EXTENSION CONNECTION VOLUME XCIII No. 2 REFLECTIONS OF 2021 Page 2...........................................Organization Information Page 3..........................................................................Financials Page 4-5...............................Reflections From Our Leaders Pages 6-7....Board Reflections: What Brought You Joy? Pages 8-9..............Extension Education Center Updates Pages 10-11.............................Caregiver Resource Center Page 12-13..........Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard
PRODUCED BY:
OFFICE HOURS
Centermost Marketing Colleen Monaghan Nicole Slevin Nikolados
Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Page 14-15......................Agriculture and Food Systems Page 16-17.....................................Sullivan Fresh Markets Page 18-19.......................................................4-H Programs Page 20-21..........Taste NY Market & ShopTasteNY.com Page 22.............................................................CEEP Program Page 23.................................Retirement Congratulations Pages 24-31....Staff Reflections: What Motivated You?
sullivan@cornell.edu www.sullivancce.org Facebook.com/ccesullivan
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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. 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.
CCE SULLIVAN STAFF Colleen Monaghan...............................................................................Executive Director Patricia Avery...........................................................................Dependent Care Educator Patricia Bennett....................................................Healthy Families Program Manager Thomas Bosket...................................................................SALT/DFC Program Manager SueAnn Boyd...................................................Healthy Schools Program Coordinator Fabio Campanati...............Sullivan Fresh & Shop Taste NY Program Coordinator Elizabeth Clancy-DiBartolo.............................Sullivan Fresh Program Coordinator Martin Colavito.........................................Community Cupboard Program Manager Kaitlyn Conklin.................................................................................................4-H Educator Wanda V. Cruz......................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Erin Denman................................................................................Operations Coordinator Bonnie Lewis...........................................................................Dependent Care Educator Erica Lynch.......................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator John Mastrangelo...........................................................Assistant Ag Market Manager Melinda Meddaugh..................................................Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader Brenda Miller.......................Environment & Natural Resources Program Manager Vivian Monsanto...............................................................................Finance Coordinator Barbara Moran........................................4-H Youth Development Program Manager Bee Moser........................................................................SNAP-Ed New York Nutritionist Kendra Payne.........................................................................Digital Marketing Manager Vanessa Petrossian...................Director of State & Regional Ag Market Initiatives Abyssinia Pla El..................................................................................Finance Coordinator Michelle Proscia................................................................................Agriculture Educator Nicole Slevin Nikolados.............................................Administrator & Director of DEI Ashley Tully.................................................................................Ag Program Coordinator Tara VanHorn.............................................................................................Finance Manager Malinda Ware............................................................................................Program Director Sean Welsh..............................................................................Energy Resource Educator John Wilcox..............................................................................................Facilities Manager Judy Arpadi, Cherene Audain Jamie Behrns, Brian Vantassell..............................................Ag Market Coordinators PAGE 2
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Kaplan......................President Amy Erlwein.................Vice President Klu Padu.................................Secretary John Kiefer.............................Treasurer Nadia Rajsz................Legislative Rep. Adam Hughes.................Cornell Rep. Marcie Ehrman Denise Frangipane John “JP” Lang Amanda Langseder Chris Ng Juanita Sarmiento Gary Silver Dara Smith
PROGRAM COMMITTEE Freda Eisenberg............................Chair Alex Alorro Heather Brown Roberta Chambers Samara Ferris Cynthia Hernandez-Gonzalez DeeDee Malloy Nancy McGraw Desmond Oxford McDaniel Danielle Sykes Eugene Thalmann Deborah Worden
CCE SULLIVAN FINANCIALS 2021 REFLECTED IN NUMBERS 2021 FINANCIAL SUPPORT ESTIMATE 1% 3% 17% 33% 45%
Federal Smith Lever Other Program Income Sullivan County Allocation SUNY Fringe Benefits/224 Grants/Contracts
2021 ANALYSIS OF ESTIMATED EXPENSES 1% 11% 12% 76%
Fundraising Facilities Administrative Services Program Services
2021 GRANTS & CONTRACTS Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley Chapter CDC & NYS Office for the Aging -> SullCo Office for the Aging Cornell Cooperative Extension Columbia & Greene Counties Cornell Cooperative Extension NYS Cornell Cooperative Extension NYS Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County Cornell University Small Farms Program Federal Smith Lever -> Cornell University Federal Smith Lever -> Cornell University Garnet Health Health Research Incorporated National Center on Physical Activity & Disability -> U of Alabama NYS County Law 224 Funds NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets NYS Department of Health NYS Office for the Aging -> Sull Co. Office for the Aging NYS Office of Children & Family Services -> Sull Co. Youth Bureau NYSERDA -> Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Admin. Sullivan County County Legislature Sullivan County Public Health Services Sullivan Renaissance United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
$22,065 $43,000 $1,500 $35,000 $17,000 $3,449 $1,500 $16,000 $10,000 $2,500 $49,000 $2,500 $80,321 $437,500 $78,000 $10,000 $152,500 $3,200 $5,000 $63,000 $125,000 $540,000 $63,000 $2,500 $68,093 $47,858 PAGE 3
CARES Caregiver Resource Center CRISP: Early Detection of Invasive Species Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Rural Health & Safety Education SNAP-Ed Poultry Education Core Federal Extension Funding Innovations: Reducing Food Insecurity Fresh RX Sullivan Fresh, 4-H Fiber Arts, Complete Streets Therapeutic Sensory Garden Core NYS Extension Funding Welcome Center & Taste NY, ShopTasteNY.com Farm to School FreshConnect Box Program Creating Healthy Schools & Communities (CHSC) Tai Chi for Fall Prevention & Tools for Caregivers 4-H Youth Development Program Community Energy Engagement Program (CEEP) Drug Free Communities: SALT Core County Ext. Funding: Annual Allocation, Ag Services Healthy Families Fresh RX Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Food Safety Outreach Program
REFLECTIVE WORDS CCE SULLIVAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Admittedly, when asked to reflect on the question, “what brought you joy this year”, I had to stretch to find something. Like many others in our community, I’ve felt stressed, overwhelmed, underwhelmed, and unsure. If I’m really to reflect honestly, the only thing that kept me going has been my commitment to my loved ones and to keeping Extension present for the folks who count on us. I am motivated (almost) every day by knowing the Extension Education Center plays a pivotal role in providing a safe space, both physically and emotionally, for hundreds of Sullivan County kids, seniors, farmers, and families to learn, to express and have their needs met, and to be part of a community that has gone through the wringer together. We’ve managed to reopen the building as a gathering space, maintain physical distancing measures, adopt new technologies, and provide education and outreach through nutrition programming in all corners of the county. For that, I am grateful. I am also grateful for the County partnerships that help us make meaningful connections in the community, the adult 4-H volunteers who continued to mentor our youth in non-traditional ways, and to my coworkers, for continuing to remind me why we show up every day, and for giving each other space and grace to be ourselves during difficult times. There is a link between gratitude and joy, and this reflection exercise has served to remind me of that. I invite you,in the new year, to reflect on what there is to be grateful for, and you just may find, a spark of joy will follow. May you find joy in 2022, Colleen Monaghan
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FROM OUR LEADERS CCE SULLIVAN OUTGOING BOARD PRESIDENT This year’s annual report theme is Reflections. As I reflect on my tenure as a board member and president of the CCE Sullivan Board of Directors, I’m proud of the accomplishments my fellow volunteer directors and the staff have worked on together over the last six years. In spite of the last two years, we have overseen the completion of multiple capital improvement projects, improved our cash flow situation, and have more than doubled the number of annual community contacts, staff, and grants. In the face of extreme uncertainty and loss, my colleagues and I continued to show up for the organization and the community because we acknowledge and value what Cornell Cooperative Extension brings to our own lives, and the lives of our friends and neighbors. I’ve been involved with Extension my whole life, and feel lucky I was able to make a contribution to its longevity and serve my home, Sullivan County. Thank you for two wonderful terms, and I look forward to continuing to volunteer with CCE Sullivan. Welcome new Board President Dara Smith, and to the newest board members Gary, Justin, Freda, and Michael. I know I’m leaving my seat in good hands. Happy New Year! Robert Kaplan
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BOARD REFLECTIONS ON THE QUESTION:
WHAT BROUGHT YOU JOY IN 2021? Denise Frangipane, MPA “This year I found joy in unexpected places: from live music to a quiet morning walk. But mostly, as I witness the overnight growth of my son Ian, that joy was distilled from reading together; conversations during drives to and from school; building Lego; and late night cuddles.“
Michael Bel 2022
Adam Hughes
Cornell Rep.
Freda Eisenberg Vice President
“Being in my garden brought me joy.”
Amy Erlwein
Treasurer
John Kiefer
Nadia Rajsz
“My daughter who lives in Florida has been sending me videos of my three-year-old granddaughter. She was in costume for Halloween. They are now in Colorado for vacation.”
Legislative Rep.
“Joy is being with family especially the grandchildren during these very trying times.”
Gary Silver Marcie Ehrman
“Working with other Rotarians, A Single Bite, and others to support our community and fight food insecurity.” PAGE 6
Dara Smith
“I found joy in organizing Farm to School events at SWCSD and seeing the faces of students as they learned about and tasted locally produced foods. I had a smile on my face for days after our first Farm to School day. It was awesome!”
“I found joy with my family and riding my horses. As Winston Churchill said: There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
Justin Sutherland 2022
John “JP” Lang Juanita Sarmiento
“I found joy in the opportunity to spend more time with family.”
Klu Padu
Secretary
Gary Silverman 2022
Chris Ng
“This year I found joy in having more time to spend with family.”
Amanda Langseder “I found joy in the outdoors: More camping, trail walking, park visiting, outdoor dining, working from the deck, forest bathing, and lake floating this year than I’ve ever done before! Kudos to the many businesses who figured out how to move their business out-of-doors so we all could be safe and enjoy being social again.”
“I found great joy in all the wonderful people that are part of my life, which includes family, friends, my students and all the local volunteers working to make our community a better place to live.”
President
Robert Kaplan
A warm thank you to our outgoing board members and officers for their service, Robert Kaplan, Klu Padu, and Amy Erlwein. PAGE 7
REFLECTIONS ON UPDATES TO THE
GERALD J. SKODA EXTENSION EDUCATION CENTER
We’re so pleased to re-introduce the community to the Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center. After a $1 million capital improvement campaign, which began in earnest during CCE Sullivan’s centennial year in 2014, the Association has completed a broad array of projects to bring the Center into the 21st century!
Interior upgrades include LED lighting, repaired ceilings, all new paint and floors throughout the building, finished program storage spaces, and an upper level ADA accessible teaching kitchen with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, and technology to allow for in-person and virtual learning sessions.
Exterior improvements since then include a new metal roof, new insulation, upgraded windows, new sidewalks, and paved driveway and parking lot, and exterior LED lighting. Front and rear entrances are outfitted with automatic ADA doors. Side and rear entrances use keyless entry systems and cameras are strategically placed around the property to ensure safety and security. A Sensory Garden stimulates visitors’ senses on their way to the front door.
Upper level meeting spaces are open for community use and can host up to 100 participants outside of pandemic times, or up to 35 physically distanced participants with COVID restrictions. Spaces can be closed into three separate meeting rooms with brand new dividers boasting life-sized
The Turtle Spring Nature Trail behind the Extension Education Center has been rerouted away from dangerous, old routes, and has been leveled, graded, and mulched. Ten fitness stations are strategically placed along the trail and directional signage has been installed.
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dry erase walls and outfitted for hybrid or virtual offerings. Each meeting room has new tables and chairs which are light weight, on wheels, and can be managed by just one person. The lower level of the Center has been turned into a NYS Department of Health approved commercial kitchen and food distribution center, providing a registered food pantry, soup kitchen, and the fulfillment center for the NYS Department of Ag and Markets agricultural marketing program shoptasteny.com. There are several projects on deck for 2022 and 2023 including technology upgrades in the classrooms and boardroom, deconstruction of the old high tunnel and edible garden, reconstruction of a raised edible teaching garden, replacement of HVAC units, replacement of lower level steel doors, and construction of an ADA restroom. Funding for these projects has come from many local individual and business donors, the New York State Dormitory Authority, the New York State Department of Health, and the United States Department of Agriculture. We look forward to hosting an open house in the second half of 2022 and hope you will join us in enjoying another century of Extension programming in Sullivan County!
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REFLECTIONS ON THE
CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION HUDSON VALLEY CHAPTER ED & SUPPORT PROGRAMS
TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS FOR FALL PREVENTION
The Alzheimer’s Association partnered with CCE Sullivan to provide early detection tools and to maximize the access to evidencebased education and support services. Eight different topics and a monthly support group are offered to meet caregiver needs. During these classes and support groups, participants are encouraged to use the free nationwide 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) and to access the online tool, Alzheimer’s Navigator®, to help determine their needs and develop an action plan.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, graceful movements with deep breathing. This Sun-style tai chi program, open to older adults who have a risk for falls, increases strength, balance, and posture while reducing stress and improving relaxation. The eight-week program teaches participants the twelve different warmups and six basic movements, which are adaptable to participant needs and can be performed in a chair. (Pictured above.) PARTICIPANT REFLECTION “I am extremely grateful for your time and sharing of your immense amount of knowledge in the help available for seniors and those who care for them! I know the information will be valuable. Thank you!” -Patty D.
PARTICIPANT REFLECTION “I like tai chi: it keeps me active and moving daily. I am also more aware of my balance and body placement. Many thanks to Bonnie Lewis.” -Anonymous PAGE 10
2021 BY THE
NUMBERS
CCE Sullivan & Sullivan County Office for the Aging provided animatronic pets to seniors, which provide comfort and companionship.
138 Direct Contacts 272 Indirect Contacts
Presentation to Monticello Seniors Group.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES • Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate? (3 Sessions) • Making The Most of My Doctor Visit • Legal & Financial Planning for Dementia Caregivers • Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors • Living with Alzheimer’s Disease (Sessions for Early & Middle Stages) • Healthy Living for the Brain & Body • Ten Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease • Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
• Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention (3 Sessions) • Tai Chi for Fall Prevention, Workplace Wellness for Action Toward Independence Staff • Introduction to Tai Chi, Wurtsboro Public Library, and South Fallsburg Senior Group • Caregiver “Weekly Wednesday” Support Group • Alzheimer’s Caregiver Monthly Support Group • Dementia Conversations
OUTREACH
COLLABORATORS
• Grahamsville Little World’s Fair • Monticello Farmers’ Market • SALT South Fallsburg • Sullivan Fresh Market on the Move (Wurtsboro, Loch Sheldrake, Liberty, Fallsburg) • Office for the Aging’s Mobile Bus (Roscoe, Fallsburg, Wurtsboro)
• Sullivan County Office for the Aging • Sullivan NY Connects • Sullivan 180 • Action Toward Independence • Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter
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REFLECTIONS ON
SULLIVAN FRESH COMMUNITY CUPBOARD
Action Toward Independence (ATI) has donated a van full of food to the Cupboard, plus hundreds of bags of food since the pandemic began.
VOLUNTEER REFLECTION “Volunteering for the Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard is part of an orchestrated team of people who realize that together we can make a difference! Being part of this effort makes me feel like a true stakeholder in my community and part of a collective solution that breeds partnerships.” Happy smiles after picking up fresh produce.
PARTICIPANT REFLECTION “In March, I was hungry, living in fear of being homeless and did not know how to cope because of COVID. When I met the people at the Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard, I was able to begin to create solutions concerning all of my fears. They immediately provided food for myself and my young son every week, and once our hunger needs were met, we were able to resolve my housing problems and be better prepared to deal with COVID.” PAGE 12
2021 BY THE
NUMBERS
8,032 Total Food Deliveries 7,000 Total Weekly Meals 100,000 lbs. Total Amount of Food Delivered
Woodbourne Correctional donating food.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS NOURISH NY (FARM TO FOOD BANK PROGRAM) The Nourish NY Program, funded by NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets in partnership with CCE Orange, helped us develop a Farm to Food Bank program as part of the Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard. This program helped us purchase $40,000 in farm products in 2021. Participating local farm businesses include Bethel Creamery, Myers Century Dairy Farm, Burns Farm, Somewhere in Time Farm, Quarton Farm, Neversink Farm, Soons Orchard, Bobolink Farm, Thunderview Farm, Snowdance Farm, Majestic Farm, Brey’s Egg Farm and the Catskills Food Hub. It’s a win-win program, providing fresh produce, meats, eggs, and dairy to friends and neighbors facing food insecurity, while supporting the Sullivan County agricultural economy.
“PART OF THE SOLUTION” Recently we created lawn signs thanking folks for being part of the Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard effort by reminding them that their generosity truly goes a long way with engaging those who are so often forgotten. We distribute these signs to the folks we serve to remind them that they are as much a partner in our efforts as anyone else. These signs proudly state: “Part of the Solution”. When we ask folks if we can put the signs up, we are often met with a degree of mistrust. It seems that some people are concerned about being labelled, but when they see the sign states that they are part of the solution, unanimously the mistrust dissolves into pride! Believe it or not, there is a systemic, institutional stigma that accompanies much of the service from agencies providing care. This has created a nonintentional disconnect, as often verbalized by our partners. This makes it more important than ever for us to humble ourselves in their presence. So when you see one of these signs, you see a partner and the cultivation of community! PAGE 13
REFLECTIONS ON
AGRICULTURE & FOOD SYSTEMS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
EMPOWERING FARMS TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE
WESTERN BEAN CUTWORM (WBC) RESEARCH PROJECT
In response to the pandemic, the U.S. government established federal relief and funding programs to help small businesses that were negatively impacted. Access to these programs existed solely online, creating a barrier for many in the agricultural community. CCE Sullivan worked with Sullivan 180 to bridge the digital divide by providing one-on-on support to farmers seeking to apply for pandemic assistance. Overall, CCE Sullivan assisted 16 farms with submitting federal funding applications, resulting in Sullivan County farms receiving over $140,000 in payroll assistance and forgivable loans from the Small Business Administration.
The Western Bean Cutworm trapping project, in collaboration with NYS IPM Program Livestock and Field Crop Work Team and Extension Educators from across NYS, had another successful season of monitoring for WBC in preparation to alert growers to potential infestations during the growing season. Trapping locations were set up at Weiss Dairy Farm and Peters Dairy Farm to track the pest’s flight across Sullivan County.
Brett Budde of Majestic Farm giving a virtual farm tour for CCE Sullivan. PAGE 14
2021 BY THE
NUMBERS
FARM TO SCHOOL
89 Farm Visits 117 Direct Contacts 2,513 Indirect Contacts 259 Horticulture Contacts
COLLABORATORS
CCE Sullivan received a grant from NYS Agriculture and Markets to develop a Farm to School program in Livingston Manor and Roscoe school districts. As part of the project, we worked with school districts and the Catskills Food Hub to source products from local and NYS farms, provide training to food service employees, and offer educational outreach to the students. As part of the October Farm to School month, staff worked with school districts to host educational events, such as Farm to School Day at Sullivan West and the Big Apple Crunch.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
WORKSHOPS • Best Foot Forward: Branding, Marketing, Sales • Brooding & Rearing Basics for Poultry • E-Commerce 101 • Flock Talks: Roundtable Discussions • FSMA Farmworker Health and Hygiene Training (2 Classes) • Picture Perfect Social Media Photography and Graphics • Poultry Enterprise Budget and Business Plan • Small Farms Poultry Course • Social Media Inspirations • Writing a Farm Food Safety Plan • Virtual Ag Career Job Fair
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Dave Weiss of Weiss Dairy Farm receives an “All for Ag Thank You Bag”, along with 51 other farms across Sullivan County. PAGE 15
CCE Orange County CCE Ulster County Cornell University Fallsburg School District Garnet Health Hope Farm (New Hope/SUNY Sullivan) Hudson Valley Agribusiness Dev. Corp. Liberty School District Livingston Manor School District Monticello School District Neversink Agricultural Society NYS Department of Ag & Markets Roscoe School District Southern Catskills Food Hub Sullivan 180 Sullivan BOCES Sullivan Catskills Farmers’ Markets Sullivan County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board Sullivan County Dept. of Public Health Sullivan County Division of Planning and Community Development Sullivan County Farm Bureau Sullivan County IDA Sullivan County Legislature Sullivan County Office for the Aging Sullivan County Visitor’s Association Sullivan Renaissance Sullivan West School District SUNY Sullivan Tri-Valley School District US Department of Agriculture
REFLECTIONS ON
SULLIVAN FRESH MARKETS
COLLABORATORS • Community Church of Wurtsboro • Fair Food Network • Garnet Health • SNAP-Ed • Sullivan County Department of Family Services • Sullivan County Office for the Aging • Sullivan County Public Health Services • Sullivan Renaissance • Sun River Health • Town of Fallsburg
FARMS & PRODUCERS • Bethel Creamery • Bobolink Farm • Breys Egg Farm • Burns Farm • Hassina Brodie • Myers Century Farm • Neversink Farm • Somewhere In Time Farm • Soons Orchard • Trapani Farms • Quarton Farm
FARMER REFLECTION “It’s easy to take for granted having fresh, healthy, locally grown produce to eat and enjoy. To bring that to people who may not have the same experience due to lack of access, is the reason I farm. Sometimes customers at the Monticello Farmers’ Market don’t even recognize some of the produce at my stand. There is no greater feeling than when they try something new and come back next week excited, happy, and wanting more. CCE Sullivan makes it easy for us growers by managing the SNAP/EBT payments and helping us navigate the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. It’s a win-win for the whole Sullivan Catskills community.” -Brenda, Owner of Bobolink Farm (above)
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2021 BY THE
NUMBERS
Indirect Contacts: 5,803 Money Spent on Local, Regional, NYS Farm Products: $25,300 Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons Redeemed: $4,592 SNAP/EBT Sales: $2,415 (50% increase since 2020)
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS NUTRITION & FOOD SAFETY AT THE MARKETS Educational workshops are offered at Sullivan Fresh markets. CCE Sullivan nutrition education staff presented on everything from at-home food safety practices to portion size and healthy recipes. Staff handed out over 1,000 recipe cards to customers. Overall, we provided 26 presentations on nutrition and consumer food safety. (Presentation pictured at left.)
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS Many incentive programs are offered at Sullivan Fresh markets due to partnerships we have in the community. In 2021, we distributed and received Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupons, WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupons, Fresh Connect Checks, Double-Up Food Bucks, and SNAP/EBT tokens. These incentive programs help make purchasing local, fresh and healthy farm products affordable for market customers. Overall, $12,000 in coupons were redeemed by customers, all of which went back into the local agricultural economy.
SULLIVAN RX For the second year in a row, CCE Sullivan, Garnet Health Doctors, and Sullivan Renaissance sponsored the Sullivan Fresh RX program. After participating in nutrition and food safety demonstrations by Garnet Health Community Health Coordinators and CCE staff, customers received $10 in RX coupons to use at the markets, along with recipes for preparing healthy meals from market produce. In 2021, we distributed $5,000 in RX coupons.
Hassina Brodi is a local painter who sells her work at the weekly Sullivan Fresh Monticello Farmers’ Market. PAGE 17
Fiber Arts for All yarnstorming event at the Liberty Library.
REFLECTIONS ON THE 4-H PROGRAM PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
SULLIVAN COUNTY YOUTH FAIR
4-H VIRTUAL SERIES
The Sullivan County 4-H team was thrilled to offer youth the opportunity to participate in the Annual Sullivan County Youth Fair, held at the Grahamsville Little World’s Fair every August. Youth participated in 18 different department areas totaling 707 entries that 9,500 fairgoers experienced, learned about, and enjoyed!
CCE Sullivan 4-H introduced a number of virtual series released on YouTube and Instagram. These programs were held when folks were not able to meet in person due to the pandemic. The topics of these presentations ranged from horticulture to arts, environmental science to outdoors skills. These videos sparked engagement and resulted in 679 views.
CRAFTY CLOVER KIDS
Kahlleigh, Kameron & Kayden participate in 4-H Poultry projects.
Crafty Clover Kids is a monthly program that offers a handson crafting experience which corresponds with a lesson. Project records can be kept and entered in the Sullivan County Youth Fair. Material lists are provided as well as instructions for each participant. Each month the crafts are provided in a “take and make” format to clubs and individuals.
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2021 BY THE
NUMBERS
COLLABORATORS
581 Direct Contacts 10,229 Indirect Contacts
WORKSHOPS & OUTREACH
• Katie Wilcox • Harold Smith III • Michael Ellmauer • Sullivan West School District • Eldred School District • Children’s Home • Roscoe School District • Catskill Animal Rescue • John Story & Diana Weiner of Neversink Plant Company • 4-H Volunteers • Town of Mamakating • Town of Liberty • Neversink Agricultural Society • Forthright Cyder • Sullivan BOCES
• AKC Home Manners Canine Program • Houseplant Series • Starting Veggies Indoors Series • Garden Design • Intro to Cut Flower Garden Series • Dairy in a Box • Beginner Watercolor Series • Outdoor Skills Series • Rabbit Programs • Sullivan County Youth Fair • Sullivan County Public Presentations • Winter Workshop Take and Makes • Fiber Arts For All Program • Crafty Clover Kids Program • Geology Program • Beef Cattle Program • Poultry Program • Horse Hippology Program • Horse Communications • Town of Mamakating Summer Program • Town of Liberty Summer Program • Sullivan West School Program • Eldred School Program • Roscoe School Program • Horse Judging • DEC Pheasant Program • Yarnstorming
4-H ALUMNI REFLECTION “This past year was difficult, but all of the 4-H clubs continued to face the challenges in front of them. Everyone was able to volunteer safely and still make an impact on the community around them. I can’t wait to continue to watch the kids be resilient though the pandemic and still make such a wonderful impact on our local community.” -Maggie H.
Logan and Victoria make tealight snowmen at home through the 4-H Crafty Clover Kids program. PAGE 19
REFLECTIONS ON
TASTE NY MARKET & SHOPTASTENY.COM The Taste NY program, operated by CCE Sullivan, is a dual initiative supporting both the regional brick and mortar Taste NY Market inside the Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center located at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, and the statewide e-commerce site: ShopTasteNY.com. PAGE 20
*
2021 BY THE
NUMBERS
6,015 Transactions $173,258 in Sales 500 Unique Products from Producers in NYS *data for 2020 & 2021
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS PRODUCTS MADE IN SULLIVAN COUNTY DELIGHT CUSTOMERS
PRODUCER REFLECTION
At both the online and brick-and-mortar Taste NY locations, Sullivan County producers offer products that are favorites of many customers.
“The Taste NY program has not only helped promote our chocolates, but it has allowed customers the opportunity to shop for New York State products without having to travel to the Taste NY shops. Travelers who were introduced to Barkeater Chocolates along the Thruway now have the opportunity to keep purchasing their favorites with a simple click. It also means that more of our products can be featured year-round without the limitations of crowded shelf space!”
For example, Soraia’s Kitchen of Jeffersonville, New York, sells a roasted red pepper sauce that is perfect drizzled onto chicken, fish, vegetables – really anything! Another beloved product comes from 2 Queens Coffee of Narrowsburg, New York. Their Bee Wellness Gift Set is a trifecta of herbal teas made with ingredients pollinated by bees including Sunflower Mint, Hibiscus Rose, and Ginger & Turmeric.
-Deb Morris of Barkeater Chocolates
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2021 BY THE
NUMBERS
194 Direct Contacts in Sullivan County
REFLECTIONS ON THE
COMMUNITY ENERGY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM PARTICIPANT REFLECTION “I was originally turned down for the EmPower program because of some extra income that was not normal. The community energy advisors helped me keep up with my change in income and helped me reapply when I was eligible to finally get the work done.” -Mirna H.
An energy discussion in the Town of High Falls.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS The Community Energy Engagement Program (CEEP) helps consumers figure out their options as it pertains to energy sector programs, resources, and choices. Program outreach is focused on low- and moderate-income consumers, however, the CEEP Community Energy Advisors (CEA) help all income levels, nonprofits, and small businesses look into energy options. Leading with energy efficiency information and building envelope improvements, CEEP helps audiences learn about clean heating and cooling technology like air source and ground source heat pumps and water heaters. Community Energy Advisors are available to: •Enable you to make informed energy decisions •Inform you of financing options for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects/products •Guide you through the process of implementing a clean energy project •Connect you with the right energy contractors who can implement clean energy projects During the pandemic, CEEP created a number of long-form conversations, streamed live and archived for those interested in deep dives on energy efficiency strategies and resources, plus NYS solar options like community solar, and other energy sector related topics.
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REFLECTIONS OF GRATITUDE ON
TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE MARYLIN JONES
BONNIE LEWIS
CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MARYLIN & BONNIE Marylin Jones and Bonnie Lewis have been through it all at CCE Sullivan: Multiple executive directors and program leaders; hundreds of volunteers, youth, families, and caregivers; and dozens upon dozens of co-workers. They work every day with a steady, positive outlook, and commitment to making the lives of children, families, caregivers, and seniors in Sullivan County more manageable and meaningful. Marylin and Bonnie have provided consistency and perspective on the hardest, most unsure days. They’ve developed creative programs and ways to pay for it. And they brought compassionate caring and support to their coworkers and program participants. All of us at CCE Sullivan thank them for their service and wish them all the best in their exciting retirement journeys ahead.
“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” — Dalai Lama PAGE 23
STAFF REFLECTIONS
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL WHAT MOTIVATED YOU AT WORK, MOST OF ALL?
HOLDING A MIRROR TO 2021
That was the question we asked the CCE Sullivan staff to reflect on. As they looked back at 2021, the following reflections came to light.
SUEANN BOYD Healthy Schools Program Coordinator “Working with the youth in our schools has always been a driving force for me. Teaching them how to cook, plant vegetables and live a healthy lifestyle through food and physical activity. It makes me smile when I see them applying the lessons I have share with them and they are thriving.”
BONNIE LEWIS Dependent Care Educator “When helping caregivers I get a warm fuzzy. I want to provide program support (and kindness) to help them when things are so difficult for so many.”
THOMAS BOSKET SALT/DFC Program Manager “What motivated me was our county’s youth. We visited hundreds of youth in nine schools, some multiple times...and learned about their needs. I frequently hear we have many needs in Sullivan County. I don’t deny that, but there are also many youth thriving; it’s good to know that they are ok!”
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VANESSA PETROSSIAN Director of State & Regional Ag Market Initiatives “My motivation every day is my son, Jack. The hardest days become another opportunity to make a difference if even in the slightest way, when I see his beautiful face in the morning.”
VIVIAN MONSANTO Finance Coordinator “Collaborating with others throughout several CCE organizations gave me a new perspective and appreciation.”
BEE MOSER SNAP-Ed New York Nutritionist “As soon as in-person teaching was possible, I was excited to be in the same space (indoors or outdoors) with my participants. It was so incredible to see everyone in real life and to feel their energy after teaching virtually for so long. The most exciting time was going back into the schools in the fall.”
MELINDA MEDDAUGH Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader “Working with farms to feed our community is what motivates me. Our team stepped up to the plate these last two years to help feed our neighbors, and not with just any food, food grown right here in Sullivan County.”
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ASHLEY TULLY Ag Program Coordinator “I stayed motivated in 2021, because of my community and colleagues, who poured so much support into me over this past year, and kept me inspired to give back.”
SEAN WELSH Community Energy Advisor “Much of our CEEP outreach has been one-on-one work helping to improve people’s homes and comfort levels while saving them money. Given the last year, this work has been even more important to me personally.”
ERIN DENMAN Operations Coordinator “CCE has been a part of my life since my childhood days as a 4-H member. It was one of the major influences of my life growing up, and its mission continues to be a guiding principle in my life today. Thus,coming to work at Sullivan CCE felt a lot like returning to my roots, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
BRENDA MILLER Environment & Natural Resources Program Manager “Two things motivate me: First, my co-workers. Second, the people that call into the Helpline ask challenging and important questions, and they share their spirit of love and concern for all growing, living things with me.” PAGE 26
KENDRA PAYNE Digital Marketing Manager “Helping small business producers thrive through the pandemic motivated me. The producers in NYS create incredible products and I wanted to be part of getting those products into everyone’s hands.”
ABYSSINIA PLA EL Finance Coordinator “I was motivated to learn and adapt in 2021. At CCE, there is always something to learn and small obstacles to conquer. I love acquiring knowledge and feeling the accomplishment that comes with it.”
WANDA CRUZ Healthy Communities Coordinator “Having a positive attitude, open mind, willingness to assist others, faith, and trust in CCE Sullivan leadership motivated me. Work is not really work when you enjoy what you do and the people you’re surrounded by, and love the communities you work for, which I do.”
KAITLYN CONKLIN 4-H Educator “This community’s youth inspire me daily. Their selflessness, commitment to projects, support for one another, and enthusiasm for learning drives me to be the best for them. I am so honored to be even a small part of their journey.” PAGE 27
CHERENE AUDAIN Ag Market Coordinator “Mindset is everything. I am here to help - no one can stop me.”
BRIAN VANTASSELL Ag Market Coordinator “I was motivated by being able to see some of New York that I haven’t seen before, like Syracuse and the New York State Fair.”
FABIO CAMPANATI Sullivan Fresh & Shop Taste NY Coordinator “Looking back on 2021, my biggest motivation was having a chance to be more involved with the Taste New York project. It has enabled me to use my educational skills from college. It’s nice to see changes and growth that I was a part of with my team members. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
BARBARA MORAN 4-H Program Manager “What motivated me was the youth I interact with through 4-H and their resilience through all the changes going on around them.”
MARTIN COLAVITO Community Cupboard Coordinator “I don’t dwell too much on why I do what I do, I dwell a lot on my own personal code of ethics.” PAGE 28
MALINDA WARE Program Director “I continue to be motivated by the 4-H “ACT for CHANGE” Teen Anti-Racism Innovation Project. The program chips away at this deeply entrenched problem at a grassroots level through facilitated conversation and action. The book, “Crisis Contemplation”, gives me hope and provides a framework to navigate these tumultuous times.”
PATRICIA AVERY Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator “As a family caregiver for aging parents for many years, and as a new CCE employee, my motivation was to learn from Bonnie Lewis, retiring Dependent Care Educator. My goal is to help others avoid pitfalls I often found myself in as a caregiver. I recognize the need for accurate information and tools for caregivers to prevent burnout.”
MICHELLE PROSCIA Ag Educator “It was another year of evolving opportunities and changes for farms. My motivation was empowering Sullivan County farmers to access information about different agricultural programs, especially due to the pandemic because as they say, ‘every penny counts’!”
JOHN MASTRANGELO Assistant Ag Market Manager “My biggest motivation on the job during 2021 was attending the NYS fair. It was a great opportunity to meet up with several producers that make the program a success.”
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COLEEN MONAGHAN Executive Director “Supporting CCE Sullivan’s Extension professionals in doing what they do best, providing science backed education and outreach to Sullivan County’s farms, families, and kids!”
JOHN WILCOX Facilities Manager “With all of the remodeling and updates done in the building, I want to keep the building looking nice for future use. Very few people have been able to see the things that were done since the work was finished at the start of the pandemic.”
NICOLE SLEVIN NIKOLADOS Administrator & Director of DEI “I am driven by the efforts of my colleagues. It’s a daily inspiration to work with this team of professionals and all-around good humans; innovating programming, management, and operations; delivering food and serving up knowledge out in the community; out on the front lines, through this unrelenting pandemic. They motivate me to do my best every single day.”
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JUDY ARPADI Ag Market Coordinator “My motivation was to provide positive and pleasant customer service during a difficult year. I had the opportunity to be a representative in the shop and it was and still is my goal to leave a positive impression of New York State, especially to those from afar.”
ERICA LYNCH Catskills Kitchen Coordinator “Providing assistance to local businesses during a time when many businesses were forced to shut down was my motivation in 2021.”
ELIZABETH CLANCY-DIBARTOLO Sullivan Fresh Program Coordinator “I am blessed to be a part of an amazing team at Cornell and be given the opportunity to serve those facing difficult situations.”
TARA VANHORN Finance Coordinator “My motivation is my daughter, Amelia. No matter what life throws at you, keep your head up, and just keep swimming! Challenge yourself, learn new things, be there when others need you, and grow!” PAGE 31