Hi PDLC colleagues,

As we move into the next phase of our PDLC year, I wanted to share a quick update and a look at what is ahead.

First, our formal Monday and Friday PDLC times are done for the semester. That doesn’t mean the support or opportunities to connect are done! I am happy to schedule one-on-one conversations, small-group meetings, or work times as you continue developing and putting your plans into action. Please reach out whenever a conversation or some dedicated work time would be helpful. We also have a great series of PDLC closing presentations ahead. These are an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate the work cohort members have developed, and see the many different ways program development is taking shape across CCE. Presentations are generally 10–15 minutes, with time for questions and conversation.

Upcoming PDLC Closing Presentations (from https://docs.google.com/document/d/10usRzVDvzbzJQDAPL2t0F9i3RO6TpLswgGgSuR-SZF0/edit?usp=sharing)

September 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM

·         Sarah Bentley-Garfinkel — Wellness Rx: Enhancing Whole-Person Health

·         Amanda Caughey — Beyond the Pavement: Supporting Community Engagement Through the Cornell Local Roads Program

September 23 | 12:00–1:00 PM

·         Dove Karn — Yoga in the Park

September 30 | 12:00–1:00 PM

·         Adam Bullock — Physical Education for Aging Adults

·         Amanda Cappadona — Nutrition Education and Container Gardening for Older Adults

October 2

·         Eric Antrim — Improving Field Crop Disease Monitoring and Education in Northern New York

October 7

·         Melanie Forstrom — TBD

October 21

·         Ainsley Rothschild — Nurturing Growth—Therapeutic Horticulture for Care Givers

November 10

·         Jo Quiocho — Hudson Valley Professional Needs Assessment

·         Heather Kase — TBD

I am looking forward to these presentations—not only as a chance to hear about the projects, but also to recognize how much thinking, experimenting, learning, and program development has happened across this cohort.

If you have not yet scheduled your closing presentation, there is still time. Please reach out to me at cjc17@cornell.edu so we can find a date that works.

Those who have completed the coursework and presentation will receive a certificate of completion and will be added to the PDLC alumni listserv. Others who found that this year wasn’t enough time to complete their project are welcome to continue making progress or participate in the next PDLC, scheduled for April 19–20, 2027.

Thank you for continuing to bring your ideas, questions, and experiences to PDLC. I’m looking forward to staying connected, learning from your presentations, and celebrating the work ahead.

Celeste