April Extension Connection Sullivan County 2018

USPS-525-100

Extension Connection

YOUR LINK TO LOCAL, RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS TO BETTER YOUR LIFE

VOLUME LXXXXVIIII NO. 4

APRIL 2018

CCE Sullivan staff and volunteers gathered in March to plant hundreds of seeds in the green house to grow plants that will be sold at the Annual Plant Sale May 2

Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs

Issue Isssue sue Highlights Higghhhlligghhhtts

Agriculture Career & Job Fair

FAQ’s for Growing Hops in NYS

Artisanal Bread Making

Monthly DHI Report

Rain & Xeriscape Gardening

Master Gardener Helpline Q&A

4-H Youth Vet Science Series

After School Garden Clubs

Maker Series: Simply Sewn Neck Warmers

Whole House Approach for Energy

Holistic Nutrition & Cooking

Action Plan: What Do You Want to Do?

Managing Arthritis

Youth Succeed through Public Speaking

Forestry Walk at Lemons Brook Farm

Community Guest Editorial: Basha Kill Area Association

Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale

See page 12 for more events!

See page 14 for facts, figures, and food safety tips for spring foods!

Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue!

Issue!

Page 3 Message from the Executive Director

Table Table of of Contents Contents Page 9 After School Garden Clubs

Want to Do?

Page 10 Whole House Approach for Improving Energy Efficiency

Page 18 Community Guest Editorial of the Month

Page 10 NYS Homeowner Protection Program

Page 19 4-H Maker Series

Page 11 Business Planning Class

Page 6 Farm Service Agency Now at CCE

Page 22 Opportunities for You

Page 12 Upcoming Programs

Page 24 Sponsorships

Page 7 Master Gardener Helpline Home & Garden Q&A

Page 13 Forestry Walk Page 14 Spring Foods Facts

Page 26 Youth Succeed through Public Speaking

Page 4 FAQ’s for Growing Hops in NYS Page 5 Cornell Country BBQ & Live Auction Sept. 15

Page 8 Compost Machine & Rain Barrel Sale

Page 16 In Case You Missed It Page 17 Action Plan: What Do You

Page 20 CCESC Spotlights

Page 28 Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale May 20

The Extension Connection (USPS-525-100) is published monthly for $25.00 enrollment by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, located at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Suite 1, Liberty, NY 12754-2903. Entered at Liberty, New York, as a periodical class matter.

Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 412, Act of February 24, 1925. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Extension Connection, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Suite 1, Liberty, NY 12754-2903.

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

EXTENSION CONNECTION

8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday Phone: 845-292-6180 Fax: 845-292-4946 Website: www.sullivancce.org E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu Twitter.com/ccesullivan Facebook.com/ccesullivan Instagram.com/cce_sullivan_county YouTube: bitly.com/ccesullivan

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2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Kaplan..............................President Amy Erlwein........................Vice President Dawn Boyes.................................Treasurer John Kiefer...................................Secretary Todd Brown Jenny Chamberlain Marcie Ehrman Denise Frangipane Sonja Hedlund John “JP” Lang Erin Mason Klu Padu Luisa Parker Nadia Rajsz........................Legislative Rep. Robert Wong

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Edited by: Nicole Slevin & Colleen Monaghan

Produced by: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

NOTICE: Official endorsement of advertisers and their products is not intended by the acceptance of their advertisements for the Extension Connection.

STAFF MEMBERS Colleen Monaghan............................................................................Executive Director SueAnn Boyd.......................................................Healthy Schools Program Coordinator Wanda V. Cruz.............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Dayna Gaeta...........................................Community Horticulture Program Coordinator Beth Johnston-Groth...............................................................Administrative Assistant II Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator Bonnie Lewis.............................................................Dependent Care Subject Educator Michelle Lipari..................................................................Agriculture Subject Educator Erica Lynch........................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator Melinda Meddaugh.....................................................Ag & Food Systems Team Leader Barbara Moran...............................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator Bee Moser................................................................................Eat Smart NY Nutritionist Nicole Slevin.......................................................Communications & Diversity Manager Kaitlyn Smith................................................................................4-H Program Educator Nat Tompkins...............................................Agriculture Business Program Coordinator Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Malinda Ware......................................Health & Community Development Issue Leader Sean Welsh...........................................................................Energy Resource Educator John Wilcox........................................................................................Facilities Manager

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April 2018

Happy spring, Extension friends and family!

I hope by the time you are reading this we’re on the verge of 50 degree days and the mud is drying up enough to let us get into our gardens for a bit of winter clean up!

Obviously, I have gardening on the mind, and so I want to remind you that our Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale is right around the corner. We’re mixing it up a little and hosting on Sunday, May 20, so mark your calendars please! We’re hoping to increase the offerings by at least 50% and are looking to have some unique and interesting bulb options we haven’t had before. I look forward to seeing you there!

But before that, come over to SUNY Sullivan on Wednesday, April 4 for the Agriculture Career and Job Fair. Even if you’re not looking for work, it will be a neat opportunity to meet some local farmers and chat with students and others alike with an interest in how agriculture and ag economic development work in Sullivan County.

On the health tip, you may have heard that Sullivan County is still struggling to get back to health.

The good news is, even though the county’s Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranking is still the same, premature death rates are down, smoking is down, physical activity is up, access to primary care is up, jobs are up….see the pattern here??? We’re making inroads. And I think when the data catches up with all the wonderful work that’s happening here at CCE and our partnership in health like the Sullivan County Public Health Services, Sullivan 180, Sullivan Renaissance, and Catskill Regional Medical Center, our community is going to be feeling great!

We’ve got a lot of work going into increasing access to healthy foods and exercise, and CCE’s Caregiver Resource Center, in partnership with Office for the Aging, is also all over the county teaching Tai Chi for Fall Prevention, holistic health strategies, and Living Healthy Living Well series.

These programs help YOU help YOU. They give you free tools that empower you to keep safe and make healthy choices. You can see the schedules and locations deeper on our website.

For all you environmentalists and horticulture folks, there are new programs on the docket on invasive species, pruning, and forestry. After what seemed like a busy winter, spring is really heating up here at Extension.

And that’s what I love about this place, and Sullivan County! There’s so much to do, learn about, and engage with. It’s a great community and it’s high time we put any winter blues behind us! There’s even more to share about ag and youth events coming up but I’ll save it for May. Until then, shake off the cold, look to the sun, and stay dry until the sun is here to stay for the season. Cheers!

Warm Regards,

Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director cm638@cornell.edu

Here I am at the Health Rankings press conference with Nadia Rajsz, District 2 County Legislator and CCE Board Legislative Rep.

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FAQ’S FOR GROWING HOPS IN NYS Submitted by Michelle Lipari, Agriculture Subject Educator History In 1880 New York produced 21 million pounds of dried hops, the majority of the US crop, which sold upwards of $1.00/pound. Disease pressure from downy and powdery mildew and, as well as aphids and spider mites began to make production much more difficult and risky. The industry started moving to the midwest and then the Pacific Northwest fleeing disease pressure. Along came prohibition, and the price went from a high of $1.00/pound to 5 cents overnight, and most of the hops in NY were pulled out of the ground.

Finances & Costs What’s the minimum acreage for a farm to make enough hops to have a livable income?

If you are doing a good job of it, 10-15 acres should provide a good income.

It doesn’t sound like a lot but it is a lot of work and about $12-$15,000/acre investment to get started.

What returns can be expected and how many years does it take to get a return?

There is great potential for growers in New York. Local prices are all over the board, from $10-$14/pound for dried, pelleted hops with an average 800-1200 pounds/acre yield if you are doing an excellent job.

Some growers have obtained yields over 1,500 pounds/ acre. It is important to keep market prices in mind when developing a business plan, as brewers are conscious of their contracted prices for hops.

Although most are willing to pay some premium, prices need to be realistic. Quality is more important than where they were grown, so “local” will Page 4

not make up for poor quality hops.

The first year you may have some hops, a partial crop the second year, and a full crop the third and fourth years. Expenses are variable but most growers believe they need to have gross sales of more than $68,000/acre to break even because of the initial investment, equipment, harvesting and processing costs.

What are the fixed costs to start up and what are the variable costs for ongoing production?

It costs about $12-15,000/acre to get started including labor, plants, trellises, irrigation, and equipment.

What are the costs, such as harvesting machines, etc.?

Harvesting is one of the main costs in producing hops. Hand picking is not feasible for more than an acre. A stationary Wolf 140 or 170 harvester will cost $30-35,000 and is not easy to find in the US, so you’ll need to add shipping from Europe. NEHA has one located at Morrisville College available for members to use. There are 15 more privately owned around the state. The harvester you use needs to be within an hour of your farm because of transportation time and costs. Growers are developing small scale machines and several types may be available soon.

What other equipment is needed to grow hops?

Small tractor, trailer, weed sprayer, crop sprayer like used in vineyard or orchard, truck, drying equipment, possible pelleter, a cooler, and a building for storage and drying.

Growers should plan on drying their own hops. There are 4 pelleting companies in NY that will pellet and package.

Marketing Your Hops What is the demand for hops in New York State to local brewers and in the future?

Hops are easy to ship once dried, however, the demand right now is from micro-brewers and local is “in”.

As the number of acres increases the demand will also increase. Brewers like the quality that they are getting from local producers! We estimate there is a need for at least 400-500 acres of hops in New York to satisfy the domestic demand for hops. Craft brewing production in New York exceeds 1.5 million barrels a year now. Keep in mind that farm brewery production is less than 5% of that number, so you must be prepared to compete with West Coast hops to be successful. As of January 2017, there are about 400 acres planted in New York.

Is I

DHI Report { February }

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there a profitable online sales market?

Perhaps yes, but with a caveat. New York hops are going to be more expensive to produce so many home brewers are looking to the pacific north west because they are less expensive. You would have to build interest in “local” or uniqueness on the part of home brewers.

Land Preparation Land should be well drained, have access to water for irrigation, be flat or have a gentle slope, have good air circulation, and full sun. Those are the key ingredients to site selection.

Obtain a soil test to know if you need lime or other minerals to be added before you plant. It is suggested to establish a cover crop first to cut down on weeds. Buckwheat followed by clover is a good choice.

Here are a few typical questions about growing hops commercially: What is the system of growing plants that will produce the highest yield?

The highest yields are full size plants

on high trellises 16-20 ft. About 900 plants/acre are required about three free apart and rows twelve feet apart.

What about irrigation?

Hops need at least an inch of water a week, more as the season progresses.

You need to know how many acres you want to put in and determine if you have an adequate water source.

An acre can use 5-6,000 gallons per day.

How are the plants harvested?

The plants grow up twine (coconut coir) and it is cut at top and bottom and brought to a barn to be handpicked or trucked to someone with a harvester to be machine picked. Hand picking is not cost effective, about 1 man hour per mature plant. There are 15-20 Wolf harvesters in New York and a number of smaller pickers manufactured in the state now.

air, no more than 100-120F, too hot will destroy flavors. The hops can now be stored in air-tight bags in a cooler.

Before pelleting, they may need to be ground in a hammer mill and then pelleted, vacuum sealed, and again, stored cold.

What is the shelf life of product?

This depends on quality but almost a year if processed right and vacuum packed in Mylar bags, gas flushed and kept in a cooler or freezer.

Source: Miller, Steve. “FAQs for starting up a hop farm in New York.” Cornell Cooperative Extension. Accessed March 12, 2018. http://madisoncountycce.org/agriculture/ hops-program/frequently-asked-questions.

What is the process to dry and possibly pelletize the crop?

After harvest, the crop needs to be dried right away. Use plenty of warm

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FARM SERVICE AGENCY NOW AT CCE Submitted by Melinda Meddaugh, Ag & Food Systems Team Leader

The following ELAP Fact Sheets (by topic) are available online or by visiting the FSA Office:

Did you know the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has a satellite office at the Extension Education Center?

• ELAP for Farm-Raised Fish Fact Sheet

The FSA provides a number services to the farming community. Producers can call 607-865-4005 to schedule an appointment or farm visit with an FSA representative.

• To view these and other FSA program fact sheets, visit the FSA fact sheet web page at LINK: www.fsa.usda.gov/

A snapshot into FSA programs: Emergency Assistance: The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and FarmRaised Fish Program (ELAP) provides emergency assistance to eligible livestock, honeybee, and farm-raised fish producers who have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, not covered by other agricultural disaster assistance programs. Eligible livestock losses include grazing losses not covered under the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), loss of purchased feed and/or mechanically harvested feed due to an eligible adverse weather event, additional cost of transporting water because of an eligible drought and additional cost associated with gathering livestock to treat for cattle tick fever. Eligible honeybee losses include loss of purchased feed due to an eligible adverse weather event, cost of additional feed purchased above normal quantities due to an eligible adverse weather condition, colony losses in excess of normal mortality due to an eligible weather event or loss condition, including CCD, and hive losses due to eligible adverse weather. Eligible farm-raised fish losses include death losses in excess of normal mortality and/ or loss of purchased feed due to an eligible adverse weather event.

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• ELAP for Livestock Fact Sheet • ELAP for Honeybees Fact Sheet

factsheets.

Farm Storage Facility Loans Certain storage and handling equipment is now eligible for Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL) through the USDA Farm Service Agency. Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply. The loans are designed to assist a diverse range of farming operations, including small and mid-sized businesses, new farmers, operations supplying local food and farmers markets, non-traditional farm products, and underserved producers. FSFLs provide low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used) structures, equipment, and storage and handling trucks.

The eligible equipment has been expanded to include: augers, automatic bale stackers, bale accumulators, baggers, unloaders, bale carriers, bale wrappers, milk bottler systems, conveyors, dryers, dump carts, silage trucks, forklifts, skidsteers, tractor implements and attachments, grain trailers, gravity flow wagons, bale grabbers, hay spears, hay wagons, coolers, pallet jacks, racking systems, refrigeration units, telehandlers, walkin coolers, weigh scales, and more!

Loans up to $50,000 may be secured by a promissory note/security agreement and loans between $50,000 and $100,000 may require additional security. Loans exceeding

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$100,000 require additional security.

February Interest Rates: • 3 Year: 2.125% Fixed • 5 Year: 2.250% Fixed • 7 Year: 2.375% Fixed

2018 ARC and PLC Enrollment Underway: Enrollment is underway for farmers and ranchers with base acres in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net program. The 2018 enrollment period will end on Aug. 1, 2018.

Since shares and ownership of a farm can change year-to-year, producers must enroll by signing a contract each program year.

The producers on a farm that are not enrolled for the 2018 enrollment period will not be eligible for financial assistance from the ARC or PLC programs for the 2018 crop should crop prices or farm revenues fall below the historical price or revenue benchmarks established by the program. Producers who made their elections in previous years must still enroll during the 2018 enrollment period.

The ARC and PLC programs were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and offer a safety net to agricultural producers when there is a substantial drop in prices or revenues for covered commodities. Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain and sweet rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. Upland cotton is no longer a covered commodity.

For more details regarding these programs, go to LINK: www.fsa.usda. gov/arc-plc.

MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE HOME & GARDEN Q&A Written by Dayna Gaeta, Community Hort. Coordinator Q: I would like to order vegetable seeds that are not treated, genetically modiÀed (GMO), or otherwise altered, how do I know what to order? -Fran, Ferndale, NY Most seed companies have a system for describing what kind of seeds you are buying. A genetically modified organism, or GMO, is an organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering. In most cases, GMOs have been altered with DNA from another organism, be it a bacterium, plant, virus, or animal; these organisms are sometimes referred to as “transgenic” organisms. Since there is a multitude of companies selling seeds, it is important to read about the company from which you are ordering. Companies that take the “Safe Seed Pledge” do not sell treated or genetically modified seeds.

This, however, does not mean that the vegetables were grown under organic certification. Two other labels, Certified Organic and Non GMO Project Verified, can be helpful in your search. Remember that organic seeds CANNOT be genetically modified, but non GMO seeds can be raised using conventional growing methods. Conventional growing methods can include the use of pesticides, and other substances.

There is often a key in the seed catalog noting whether the seeds are organic, heirloom, treated, untreated, hybrid, open pollinated, and such.

The following link is a selected list of vegetable varieties for gardeners that are well adapted to New York State: https://blogs.cornell.edu/gblblog/ files/2016/10/Vegetable-Varietieslist-2017-2hiycsw.pdf. Happy seed shopping! If interested in learning more about the science and politics

of the genetically modified organism, visit this site for a free Cornell sponsored class: https://www.edx. org/course/science-politics-gmocornellx-gmo101x.

Q: I planted tulip and daffodil bulbs in early winter so I could force them to bloom in late winter. While out in town the other day, I saw some twigs perfectly perched in a tall vase with tiny yellow Áowers all over them. What are they? Can I do this at home?

Chances are the twigs you saw are from a forsythia shrub. Forsythia is one of the first spring flowering shrubs to emerge with a million little yellow flowers from bottom to top. Many people are familiar with “forcing” bulbs to bloom indoors and less familiar with the fact that you can also “force” branches from many common shrubs and fruit trees.

“Forcing” describes the process of coaxing flowers into bloom indoors after they have met their winter dormancy requirement. Branches

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cut after January 15 usually open well when brought indoors. Have broken branches from the winter’s snow and ice? Turn then into an arrangement and an early spring indoors.

So which twigs should you force?

While you can try any spring flowering shrub or tree, some of the easiest include forsythia, pussy willow, larch, crabapple, apple, redbud, peach, cherry, flowering quince, Cornellian cherry (type of dogwood), alder, and birch. This is a fun, easy activity for all ages that will bring spring to your home much faster than Mother Nature. All you need is some pruning shears and some interesting containers.

Be careful not to prune too heavily from any one shrub. You can cut the branches to any length to create a twig arrangement in any sized container. Placing different types of stems in your arrangement will offer interest as the varieties will flower at different rates. Place your cut branches in warm water (changed daily) and in a room temperature location. Forsythia typically takes about seven days to flower, while a flowering quince or apple can take as many as 10-12 days. As the flowers emerge (followed by the leaves), enjoy the beauty of what will soon come to the outdoor landscape.

For more information, visit LINK: https://gardening.cals.cornell.edu/ files/2016/07/newlogoforcing-twigs1jdknrc-1j3zesv.pdf.

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AFTER SCHOOL GARDEN CLUBS: PLANTING SEEDS FOR SUCCESS Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator Many students participate in after school activities to extend their learning opportunities and spend more time with friends during the day. After school garden clubs provide a great way for students to learn about gardening and gain hands-on experience growing their own food, and tasting the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labor.

A successful after school garden club experience requires planning and patience, and most of all, a spirit of adventure. Novice and experienced gardeners know that no matter how well you plan, Mother Nature will add her own variables like scorching hot days, cabbage worms, and even freezing rain. Every garden needs sun, soil, and water. Pick your ideal sun or shade garden location on school grounds, giving thought to your need to deliver items like loads of soil and seedlings, and your access to drinkable water. Give yourself time for construction of any raised or in-ground beds, and for bed preparation. Be sure to place container and in-ground gardens out of the way of recess activities like bouncing balls and active feet, and away from trash receptacles that may attract other critters. Decide if you want to host a seasonal garden club or a year-round club, and decide how frequently your club will meet. During the warmer gardening months, a lot can happen in a week!

Pick your crops based on season, and length of growing time. Students will be most excited to see crops go from seedlings to fruit stage, and then to harvest. Remember that most students are not in school during the heavy summer growing season, so plan accordingly. Youth gardening curricula, and your local

Master Gardener Volunteers, are great resources for helping you decide what is best to plant. Your garden will need water—lots of it.

Remember that watering will need to occur more frequently than your club meets, ideally once per day during the growing season. Recess during the school day could allow students access to the garden for watering outside of club time with administration approval. A garden thrives when it is well tended. For larger gardens, more friends are better! Tasks like watering and weeding can get overwhelming without enough helpers. Make a wish list of supplies and circulate it to your school community. Fundraisers and local businesses may be willing to donate supplies like soil, lumber for beds, and tools. Many organizations have grant funding available for school garden projects. While there are many fancy gardening tools out there, hands are perhaps the most effective… and free! A minimal list to get started includes soil, seeds, a hose, shovels, and gloves for participants.

Remember that the garden is more than just a growing space— it is a learning space. Many students enjoy growing gardens that have themes. Popular ones include pizza gardens, herb gardens, butterfly/

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pollinator gardens, math gardens, and native plant gardens. No matter how big or how small, a garden naturally attracts visitors. Proud students will be your best recruiters for future club participants, and for adult helpers and volunteers. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look “picture perfect”— school gardens are as unique as the students that create them. Gardening is a wonderful learning experience and an exercise in patience, trial and error, and working with uncontrollable variables like the weather. You may grow a bumper crop or you may get a few tiny carrots.

That’s okay--know that whatever your students cultivate will be a worthwhile learning experience.

Source:“JoiVogin,MS,CNS,LDN,University of Maryland Extension.”EXtension.Accessed March 29, 2018.http://articles.extension.org/pages/73635/joivogin-ms-cns-ldn-university-of-maryland-extension.

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WHOLE HOUSE APPROACH FOR IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator What is the “whole house” approach?

This question was asked at CCE Sullivan’s last Empower New York workshop. A little bit of research pointed in the direction of some topical information as the heating season comes to an end and the summer settles in on Sullivan County.

The “whole house” approach is really a “systems” approach. “This approach considers the house as an energy system with interdependent parts, each of which affects the performance of the entire system. It also takes the occupants, site, and local climate into consideration” (U.S. DOE, 2012). For instance, having an energy efficient air conditioner alone cannot lower your monthly utility bills if the home ducting system has leaks, the attic is uninsulated, and humid summer breezes continuously drifts in under the doors (Florida Energy Systems Consortium, n.d.). Only by improving all these individual components of the home energy system, can there be the desired results of lowering your monthly energy bill, and making the home more comfortable.

Another example is if one adds adequate insulation to one’s home, a direct result will be to reduce the heating and cooling costs for the home, but an indirect impact will be to reduce the furnace size for the home when time comes for its replacement (Weiner, 2013).

Thus, changes in any one part or component of a home’s energy system will impact the performance of other part(s).

The whole house approach can be used to increase the energy efficiency of an existing home, as well as when building a new home. Computer simulations are available to consider Page 10

various combination options of all variables impacting a home’s energy efficiency. These simulations can help a home buyer or builder in selecting the most suitable option in terms of energy and cost efficiency (U.S.DOE, 2012).

Variables that should be considered for the whole house approach to energy efficiency are: • Conditions at the home site • Local climate • Home appliances • Insulation and air sealing • Lighting and daylighting • Space heating and cooling

Energy Efficiency. Retrieved November 12, 2013, from http://buildgreen.ufl.edu/ IST%20Materials%20for%20Agents/ Taylor_Whole-House_Systems_Approach_ Handout.pdf 3. Whole House Approach for Improving Energy Efficiency in Homes, (2013, November 12) retrieved from http://www. extension.org/pages/25620/whole-houseapproach-for-improving-the-energyefficiency-of-homes#.U3TP7k1OXIU on May 13, 2014 4. Weiner, C. (2013). The Whole House Approach to Energy Efficiency. Retrieved November 12, 2013 from http://www.ext. colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/10629.html

• Water heating • Windows, doors, and skylights

Homeowner Benefits of WholeHouse Approach There are multiple benefits of adopting a whole-house approach to a home’s energy efficiency journey:

NYS HOMEOWNER PROTECTION PROGRAM (HOPP)

• Reduced energy bills

The New York State Attorney General’s

• Increased indoor comfort levels

Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP)

• Improved indoor air quality • Healthier indoor living environment • More “bang-for-your-buck” for all energy related investments • Avoided equipment/maintenance costs • Positive impact of environment by lower energy usage

For more in depth resources and stepby-step homeowner guidance for the whole house systems approach, email Sean Welsh at sw288@cornell.edu.

funds a network of more than 85 assist trusted partners dedicated to providing homeowners with free, qualified mortgage assistance relief services across New York.

The New York State Attorney General’s Office has created a new web-based app AGScamHelp.com to assist homeowners in getting connected to the free mortgage assistance services provided

by HOPP partners.

Visit LINK: www.AGScamHelp.com p to find out how you can avoid foreclosure rescue scammers and receive legitimate

Sources: 1. U.S. Department of Energy. (2012, April 26). Whole House Systems Approach.

Retrieved November 12, 2013 from http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/ whole-house-systems-approach 2. Florida Energy Systems Consortium. (n.d.). Whole-House Systems Approach to

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help.

Source: “Welcome to AGHomeHelp.com.”

Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP).

Accessed March 29, 2018. http://www. aghomehelp.com/.

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DENTAL HEALTH

POPULAR PERMACULTURE

YOUTH FAIR PLANNING

February 15

March 6

March 15

CCESC partnered with Catskill Regional Medical Center, Liberty Networking Group, and St. Peter’s Stewardship to host a Dental Health Night to Liberty CSD students and families. More than a dozen local organizations provided educational materials and hands-on experiences during the event. Free dental & vison screenings for children and dinner were provided. Raffle prizes included three Oral B 1000 power toothbrushes each with several years supply of replacement brushes.

FRESH IN FORESTBURGH March 1 Healthy Communities staff are out and about in Forestburgh to chat up small food retailers like gas stations and corner stores, in an effort to get fresh foods right up front for customers.

ACTIVE IN MAMAKATING March 2 The Mamakating Town Board is hard at work making sure their comprehensive plan is up to date and relevant. CCE Healthy Communities staff joins them to help ensure plenty of access to opportunities for physical activity.

SNOW DAYS March 2, 5, 7 Holy cow! CCE Sullivan had THREE unscheduled closures due to snow and a multi-day power outage! Thank you to Facilities Manager John Wilcox and Administrative Assistant Beth Johnston-Groth for coordinating all the cancelations and cleanup. We’re so lucky to have such a great team!

EXECS AT THE CAPITAL March 4-6 CCE executive directors from across NYS spent 3 days in Albany, showcasing Extension work and advocating for increased NYS 224 funds for local Associations.

HEALTHY COOKING CLASS March 6, 13, 20, 27 CCE Healthy Schools staff work with 10 youngsters at the Fallsburg High School every Tuesday for Healthy Cooking with Cornell classes. The program will culminate in a cooking competition. Bring on the zucchini cupcakes!

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A full house braved the snow date for an Introduction to Permaculture and Ecological Design with guest speaker from Cornell University and CCE Orange.

LIVE HEALTHY & WELL

The Sullivan County Youth Fair Superintendents and staff had their first planning meeting of the year and got off to a good start. For important dates, deadlines, and forms, visit sullivancce.org, click on 4-H, forms.

March 7, 14, 28

KNIT/CROCHET GROUP

The Caregiver Resource Center hosted the first of a new series, Living Healthy Living Well at Action Toward Independence in Monticello. This free, six session series is a chronic disease selfmanagement program to empower YOU to take control of your own health.

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DIVERSITY & INCLUSION March 8 The CCE Sullivan Diversity and Inclusion Committee meets monthly to discuss ways to ensure that our programs are welcoming and accessible to all. We have Spanish and American Sign Language speaking/interpreting staff available, gender neutral restrooms, ADA compliant facilities, and more to come.

TROUT FRY-DAYS March 9, 16, 23, 30 4-H Shooting Sports youth come to the Extension Education Center every Friday night to care for the Trout in the Classroom fry (baby fish) they are raising. The fish will be released in the spring to ensure a robust population. Great job by our young people!

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS March 10, 14 After being snowed out, the annual 4-H Public Presentations event welcomed a dozen judges and about 100 youth to show their skills at teaching, telling, and showing. It looks like Sullivan County will have more than 10 4-H’ers competing at the district level. Way to go!

CAREGIVER SUPPORT March 13, 15 The monthly Caregiver Resource Center support groups continue at several locations throughout the County. If you are caring for a loved one, reach out to Bonnie at CCE to learn more.

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The Intergenerational Textile Group had their monthly meeting, which is the 3rd Friday of every month at 6:00 pm. The program is free.

Call Marylin to join in the guided activities.

A BRIGHT IDEA March 22 CCE’s new Community Energy Engagement Program (CEEP) staff Sean Welsh welcomed NYSERDA to the building to do lighting assessment. CCE has the opportunity to upgrade 95% of its lighting to highly efficient systems through low interest financing. Stay tuned!

4-H FAIR ONLINE March 22 For the first time ever, Sullivan County Youth Fair animal entries will be submitted by participants online. 4-H staff hosted a teaser session about the new web-based software. We’re here to help!

FAIRGROUND MAKEOVER March 23 CCE welcomed the Neversink Agricultural Society to brainstorm fairgrounds improvement projects to benefit our Youth Fair and the Grahamsville Little World’s Fair. Funding is being provided by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.

ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS March 29 CCE welcomed the Sullivan County Rotary Means Business group for a tour of the Catskills Kitchen at the Extension Education Center. We’re happy to chat with community partners working for a better Sullivan County.

PRUNING POWER March 31 Another full house for the annual Pruning Workshop. Our friend Diana Weiner volunteers dozens of hours a year for programs like this.

ACTION PLAN: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO? Written by Bonnie Lewis, RN, Dependent Care Educator

them either with their chronic illness or their quality of life?

The snow and cold leads to hibernation (for me anyhow; bless you who love the cold!). These grey days also lead me to my long-held habit of cooking, eating, reading, or other sedentary favorites and more sitting at the office desk. No wonder I have an ongoing weight battle – I just plainly do not get enough activity!

• WHAT do you WANT to do? (WANT is key – not a “should” or “need” to do- and a specific action, not the vague “I want to lose weight”)

As the nurse who advises my Mom and others about lifestyle changes to improve, or at least maintain, their current quality of life, I have felt a bit sheepish, if not downright guilty because I am familiar with the phrase “the pot calling the kettle black”.

Carbs and the couch are really good friends.

• WHEN? (Time of day, day of the week)

So, with the CCE public health initiatives and our in-office challenges to improve our personal well-being, I am consciously trying to incorporate more activity into my day and eating healthier, particularly drinking more water.

An email from WebMD crossed my desk with this topic: Fitness Mistakes that Can Sabotage Your Workout.

Hmmm, I think I know several of them! Bailing out, not warming up, poor posture, holding your breath, socializing too much, and not drinking enough water were some of the mistakes. Yup, knew them all. One item isn’t a problem – “Not knowing when to stop”...

Shawn Comfort, systems advocate of Action Toward Independence, and I are providing “Living Healthy, Living Well” classes this winter and spring. Each class starts with an Action Plan, a tool to help the person remain focused on a change that they want to try and perhaps permanently incorporate into their life. What do they want to try that will help

• HOW MUCH? (Time, distance, portion, repetitions, etc.)

• HOW OFTEN? (How many days a week) • What is your Confidence level?

(How sure are you? 0=not at all sure to a 10=absolutely sure. Anything below a seven – modify your plan so you feel it’s more likely you will accomplish it).

Example: This week, I WANT to walk (the “what”) on my new treadmill for 1 hour a day (how much) in the morning (when) three days (how often) this week.

It helps to start slow and grow.

Make it fun. There are many tools to help improve our health status!

The six Living Healthy, Living Well classes go over a large toolkit of self-management items that individuals can choose from and each are necessary. You decide which tool to use for a particular problem and when. Tools reviewed and discussed include physical activity, medications, decisionmaking, breathing techniques, sleep, heathy eating, weight management, understanding emotions, working with health professionals, problemsolving, using your mind, and communication. During the classes we become savvy problem solvers and use brainstorming sessions to find avenues for health issues.

participants, “How can physical activity and exercise help us?” Each participant offered at least one thought on how it benefits them, many included in this list from our curriculum: • Strong cardiovascular system • Good muscle strength • God endurance and stamina • Good flexibility • Weight Control • Better sleep • More energy and less fatigue • Less pain • Better balance and coordination (helping to prevent falls) • Better function • Less anxiety and depression • Less constipation

Although this class in the Mamakating Library is full, we have plenty of room in the next session, starting on May 10 for six Thursday evenings 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension. I hope to see you at this class!

PS: I’ve clocked 9630 steps on my treadmill as I write this – now where’s my water bottle?

During a brainstorming session of our second class in the Town of Mamakating Library, we asked the

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BKAA: CELEBRATING EARTH DAY THROUGH 46 YEARS OF PROTECTION Written by Paula Medley,proudly serving as BKAA President for 14 years In 1972, two years following Earth Day’s designation on April 22, the Basha Kill Area Association (BKAA) was founded and the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was established by New York State with passage of an Environmental Quality Bond Act. Ever since, the organization and resource have been inseparable.

The BKAA, an environmental, all volunteer (800 member) nonprofit, adheres to its Mission of protecting the Basha Kill wetland and surroundings from ecological degradation, promoting education and respect for the environment in general, and preserving the area’s beauty. Guided by this Statement, the BKAA determined its geographical focus to encompass the 3,000 acre WMA, located outside Wurtsboro, and its 36,000 acre watershed, or the lands through which streams flow on their way to the WMA. The BKAA’s Mission recognizes that this Department of Environmental Conservation managed freshwater wetland, the largest in Southeastern New York, is an invaluable ecosystem: storing floodwater, cleansing and purifying groundwater, furnishing habitat for myriad flora and fauna, and affording diverse recreational opportunities. Its rich biodiversity is acknowledged in state and county Open Space Plans, while its almost 200 bird species yield designations as An Important Bird Area by Audubon and a Bird Conservation Area by New York State.

Wetlands, however, are extremely fragile and easily degraded by unwise development. Consequently, Page 18

Nature Watch volunteers with visitors using scopes to see the popular bald eagle nest.

Photo: John Kocijanski

the BKAA employs a two-pronged strategy, utilizing education and advocacy, to achieve their conservation. Our extensive educational programming enables residents and visitors to physically, emotionally, and spiritually experience the wetland’s wonders.

Once connected to the WMA, via hiking, fishing, birding, kayaking, horseback riding, individuals are more likely to safeguard it. So, the BKAA facilitates resource awareness by annually scheduling 15-20 outings, leading countless impromptu tours, as well as managing Nature Watch, where volunteers inform interested parties about eagle and WMA ecology. Additionally, the BKAA conducts on-site water testing, organizes a yearly cleanup, and engages in innumerable venues, like fairs, forums, and workshops, seizing every chance to illuminate a critical natural asset. Amplifying these efforts are an upgraded website, Facebook, E-mail Alerts, brochure, and quarterly newsletter, the Guardian.

Major threats to the wetland/ watershed shift BKAA priorities

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to heavy-duty advocacy, which entails constantly attending town, planning, or zoning board meetings, participating in processes relating to environmental reviews, site plans, special use permits, variances, zoning, Comprehensive Plans, delivering testimony at public hearings, activating members, hiring consultants (attorney, engineer, ecologist, hydrogeologist), and, if all else fails, litigating. Networking is also a key component in the BKAA’s successful advocacy endeavors.

Whether educating or advocating, and, despite ongoing challenges, hundreds of hard-working BKAA volunteers have steadfastly remained committed to a vow taken 46 years ago to conserve an exceptional Sullivan County wetland. That this dedication continues today constitutes the organization’s most notable achievement and honors Earth Day as BKAA stewards protect our corner of the planet daily.

Interested in the BKAA? Visit our website at LINK: www.thebashakill. org or email info@thebashakill.org.

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CCE Sullivan Spotlights

Volunteer Spotlight MARY MANCUSO

Farm Spotlight SPROUTING DREAMS FARM Founded in 2016, with an emphasis on organic permaculture practices, Sprouting Dreams Farm aims to bring the community a variety of the most nutritious and delicious produce nature can provide. The 11 acre property is nestled just outside the Village of Liberty. With a discrete location and unique style, the farm works to open people’s minds and reshape thoughts about what a farm looks like.

With extensive knowledge about health and wellness, owners Leeanna and Eugene know that farm fresh produce is the healthiest way to eat.

This knowledge led them to growing their own food and starting their farm.

Farming is a work of love but allows an individual to become more “one with nature.” Currently, Sprouting Dreams Farm sells produce at three local farmers’ markets; Liberty, Kauneonga lake, and Callicoon.

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Mary Mancuso joined the core Master Gardener Volunteers at CCE Sullivan after completing training with the spring 2014 class. Since 2014, she has completed over 300 hours of volunteer work! She’s genuine, reliable, and knowledgeable as a mentor gardener to many.

She spent 48 years as a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner and states that she is lucky enough to be retired to follow her passions: gardening, walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She’s also been across the country via small plane (and would do it all over again). She continues to be diligent in pursuing the research and learning needed for the health and wellness of herself and others.

Mary isn’t your average volunteer.

She is a shining star in Sullivan County, volunteering countless hours as a member of Friends of the Garden, Sullivan Renaissance, Friends of the Library (Monticello), St. John’s Episcopal Church, and St. Peter’s. Her motivation for volunteering is to give back to the community in some way. She wants to share her love of nature and passion to save this planet with those around her. Kudos Mary, and many thanks!

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4-H Spotlight g

YOUTH HORSE BOWL Horse-crazy 4-H members met in Dutchess County in February to compete in the Annual Regional Horse Bowl Competition.

Sullivan County’s Novice team was comprised of Ariana T., Sophie F., William C., Ryann M., and Max B. The youth are all members of Sullivan County 4-H’s Diehl Me In club.

The team competed in all-day competitions that tested their extensive horse knowledge. In the end, the team won the Novice Team division! The youth also placed well as individual too.

Great job, 4-H team!

CCE Sullivan Spotlights

Partner Spotlight SULLIVAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT The Sullivan County Government’s Wellness Committee consists of six department heads, five union representatives, and 20 Health Champions, each representing a department from County Government.

newsletter, Facebook, an employee walking club, monthly family & friends trail walks, a Know Your Numbers program, a New Years Resolution program, 5-minute workout tips, Potty Talks, and much more.

Great job! Thank you for the great work you have done and for inviting other non-County employees to participate.

Sullivan County Government received a Gold Medal for Worksite Wellness at CCE’s 2017 Annual Meeting, and the Legislature has adopted resolutions for an Employee Wellness Program and is establishing Healthy Meeting Guidelines for County meetings and funded agencies.

PHOTO Seated left to right: Darrin Raynor (Deputy Commissioner of Management and Budget-Committee Member), Janet Lybolt (Personnel) CHAMPION, Sandra Nava (DMV) CHAMPION, Tina Millis (DMV) Committee Member, Wanda Vionet Cruz (CCE) Healthy Communities Coordinator..

Standing left to right: Kathleen Lara (Treasurers) CHAMPION, Sue Clark (Public Health) CHAMPION, Jill Hubert Simon (Public Health)Committee Member, Brian Scardefield (Director of Parks, Rec & Beautification)Committee Member.

Their mission is to promote a healthy place to work and a worksite culture that supports employees’ desire to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Their goals are to: • Promote healthy lifestyle behaviors; • Develop educational outreach activities; • Encourage personal and professional productivity; • Encourage physical, mental, social, and holistic wellbeing • Reduce absenteeism • Increase productivity • Lower workers compensation claims • Improve employee engagement / satisfaction • Promote a clean, healthy, and safe environment

They have started a bi-monthly

Nominate a Star Know someone who deserves the shine of the spotlight?

Email Nicole Slevin: nas96@cornell.edu

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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EVERYBODY CCESC Association Scholarship For General Public | Amount Varies

Deadline to Apply: Rolling

To stimulate interest in educational programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County. In the event of financial limitations that prevent a Sullivan County resident from receiving educational services, program fees may be partially covered by this scholarship. Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, and Sullivan Renaissance. Inquire with CCESC.

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Let’s Get Social!

• Facebook.com/ccesullivan • Twitter.com/ccesullivan

• Instagram.com/cce_sullivan_county • YouTube > bitly.com/ccesullivan

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Pick up your FREE copy >>>> of the Ultimate Guide Book for Farmers in the Catskills Region , an agricultural resource manual we researched and designed in partnership with Sullivan County Government.

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YOUTH SUCCEED THROUGH PUBLIC SPEAKING Submitted by Kaitlyn Smith, 4-H Program Educator

took the opinions of 4-H members on the Public Speaking event. Below are excerpts from the study:

This month, Sullivan County 4-H members participated in the annual 4-H Public Presentations event. At this yearly event held at the Extension Education Center, participants pick any topic of interest and create an Illustrated Talk, Demonstration, or Speech. Youth go into a room with evaluators and do their best to show off their subject knowledge and speaking ability. The event comes and goes every year.

“Although this study was brief and exploratory, results suggest that public speaking events are positively regarded by and have significant impact on young people.

In general, youth participated by choice with social, competitive, and personal development motivations outweighing external incentives.

Thus peer invitation, emphasizing the opportunities to share favorite subjects, will likely prove the most effective recruiting strategy for the event. Program outcomes for current participants suggest that a wider audience might benefit from the public speaking experience.

Is a public speaking event really significant for the youth’s overall experience? The answer is clear: yes!

4-H Public Presentations is an event designed to set youth up with the confidence and skills to be successful as a leader in the community, in a job interview, or just able to think quickly if put on the spot during class. Public speaking skills are crucial when entering college or the workplace. The success youth have with the event also has to do with the topic they choose. Anything from animals to baking, from engineering to homemade experiments, and yes- staff have even witnessed a presentation done by a cloverbud member on “Five Ways to Annoy My Mother”. The subjects the youth pick are not rated against one another.

The evaluators look for the content of the presentation, eye contact, strong voice, knowledge and understanding of the topic, references, a strong opening, and a strong conclusion with the ability to answer questions.

It helps when the youth pick a topic that holds meaning for them. The passion some youth portray for their topic is nothing short of inspiring. The participants often leave the evaluators spellbound with their knowledge.

A study was completed by North Carolina State University where staff Page 26

Confidence and Subject Matter Learning were considered the most helpful outcomes of the presentation experience. This finding is consistent with event objectives and youth motivation to explore and share a favorite topic. Goal Setting and Working with Others were viewed as most important by performers, consistent with the self-determined and topic-free focus of this event.

However, findings suggest that public speaking serves as a valuable self-directed expressive skill that fosters competence, confidence, and when associated with club activity, represents connectedness. Lerner, et al. (2005) identified these elements as building blocks for positive youth development. Interview results suggest that public speaking experiences prepared youth for contributions such as club and class leadership, community service, and citizenship. This pattern of applying lessons from speaking supports the notion that contribution emerges from a context of confidence and competence (Lerner, et al., 2005).

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All life skills outcomes were highly valued by youth, with few differences by age, gender, years of participation, or performance scores. Significantly, experiences were perceived as helpful by those whose performances judged positively as well as notso-positively. Youth viewed their experiences as beneficial from the first year of participation and those who continued reported confidence, subject matter learning, and life skills growth with each experience.

Moreover, youth typically apply these skills in other settings. Public speaking events, like other project based experiential learning, provide a context in which youth at different levels of experience can benefit in their own way. Thus the same event may foster successive growth experiences and applications.”

Source: ”Youth Views of Experiences and Benefits of Public Speaking.” Family and Youth Services Bureau - National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth.

Accessed March 29, 2018. https://ncfy. acf.hhs.gov/library/2010/youth-viewsexperiences-and-benefits-public-speaking.

4-H members show off the posters for their illustrated talks at this year’s 4-H Public Presentations. Impressive job! See more at the Sullivan County Youth Fair in August.

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