Extension Connection
USPS-525-100
Sullivan County
YOUR LINK TO LOCAL, RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS TO BETTER YOUR LIFE
VOLUME LXXXXVIIII NO. 5
MAY 2018
Congrats! Graduates of the first Living Healthy, Living Well workshop series held in Monticello. The series has been offered in Mamakating and Liberty as well.
Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs Living Healthy, Living Well in Liberty Second Saturdays Makers Series Forestry Walk at Lemons Brook Farm Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale
Issue Isssue sue Highlights Higghhligghhts 12 Farm Rental Terms That Must Be in Your Lease New Ag Jobs Page Telling Good Bugs from Bad Bugs
Social Media Marketing
What Works: Preventing Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Senior Exp: Engage at Every Age
Free Caregiver Apps
Holistic Nutrition & Cooking
Job-to-Job Flows in and out of NYS
Dog Obedience Tips & Tricks
Comparing Milennials to Baby Boomers
Multi-Species Showmanship Clinic Annual Caregiver Wellness Retreat
Community Guest Editorial: Women and Their Woods
See page 12 for more events!
See page 14 for fast facts and more!
Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue! Issue!
Table Table of of Contents Contents
Page 3 Message from the Executive Director
Page 9 Americans Are Putting Down the Soda Pop
Page 4 12 Farm Rental Terms That Must Be in Your Lease
Page 10 Community Energy Engagement Program (CEEP)
Page 4 New Ag Jobs Page Page 5 Forestry Walk Info
Page 11 Exploring Job-to-Job Flows in and out of NYS
Page 6 Annual Plant Sale Info
Page 12 Upcoming Programs
Page 7 Telling Good Bugs from Bad: The Name Game
Page 13 Senior Expo: Engage at Every Age
Page 8 What Works: Preventing Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Page 14 Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use
Page 16 In Case You Missed It Page 18 Community Guest Editorial of the Month Page 20 CCESC Spotlights Page 22 Opportunities for You Page 24 Sponsorships Page 26 Comparing Milennials to Baby Boomers in NYS Page 27 Free Caregiver Apps Page 28 Start-Up Your Business Dreams!
The Extension Connection (USPS-525-100) is published monthly for $25.00 enrollment by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, located at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Suite 1, Liberty, NY 12754-2903. Entered at Liberty, New York, as a periodical class matter. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 412, Act of February 24, 1925. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Extension Connection, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Suite 1, Liberty, NY 12754-2903.
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
EXTENSION CONNECTION
8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday Phone: 845-292-6180 Fax: 845-292-4946 Website: www.sullivancce.org E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu Twitter.com/ccesullivan Facebook.com/ccesullivan Instagram.com/cce_sullivan_county YouTube: bitly.com/ccesullivan
Designed by: Centermost Marketing, LLC
2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Kaplan..............................President Amy Erlwein........................Vice President Dawn Boyes.................................Treasurer John Kiefer...................................Secretary Todd Brown Jenny Chamberlain Marcie Ehrman Denise Frangipane Sonja Hedlund John “JP� Lang Erin Mason Klu Padu Luisa Parker Nadia Rajsz........................Legislative Rep. Robert Wong
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Edited by: Nicole Slevin & Colleen Monaghan
Produced by: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County 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 advertisements for the Extension Connection.
STAFF MEMBERS Colleen Monaghan............................................................................Executive Director SueAnn Boyd.......................................................Healthy Schools Program Coordinator Wanda V. Cruz.............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Dayna Gaeta...........................................Community Horticulture Program Coordinator Beth Johnston-Groth...............................................................Administrative Assistant II Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator Bonnie Lewis.............................................................Dependent Care Subject Educator Michelle Lipari..................................................................Agriculture Subject Educator Erica Lynch........................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator Melinda Meddaugh.....................................................Ag & Food Systems Team Leader Barbara Moran...............................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator Bee Moser................................................................................Eat Smart NY Nutritionist Nicole Slevin.......................................................Communications & Diversity Manager Kaitlyn Smith................................................................................4-H Program Educator Nat Tompkins...............................................Agriculture Business Program Coordinator Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Malinda Ware......................................Health & Community Development Issue Leader Sean Welsh...........................................................................Energy Resource Educator John Wilcox........................................................................................Facilities Manager
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Greetings, friends! Could it be? Has spring finally sprung? Just like last year, we’re still impatiently waiting for things to dry out around the Extension Education Center so we can do spring clean-up and prepare the grounds for summer programs. We’ll be taking a look at each garden section of the property and rethinking some of the beds and plantings with an eye towards ensuring proper storm water management, mitigating damage from friendly wildlife, and incorporating as many limited maintenance, beneficial, and complementary native plants as makes sense. With the new metal roofing, sidewalks, and parking lot, we are now working to ensure the spaces around the building have appropriate structures and plantings to work with our storm water management needs, and not against them. We also want to encourage pollinators and have fresh produce nearby for the Catskills Kitchen. When we complete the phased projects, we’ll report back to you what worked and what didn’t, and maybe you’ll be able to apply our experience around your home or business. In the meantime, please be patient with our look as we consider how we might use more hardscaping and native plantings for a sustainable facility. Another bit of exciting news is that we are in the process of replacing all 286 interior and exterior lighting receptacles and lights with energy efficient, long lasting LEDs. With support from NYSEG, this $30,000 project will cost Extension approximately $10,000, with an anticipated 50% savings in lighting costs annually. Our electric bills range from $1,000-$4,000 per month depending on the time of year and scheduled programming, so this work is a significant step towards a sustainable future economically, but also in terms of CCE’s carbon footprint, which we have been steadily working to reduce. While those projects are in play, our community horticulture coordinator, ag educator, the Master Gardener Volunteers, and the students next door from Sullivan BOCES have been spending time in the greenhouse and high tunnel, seeding and cultivating thousands of green baby plants for the Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale. Come see what they’ve been up to and stock your gardens on May 20 at 10:00 am. We’ll have some boxes for carry out available (and my teenage son Kiran), but feel free to bring your own boxes or carts! And in April, the Cornell Country Chicken BBQ planning committee reconvened to plan this year’s BBQ fundraiser event, to be held on September 15. The committee set a $10,000 fundraising goal. To get there, they need your help! Tickets go on sale July 1 with both sit-down and take out available. Additionally, the committee is seeking cash sponsorships and donations of home, garden, and farm goods for the Live Auction. If you have an idea or would like to make a donation, please give Nicole Slevin at ring at 845-292-6180. Our wonderful friends at Hudson Valley Foie Gras have already donated enough chicken for 300 meals and we all really hope to see you at the BBQ!! I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of the Extension Connection magazine. Join us for some of the dozens of programs coming up that you might enjoy or benefit from in some way. Happy spring Extension Family! We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Warm Regards,
Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director
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12 FARM RENTAL TERMS THAT MUST BE IN YOUR LEASE Submitted by Michelle Lipari, Agriculture Subject Educator Got your 2018 farm leases negotiated and signed yet? “How do you sign an oral or handshake deal?” you might wonder. The answer is: You don’t. Those days have passed, due to risks that must be assumed by land owners and renters. And here’s why — a checklist of important terms that should be in writing to protect both parties if an issue arises, according to attorney Cari Rinker, a principal in Rinker Law, licensed in Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. 1. Property description: Perhaps what land is and isn’t included in the lease needs clarification. A legal description and/or maps should be attached to the lease. In limited circumstances, a survey may be appropriate. 2. Lease term: If you had prior oral leases, it’s possible the start and end dates weren’t clear. Clearly document the term of the lease and any renewal term. 3. Payment terms: They should be clear (including when payment is due, where it should be sent, along with penalties/interest for late payments). 4. Tenant reimbursements: Any responsibilities for landlords to reimburse tenants for improvements or operational expenses should be noted. 5. Duties and prohibitions: Your lease should clearly describe responsibilities (e.g., maintaining fence lines, soil conservation, controlling noxious weeds) and prohibitions (e.g., use of certain chemicals, certain types of improvements, agri-tourism).
This is especially important for crop share or hybrid (flex) leases. This may affect whether the income is “active” or “passive” income for Social Security purposes. It may be especially important for landlord farmers closer to retirement. 7. Termination procedures: The farm lease should include procedures for terminating the lease either voluntarily or involuntarily (in case of a default), including notice provisions. 8. Insurance: Who’s required to have what kinds of insurance at what limits? 9. Ability to sublease: Can the tenant-farmer sublease part of the property? 10. Confidentiality clause: Some farmers prefer to keep terms of their lease private between the parties. 11. Farmstead status: If the farm lease includes a house, it’s recommended that the farmstead have a separate residential lease. 12. Intellectual property: Any use of a landlord farmer’s “brand name” should be documented with a separate trademark license agreement.
Check the new Ag Jobs page on our website! {sullivancce.org} Some postings: • Beaverdam Brook Farms: Farm Worker • Bird Song Farm: General Worker • Catskill Brewery: Tap Room Associate • Catskill Veterinary y Services: Veterinary Technician Extension • Cornell Cooperative p SC: Taste NY Market Manager • Center for Discovery: Herdsperson • Danny Senter: Farm Hand • Frost Valley YMCA: Livestock Specialist • HV Duck & HV Chicken: Quality Assurance SQF Practioner • Hudson Valley Foie Gras: Quality Assurance • JJoes Small Engine: Help Wanted with Logo • Neversink Farm: Farm Worker • Prohibition Distillery: Tasting Room • Quarton Farms: Field Crew • Roscoe Beer Co: Cellarman • Rosehaven Alpacas: Mill Worker • Somewhere in Time Farm: Worker • Stone and Thistle: Farm Hand • Thunder View Farms: Farm Hand • Wild Russett Farm: Farm Crew Member
Check the Ag Jobs page on the CCE website for full positions. Apply directly to businesses.
Source: 22, Sep. “12 ‘must Have’ Land Lease Terms to Get in Writing.” American Agriculturist. September 22, 2017. Accessed April 19, 2018. http://www.americanagriculturist.com/ leasing/12-must-have-land-lease-terms-getwriting.
DHI Report: MARCH
6. Management: Who’s making what decisions for the farming operation? Page 4
NEW AG JOBS PAGE
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TELLING GOOD BUGS FROM BAD: THE NAME GAME Submitted by Dayna Gaeta, Community Hort. Coordinator Written by Paul Hetzler, Hort & Natural Resources Educator at CCE St. Lawrence County Ruminating about insect pests, particularly invasive species, it occurred to me there is a painless way to evaluate them for damage potential. I’m calling it the “InsectPest Three-Name Litmus Test”. Here’s how it works: When you find an unknown insect in your home or garden, or on your lawn, tree, or shrub, get some help making a positive identification. Then pay attention to how many names it has. It must be one of those inscrutable laws of nature, like how objects (such as myself) at rest tend to stay at rest. Stuff you drop generally falls downward. Matter can change form but can’t be created or destroyed. And evil, more often than not, uses three names. Think about notorious villains: John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Wayne Gacy, Attila The Hun, Cruella de Vil, Big Bad Wolf. Three names. Lots of people have three names, but they don’t get in your face with all of them at once. I see my middle name as a kind of spare in case my first name wears out or gets copyrighted or something. If “Paul” becomes the intellectual property of some corporation, I’ll dust off my middle name, but until then I won’t flaunt it. In contrast, look at our heroes: Martin Luther King Junior, Mother Teresa, Neil Armstrong, Nelson Mandela, Ralph Nader, Desmond Tutu, Gandhi, Buddha, Spartacus, Superman. I’m just establishing a pattern here. The natural world bears this out as well. A great white shark will eat
you, but a basking shark won’t. Black widow spiders are deadly. Wolf spiders, while uncomfortably hairy and large, are benign. European red elderberry is noxious. Black elderberry, though, is safe to eat. Eastern coral snake, venomous. Milk snake, harmless. The relationship is undeniable. Now consider the bad actors of the insect realm: emerald ash borer, which destroys all native species of ash trees. Spotted-wing drosophila, which turns raspberries and blueberries to mush. God forbid we ever get Asian longhorn beetle, which has the potential to annihilate almost every hardwood species we have. Then there is the sirex wood wasp, velvet longhorn beetle, Asian tiger mosquito, Colorado potato beetle, hemlock wooly adelgid, striped cucumber beetle, viburnum leaf beetle, western bean cutworm—the list of Three-Name Evildoers seems endless.
more? Not only does the Insect Pest Three-Name Litmus Test rhyme, it’s revolutionary in its simplicity. Three names; probably bad. One, two, or four names; probably good, or at least benign. I don’t want to hear a word from anyone about tomato hornworms, squash bugs or flea beetles, because I plan to lobby the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature to get middle names for those few spoilers. I’m expecting some kind of recognition for this, maybe not the Nobel, but at least a spot in the Science Hall of Fame, if there is such a thing. Now I’m ruminating that maybe I’ve been drinking too much coffee…
But check out the names of beneficial insects: Praying mantis. Ichneumon wasp. Syrphid fly. Assassin bug. Green lacewing. Honeybee. Ladybug. Dragonfly. Scientific proof—need I say
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WHAT WORKS: PREVENTING EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Submitted by Malinda Ware, Health & Community Development Issue Leader Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for many health and social problems, contributing to 88,000 deaths each year in the United States.1 In 2006, the estimated economic cost of excessive drinking in the U.S. was $223.5 billion.2 Drinking too much can cause immediate harm such as injuries from motor vehicle crashes, violence, and alcohol poisoning, and drinking too much over time can cause chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.1 This brochure is designed to help public health program planners, community advocates, educators, and policymakers find proven intervention strategies— including programs, services, and policies—for preventing excessive alcohol consumption and related harms. It can help decision makers in both public and private sectors make choices about what intervention strategies are best for their communities. This brochure summarizes information in The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide), an essential resource for people who want to know what works in public health. Learn more about The Community Guide and what works to reduce excessive alcohol consumption and related harms by visiting www. thecommunityguide.org/alcohol/ index.html. THE PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE Excessive drinking has a substantial public health impact • Drinking too much alcohol is responsible for 88,000 deaths annually, including 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults in the U.S.
2006 due to lost workplace productivity, healthcare expenses, and crime. Federal, state, and local governments paid 42% of these costs— or 80 cents per drink. • About 9 in 10 excessive drinkers are not alcohol dependent, or addicted to alcohol. • Binge drinking is the main problem. Binge drinking is defined as having 4 or more drinks on an occasion (2-3 hours) for omen, or 5 of more drinks on an occasion for men. • Binge drinking is the most common and most dangerous pattern of excessive drinking. It is responsible for more than half of the deaths and three-quarters of the economic costs associated with excessive alcohol use. • 1 in 6 adults binge drinks about four times a month, consuming about eight drinks per binge. • About 1 in 4 high school students report binge drinking.
For national and state estimates of alcohol-related deaths and years of potential life lost, see CDC’s AlcoholRelated Disease Impact (ARDI) application at LINK: www.cdc.gov/ ardi. For more information on excessive alcohol consumption in the U.S., including state-by-state data, see LINK: www.cdc.gov/alcohol The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide) is an essential resource for people who want to know what works in public health. It provides evidencebased findings about public health interventions and policies to improve health and promote safety. The Community Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force)—an independent, nonfederal, unpaid body of public health and prevention experts—bases its findings on systematic reviews of the scientific literature.
• Excessive alcohol use costs the U.S. $223.5 billion— or $1.90 per drink—in Page 8
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PUTTING THE TASK FORCE FINDINGS TO WORK As a public health decision maker, practitioner, community leader, or someone who can influence the health of your community, you can use The Community Guide to create a blueprint for success. • Identify your community’s needs. Review the intervention strategies recommended by the Task Force and determine which ones best match your needs. Adopt or adapt evidencebased programs, services, and policies that can prevent excessive alcohol consumption and related harms in your community. • Consult CDC’s Prevention Status Reports on Excessive Alcohol Use at www.cdc.gov/psr/alcohol to learn the status of public health policies to prevent excessive drinking, including alcohol taxes, dram shop liability, and local authority to regulate alcohol density in your state. • Consult CDC’s Prevention of Excessive Alcohol Use at www.cdc.gov/alcohol/ fact-sheets/prevention.htm for more information on the prevention of excessive drinking.
Source: “Your Online Guide ofWhatWorks to Promote Healthy Communities.”The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide).December 01,2016.Accessed April 26,2018. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/.
AMERICANS ARE PUTTING DOWN THE SODA POP Submitted by Malinda Ware, Health & Community Development Issue Leader
T.H. Chan School of Public Health and lead author of the new study, said that this is probably because soda drinkers are switching to water.
Sugar-sweetened drinks are not as popular as they once were.
The consumption of 100 percent fruit juice also declined, most sharply among adolescents and those over age 40. “There are a number of studies showing that juice is linked to obesity risk,” Dr. Bleich said, “so kids should be eating fruit rather than drinking fruit juice.”
According to a new study based on a continuing national health survey, 60.7 percent of children and 50 percent of adults drank a sugary beverage on any given day in 2014, down from 79.7 percent of children and 61.5 percent of adults in 2003. The study, published in the journal Obesity, relied on a representative sample of 18,000 children 2 to 19 years old, and 27,652 adults aged 20 and older. They were asked about their beverage consumption over the past 24 hours: juice, milk, sugar and diet soda, coffee and tea, sports drinks, water and alcohol. Per capita consumption of all drinks declined. Children took in 312.6 drink calories a day in 2014, compared with 473.8 a day in 2003. Among adults, the figure was 341.1 calories in 2014, compared with 425.0 in 2003. Most of that decline was driven by a reduction in the number of people drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, and lower consumption among those who did still drink them. Over the 12 years of the study, milk was the favorite drink for children aged 2 to 11; adolescents and adults still got most of their drink calories from sweetened soda and other sugary beverages.
Dr. Bleich offered several possible reasons for the declining consumption of sugary drinks: wide publicity about the dangers of obesity, changes to food allowances in federal nutrition programs, improvements in school lunch menus and reformulations of some foods by manufacturers and retailers. The soda tax now imposed in a few cities has had an effect, too, she said. “Even though we’re seeing declines,” Dr. Bleich said, “consumption is still highest among blacks, Hispanics and adolescents, and these groups are at higher risk for obesity.” Source: Bakalar,Nicholas.“Americans Are Putting Down the Soda Pop.”The NewYork Times.November 14,2017.Accessed April 26, 2018.https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/14/ health/soda-pop-sugary-drinks.html.
Coffee and tea consumption was steady, and alcohol consumption remained generally the same among adults over the years, with a slight but statistically insignificant increase in people over age 60. In every age group, water drinking increased. Sara N. Bleich, a professor of public health policy at the Harvard
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COMMUNITY ENERGY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM (CEEP) Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator This new Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County program is a collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County and funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The program seeks to educate and assist individuals, families, and small businesses about resources and funding available in your community for energy projects. There is support available to help residents and businesses reduce their energy consumption and energy costs and make informed energy decisions. Community Energy Advisors can connect you to resources and networks that provide cost saving opportunities in your communities.
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Community Energy Advisors are available to:
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
• Enable you to make informed energy decisions
NYSERDA offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.
• Inform you of financing options for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and products • Guide you through the process of implementing a clean energy project • Connect you with the right energy contractors who can implement clean energy projects.
For more information on CEEP go to nyserda.ny.gov/ceep or contact Sean Welsh, Community Energy Advisor for the Mid-Hudson Region, sw288@cornell.edu, 845-292-6180 ext 127
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Sources: “NYSERDA.” Community Energy Engagement Program - NYSERDA. Accessed April 20, 2018. https://www. nyserda.ny.gov/ceep.
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May Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use! Americans eat 900% more broccoli now than we did just 20 years ago.
Ever wonder where the saying “cool as a cucumber” comes from? The inside of one is 20 degrees cooler than the outside.
Running water while brushing your teeth uses, on average, four gallons of water per minute! Turning off water saves about 400 gal of water a month, per person.
Keep cu cumbers in a plastic bag on a shelf tow ard the f ront of the re frigerato r, which te nds to b ea bit warm er. Cucumb ers will last 3-5 days wh en stored t his way.
Apples are 25% r. That’s why they flai oat in water!
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Food Tip
:
Shut off the faucet!
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May Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use!
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MATH & MOVEMENT
SOLD OUT BAKING
4-H VET SCIENCE
March 15
April 7
April 12, 19, 26
CCESC Creating Healthy Schools and Communities, Liberty Networking Group, and Liberty Central School District hosted a no-cost to district Math N Movement Family Fun Night. Math N Movement is a multi-sensory approach to teaching math and reading using physical activity and visuals. Over 100 families joined us for the event!
COOKING WITH CORNELL April 3, 10, 17, 24 Healthy Schools Coordinator joins 10 Fallsburg middle and high school students on Tuesdays for Cooking with Cornell. SueAnn and the students explore nutrition by recreating sweet and savory favorites using fresh, wholesome ingredients.
SPRING GARDENING SEMINAR April 4 CCESC’s community horticulture program hosted Sullivan Renaissance’s annual Free Gardening Seminar. Nearly 50 community members came to learn how to get their spring gardens going from Renaissance’s horticulture expert, Diana Weiner. See Spotlights section for more on Diana.
4-H HORSE PLANNING April 4 CCE Sullivan County 4-H’s Horse Program Advisory Committee got together to start planning for this year’s Sullivan County Youth Fair and the NYS Fair Qualifying Show, to be held in conjunction with CCE Orange’s 4-H Equine Program at their brand new ring in Otisville.
TROUT FRY-DAYS April 6, 13, 20, 27 The 4-H Shooting Sports program continued its Trout in the Classroom work, raising baby trout fry in the lower level of the Extension Education Center. More than a dozen young people have been caring for the fish every Friday, which will be released into the wild in just a few weeks.
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The Catskills Kitchen sold out its Bread Making workshop with Chef Victoria Ingrassia for the second time. The 18 would-be bakers who learned the art of bread making were able to take loaves home!
RAIN GARDENING & XERISCAPE April 9 The Master Gardener Volunteer program held its monthly meeting, then hosted a Rain Garden & Xeriscape workshop. About 20 participants learned how to incorporate rain gardens into their home landscapes to better manage storm water and to explore lower maintenance gardening strategies.
CCE SYSTEMS CONFERENCE April 10, 11, 12 Cornell University held its annual CCE Systems Conference. These three days provide an internet based symposium for the more than 1400 Extension professionals across NYS to learn from each other, faculty, and experts in the five CCE program areas, ensuring we have the latest, science-backed information to pass on to Sullivan County residents and guests.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT April 10, 19 Bonnie Lewis hosted the CCESC Caregiver Resource Center’s monthly support groups in Grahamsville, Monticello, and Liberty. The support groups are free of charge, and provide a safe, nurturing space for folks taking care of aging, ill, or limited mobility loved ones. Call Bonnie for more information about dates, times, and locations.
PROGRAM ADVISORY April 11 CCESC’s Program Advisory Committee had its quarterly meeting. The group provided input to Communications, Ag & Food Systems, and Horticulture staff on how and where to outreach to new audiences, as well as suggesting local experts to approach about sharing their knowledge and skills through CCE program opportunities.
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The CCESC 4-H Animal Science program hosted the annual Youth Vet Science series. This year, with a full crowd, 4-H’ers learned about Livestock Quality Assurance, Equine Emergency and Rescue, and Small Animal and Basic Pet First Aid! The feedback on the program evaluation forms listed “leaving” as the only unfortunate part about the class!
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION April 12 CCESC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s monthly meeting explored issues related to the digital divide in Sullivan County and how we need to remain aware that there are folks who are still not able to access information and services in a web-based world. Extension professionals were encouraged to “Listen as much as we talk, and learn as much as we teach.” The term of the month is Familialism, meaning discrimination against someone who does not come from a traditional nuclear family. An Inclusion Survey will be released to the public this month.
CHICKEN BBQ PLANNING April 12 The Cornell Country Chicken BBQ Planning Committee continues to meet and plan the September 15 fundraiser. To donate auction items, be a sponsor, or get involved give Colleen or Nicole a ring for meeting dates!
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB COOKING April 17, 23 The Catskills Kitchen hosted the Boys & Girls Club youth from Monticello and Liberty schools. Through hands-on learning, over 18 Club Kids were invited to make chicken, veggies, and pasta on a budget using all locally-grown whole foods!
SENIOR NUTRITION April 17 A Healthy Nutrition for Older Adults webinar was hosted at the Extension Education Center by the CCESC’s Caregiver Resource Center. Older adults were given concrete, manageable examples of how easy it can be to prepare nutritious meals.
BreadMaking CLASS WAS
Math & Movement event engaged g g over
SOLD OUT
100 families at Liberty School
$300 in p for the the pot
Biggest Loser
Challenge across 4 organizations
BIGGEST LOSER
FAIRGROUND MAKEOVER
RISE TO THE OCCASION
April 18
April 24
April 26
CCESC’s Worksite Wellness Committee’s monthly meeting reminded folks that there are only six weeks left to the Biggest Loser competition. Participants from four organizations are competing for a pot of over $300!
CCESC and 4-H staff convened with representatives from the Neversink Agricultural Society to plan fairgrounds infrastructure projects as a result of an award from NYS Ag & Markets. You’ll see some nice improvements at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds this year and next. We hope you’ll join us for annual fair fun!
EARTH DAY @ EXTENSION April 20, 23 Extension staff and the Master Gardener Volunteers celebrated Earth Day with a litter pluck and planting party at the Extension Education Center. Despite the chill temperatures, the grounds are looking better and the greenhouse is filled with hundreds of new seedlings in preparation for the May 20 Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale!
INVASIVE SPECIES CLASS April 20 After three snow cancellations, the CCESC community horticulture program finally welcomed 30 attendees to the CRISP Invasive Species ID & Management class. Home gardeners and municipal workers alike spent three hours learning how to identify, mitigate, and prevent invasives from taking over green spaces.
KNIT/CROCHET GROUP MEETS April 20 The CCESC Intergenerational Textile Group meets the third Friday evening of every month to knit, sew, and crochet wares as a community service to organizations and folks in need in Sullivan County. The program is free and open to the public. Call Marylin to learn more!
Six staff members from CCESC formed a team and donated to/participated in the RISE Walk a Mile in Her Shoes march at the Sullivan County Government Center to raise awareness of and money to help stop sexual assault, sex trafficking, and gender violence. A good team building activity for a great cause!
MIND OUR BUSINESS (CLASSES)
STATE OF THE COUNTY
April 25
April 26
The Ag Business Retention and Expansion program hosted its first SCORE Business Planning workshop of the year. Over 7 local current, or aspiring, business owners learned the basics of laying out a vision for their business, forecasting finances, and considering marketing strategies for success. A second class will be offered in September. Check it out on www.sullivancce.org/events.
CCESC attended the annual State of the County address hosted at the Sullivan County Airport. We’re so proud to be a partner in progress with County Government and all the wonderful community-based organizations and members working to make a difference in the county!
PERSONNEL & FINANCE April 25 CCESC’s Personnel and Finance Committee held its monthly meeting to update human resource policies, create new positions for a newly funded program, and to plan for 20182019 capital improvement projects.
TRAIL CLEAN UP April 26
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE April 27, 28 The CCESC Healthy Communities team participated in Sullivan Renaissance’s Spring Market & Annual Conference (themed “Love Where You Live!”), and had the opportunity and pleasure of co-sponsoring the Center for Active Design’s workshop around organizing community spaces that encourage physical activity. Thank you to Sullivan Renaissance for including CCE in your work towards a healthier Sullivan County!
A trail clean-up was completed by the Healthy Schools team in partnership with Fallsburg School District. CCESC assisted the district in creating a walking trail for students, now engaging in wellness activities to move the dial on young people’s health in Sullivan County.
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CONVERSATIONS OF HEART, CONSERVATION OF LAND: WOMEN AND THEIR WOODS - A LAND TRUST TAKES THE LEAD Written by Sandy Long Five years ago, perceptive staff members at the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) recognized an increase in the number of women who own and manage forestland. In exploring this trend, they discovered women landowners often feel they lack access to information that would help them make wise decisions about the land they love. To meet this need, the Conservancy— serving the Upper Delaware River region of Wayne and Pike counties in PA and Sullivan and Delaware counties in NY—partnered with the USDA Forest Service at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, PA to launch the Women and Their Woods (WaTW) initiative, which offers educational programs to women forest landowners.
A Women’s Network WaTW is a network of forest landowners and professionals working together to cultivate women’s connections to and care of healthy forests. At its roots, it’s a conversation of the heart. In its fullest expression, it has the potential to contribute to land conservation to an unprecedented extent and land trusts have the opportunity to be leading voices in that conversation. Since its inception, WaTW has grown to include women from across the mid-Atlantic region who serve as mentors for other landowners in their communities in the proper stewardship of their lands. In 2011, the Conservancy partnered with Penn State Natural Resources Extension to offer the first four-day educational Page 18
retreat for women forest landowners. The event featured workshops led by professionals from PA DCNR, the PA Game Commission, Penn State University, Oregon State University and the US Forest Service. Attendees learned the basics of mentoring other women landowners along with forest management topics such as forest ecology and tree identification, forest hydrology, improving wildlife habitat, determining the value of forestlands, silvicultural techniques and estate planning. The result is a friendly, peer-learning environment and connection to a network of educated landowners and natural resource professionals.
Making Comfortable Connections The “kitchen table” approach is an important aspect of the program’s success, helping to create the camaraderie that takes the conversation to deeper levels. It allows for the kind of bonding that women do best. And it provides an opportunity for the empowerment that takes place when a woman has the chance to share her story—and to learn from the knowledge and experience of others. Delaware Highlands Conservancy Stewardship and Education Coordinator Amanda Subjin was instrumental in launching the initiative and has been the driving force for its continued development. “It’s vital to engage this portion of the landowner population and it takes a different approach,” explains Amanda. “Tapping into women’s
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connections is energizing and occurs more readily in the comfortable atmosphere that arises around women networking at the events. It supports women who may struggle to give voice to the connection that exists to their land.” “We seek to partner with our land to promote healthy sustainable woodlands,” wrote landowner Susan Benedict in a recent newsletter. “We are natural nurturers and will pass our knowledge to the next generation.” When her father passed away, Susan’s family voted her manager of their family’s forest. Beyond the many efforts she made to educate herself in forest management, Susan kept a promise to her father to walk the property and practice good stewardship. “I became familiar with its wildlife, its water and its trees. I found beautiful spots and new wildflowers and learned about vernal pools and butterflies and literally found the home for my soul. My promise to him to walk the property and learn it gave me a deeper appreciation for its uniqueness and the breadth of knowledge required to manage it properly.” PA landowner Elle Morgan concurs. “When it comes to land, it’s best to stay connected and keep planning for the future,” she says. After attending the WATW retreat, she wrote of a newly found appreciation for all that happens on her family’s land. “I’m looking forward to sharing this knowledge with my family members so we can continue to enjoy this land through future generations.”
An Eye On the Future Amanda is now working with a national team to create a toolkit that will be made available to anyone ready to start, promote or invigorate their own peer learning network, woodland owners group or WaTW group. She also contributes to the WomenOwningWoodlands.net website, a national resource. “Reaching out to these women landowners continues to provide us with an opportunity to steward lands we have not—or may never— protect with a conservation easement agreement,” explains Amanda. “It enables us to further the message of land conservation and estate planning and provides a means to properly manage forest lands without a legal agreement.”
“We want to spread the word about how the land trust community can participate in this essential educational program for women forest landowners and how it benefits efits our work of land conservation and d the protection of our critically important ant forest lands,” she adds. For more information, contact Amanda Subjin, Delaware Highlands nds Conservancy at 570-226-3164 or conserve@delawarehighlands.org. g. Also, visit http://extension.psu. edu/womenandtheirwoods or www. w. DelawareHighlands.org.
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Only 5 minutes from the NY border!
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CCE Sullivan Spotlights
4-H Spotlight
Partner Spotlight
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
AARP TAX-AID VOLUNTEERS Once again, AARP has been generous enough to offer a free training and refresher course to several local volunteers. These people gave up many hours and days of their retirement time to prepare FREE tax returns (simple returns) for the people of Sullivan County. The AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer Program began accepting reservations at the end of January 2018, and the appointments ran from February 5 until April 11. They served well over 300 families and individuals at several locations! The majority of appointments were hosted at our Extension Education Center. Several area libraries helped the effort as usual, hosting appointments during the busy tax season. This dedicated, friendly group of people insisted on helping all who called in for appointments, adding several more time slots to accommodate everyone. So, mark your calendars to call early (February 2019) to have your taxes done for FREE next year! Thank you Ed Wolff and friends!
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Volunteer Spotlight DIANA WEINER Diana Weiner, Sullivan Renaissance Horticulture Program Manager is a volunteer member of the CCE Sullivan Program Advisory Committee and generously offers her expertise to nurture youth interest in horticulture and increase gardening entries at the Sullivan County Youth Fair. She is collaborating with the 4-H program on a workshop planned for July, open to all families who wish to learn more about the many project opportunities connected to horticulture. Diana is very supportive of the Master Gardener Volunteer and community horticulture programs at CCE and in the community. She is very knowledgeable in her field and is always willing to share it with others! Diana has been a judge for America in Bloom and the Philadelphia Flower Show. We thank Diana for all she does for educational, gardening, and beautification efforts across Sullivan County!
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Last month 4-H members and cloverbuds alike came to CCESC to participate in the annual 4-H Public Presentations. A total of 75 to be exact. Any youth who could not attend the event will do their presentations at fair. There are already many youth scheduled to do so. Out of the youth who participated, Sullivan County had an amazing 22 members nominated to advance to the Regional level! These 22 youth showed outstanding public speaking skills and the evaluators were impressed with their subject matter and their knowledge about their topic. The following youth have been nominated by their evaluators to move on to the Regional level and will be presenting at Dutchess County Community College the end of May: Maxwell B., William C., McKala C., Tyler C., Rebecca C., Erin D., Aidan D., Caleb E., Noah E., Maggie K., Kaylin K., Briar K., Brady K., James M., Gregson M., Jake N., Austin N, Maylee P., William R., Sophia R., Jake S., and Carrie S. These youth have done an outstanding job with their presentations across a wide range of topics. Congratulations and good luck at District, everyone!
CCE Sullivan Spotlights
Nominate a Star Program Spotlight
Know someone who des deserves eserves spotlight? the shine of the spotlig ght?
CELEBRATION CARTS
Email Nicole Slevin:
Celebrating birthdays in and out of schools is a tradition across the globe and is associated with sweets and sugary beverages. CCE Sullivan offered a successful alternative to this well know tradition by providing celebration carts to local school districts, the first being the Fallsburg Central School District. The cart includes items such as board games, stickers, jump ropes, crayons, and much more. The celebration cart is not only for birthdays but can also be used for celebrations and incentives for good behaviors like handing in homework on time for a month.
nas96@cornell.edu
Did you know?
Youth 5-18 living in Sullivan County can apply to join 4-H for FREE! 4-H is open to everyone. Adults can start a club anywhere in Sullivan County. Learn more: Call Marylin at 845-292-6180, ext. 111 or email mlr34@cornell.edu
The feedback has been very positive and CCE has been rolling out the celebration cart in several other districts in 2018. It is our hope that the Celebration Carts will change the way we think about celebrating birthdays by promoting healthy activities.
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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EVERYBODY CCESC Association Scholarship For General Public | Amount Varies
Deadline to Apply: Rolling
To stimulate interest in educational programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County. In the event of financial limitations that prevent a Sullivan County resident from receiving educational services, program fees may be partially covered by this scholarship. Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, and Sullivan Renaissance. Inquire with CCESC.
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Download a FREE copy
>>>>>>>>>>>>> of the Ultimate Guide Book for Farmers in the Catskills, an agricultural resource manual that CCE created in partnership with Sullivan County Government.
Download it online:
sullivancce.org/agriculture Page 22
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Let’s Get Social!
• Facebook.com/ccesullivan • Twitter.com/ccesullivan
• Instagram.com/cce_sullivan_county • YouTube > bitly.com/ccesullivan
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FREE CAREGIVER APPS Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN, Dependent Care Educator Being a caregiver for a family member is challenging, rewarding, and often under-appreciated. While a support network of family and friends is crucial, mobile phone apps, also known as just plain old “apps”, can also help alleviate some of the stresses that come with caregiving. From helping to keep track of appointments, to assisting in health emergencies, apps are tackling all areas of caregiving. Here are some free apps that can help caregivers every day. To download an app, go to the app store on your mobile phone and search for below: 1. AARP Caregiving This app comes from one of the most notable names in elderly care. AARP Caregiving empowers caregivers with information on how to effectively care for an aging loved one. The app allows users to monitor symptoms, coordinate care with other family or caregivers, and keep track of appointments and medications. It also features a help center, where caregivers can find answers to urgent or commonly asked questions. AARP Caregiving is available for free on iPhone and Android.
First Aid by American Red Cross is available for freeiPhone or Android. 5. CaringBridge
meaning sensitive information stays private. CareZone is available free on iPhone or Android. 3. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Buddy The Alzheimer’s Association, a leader in action and awareness around the disease, developed this “caregiver buddy” app to help caregivers manage their personal stress, navigate family conflict and reach a 24/7 helpline. The app includes features like daily care tips for tasks related to hygiene and meal times, and fun activities that stimulate the body and mind of someone living with dementia. It also covers how to cope with new and sometimes overwhelming behaviors, like aggression or hallucination. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Buddy is available for free on iPhone or Android.
2. CareZone
4. First Aid by American Red Cross
Dubbed a “health info organizer,” CareZone helps caregivers keep track of medical information by organizing medication, allergies, insurance cards and ID cards all in one place.
With so much to remember as a caregiver, it’s helpful to have reminders of the basics — and that includes first aid and CPR. The First Aid app from the American Red Cross provides users with clear and concise first aid and CPR instructions to help in the event of an emergency.
Through the app, caregivers can create to-do lists to keep track of appointments and medication times. The app also curates news relevant to your loved one’s illness, disability or condition. All features are private and secure, according to the company,
The app also helps users identify health concerns by decoding symptoms, especially useful for people who are displaying physical symptoms but can’t verbally describe what they are experiencing.
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Communication is critical when dividing caregiving duties among multiple people — and that’s where CaringBridge can help. CaringBridge connects several caregivers through one app, allowing several people to keep track of appointments, changes in health and other essential information. Users can also send each other inspiring messages and motivation through the app, which really helps pull together a team of caregivers in the toughest moments. CaringBridge is available for free on iPhone or Android. 6. Symple Symple is an easy way to track your loved one’s symptoms like anxiety, fatigue and pain over periods of time. You can track up to 10 symptoms, record how your loved one feels and document possible contributing factors to mood or health shifts. Symple features an interactive graph and spreadsheet a caregiver can use independently, or send to a doctor for evaluation. Users say the app is simple to use, making it easy to remember sometimes vital health information in between office visits. The app is available for free on iPhone. Source: Dupere, Katie. “10 Daily Apps to Help Caregivers Take Care of Their Loved Ones.” Mashable. September 25, 2016. Accessed April 27, 2018. https://mashable.com/2016/09/25/ apps-for-caregiving-caregivers.
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