Observatory viewing nights

Free public viewing nights are held every clear Friday night by the Cornell Astronomical Society at the Fuertes Observatory on North Campus. Upcoming viewings are Aug. 13 and 20, 8 p.m.-midnight. Call 607-255-3557 to find out if the observatory will be open on a given night. Information: http://www.astro.cornell.edu/research/projects/CAS/.

Youth writing workshop

Award-winning authors Anne Mazer ("The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes" series) and Ellen Potter (the "Olivia Kidney" series) present a workshop based on their book "Spilling Ink: A Handbook for Young Writers," Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-noon, Johnson Museum. For aspiring authors ages 9-14, the workshop will include such topics as finding, recognizing and sorting through ideas, grabbing readers' attention, creating suspense and diving into a story. Bring writing implements and a notebook or paper. Free and open to the public, but space is limited: first come, first served. Information: http://museum.cornell.edu/.

Contemporary Middle Eastern and Central Asian art

This special exhibition, "Tarjama/Translation," starting Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Johnson Museum, features contemporary artists from the Middle East, Central Asia and their diasporas whose works use a variety of media and artistic strategies. The exhibition examines different ways artists engage with people, objects, images and ideas traveling across geographic spaces, media forms, histories and personal contexts. Free and open to the public. Information: http://museum.cornell.edu/.

Discounted computer showcase

Families and new students can evaluate or purchase computer hardware and software by Apple, Dell, Adobe, HP and Microsoft at exclusive academic discounts, Aug. 20-21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at The Cornell Store's Technology Connection. Also featured: Cornell student discounts on AT&T voice and data plans. Information: http://www.store.cornell.edu.

Just Send Money': a book signing

Christine Schelhas-Miller, senior lecturer in Cornell's Department of Human Development, will be on hand Aug. 20, 2-3 p.m., at The Cornell Store, to sign her book "Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years." From organizing what to bring the first year to preparing parents for their children's postgraduate choices, this comprehensive guide offers concrete, practical and reassuring advice.

Dump and Run: Used stuff for sale

Furniture, storage containers, small appliances, clothing, shoes, accessories, sporting equipment, decorations, books and many more useful items will be on sale all day Aug. 21-22 at Helen Newman Hall gym. Dump and Run is a waste recovery initiative organized and run by Cornell students with support from Campus Life staff. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations. Free and open to the public. Information: http://dumpandrun.campuslife.cornell.edu.

Opening concert

Conducted by Scott Tucker, the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club present their annual "Orientation Concert" for the incoming new students and their families, Aug. 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Sage Chapel. Free and open to the public. Information: http://www.gleeclub.com.