to the Meditation Steps (south of Rivercross/501 Main St.) on Roosevelt Island. 

Our own iDig2Learn will be hosting Plogging from 10am to Noon. Plogging originated in Sweden (Plocka och Jogga) and combines fresh air by getting neighbors outdoors to move either by jogging or walking to pick up litter. Limtied supply of reusable bags and gloves so please bring your own if you have them. (Coach Scot has been a terrific partner – and made the pilot program the success that it was. See the attached "thank you" flyer – what a wonderful event!)

There will also be a free book exchange, used battery drop off and the updated Green Map of free eco-friendly resources on Roosevelt Island.

Hope to see everyone there. Take care.

Here's more on Plogging

iDig2Learn Celebrating Roosevelt Island Nature Series Continues With Speaker Beatrice Ajaero, She's A Local Resident, Nigerian Restaurant Owner And RI Farmers Market Vendor - Free Virtual Talk, Our Impact On Earth & Each Other

Roosevelt Island resident and iDig2Learn Founder Christina Delfico reports on the latest Celebrating Roosevelt Island Nature event. According to Ms Delfico:

FREE Virtual Talk

Our Impact on Earth and Each Other 

Guest Speaker: Beatrice Ajaero, IBARI & Nneji 

10am - 11am​ ​Monday,​ ​February 22nd, 2021 Our daily choices play a huge role in the health of people and planet. 

Get inspired by Beatrice Ajaero as she shares practices she uses in business and life. 

RSVP “IMPACT” to: ​idig2learn@gmail.com Virtual talk GoToMeeting link to come. 

All ages welcome. 

10a-11a MON. FEB 22nd we welcome speaker Beatrice Ajaero of IBARI & Nneji for a free talk - Our Impact on Earth & Each Other. Get inspired by someone who walks the walk & consciously puts people & planet first. RSVP “IMPACT” to idig2learn@gmail.com for link. pic.twitter.com/HEZ15kHUVv

— iDig2Learn (@iDig2Learn) February 16, 2021

Beatrice Ajaero discussed her views on local sustainability practices in this Engaged RI video for 2020 Climate Week.

According to Ms Ajaero:

As a small business owner sometimes you forget that you make a lot of decisions during the day, but we work hard to see that every product we source and every partnership we kindle is geared towards making a positive impact for the environment for the people.

Ms Ajaero is Roosevelt Island resident and entrepreneur having recently opened a new Nigerian and West African take out restaurant in Astoria, Nneji, 

and sells her meals at the Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market too.

RSVP “IMPACT” to: ​idig2learn@gmail.com Virtual talk GoToMeeting link to come.

Warning, This Article Is Positive And Will Make You Feel Good - Green Wave Surging Over Roosevelt Island Last Year And More To Come, Stay Tuned

Roosevelt Island resident and iDig2Learn founder Christina Delfico reports

2020 Island Wins & More to Come!

Warning: This Article is Positive and Will Make You Feel Good

The numbers are in and they are impressive. Islanders are renown for caring for their neighbors and those efforts shined bright in 2020. Residents, Island groups, local leaders and small businesses came together last year and are still making masks and care packages, running a food pantry, giving new clothing and toys, and rallying to support our neighbors at Coler. 

What sometimes goes overlooked is the strong "green" wave surging through the island. And by green wave we mean efforts to sustain daily practices that are good for people and planet. These efforts include reducing litter, access to pollution-free transport like bicycles, upcycling and exchanging household goods, adding tidal energy turbines to the river, plantings that support butterflies and animals and spotlighting wins in the new "Green Corner" of RIOC's newsletter. 

Roosevelt Islanders stand united when it comes to keeping the island clean and healthy for all.
 

January often brings a look back so here are just a few from 2020, and as resident student Olivia S. said, "One thing I like about Roosevelt Island is how engaged the community is."

2020 Community Wins

• 6 Engaged RI community events held to foster environmental understanding & boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island.
• 1 garden renovation allowing more Octagon Residents to garden and grow food. 
• 23,000+ pounds of food scraps diverted from landfill and transformed into compost for island projects (150,000+ since 2015).
  
•  1 newly-created grassroots group, Haki Compost Collective, supporting compost initiatives, community connections and volunteering each Saturday at the Big Reuse Food Scrap Drop-Off from 9am - 2pm.
  
•  500+ plants distributed to islanders along with 200 pounds of locally processed compost for at-home Plant Therapy Kits to grow food.
  
• 2000+ used batteries collected for proper disposal through RIOC's battery tube program publically available at Public Safety on Main Street.
  
• 200+ island advocates spoke up to restore the NYC Compost Program to the budget when cut in March. By September it was back each Saturday!
  
• 75% more Christmas trees collected than last year and transported by Haki and Garden volunteers to Mulchfest in Queens.
  
• 180 pounds of Christmas tree sale trimmings collected for compost.
  
• 10+pounds weekly of finished compost given back since November.
  
• 20,000+ pounds of organic matter processed into compost at the garden.
  
• 50+ organized and attended a presentation for Climate Week 2020 featuring local resident's sharing sustainability tips and the Engaged RI efforts.
  

The Climate Week NYC 2020 presentation is an annual global event which had enhanced reach because it was virtual. Being part of it was a special honor for the island because it captured over a year of Engaged RI work that the community did when Cornell Tech received a grant to boost sustainability on Roosevelt Island. Not only did it feature Roosevelt Island youth and youth leaders but also spotlighted residents who are knowledgeable about composting, leaders who work at the Senior Center, and locals running small businesses.

Beatrice Ajaero, of IBARI & Nneji says, “As a small business owner sometimes you forget that you make a lot of decisions during the day, but we work hard to see that every product we source and every partnership we kindle is geared towards making a positive impact for the environment for the people.”

Be sure to watch the videos we created for Climate Week NYC 2020 to get inspired and view locals sharing tips on what you can do for a cleaner greener 2021. 

And the progress didn't stop in 2020. In addition to simple steps to reduce waste in the new year like for example, requesting no single-use utensils for Take-Out food, try participating in the following ways below…

• Declutter! Every Saturday in January and drop USED pens/markers for recycling during the Food Scrap Drop-Off hours 9 am - 2 pm  
• To connect or take action with Engaged RI click here 
• To volunteer with Haki Compost Collective email: info@hakicompost.org 

There’s still time to collect your USED pens/markers for recycling & drop SAT 9a-2p with our partners @TerraCycle #HakiCompost @RIOCny @Rooseveltisland https://t.co/XeDZB8AQeO pic.twitter.com/j2GqFxJGL7

— iDig2Learn (@iDig2Learn) January 22, 2021

Be sure to stay tuned for island Plogging efforts in 2021 and how you can be a part of this. 

And as local compost guru, Anthony Longo of GRIN says, “We're trying to keep everything locally, specifically anything that grows out of the earth we are trying to keep it here and use it again here to the benefit of the community.”

You're Invited To Engaged Roosevelt Island Virtual Zoom Event Monday July 27 - Meet Cornell Tech Student Summer Interns Working On Roosevelt Island Renewable Energy Opportunities

Engaged Roosevelt Island was formed last year to to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island. As previously reported:

... An Engaged Opportunity Grant from Cornell University's Office of Engagement Initiatives was awarded to Cornell Tech for a year of planning and learning with the community. The goal of this grant is to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island. Throughout the year there will be engagement events to foster collaboration with residents, community groups, schools, building managers, island businesses, RIOC, RIRA and elected officials toward a cleaner and healthier neighborhood....

Engaged Roosevelt Island invites you to their upcoming event.

Let’s Reconnect and Meet the Summer Interns

Please Save the Date Monday, July 27th 4:00 to 5:00 pm

RSVP at bit.ly/3ephLmN

or email Jane.Swanson@cornell.edu

Zoom link to be provided upon registration

Although unable to hold in-person events since March, thanks to three Cornell University summer interns, work continues towards the goals of Engaged Roosevelt Island: to foster environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island.

These three internships, supported through Cornell University’s Office of Engagement Initiatives, were awarded to Cornell University Cooperative Extension-NYC Programs (CUCE- NYC) in collaboration with Cornell Tech to carry out work that builds on the goals of Engaged Roosevelt Island. Please join us to meet the interns, learn about their work and ask any questions you may have.

According to Engaged Roosevelt Island:

What the interns are doing:

Working to make Roosevelt Island a Climate Smart Community: Camilla Bacolod is working under the supervision of a key staff member at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to complete and submit an application for Roosevelt Island to “mimic” and be compatible with New York State requirements and/or compliance on energy efficiency and sustainable practices.

Identifying Renewable Energy Use and Decarbonization Opportunities on Roosevelt Island: Stefan Engquist and Yosief Kidane are working under the supervision of Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council member, Chris Gassman, to explore and address one of the key questions surfaced by Engaged Roosevelt Island: what is the potential capacity to expand Roosevelt Island’s use of renewable energy? The interns are gathering information on current energy sources used by Roosevelt Islanders to identify opportunities for decarbonization including switching to renewable energy sources and identifying new place-specific options for renewable energy (e.g., tidal, geothermal power).

RSVP at bit.ly/3ephLmN or email Jane.Swanson@cornell.edu

More info about Engaged Roosevelt Island at their web site and sign up here to participate in ongoing efforts.

Wildlife Let Loose On Roosevelt Island - Did You See The Giraffe Snacking On Cherry Blossoms, Alligator Searching For Dinner And Frolicking East River Dolphins Too?

Roosevelt Island residents are accustomed to sharing our beautiful outdoor space and waterfront views with wildlife such as geese and other animals.

Roosevelt Island Geese and Joggers maintaining Social Distance yesterday at Southpoint Park pic.twitter.com/LRjGUDQhbo

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) April 8, 2020

But the social distancing being practiced because of the Coronavirus may have provided an opportunity for some never seen before wildlife to pay us a visit.

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) shares these photos from the Underwood Archive of animals let loose on Roosevelt Island.

A giraffe snacking on our Cherry Blossomos

(c) Sharon Ayalon 2020

an alligator looking for dinner

Read more »

Watch Roosevelt Island Kids Support And Explain Reasons For Plastic Bag Ban And Reusable Shopping Bag Giveway At Foodtown Supermarket

Roosevelt Island youth have contributed to local zero waste efforts by supporting the Plastic Shopping Bag Ban and explained reasons why during February 26 Reusable Shopping Bag Giveaway at Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket.

Watch the video



and you will be impressed and proud of these kids.

Watch Fascinating Video About The Natural World Of Roosevelt Island From 1609 To Present Day By Local Resident & Urban Naturalist Jack Burkhalter At Engage RI Environmental Understanding Meet Up - What Is Your Favorite Roosevelt Island Green Or Outdoor Space And Tree?

Engaged Roosevelt Island hosted a February 12 Meet Up for Environmental Understanding which included several wonderful presentations about Roosevelt Island's natural history, flora and fauna wildlife habitat as well as examples of residents:

... working together to create, restore and maintain natural habitats for all...

Local resident and urban naturalist Jack Burkhalter treated the Engage RI Meet Up audience to a fascinating presentation on the Natural World Of Roosevelt Island from 1609, (then called Minnahanonck Island - meaning Nice Island - by Lenape Native Americans) to the present day.

Engaged RI: Natural World

Watch video of this very informative presentation by Mr. Burkhalter on the Natural World of Roosevelt Island.

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Residents Working Together To Create, Protect, Restore, Maintain, Our Healthy Natural Habitats For All - It Takes Only One Person To Say I'm Going To Do Something

Roosevelt Island resident and iDig2Learn Founder Christina Delfico reports on the February 12:

Engaged RI: Nature Meet Up for Environmental Understanding continues the conversation with local islanders thanks to Cornell Tech's Opportunity Grant from Cornell University's Office of Engagement Initiatives for a year of planning to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island.

There were many wonderful presentations at the Engaged RI Meet Up on Roosevelt Island natural history, habitat and wildlife (Stay tuned for videos) as well as a presentation by Green Roosevelt Island Neighbors (GRIN) founder Anthony Longo who described:

Read more »

You're Invited To Engaged Roosevelt Island Nature Meet Up For Environmental Understanding Wednesday February 12 - Meet Local Naturalist And Discover Hidden Green Spaces On Roosevelt Island, Take The Survey Too

Engaged Roosevelt Island was formed last year:

... to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island. Throughout the year there will be engagement events to foster collaboration with residents, community groups, schools, building managers, island businesses, RIOC, RIRA and elected officials toward a cleaner and healthier neighborhood.

You're invited to attend the next Engage Roosevelt Island event tomorrow evening, February 12, to hear a presentation by local Roosevelt Island naturalist Jack Burkhalter.

Read more »

Engaged Roosevelt Island Hosting Eco-Ambassador Meet Up Wednesday February 5, You're Invited To Learn About RI Environmental Sustainability Efforts - Watch Video Of Earlier RI Community Sustainability Conversation

Engaged Roosevelt Island was formed last year:

... to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island. Throughout the year there will be engagement events to foster collaboration with residents, community groups, schools, building managers, island businesses, RIOC, RIRA and elected officials toward a cleaner and healthier neighborhood.

Engaged Roosevelt Island is hosting its third event Wednesday evening, February 5, from 6:30 - 7:30 PM at Good Shepherd Chapel (543 Main Street):

• with an Eco-Ambassadors Meet Up for sustainable planning, 
• review of survey results (take the survey here) and 
• to hear smart sorting tips from Sanitation Expert Sam Sepulveda. 

You're invited to attend.

Breaking News! Sanitation expert Sem Sepulveda kicks off the next free Engaged Roosevelt Island Meetup 2/5 6:30p w/ tips to help residents sort smart - now that’s 2020 Vision #earthlove #zerowaste @RIOCny @Rooseveltisland @cornell_tech https://t.co/c3dP7icop3

— iDig2Learn (@iDig2Learn) January 31, 2020

Read more »

You're Invited To Engaged Roosevelt Island Hot Chocolate Community Conversation on Local Sustainability Practices And Zero Waste At The Sanctuary Event Space December 11 - Also, Grow NYC New Host Of RI Food Scrap Drop Off Next To Saturday Farmers Market

Engaged Roosevelt Island is hosting a free Hot Chocolate conversation

for residents to discuss local sustainability practices at The Sanctuary event space

on December 11. You're invited.

According to Roosevelt Island resident and iDig2Learn founder Christina Delfico:

Engaged Roosevelt Island - FREE 12/11 Hot Chocolate & Conversations 4:30p-7p

Cornell Tech received a grant that spearheads a year of community planning to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island - which basically means designing a healthy and beautiful neighborhood that is kind to us and the earth. Whether you attended or missed the Engaged RI kick-off event on Zero Waste at the Tata Innovation Center last month please Save the Date and stop by The Sanctuary next week to continue the conversation - Wed., 12/11 from 4:30p - 7p for free Hot Chocolate and to share your ideas and to learn more. Short presentations will happen throughout the event.

This is a Zero Waste event so please bring your own mug (extras will be on hand as well).

We are excited that RIOC, RIRA and the Cornell Cooperative Extension NYC are on board, and local groups like Open Doors, Roosevelt Island Library, the Senior Center, the Garden Club, GRIN, Girl Scouts and many other groups, local buildings and businesses and islanders are already working to keep the neighborhood clean and green, so please join the conversation.

Ms Delfico adds:

Schedule Change Notification

Roosevelt Island Food Scrap Drop-off

Starting on Saturday, December 7th, the new hours of operation for the Roosevelt Island Food Scrap Drop-off will be on:

Saturdays, from 9:00 AM-1:30 PM.

Starting on Saturday, December 7th, this site will be operated by our partner organization, GrowNYC. For more information about GrowNYC Compost Programs, please visit grownyc.org/compost.

We are truly grateful for the outstanding efforts that members of the Roosevelt Island community have made to live more sustainably and help rebuild NYC’s soil. To find more drop-off locations near you and other ways to compost your food scraps, please visit nyc.gov/dropfoodscraps.

Reminder @Rooseveltisland Food Scrap Drop Off Sked hours Change -9am-1:30p starting next week SAT 12/7 - same location next 2 farmers market. Food scraps are not garbage🌱 #earthlove #zerowaste #compost @RIOCny @BigReuse @GrowNYC @NYCzerowaste @NYCSanitation pic.twitter.com/DjPhIXxwnc

— iDig2Learn (@iDig2Learn) November 30, 2019

Engaged Roosevelt Island Grant From Cornell Tech, Watch First Program Of Getting To Zero Waste In Your Daily Life Workshop Presentation - Promoting Environmental Understanding And Boost Sustainable Practices

On November 14 Cornell Tech hosted the first of a year long series of programming to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island in front of a packed room of over 100 people.

Happening Now! @cornell_tech @CornellCUCE_NYC received a an Engaged grant to kick-off a year of environmental understanding & sustainable practices on @Rooseveltisland with tonight’s Zero Waste Talk featuring Noonan & Nicole Grossberg. #zerowaste pic.twitter.com/s2oQED5cAG

— iDig2Learn (@iDig2Learn) November 15, 2019

According to Engaged RI:

An Engaged Opportunity Grant from Cornell University's Office of Engagement Initiatives was awarded to Cornell Tech for a year of planning and learning with the community. The goal of this grant is to promote environmental understanding and boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island. Throughout the year there will be engagement events to foster collaboration with residents, community groups, schools, building managers, island businesses, RIOC, RIRA and elected officials toward a cleaner and healthier neighborhood.

The first program supported by this grant was a well attended workshop on Nov. 14, 2019 presented by ZeroWaste NYC Workshop Series. All enjoyed the gracious space and hosting by leaders from the Cornell Tech Campus at the beautiful Tata Innovation Center. In order to foster innovative thinking and community connections, entrepreneurs Grounded Upcycling and Farm to People were also present alongside RI activists from iDig2Learn, The Market and the Good podcast and others... 

The November 14 workshop featured Zero Waste NYC founders Sandra Noonan and Nicole Grossberg sharing their zero waste, low impact lifestyle to spur a conversation among Roosevelt Island residents of what more can be done to boost sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island:

No matter what level of sustainability you practice, or if you are just getting started, you can live cleaner and healthier by learning how to avoid single use plastic, cut down on food waste, and shop smarter in NYC.

Prior to the workshop, iDig2Learn's Christina Delfico described the upcoming Roosevelt Island environmental sustainability efforts and Zero Waste NYC's Sandra Noonan and Nicole Grossberg suggested 2 ways to practice zero waste in your daily life - composting food scraps and finding substitute household items to replace single use plastic packaging.



During the presentation, the audience was asked if anyone composts and the answer, captured in this photo by Green Roosevelt Island Neighbors (GRIN) Founder Anthony Longo, was more than half raised their hands saying they do compost.

Image From Anthony Longo

Ms Delfico reports:

It was a great Engaged Roosevelt Island kick-off thanks to the Cornell Tech grant. And learning about Zero Waste can be daunting but if you ride the subway or use the library you are already reducing pollution and reusing resources.

 This workshop is the first of many events in the year ahead to engage community and university to foster environmental understanding and sustainable practices on Roosevelt Island. Simply put we can be kind to the earth and our bodies and keep us and our land, air, water free of toxins if we just know the impact of our choices.

Image From Waste NYC Workshop

Please fill in the initial Take Action survey & check out the new website. To learn more, hear about events, or sign up to be an eco-ambassador, visit the Engaged Roosevelt Island launching website.

Consider some of the lifestyle substitutions suggestions

Image From Roosevelt Island Zero Waste NYC Presentation

recommended by the Roosevelt Island Zero Waste NYC workshop (see video below for more details)

Images From Roosevelt Island Zero Waste NYC Presentation

and review the Roosevelt Island Green Map.

Image From Roosevelt Island Zero Waste NYC Presentation

Here's the full November 14 Roosevelt Island Zero Waste NYC presentation beginning with an introduction by Cornell Tech Assistant Director of Community and Government Relations Jane Swanson and Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Assistant VP of Capital Planning and Projects Jonna Carmona-Graf describing RIOC's environmental and sustainability practices



followed by the Zero Waste NYC presentation



and Q&A period.



More info on Engage RI available at their web site and it's Take Action Page.

UPDATE 11/20 - Ms Delfico adds:

Thanks to

• Julia Ferguson Roosevelt Island Garden Club (RIGC)
• Chris Gassman for Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA)
• Michelle Edwards Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
• Jane Swanson and Samar Sabie Cornell Tech
• Jennifer Tiffany of Cornell Cooperative Extension NYC

for helping to organize the event.