Extension Connection
Sullivan County
Did you know that these insects weather the winter weather in the leaves you don’t rake? Check out our Horticulture article on page 6!
Upcoming Events & Programs
Upcoming Events & Programs
Tai Chi Stage 2
Caregiver Cafe
Growing Microgreens with Painter’s Hill Farm
Strengthening Families
Wholesale Market Readiness
Monthly Virtual Caregiver Support Group
Strategies for Climate Resilient Farming
See more events and opportunities on sullivancce.org/events.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
NYS Beginner Farmer Competitive Grant Program
Holiday Community Service Ideas Leave the Leaves!
The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tips on Eating Healthy at Celebrations and Gatherings
December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month! Check out page 10 and 11 for facts about Seasonal Depression!
Welcome to the Issue!
Page 3
Message from the Executive Director
Page 4 NYS Beginner Farmer Competitive Grant Program
Page 6 Leave the Leaves!
Page 7 Wholesale Market Readiness
Page 8 Strategies for Climate Resilient Farming
Page 10 Fast Facts!
Page 12 The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Page 14 Tips on Eating Healthy at Celebrations and Gatherings
Page 15
Page 16 2024 CRC Monthly Virtual Support
Groups Page 17 Holiday Community Service Ideas
Page 18 4-H Horse Hippology Program
Page 19 Thanks to our Sponsors!
NotifyCCESullivan if you have
Notify CCE Sullivan if you have a change of address: 845-292-6180
sullivan@cornell.edu
OFFICE HOURS
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Phone: 845-292-6180
E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dara Smith............................President
Alex Alorro...................Vice President
Robert Kaplan.......................Secretary
Dawn Parsons.......................Treasurer
Brian McPhillips...........Legislative Rep.
Adam Hughes..................Cornell Rep.
Freda Eisenberg
John Garigliano
Amanda Langseder
Denise Luckman
Erika Malmgreen
Steve Marton
Mark McLewin
Gary Silver
Gary Silverman
Nicole Slevin Nikolados
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Heather Brown
Roberta Chambers
Nu El
Courtney Hanback
Carmela Hugel
Cathi Paci
Carol Roig
Stephen Stuart
Eugene Thalmann
Deborah Worden
EXTENSION CONNECTION
Produced by: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Edited by: Aaron Denman & Colleen Monaghan
Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with DisAbilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
NOTICE: Official endorsement of advertisers and their products is not intended by the acceptance of their sponsorships for the Extension Connection.
STAFF MEMBERS
Colleen Monaghan..............................................................................Executive Director
Taylor Adam.............................................................Beginner Farmer Program Manager
Monica Ponce-Agredano ...............................................................Ag. Program Assistant
Tracy Broyles...............................................................................SALT Program Manager
Alan Carroll...................................................................Food Systems Program Manager
Lynn Colavito..............................................Community Cupboard Program Coordinator
Martin Colavito...........................................................Prevention Programs Issue Leader
Haley Collins...................Agriculture Farmland Protection & Planning Program Manager
Wanda V. Cruz...............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator
Aaron Denman.........................................................Association Operations Coordinator
Erin Doherty..................................................................Prevention Program Coordinator
Eugene Doyle...................................................................................................Custodian
Katie Gasior........................................................................Horticulture Subject Educator
Jenna Gangel..........................................................................Shop Taste NY Coordinator
Christopher Jones....................................................................Taste NY Market Manager
Joy Leon.................................................................Nutrition & Physical Activity Educator
Katie Rose Lugauer...................................................................4-H Program Coordinator
Erica Lynch..........................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator
John Mastrangelo............................................................................Assistant Ag Market Manager
Nancy McGraw.......................................................Educator, Caregiver Resource Center
Melinda Meddaugh.......................................................Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader
Barbara Moran................................................4-H Youth Development Program Manager
Subidha Neupane............................................. Hudson Valley SNAP-ed Nutrition Educator
Patricia Ocasio...................................................................Prevention Program Coordinator
Shanice Owens..............................................Community Cupboard Program Coordinator
Abyssinia Pla El...................................................................................Finance Coordinator
Michelle Proscia..............................................Agriculture Production Program Manager
Lindsey Serapio.............................................................................................Bookkeeper
Ann-Marie Sidtis......................................................................FOR Program Coordinator
Tara VanHorn.........................................................................................Finance Manager
Malinda Ware........................................................................................Program Director
John Wilcox..........................................................................................Facilities Manager
Vinny Bonizzi, Kayla Evans......................................................................Ag Market Coordinators
To the Extension Community:
As we approach the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you. This time of year invites us to slow down, cherish moments with loved ones, and reflect on the connections that enrich our lives. In 2024, we have been incredi bly fortunate to see the strength of community here in Sullivan County—neighbors supporting one another, families growing together, and friends finding new ways to make a difference. Each of you has made contributions to Extension and to the larger Sullivan County community, and for that, we are grateful!
I encourage you to take time this season to appreciate the connections you’ve made this past year, both big and small. Whether it’s a gathering with family or friends, a moment of reflection, or a kind word to a neighbor, these connections are what make Sullivan County truly special. In looking toward the new year, let’s also consider ways we can strengthen these bonds even further, especially for folks who may be disconnected. How can we support one another more fully? What small acts can we do to help our community thrive? Together, we can continue to build a network of kindness, resilience, and hope that benefits us all.
Warmly,
Colleen Monaghan Executive Director
cm638@cornell.edu
As we get cozy this holiday season, I wish you peace, love, and the happiness of shared moments. Thank you for being part of our Cornell Cooperative Extension community, and for making Sullivan County such a wonderful place to learn and grow. Here’s to a joyous season and a new year filled with connection and community.
NYS BEGINNING FARMER COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM
Submitted by Taylor Adam, Beginner Farmer Program Manager NYFVI is pleased to announce a new competitive grant program to help beginning farmers build financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural businesses. The RFP opened on October 25th and applications will be accepted through January 24, 2025. $850,000 will be awarded in this Statewide program.
The Beginning Farmer competitive grant program is funded through the generous
support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State legislature. It is administered by the New York Farm Viability Institute in partnership with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYS AGM). This Request for Proposals (RFP) utilizes the generous appropriation from the New York State Governor and legislature in the 2022/23 fiscal year.
The RFP was developed with guidance from NYS AGM and input from an Advisory group that included individuals from 10 organizations. Many of these mission-aligned organizations are willing to support farmers with their applications.
It is anticipated that this program will receive a high number of applications from a wide range of beginning farmers. All applicants are encouraged to read RFP closely to consider how best to use this opportunity to create a competitive proposal that will advance their plan to grow their business and become a financially sustainable, independent, agricultural enterprise.
Farmers who have not operated a farm for more than 10 years and who will materially and substantially participate in operating the farm within the State are eligible to submit proposals. It is expected
that all applicants will have a serious interest in building a financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprise. More detail about eligibility is provided in the RFP.
There are two funding opportunities; the proposal deadline, use of funds, and process for both opportunities are the same. The smaller Track 1 projects are anticipated to be simpler and, therefore, able to be completed in a shorter timeframe. A 5% match is required for all projects. Grants will be administered on a reimbursement basis as a project is completed.
Use of Funds
The use of grant funds is deliberately broad to allow a wide range of applicants to determine what will create the strongest financial benefit for their business.
Grants may be awarded for purposes including, but not limited to:
• the start-up, improvement, or expansion of a farm operation
• worker or apprenticeship training
• marketing activities
• the purchase of agricultural land and physical structures thereon
• the purchase of machinery, equipment, or livestock
• the construction or improvement of physical structures, including semi-permanent structures
other business needs as justified by the applicant’s proposal
This grant is a reimbursement-based award. No costs will be reimbursed until a project has achieved key milestones, or is successfully completed and all required documentation has been submitted. Grant recipients must be able to self-finance or secure financing to implement their project.
Questions & Answers
Questions about the RFP may be submitted via email to Aileen Randolph. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read all materials before emailing questions. Since this is a competitive program, it is not appropriate for NYFVI to engage in individual conversations
with applicants. Answers to questions sent via email will be posted on a weekly basis below.
Online Application
The program will be managed entirely online. Applicants must first register in the online system. The link to the online application is available at https:// nyfvi.org/bfcg-program. Applications must be submitted by January 24, 2025.
Additional Languages:
Google translate may be utilized by selecting a language in the upper left corner. Applications may be submitted in any language, Google Translate will be used to allow them to be reviewed in English.
Source:
“NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program.” www.nyfvi.org, November 21, 2024. https://nyfvi.org/bfcg-program/.
LEAVE THE LEAVES!
Written and submitted by Katie Gasior, Horticulture Program Educator
According to the EPA leaves and yard debris account for 33 million tons of solid waste annually. Let’s try and divert some of this waste, and the resources used to transport it.
Removing leaves eliminates vital wildlife habitat. Critters ranging from turtles and toads to birds, mammals and invertebrates rely on leaf litter for food, shelter, and nesting material. Many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring.
Another bonus to leaving the leaves, you might be lucky enough to see some of these amazing creatures! Some of the ones you could look out for are polyphemus moth caterpillar(with an impressive wingspan of 6 inches!), Luna moth caterpillar, Black swallowtail butterfly, and common eastern firefly.
Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Polyphemus moth caterpillar
Luna Moth Caterpillar Common Eastern Firefly
Learnmoreontopicslikeadjustingplantingandharvestdaysinresponseto extendedgrowingseasons,growingzonechanges,managingrisksoflate springandearlyfrostdates,andcropsthatworkwellwithchanging growingconditions.
DHI Report: September
December Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use
December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month!
It is estimated that millions of Americans experience SAD, although many may not know they have this common disorder. In most cases, SAD begins in young adulthood.
SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4-5 months out of the year. The signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with depression as well as disorderspecific symptoms that differ for winter-pattern versus summerpattern SAD.
Many people go through short periods when they feel sad or unlike their usual selves when the seasons change. Many people feel “down” or have the “winter blues” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter and feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return. Sometimes, these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. If you have noticed signi cant changes in your mood when the seasons change, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), otherwise known as seasonal depression.
Winter-pattern SAD should not be confused with “holiday blues”—feelings of sadness or anxiety brought on by stresses at certain times of the year. The depression associated with SAD is related to changes in daylight hours, not the calendar, so stresses associated with the holidays or predictable seasonal changes in work or school schedules, family visits, and so forth are not the same as SAD.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has an online treatment locator to help you find mental health services in your area.
SAD occurs much more often in women than in men. Winter-pattern SAD also occurs more often than summer-pattern SAD. Therefore, SAD is more common in people living farther north, where there are shorter daylight hours in the winter. For example, people in Alaska or New England are more likely to develop SAD than people in Texas or Florida.
Light therapy and vitamin D are treatments for winter-pa ern SAD, whereas psychotherapy and antidepressants are used to treat depression in general, including winter- and summerpa ern SAD. There are no treatments speci c to summerpa ern SAD.
Source:
SAD
Researchers are still determining what causes SAD. Most research to date has investigated potential causes of winter-pattern SAD because it is more common and easier to study. As a result, less is known about summer-pattern SAD, and more research is needed.
is more common in people with depression or bipolar disorder, especially bipolar II disorder, which involves repeated depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than the typical manic episodes of bipolar I disorder). Additionally, people with SAD tend to have other mental disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, eating disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
THE 15 YEAR BATTLE FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
Submitted by Aaron Denman, Association Operations Coordinator
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. Still, it would take 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists for the holiday to be approved by the federal government and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.
Despite the national fervor inspired by King’s death, the bill to create a holiday in his honor languished for years with limited congressional support. However, Democratic
Michigan Congressman, John Conyers, who first proposed the bill on April 8, 1968, was not deterred. He continued to reintroduce the legislation every year with the support of the Congressional Black Caucus, which Conyers helped found.
In 1979, on the 50th anniversary of King’s birth, the bill finally came to a vote in the House. However, even with a petition of 300,000 signatures in support, the backing of President Jimmy Carter, and testimonials from King’s
widow, Coretta Scott King, the bill still was rejected by five votes in the House. Republican Missouri Congressman Gene Taylor led the opposition, which cited the costs of an additional federal holiday and traditions which exclude private citizens from receiving recognition with public holidays named in their honor.
Even though it failed to pass in the House, public support for the bill continued to grow, in no small part due to musician Stevie Wonder. The Motown singer and songwriter’s 1980
Picture from the National Museum of African American History and Culture website detailing the Memorial March after assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
album “Hotter Than July” featured the song “Happy Birthday,” which served as an ode to King’s vision and a rallying cry for recognition of his achievements with a national holiday.
Wonder continued to spread his message with regular appearances alongside Coretta Scott King at rallies. He also capped a four-month tour with a benefit concert on the National Mall, where King delivered his famous “I have a Dream” speech 18 years earlier.
When the bill again made it to the house floor in 1983, fifteen years after King’s murder, support was overwhelming. Working together, Coretta Scott King, the Congressional Black Caucus, and Stevie Wonder amassed a six million signature petition in favor of the holiday. The bill easily passed in the House with a vote of 338 to 90. However, when the bill moved onto the Senate, Republican North Carolina Senator, Jesse Helms attempted to dismiss the legislation by submitting documents alleging that the civil rights leader harbored ties to the communist party. Outraged by the
personal attack on King’s character, Democratic New York Congressman Daniel Patrick Moynihan threw the more than 300 page binder to the ground and stomped on what he described as a “packet of filth.” After two days of debate, the bill passed in the Senate and President Ronald Regan reluctantly agreed to sign it into law.
Despite the holiday’s federal recognition, statewide observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is far from uniform. Some states include additional holidays, which are celebrated concurrently with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Arizona and New Hampshire, for example, celebrate “Civil Rights Day” and Wyoming celebrates “Wyoming Equality Day.” Other states, like Alabama and Mississippi, have combined the King holiday with “Robert E. Lee Day” to honor the birthday of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, who was born on January 19. However, Martin Luther King Day has been recognized in all 50 states since early 2000.
On August 23, 1994, the King Holiday and Service Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
Inspired by King’s life of service, Congressman John Lewis and former Senator Harris Wofford proposed the legislation to encourage Americans to find common causes and methods of improving their communities. In honor of Congressman Lewis’ initiative to make the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday “a day on, not a day off” the National Museum of African American History and Culture has organized donation drives to those in need and partnered with corporations to provide music, film screenings and interactive activities to the public. If you are interested in giving back to your community this year, we encourage you to explore our website for volunteer opportunities or participate in the transcription of the Freedmen’s Bureau papers.
Adapted from:
National Museum of African American History & Culture | Smithsonian. “The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.” nmaahc.si.edu . Accessed November 18, 2024. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/ stories/15-year-battle-martin-luther-king-jrday.
Celebrations and Gatherings.
Healthy eating is important at every stage of life, including celebrations and gatherings. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Start with these tips:
Serve up variety.
At your next event, create a colorful buffet table that includes a variety of foods from all the food groups.
Cheers to good health.
Serve water or unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint leaves. Offer seltzer water with a splash of 100% fruit juice or a wedge of lemon or lime.
Make activity part of the fun.
Laugh, mingle, dance, and play games. Have fun walking and talking with family and friends after a special meal.
Rethink dessert.
Offer a combination of fresh and dried fruit. Put out fixings for guests to make their own trail mix with a combination of peanuts, dark chocolate chips, and dried fruits.
Reduce food waste.
Manage leftovers by packing them for guests to take home, adding them to soups or salads, and including extra veggies in omelets, sandwiches, or stews.
Try a twist on your favorite dish.
Substitute unsweetened applesauce for butter when baking, or use low-fat milk when a recipe calls for cream. Experiment with low-salt herbs and spices.
The benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite. FNS-905-29 March 2022.
2024CaregiverResourceCenter
Forfamilycaregiverscaringforan individualwithanyillness,chronic diseaseordisability(including seniorsorsomeonewithearlystagedementia).
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UsetheQRCode,orusethelink https://tinyurl.com/5n6mtpy4 oremail sullivancrc@cornell.edu.
HOLIDAY COMMUNITY SERVICE IDEAS
Written and
submitted
by Barbara Moran, 4-H Youth Development Program Manager
Community service is one of the most important aspects of being a member of our local 4-H program. Its origins in programs across the nation stem from sources such as the 4-H Pledge which outlines a 4-H member’s commitment to becoming good citizens who contribute toward the betterment of others.
After all, community
service activities help young 4-H members develop such citizenship. During the holiday season, many are in need of such services with areas of need being children, family and friends, Senior Citizens, Homelessness, Animals, Environment and more. From visiting your local senior citizens’ homes to volunteering at an animal shelter, or conducting food and clothing drives, 4-H Clubs and independent members can all join in the challenge to participate in community service in a multitude of ways.
People support what they help create and therefore every member should be involved in the planning of the community service activities. First, decide what is needed in your community. Then, prioritize the problems and issues; decide what you or your club can do to help; create a task list, and assign what will be done. Believing you are an important part of an important effort is one of the best motivators in the world! Remember to
check out the Community Service Olympics form on the CCE Sullivan website to find the various categories and get started.
Here are some more holiday ideas:
• Trim a mitten or sock tree to donate mittens or socks to local schools and homeless shelters.
• Contact a local tree farm to donate a tree to a nursing home, homeless shelter or family in need. Add some decorations.
• Organize a food drive to donate to a local food pantry.
• Make “I Care” packages with mittens, socks, t-shirts etc. for a children at a homeless shelter.
• Collect aluminum cans and donate the money to a favorite charity.
• Write letters to nursing home residents.
• Reach out to local animal shelters to find out how you can help through volunteering or donations.
These are just a few ideas to help get you started this holiday season with your 4-H community service projects. Happy Holidays to all!
APATHTOWARDS REGENERATIVERESILIENCE
April25,2024: WhyClimateEvents,PublicHealth&CommunityResilience?
May23,2024: BuildingFrameworksforCollaboration June27,2024: ChangeStartswithYou July25,2024: RegenerativeWell-being August22,2024: RegeneratingCommunityWell-being September26,2024: MasterCommunityBuilderspresentaJustTransition October24,2024: Community-drivenClimateResiliencePlanning November21,2024: PanelDiscussion:UsingaPublicHealthFrameworktoBuildResilientCommunities December12,2024: SharingStories
