July Extension Connection Magazine 2020

Extension Connection

USPS-525-100

Sullivan County

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

VOLUME XCI NO. 7

JULY 2020

Say hello to the new Catskills Teaching Kitchen! Our upstairs kitchen and classrooms are updated with new appliances, flooring, dividers, ADA counters and cabinets, and more! By M&P Builders

Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs

Issue Isssue sue Highlights Higghhligghhts

Sullivan Fresh Farmers’ Market-on-the-Move

Coronavirus Protection for Farmers

Daily Community Food Distribution

Forest Bathing Can Boost Immunity & Mood

Weekly Watt’s Up? Podcast Facebook Live

Energy Burden for Low Income Communities

Alzheimer’s Support Groups (virtual)

Summer Cooling Tips

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Program (virtual)

How Gratitude Can Help Your Health

Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention Sessions (virtual) 4-H Intergenerational Textile Group Meeting (virtual) Personnel & Finance Committee Meeting (virtual) See more virtual programs and opportunities on page 11.

Complete Streets, Complete Parks, Safe Routes to School Americans with Disabilities Act - 30 Year Anniversary Belonging- A Core Concept of 4-H How to Complete Your 2020 Census Check out page 12 for fast facts and healthy tips of the month!

Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue!

Issue!

Page 3 Message from the Executive Director Page 4 Coronavirus Protection for Farmers Page 5 Forest Bathing Can Boost Immunity and Mood Page 6 Energy Burden for Low Income Communities Page 6 DHI Report: May Page 7 Summer Cooling Tips

Table Table of of Contents Contents Page 8 How Gratitude Can Help Your Health Page 9 Complete Streets, Complete Parks, Safe Routes to School Page 10 CCE Spotlights Page 11 Upcoming Programs Page 12 Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use! Page 13 Healthy Tips of July

Page 14 Americans with Disabilities Act - 30 Year Anniversary Page 15 Belonging - A Core Concept of 4-H Page 16 How to Complete Your 2020 Census Page 18 Thank You, Sponsors!

Page 20 Congrats 2020 Grads!

Th i C i (USPS 525 100) is i published bli h d monthly hl for f $25.00 $25 00 enrollment ll b Cornell C ll Cooperative C i Extension E i S lli The E Extension Connection (USPS-525-100) by 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.

OFFICE HOURS

EXTENSION CONNECTION

Hours: Mon - Fri | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Phone: 845-292-6180 E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu Website: www.sullivancce.org Twitter.com/ccesullivan Facebook.com/ccesullivan Instagram.com/ccesullivan YouTube: bitly.com/ccesullivan

Produced by: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Edited by: Nicole Slevin & 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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Kaplan.............................President Amy Erlwein........................Vice President Klu Padu......................................Secretary John Kiefer...................................Treasurer Nadia Rajsz........................Legislative Rep. Todd Brown Jenny Chamberlain Marcie Ehrman Denise Frangipane John “JP” Lang Amanda Langseder Klu Padu Luisa Parker Dara Smith George Stang Robert Wong

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STAFF MEMBERS Colleen Monaghan............................................................................Executive Director Thomas Bosket..........................................................................SALT Program Manager SueAnn Boyd.......................................................Healthy Schools Program Coordinator Elizabeth Clancy-DiBartolo......................................Farmers’ Market & ASP Coordinator Martin Colavito................................................................Community Program Manager Kaitlyn Conklin...........................................................................................4-H Educator Wanda V. Cruz.............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator Elias Kourakos..............................................................Temporary Program Coordinator Bonnie Lewis..........................................................................Dependent Care Educator Erica Lynch.........................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator Melinda Meddaugh......................................................Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader Brenda Miller.................................Environment & Natural Resources Program Manager Barbara Moran................................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator Bee Moser.......................................................................SNAP-Ed New York Nutritionist Vanessa Petrossian..............................................................................Ag Market Manager Abyssinia Pla El..........................................................Association Operations Coordinator Michelle Proscia.............................................................................Agriculture Educator Nicole Slevin...............................................................Administrator & Diversity Officer Ashley Tully..............................................................................Ag Program Coordinator Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Brian Vantassell.........................................................Temporary Program Coordinator Sean Welsh............................................................................Energy Resource Educator John Wilcox.........................................................................................Facilities Manager Judy Arpadi, Cherene Audain, John Mastrangelo, Kiran Monaghan, Randy Rupert....Ag Market Coordinators

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July 2020

Hello friends and neighbors!

In the last month both I, as executive director of CCE Sullivan, and Chris Watkins, the executive director of the statewide CCE system, published statements on behalf of our organizations with respect to committing to antiracism in our work, condemning systemic and institutional racism, making promises to do our part in dismantling a system that hurts Black and Brown communities, and calling for direct action by educating young people to engage with and change those systems.

As a historically white organization, I was pleasantly surprised by the positive and supportive responses to those statements. Since those posts, CCE Sullivan has received inquiries from our local community asking us what our plan is. How will we participate in changing these systems? What have we already done to address inequities or lack of voice from Black, Indigenous, People of Color in our organization?

These questions are timely and appreciated! Recently, some of our staff began a correspondence suggesting we reach out to find the folx in Sullivan County that are heading up this work so we could invite them to help us figure out our role, within our mission, to dismantle racism within our system, our programs, and our community at large.

If you or someone you know is doing this work, and are willing to have this conversation with us, please email me at cm638@cornell.edu or call me at 845-798-1258. That is my cell phone number, on which I receive several spam calls a week; so if I don’t answer please leave a message so I can call you back. Feel free to text as well. You can also leave a message on my office phone at 845-292-6180 extension 106, but that is not the quickest way to reach me. Our Facebook and Instagram DMs are open, too.

We have a long way to go, but to give a snapshot of some of our efforts, particularly over the last three years, CCE Sullivan has an Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion Plan reviewed and approved annually by our elected board of directors; an internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; adopted HR and subcontractor policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race and other identities; expanded our traditional community-based youth development program models to afterschool programs that “meet kids where they’re at”; provided staff training in implicit bias, white privilege, Opening Doors, and other models (we need more), hired bilingual staff and translated our most used outreach materials to Spanish; reviewed our compensation plan to ensure equitable compensation based on education, experience, and length of service; focused board recruitment to be reflective of the entire community (we haven’t done this with our Program Advisory Committee yet); assisted in the creation of the Evergreen Community Garden in Monticello; and other outreach projects that we will summarize in another write up. We’re currently working on an educational TikTok video series for young people about writing elected officials, engaging with local government, and civic engagement strategies.

With all that said, according to ongoing survey data, our record at meaningfully engaging Black, Indigenous, People of Color in our programs is dismal, particularly among adult volunteers. Our afterschool programs were helping us build relationships with Black and Brown children and their parents; but when everything shut down for COVID-19, we did not have a strategy in place to sustain those relationships. As a “stop-gap” we lent our friends at Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) our Sullivan Fresh Market on the Move van so they could visit underserved communities, provide food and hope, and keep contact and conversations going. As an organization, we’re still figuring out how to adjust all our program areas to the COVID world, while also being mindful that we need to be open to new strategies and opportunities to make our programs and outreach meaningful and accessible to marginalized communities.

Yours in service,

Colleen Monaghan, Executive Exec Ex e utive Director D

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July 2020

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CORONAVIRUS PROTECTION FOR FARMERS Submitted by Michelle Proscia, Agriculture Educator Are you a farmer or rancher whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic?

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides direct payments to producers to offset impacts due to price declines and additional marketing costs from COVID-19.

Eligibility CFAP provides assistance to producers who have suffered a fivepercent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19.

To be eligible for payments, a person or legal entity must have an average adjusted gross income of less than $900,000 for tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018. However, if 75 percent of their adjusted gross income comes from farming, ranching, or forestry, the AGI limit of $900,000 does not apply.

Eligible commodities include: • Non-specialty Crops: malting barley, canola, corn, upland cotton, millet, oats, soybeans, sorghum, sunflowers, durum wheat, and hard red spring wheat • Wool • Livestock: cattle, hogs, and sheep (lambs and yearlings only) • Dairy • Specialty Crops • Fruits: apples, avocados, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes, watermelons • Vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, iceberg Page 4

lettuce, romaine lettuce, dry onions, green onions, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, taro • Nuts: almonds, pecans, walnuts • Other: beans, mushrooms To learn more about CFAP, download the final rule, notice of funding availability, and cost-benefit analysis visit https://www.farmers.gov/ cfap.

How to Apply: Producers should apply through their local Farm Service Agency Service Center. Please call your FSA county office to schedule an appointment.

If you farm in Sullivan County, Contact Brian Sheridan, Delaware & Sullivan County FSA Office by calling 607-865-4005 or emailing brian. sheridan@usda.gov. The address is 44 West Street, Suite 2, Walton, NY 13856. Call ahead of time to make an appointment to fill out the application or submit paperwork. Applications can be submitted electronically either by scanning, emailing, or faxing. Please call your office prior to sending applications electronically.

CFAP Application: CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator is available online to assist with the CFAP application process. This Excel workbook allows you to input information specific to your operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form.

Producers who are interested in filling out the application manually can also download the application form, AD-3114. If you need more space, you should use the AD-3114A continuation form. Spanish versions of application form AD-3114 and the AD-3114A continuation form are also available.

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July 2020

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County at sullivan@ cornell.edu or call 845-292-6180 and leave a message for Michelle Proscia.

Source: “Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.” Coronavirus Food Assistance Program | Farmers.gov: Resources for Farmers and Producers. Accessed June 28, 2020. https://www.farmers.gov/cfap#apply.

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FOREST BATHING CAN BOOST IMMUNITY AND MOOD Submitted by Brenda Miller, Environment & NR Program Manager; Written by Allison Aubrey When my editors asked me to report on forest bathing, I packed a swimsuit.

I assumed it must involve a dip in the water. It turns out, my interpretation was too literal.

I met certified Forest Therapy guide Melanie Choukas-Bradley , a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy, at the footbridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island, a dense jungle of an urban forest along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

to the lungs as nectar to the tongue,” Muir wrote. “That could describe our day here now,” Choukas-Bradley says.

After I opened my eyes, the green looked a lot greener. And I began to see things I hadn’t noticed before: the flutter of birds, the ripple of the water, the swaying of trees.

A forest guide “helps you be here, not there,” says Amos Clifford, a former wilderness guide and founder of the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy, the organization that certifies the guides. Clifford’s goal is to encourage

have studied forest bathing and have demonstrated several benefits to our health,” says Philip Barr, a physician who specializes in integrative medicine at Duke University. One study published in 2011 found that the forest environment led to more significant reductions in blood pressure and certain stress hormones.

The forest walkers — who ranged in age from 36 to 77 — saw a reduction in their systolic blood pressure from 141 mmHg down to 134 mmHg after four hours in the forest.

As people begin to relax, parasympathetic nerve activity increases — which can lead to a drop in blood pressure.

Another factor that might help explain the decline in blood pressure is that trees release compounds into the forest air that some researchers think could be beneficial for people.

Some of the compounds are very distinctive, such as the The aim of forest bathing, scent of cedar. In 2009, Japanese CCE Turtle Spring Fitness & Nature Trail, Liberty Choukas-Bradley explained, is to scientists found that inhaling slow down and become immersed Photo: Brenda Miller these tree-derived compounds in the natural environment. She — known as phytoncides — helped us tune in to the smells, reduced concentrations of stress textures, tastes and, sights of the forest. hormones in people and enhanced the health care providers to incorporate We took in our surroundings by using activity of white-blood cells known as forest therapy as a stress-reduction all our senses. natural killer cells. strategy and include it into the range As we passed through a stand of of services for which they reimburse.

The idea that spending time in nature pawpaw trees, we touched the bark. is good for our health is not new.

The practice began in Japan. Back in We smelled the black walnuts, which Most of human evolutionary history the early 1990s the Japanese Ministry give off a lovely citrus fragrance. We was spent in environments that lack of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries got a little shower of ripe mulberries, coined the term Shinrin-yoku — which buildings and walls. But today most of too. us spend much of our life indoors, or translates roughly as forest bathing.

“Close your eyes and just breathe,” at least tethered to devices. Perhaps Now, forest bathing is starting to take Choukas-Bradley intoned. It felt a bit off in the U.S. The Association of Nature the new forest bathing trend is a like a meditation retreat. recognition that many of us need a & Forest Therapy plans to train and little nudge to get back out there. certify about 250 new guides next “When you open your eyes, imagine year. you’re seeing the world for the very Source: Aubrey, Allison.“Forest Bathing: A Retreat to Here, I began to get it. Forest bathing isn’t a bath. We sat on the banks of the river, but we did not get in the water. It’s not a hike, either. We did walk the forest trails, but we meandered with no particular destination in mind.

first time,” Choukas-Bradley told us.

She also read some nature-inspired quotes from naturalist John Muir as part of the walk. “The air is as delicious

There’s a growing body of evidence that the practice can help boost immunity and mood and help reduce stress. “Medical researchers in Japan

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July 2020

Nature Can Boost Immunity and Mood. Recorded July 17, 2017.https://www.npr.org/sections/healthshots/2017/07/17/536676954/forest-bathing-aretreat-to-nature-can-boost-immunity-and-mood

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ENERGY BURDEN FOR LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator An energy burden is the percentage of household income spent on home energy bills. A 2016 report in the American Council for an EnergyEfficient Economy looked at energy burden across 48 different American cities discovering that low income, renting households, including those in multifamily buildings spend more of their income on utility bills than the average family.

Home energy use has a cost which has a direct correlation between a higher or lower energy bill and how efficient or inefficient the building is made to perform in seasonal conditions.

Well-made homes are going to be built for whichever regional annual weather patterns and conditions present, protecting its inhabitants while offering heating and cooling retention throughout the year yielding a lower energy burden for the inhabitants or

the owners. There is a higher cost to these well-made structures, larger upfront costs investments in good materials and well air sealed and insulated spaces often help building owners in the long run with lower utility bills.

Generally low income renters and those who live in multifamily homes direct more of their household annual income towards electric and home heating and cooling costs, while living in more inefficient indoor environments than those in higher income brackets.

There are ways to try and lower costs for low income families and individuals who reside in drafty, uncomfortable, and costly housing. Programs offer ways for building owners, renters and boards of directors of affordable housing facilities to increase the efficiency of their buildings, helping lower the utility costs for the building’s occupants. Other possible side effects from engaging with energy efficiency programs can result in draft reduction,

health and safety measures looking at combustion appliances for the indoor space better and increased comfort.

If you are interested in discussing programs that building owners, boards, homeowners, or renter can interact with to rein in the high costs of electric and fuel use, consider reaching out to Community Energy Advisor Sean Welsh at sw288@cornell.edu or 845-292-6180 ext. 127, or visit www. midhudsonenergychoices.org to fill out the intake form about your building.

Source: Vaidyanathan, Shruti. “America’s Transportation Energy Burden for LowIncome Families.” ACEEE. Accessed June 9, 2020. http://aceee.org/blog/2016/07/ america-s-transportation-energy.

DHI Report:

May

SAMPLE NO. BREED COWS TYPE

Herdcode HERDOWNER

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MILK FAT PROTEIN

21470096 BRANDON PETERS DAIRY DHI-AP

H

100.5 21395 758

665

21470146 THONY'S DAIRY

DHI-AP

H

59.1 18080 689

560

21470021 GLASSEL, ROBERT

DHI-AP

H

46.4 14691 543

449

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July 2020

SUMMER COOLING TIPS Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator This summer, keep your cool with the following energy saving tips and tricks: • Use fans. At night they help rid the house of the heat of the daytime sun.

• Use ceiling fans. They make people feel four degrees cooler than the actual temperature.

• Close shades and windows. During the day, that is. At night, open windows opposite one another for cross-ventilation.

• Got a waterbed? It may use as much electricity as your refrigerator. To save more than 30% of that cost, make the bed routinely and cover it with a comforter Air Conditioning in Summer • Set the thermostat at 78 F or higher if you use a ceiling fan.You save 3 to 5% on your air conditioning cost for each degree you raise the thermostat.

• Clean the filters. Check furnace and air filters monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean or replace them as needed.

• Use the “AUTO FAN” setting.

• Getting an air conditioner? Buy Energy Star. It can save you up to 10% over one that doesn’t have the label.

However, have an air conditioning technician or energy auditor determine the right size for the space.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

Make sure it is programmed to turn down the heating or cooling automatically when you are not home and when you are sleeping.

Cooking in hot weather • Avoid the stove or the oven. Use toaster ovens, crockpots, microwaves when you are cooking small to mediumsized meals. They use less energy than

your stove or oven.

• Use the smallest pans possible It takes less energy to heat them.

• Use lids. They help the food cook more quickly by keeping the steam in.

either consider adding a jug of water to a refrigerator to help take up empty space and hold temperature, add a bag of ice to a freezer.

• Turn off electric burners and ovens just before cooking is complete. The food will continue to cook.

What Can Kids Do to Help?

• Keep preheating time to a minimum

• Turn off the radio, TV, computer, and games when you stop using them.

• Don’t peek! You lose heat every time you open the door or lift the lid.

• Keep racks clear. Foil on oven shelves blocks heat and costs money.

Refrigeration in Summer An old refrigerator costs the average family about $140 a year (that’s almost $12 per month). To cut those costs: • Check refrigerator temperatures You’re losing money if they’re lower than 37-40°F for fresh food and 0-5°F in your freezer. To check? Put one thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator, and another between packages in the freezer.

Read them after 24 hours. And to keep refrigerators cold, close doors quickly.

• Defrost manual-defrost refrigerators.

Frost makes these models less efficient - and helps spoil foods.

• Cover and wrap food. Uncovered foods and liquids release moisture and drive up electricity costs.

• Got a second older refrigerator?

Unplug it! Remember: it can cost about $140 a year to keep it plugged in. And always remove the door when you unplug the refrigerator so that children cannot accidentally be caught inside.

• Buying a new refrigerator? Get an Energy Star model Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new Energy Star model would save enough energy to light the average household for over three months.

• Turn off the lights when you leave your room - and the bathroom.

• Take shorter showers. They use about half as much water as a full bathtub.

• Check for problems Mom and Dad haven’t noticed Like dripping faucets it takes energy to heat the water.

• Share rides with friends to after-school activities • Close the fridge! Decide what you want from the refrigerator BEFORE opening the door - then close it quickly.

• Try a sweater if you’re cold in the house? Don’t turn up the thermostat.

• Recycle! Sell toys or old clothes at a yard sale or donate them to a charity.

Then someone else can use them.

To connect with a home energy assessment/ audit you can email Sean Welsh at sw288@cornell.edu, call 845-292-6180 ext. 127, or visit www.midhudsonenergychoices. org to fill out the Community Energy Engagement Program intake form and tell us about your building needs.

Source: “Summer Energy Saving Tips.”

Cornell Cooperative Extension. Accessed June 9, 2020. http://madisoncountycce. org/energy/energy-saving-tips/ summer-energy-saving-tips.

• If your refrigerator or freezer is not full, or you have space to fill up in

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HOW GRATITUDE CAN HELP YOUR HEALTH Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator Gratitude is more than a buzzword. It’s a habit and practice that may actually change your perception of wellbeing.

Do you ever feel like you just can’t catch a break? You know – the truck that cut you off, the meal that didn’t turn out, the weird feedback you got from your boss? Do you sometimes feel negative and cynical about life?

Sure, we all do this a little, but doing it a lot can lead to depression, which is linked to poor heart health, more inflammation, and even a weaker immune system. Yikes! Some neuroscience experts think our brains focus on negative information as a way to remember pain so we can avoid it in the future and stay safe.

They call this the “negativity bias.” To balance out this natural tendency, we can practice gratitude.

Clinical trials indicate that the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects in a person’s life. It can lower blood pressure and improve immune function... grateful people engage in more exercise, have better dietary behaviors, are less likely to smoke and abuse alcohol, and have higher rates of medication adherence.

Being grateful is the gift that seriously keeps on giving, right?

Here’s a simple way to get started: Write these down before you go to bed or share them around the dinner table. In five minutes, you can practice gratitude from the HEART. 1. Health: What did your body do for you today?

Did you know you take about eight million breaths a year? Your feet can take you up a mountain, your arms can hold someone you love. Take a minute to marvel at the finely tuned Page 8

machinery of your body.

2. Eat: What did you feed your body to nourish yourself today?

Was it an old favorite, something you made, or something new and different? If you eat three meals a day, you’ll eat about a thousand meals this year! Take a minute to savor an especially yummy meal.

3. Activity: What did you do that you really enjoyed today?

Did you give it your all at the gym or take a quiet moment while sitting in traffic to reflect? Take a minute to think back on one particularly awesome moment.

4. Relationship: Who do you look forward to seeing?

Is it someone who sets your heart on fire, always has a smile for you, has your back, or makes you laugh until you cry? Take a minute to smile as you think about this special person.

5. Time: What are you doing right now?

Every single day you wake up with 24 brand new hours. The past is history, the future is a mystery, and today is a

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gift. That’s why they call it the present!

Take a minute to be thankful for the gift of time.

Sources: Journal of Cognition and Emotion, Negative processing biases predict subsequent depressive symptoms.http://www.tandfonline. com/doi/abs/10.1080/02699930143000554 2 National Institutes of Health,National Institute of Mental Health,Chronic Illness & Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/ chronic-illness-mental-health/index.shtml 3 National Institutes of Health,National Library of Medicine,Not all emotions are created equal:The negativity bias in social-emotional development https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3652533/ and Agency Attribution in Infancy: Evidence for a Negativity Bias https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4011708/.

Last reviewed: July 2017 4 American Heart Association News,Gratitude is a healthy attitude.

COMPLETE STREETS, COMPLETE PARKS, SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL Submitted by Wanda Vionet Cruz, Healthy Communities Coordinator Once you become familiar with all three concepts or systems, you will realize how Complete Parks and Safe Routes to Schools are branches related to Complete Streets.

Complete Streets is a transportation design presented to the US Senate on May 18, 2011, signed in August 2011, and in effect as of February 2012. Its design principals permit all users, regardless of age, ability, and forms of transportation, safe access to roads.

However, there are circumstances when Complete Streets does not apply, including when:

Now think about the opportunities a complete park can bring to our communities.

Just like Complete Streets, Complete Parks would make: • Walking appealing for physical activity • Safe and alternative forms of transportation for pedestrians and wheeling • Shared spaces and accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities • Increased money spent in businesses accessible to parks’ shared spaces and through nearby access points • Increased tourism

• Bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited by law • Cost would be disproportionate to the need

• Design features would have an adverse impact, or be contrary to public safety

It considers sharing spaces and alternative forms of transportation and improves health and air quality.

People do not need to rely on vehicles, and roads can be completed at a lower cost. Options for walking and biking with transit destinations to our local businesses supports economic development, which new home buyers might take into consideration.

Most schools are located near busy roads where vehicles are likely to speed and traffic issues are unavoidable, especially when students are being dropped off or picked up from school.

It involves volunteers and promotes safe community engagement (e.g., parents, school staff, law enforcement, etc) with programs related to commute mode share by bicycle, foot, ferry, private vehicle, and rural public transportation systems.

Among them are Walking School Bus, SUPERHERO SAFETY SQUAD, Bike to School, Bike ride education and safety, Bike share, and others.

These three systems require policies and community engagement. They create a greener transportation system, support economic development, and provide alternative and safe travel choices with high impact and traffic safety.

They respond to community needs, provide health benefits, and boost economic vitality with vision zero included as an outcome.

• A lack of need is demonstrated as determined by factors

It’s not just about sidewalks, bike lanes, special bus lanes, medium islands, roundabouts, narrow travel lanes, lightings, safe crossing opportunities, speed bumps, bike infrastructure (repair stations & bike racks), signage, benches, beautification, community murals, etc… It’s uniquely based on its community, provides physical activity, and responds to their needs and financial ability.

Safe Routes to Schools promotes programs that encourage safe walking and biking to school with the goal of ending traffic deaths on roads.

Sources: State of NY Bill A8366

Park business shared spaces can include farmers’ markets, programs or classes related to physical activity and/or wellness, bike repair stations, mobile food carts, and much more.

While a Complete Parks system would create safe routes to parks, require a financial commitment, plans and maintenance for sustainability, and ensure equitable access, it also provides opportunities for activating programs and amenities while making parks safe and engaging.

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https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2011/ A8366 US Department of Transportation on Complete Streets and safe Routes to Schools https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/completestreets https://www.transportation.gov/mission/health/ Safe-Routes-to-School-Programs ChangeLab Solutions Complete Parks Playbook https://www.changelabsolutions.org/sites/ default/files/Complete-Parks-Playbook_ FINAL_20150706_0.pdf ChangeLab Solutions Sheard use Playbook https://www.changelabsolutions.org/sites/default/ files/SharedUsePlaybook-FINAL_20181128.pdf

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CCE Sullivan Spotlights

Diversity Spotlight EQUALITY IN SULLIVAN COUNTY NOW The new group, Equality in Sullivan County Now, seeks equality, justice, and a right to prosper for all in Sullivan County, through democratic means and peaceful organizing.

Last month, in response to CCE’s call for feedback from the community about ways to better serve the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within our educational mission, this group was among several that reached out to offer their perspective.

A virtual meeting is set for July when CCE leadership will listen to the community group’s input and consider solutions and strategies for now and into the future.

CCE Sullivan County aims to foster an inclusive and accessible environment in our programming, outreach, staffing, and volunteer representation.

Thank you, Equaliy in SC Now, for stepping up for positive change!

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Partner Spotlight SULLIVAN ALLIES LEADING TOGETHER Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) is a diverse partnership of agencies, caring individuals, and community resources working together to reduce substance use among community youth. We all wish for our children to grow up in an environment that supports healthy choices and allows them to develop skills to control their behaviors and express their emotions. The work of SALT is to support our communities in this work.

This work is funded by federal funds from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the next five years through a Drug Free Communities Grant to work in Sullivan County. The work is to increase perception of harm and knowledge on the dangers of underage non-medical marijuana and alcohol use for youth. We will also be seeking opportunities to increase youth pro-social activities to counter marijuana legalization and other mixed messaging in regard to substance use.

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Nominate a Star!

St

Know someone who deserves the shine off the sspotlight?

Nicole Slevin: Email ail Nic nas96@cornell.edu

UPCOMING PROGRAMS August g 3 —Sept.14 Powerful Tools for Caregivers—Virtual (Mondays)

10:30am—12:3 — 30pm 10:30am—12:30pm

August 4—Sept. 3 (Tues. & Thurs.)

Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention

Wednesday Aug. 5

Living With Alzheimer's Disease: For Early-Stage Care Partners—Virtual

10:30am—12:30pm

Wednesday Aug. 5

Family Caregiver Phone Support Group—Virtual

6:30—7:30pm

Thursday Aug. 7

CCESC 4-H Intergenerational Textile Project—Virtual

Monday Aug. 10

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group—Virtual

10—11am

TBD 4—5pm

With Alzheimer's Disease: For Early-Stage Wednesday Aug. 12 Living Care Partners—Virtual

10:30am—12:30pm

Wednesday Aug. 12 Family Caregiver Phone Support Group—Virtual

6:30—7:30pm

Tuesday Aug. 18

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group—Virtual

5—6pm

With Alzheimer's Disease: For Early-Stage Wednesday Aug. 12 Living Care Partners—Virtual

10:30am—12:30pm

Wednesday Aug. 19 Family Caregiver Phone Support Group—Virtual

6:30—7:30pm

Friday Aug. 21

TBD

CCESC 4-H Intergenerational Textile Project—Virtual

__ Wednesday Aug. 26 Personnel & Finance Committee Meeting

5—6pm

Wednesday Aug. 26 Family Caregiver Phone Support Group—Virtual

6:30—7:30pm

Wednesday Sept. 2

Family Caregiver Phone Support Group—Virtual

6:30—7:30pm

Monday Sept. 7

CCE Sullivan Closed— Holiday

8:30am—4:30pm

Join us! Registration is required in advance.

Events at the Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd., Liberty NY unless otherwise listed.

Call 845-292-6180

E-mail sullivan@cornell.edu

Visit sullivancce.org

Contact C t t th the C Cornell ll Cooperative C ti Extension E t i Sullivan S lli County C unty t oĜce Ĝ e to t req request requ uestt any special iall accommodations. acccommodati d ti

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July Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News too Use!

July is National

Watermelon M onth

Beans are Šom both the vegetable and protein food g¢oups and contain a sig iŊcant amount of Ŋber, folate, calcium, potassium, and iron. They are nat§rally low in calories.

Eat beans ever® day!

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

-- Rosa Parks

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T i g e r S wa b u t t e r fl i e s l l ow t a i l i n g ro u p s ga t h e r p u d d l e s, s a t m u d salts and ipping the n e e d fo r r m i n e r a l s t h ey e p ro d u c t i o n.

Vi c e r o y b s i m i l a r t o u t t e r fl i e s l o o k except th Monarchs s m a l l e r a ney a r e d i s ti n c t i ve d h a ve a that r uns black line a c ro s s t h eh o r i z o n t a l l y l owe r w i n g s.

On July 4, Earth is at ap helion, the point in its orb it where it is farthest from the Sun. The distance be tween the two orbs will be 94,50 7,635 miles on this day.

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July Focus: Healthy Tips of the Month!

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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT - 30 YEARS AGO JULY 26, 1990 Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN Dependent Care Educator One in 4 U.S. adults - 61 million Americans - has a disability that impacts major life activities. Some people are born with one, some people acquire one as a result of an illness or injury, and some people develop one or more as they age. The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law 30 years ago on July 26, 1990. It prohibits discrimination in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services.

If you are looking for information on a disability, here is a good place to start and to add to your bookmarked pages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been involved in disability and health activities since 1988. The mission of the CDC Disability and Health Branch (https://www.cdc. gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/ disability.html) is to promote the health and full participation in society by people with disabilities across the lifespan. This site has great links, including information from CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Duchenne/ Becker Muscular Dystrophy, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, Hemophilia and many more).

This website also provides the types of disabilities: • Related to conditions that are present at birth and may affect functions later in life, including cognition (memory, learning, and understanding), mobility (moving around in the environment), vision, hearing, behavior, and other areas.

These conditions may be • Disorders in single genes (for example, Duchenne muscular Page 14

•

•

•

•

dystrophy); • Disorders of chromosomes (for example, Down syndrome); and • The result of the mother’s exposure during pregnancy to infections (for example, rubella) or substances, such as alcohol or cigarettes.

Associated with developmental conditions that become apparent during childhood (for example, autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD) Related to an injury (for example, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuryexternal icon).

Associated with a longstanding condition (for example, diabetes), which can cause a disability such as vision loss, nerve damage, or limb loss.

Progressive (for example, muscular dystrophy), static (for example, limb loss), or intermittent (for example, some forms of multiple sclerosisexternal icon).

Here are a couple of helpful resources (just a start out of many on the NIH and CDC websites). The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (www.nidcd.nih.gov/) is the primary NIH organization for research on Assistive Devices.

Assistive devices are tools, products, or types of equipment that help you perform tasks and activities. They may help you move around, see, communicate, eat, or get dressed.

Some are high-tech tools, such as computers. Others are much simpler, such as a “reacher” a tool that helps you grab an object you can’t reach. As summer has started, perhaps ideas are needed on accessing physical activity options. On the CDC’s page https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ disabilityandhealth/pa.html#2, there are recommendations for individuals to discuss with their health care provider on getting physical activity that is consistent with

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their abilities.

Did you know that the National Network of Libraries of Medicine hosts a Reading Club? In honor of the ADA the NNLM has three recommended books. All three provide insights into living with a disability: two are memoirs with stories of transformation, recovery, willpower and endurance. The third, a novel, engages the reader into a poignant story of the main character’s deterioration and inability to live on his own and his wife, the reluctant caretaker.

• Every Note Played | Lisa Genova | Simon & Schuster | Reprint 2019 | 336 pages | ISBN: 9781476717814. For a description of the book and reading guide go to https://nnlm.gov/all-of-us/ book-selections-and-healthresources/disability-health/ every-note-played • Switched On: A Memoir of Brain Change and Emotional Awakening | John Elder Robison | Spiegel & Grau | Reprint 2017 | 320 pages | ISBN: 978-0812986648. For a description of the book and the reading guide go to https:// nnlm.gov/all-of-us/bookselections-and-health-resources/ disability-health/switched-on.

• Tough As They Come | Travis Mills | Convergent Books | Reprint 2016 | 264 pages | ISBN: 9781101904800. For a description of the book and the reading guide go to https://nnlm.gov/all-of-us/ book-selections-and-healthresources/disability-health/ tough-as-they-come.

BELONGING - A CORE CONCEPT OF 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Submitted by Marylin Jones, 4-H Program Coordinator The 4-H Program embraces four important concepts: Mastery, Belonging, Independence and Generosity. These concepts embody the eight essential elements that define positive youth development programs. Engagement in learning and opportunity for mastery naturally comprises the concept of Mastery.

Independence is defined by the opportunity for self-determination as well as opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future.

Generosity provides an environment that values and practices service to others. And last but not least, covering a majority of essential elements is Belonging, which encompasses an environment that is safe emotionally and physically, is inclusive to all, and provides opportunities for positive relationships with caring adults. In examining the essential elements that define “Belonging” it becomes clear how important these factors are in laying a positive foundation for all youth development.

It is important that youth not fear physical or emotional harm while participating in learning experiences, whether from the learning environment itself, or from adults, other participants or spectators. A safe environment seems self-explanatory; safety is a very basic need. We want the physical environments where programs take place to be safe, as in free from danger and adequately equipped for the activities that take place. Prior to any program, potential risks must be considered and steps taken to eliminate or manage those risks.

The rules, regulations and volunteer involvement policies that 4-H and other youth programs maintain, are

developed to address these concerns.

However, physical safety is not the only aspect to consider; emotionally safe environments are equally important, insuring that participants need not fear that they will be made fun of, insulted, or threatened.

Emotional dangers can be much more difficult to identify, are often more damaging, and the effects can last a lifetime. While most youth may be resilient enough to bounce back from minor setbacks or dangerous situations, on-going exposure to unsafe emotional environments can contribute to long-term lack of confidence and feelings of inadequate self-efficacy (the perception of one’s ability to influence their future in a positive way). Proactive measures to keep environments emotionally as well as physically safe should include regular surveys of youth about ways to improve a group’s environment, continuing engagement of youth in the planning, implementing and evaluation of programs, as well as providing clear expectations and consistency when dealing with behavioral misconduct.

An inclusive or welcoming environment goes one step beyond a safe environment. An inclusive environment creates a sense of belonging, encouraging and supporting members with positive and specific feedback. Healthy groups celebrate the success of all members, taking pride in the collaborative efforts of all participants. An inclusive environment is one where individuals feel a part of the group. That feeling of belonging to a group is very important to a young person. As youth age, the influence of parents or other adults becomes less pronounced. Status and peer influence often become important to youth, especially adolescents, in forming their sense of “self” and how they react in different

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situations. However it is always important to remember that peer influence is not the only factor creating a sense of being in an inclusive or exclusive environment, and adults can impact an atmosphere which promotes feelings of inclusion or exclusion.

The caring adult who acts as an advisor, guide and mentor is important in helping to set boundaries and expectations for young people. Such an adult, be it a supporter, friend, mentor or advocate is without doubt one of the most important factors in youth development programs. It is through relationships with adults that all other elements are possible.

Such relationships are important for all youth but especially for those who have less-than-positive family situations. Equally significant is that successful youth programs promote youth-adult relationships that are “automony-oriented” rather than “control-oriented,” allowing youth opportunity to run meetings and make decisions in a way that’s appropriate for age and development.

Facilitating a sense of belonging for youth is an ongoing goal for educators and volunteers in 4-H and other youth programs and such work should find inspiration in a quote by Nelson Mandela that “there is no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

Sources: Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development Programs, Key Ingredients for Program Success. National 4-H Council, 2009.

Mandela, Nelson. “Address by President Nelson Mandela at the Launch of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Pretoria.” Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Accessed June 9, 2020. http://www.mandela.gov.za/index.html.

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Every town is an important part of the American story.

Make sure your town’s story is told by responding to the 2020 Census—the count of everyone living in the United States. When you do, you’ll also help your town get the most out of the American dream.

Responding Is Important for Your Community Census responses provide data that can attract new businesses and the jobs that come with them. The data also informs where over $675 billion in federal funding is spent each year in states and communities. That includes money for things like: •

Medicare Part B

•

Special education

•

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

•

Cooperative Extension Service

•

•

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant

Responding Is Safe

Every Person Counts

Your personal information is kept confidential by law.

Whether it’s funding in communities across your state or helping determine the number of seats your state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives—every count makes an equal impact.

Responding Is Easy To complete the census, answer a handful of questions online, by phone, or by mail. Choose the option that works best for you.

For more information, visit:

2020CENSUS.GOV Page 16

Water and waste disposal systems for rural communities

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Responding to the 2020 Census without a Census ID The 2020 Census will be the first time that the public can respond online or by phone, in addition to the traditional paper response. Technology improvements over the last decade that allow for these secure response options also enable the public to respond without a Census Bureau-issued identification number—making it easier to respond anytime, anywhere.

Beginning in mid-March 2020, everyone will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. That invitation will include a unique Census ID that links you to a physical address. But you can also respond online or by phone without a Census ID.

How do I respond without an ID? On the 2020 Census response website, select the link under the login button that says, “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.”

Can I respond online without an ID on any device or browser?

Yes. Responding online without an ID works on most modern devices. For best results use the two latest versions of the following browsers: Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Samsung Native.

Is my response affected if I don’t use a Census ID? Your Census ID allows us to immediately match your response to an address. If you respond without your Census ID, we’ll ask you for your address when you respond so we can link your response to your address.

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ORVED VM16 CHAMBER VACUUM SEALER BRAND NEW, never been used. Comes with bags.

Asking $3000 or best offer.

PANASONIC SONIC STEAMER COMMERCIAL MICROWAVE USED. In good Condition.

Asking $1500 or best offer.

CONTACT Erica Lynch at ell68@cornell.edu or 845-292-6180

Let’s Get Social!

• Facebook.com/ccesullivan • Twitter.com/ccesullivan • Instagram.com/ccesullivan • YouTube > bit.ly/ccesullivan

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Notify CCE Sullivan if you have a change of address: 845-292-6180 sullivan@cornell.edu