January Extension Connection Sullivan County 2015

Volume LXXXXVI, No. 1

Liberty, NY -:- January, 2015

(USPS) 525 - 100

Towing a Livestock Trailer Frequently Asked Questions for the Maple Producer Invasive Plants ~ Japanese Barberry Gardening Tips for January Planting Winterberry Small Steps to Health and WealthTM CCESC Celebrates 100th Annual Meeting Cupcake Bakers Debut in the EaT Kitchen Launch Day for the 4-H Shooting Sports program Trebuchet. Pumpkins were launched 200-300 feet.

For more information see page 19.

Why is Nutrition Important?

Cheeseburger Bake Butternut Squash & Chicken Tzimmes

CCESC Community Comes Together for Winter Workshops Break the Ice...Go Fishing!

Youth Trebuchet Launch a Success Preparing to Become Your Parents’ Caregiver How to File a Medicare Appeal FCA Releases Nine New Publications for Caregivers

4-H International Night Youth LEGO Mindstorm NXT Robotics Class Philadelphia Flower Show Bus Trip CCESC Master Gardener Plant Sale

Winter Workshops were a huge success.

For more pictures and information see page 22.

Message from the Executive Director

3

Cupcake Bakers Debut in the EaT Kitchen

16

Towing a Livestock Trailer

4

Why is Nutrition Important?

17

Frequently Asked Questions for the Maple Producer

6

Cheeseburger Bake

17

Growing Sweet Potatoes

8

Butternut Squash & Chicken Tzimmes

18

Invasive Plants ~ Japanese Barberry

9

Youth Trebuchet Project a Success

19

The Garden Gate - Gardening Tips for January

10

Out & About - Break the Ice...Go Fishing!

20

Planting Winterberry

11

CCESC Community Comes Together for Winter Workshops

22

Philadelphia Flower Show Bus Trip

12

Financial Fitness - Small Steps to Health and WealthTM

13

Preparing to Become Your Parents’ Caregiver

23

Upcoming Programs & Events

14

How to File a Medicare Appeal

24

CCESC Celebrates 100th Annual Meeting

15

FCA Releases Nine New Publications for Caregivers

25

Necessary Business The Extension Connection (USPS-525-100) is published monthly for $25.00 enrollment by Cornell Cooperative Extension of 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.

The Extension Connection

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Edited by: Nicole Slevin Layout & Design by: Tracey Argent Produced at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County

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Mission: The Cornell Cooperative Extension system enables people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work.

Cooperative Extension in New York State provides Equal Program and Employment Opportunities. New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, New York State College of Human Ecology, and New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, Cooperative Extension Associations, County Governing Bodies, and the United States Department of Agriculture, cooperating.

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Page 2

Staff Colleen Monaghan...……………..…………...Executive Director Melinda Meddaugh……..Ag & Natural Resources Issue Leader & County Ag Planner Sean Welsh………………………...Youth, Family & Community Development Issue Leader Michelle Lipari………………...Ag & 4-H Community Educator Susan Dollard……………………...Master Gardener Coordinator Nicole Slevin………………………Director of Communications Bonnie Lewis……….......Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator SueAnn Boyd………………..…...Sr. Administrative Assistant & Master Food Preserver Marylin Jones...…………………….….4-H Community Educator Tracey Argent…………………...….Office & Personnel Manager Maria Grimaldi……….…………….Special Projects Coordinator Tara Van Horn...…………………………..Finance Administrator John Wilcox…………………….....Building & Grounds Manager

Extension Connection

January, 2015

Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director cm638@cornell.edu It’s a new year here at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County and the staff is working day and night to pull together all the success stories and challenges we faced in 2014 so we can reflect and plan for a great 2015. You’ll see the results of this information gathering in February when we release our annual report, which will come in place of your regular issue of Extension Connection. We hope that you will read the report and use it as a tool out in the community to show others the many services, opportunities, and supports available through CCESC, and to encourage active participation of your fellow Sullivan County neighbors in our organization.

A quick review of the activities, events, and partners serves as a teaser to the annual report and shows CCESC either offering directly, or partnering to offer dairy, beef, poultry, and vegetable farmer education workshops and technical assistance visits, consumer assistance, senior caregiver resources and respite, horticulture education, youth development experiences, tax and finance education and preparation, volunteer opportunities in every life area, supports for people with special needs, recreation and physical activity possibilities, literacy and math programming, food preservation, family budgeting guidance, technology and space exploration, and more.

Already in motion for the first quarter of the new year is the grand opening of the Entrepreneurial and Teaching (EaT) Kitchen, which will be on January 30th and will feature locally catered light refreshments prepared on-site, testimonials from our first entrepreneurial users, a ribbon cutting, and announcement of the first series of program offerings and opportunities for the Kitchen. Ag staff are working with our partners in Orange and Ulster Counties on formalizing the Southeast Regional Livestock Team, which will enable us to deliver more livestock related program and workshop offerings by pooling our resources across county lines. And 4-H youth and adult leaders are training and preparing to take their leadership skills on the road to Albany in February to make sure the voices and needs of young people in Sullivan County are heard at the our state’s capital.

year, each and every individual in Sullivan County understands all that Extension does and how to be a part of it.

Most importantly, CCESC staff is creating policies, procedures, and systems that will give us the tools we need inhouse to field your inquiries, understand your interests, needs, and strengths, and work in partnership with you for a better Sullivan County.

In February, you will see the roll out of our new interactive website. The new site will allow for timely educational tips and announcements, online transactions, various ways to contribute and receive special CCE benefits, the ability to request farm visits for assistance from our agriculture staff, and many more features. By summer, friends of Extension, youth and adults alike, who would like to engage with and participate in Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County’s work, will be able to trust that there is a volunteer and program inquiry, screening, training, and support system in place here that is easy to navigate and responsive to the community’s needs.

As I’m sure you know change takes time, especially for an organization with as many program areas as Extension. So again, I thank you in advance for your patience with us as we continue to offer the quality educational programming and volunteer opportunities that you have come to know and love. As we make changes from the inside out, we will make sure we have the capacity to meet the changing needs of our community. Look out for our annual report publication next month. For now, enjoy the slower, shorter days, and may you and yours rest easy as we settle into a new year.

With the breadth of programming mentioned above, there is a place for everyone with Cornell Cooperative Extension. It is in this context that CCE is moving into 2015. We are developing internal systems that will help us create and maintain our relationships with you, our members, and the larger community. Systems that we hope will help us better communicate how to engage with us, as program participants, members, and as volunteers. We hope that by the end of the January, 2015

Extension Connection

Page 3

Submitted by Michelle Lipari, Ag and 4-H Livestock Community Educator Towing a livestock trailer is a common practice on most farms and ranches. Livestock trailers, also referred to as stock trailers, are used to move livestock between locations, haul show animals to county fairs, and transport animals to processing plants.



Wheel bearings: Repack the wheel bearings on a regular basis and replace as necessary. 

To safely tow a livestock trailer, your truck must be capable of towing the weight of the trailer plus the added weight of the livestock. Check with the manufacturer to determine the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW), which includes the tow vehicle's weight plus the loaded trailer weight. The GCVW rating can be located in the vehicle's serial number or in the operator's manual. When calculating the weight, remember to include the weight for fuel, passengers, and cargo.

The manual for the trailer should specify a maximum tongue weight—the amount of the trailer's weight that presses down on the truck's trailer hitch when using a bumper pull trailer or the truck's bed when using a gooseneck trailer. The majority of the weight (85% to 90%) should be carried over the axles so that only 10% to 15% of the weight is carried on the tongue.

Before using a livestock trailer, check both the truck and the trailer to ensure that they are in good working condition. In addition, take the following actions: 

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Latches and safety chains: Double check the latches and the safety chains and cables between the truck and trailer to make sure they are fastened securely. Make sure you are using a ball that is the correct size for the trailer.

Trailer brakes: Inspect the breakaway cable or brake system. Manufacturers recommend that any trailer exceeding 1,000 lb. have its own brake system, but you should also check state regulations regarding brake system requirements.

Electric Wiring and Connections: Make sure all wiring is in good condition.

Trailer connectors should match the truck connectors.

Check to make sure that all the lights (brake light, turn signals, and tail lights) on both the truck and the trailer are working. Make sure the electrical connection is securely plugged into the truck. 

Tires: Examine the tires for signs of dry rot, wear, or damage, and make sure that all tires, including the spare and inside dual tires, have the correct air pressure. Consider replacing tires at least every five years, regardless of use.

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Lug nuts: Inspect the lug nuts regularly to ensure they are properly tightened.

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Trailer: Inspect the trailer floor to make sure it is sturdy and clean. If more traction is needed, install rubber matting. Consider replacing floor boards that are showing signs of wear or rot.

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Battery: If you use battery-powered accessories, ensure that your emergency battery is charged and ready for use.

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Brake controllers: Test your brake controllers and make adjustments as needed depending on the weight of your trailer.

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The first step in testing your electric brakes is to locate the controller or adjustor, which is typically located beneath the instrument panel on the tow vehicle. The controller has an adjustment button (+ or -) and sliding lever. You may need to use the controller to increase braking power (+) for heavier loads or decrease braking power (-) from Stone Ridge Farm with pond forView lighter loads.

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Extension Connection

January, 2015

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Once you have located the controller, slowly move forward on a level surface and shift the tow vehicle transmission to neutral. Use the slide lever on the brake controller to bring the load to a stop using the trailer brakes.

If the trailer brakes cause the truck to jerk, your trailer brakes are adjusted too high. Lower the braking power on the trailer until the trailer comes to a smooth stop. If the truck and loaded trailer do not slow to a stop, the brake controller must be adjusted to a higher level.

Loading the Trailer Loading animals into a trailer can sometimes be a frustrating task, but there are steps you can take to make the task safer and, ideally, easier. For example, lower the back of the trailer as much as possible so that animals may step into the trailer without having to step up. Remember to be patient and calm during the loading process so that you do not scare or stress the animals. Additional recommendations include the following: 

Weight distribution: When using a bumper pull trailer, place the heaviest animals in the front of the axles. Load older and larger animals first, followed by younger and smaller animals.

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Ties: When tying animals in the trailer, use slip knots and tie securely at head height in the trailer.

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Visibility: Make sure animals can see you when you enter and exit the trailer, when you are in the trailer, and when you tie or untie them.

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Squeeze and pinch points: Remain alert to the danger of being pinned between animals and trailer sides and being pinched by the trailer gate.

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Gates: Once the animals are loaded into the trailer, quickly close the gates and ensure that they are secure.

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Protrusions: Inspect the trailer for broken or sharp objects protruding into the trailer. These items should be repaired immediately to prevent an injury to an animal or operator.

January, 2015

Traveling When driving on any roadway, always maintain a safe speed, keep your headlights on, and stay alert. Your braking time increases when you are towing a full trailer, so maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and leave adequate room to stop. Plan your travel time carefully, and be aware that weather can cause delays by impacting road conditions and animal comfort.

Do not lock the the trailer when you are transporting animals. In the event of an emergency, rescue workers will be able to more quickly gain access to an unlocked trailer. For your animals’ safety, do not allow them to hang their heads out of the trailer, where they could be injured by flying objects.

Source: Livestock trailer safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice.

Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/ pages/64391/livestock-trailer-safety.

Extension Connection

Page 5

Submitted by Melinda Meddaugh, Ag Issue Leader

Q. What is maple flavor?

A. Around 300 different natural flavor compounds have been found in pure maple syrup, though not all in the same syrup. Your nose detects most of these compounds. There is a compound linked to maple flavor that is present in all pure maple products, but varies in amount between producers and time of year. Other prominent flavors are sugars, caramel, and vanilla. Nutty, buttery, floral (honey), cereal, chocolate, and coffee flavors can be found in some syrups.

As is the case for most natural products, maple syrups have complex flavor chemistry to delight your sense of taste and smell.

Q. Does syrup quality vary from one region, state, or province to another?

A. Syrup flavor is affected by soil type, tree genetics, weather conditions during the maple season, time during the season when the sap is collected, and processing technique. Producers in every region consistently are able to produce good tasting, high quality products, but no region is always better than another. Pure maple is a natural product with considerable variation in flavors. Like wines, this variation should be sampled and enjoyed.

Q. What is the difference in syrup grade?

A. Maple syrup must meet exacting standards for purity.

High quality pure maple syrup can be made only by the evaporation of pure maple sap, and by weight may contain no less than 66 percent sugar (Brix). In Vermont and New Hampshire the minimum sugar content is 66.9%. Maple syrup is classified according to its color, which is a rough guide to flavor intensity. The darker the syrup, the stronger the flavors.  New York Grade A Light Amber or Vermont Fancy — the lightest of the three classifications has a mild, delicate flavor  Medium Amber — a bit darker with a fuller flavor  Dark Amber — the darkest of the three grades has a stronger maple, caramel, and other flavors  Grade B — has the strongest flavors

Q. How does syrup grade vary for New York, Vermont, Quebec, and Ontario?

A. Most maple-producing states and provinces have their own laws regulating syrup sold in those states. States without such regulations must follow the USDA regulations.

Vermont and New Hampshire require a slightly higher minimum density of sugar than is required by the regulations in other areas, though many producers use the higher density guidelines. All US regulations use the USDA. color standards, but have different words to describe the colors. Canada uses different color standards, which leads to slightly darker syrups in each color grade. Syrups produced entirely within Vermont may have “Vermont” as part of the grade designation. Significant amounts of the syrup sold by Vermont companies are produced in other states and provinces.

Q.

Does syrup quality vary from one region, state, or province to another?

A. Syrup quality is affected by weather conditions during the maple season, time during the season when the sap is collected, and processing technique. Some producers in every region consistently are able to produce light color, high quality products, but no one region is better than another.

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Extension Connection

January, 2015

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Q. Is maple syrup produced all through the United States? The world?

A. Maple syrup is produced only in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, the region in which sugar maple is found. Although maple syrup is not produced in other regions of the world, some other species of maple are tapped. For example, in Korea, people tap a maple species called Acer mono and pipe the sap from the mountains down to the village. They drink the sap but do not boil it to produce syrup. Birch trees may be tapped in Alaska and Siberia but the sap is lower in sugar content and quality than maple sap.

Q.

In cooking, what is the equivalent amount of maple syrup for white sugar? Can maple syrup be used as a substitute for sugar?

cause it is a less refined sugar, maple products contain minerals, antioxidants, and other compounds that have been shown to have health advantages in other foods.

Q. Is maple syrup organic?

A. The overwhelming majority of maple syrup is produced in forests where no herbicides or pesticides have been applied. Therefore, most maple syrup would be considered organic.

What is required for syrup to be labeled "organic"?

The requirements are stated by the particular organic certification organization, but generally state no use of substances (for example, fertilizers or pesticides) in the production process that would alter the pure nature of maple syrup.

By: Stephen Child, Cornell Maple Specialist

A.

Maple syrup can be substituted for white sugar in cooking. Use 1 cup maple syrup for 1 cup white sugar. Reduce liquid in recipe by three tablespoons for each cup of syrup used. Maple sugar can replace white sugar in equal amounts.

Q. A.

What is the shelf-life for maple products?

The shelf-life for maple syrup in a properly filled and sealed container is over one year. The shelf-life for maple syrup after initial opening is about six months in the refrigerator. The shelf-life for un-coated maple candy is about two weeks on the shelf or in the refrigerator, and for coated maple candy about six months at room temperature.

(Coated maple candy should not be kept in the refrigerator.)

The shelf-life for maple cream is about two months in the refrigerator, but it can be stored frozen for a long period of time.

Q.

ﾂ｡Sullivan Renaissance en Espaﾃｱol!

Is the sugar in maple syrup healthier than white

Since 2001, Sullivan Renaissance has fostered community pride through beautification and volunteerism. Now we are extending our hand out to the Spanish speaking community of Sullivan County. ﾂ｡HABLAMOS ESPAﾃ前L! We invite our Spanish speaking neighbors to become volunteers right in their home towns. Sullivan Renaissance will provide bilingual translators who will remove the language barrier.

sugar?

A.

The sugar in maple syrup is sucrose with small amounts of glucose and fructose sugar. White sugar is sucrose. There is no direct scientific evidence that maple syrup is healthier than white sugar. Diabetics need to treat maple syrup and sugar as they do other sugar products. Be-

January, 2015

Extension Connection

Contact Ari Mir-Pontier, Liaison to the Spanish Speaking Community Tel: 845-295-2434 apontier@sullivanrenaissance.org

Page 7

By Richard Schulman, Master Gardener Volunteer I started growing sweet potatoes two years ago. This past year’s yield was more than twice that of the first year, with a total of 115lbs from 20 slips. However, the one variety (ex. cultivar) called Georgia jet is very prone to deep furrowing (see photo) as a result of uneven amounts of water, from thundershowers, which is beyond anyone’s control, according to horticulture specialist I spoke to from Burpee Seed Company. Although still edible, it is just not worth the time to cut the furrows to remove any remaining soil, thus losing a good portion of the potato. Next spring, I will only be ordering the cultivar, beaugard, which is resistant to furrowing from uneven amounts of water. The attached photo is of the beaugard variety.

between the slips to help ensure they get off to a good start.

If the weather is too cold for plowing, the slips are packed in moist paper toweling or newspaper. Horticulture specialists tell me that the slips can also be put into water.

Happy Sweet Potato Pie! Richard is shown here with a heavy duty hoe he made. The hoe is able to handle the hilling needed to grow sweet potatoes successfully. Richard will have the hoe available for purchase at our annual plant sale.

Hoe the soil from both sides of the intended line to get a hill about 18 inches high. With good tilth (remember that word) it’s fairly easy to achieve this.

Next, a furrow is made about two inches deep on top of the hill, where a soaker hose is placed. Cover the hill with black plastic to warm up the soil, preferably a week before plowing. The plastic stays in place the entire growing season. The slips are 70096 Brandon Peters placed 12 to 18 inches apart in the Dairy row. I sprinkle a little miracle grow

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Extension Connection

January, 2015

Submitted by Susan Dollard, Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Berberis thunbergii (barberry family) Threats to Native Habitats: Japanese barberry has escaped from cultivation and is progressively invading natural areas. It is a particular threat to open and second-growth forests. An established colony can eventually grow thick enough to crowd out native understory plants. Traversing through dense patches of barberry can be difficult and even painful. Birds eat the red berries, thereby spreading the shrub into new areas.

Description: Japanese barberry is a dense woody shrub with numerous arching spine-bearing branches. It usually grows about three feet high, but occasionally reaches up to six feet.

A single spine grows off the stem beneath each cluster of small wedge-shaped leaves. Its small yellow flowers are four -parted and can occur alone or in small clusters. Flowers appear in May, and the fruits—red oblong berries—persist on the plant into the following winter. In the fall, the leaves of Japanese barberry turn attractive shades of red and orange. Fall foliage color is one of the reasons this plant has been widely planted as an ornamental.

Habitat: Japanese barberry is found in old fields, in open woods, on floodplains, on ledges, along power lines, and on roadsides. In Maine it occurs in thickets, on roadsides, and in open areas. Plants are both sun- and shade-tolerant, and invasions of relatively undisturbed woodlands are becoming more common. It grows successfully in a variety of soil types.

Distribution: Japanese barberry is native to Asia. It was brought to North America in the late nineteenth century and has been widely planted as an ornamental. It has escaped and naturalized (is established and reproducing in the wild) as far north as Nova Scotia, south to North Carolina, and west to Montana. In Maine, Japanese barberry has been documented in five counties. It probably occurs in more, particularly the southern counties, but has been under-collected due to a general lack of interest in weedy species.

January, 2015

Control: Mechanical removal is recommended because it is effective and may cause the least disturbance. Japanese barberry is one of the first plants to leaf out in spring and is therefore easy to distinguish from other shrubs. Whole shrubs may be removed with a hoe or weed wrench. Use of thick or sturdy gloves is recommended to provide protection from the spines. Plants can resprout from roots, so remove as much of the roots as possible. Regular mowing can prevent barberry from returning once it has been removed. In areas where mechanical removal is not practical, such as rock piles or outcrops, a glyphosate herbicide can be used. Consult a licensed herbicide applicator before applying herbicides over large areas.

Sources:  Josselyn Botanical Society of Maine. 1995. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Maine, Third Revision. Orono, ME: Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station. 

Haines, A. and T.F. Vining. 1998. Flora of Maine. Bar Harbor, ME: V.F. Thomas Co.

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The Nature Conservancy of Vermont. 1998. Invasive Exotic Fact Sheet: Japanese Barberry. Montpelier, VT.

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Brunelle, H. and B. Lapin. 1996. Invasive Plant Information Sheet: Japanese Barberry. Middletown, CT: The Nature Conservancy of Connecticut.

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Gleason, H.A. and Cronquist, A. 1991. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. New York: New York Botanical Garden.

Japanese barberry (photo by Leslie Mehrhoff, courtesy of the New England Wild Flower Society)

Extension Connection

Page 9

Susan M. Dollard Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Holiday Plants

ter. Transfer them to soil. Again, if you need more details about particular plants and how to root them call the MGV Helpline.

Holiday plants are not necessarily designed to endure past the season. Many have been forced in greenhouses to bloom and may not adjust well to your home environment. Don’t feel guilty about tossing out poinsettias, cyclamen, gloxinia or other holiday plants, when they are no longer looking good. “Green thumbed” gardeners who want to keep these plants going can, with the proper conditions.

Some can make good houseplants.

Outdoors

Christmas cactus, in particular, will bloom again next year with little care. The same rings true with amaryllis bulbs.

They can live for 50 years or more. Be sure to give them as much light and humidity as possible, but keep them cool at 60-65 degrees F. Keep them away from heat sources and drafty doorways. Be sure to punch holes in or remove the decorative foil or it will collect water and cause root rot.

Place newspaper between cold windows and windowsills at night to prevent chilling. If you have questions about the individual care of any of these plants, please call the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Master Gardener Volunteer Helpline on Wednesdays between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm or leave a message and we will get back to you the following Wednesday.

House Plants Be sure not to overwater or fertilize your houseplants now.

Many have gone dormant. If you heat with a woodstove or wood furnace this heat tends to be very dry and you may need to water and mist them more often. It is best during the winter to feel the soil before watering, don’t go by a calendar schedule. Spider mites thrive in hot dry conditions; put infected plants in the shower to wash away the pest.

This also removes dust and gives them much needed humidity.

Why not cut back some of your leggy plants? You can root them to make more plants for yourself or a friend. Some cuttings will begin to root in a few days if kept in clean waPage 10

If any of your trees or shrubs have broken branches due to weather damage, you can safely prune them off now. However, now is not the time to do cosmetic pruning. If you haven’t tied together or supported the branches on evergreen shrubs consider doing it before the next snowfall. Gently remove any heavy snow accumulation from stressed branches with a broom.

Now is a good time to do some indoor groundwork for the coming garden season. Consult nursery and seed catalogs to order for this coming spring. Since its January, start a garden journal. Write down whatever you buy or are given and where you planted them. It’s good to keep a record of what and when plants bloom and for how long. You’ll be glad you have a garden journal next year when you are perusing garden catalogues.

Why not sharpen and care for your garden tools so they’re ready when you are? Call us for further details on caring for your tools. We will be glad to help.

Don’t forget to check your bird feeders on a regular basis.

Bird watching in the winter months can be a very relaxing thing to do. Get the kids involved identifying birds and filling feeders. The birds need your help getting through our severe winters.

Save that cut Christmas tree. Put it out in the yard with treats for the birds and wildlife. Afterwards, its braches make great compost when shredded. Some townships offer to do this for you. The trunks can often be used for fencing or garden stakes next spring.

Gardeners are perpetual optimists; they plant for the future.

Spring really is coming.

Extension Connection

January, 2015

Submitted by Susan Dollard, Master Gardener Program Coordinator General Information The winterberry bush also referred to as ilex verticillata, is a deciduous variety of holly that is native to the eastern part of the United States. It is used as an ornamental shrub and for holiday decorating. Several mammals and species of birds feed on the berries; however they are poisonous to humans. Sources indicate that winterberry can grow 3-12 feet and as tall as 15 feet. It changes colors throughout the year with creamy white flowers in early summer followed by bright red berries that decorate the tree from summer through winter.

Winterberry is best planted in autumn and can do well in USDA Zones 3-9.

Soil pH for planting needs to be between 4.5 and 7.5 for ideal growth.

Location  Full sun or partial shade  The location should be somewhat sheltered if you experience extreme temperatures or climatic conditions.  The soil pH of the planting site needs to be between 4.5 and 7.5 for ideal growth.  Some sources recommend a moist location. Winterberry will grow in dry or wet soil; however, if the soil is WET it tends to spread and form thickets.

Planting Once you have selected your planting site your next step is to dig a hole for your winterberry holly bush. This hole needs to be about 16 inches deep. Use a tape measure or a yard stick to achieve the correct depth.

Place the plant in the hole and fill it in using a mixture of sand and garden soil. This plant prefers fine grained to medium grained soil. Pack down the soil around the winterberry’s stem stock to secure it in an upright position.

Allow at least four feet between each plant.

If you want your winterberry holly bushes to produce berries you need to plant a male and a female winterberry close enough to enable pollination. Usually if they are planted within 40-50 feet of each other they will do just fine.

Plant one male for every 3-5 females. Blooming time must be the same for the male to pollinate the female

January, 2015

If you are concerned about deer kill of your winterberries then plant a higher ratio of female to male winterberries in your yard. This will ensure that enough female winterberries will survive to reproduce.

Maintenance After your winterberries have been planted they will need a little care during the year.

Prune winterberry plants during the non-growth periods of the plant’s lifecycle, which is fall and winter. Trim the shrub to maintain shape and size; remove dead growth. In general little pruning is required but pruning will help manage the shape and spread of the plant.

Fertilize winterberry once a year either in the fall or in the early spring before it starts to grow. A basic, balanced fertilizer will work well.

Add mulch to winterberry plants to give them an extra layer of protection during harsh winters.

Source: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-grow-winterberrybushes-54328.html Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-planta-winterberry-bush#ixzz3Kqo55WGt

Extension Connection

Page 11

Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Master Gardeners

Tuesday, March 3, 2015 $75 Includes Admission Boarding 7:45 am Returning 9:00 pm Gerald J. Skoda Ext. Ed Ctr 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd. , Liberty, NY

Enjoy a relaxing bus ride and a day of incredible exhibits and vendors!

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is an annual event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in March. It is the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show, attracting more than 260,000 people annually. The Show features large-scale gardens, elaborate landscapes, and over-the-top floral creations.

Space is limited! Registration and payment is required to hold your seat No REFUNDS Call 845-292-6180 or email smd243@cornell.edu

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Master Gardener Volunteer Helpline Changes Hours for Winter Season The Master Gardener Horticulture Helpline will be changing their hours of service to 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesdays only from November through March. The number is 845-292-6180. Messages can be left at any time but will only be returned by volunteers on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Email questions can be sent to scmghelpline@cornell.edu The Horticulture Helpline offers unbiased, research-based information and advice to many home gardeners annually.

The Master Gardener helpline provides the public with free gardening advice. Other services offered are pH soil testing and insect and plant identification.

Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County and are experts in the art and science of gardening. They provide the public with gardening programs and activities that draw on the horticulture research and experience of Cornell University.

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Extension Connection

January, 2015

Small Steps to Health and Wealth ™ is a curriculum from the land grant Cooperative Extension system which could help many with New Year’s Resolutions. It focuses on the links between personal and financial health. Many of us each new year have some type of outward, or self-conscious resolution connected to the topics of finance or fitness. This curriculum examines what those similarities are and focuses on how individuals can take small steps each day to realize long-term success.

Below are research based tips on the mentioned topic areas regarding improving health and wealth. Please consult your doctor before moving ahead with any physical fitness routine.

Daily Health Behaviors:  Avoid drinking sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g., regular soda and sweetened waters and iced teas) 

Eat 7 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily

Anyone seeking New Year’s resolutions in the areas of fitness or finance could look over some of the curriculum at http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/. There are many helpful tidbits in there about strategies which could be applied to daily life and moving one’s goals forward in a positive direction.

The main idea behind the series is that small, positive daily actions improve both health and personal finance over a long term approach. To make these long term goals have as positive an impact as possible, participants are asked to make a conscious effort to learn and educate themselves about finances and fitness, whether it be reading an article or watching a television program. Learning more about the topics of health and wealth is the first step toward reaching goals. An excellent resource to help can be extension.org, which contains material and links on both subjects. Begin a filing system to store resources for reference down the road.

Next, to enable yourself to act upon what you have learned about the topics, set aside periods of time to actually implement strategies. Setting up a chunk of your day-to-day life to concentrate on either a financial topic like working up a family budget or putting aside 10 to 15 minutes to exercise, start with a conscious choice to commit to the activity within that time period.

Moving ahead, deciding to incorporate these small daily action steps into your daily routine can be challenging but lead to big positive differences in one’s life. Remember, there are no magic bullets for a better self, it takes daily progress and can seem like a long road. Taking small consistent steps toward your long term goals will, over time, lead you to your destination.

January, 2015



Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night



Eat an adequate amount of fiber



Consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day



Eat foods low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol



Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, at least 5 days per week.

Daily Financial Behaviors:  Follow a written spending plan (budget) for spending and saving money  Save at least $1per day and/or loose change in a savings account and/or a can or jar 

Avoid using payday loans, car title loans, pawn shop loans, cash advances, and other high-cost debt



Eat at least two meals a day prepared at home instead of at a deli or restaurant (excluding traveling)



Use advertisements, apps, coupons, promo codes, sales, and/or discounts to save money on purchases



Do something proactive every day to save money or reduce expenses

Sources: Small Daily Action Steps (December, 2014) Retrieved from http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/message/message.asp? p=Finance&m=289 on December 1, 2014 Personal Finance (December, 2014) Retrieved from http:// njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/message/message.asp? p=Finance&m=289 on December 2, 2014

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Felting Class - January 9th International Night - January 30th Shooting Sports Instructor Training

Friday, January 30, 2015

February 20th - 22nd

(Snow-date February 6, 2015)

th

Robotics Class - February 26 See below for more information

Noon—1:00 pm Light Refreshments Served

rd

Philly Flower Show - March 3 See page 12 for more information

Opening Reception of the th

Master Gardener Plant Sale - May 30 Stay tuned for more information

Call 845-292-6180 for more information on the above programs or email sullivan@cornell.edu

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Entrepreneurial and Teaching (EaT) Kitchen Mark your Calendars to Celebrate and Learn About the Newest Community Facility.

Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road Liberty, NY 12754

Youth LEGO Mindstorm NXT Robotics Class Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 5:30 – 7:30 pm

$5 4-H Members $10 Non-Members Extension Education Center, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd. Liberty, NY

Science, technology, and problem-solving are not only fun and rewarding, but are proven paths to successful careers and a bright future for youth!

Build an understanding of basic science concepts related to robotics Apply the processes of scientific inquiry and engineering design Build skills in science, engineering, and technology Use the tools of technology to enhance their learning Explore related careers in these fields Apply the skills and knowledge they are developing to new challenges Space is limited! Registration is required: Call or email 845-292-6180 nas96@cornell.edu Page 14

Extension Connection

January, 2015

We would like to thank the over 70 people who attended our 100th Annual Meeting on December 11, 2014. The support for our anniversary and the outstanding volunteers and partners whom we elected and recognized was truly something to celebrate!

Welcome to the following new members of our program advisory committee: Susan Hrynko, Erika Malmgreen, Richard Sheldon, Theresa Viele, & Dave Weiss Congratulations to the following for their commitment to our mission in Sullivan County: Volunteers of the Year: Karen Coombe, April Kackos, & Barbara Sush Friend of Extension: The Moran Family Organizational Friend of Extension: Sullivan BOCES Dr. Scott Peters gave an intriguing talk about Extension Reconsidered and the importance of our organization in the past, now, and in the future. We were so happy to have him.

Refreshments included delicious, homemade cupcakes courtesy of K&H Confections - the first entrepreneurs to rent our new community EaT Kitchen!

Pictures: Top left: Sean Welsh with Volunteer of the Year recipients April Kackos and Karen Coombe. Center: Barbara Sush, Volunteer of the Year being congratulated by Susan Dollard. Top right: Melinda Meddaugh with Barbara and Ed Moran, Friend of Extension award recipients. Bottom left: Sullivan BOCES students of the Natural Resources program, Superintendent of Schools Lawrence Thomas, and Executive Director of Instructional Programs Debra Fuchs-Nadeau, and instructor Sam Rogers, Organizational Friend of Extension recipients. Bottom right: Dr. Scott Peters, keynote speaker.

January, 2015

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Submitted by Maria Grimaldi, Special Projects Coordinator Sisters Kimberly and Heather Boyd of K&H Confections, assisted by their mom Sandy, were the first entrepreneurs to use the EaT Kitchen in November and December. Over 600 specialty cupcakes were produced in a few hours. It was an awesome task which involved the production of six different flavored varieties of batters, fillings, and frostings. The EaT Kitchen’s professional baking equipment was put to full use and rose to the task at hand much to the satisfaction of the bakers.

The cupcakes were sold at the annual SUNY Sullivan Craft Fair in November and at the Holiday Craft Fair at Bethel Woods in December. The ladies look forward to being regular users of the EaT Kitchen as they grow their business to include a variety of specialty cakes.

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Extension Connection

January, 2015

Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Master Food Preserver Your food choices each day affect your health — how you feel today, tomorrow, and in the future. Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Combined with physical activity, your diet can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer), and promote your overall health.

The Impacts of unhealthy eating habits have contributed to the obesity epidemic in the United States: about one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents ages 2—19 years are obese. Even for people at a healthy weight, a poor diet is associated with major health risks that can cause illness and even death. These include heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. By making smart food choices, you can help protect yourself from these health problems. The risk factors for adult chronic diseases, like

hypertension and type 2 diabetes, are increasingly seen in younger ages, often a result of unhealthy eating habits and increased weight gain. Dietary habits established in childhood often carry into adulthood, so teaching children how to eat healthy at a young age will help them stay healthy throughout their life.

The link between good nutrition and healthy weight, reduced chronic disease risk, and overall health is too important to ignore. By taking steps to eat healthy, you'll be on your way to getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, active, and strong. As with physical activity, making small changes in your diet can go a long way, and it's easier than you think! Now that you know the benefits, it's time to start eating healthy in the new year.

Sources: www.myplate.gov www.cdc.gov

Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds 95% lean ground beef or ground turkey 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon black pepper 1/3 cup ketchup 4 ounces low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) 8 ounces buttermilk refrigerator biscuits (10 biscuits)

Six 8.9 ounce servings: Calories 520 Fat 13g Saturated Fat 5g Sodium 1310 mg Cholesterol 105 mg Total Carbs 53g Protein 45g Fiber 2g

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

3. In a large skillet, brown ground turkey or beef with onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper over high heat; drain.

4. Add ketchup and cheese; mix well.

5. Pour into the baking dish.

6. Place biscuits on top of the beef mixture and bake 8-10 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through.

Yields about 6 servings Source: Adapted from Eat Smart New York! Recipe Book

January, 2015

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Tzimmes (pronounced "tsim-iss") can also be made with brisket and is often served during the Jewish New Year. A fairly sweet dish, it's said to offer wishes for a sweet year ahead.

8 servings | Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes Ingredients 9 cups cubed peeled butternut, buttercup or Hubbard squash, (1-inch cubes) 1 cup small pitted prunes 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced and separated into rings 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon dried, oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 8 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs, (about 3 1/2 pounds), trimmed 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest 1/4 cup orange juice Preparation Preheat oven to 350째F. Place squash, prunes, garlic, shallots, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix well. Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle chicken with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and place on top of the vegetables. Mix broth, orange zest and juice in a small bowl and pour over the chicken. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through, basting often, about 1 hour more. Tip: For quicker prep; look for cubed butternut squash in your market's produce section.

Nutrition Facts Per serving : 398 Calories; 11 g Fat; 3 g Sat; 4 g Mono; 101 mg Cholesterol; 46 g Carbohydrates; 32 g Protein; 7 g Fiber; 404 mg Sodium; 1330 mg

Up-Coming Master Food Preserver Classes The following have been tentatively scheduled for the 2015 year, with more following in the summer and fall.

For details call 845-292-6180 or email srb46@cornell.edu.

January 31st - Jerky and Dehydrating February 21st - DIY Pet Treats March 7th- Cheese making April - Canning Fish May - Jams & Jellies Page 18

Extension Connection

January, 2015

Submitted by Sean Welsh, Youth Family & Community Development Issue Leader On December 13th at The Sportsmen’s Den in Callicoon NY the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County 4-H Environmental Education and Shooting Sports Program (CCESC 4-H EESS) capped off months of work on its trebuchet project.

lations coming within 9% to 40% of the intended landing area, with the average variance being 21½% . Leading causes for the discrepancy were: pumpkin weight (very light and very heavy pumpkins exhibited the largest variance), the colder temperatures affecting bearing spin and the sling rope (the braided rope stretching as it warmed in use), length of the sling rope (slightly longer than during the testing phase) and the trebuchet being frozen to the ground inhibiting rocking motions that

A trebuchet is a mechanical thrower, a simple machine based on the lever, doing to stones and other unprepared objects what the bow and ballista do to arrows and bolts. Like a catapult, the projectile is placed at the end of a long beam. In contrast, the projectile was often placed in a sling to give the projectile an extra boost of energy. Also in contrast to the catapult, the trebuchet was powered by a direct downward pull on the beam rather than by a stretched rope or other spring. In early and smaller trebuchets, the downward force came from many people “pulling down” the shorter end of the beam which flipped up the longer end. The later and larger trebuchets had large counterweights that provided the downward pull, using gravity as the power generator. The trebuchet was introduced into Europe in the 12th century.

Volunteer instructors first led an instructional class describing the trebuchet project, and distributing project plans to 14 youth back on September 5th. The project then continued into a construction phase with youth and volunteers meeting on Saturdays in mid-September through October to build the working trebuchet. Youth were, along the way, introduced to the formula needed to calculate how far pumpkins could be thrown, following 4-H STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) initiatives. In November, the volunteer instructors test-launched the trebuchet for safety and structural soundness, led by engineer Jennifer Sheldon and materials scientist Robert Lacey. These tests were successful and showed a maximum distance that would be achieved with four to five pound pumpkins.

On December 13th 2014 at the public launch of the trebuchet NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Sullivan County Treasurer Nancy Buck, former Callicoon Town Clerk Tess McBeath, and 40 other spectators were in attendance as the trebuchet project launch was implemented. CCESC 4H EESS instructors led 30 youth through the math, using the distance equation, for approximating how close in proximity a selected pumpkin could come to the target. The volunteer instructors and youth then displayed an exhibition of the trebuchet in action launching successfully, with youth calcuJanuary, 2015

The youth calculated the distance and landing area. aid loft.

Contributors and donors to this project who Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County 4-H Environmental Education and Shooting Sports program would like to thank are the Diehl family, Sportsmen’s Den, Superior Lumber, Kohler Lumber, Coon Rock Rod and Gun Club, Betty Long, Kitty Vetter, CCE Program Committee, CCE 4-H Strategy Committee, and Liberty Iron Works.

Any youth or volunteers interested in the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Environmental Education and Shooting Sports program are welcome to join or call the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County office at 845-292-6180 for more details.

Source: http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/ant/S00/ANT154-01/ vick/treb.html

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Nicole Slevin, STEM Community Educator & Director of Communications nas96@cornell.edu

Ice Fishing Basics | Ice fishing opportunities abound in New York State. Winter anglers catch a variety of fish; primarily perch, sunfish, pickerel, northern pike, and walleye. In addition, many waters throughout New York State are open to fishing for trout, lake trout and, landlocked salmon.

Fishing through the ice requires skill and knowledge as does open water angling. But, anyone can ice fish successfully if he/she does the homework.

Learning about the water to be fished, the equipment and its capabilities, proper clothing and safety precautions are all part of a successful, enjoyable winter fishing experience.

Perhaps the best way to get started is to accompany a friend or neighbor on a half-day ice fishing outing. If you are unable to locate anyone to go with, the next best alternative is to visit a tackle shop in a popular ice fishing area. The proprietors are interested in seeing that you have a successful and enjoyable trip and will provide you with all of the necessary equipment. You may also watch for announcements of local ice fishing contests or tournaments run by local sportsmen's clubs -- ice fishermen tend to be a highly social group, eager to share tips, techniques, and stories.

For a first trip, try to pick an opportune weather day -- remember those blustery January days will soon fade into mild February and spring-like March days which often provide some of the most productive ice fishing of the season. Whatever the day you decide to go ice fishing, be sure to check the ice for safety.

Cutting the Ice | Getting through the ice is not as hard as it might seem. There are a variety of tools available that make this "essential task" fairly simple. Perhaps the simplest is an old-fashioned "spud" bar which your grandfather may have used on his ice fishing trips. Spuds are often the cheapest way to cut a hole in the ice and work reasonably well on ice up to about a foot thick. Hand-powered augers, which are slightly more expensive than spud bars, are easy to operate Page 20

and offer the best all-around compromise for moderate ice conditions. Try to purchase an auger appropriate to the species of fish that you are seeking. Anglers who fish for yellow perch, sunfish and other pan fish frequently favor ice augers 4", 5" or 6" in diameter because of their light weight and the speed that they bore through the ice. Anglers who fish for larger fish, such as trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, and northern pike, frequently prefer an ice auger which will make a larger hole -- an appreciated feature during the often-tricky landing of these large fish. But remember, cutting an 8" hole requires the removal of almost twice as much ice as a 6" hole, so don't buy an ice auger much bigger than you will need. For the avid ice angler or for thicker, more extreme ice conditions, more expensive, gas-powered augers provide the ultimate in speed and convenience, albeit at a sacrifice in weight and portability. Power augers come in diameters up to 10" and the size of the hole makes little difference in the speed or difficulty of cutting the hole.

Ice Fishing Methods | Ice fishing methods include "jigging" with short, light fishing rods, and using tip-ups. There are many different kinds of jigging poles and tip-ups. Much of the equipment is easy to make.

Jigging involves the use of a jigging rod or hand line and a small jigging spoon or lure which is often "sweetened" with a piece of bait. The jig is designed to dart around in different directions when it is jerked up and down by the angler.

The tip-up is basically a spool on a stick holding a baited line suspended through a hole in the ice. When the bait usually a minnow - is taken by a fish, the pull on the line releases a signal, such as a red flag.

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January, 2015

(Continued from page 18) Ice Safety | Safe ice is the number one consideration. A minimum of three to four inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety. Ice thickness, however, is not uniform on any body of water. The guidelines presented here are based on clear, blue, hard ice on non-running waters.

The American Pulpwood Association has developed a table for judging the relative safety of ice on lakes and streams.

This is just a guide; use your own good judgment before going out on any ice. Avoid areas of moving water, including where streams enter the lake, and around spillways and dams.

Fishing Regulations | In New York State, general angling regulations limit anglers to two jigging lines (or hand lines) and five tip-ups in most waters. Each tip-up must be marked with the operator's name and address; the operator must be in immediate attendance when the lines are in the water. Since special regulations apply on many waters, review the current fishing regulations guide when planning an ice fishing trip and don't forget your current year's fishing license. To identify good ice fishing waters in the area where you plan to fish, contact the DEC Regional Fisheries Office for that area.

Fishing Regulations for Sullivan County can be found at the following link: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31157.html.

Ice Thickness Table Source: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7733.html Ice Thickness

Permissible Load

2 inches

one person on foot

3 inches

group in single file

7.5 inches

one car (2 tons)

8 inches

light truck (2.5 tons)

10 inches

truck (3.5 tons)

12 inches

heavy truck (7-8 tons)

15 inches

10 tons

20 inches

25 tons

Note: This guide is based on clear, blue, hard ice on nonrunning waters. Slush ice is about 50 percent weaker. Clear, blue ice over running water is about 20 percent weaker. Be cautious in areas where "bubblers" are used to protect docks.

They can produce thin, unsafe ice some distance away. Be especially alert in areas near shore, over moving bodies of water and on lakes and ponds where streams enter or exit.

Remember, use the buddy system while ice fishing - it saves lives.

January, 2015

Extension Connection

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Submitted by Marylin Jones, 4-H Community Educator The skies cleared just in time for the annual CCESC 4-H Winter Workshops to take place on December 6th from 1:00 -3:00 pm with approximately 50 youth taking advantage of this learning experience. The continued success of this event, which features 10 stations of make-and-take activities for youth, is due to the overwhelming support of CCESC volunteers and program leaders. With over 25 instructors, assistants, and teen leaders available, each child had the support needed to help them find success in each activity. Representatives from CCESC’s Master Gardeners and Master Food Preserver programs as well as many 4-H and community leaders were on hand to add their skills and guidance to a wonderful afternoon of creative exploration.

Each year the popular event features affordable activities that families can easily reproduce at home. Crafts utilizing recycled items are always among those planned as well as community service projects. This year the Sullivan County

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Meals on Wheels Program will be the recipient of two stations of activities: handmade cards of cheer for a variety of occasions as well as gift boxes fashioned from re-purposed greeting cards and filled with treats. The community service stations only require that one item be made for donation before a youth makes one to take home.

Chair of the event is CCESC 4-H and Master Food Preserver Volunteer, Karen Mariner, who guides the committee of Winter Workshops volunteers in selecting appropriate activities for the occasion. To keep registration fees affordable, planning always begins with the donated and recycled supplies they have available. For more information about this program or other 4-H Youth Development opportunities, contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County office.

Extension Connection

January, 2015

Bonnie Lewis, RN—Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator

November was National Family Caregiver Month. It kicks off the holiday season for me ~ celebrating with the caregivers who do so much for their parents or spouses. During November and December, we have family celebrations and perhaps a chance to ‘catch-up’ with extended family. Then this leads into thinking about the new year~ what do we look forward to and what challenges will we be facing? This may be an opportune time to go through what things a caregiver can do to make it easier for their parents or other older relatives who may need help.

You have either talked about (or seen) what an older family member is dealing with. What are their struggles or complaints? There is no real training program for family caregivers, but there are things you can do to make it easier when the time comes that you need to step in to help your parents.

 Their diagnoses - What conditions do they have? Are all

of them being treated?  A list of all their medications - This could be a good

time to review their medications with a pharmacist to look for ways to simplify things and eliminate duplications and potential conflicts.  Their advance directives - Have you discussed their feel-

ings about how aggressive they would want to be in treating serious problems that could arise? They may well be more willing to have that conversation than you are.  Information about their finances - Investments, assets,

The simplest, but perhaps most useful thing is to get a loose leaf notebook. Into that book you will enter all sorts of information you will eventually need to know. In so doing, you will have conversations with your mom and dad on vital topics that typically never get raised until it is too late.

pensions and retirement information (including Social Security).  They may not want to share that information, but you need to at least know who to contact to find out about them in case of an emergency. A lawyer? A broker? A financial adviser? When was the last time they looked at their investments and their annual income?

So what should go in the book? Start with the basics:  A list of all your parents’ bank accounts  While you are doing that, you may want to consider becoming a co-signer; that will greatly facilitate managing their money if something happens to them.

A publication “I Have Put My House In Order” (available for free in the Caregiver Resource Center library) is a booklet that contains these questions (and others). It touches on all important categories with spaces to properly fill in the information.

 You need a list of all their insurance policies.  Medicare numbers for Parts A and B  Medgap (to cover deductibles and co-payments),

Remember: if you die with no will or trust, in effect, the state will make your ‘will or trust’ for you (you have died ‘intestate’). Your property is distributed in accordance with fixed provisions in the state’s laws.



Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D Life insurance and long-term care insurance. (If they don’t have one or more of these, you might want to discuss why and whether it is worth reconsidering.)

 All their doctors (and dentists, optometrists, etc.)  You need their names, addresses and phone numbers.

Now that you have done such a good job getting ready to take on your parents' affairs, is it time you did the same thing for yourself?

SOURCE: Robert L. Kane MD, Next Avenue in partnership with PBS. http://www.nextavenue.org

Ultimately, you will become the case manager and you will want to record all their appointments.

January, 2015

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Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN, Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator Ideally, Medicare will pay its share of your health costs without you having to do anything. In reality, it doesn't always work that way. You may sometimes find that Medicare hasn't paid enough -or at all -- for a drug, a doctor's visit, or a treatment that you needed. Perhaps Medicare stopped paying for a service or a drug it once covered. If that happens, and you feel that Medicare should pay, you can file a Medicare appeal.

(1-800-633-4227) to get the phone number of your state's Quality Improvement Organization.

Filing a Medicare appeal might seem intimidating, but it's usually worth the effort; more than 70% of Medicare appeals are successful. So if you put in the time, the odds are good that you'll get what you need.

Filing a Medicare Appeal The process of filing a Medicare appeal depends on what type of plan you have. The appeal process generally has five levels. If your original appeal is denied, you may proceed to the next level, and so forth.

Whenever Medicare approves (or denies) payment, you'll get a record of it on the "Medicare Summary Notice" you receive every three months in the mail. To file a Medicare appeal, here's what you do: 1. Look over the notice and circle the items in question.

2. Write down the reason you're appealing, either on the notice or on a separate piece of paper.

3. Sign it and write down your telephone number and Medicare number. Make a copy.

4. Send it -- or a copy -- to the Medicare contractor's address listed on the notice.

5. Include any other documentation that supports your appeal.

6. Make sure to file your Medicare appeal within 120 days of the date you received the Medicare Summary Notice.

You may also file a fast appeal if you believe Medicare should continue paying for a service. Your health care provider should provide you with a notice with instructions on filing. You need to call the Quality Improvement Organization listed on the notice to request a fast appeal. If you miss the deadline on the notice, call 1-800-MEDICARE Page 24

Medicare Advantage.

Filing an appeal is potentially a little trickier with Medicare Advantage plans.

You're dealing not only with Medicare, but with the rules set by the private insurance company that runs your program. Start by working through the individual insurer, which should have provided you instructions on how to make a Medicare appeal. If the insurer denies your claim, it is then reviewed by an independent group affiliated with Medicare.

If you think that your Medicare Advantage program's refusal is jeopardizing your health, ask for a "fast decision." The insurer is legally bound to get you a response within 72 hours.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Each appeal processe differs, because Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are run by outside insurance companies with their own rules. But in general, if your drug plan won't pay for a drug that you need, here are the steps you should take: 1. First, talk to your doctor about the situation to make certain that you can't take a different drug that is covered by your plan.

2. If that's not possible, ask your doctor to write an explanation about why you need this particular drug. (Be as specific as possible for why you need that particular drug.) Then, either you or your doctor can submit the request to the Medicare drug plan. Usually, these requests are answered within three days, although you can request a faster decision. This is called a coverage decision.

3. If the drug plan denies your request, you or your designated representative can file a formal appeal by phone or mail. Find out how the appeal process works in your drug plan. Usually, you have to submit an appeal within 60 days of the original coverage determination.

The plan must get back to you with a decision within a week, or 72 hours if you've requested an expedited deci-

Extension Connection

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January, 2015

Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN, Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) found at www.caregiver.org offers an extensive online library of educational materials for caregivers. The materials offer families the kind of straightforward, practical help they need as they care for relatives with chronic or disabling health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and brain trauma. Topics reflect the urgent concerns and challenges faced by the caregivers we work with every day.

The new publications include information on caring for someone with incontinence, legal planning for incapacity, handling grief and loss, transitioning to life after caregiving, and more.

New and recently updated additions to FCA’s comprehensive online library: 

Advanced Health Care Directives and POLST: https://caregiver.org/advanced-health-caredirectives-and-polst



Conservatorship and Guardianship: https:// caregiver.org/conservatorship-and-guardianship



Could It Be Their Brain?: Fronto-Temporal Dementia Checklist:https://caregiver.org/frontotemporaldementia-checklist



Finding an Attorney to Help with Estate Planning: https://caregiver.org/finding-attorney-help-estate -planning



Grief and Loss: https://caregiver.org/grief-and-loss



Legal Planning for Incapacity: https://caregiver.org/ legal-planning-incapacity



Living with Incontinence: Social and Emotional Challenges (for the care recipient): https:// caregiver.org/living-incontinence-social-and-emotional -challenge



Caring for Someone with Incontinence: Social & Emotional Issues (for caregivers): https:// caregiver.org/caring-someone-incontinence-emotionaland-social-issues



When Caregiving Ends: https://www.caregiver.org/ when-caregiving-ends

These publications, along with additional fact sheets, research reports, webinars, educational videos, and more, are all available free online on the recently redesigned FCA website. Many of the materials are available in multiple languages.

Founded in 1977, Family Caregiver Alliance was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the U.S. created to address the needs of caregivers. FCA and its National Center on Caregiving are now nationally and internationally recognized for pioneering programs—information, education, research, and advocacy—that support and sustain the important work of families and friends caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. Visit www.caregiver.org or call (800) 445-8106 for more information.

If you do not have access to a computer or the internet and would like one of the above fact sheets (or other topic) please call Cornell Cooperative Extension at (845) 2926180. A copy will be mailed out to you or you can arrange to visit the CRC for more information.

(continued from page 24) sion. If you need help filing an appeal, get in touch with your state's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP.) 4. If the drug company denies your appeal, you can appeal again. But this time, your appeal goes to an independent organization that works for Medicare. Your insurer will give you instructions on how to file further Medicare appeals, should you need them.

5. If your Medicare Prescription drug plan doesn't respond to your request, you can file a grievance by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Source: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/how-to-file-a-medicare-appeal January, 2015

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Charles Keating Cell: 570-430-1045 Fax: 570-689-2688

Notice: Membership Exchange advertisements are published as a

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

courtesy to our members. CCESC does NOT endorse or promote and are not liable for any loss or liability resulting from purchase, use and / or possession of the items or services.

2 Snow Tires for sale. HANKOOK Tubless M&S Radial. 195/60R15 88T Wiinter I-Pike, used on Ford Focus wagon.2 Steel/Poly/Nylon tread, 1Poly sidewall. Very good traction, deep grooves, no wear. Excellent condition, purchased new & used only 5 months Winter 2014 for local driving, less than 1600 miles on tires.Cindy 845-794-5497. Lv. Msg 5 foot 3 pt hitch Woods Finish Moore RM59 Asking #500 434-6850

HAY FOR SALE

Motorcycle camper: opens to 14 ft, Queen size sleeping area, pedestal table, attached cooler. Like new. 845-292-4013 Mens size 8 chest high fishing waders with felt soles. Worn Once paid $200 asking $85.

914-237-2329 2 pairs snow shoes—Little Bear Trapper of Aspen $45 973-890-1747 Leave Message

Hay- 2nd and 3rd cutting grass; forage analysis, 19-23% protein; $6.50 per bale; Skoda Farms 434-4373 Hay—Square Bales—Local delivery available 845-887-4582 Round Hay Bales for sale 845-583-6024 Hay 1st, 2nd & 3rd square, round & wrapped Protein 19.1-22.6 composted, topsoil, sand, gravel & cattle 845-985-7866 Hay for Sale—Round, Square, Balage, Mulch 845-482-4797 Ebert Square Bales 845-807-2532 Mulch hay in square bales 845-292-7838

WANTED

1983 Glassport 19’7” inboard/outboard 350 chevy and 20’ dual axel trailer Needs Work Make offer 203-740-0167 Hot Water Radiators 25.5”x15.5” to 47” (10 total) and 19”x36.5” and 39” BO 203-7400167 WOODSTOVE- Dutchwest cast iron Convection Heater Model 2462 by Vermont Castings. 2 speed fan, extra large for up to 25”logs, accessories inc. $765 or best offer 845 791-4501 SNOWBLOWER- agway gas dual stage 6 speed #523 23 inch wide $280 or best offer 845 791-4501

FOR A BETTER YOU

Wanted: Speedex Tractors Parts & Accessories 845-557-8030 Wanted: Side Delivery Hay Rake in Working Condition Call Mike 845-482-3628 Looking for a piglet to raise for four months for slaughter 845-733=4031 or email emiller384@hotmail.com HELP WANTED Full time Healthy Food and Bakery Prep. Experience preferred. Send resumé to info@javaloveroasters.com HELP AVAILABLE Part-time farm help available 845-434-8832

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Catskill Aesthetics & Laser Center 0 Loree Ann Stanton RN-HT, CDN—Botox, fillers, laser for hair, Veins, and Brown spots, Peels 794-3030 Jin Shin Jyutsu—near Grahamsville Energetic Harmonizing 845-647-6572 Yoga & Reiki sessions for stress relief & Healing Neversink Call Joy 845-292-7870 Dr. Jorge R. Delgado. Board certified Chiropractic Neurologist. 23 yrs. Exp.. Caring, quality chiropractic care in a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Rt. 52 West, Liberty, 845292-3455

AUTO’S & OTHER VEHICLES (Fix & Sale) 1938-39 International Stake Bed Truck Model #D-30-232 Cubic Inch Engine Rating 1.5 ton chassis #D3072207 TWG 13.200 Verg Good Shape Asking—$1200 985-7052

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January, 2015

EVENTS

FARMER’S MARKET

Sullivan County Horse Council meets at CCE every month. Come join us and see what we are planning for 2014 call Eunice @ 845-866-6140 Auction: Every Sat at 6:00 pm—Obverfest Street, Liberty NY 845-292-2814 Garden Lovers—consider joining a garden club—meets 3rd Tues of each month— call 845-513-5263

Story’s Neversink Plant Co. ~ Rare Succulents and interesting plants. By apt. only John W. Story, Proprietor 845-985-5071 Farm Fresh real food prepared and delivered weekly Naturalcontents.com 888551-8625 Organic Garlic for Sale—German White and German Red Varieties $1.50/bulb call George at 292-3639 All Natural Organic Sunbird Cookies—5-6 oz. No dairy handmade with Love.

Original Sunbird, Gluten Free & Vegan Kim 845-901-4706 Dogs Luv’em all Natural Murray’s Chicken Dog Treats—845-283-1128

‘TIS THE SEASON Portable Sawmill Services—Kiln drying, planning, lumber, tree harvesting, chipping, residential tree work 845-647-4181 or 845-800-5395 Firewood delivered, Logging & Excavation 845-807-3236 Brad Curry. Firewood - Landscaping - Logging - Scrap Iron 845- 807-8676

FOR BETTER BUSINESS

Norbert’s Clock Repair. Antique specialist. Fair Price. For estimate/pickup 845887-5831 T-shirts and machine embroidery for your business, club, organization. Hats, aprons, tote bags. Local business. Mountain Bear Crafts, Livingston Manor, NY. 845-439-8050. See photos: www.mountainbearcrafts.com Group Travel with Barbara’s Bunch. Call Barbara Hahl, 914-799-3362. Travel with Barbara- relax and enjoy! www.misssunshinetheclown.com for all your party entertainment 845-807-6222 Muthig & Sons - Landscaping - Logging - Decks - Roofs - Firewood 845– 807-1711 Old interesting barn finds? Call for free appraisal 845-482-4901 Kleins Tax Service 25+ Years Experience 845-292-9225 Duke Pottery www.dukepottery.com Pottery Studio, Art Gallery, Gift Shop. Open Year Round. Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00-5:00 or by chance 855 Co. Rd 93, Roscoe, NY Ohana Foods helps passionate farmers makers and producers build their brands to reach their potential

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 5ft bush hog for sale, wrong number was listed, new number is 845-428-5005 John Deere Snow Blower 44”, fits the 500 series John Deere Tractor. Brand New, used once—Call for detalils 845-583-7818 John Deere 3010, Diesel, WFE, Dual Hyd. Outlets, Rops. Asking $6,000. 845-551 -1649 2013 Kobelco Excavator NEW 20 hrs. $85,000 marilynk@mac.com 2005 Navigator 23,000 miles $15,000 marilynk@mac.com

REAL ESTATE

Organic Garlic for Sale—reasonable prices—call John 845-292-1195 Nutritious and Delicious Home Made Soups and Breads delivered to your door.

Woodridgesoupemporium.com Farm fresh real food prepared and delivered weekly. Naturalcontents.com 888551-8625 Wahldairyfarm.com Home grown Pork, Beef and Eggs. Guinea Fowl – 845-8875737 Asian Specialty Vegetables. Charlie Koh. Seon Organic Farm 631-599-0072 AnDe’s Acre, Callicoon Center, NY. Locally raised sustainable and seasonal vegetables and eggs for the community. Apply for a weekly share though our CSA. Ask about wholesale options. Visit us at the Farmer’s Market.

Muthig Farm - Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Maple Jelly, Maple Sugar. 845 -2927838 Justus Asthalter Maple Syrup Inc. 845-292-8569 family@justusmaple.com Justus Asthalter Maple Syrup Inc. – New & used maple equipment & supplies for all size maple producers. Syrup, Cream, Candies, we ship anywhere. Sugar Hill Containers and Leader glass in stock. Call us at 845-292-8569 or email family@justusmaple.com/ www.justusmaple.com Poultry, Eggs, Produce, ROOT & ROOST FARM 845-292-9126 Year Round!

CATSKILL MOUNTAIN HONEY Pollen, propolis, Royal Jelly, bee supplies & equipment. Hives supers frames from our shop. Save $$ - Jim Kile 845-647-6759

FARM ANIMALS & SUPPLIES Lambs, baby goats and hay 845-434-7764 Rabbits for all reasons, Chicks to Hens of many breeds. Member of A.R.B.A. for 37 years. 845-888-0274 Retired Horse Boarding on 45 acre farm. Your horse will be well taken care of on our peaceful farm. 845-482-4779 Registered Polled Hereford Bulls for Sale Bred Cows. Stone Ridge Farm 845-439 -4359 Oak Ridge Farm - Horse Boarding, Riding Lessons. Hay for Sale. 845-482-4686 oakridgefarminc.com

Catskill Brokers, Inc. Cynthia L. Johnson, Broker, Woodbourne NY 845-434-7860

Lashside Farm, Full Board or Turnout 845-292-3765

EAGLE VALLEY REALTY Farms, Homes, Country Properties, Listings Needed.

Gerald Euker, Broker Call: 845-252-3085

Trout For Sale 6-8” Brook Trout Delivered or Picked-up Call Beaverkill Trout Hatchery for details 845-439-4947 Moran’s Farrier Service Experienced & Reliable Horseshoeing 845-482-3262 845807-8937

McKean Realtors—Farms and Lake Front Homes 845-583-6003

ORGANIZATIONS Church on the Rock—Route 52 Jeffersonville—Bible based fellowship services: Sunday 9 am bible study ~ Worship & Children's Church 10 am

REPAIR & IMPROVEMENT Mountain Construction Inc—Lynn Dowe—General Contracting & Custom Building, Residential & Commercial (845) 292-3374

FURNITURE & HANDMADE ITEMS Visit Charlie Barbuti Furniture Mall for all your furniture and mattress needs 845292-4826 South Main Street Liberty barbutifurniture@verizon.net Handmade Furniture—Beautiful items to decorate any home—- Show me a design/picture & I will build it; specialty orders local delivery options available—845 -332-4095

January, 2015

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Bulldozing

Trucking & Hauling

J. HUGHSON EXCAVATING, INC. - CONSTRUCTION -

Foundations — Sand — Gravel—Fill—Topsoil Septic Systems Installed

845-482-9826

RD #1, Box 305 Jeffersonville, NY 12748

Earl Kinney

Excavating & Trucking Ready To Meet Your Needs Free Estimates - 40 Years Experience  DRAINAGE  SEPTIC SYSTEMS  FOUNDATIONS  DRIVEWAYS  ROADS  PONDS  LAND CLEARING  GRADING STONE SAND GRAVEL REDSHALE

No Job Too Big or Too Small

887-5540

OFFICE - 46 ROCK AVE., HORTONVILLE EVENINGS - 887-5647