Educational Travelogue: Ireland

Friday, March 2^nd at 1:30 pm

Luck o' the Irish

To most of us, Ireland means Riverdance, Celtic knots, and pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. And yet, there’s much more to love about Ireland! Join local Irish dance instructor Sam Keator on Friday, March 2^nd at 1:30 pm at Cornell Estates Retirement & Assisted Living as he takes us on a tour of Ireland, its people, and its music.

One of the best ways to explore Ireland is through pictures and stories, and Keator has plenty of both to share with us. Through his presentation, we will experience Ireland through his eyes, from the busy cultural center of Dublin and into the Irish countryside. Along the way, Keator will share his own story of how he first discovered Irish dance over ten years ago, and how it changed the course of his life.

Concertina

Keator will end the tour of Ireland by playing a couple of songs on his concertina, which resembles an accordion. Developed in England and Germany in the 1830s, concertinas were extremely popular throughout Europe during the 19^th century, and Ireland was no exception. What better way to end a journey through Ireland than with some of its haunting music?

A resident of Tualatin, Keator attended his first Irish dance class in 1997. He was immediately hooked, and in January 2005, he passed a rigorous test to become a licensed Irish dance instructor himself! The owner of S and A Irish Entertainment, Sam teaches weekly classes in the Portland area as well as calling at local ceilis. He also hosts small Irish music concerts in his own music room and is an active member of the All-Ireland Cultural Society of Oregon.

This program is free and open to the public. Cornell Estates is located at 1005 NE 17^th Avenue, Hillsboro. For more information, please call Cornell Estates Retirement & Assisted Living at (503) 640-2884.

Today’s Tip: Indigo Rose Tomatoes

Hello and welcome, fellow gardeners!

We’re delighted to entertain and educate you each Friday as Arden shares garden tips learned over a lifetime as a master gardener.

This week, Arden answers listeners’ questions about the new Indigo Rose Tomato strain that was recently featured in a local Hillsboro newspaper. Arden admits that this will be his new plant to try in the garden this year, but not without a couple of reservations. For all he details, simply click the play button below!

Arden In The Garden - Opinion on the New Indigo Rose Tomatoes

Reflections on our Trip to Hillsboro Fire Station #1

Our trip to Hillsboro Fire Station #1 on January 19th was a huge success! We weren’t sure what to expect, as some of us had never been inside of a station before, but we left with so much information and some great memories.

Hillsboro firefighter describes the hose controls on the Engine

Not only did we get a full tour of the ins and outs of a fire truck, but we got to walk through what is truly the second home for our local firefighters. We started in the garage, where we learned everything there is to know about what their truck does and holds, and then squeezed into the elevator located by the old 1924 rig in the lobby.

From there, we walked through their on-sight gym, where we got to see a demo of some of the great equipment they have. Then it was on to their kitchen – big [and clean] enough to please any chef! The dining area and living room equipped with recliners prompted a few residents to ask when we’d be invited for dinner. Their response? Any time! AND they’d be happy to cook!

Our guide slides down the fire pole!

The last part of our adventure brought us back to the garage – but this time for something different that we’d all been waiting for.  We got our cameras ready as we counted down and before we knew it – our tour guide had zipped down the pole! A few of us missed it, so he ran back to the top and gave it another go.

Our guides were so welcoming, informative and fun! We got to know so much about their procedures, trainings, responsibilities and daily lives – all while laughing and having a great time. We knew we were in good hands before, but now we can feel even closer to our local heroes. We couldn’t thank them enough!

~ Melissa King, Community Events

A Town Hall with Abraham Lincoln

Wednesday, February 22^nd at 1:30 pm

Have you ever wanted to ask Abraham Lincoln a question? Or better yet, have a conversation with one of our most famous presidents? Well, here is your chance! Join Lincoln portrayer, Steve Holgate, on Wednesday, February 22^nd, at 1:30 pm for a town hall re-enactment at Cornell Estates Retirement & Assisted Living.

“A Town Hall with Abraham Lincoln,” is a one-of-a-kind chance to ask Abraham Lincoln questions about his time at the White House and the momentous decisions he made during the Civil War. Starting from his remarkable resemblance to Lincoln, Holgate will deliver a 25-minute opening at the town hall, centering on Lincoln’s presidency.

He will feature selections from Lincoln’s most famous speeches, including the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address, and will then open the floor to questions from his audience, who will take on the role of Civil War-era journalists

Abraham Lincoln was the United States’ 16^th president, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April of 1865. He successfully led his country through the American Civil War, thus preserving the Union while ending slavery, and promoting economic and financial modernization.

Reared in a poor family on the western frontier, Lincoln was mostly self-educated. He became a country lawyer, an Illinois state legislator, and a one-term member of the United States House of Representatives, but failed in two attempts to be elected to the United States Senate.

Holgate, an actor of forty years experience, has been a Lincoln presenter for twelve years, offering rare insights into the life of Abraham Lincoln, including his personal tragedies, as well as some of his favorite jokes, and even his poetry.

This program is free and open to the public. Cornell Estates is located at 1005 NE 17^th Avenue, Hillsboro. For more information, please call Cornell Estates Retirement & Assisted Living at (503) 640-2884.

Today’s Tip: When and How to Plant Fruit Trees

Hello and welcome, fellow gardeners!

We’re delighted to entertain and educate you each Friday as Arden shares garden tips learned over a lifetime as a master gardener.

This week, get a head start on your spring fruit tree planting with a few simple tips! Arden details the best time to plant fruit trees, what to look for when buying a tree, and how to plant them once you bring them home. To get started, simply click the play button below!

Arden In The Garden - When and How to Plant Fruit Trees

Educational Travelogue:

Australia & the Iron Ore Mines

Friday, February 17^th at 1:30 pm

To most of us, Australia means koalas, Crocodile Dundee, and the Sydney Opera House. Did you also know that the land down under is the second largest iron ore producer in the world? To find out more about this amazing land and its ore mining operations, join Ian Hannis on Friday, February 17^th, at 1:30 pm at Cornell Estates Retirement and Assisted Living. He will take us on a tour of Australia as well as describe his experiences working in the iron ore industry.

With Ian as our guide, we will explore the Australian continent, including its native population and distinctive wildlife. Our explorations will be centered around Sydney, on the eastern shore, and Perth on its western coast. Famous for its opera house, Sydney is a thriving city of arts, culture, and urbanization. On the opposite side of the continent, Perth is home to the country’s oldest operating mint, turning Australian gold into legal tender coins, tradable bars, and superb jewelry.

Ian will also describe his work experience in Australia, particularly in the iron ore industry. Before 1952, no one thought that Australia would ever become an iron ore industrial giant. In fact, there was so little iron ore in the country that exporting it outside Australia was not allowed. And yet, by the time Ian arrived in 1974, Australian iron ore was making big waves in international markets. Today, Australia is the second largest iron ore producer in the world, right behind China.

The last leg of the Australian adventure will include Ian’s stories of digging for opals at “Lightning Ridge” and the month-long camping trip he took in 1994. The camping trip will be especially interesting to our Cornell community, as it was during this trip that Ian met his wife Cindy Cosenzo, an inter-generational consultant who has been involved with Cornell for 3 ½ years.

Currently an instrument technician with Genentech here in Hillsboro, Ian is a native of England and has been involved in the high-tech industry for many years. He is also a well-known face at Cornell Estates.

This program is free and open to the public. Cornell Estates is located at 1005 NE 17^th Avenue, Hillsboro. For more information, please call (503) 640-2884.

Acoustic Amour: A Valentine’s Day Concert

Featuring Strings ‘n Things

National Fiddle Champion Carol Ann Wheeler

With John Standefer and Rob Hoffman

Tuesday, February 14^th at 1:30 pm

What is the difference between a fiddle and a violin, anyway? As it turns out, not much, except how music is played on it! Free and open to the public, Cornell Estates is proud to present a Valentine’s Day concert featuring fiddle champion Carol Ann Wheeler, with musical accompaniment by John Standefer and Rob Hoffman on Tuesday, February 14^th, at 1:30 pm. Enjoy listening to the vibrant and diverse styles of fiddle music at this unique performance.

The fiddle has a proud history strongly rooted in the folk traditions of North America, England, Scotland, Ireland and some African nations. Fiddle music is typically fast and energetic, as in the style of old-time music. One of the oldest forms of music, old time music has come to be called just that. Associated with the stories, history and customs of a people and passed on informally and formally through generations, old time music is brought to life by the fiddle.

Carol Ann Wheeler, former Ladies National Fiddle Champion, plays a variety of fiddle styles, including Irish, Scottish, Canadian, Texas, and Gypsy, as well as classical violin. She is proud to preserve America’s heritage of old-time fiddle music and has written numerous instructional books on the topic. Additionally, she has recorded old time fiddle music with the Mel Bay Company.

National finger-picking guitarist John Standefer adds the perfect accompaniment to the violin. John is the winner of the 2002 National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship at Winfield, Kansas and the Open Division winner of the 2004 International Home of the Legends Competition.

Finally, Rob Hoffman began music when he was quite young, playing clarinet. He had a desire to learn string instruments, so he took up the auto harp, folk harp, and with the addition of the Jew’s Harp he created what he fondly refers to as his “Harp Trilogy.” Loving the rhythmic side of music, he explored percussion instruments and various “gizmos and gadgets,” creating some of his own design along the way.

Between Carol Ann, John, and Ron, the trio has more than 140 years of musical experience. We would love for you to join us for this special Valentine’s Day treat!

This program is free and open to the public. Cornell Estates is located at 1005 NE 17^th Avenue, Hillsboro. For more information, please call Cornell Estates Retirement & Assisted Living at (503) 640-2884.

Today’s Tip: Pruning Fruit Trees

Hello and welcome, fellow gardeners!

We’re delighted to entertain and educate you each Friday as Arden shares garden tips learned over a lifetime as a master gardener.

This week, Arden heads out to the fruit trees to do some pre-spring pruning. Now is the best time to prune fruit trees, grapes, and fruit bushes, because there are no leaves and little sap. For step-by-step instructions on what to look for when pruning, click the play button below!

Arden In The Garden - Pruning Fruit Trees

The Portland Audubon Society presents:

The Birds of Jamaica

Friday, February 10^th at 1:30 pm

When you think of Jamaica, you probably imagine white sandy beaches, warm water, and hot tropical sunshine. But did you know that Jamaica is also home to a wide variety of birds? Escape the winter with the Portland Audubon Society on Friday, February 10^th, at 1:30 pm at Cornell Estates Retirement and Assisted living as they take us on a 10-day excursion into Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Our tropical excursion begins in Montego Bay, a popular resort destination where we team up with local guide Ricardo Miller. Under Miller’s guidance, we will visit a nearby bird sanctuary famous for providing visitors with up-close views of some of Jamaica’s most interesting birds.

From Negril, we team up with Dr. Ann Hayes-Sutton, who will give us a tour of Marshall’s Pen, her historic estate and home to Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo, the Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo and the Jamaican Owl, just to name a few. We will also head into the Blue Mountains in search of harder-to-spot birds, including the Blue Mountain Vireo.

Before heading home, our Oregon Audubon guide will pause on the northeast coast, giving us time to explore the beautiful Jamaican landscape through stories and pictures. And, of course, one last look at the many bird species that call Jamaica home!

The Audubon Society of Portland promotes the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats. They focus on the local community and the Pacific Northwest, offering a wide variety of trips, classes, camps, and other programming. Founded in the early 1900s, the organization’s mission is “to use any and all lawful means for the protection of the wild birds and animals for the State of Oregon and elsewhere.”

This program is free and open to the public. Cornell Estates is located at 1005 NE 17^th Avenue, Hillsboro. For more information, please call (503) 640-2884.

Free Concert!

Hillsboro to the MAX

with the Hillsboro Community Youth Choir

Saturday, February 4^th at 2:30 pm

Do you enjoy learning about the past? Then you’ll love Hillsboro to the Max, a production that sets history to music, making the stories of the past come alive right before your eyes! Cornell Estates is proud to invite you to this free musical concert on Saturday, February 4^th, at 2:30 pm at Cornell Estates Retirement and Assisted Living.

Hillsboro to the MAX is a celebration of Hillsboro’s rich history, set to song and dance. The show centers on Alexi and Emily, two sisters who are headed by MAX to their grandmother’s house in Hillsboro. But instead of arriving at the next stop, they arrive in 1843 Hillsboro!

In fact, each stop along the MAX line brings them to a different era in Hillsboro’s history, including 1876, 1908, 1943, 1955, and 1978 before arriving back in their own year of 2012. At each stop along the way, the girls explore Hillsboro’s history by talking with famous historical figures and through popular music of the era.

Written in collaboration with the Hillsboro Historical Society, Hillsboro to the MAX is funded by a Community Arts and Culture Grant from the Hillsboro Arts and Culture Council. Local playwright Linda Needham wrote the entertaining script, and Kay Demlow from the Hillsboro Historical Society is the costume consultant. The revue will also be performed on Sunday, February 5^th, at 3:00 pm at the Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro. Both performances are free and open to the public.

The Hillsboro Community Youth Choir (HCYC) is a non-profit choir committed to promoting excellence in choral music and is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth by instilling a life-long love of music through performance and education. The choir is open to any K-12 students in Washington County and performs several times a year, including Handel’s Messiah with the Portland Chamber Orchestra as well as its own concerts. Founded in 2003, the choir is now in its 7^th season.

This program is free and open to the public. Cornell Estates is located at 1005 NE 17^th Avenue, Hillsboro. For more information, please call (503) 640-2884.