Extension Connection Sullivan County
Participants from the Fall 2024 class of our Strengthening Families series celebrate their successful completion of the 8-week course. Upcoming Events & Programs
Upcoming Events & Programs
4-H Cloverbud Program
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
4-H Independent Member Meet and Greet
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Caregiver Support Group for Families of Veterans
Eat Healthy Be Active
See more events and opportunities on sullivancce.org/events.
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Climate-Smart Farming & Marketing
New World Screwworm
Preparing Your Well for Cold Temperatures
When the World is Scary, How do We Talk to our Kids About it?
Sullivan Fresh Impact 2024
Remembering 4-H Alumni Virginia Huggins Dexter
March is Women’s History Month! Check out page 12 for facts about a couple remarkable women who have shaped the agriculture industry!
Welcome to the Issue!
Page 3 New World Screwworm
Page 6 2025 Connection
Series: Adult Connection
Page 7 Preparing your Well for Cold Temperatures
Page 8 November & December DHIA Reports
Page 9 Climate-Smart
Farming and Marketing
Page 10 CCE Spotlights!
Page 11 Caregiver Resource Center Workshops
Page 12 Fast Facts!
Page 14 When the World Feels Scary, How do We Talk to Our Kids About it?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Page 15 DASH Eating Plan
Page 18 Sullivan Fresh Impact 2024
Page 20 Remembering 4-H Alumni Virginia Huggins Dexter
Page 22 Sullivan County SWCD Press Release
Page 23 Thanks to our Sponsors!
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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 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
Monica Ponce-Agredano ...............................................................Ag. Program Assistant
Tracy Broyles...............................................................................SALT Program Manager
Alan Carroll...................................................................Food Systems Program Manager
Lynn Colavito..............................................Community Cupboard Program Coordinator
Martin Colavito...........................................................Prevention Programs Issue Leader
Haley Collins...................Agriculture Farmland Protection & Planning Program Manager
Wanda V. Cruz...............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator
Aaron Denman.........................................................Association Operations Coordinator
Eugene Doyle...................................................................................................Custodian
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
Kim McDonnell..................................................................................Taste NY Assistant Manager
Nancy McGraw.......................................................Educator, Caregiver Resource Center
Melinda Meddaugh.......................................................Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader
Barbara Moran................................................4-H Youth Development Program Manager
Subidha Neupane............................................. Hudson Valley SNAP-ed Nutrition Educator
Patricia Ocasio...................................................................Prevention Program Coordinator
Shanice Owens..............................................Community Cupboard Program Coordinator
Abyssinia Pla El...................................................................................Finance Coordinator
Michelle Proscia..............................................Agriculture Production Program Manager
Ann-Marie Sidtis......................................................................FOR Program Coordinator
Tara VanHorn.........................................................................................Finance Manager
Malinda Ware........................................................................................Program Director
John Wilcox..........................................................................................Facilities Manager
Veronica Yangis.........................................................................Taste NY Operations Coordinator
Vinny Bonizzi, Kayla Evans......................................................................Ag Market Coordinators
NEW WORLD SCREWWORM
Written by U.S. Department of Agriculture
Submitted by Aaron Denman, Association Operations Coordinator
New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a devastating pest. When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people.
NWS is endemic in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and countries in South America, with cases spreading north to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and now Mexico. Although USDA eradicated NWS from the United States in 1966 using sterile insect technique, there is a constant risk of re-introduction into the United States. To prevent the northward movement of this pest from South America to NWS-free areas in Central and North America, APHIS collaborates with
Panama to maintain a barrier zone in eastern Panama. The cornerstone of this collaboration is the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG). Through COPEG, we release sterile male screwworm flies in the Darien Province of eastern Panama to create a biological barrier.
NWS Outbreak in Central America and Positive Detection in Mexico
APHIS is partnering with other USDA agencies, the U.S. Department of State,
Continued on page 4.
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and affected countries to respond to an outbreak of NWS in Central America, along with a recent positive NWS detection in Mexico.
What To Look For
The name screwworm refers to the maggots’ feeding behavior as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go like a screw being driven into wood. Maggots cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can become larger and deepen as more maggots hatch and
New World screwworm (NWS) is a devastating pest of livestock. It can affect any warm-blooded animal. It can also affect people. Untreated screwworm infestations can be fatal to livestock, wildlife, and humans. Not controlling the pest in a livestock population can damage a country’s economy.
Distribution
NWS is endemic in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and countries in South America.
Since 2006, the United States and Panama have maintained a barrier zone in eastern Panama. This barrier zone prevents NWS from moving north from South America to screwworm-free areas in Central and North America.
In 2023, APHIS confirmed an unprecedented number of NWS cases in Panama. Since then, cases have been detected in every Central American country and Mexico.
Hosts
NWS can affect livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people.
This pest can infest a wide variety of wounds, from tick bites to cuts and dehorning or branding wounds. Infestations are very common in the navels of newborn animals and the genital regions of their mothers.
Description
Adult screwworm flies have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along their backs. The center stripe begins partway down the backside and appears shorter than the outer stripes.
Screwworm larvae (maggots) burrow into a wound, feeding as they go like a screw driving into wood. The maggots cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound becomes deeper and larger as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.
Impact
NWS can threaten the livelihood of livestock producers. It can cause millions of dollars’ worth of production losses and economic damage. Screwworm also pose a threat to humans in infested areas.
What You Can Do
Immediately report signs of screwworm to your local veterinarian, State veterinarian’s office, or USDA (www. aphis.usda.gov/contact/animalhealth). Look for the following signs in warm-blooded animals (including pets and birds):
Irritated behavior
Head shaking
The smell of decay
Presence of maggots in a wound
If you travel with a dog to regions affected by screwworm, know the requirements for returning to the United States. Go to www.aphis.usda. gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-usimport/dogs for more information.
If you live or are traveling in areas affected by screwworm, have your animals inspected before you move them. Use available animal checkpoints to prevent the spread of this pest.
Learn More
For more information about screwworm, including information on the NWS outbreak in Central America and Mexico, go to www.aphis.usda. gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ ticks/screwworm.
For information on how screwworms affect people or to report human disease, please visit www.cdc.gov/ myiasis/about/about-new-worldscrewworm-myiasis.html
feed on living tissue. As a result, NWS can cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal.
Adult screwworm flies are about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger). They have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along their backs.
Report mammals and birds with the following signs:
• Irritated behavior
• Head shaking
• The smell of decay
• Evidence of fly strike
• Presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds
How To Prevent This Disease
The best way to keep screwworm out of this country is to prevent introductions. NWS can infest mammals, including people, and birds. Here are steps you can take to avoid infestation:
• Be alert for NWS symptoms in pets and livestock.
• Ensure that pets traveling internationally are inspected for screwworm.
• Check your vehicle for
screwworm flies if you are in an NWS-infested area.
If you think you have found a screwworm, report it immediately to your State animal health official and APHIS office. This will allow APHIS and partner agencies to respond quickly and remove the screwworms before a population becomes established.
How It Is Treated
Eradicating NWS is only possible through sterile insect technique. With this method, sterile flies are released into an area where a known population has become established. The sterile male screwworm flies mate with fertile female screwworm flies, causing the population of screwworm flies to decrease until it eventually dies out.
Animals infested with NWS should be treated according to the recommendations of their veterinarian.
People who suspect they are infested with NWS should seek immediate medical treatment following the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. For information on how screwworms affect people or to report human disease, visit www.CDC. gov at About New World Screwworm Myiasis and Clinical Overview of New World Screwworm Myiasis .
Report Signs of Animal Disease
Producers or owners who suspect an animal disease should contact their veterinarian to evaluate the animal or herd. Find an accredited veterinarian.
Animal health professionals (veterinarians; diagnostic laboratories; public health, zoo, or wildlife personnel; and others) report diagnosed or suspected cases of nationally listed reportable animal diseases to APHIS Area Veterinarians in Charge and to the State animal health official as applicable under State reporting regulations.
Adapted from:
U.S. Department of Agriculture,“New World Screwworm.” Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, December 18, 2024. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultrydisease/cattle/ticks/screwworm.
Adult/AdultConnection
Protectivefactorsaresafeguardstohelpchildrenfunctionwellat home,inschool,andintheircommunity.Buildingstrong relationshipsandfosteringconnectivityareessentialtoproviding strongprotectivefactorsforourfamilies.Pleasejoinusforour secondsessioninthe2025ConnectionSeries!
VIRTUALWORKSHOP
Wednesday,April9,2025
7:00-8:30P.M.
Joinusforthis90minute,virtualsession wherewe willtouchonsomebasicstohelpadultsconnect betterwithoneanother.
Whenadultscommunicateandgetalongbetterit hasapositiveimpactonthefamily.Learnabout:
Valueofconnection
Understandingourresponsetoperceived “threats”
Attachmentstyles101
EmpathyandUnderstanding CommunicationTools–ReflectiveListening andIStatements Register Here
orvisitwww.CCEOrangeCounty.org/events
cceorangecounty.org
PREPARING YOUR WELL FOR COLD TEMPERATURES
Written and submitted by Katie Gasior, Horticulture Program Educator
As the chill of winter continues, it is crucial to consider the impact of cold temperatures on water wells. Whether you rely on a well for household water, agricultural use, or industrial operations, freezing weather can present challenges. Explore deeper how cold temperatures affect wells, the risk involved, and essential tips on how to keep your wells protected from the winter weather.
Wells are designed to function year-round, but winter brings specific threats to water availability and system efficiency.
Here are five tips to avoid frozen well pipes:
1. Insulate exposed pipes and components. When temperatures drop, exposed pipes and vulnerable parts of the well system become susceptible to freezing, which can lead to costly damage and disruptions in water supply.
2. Keep the well house or enclosure heated. Keeping these components adequately
heated helps ensure that water continues to flow smoothly, even in freezing temperatures.
3. Maintain a slow flow of water. During cold weather, maintaining a slow flow of water through your water well system is an effective strategy for preventing frozen well pipes and ensuring continuous water supply.
4. Regularly check for leaks and repair them promptly. Regular inspection and prompt repair of leaks in your water well system is essential for preventing freezing and maintaining its efficiency.
5. Schedule regular maintenance with a professional. Regular water well maintenance conducted by a
professional is vital for ensuring the optimal performance, longevity, and reliability of your water well system.
Cold temperatures can be a significant challenge for well owners, but with the right preparations, your water system can withstand the winter. Insulating pipes, maintaining heat in pump houses, and having backup power systems are essential. Act now to ensure that you will avoid disruptions and costly repairs later, allowing you to enjoy the winter season with no worries.
Adapted from:
“Top 5 Cold Weather Tips to Avoid Frozen Well Pipes.” A & T Well And Pump, October 23, 2024. https://aandtwellpumpsraleigh. com/blog/well-water-tips-coldweather#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20 most%20effective,and%20disruptions%20 in%20water%20supply.
DHI Report: November 2024
DHI Report:
December 2024
CLIMATE-SMART FARMING & MARKETING
Submitted by Taylor Adam, Beginner Farmer Program Manager
Financial support and technical assistance from Maine to South Carolina
Program Overview
Supporting climateconscious farmers
This program will provide technical assistance and financial support to help farmers across the Northeast and Eastern Seaboard implement regenerative practices such as agroforestry, prescribed grazing, planting cover crops, and reducing tillage.
Measuring environmental benefits
Farmer participants will engage in community science and help to clearly identify environmental cobenefits of climate-smart practices, by measuring factors like water quality, soil health, and ecosystems resilience.
Growing informed consumer demand
This program will offer marketing strategies to help farmers
communicate the benefits of these practices to customers and develop tools to help climateconscious consumers find climate-smart farms near them.
What’s involved for farmers who participate?
Our technical assistance providers will work with you to create a plan tailored to your farm’s environmental and business goals.
• You’ll get financial support for implementation.
• As a farmer researcher, you’ll collect data to gain insights about your farm’s soil health, water quality, carbon resilience, and other metrics.
• You can join a peerto-peer learning community with other
farmers working to improve their farm’s climate resilience and bottom line.
• We’ll offer marketing support to help you share your climate impact story with your customers and communicate research findings to grow informed consumer support for climatesmart practices.
Interested?
Fill out your application! We’ll ask for a few details about your farm and practices and support you’re interested in. It takes about 15 minutes to complete. Start your application at https:// pasa.tfaforms.net/f/ climate-smart .
Adapted from:
“Home - Climate-Smart Farming & Marketing Program.” Climate, 22 Oct. 2024, climatesmart.org/.
CCE Sullivan Spotlights
Program Spotlight
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES SERIES
Written
and submitted by
Patricia Ocasio, Prevention Program Coordinator
The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an evidence-based family skills training program for high-risk and general population families that is recognized both nationally and internationally. Parents and youth attend weekly SFP skills classes together, learning parenting skills and youth life and refusal skills. They have separate class training for parents and youth the first hour, followed by a joint family practice session the second hour. Martin Colavito, Pat Ocasio, and Erin Doherty of the CCE Team facilitated the strengthening family program with three families of Sullivan County and their youth.
The families were provided with skills to use in communication and in love and limits. All the families participated and asked questions. While there were moments
of challenges where participants not feel comfortable answering questions or even wanted to be in the sessions, throughout the second or third session the families were engaged and very interested in the program. One youth said “I’m going to invite my friends,” very surprising as this person did not want to participate at first. It was very rewarding to see that the youth that were very quiet and timid were speaking with other your thanks staff. They were actively involved by the third session. The youth and parents reached out to me afterwards to ask if their siblings and other youth could attend, and the team created a waiting
list with parents who want to return with their other children. It was amazing. All participants received a certificate for their participation.
We had a great time in engaging the families of Sullivan County and are looking forward to our next sessions here at Cornell Cooperative Extension. It was a challenge seeking out families to participate and a team effort. We extend a big thank you to Sullivan Fresh Program Coordinator Lynn Colavito, volunteer Luis Ocasio, Martin, Anni-Marie and Erin for their hard work and efforts with the work put in for the delivering of the program to be so successful.
Written
and submitted by
Nancy McGraw, Team Leader & Caregiver Resource Center Educator
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Are you caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and want to know how to prepare for this responsibility? The Caregiver Resource Center at CCE Sullivan offers several workshops for the public through a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association that will take place at various locations through the spring and summer. One such workshop is the Empowered Caregiver Series, which will teach the following:
• Effectively teaches how dementia affects gy g p
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• Communicating Effectively teaches how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals.
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• Building Foundations of Caregiving explores the role of the caregiver and changes they may experience, building a support team and managing caregivers stress.
In addition, on March 17th from 3-4pm, the Healthy Living Healthy Brain workshop will take place, or on March 31st from 3-4pm, we will offer the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s at the Livingston Manor Free Library. For more information on any of these workshops, please contact the Caregiver Resource Center at (845) 292-6180 ext. 122, register at www.sullivancce.org/events email . Hope to see you there!
In addition, on March 17th from the will take or on March 31st from we will offer the ygy of gg gy Center at 292-6180 ext. at ypp g g , or @ . to see you there!
March Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use
March is Women’s History Month!
March is Women’s History Month – a celebration dating back to the rst National Women’s Day on February 29, 1909, in New York. To celebrate, here are a few remarkable women that shaped our lives and love of agriculture.
Dr. Maria Andrade’s (Cape Verde, 1958-present) research led to the introduction of nine droughttolerant varieties of sweet potatoes to farmers in Mozambique. Along with her colleagues, Dr. Robert Mwanga and Dr. Jan Low, they developed bio-fortified, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. These Vitamin A enriched sweet potatoes were bred to thrive in the varying conditions of Sub-Saharan Africa and to counteract Vitamin A deficiencies. By educating farmers and consumers, Maria and her colleagues bridged the gaps between agriculture, nutrition, and health, ultimately changing the working dynamic of the international community.
Dr. Temple Grandin’s (USA, 1947-present) life experiences with autism have in uenced her work in animal behaviors in relation to handling and facility design at farms, ranches and slaughter plants. She is a well-known advocate for autism and the protections and rights of animals. Being author and co-author to numerous scienti c studies, articles and books, she has shed light on animal welfare issues. Her work helped develop the Double Rail Restrainer Conveyor for Livestock Handling, a scoring system to assess animal welfare, and curved corrals used to reduce animal stress, among
Dr. Maria Andrade (see below)
Photo courtesy of the International Potato Center Sub Saharan Africa
below)
Widowed with kids and without any formal education, Harriet Williams Russell Strong (USA, 1844-1926) pioneered new methods in water conservation and dry land irrigation to supply her walnut, olive and pomegranate plantings. She created several inventions and patents, raised fast-growing pampas grass and sold plumes in her efforts to save her family and ranch from debt. She later became the leading commercial grower of walnuts in the U.S.
Dr. Mary Engle Pennington (USA, 1872-1952), The“Ice Woman” of the“Cold Chain” revolutionized the food supply and distribution system by developing safe and sanitary methods for processing, storing and shipping dairy products, poultry, eggs and fish. In addition to instilling food safety and preservation practices, the chemist and engineer helped design and evaluate transportation and storage mediums aimed at maintaining low temperatures to reduce bacteria counts in refrigerated and frozen foods. Mary served President Hoover’s Food Administration, USDA, and FDA, as well as the private sector.
Dr. Evangelina Villegas (Mexico, 19242017) was a cereal chemist and researcher. She collaborated with plant breeder Dr. Surinder Vasal to develop a variety of maize with increased levels of lysine and tryptophan. Maize is a food staple in developing countries, and with the creation of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) the nutritional and health needs of many people worldwide have been improved. Livestock production also benefited with production gains and more rapid market entrance.
Source:
Aller, Lakisha.“Wonder Women of Agriculture.” USDA Blog. Accessed February 7, 2025. https:// www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/wonderwomen-agriculture.
Harriet Williams Russel Strong (see
Dr. Mary Engle Pennington (see above)
WHEN THE WORLD FEELS SCARY, HOW DO WE
TALK
TO OUR KIDS ABOUT IT?
Written by Suzan Sussmann, CCE Orange and Sullivan Counties Human Development Educator
Submitted by Aaron Denman, Association Operations Coordinator
In today’s world, it’s impossible to shield children completely from unsettling news. Whether it’s climate disasters like wildfires and hurricanes, political unrest, health scares, immigration raids, or alarming headlines, kids are often exposed to scary world events— sometimes directly, and other times through overheard conversations, social media, or the news. As parents, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed when faced with explaining these complex and frightening topics. But with a trauma-informed approach, you can help your children process their emotions, feel safe, and build resilience— while also fostering hope.
What Does TraumaInformed Mean?
A trauma-informed approach recognizes that scary events can impact a child’s sense of safety and well-being, even if they aren’t directly
affected. It emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment where children feel heard, validated, and empowered. This approach isn’t about having all the answers— it’s about being present, compassionate, and responsive to your child’s needs.
Start with Open Communication
Children are often more aware of what’s happening around them than we realize. Avoiding the topic can leave them feeling confused, anxious, or like we’re sweeping things under the rug. Instead, create space for open, age-appropriate conversations:
Ask What They Know:
Start by asking your child what they’ve heard
or seen. This helps you understand their perspective and correct any misunderstandings.
Keep It Simple:
Use clear, straightforward language. For example, “Sometimes big storms happen because the earth’s weather is changing,” or “People are protesting because they want to make things fair for everyone.”
Validate Their Feelings:
Let them know it’s okay to feel scared, sad, or confused. Say things like, “It’s normal to feel worried when we hear about things like this.”
Tailor the Conversation to the Issue
Different topics may need to be handled differently, and you definitely know your children best. Here’s
some tips on how to address some common scary world events while fostering hope:
• Climate Disasters: Focus on action and hope. Explain that scientists and communities are working to protect the planet, and share ways your family can help, like recycling, repurposing, or conserving energy. Highlight stories of people rebuilding after disasters or inventing new ways to fight climate change.
• Political Unrest: Emphasize that disagreements are part of life, but most people are working to solve problems peacefully. Reassure them that adults are in charge of keeping things safe, and point to examples of leaders and activists who are making positive changes.
• Health Scares: Teach them about the importance of hygiene and staying healthy. Let them know that doctors and scientists are working hard to keep everyone safe. Share stories of medical breakthroughs or communities coming together to support one
another.
• Immigration Raids: Be honest but gentle. Explain that some families are being separated, but many people are fighting to help them. Encourage empathy and support for friends who may be afraid. Share examples of organizations and individuals working to protect/ support immigrant families.
• News Stories: Limit exposure to graphic images or repetitive news cycles. Help them understand that not everything they see on TV or online is happening nearby. Show them examples of people stepping up to help, so they can see the hopeful side of bad news.
Create
a Sense of Safety
Children need to feel secure, especially when the world feels uncertain. Here’s ways to help:
• Stick to Routines: Predictable schedules provide a sense of stability. Keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and family rituals consistent.
• Limit Media Exposure: Protect younger children from distressing images or videos. For older kids, watch the news together and discuss what you see or ask them what they have seen and how it makes them feel.
• Reassure Them: Remind them that they are safe and loved. Say things like, “Our family is here to take care of each other,” or “We have a plan to keep us safe if something happens.”
Fostering Hope in Scary Times
One of the most powerful things we can do for our children is to help them see hope, even in difficult situations:
• Share Stories of Resilience: Talk about people who have overcome challenges or communities that have come together to make a difference. For example, “After the hurricane, so many people volunteered to help rebuild homes.”
• Highlight Helpers: Teach your child to look for the helpers— firefighters, doctors, volunteers, and everyday heroes who step up during crises. This can shift their focus from fear to hope.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s a new law protecting the environment or a neighbor helping another, point out the good things happening in the world.
• Encourage Imagination: Ask your child, “If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?” This helps them dream of a better future and feel empowered to make a difference.
Encourage Self-Care and Empowerment
Helping kids practice self-care can build their resilience and give them a sense of control:
• Teach Calming Techniques: Show them deep breathing, mindfulness, or simple yoga poses to manage anxiety.
• Encourage Creative Expression: Drawing, writing, or playing can help kids process their emotions.
• Take Action Together: Involve them in small acts of kindness, like donating to a food bank, planting trees, or writing letters to leaders. This helps them feel empowered and reminds them that they can make a positive impact.
Be Honest About Your Own Feelings
It’s okay to admit that you’re worried too. Saying something like, “I feel sad about this too, but we’ll get through it together,” models healthy coping and shows your child they’re not alone.
Know When to Seek Help
If your child shows signs of prolonged anxiety, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or withdrawal, consider reaching out to a counselor or therapist. There’s no shame in seeking extra support.
Final Thoughts
Talking to kids about scary world events isn’t easy, but it’s an opportunity to nurture their emotional intelligence, resilience, and hope. By using a trauma-informed approach, you can help your child feel safe, loved, and empowered— even in uncertain times. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes, just being there is enough.
The world may be unpredictable, but your love, support, and ability to foster hope are constants your child can always count on. Together, you can navigate even the scariest of times— and help your child see that even in the darkest moments, there is always light to be found.
Adapted from:
Sussmann, Suzan. “When the World Feels Scary, How Do We Talk to Our Kids About It?” Our community table, February 10, 2025. https://blogs.cornell.edu/buildingcommunity/uncategorized/when-the-worldfeels-scary-how-do-we-talk-to-our-kidsabout-it/.
SULLIVAN FRESH IMPACT 2024
Written and submitted by Alan Carroll, Food Systems Program
Manager.
The Sullivan Fresh Program was created to address food insecurity in our communities. It can be divided into two main forms of outreach, the Sullivan Fresh Markets and the Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard, though they intersect, overlap and work together in many ways.
The Sullivan Fresh Markets, running from the end of June to the end of October, brings farmfresh products to seven food dessert locations in Sullivan County. These markets, comprised of one multi-farm farmers market and six mobile market locations, make a positive impact on the communities by increasing the availability of healthy nutritious food to those who need access the most, and by supporting our region’s rich tapestry of small farms. The people we serve are diverse in terms of ethnicity, age, religion, and income, as are the farmers we purchase from.
To help make fresh food more accessible, we offer a variety of different programs at the markets, such as EBT/SNAP, Fresh
Our very own Alan ready to give you the best local produce at the Market on the Move series!
Connect, Double Up Food Bucks, Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons, and our own currency the Sullivan Fresh Buck, which is supported through the Sullivan County Rural Health Network. To earn Sullivan Fresh Bucks, a customer attends a nutrition education workshop by CCE Sullivan staff, either at the market or through classes taught by Joy Leon, our Nutrition and Physical Activity Educator. For each workshop attended, a participant receives $10 in Sullivan Fresh Bucks that they can spend on fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, meat, and dairy from any Sullivan Fresh market. It’s a win win, the customer learns about cooking with fresh ingredients and the farms they come from and the
farmers get access to more customers. Customers learn about how to use the fresh produce they may be unfamiliar with, new cooking techniques and the opportunity to build a community of friends at the markets. Many of our customers have remarked how they met friends from wildly different backgrounds at the cooking demonstration at our markets and now have a place to have a weekly social gathering over the summer, helping with the isolation many of our seniors face. People may come to the market for lettuce and tomatoes, but leave with a bag of fennel, garlic scapes and new friends.
This year we started a new program, the Sullivan Fresh Kids Club, piloted with funds from Sullivan
180. This program was created to offer more activities for youth at our markets. With the funding from this grant, we were able to have 33 Sullivan Fresh Kids Club events over the 4 month market season. We started the season with a storybook walk through the Sullivan Fresh Monticello Farmers Market, where kids and their parents read the Ag literacy book of the year “I Love Strawberries”. Each page was printed and posted at the booths through the market and when the kids completed the book, they received their very own copy. In the following months we had events to teach the youth of Sullivan County about how to grow their own food, the seasonality of crops, yoga, art and more.
Overall, we have distributed 72 Sullivan Fresh Kids Club Cards. We had many kids come to multiple events, 28 having attended at least 4 events and 8 who attended at least 8 events. By attending 4 events the kids earned $10 in Sullivan Fresh Bucks to spend at the market. They were also able to use the knowledge they obtained from attending our Kids Club to choose which farm fresh products they wanted to buy (most chose fresh fruit or chocolate milk).
An additional effect of the Kids Club was it
encouraged families to bring their children to the market on days we did not have any Kids Club Events. We had more kids participate in our Nutrition Demonstrations, and they became more active in the shopping experience. We had many parents comment that their kids are eating more vegetables since they are helping to pick out what they are eating.
Our Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard is targeted at helping those most vulnerable in our community, people who are food and transportation insecure. Rural poverty is hard to address because of the distances between people that make people isolated. We bridge that gap by meeting people where they are. We deliver to over 700 folks per week; a very diverse community of our neighbors who need some help to get through the tough times. We also make emergency deliveries to people who can’t wait to be on our regular delivery route. Our doors are also open at the CCE Sullivan office to those with transportation. We have open pantry hours on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am to 12pm. Our cupboard provides basic essentials such as grains (rice, pasta, oats, bread ext.) canned fruit and vegetables, canned
and shelf stable meats, dairy, frozen meat. We also have a focus on bringing local farm fresh products into the cupboard, including local milk, yogurt, meats, and seasonal produce. We have been fortunate to have had grant funding through Nourish New York program and New York Food for New York Families to be able to purchase produce from a diverse group of local farmers such as Somewhere in Time Farm, Quarton Farm, Bethel Creamery, All Family Farm, and The Farms at Marian Lea. We have also received donations of excess food from farms like Hellers Farm, Bethel Creamery, and the CCE Orange Gleaning Program.
The Sullivan Fresh program is taking a holistic approach to tackling food security in our county. When people’s basic needs for food are addressed, it allows them to put their time and resources to improving the material conditions of their life. They can focus on acquiring better employment, housing, and education, or on caring for their loved ones. The Sullivan Fresh program addresses food security but in turn has a greater reach in improving the overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people in our community.
REMEMBERING 4-H ALUMNI VIRGINIA HUGGINS DEXTER
Written by Rita Sheehan
Submitted by Aaron Denman, Association Operations Coordinator
I want to share with you the story of Virginia Huggins Dexter, a Sullivan County resident who was a member of 4-H from 1949 until 1953. Her first year was at age 11 in 1949 as a member of the Bradley Busy Bees which included projects such as learning to Sew, working with Poultry, and baking.
Ginnie, as she was affectionately known, was a member of several clubs, namely the Bradley Busy Bees, the Clover Clubbers, the Liberty Willing Workers and the Silver Stars of Liberty. She took part in her first fair in Livingston Manor in 1949. She won 9 blue ribbons, one red ribbon, 16 yellow ribbons and two white ribbons for her pickles. Her ribbons were for an apron, stuffed animal, a skirt, knitted goods, embroidery projects and crocheted works.
In the year that followed, she went on in Livingston Manor to earn 17 blue ribbons, 8 red ribbons, and one white ribbon. In
1950, Ginnie also went to the NY State Fair. In 1951, she joined the Clover Clubbers and attended the County Fair, which was held in Grahamsville for one of the first times ever recorded. In 1952, she entered the County Dress Revue and was
selected to attend the District Dress Revue in Cooperstown where she won a red ribbon for a dotted Swiss party dress as a member of the Liberty Willing Workers. Some of the club departments included “Sew a Fine Seam,” “The
Pictured are Rita Downing, Phyllis Emr ich and Virginia Huggins Dexter (New York City Honor Award Homemaking Tr ip, May 1953).
Well Dressed 4-H Club Girl,” and “Time for Lunch.”
In 1953 at the age of 15 she became Local Leader for the Silver Stars of Liberty and was selected by judges to attend the Honor Award Homemaking Trip in New York City. Two other girls were invited to attend; Phyllis Emrich from Fremont and Rita Downing of Callicoon Center. Later in the year, Ginnie represented Sullivan County at the State Fair and modeled dresses she had sewn and received the award of Excellence for them. In the years that followed she continued to excel in her 4-H programs, winning numerous ribbons for her projects. Ginnie also served as Secretary in one of her clubs and she kept all her ribbons, news articles, certificates and the Sullivan County 4-H Club News in a scrapbook which we still have to look fondly upon.
The Sullivan County 4-H motto in 1952 was “Make the Best Better,” something we can still aspire to today. A quote from her notes written on October 29, 1953, read: “‘Sew a Fine Seam’ was interesting as well as informative. Each year I learned something
new.” She sewed almost all of her dresses, skirts, pants, blouses, pajamas, dresses and gowns. As a result of her experiences in 4-H and her affiliated projects, Ginnie started her own high-end upholstery business, “Gin-nie Creations” in later years and worked everyday until 2024 at the age of 86. She was an avid baker and loved to bake cakes for everyone’s birthdays. She travelled to different
states installing draperies for her customers so they were just right. Customers shipped their entire rooms for her to reupholster.
She knew every trick of the trade. She even taught her children and grandchildren her fine baking and upholstery skills. You don’t know where 4-H will lead you in your professional career, so do your best, and make the best even better.
4 H Babysitting Program
Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District 64 Ferndale-Loomis RD Liberty, NY 12754 845-292-6552
DATE: January, 2025
TO: News Media
FROM: Amber Gray, District Technician
RE: PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTRICT FISH STOCKING PROGRAM
The Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District is having their Annual Tree & Shrub Program. If you are interested, please visit the website at sullivanswcd.org or call us at 845-292-6552. Orders will be accepted online or in the mail. The District will be accepting orders until Friday, April 4th 2025, and pickup will be on April 25 th and 26th. Please place your orders as soon as possible for better availability.
More details on the Tree & Shrub Program:
More details on the Tree &
• Order Deadlines: 4th.
Deadline for mail-in orders is Friday, April 4th, 2025. All remaining stock will be available ONLINE ONLY after April 4th, 2025. No mail-in orders will be accepted after April 4th.
• Pickup Dates:
-Friday, April 25th, 2025, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
25th, 2025, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm 26th, 2025, 8:30 am - 11:00 am
• Order ing: or online at our website ( g). Plant availability will be viewable and accurate online.
-Saturday, April 26th, 2025, 8:30 am - 11:00 am Orders can be placed by mailing in an order form with payment sullivanswcd.org
• Checks: Sullivan SWCD.
• Disclaimer:
Make checks payable to Sullivan County SWCD. All trees sold are intended for conservation purposes and not for resale purposes.
For questions or concerns about the Tree & Shrub Program, please ) for more information.
• Contact: contact the Sullivan County Soil and Water Conservation District Office at (845) 292-6552 or visit their website (sullivanswcd.orgg) for more information.
