Extension Connection Sullivan County
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2025 Connection Series: Adult/Adult Connection
See more events and opportunities on sullivancce.org/events.
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PRESS RELEASE: USDA Update on Progress of Five-Pronged Strategy to Combat Avian Flu and Lower Egg Prices
Exploring Public Speaking Self Efficacy in the 4-H Presentation Program
CCE Spotlights: Introducing Steve & Continuing the Strengthening Family Series
10 Creative Ways to Engage Youth Outside this Spring and Summer
How to Prevent Falls
April is the month of National Parks Week! Check out page 12 for fun facts about some of the profilic landmarks and parks that beautify our nation!
One of the 4-H youth members ready to tell everyone what a Standardbred horse and the breed is!
Welcome to the Issue!
Page 3 Letter from the Executive Director
Page 4 PRESS RELEASE:
USDA Update on Progress of Five-Pronged Strategy to Combat Avian Flu and Lower Egg Prices
Page 6 2025 Connection
Series: Adult Connection
Page 7 CleanSweepNY
Pesticide Event
Page 8 Exploring Public Speaking Self Efficacy in the 4-H Presentation Program
Page 11 CCE Spotlights!
Page 12 Fast Facts!
Page 14 10 Creative Ways to Engage Youth Outside this Spring and Summer
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Page 15 Healthier Fats and Oils
Page 18 CDC Recommendations for Improving Health Through Transportation Policy
Page 20 How to Prevent Falls
Page 23 Thanks to our Sponsors!
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sullivan@cornell.edu
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dara Smith............................President
Alex Alorro...................Vice President
Robert Kaplan.......................Secretary
Dawn Parsons.......................Treasurer
Brian McPhillips...........Legislative Rep.
Adam Hughes..................Cornell Rep.
Freda Eisenberg
John Garigliano
Amanda Langseder
Denise Luckman
Erika Malmgreen
Steve Marton
Mark McLewin
Laura Quigley
Gary Silver
Gary Silverman
Nicole Slevin Nikolados
Diana Weiner
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Heather Brown
Roberta Chambers
Nu El
Courtney Hanback
Carmela Hugel
Cathi Paci
Carol Roig
Stephen Stuart
Eugene Thalmann
Deborah Worden
EXTENSION CONNECTION
Produced by: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Edited by: Aaron Denman & Colleen Monaghan Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator, provider and employer.
NOTICE: Official endorsement of advertisers and their products is not intended by the acceptance of their sponsorships for the Extension Connection.
STAFF MEMBERS
Colleen Monaghan..............................................................................Executive Director
Monica Ponce-Agredano ...............................................................Ag. Program Assistant
Tracy Broyles...............................................................................SALT Program Manager
Alan Carroll...................................................................Food Systems Program Manager
Lynn Colavito..............................................Community Cupboard Program Coordinator
Martin Colavito...........................................................Prevention Programs Issue Leader
Haley Collins...................Agriculture Farmland Protection & Planning Program Manager
Wanda V. Cruz...............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator
Aaron Denman.........................................................Association Operations Coordinator
Eugene Doyle...................................................................................................Custodian
Andrew Fuller................................................................Prevention Program Coordinator
Katie Gasior........................................................................Horticulture Subject Educator
Jenna Gangel..........................................................................Shop Taste NY Coordinator
Christopher Jones....................................................................Taste NY Market Manager
Joy Leon.................................................................Nutrition & Physical Activity Educator
Katie Rose Lugauer...................................................................4-H Program Coordinator
Kim McDonnell..................................................................................Taste NY Assistant Manager
Nancy McGraw.......................................................Educator, Caregiver Resource Center
Melinda Meddaugh.......................................................Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader
Barbara Moran................................................4-H Youth Development Program Manager
Subidha Neupane............................................. Hudson Valley SNAP-ed Nutrition Educator
Patricia Ocasio...................................................................Prevention Program Coordinator
Shanice Owens..............................................Community Cupboard Program Coordinator
Abyssinia Pla El...................................................................................Finance Coordinator
Michelle Proscia..............................................Agriculture Production Program Manager
Ann-Marie Sidtis......................................................................FOR Program Coordinator
Tara VanHorn.........................................................................................Finance Manager
Malinda Ware........................................................................................Program Director
John Wilcox..........................................................................................Facilities Manager
Veronica Yangis.........................................................................Taste NY Operations Coordinator
Kayla Evans.............................................................................................Ag Market Coordinators
To the Extension Community:
Spring is usually a time I anticipate. The light returns, the days stretch, and a fresh sense of purpose turns up my energy levels. But this winter was especially hard. I lost my mother and her sister within a day of one another back in February. I want to publicly thank the professional staff at CCE for their support and leadership in my absence the last month. Knowing I can count on each and every one of them, and escape my grief by joining them in our mission to serve, has kept me from checking out entirely! And, they have stepped up despite carrying the weight of great uncertainty, as we face an evolving policy and funding landscape at the federal level.
Federal support currently accounts for roughly a third of CCE Sullivan’s staffing and operations. It funds programs that help feed our most vulnerable neighbors, mentor new farmers critical to our region’s food system and agricultural economy, and prevent antisocial behaviors through parent education, youth engagement, and community outreach and referrals. It also sustains the Caregiver Resource Center, the only one of its kind in the county, supporting those helping loved ones age in place in one of the most beautiful, but resource limited, counties in the state.
In response, we’ve taken difficult but necessary steps to protect our core mission. We’ve streamlined operations, stepped up grant development and fundraising efforts, added some fee for service learning opportunities, eliminated vacant positions, and made the painful decision to conduct one layoff.
This spring, our team will be re-evaluating and reprioritizing how we deploy our resources to ensure CCE Sullivan’s programs are meeting the most urgent needs in Sullivan County. We are deeply grateful for the patience and support of our farmers, families, and young people as we navigate this uncertain terrain.
And yet, there is hope. CCE has been serving Sullivan County since 1914. We’ve weathered wars, economic upheaval, and sweeping cultural shifts. Through it all, we’ve adapted and stood strong, because this work matters. Because knowledge, when shared, empowers. Because community, when nurtured, grows stronger. We remain committed to providing you with the tools, education, and support you need to make life better, for yourself, your family, your neighbors, and the generations to come.
Thank you for walking alongside us. Here’s to brighter days ahead.
Warmly,
Colleen Monaghan Executive Director
PRESS
RELEASE: USDA UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF FIVE-PRONGED STRATEGY TO COMBAT AVIAN FLU AND LOWER EGG PRICES
Written by U.S. Department of Agriculture
Submitted by Aaron Denman,
Association Operations Coordinator
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2025 — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins hosted a stakeholder update today to provide the first progress report on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) five-pronged strategy to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and lower egg prices. Less than a month after the plan’s rollout, USDA reports significant advancements across all five areas.
“Egg prices are falling, farmers are getting the relief they need, and we are seeing meaningful progress in the fight against avian flu,” said Secretary Rollins. “USDA is making targeted investments and driving innovation to keep our food supply strong and affordable —delivering real results for American families and producers.”
Since February 26,
wholesale egg prices have dropped nearly 50%. The New York wholesale egg price, which peaked at $8.53 per dozen, has steadily declined to $4.08 as of March 19. While seasonal Easter demand may cause fluctuations, the downward trend underscores the effectiveness of USDA’s approach.
Progress on USDA’s Five-Pronged Strategy
Strengthening Biosecurity Measures
USDA has expanded biosecurity assessments to commercial poultry producers nationwide, prioritizing egg-laying facilities in top-producing states. More than 130
facilities have undergone assessments in 2025, with 38 assessments completed last week alone.
To help prevent further outbreaks, USDA now offers two free, voluntary biosecurity assessments: one focused on wildlife risk mitigation and another on general biosecurity improvements. Additionally, all farms affected by HPAI must complete a biosecurity audit before restocking flocks. USDA is covering up to 75% of costs for the highest-risk biosecurity improvements.
Expediting Relief for Farmers to Accelerate Repopulation
To provide financial relief and support faster repopulation, USDA increased the indemnity rate for layer hens by 2.41x on February 27, raising compensation to $16.94 per bird.
Reducing Regulatory Burdens to Expand Supply & Lower Prices
USDA is working with FDA and industry stakeholders to evaluate solutions that can help expand supply safely, minimize burdens on farmers and consumers, and promote innovative approaches to disease management. The Department continues to explore ways to reduce the extent of depopulations while maintaining food safety standards.
Investing $100 Million in Avian Flu Research & Vaccine Development
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) launched a $100 million funding opportunity, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to support research into HPAI prevention,
therapeutics, and potential vaccines. In consultation with HHS, USDA will also explore prevention strategies to promote biosecurity in agriculture and in humans, to ensure limited impact on American farmers. Funding will be awarded through a competitive process, with priority given to projects that:
• Develop novel therapeutics to address HPAI in poultry,
• Advance research on avian influenza risk pathways to improve biosecurity and outbreak response, and
• Explore vaccine candidates to protect poultry while minimizing trade disruptions.
USDA APHIS will host a webinar on April 1 at 12 p.m. ET that will provide details for interested applicants.
Exploring Temporary ImportExport Adjustments to Stabilize Supply
USDA has secured new egg import commitments from Turkey and South Korea, with discussions ongoing with other countries to further expand
supply in the short term. Additionally, U.S. shell egg exports have declined by 8%, ensuring more eggs remain in the domestic market to help stabilize prices.
USDA continues working closely with HHS, CDC, NIH, and FDA to coordinate a sciencebased response to HPAI and remains committed to regular public updates on progress.
# # #
Adapted from:
U.S. Department of Agriculture,“PRESS RELEASE: USDA Update on Progress of FivePronged Strategy to Combat Avian Flu and Lower Egg Prices.” USDA Press, March 20, 2025, https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/ news/press-releases/2025/03/20/usdaupdate-progress-five-pronged-strategycombat-avian-flu-and-lower-egg-prices
Adult/AdultConnection
Protectivefactorsaresafeguardstohelpchildrenfunctionwellat home,inschool,andintheircommunity.Buildingstrong relationshipsandfosteringconnectivityareessentialtoproviding strongprotectivefactorsforourfamilies.Pleasejoinusforour secondsessioninthe2025ConnectionSeries!
VIRTUALWORKSHOP
Wednesday,April9,2025
7:00-8:30P.M.
Joinusforthis90minute,virtualsession wherewe willtouchonsomebasicstohelpadultsconnect betterwithoneanother.
Whenadultscommunicateandgetalongbetterit hasapositiveimpactonthefamily.Learnabout:
Valueofconnection
Understandingourresponsetoperceived “threats”
Attachmentstyles101
EmpathyandUnderstanding CommunicationTools–ReflectiveListening andIStatements Register Here
orvisitwww.CCEOrangeCounty.org/events
cceorangecounty.org
CLEANSWEEP NY PESTICIDE EVENT
Submitted by Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will be hosting a CleanSweepNY Pesticide Collection event in the Hudson Valley on May 13-16, 2025. Dates and locations are shown below:
-Tuesday, May 13, 2025 –Kingston
-Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – Fishkill
-Thursday, May 15, 2025 –Middletown
-Friday, May 16, 2025 –Valhalla
This chemical disposal service is open to farmers, owners of former farms, and all types of certified pesticide applicators and technicians. Please note that this program does not accept household chemicals from homeowners.
Participants from neighboring counties are welcome and encouraged to participate at one of these locations. This collection is targeting the counties in NYSDEC’s Region 3 (Dutchess,
Orange, Putman, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties).
In addition to pesticides, CleanSweepNY will also collect the following types of chemicals from eligible participants at no charge:
-Fertilizers
-Paints and all related coatings (stain, varnish, shellac, etc.)
-Mercury and mercurycontaining devices
-Motor oil
-Antifreeze/coolant
-Cleaners, sanitizers, degreasers, etc.
-Old or spoiled gasoline, kerosene, or diesel
-Epoxies, tars, driveway sealers, etc.
-Fluorescent light tubes and ballasts
Preregistration is required to participate in this program. A registration form can be obtained by email (cleansweep@dec. ny.org) or phone 518-2258146. The deadline for registration is May 2, 2025.
Full appointment details, including the address of the drop-off, are provided once a participant has been registered.
Please direct all questions about the program to the contact information shown above.
EXPLORING PUBLIC SPEAKING SELF-EFFICACY IN THE 4-H PRESENTATION PROGRAM
Written by Nicole MarshallWheeler, Yu Meng, and Steven Worker
Submitted by Katie Lugauer, 4-H Program Coordinator
Introduction
Personal and professional success requires the ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently. Employers have rated oral communication skills as amongst the most important qualities in an employee in respect to effective job performance (Brink & Costigan, 2015). Cooperative Extension has a role to play in workforce development by preparing the next generation to be successful communicators.
Public speaking programs have been a cornerstone of the 4-H Youth Development Program since its inception (Wessel & Wessel, 1982). Through a systematic literature review, Paul et al. (2015) suggested that 4-H programs with a public speaking component may support life skills development (e.g., subject matter knowledge, planning, organization, cooperation), but that more evidence was needed to assess contributions to workforce success. Preparing, presenting, and receiving evaluator
feedback on an oral speech in a 4-H public speaking event improved self-confidence, knowledge of subject matter, and life skills, as reported by young people in North Carolina (Silliman, 2009). In several studies, alumni of the 4-H program reported 4-H to be more helpful than other youth organizations in developing their communication skills (Maas et.al, 2006; Radhakrishna & Doamekpor, 2009).
The development of public speaking selfefficacy is an important outcome in young people’s development of their public speaking skills. Self-
efficacy is the individual’s belief in their ability to perform (Bandura, 1997), or “the core belief that one can make a difference by one’s actions” (Bandura, 2010, p. 1). Self-efficacy theory has been applied to many domains including academics (Usher & Pajares, 2008), reading (Unrau et al., 2018), and STEM (Moos & Azevedo, 2009).
When applied to a public speaking domain, selfefficacy is the belief in one’s abilities to present a speech with effective content, structure, and delivery (Warren, 2011). Bandura (1997; 2010) advanced four sources affecting self-efficacy: (a)
mastery experiences (i.e., successful/failure public speaking experiences),
(b) vicarious (or observing) experiences (i.e., observing others give successful or inferior presentations), (c) social persuasion (i.e., encouragement or discouragement from peers and adults), and (d) affective state (i.e., psychological factors like one’s stress and anxiety about public speaking).
The four hypothesized sources of self-efficacy have remained prevalent in the scholarly literature since the inception of selfefficacy theory; research suggests that the weight of these sources vary during the course of a lifespan (Phan & Ngu, 2016).
The University of California (UC) 4-H Youth Development Program provides opportunities for youth to deliver prepared talks in 4-H activities. Every 4-H member is encouraged to present a public speech in front of a live audience each year. Annually, youth participate in an organized event at their county, region (multi-county), and state to present their speech and receive feedback from a panel of external raters.
Discussion and Implications
Our findings indicated that youth who participated in a
state 4-H public speaking competition reported high levels of self-efficacy in their public speaking abilities, which correlated with high ratings by external evaluators on the youth’s presentations.
Previous studies suggest that the 4-H program contributed to youth’s development of public speaking and other life skills (Maas et.al, 2006; Radhakrishna & Doamekpor, 2009); however, those studies did not delve into how the different sources of experience influence youth’s public speaking skill development. Our study contributes to the discussion by attending to the sources of selfefficacy and relationship to skill development. In summary, our findings demonstrate that for those who participated in the 2020 California state 4-H public speaking event: (a) positive previous mastery experiences have the greatest correlation with high levels of public speaking self-efficacy in comparison with other sources; and (b) youth perceptions of their abilities generally align with external evaluator assessments of their public speaking skill. These findings extend previous research of public speaking self-efficacy from
higher education settings into a youth development setting (Tucker & McCarthy, 2001; Warren, 2011).
This study explored four sources of public speaking self-efficacy in relation to youth participation in the 4-H program. Successful public speaking experiences (mastery experiences) as well as lower feelings of anxiety while speaking (affective state) had statistically significant relationships with public speaking self-efficacy; the relative importance of mastery experiences was high, while that of affective state was low. The other two sources—observing others (vicarious experiences) and receiving positive feedback from others (social persuasion)— did not have significant relationships. These findings are consistent with previous research on self-efficacy, primarily that mastery experiences have the largest influence on one’s self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997; 2010). Selfefficacy theory posits that successful presentation experiences increase self-efficacy beliefs while negative experiences lower them (Tucker & McCarthy, 2001; Warren, 2011). Furthermore, youth who were scored higher by evaluators during the public speaking event
were also generally highly confident in their public speaking abilities. In fact, on average, the higher the evaluator’s score, the higher the young person rated their public speaking self-efficacy.
The University of California (UC) 4-H Youth Development Program encourages 4-H members to give presenta tions (public speeches) in multiple venues: project meetings, club meetings, community projects, and formal presentation days. There are multiple opportunities for youth to experience positive mastery experiences and build their public speaking self-efficacy. The more time youth spend in 4-H, the more opportunities they receive to have mastery experiences, which may indicate that 4-H provides youth with the opportunities to grow their public speaking skills more the longer they are in the program. Additionally, considering that successful mastery experiences and higher evaluator scores have the greatest relationship with youth’s public speaking selfefficacy, we recommend broadening opportunities for youth to present and participate in 4-H presentation events. While individuals with high presentation self-efficacy may seek out opportunities
to present and continue to develop their skills, those with low presentation self-efficacy may avoid giving presentations and therefore are less likely to build their presentation skills (Tucker & McCarthy, 2001). Youth development professionals may want to reflect upon the number of presentation opportunities available for youth and the barriers that may prevent youth from participating in presentation opportunities, such as requirements to achieve a specific score or rank to participate in the next opportunity.
There are several limitations to this study. First, participants received their presentation scores before completing the survey, since it was sent via Qualtrics as a postevent follow-up message. Youth’s knowledge of their presentation scores may have impacted how they perceived their public speaking self-efficacy. This presents an opportunity for future research that could control for this aspect when designing the study. Second, this study only considers youth in one state and type of public speaking event that may not be generalizable to all public speaking events or places. Third, youth who participated in this study were those who qualified for a state level public speaking event. Therefore,
the youth were more likely to have high public speaking self-efficacy as they self-selected to participate in the event and had to present several times in order to qualify for the state level event. Fourth, there were ceiling effects observed in the data where data bunched at the high-end of the scale. This ceiling effect constrained data variance, and thus limited the robustness in exploring participants’ self-efficacy and evaluator scores.
We encourage future researchers to explore what it is about mastery experiences that influence public speaking selfefficacy. Identifying specific factors involved with mastery experiences has the potential to inform 4-H and other youth presentation programs about higher leverage points to best support youth in building their public speaking self-efficacy. Better understanding what programmatic activities influence the development of public speaking selfefficacy will allow 4-H professionals to improve program quality and lead to stronger youth outcomes.
Adapted from: Marshall-Wheeler, N., Meng, Y., & Worker, S. (2022). Exploring Public Speaking SelfEfficacy in the 4-H Presentation Program. The Journal of Extension, 60(4), Article 12. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.04.12
CCE Sullivan Spotlights
Staff Spotlight
INTRODUCING STEVE BONDS-LIPTAY
As the Energy Advisor for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC), Steve brings several years of experience in the residential solar industry, helping families throughout New York State navigate the energy transition. In his role with CCE, he provides energy awareness and education to homeowners and local businesses as they weatherize, electrify and make the transition to renewable energy.
Steve holds a Master’s of Science in Environmental Policy from Bard College where he researched the politics of water reform in Oaxaca, Mexico. He also worked as a biologist for the National Audubon Society, studying beach-nesting birds on the Gulf coast and as a documentary filmmaker covering the climate crisis. He lives in the Hudson Valley with his wife, two children and their Koi fish, Sparkles. In his free time, Steve enjoys playing basketball, gardening, cinema and taking in the spring and fall bird migrations.
Program Spotlight
CONTINUING THE STRENGTHENING FAMILIES SERIES
The Strengthening Families Program is a workshop series recently adapted by our staff to present to parents and youth 10 to 14 years old. Backed by 30 years of research, this workshop is proven effective in preventing youth behavioral issues and preventing violence in the family unit. Recently, Prevention Program Coordinator Pat Ocasio commented on the changes she’s observed in both youth and parents who participated in the program:
“The youth smile and express how they do not want the program to end. Parents … approach myself and Martin to thank us for the work that we are doing, and the changes they saw in their families expressing that they ‘can have more rules and communication and more love and limits’ with each other.”
Overall, she states that this is a great outcome and successful program with hopes to continue bringing this to more youth and parents in the future.
April Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use
April is the month of National Parks Week!
Take a look at some amazing visuals of the National Parks that exist in our country!
Hugging the coast of Maine and protecting the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic, Acadia National Park is one of the country’s top-ten most visited national parks.
One of the world’s largest international protected areas, located about 100 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park is known for its unparalleled solitude, scenery and wilderness. The park is a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage, a biosphere reserve and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park has a rich and colorful past. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes and abundant creeks—all in the middle of town— make Hot Springs a unique and beautiful destination.
Boasting the world’s longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is also home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it an added designation of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
Bordered by the spectacular Sierra and Stanislaus national forests of central California, Yosemite National Park is one of the nation’s most popular destinations. Known worldwide for its breathtaking granite cliffs, waterfalls, glaciers, and giant sequoia groves (the largest of which is home to 500 trees), Yosemite covers nearly 1,200 square miles.
Sandwiched between upstate New Yorks Adirondacks and Catskills, with views of Vermonts Green Mountains, Saratoga National Historical Park is—at almost 4,000 acres—one of the countys largest open public spaces. In 1777, during the American War for Independence, American troops battled and beat a British invasion force at this site, marking the first time in world history that a British army ever surrendered.
The nation’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, was established in December 2020 in the scenic and storied Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia. The New River—a rugged, 53-mile, whitewater river flowing northward through deep and spectacular canyons—is among the oldest rivers on Earth, and it has carved the deepest and longest river gorge in the Appalachians.
Facing southeast out of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty symbolizes—perhaps more than any other monument in the United States—freedom and democracy. The statue welcomes more than three million visitors annually, arriving by ferries that depart from Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
Source:
“National Parks Conservation Association Resources.” www.npca.org, 2025. https://www. npca.org/resources.
Straddling the Continental Divide in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Visitors discover meadows, glistening subalpine lakes, and mountain peaks ranging from 7,800 feet to more than 14,000 feet at the top of the alpine tundra.
10 CREATIVE WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUTH OUTSIDE THIS SPRING AND SUMMER
Written by Suzan Sussmann, CCE Orange and Sullivan Counties Human Development Educator
Submitted by Aaron Denman, Association Operations Coordinator
In a world where screens often dominate attention, finding creative ways to engage youth outside is more important than ever. Fortunately, the great outdoors offers a variety of opportunities for adventure, exploration, and imagination. From high-tech treasure hunts to low-tech water balloon battles, there’s something for every young adventurer to enjoy under the open sky. Let’s dive into ten exciting outdoor activities guaranteed to offer something for everyone, and hopefully get the entire family out into the fresh air.
1. Geocaching: Combine technology with outdoor exploration through geocaching, a real-world treasure hunting game. Using GPS coordinates on a phone or tablet, participants search for hidden containers, or “geocaches,” filled with trinkets and treasures. Geocaching encourages
problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a sense of adventure as players get outside and get moving in search of hidden caches. Once found you add your name to the log, and place the cache back where you found it for the next treasure hunter to find.
2. Treasure Hunts: Put a classic spin on outdoor exploration with a traditional treasure hunt. Create maps, riddles, and clues leading participants on a quest to discover hidden treasures in nature. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt in the backyard or an expedition through a local park, treasure hunts inspire curiosity and encourage participants to engage with their surroundings in new and exciting ways.
3. Pokémon GO:
Continued on page 16.
Transform the great outdoors into a vibrant playground with Pokémon GO, a popular game that blends digital creatures with realworld environments. Players explore their surroundings, discover virtual Pokémon, and engage in friendly battles with friends and fellow trainers. Pokémon GO promotes physical activity, exploration, and community engagement as players embark on quests to catch ’em all.
4. Hiking: Lace up your boots and hit the trails for a beautiful hike in nature. Whether it’s a light stroll through local woods or a challenging hike up a rugged mountain peak, hiking offers a wealth of physical and mental benefits for youth. From observing wildlife
Healthier Fats and Oils
Choosing fats and oils with less saturated fat leads to a healthier heart. Eating less saturated fat can help prevent heart disease.
Choose MORE often
Foods lower in saturated fat
Canola oil
Safflower oil
Sunflower oil
Corn oil
Olive oil
Sesame oil
Peanut oil
Soft tub margarine
(Light is a better choice)
Choose LESS often
Foods higher in saturated fat
Coconut oil
Butter
Beef fat
Palm oil
Pork fat (lard)
Chicken fat
Solid shortening
Cottonseed oil
Fatback
Bacon grease
For more heart-healthy cooking tips and recipes, visit healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov. hearttruth.gov
to taking in new and beautiful sites, hiking provides opportunities for discovery, reflection, and adventure in the great outdoors.
5. Sports: Get active and unleash your competitive spirit with outdoor sports and games. From soccer and basketball to Frisbee and pickleball, there’s a wide range of team sports and recreational activities to enjoy in the fresh air. Make up a new game together as a family and build your rules as you go. Just getting out, getting moving, and sharing a laugh can be the goal. Sports promote physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship while fostering friendships and building confidence in young athletes. They can also promote new ways to laugh and find joy!
6. Tie Dye & Bleach Dye:
Tap into your creative side and add a splash of color to outdoor adventures with tie dye and bleach dye projects. Set up a crafting station in the backyard or at a local park and invite youth to design and dye their own t-shirts, bandanas, or tote bags. Whether it’s swirling vibrant hues with traditional tie dye techniques or experimenting with bold
patterns using bleach on an old t-shirt or sweatshirt you want to change up, dye projects inspire selfexpression and artistic exploration in an outdoor setting.
7. Water Activities:
Beat the heat and make a splash with exhilarating waterbased activities. Whether it’s kayaking, paddle boarding, or cooling off with a refreshing swim, water offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration in the heat of summer and spring. In addition to traditional water sports, don’t forget the simple joys of running through sprinklers, engaging in epic water balloon battles, or blasting friends with water cannons. These playful activities encourage laughter, teamwork, and creativity while providing relief from
the summer heat.
8. Birdwatching: Discover the wonders of life through birdwatching. Youth can use binoculars, field guides, and bird identification apps on their phones (like the Cornell app Merlin), then set out on a birding adventure to observe feathered friends in their natural habitats. Whether it’s spotting colorful songbirds in gardens or observing raptors soaring overhead in nature reserves, birdwatching offers a rewarding opportunity to connect with wildlife and foster an appreciation for the natural world.
9. Gardening: Cultivate green thumbs and nurturing spirits through gardening projects. Set up a vegetable patch, flower bed, or herb garden
in the backyard or at a community green space and invite youth to get their hands dirty planting, watering, and caring for plants. Gardening teaches valuable lessons about responsibility, patience, and environmental stewardship while providing tangible rewards in the form of fresh produce, vibrant blooms, and a sense of accomplishment.
10. Stargazing: Turn your gaze skyward and marvel at the wonders of the cosmos with an evening of stargazing. Find a dark, open area away from city lights, spread out a blanket, and watch as the stars twinkle overhead. Use a telescope or simply rely on the naked eye to identify constellations, planets, and shooting stars. Stargazing fosters a sense of awe and wonder, sparking curiosity about the universe and our place within it.
treasures, embarking on epic adventures, or unleashing creativity in nature, outdoor play offers endless opportunities for fun, learning, and growth.
So, grab your gear, gather your friends, and get ready to embark on unforgettable outdoor adventures that will inspire a lifelong love of nature and exploration.
Resources to help you get started are below:
https://play.google. com/store/apps/ details?id=com. groundspeak.geocaching. intro&hl=en_US&gl=US
https://apps.apple.com/ us/app/geocaching/ id329541503
Embrace the great outdoors and ignite a sense of wonder and excitement in youth with these engaging outdoor activities. Whether it’s discovering hidden
https://www.scavify.com/ scavenger-hunt/outdoorscavenger-hunt-clues https://www. youtube.com/ watch?v=dS3QsQWWFy8
https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=d-rmGvNqsA
https://merlin. allaboutbirds.org/
Adapted from:
Sussmann, Suzan. “10 Creative Ways to Engage Youth Outside this Spring and Summer” Our community table, May 6, 2024. https://blogs.cornell.edu/buildingcommunity/uncategorized/10-creativeways-to-engage-youth-outside-this-springand-summer/.
CDC Recommendations for Improving Health through Transportation Policy
www.pedbikeimages.org
The U.S. transportation system has been shaped by multiple policy inputs and concrete actions which have arisen from transportation and community planners, funding agencies and others at Federal, state and local levels. Today, the system is designed to move people and goods efficiently; however, there is a growing awareness across communities of the impact that transportation systems have on quality of life and health. Government and non-government agencies are seeking innovative policies and programs that promote health while allowing for the efficient transportation of goods and people.
The Opportunity
Expanding the availability of, safety for, and access to a variety of transportation options and integrating health-enhancing choices into transportation policy has the potential to save lives by preventing chronic diseases, reducing and preventing motor vehicle-related injury and deaths, improving environmental health, while stimulating economic development, and ensuring access for all people.
Recommendations
The document CDC Recommendations for Improving Health through Transportation Policy (http://www.cdc.gov/transportation) gives specific recommendations for including the consideration of public health within transportation issues. Key high-level areas include:
Reduce injuries associated with motor vehicle crashes. Examples of interventions include:
Restraint laws; alcohol-impaired driving laws;
» Comprehensive graduated driver licensing systems;
» Community designs that promote reduced traffic speeds in neighborhoods; and
» Addressing roadway safety issues through community design, and policies
» which improve driver behavior.
Promote active transportation. Examples of interventions include:
Well-lit sidewalks, shared-use paths, and safe roadway crossings;
» Bicycle-supporting infrastructure such as shared-use paths, protected bikeways,
» cycletracks and programs that reduce motor vehicle traffic and vehicle speed on neighborhood streets (e.g. bicycle boulevards);
» transportation and public park and recreation areas;
Creating safe pedestrian and bicycling connections to schools, public
Reducing vehicle miles traveled per capita;
» Using comprehensive street design measures, such as “complete streets”;
» Safe Routes to Schools programs; and
» Federal guidelines for the inclusion of active transportation infrastructure in
» building and development efforts.
Improve air quality. Examples of interventions include:
Retrofit technologies for diesel engines;
» Traffic congestion mitigation and air quality programs;
» Stricter emission standards at ports, and for railroads;
» Promotion of transportation choices that reduce emissions;
» Promotion of active transportation and public transportation modes while
» maintaining safety measures; and
» Expand public transportation by:
»
Reducing vehicle miles traveled per capita.
Increasing transit funding;
Providing more transportation funding flexibility;
» Implementing model transportation planning policies that encourage transit-
» oriented developments;
» Accommodating bicycles and pedestrians in public transit systems.
Improving bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to stops and stations; and
» Encourage healthy community design by:
Modeling land use and transportation policies like “complete streets” that
» encourage dense networks of connected streets which serve the needs of all transportation modes;
» high-volume roadways, ports, and airports;
Implementing measures to protect residents from air pollution and noise from
» transportation by increasing connectivity and limiting block size;
Designing street networks that facilitate active transportation and public
» reach destinations without having to cross busy streets;
Locating destinations for children within neighborhoods so that children can
» transportation options.
Ensuring that all people have access to safe, healthy, convenient, and affordable
Rationale
The current U.S. transportation infrastructure focuses on motor vehicle travel and provides limited support for other transportation options for most Americans.
Physical activity and active transportation have declined compared to previous generations. The lack of physical activity is a major contributor to the steady rise in rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other chronic health conditions.
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of injury-related death for many age groups. Pedestrians and bicyclists are at an even greater risk of death from crashes than are motor vehicle occupants.
Many Americans view walking and bicycling within their communities as unsafe because of traffic and the lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle facilities.
A lack of efficient alternatives to automobile travel disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as the poor, the elderly, people who have disabilities and children by limiting access to jobs, health care, social interaction, and healthy foods.
Although motor vehicle emissions have decreased significantly over the past three decades, air pollution from motor vehicles continues to contribute to the degradation of our environment and adverse respiratory and cardiovascular health effects.
To view and download the full document “CDC Recommendations for Improving Health through Transportation Policy” please visit: www.cdc.gov/transportation
HOW TO PREVENT FALLS
Written
and submitted
by Nancy McGraw, Team Leader and Caregiver Resource Center Educator
Preventing injuries from falls is important every day, but especially in the winter months, when snow and ice can dramatically increase your chances of slipping. The following tips are risk factors that can increase your chance of a fall, and recommendations for prevention, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and NYC Department of Health.
Tips for Preventing Falls: Pets:
• Wear properly fitting shoes with rubber, nonskid soles.
• Tie your shoelaces and never walk in bare socks unless they have skidproof bottoms.
• Replace slippers that have stretched out of shape or are too loose.
Footwear:
• Place a bell on your small pets so you can locate them easily and know when they are near your feet, creating a potential tripping hazard.
• Train dogs to walk
beside you, instead of in front of you.
• In the case of a larger or stronger dog, train your pet not to pull you when on a leash.
Living Areas:
• Arrange furniture so that you have a clear pathway between rooms.
• Walk only in well-lit rooms and always turn on lights.
• Place a lamp, telephone and flashlight near your bed.
• Install a nightlight along the route between your bedroom and the bathroom.
• Secure loose area rugs with a rubber, slipresistant backing, or remove them.
• Move furniture so that you have a clear pathway between rooms.
Bathroom:
• Place a nonslip mat or stick strips in the bathtub or shower floor.
• Install grab bars next to the toilet and shower.
• Use a skid-proof rubber bath mat instead of a mat that might slip or move.
Finally:
• Install motion detector lights indoors and outdoors.
• Keep salt and a shovel near the front door so you do not have to walk on an icy sidewalk in order to reach them.
• Make it a habit to have a friend, relative or neighbor check in on you once or twice a day if you live alone so there is someone designated to investigate in case you are unable to answer the phone or come to the door.
• Consider a medical alert device and wear it at all times in case you fall, even in the shower and at bedtime.
What lifestyle choices can you make to help reduce your risk of falling?
There are a number of things you can do to keep your bones strong and lessen your risk of a fallrelated injury, including:
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay physically active.
• Have your bone density tested annually to help recognize signs of developing osteoporosis, as recommended by your physician.
• Get an annual eye examination.
• Get an annual physical that includes an evaluation for cardiac and blood pressure problems.
• Maintain a healthy diet with adequate dietary calcium and Vitamin D from both food and supplements.
• Check with your doctor(s) about any side effects of your medications; make sure all medications are clearly labeled and stored in a well-lit area and take medications on schedule with a full glass of water, unless
otherwise instructed. For more tips and a complete fall safety prevention checklist, go to www.orthoinfo.org/ falls or visit www.nyc. gov/health/preventfalls .
Sources:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2024). Preventing falls among the elderly. Staying Healthy: Preventing Falls Among the Elderly. Home Safety is Bone Safety: Falls Awareness & Prevention Guide. https://www. orthoinfo.org/falls.
NYC Health (Ed.). (2025). Preventing falls in older adults. How To Prevent Falls: A Home Safety Checklist. Preventing Falls in Older Adults - NYC Health. Retrieved from https:// www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/ healthy-aging-preventing-falls-in-olderadults.page
AreYouStruggling? ThereisHelpAvailable
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CallorText1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453)
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TheTransLifeline Call1-877-565-8860
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