Extension Connection
USPS-525-100
Sullivan County
YOUR LINK TO LOCAL, RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS TO BETTER YOUR LIFE
VOLUME XCI NO. 5
MAY 2020
Plants thrive in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County greenhouse, growing for the Online Plant Sale. Read more on page 8.
Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs
Issue Isssue sue Highlights Higghhligghhts
CCE Online Plant Sale
Covid-19 & Agriculture
How Your Business Can Thrive, Not Just Survive in the New Normal (Webinar)
Silver Lining to Coronavirus Lockdown: Air Quality is Improving
Virtual Board & Committee Meetings
How to Make a Home Energy Budget
Ag & Food Systems Virtual Office Hours
Modifying Recipes with Health in Mind
Nutrition & Healthy Families Virtual Office Hours
March DHI Report
Alzheimer’s Virtual Support Groups Weekly 4-H Social Media Projects & Challenges
Online Plant Sale: What to Expect Coming Out of Quarantine A New Threat to Rabbits
Pigs: How to Get Started (Webinar)
CCESC Spotlights
See page 18 for upcoming programs and opportunities.
Check out page 12 for fast facts and healthy tips of the month!
Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue! Issue! Page 3 Message from the Executive Director Page 4 Covid-19 & Agriculture Page 6 Silver Lining to Coronavirus Lockdown: Air Quality is Improving Page 7 How to Make a Household Energy Budget
Table Table of of Contents Contents Page 8 Online Plant Sale: What to Expect Page 10 Modifying Recipes with Health in Mind Page 10 DHI Report: March Page 11 CCESC Spotlights Page 12 Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use!
Page 14 Coming Out of Quarantine Page 15 A New Threat to Rabbits Page 16 Why Buy Locally Grown Food? Page 18 Upcoming Programs Page 19 Thank You Sponsors!
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.
OFFICE HOURS
EXTENSION CONNECTION
Hours: Mon - Fri | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Phone: 845-292-6180 E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu Website: www.sullivancce.org Twitter.com/ccesullivan Facebook.com/ccesullivan Instagram.com/ccesullivan YouTube: bitly.com/ccesullivan
Edited by: Nicole Slevin & Colleen Monaghan
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF MEMBERS
Robert Kaplan.............................President Amy Erlwein........................Vice President Klu Padu......................................Secretary John Kiefer...................................Treasurer Nadia Rajsz........................Legislative Rep. Todd Brown Jenny Chamberlain Marcie Ehrman Denise Frangipane John “JP” Lang Amanda Langseder Klu Padu Luisa Parker Dara Smith George Stang Robert Wong
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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.
Colleen Monaghan............................................................................Executive Director Thomas Bosket..........................................................................SALT Program Manager SueAnn Boyd.......................................................Healthy Schools Program Coordinator Elizabeth Clancy-DiBartolo......................................Farmers’ Market & ASP Coordinator Martin Colavito.................................................SJSS Community Hub Program Manager Kaitlyn Conklin...........................................................................................4-H Educator Wanda V. Cruz.............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator Bonnie Lewis..........................................................................Dependent Care Educator Erica Lynch.........................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator Melinda Meddaugh......................................................Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader Brenda Miller.................................Environment & Natural Resources Program Manager Barbara Moran................................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator Bee Moser.......................................................................SNAP-Ed New York Nutritionist Vanessa Petrossian..............................................................................Ag Market Manager Abyssinia Pla El..........................................................Association Operations Coordinator Michelle Proscia.............................................................................Agriculture Educator Nicole Slevin...............................................................Administrator & Diversity Officer Ashley Tully..............................................................................Ag Program Coordinator Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Sean Welsh............................................................................Energy Resource Educator John Wilcox.........................................................................................Facilities Manager
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May 2020
Dear CCE Sullivan families, friends, 4-H’ers, partners, and supporters, Thank you for your support and patience. I am proud to work alongside you and our staff to provide basic human needs like food and hygiene products, connection to business resources, and interactive educational content, in this time of increasing community and economic uncertainty and need. On behalf of the CCE Sullivan Board of Directors I have important organizational and program updates to share with you. Board discussions were informed by data and guidance coming from the CDC, NYS Ag & Markets, our risk management firm, and our CCE partners around the state, and were made with a great deal of thought, care, and consideration for potential impacts on our constituency, organizational and business partners, and staff. As always, we welcome your input as we continue to make adjustments to ensure the health and safety of our program participants, businesses, families, staff, and community.You can share those with me at cm638@cornell.edu, or with Robert Kaplan, board president, at kbrandfarms@hvc.rr.com or make general inquiries at 845-292-6180 or sullivan@cornell.edu.
Updates per personnel and finance, and executive committee action on April 8, 2020: • All nonessential and out of contract travel and spending are frozen for CCE Sullivan staff and subcontractors • The Extension Education Center in Liberty, excepting the Catskills Kitchen Food Business Incubator, will remain closed to the public at least through May 17, 2020, per the NYS On Pause directive. • Per the food supply chain exemption, the Catskills Kitchen Food Business Incubator remains open to registered food production businesses by reservation only. • When the Extension Education Center does open, there will be a limited rotational staffing plan and limited public and group access until further notice. • All in person activities, whether Education Center, home, school, or community based, including 4-H gatherings and activities are prohibited until further notice. • All fundraising and solicitation activities, including 4-H clubs and Sullivan County Youth Fair activities, are prohibited until further notice, excepting Hudson Valley Gives and essential human needs like food and hygiene products, both of which are only to be led or facilitated by paid CCE Sullivan staff. With such limited understanding of the future financial impacts of this public health crisis, we do not think it appropriate to make nonessential asks of our local partners and businesses at this time. • There will be no CCE Sullivan sponsored Annual Sullivan County Youth Fair or Annual Youth Ag Auction in Grahamsville in August 2020. There WILL be some public exhibition opportunity for Sullivan County youth still and animal exhibits. Details to come at a later date.
Much like the economic crisis of 2008, this pandemic will have economic impacts not yet known. It is important to CCE Sullivan’s leadership and staff that we keep you informed as to what that means to our work with and for you. Like your own families, we are making hard decisions and adjusting as we go, so that we are in the best possible position to weather this storm. CCE Sullivan has been serving Sullivan County farmers, families, kids, and individual community members since 1914; 106 years. And while a week feels like an eternity right now, I ask you to sit with me in remembering that this is just a blip of time in the history of our county, state, country, and world.We are in it together.We will get through it together. And when it hurts, we will still be here for each other.
With all my gratitude and well wishes,
Colleen Monaghan Executive Director, cm638@cornell.edu Extension Connection
May 2020
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Covid d –19 9 and d Agriculture e Cornell CooperaƟve Extension (CCE) prioriƟzes the health, safety, and well-being of the communiƟes we serve. Even if you are not concerned about your own health, we ask that you be mindful of your neighbors who may be stressed by the situaƟon and worried about loved ones. The COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly evolving situaƟon and CCE is commiƩed to providing resources that will help keep our communiƟes resilient through tough Ɵmes, especially our agricultural community. There are a variety of resources available to farmers through NYS Agriculture and Markets, Cornell CooperaƟve Extension, and the USDA to name a few. These resources are constantly changing, so please visit our website for regular updates. NEW YORK EXTENSION DISASTER EDUCATION NETWORK UƟlizing a collecƟon of research-based guidelines and best pracƟces aggregated from across the naƟonal Extension network, NY EDEN provides communicaƟon outreach on these criƟcal and Ɵmely subjects through its website as well as its social media channels. Website: www.eden.cce.cornell.edu/coronavirus-response/ CORNELL SMALL FARMS RESILIANCY RESOURCES Cornell Small Farms provides a variety of publicaƟons. These publicaƟons detail various aspects of farming during a crisis, with a focus on the current COVID-19 pandemic. Website: www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/resources/farm-resilience
CORNELL AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Ag Workforce Journal provides news, updates, and other helpful informaƟon for the agricultural industry. There are a resources on COVID-19 prevenƟon and control for farms . Website: www.agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu COVID-19: NYSAM GUIDANCE & RESOURCE GUIDE FOR THE AG COMMUNITY In an eīort to keep the agriculture industry informed on the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situaƟon and NYS’s response, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets created a guidance document to help connect you with industry-relevant resources about small businesses, food safety, companion animals, mental health, and more. Website: hƩps://agriculture.ny.gov/system/Įles/documents/2020/04/ covid19_resourceguide_0.pdf
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Livestock 360 Spring 2 2020
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May 2020
… Covid –19 and Agriculture CONTINUED…. The USDA provides a variety of resources on topics such as infrastructure, access to food, research, disaster funding and food safety. WEBSITE: www.usda.gov/coronavirus EMERGENCY RESOURCES FOR FARM BUSINESSES: PAYCHECK PROTECTION LOAN PROGRAM The recent CARES Act provided addiƟonal emergency funding through Small Business AdministraƟon (SBA) for businesses who are facing losses due to COVID-19. If you are a farm business, the most important program to be aware of right now is the Paycheck ProtecƟon Loan Program, which was authorized in the CARES Act. Farms that meet SBA small business thresholds are eligible to apply for this low interest, forgivable loan program. WEBSITE: www.agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/2020/04/02/cares-acts-emergency-resources-for-farmbusinesses-paycheck-protecƟon-loan-program/ COVID-19 PREVENTION & CONTROL FOR FARMS Your farm workforce is not immune to coronavirus, please begin taking steps to protect yourself and your employees. Learn more from Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development. WEBSITE: www.agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/2020/03/12/novel-coronavirus-prevenƟon-control-forfarms/ EMPLOYEE LEAVE AND FARM EMPLOYERS: ClariĮcaƟon on New Federal and State Programs Both the U.S. and New York governments passed COVID-19 related legislaƟon in recent weeks aīecƟng employee leave from work. At this Ɵme, most farms and their employees are deĮned as “essenƟal,” so farms are open for business and employees are working as normal. However, if farm employees or their family members become infected or quaranƟned due to COVID-19, these measures will begin to apply. WEBSITE: www.agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/2020/04/01/covid-19-employee-leave-and-farm-employers/ DAIRY RESPONDING to COVID-19: A Limited Podcast Series Cornell’s PRO-DAIRY Program released a podcast that discusses how dairy farmers are adapƟng during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the podcast, they talk with folks across the industry, including dairy farmers, veterinarians, nutriƟonists, and share how they’re minimizing exposure, insƟtuƟng new pracƟces, and geƫng milk on the shelf. WEBSITE: hƩps://prodairy.cals.cornell.edu/events/podcasts/ COVID-19 and Your Produce Farm webinar Steps that produce farm managers and individuals working with fruit and vegetable farms should consider to protect their workforce, their business, and their markets WEBSITE: hƩp://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/2020/03/27/covid-19-andyour-produce-farm-webinar/
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SILVER LINING TO CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN: AIR QUALITY IS IMPROVING Submitted by Brenda Miller, Environment & Natural Resources Program Manager The coronavirus pandemic has put much of the world into lockdown, with factories going idle and city streets turning into eerily empty walkways.
One unintended upside to this crisis has been improved air quality, particularly in the hardesthit areas where strict stay-at-home measures have gone into force. This has been evident in Asia, including China’s Hubei province, and also in Italy. Now, the air-quality shifts are also being seen in the United States. This offers a rare, large-scale experiment for scientists to see how human emissions contribute to hazardous air quality. These maps show the amounts of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere, a key ingredient in smog, between March 1 and April 5, 2019, when compared to the same period this year. They show the subtle decreases in NO2 in much of the country. According to Yifang Zhu, a professor at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, the Los Angeles region, notorious for traffic and smog, has seen improvements in air quality. Before stay-at-home orders were issued March 16, the EPA’s Air Quality Index, which incorporates multiple air pollutants, including NO2 and PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), was about 60, or “moderate”. Since then, it has improved by about 20 percent and recorded the longest stretch of “good” air quality in March seen since at least 1995. The region has seen a 30 percent decrease in PM2.5. This form of Page 6
pollution, composed of particles smaller than a strand of human hair, are a health hazard because they get into a person’s lungs and bloodstream. Lung disease, difficulty breathing and heart ailments have all been linked to this form of pollution. The average levels of PM2.5 for the L.A. area dropped from about 16 micrograms per cubic meter to about 12 micrograms per cubic meter. “This is a dramatically changed air-quality level from medium to good.”, said Zhu. The coronavirus can be more harmful to those with greater exposure to air pollution, making it a risk factor along with other health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure. In a study published this week by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers concluded that a small increase in longterm exposure to fine particulate air pollution causes a large increase in the risk of dying of covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. “The study results underscore the importance of continuing to enforce existing air pollution regulations to protect human health both during and after the COVID-19 crisis,” the study states. The researchers examined more than 3,000 U.S. counties, found that each increase in long-term exposure to fine particulate pollution of one microgram per cubic meter is associated with a 15 percent greater likelihood of dying of covid-19. In addition to cuts in NO2 emissions, the coronavirus lockdowns have caused the relentless climb in carbon dioxide emissions to be temporarily reduced. Cancellations of many thousands of
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May 2020
flights will also reduce planet-warming emissions and high-altitude cirrus cloud formations. Zhu, of UCLA, said the observed airquality improvement in Los Angeles linked to the coronavirus should not be looked at as only possible during a disaster but rather something that society should strive for during normal times. “There are technological tools and policy tools to make our society more sustainable,” she said. “We don’t need to have a pandemic just to bring clean air to everybody.” Source: Andrew Freedman and Lauren Tierney, “The Silver Lining to Coronavirus Lockdowns: Air Quality is Improving,” The Washington Post, April, 9, 2020, https://www. washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/04/09/ air-quality-improving-coronavirus/
HOW TO MAKE A HOME ENERGY BUDGET Written by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator A residential home energy budget, or in short, energy budget, is the expected amount of money needed to pay for home energy use. Energy budgets are often a variable expense, meaning that it changes throughout the year depending on a variety of factors. One big factor is where the home is in the United States. In the Northeast we have larger heating costs due to harsher winters. These harsher conditions really drive the importance of having a well-insulated, energy efficient building. Home energy budgets also reflect the residents of the home. Their daily habits directly impact energy costs. An energy budget is also at the mercy of the marketplace prices of fuel and electric rates, which are also variable. This in turn means a household energy budget depends on fuel types which include, but may not be limited to solar, oil, coal, kerosene, propane, natural gas, and electric. Each of these are impacted by kilowatt price, electric use, energy loss, and a home’s thermal envelope.
There is action we can take to reduce our own electric use to help drive utility costs down. Consider an inventory of appliances in the home; replacing inefficient, older appliances with Energy Star rated models will bring the cost down needed to run them. Energy Star rated appliances with high efficiency ratings are going to save consumers over the life of the product. If high energy using appliances like refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, furnaces, and air conditioners are not operating at full capacity, electric utility companies offer online rebates for replacements.
Low and limited income residents may be eligible for programs to help with this cost, reach out the Cornell Cooperative Extension Community Energy Advisor Sean Welsh at sw288@ cornell.edu or call 845 292-6180 ext. 127 for assistance. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED or at least CFL products is a good place to start saving energy in a residential building. Begin with the most frequently used bulbs in the house and continue from there until all bulbs are energy efficient. LED’s are coming down in cost, and Energy Star rated bulbs will offer the best overall quality and longevity. The habits and lifestyle of household occupants can have a great impact on utility costs. Everyone can help conserve energy and save money by practicing turning off unused lights, appliances, and electronics.
Home envelopes should be well insulated and sealed off from outside conditions as possible. If you suspect you have uninsulated or under-insulated spaces and rooms in the home, consider giving Cornell Cooperative Sullivan County a call at 845-292-6180 to discuss your questions, or visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension Community Energy Engagement Program website at http://www. midhudsonenergychoices.org to fill out an intake form. One of the Community Energy Advisors will reach out to discuss your project and offer programs that may help you access home energy audits and other opportunities to help with heating and cooling costs.
Manage the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by inspecting the home, ensuring ducts are sealed tightly, and heating registers and ducts are free from obstructions and furniture blocks. Consider if the system has been regularly tuned, and how old of a Sean Welsh, Community Energy Advisor system it is. Water heaters should not sw288@cornell.edu | 845-292-6180 ext. 127 be set at higher than 120 degrees, and power to the water heater MUST be shut off before making any adjustments to water temperature, for safety.
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What to Expect: The Online Plant Sale Order Form will be posted online on May 11, 2020. Orders will be open from May 11 at 8:30 am until May 13 at 5:00 pm. Just like lining up in front of the door before the opening of our in-person plant sale, orders will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis. Fill the order out online or call it in to 845-292-6180 ext. 123! Your order will be “filled” in the order it was received. Then we will send confirmation and an invoice with the total cost of the order. If an item sells out before your order comes in, you may not see it on your invoice. Finally, you can pay for your order by using a PayPal link on your invoice, or by mailing a check if that is easier. We will follow up with a list of times and dates available for picking up your plants from May 21 – May 23. Thank you so much for purchasing plants from our online plant sale! Your purchase supports our Community Horticulture and Environment and Natural Resources programming. - Brenda Miller, Environment & Natural Resources Program Manager
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Extension Connection
May 2020
WHAT’S GROWING IN THE GREENHOUSE? The following plants are currently growing in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County greenhouse (from seeds!) to be sold at the Online Plant Sale. Take a look so you can be ready for when the order form goes live May 11.
Annuals
Vegetables
• Portulaca: Magic Carpet Mix
• Broccoli: Waltham 29, Calabrese
• Phlox: Fordhook Finest
• Cabbage Red Acre
• Cosmos: Bright Lights Mix , Cosmic Yellow Double Click, Rubenza
• Kale Premier, Dwarf Blue Curled Vates, Ital Nero Toscana
• 4 O’Clocks: Cottage Garden mix, Kaleidoscope Scabiosa: Summer Fruits
• Tomato
Herbs
• Nasturtium: Empress of India, Fordhook Favorite Morning Glory: Early Call Mix, Scarlett O’Hara , Burpee’s Tall Mix
• Sage: Burpee • Lavender: Lady, English • Parsley: Flat leaf • Greek Oregano • Spearmint: Burpee • Cumin: Burpee • Basil: Sweet, Red Rubin, Genovese • Catnip: Hudson Valley
• Marigold: Jaguar, Mission Giant Yellow, Bonanza Yellow, Petite Mix • Zinnia: Oklahoma Mix, Giant Cactus Mix, Burpeeana Giants Mix, Andes Jewel, Andes Jewel, Fruit Smoothie Mix, Burpee’s Big Tetra Mix Sunflower: Fun ‘n Sun Blend, Mammoth, Autumn Beauty Mix
• Cherry: Tiny Tim, Bumble Bee Mix, Fox Cherry, Tasty Treat, Chadwick, Tommy Toe • Slicers: Best Boy, Classic Beefsteak, Super Beefsteak • Heirloom Slicers: Brandywine, Kellogg’s Breakfast, Stone Ridge, Paul Robson, Upstate Oxheart, Summer Sunrise, New Yorker Tomato, Green Zebra • Paste: Roma, Sweet Aroma Hybrid, Amish Paste
• Chinese chives: Burpee
• Lettuce: Black Seeded Simpson, Gourmet Salad Blend, Marvel of 4 Seasons, Butter King, Big Boston, Burpee Bib
• Dill: Baker/Burpee
• Iceberg: Iceberg A, Igloo
• Marjoram • Lemon Balm: Lake Valley Organics
• Poppy Black Swan, California Giant Peony Mix, Pink
• Cucumbers • Slicers: Straight 8, Burpless Beauty, Bush Champion, Marketmore76 • Pickle: Picklebush, Lemon • Squash • Winter: Waltham Butternut, Table Queen Acorn • Summer: Italian Ribbed Zucchini • Yellow crook neck: Pic-N-Pic Hybrid, Pattypan Green, Crookneck Early, Early Prolific Straight • Melons: Sugar Baby • Cantaloupe: Hearts of Gold • Peppers • Sweet: Golden California Wonder, Doux D’Espagne, Bullnose, Banana, Horizon Bell • Hot: Latin Flare, Jalapeno Early
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MODIFYING RECIPES WITH HEALTH IN MIND Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator
The US Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes the need for Americans to reduce the amount of fat, sodium (salt), and added sugar consumed, while increasing the consumption of fiber. When buying food, we can check the label, but when using a recipe, we might need to make some changes by substituting ingredients or changing the cooking technique. Just like we substitute when we’re out of a certain ingredient, we can make changes in a recipe to make it healthier.
This fact sheet provides ideas to decrease the amount of fat, calories, salt (sodium), and sugar in recipes.
Ways to increase fiber in recipes are also provided to help you make more nutritious food. Remember, you can experiment with recipes and change ingredients.You might also be able to find recipes that, although similar to yours, actually have less fat, sugar and salt. They might even have more additions of nutritious ingredients The following are some modifications you can make in a recipe that might be acceptable for you, your family, and friends: Reduce sugar by one-third: Instead of 1 cup of sugar use 2/3 cup. This works best in canned and frozen fruits, puddings and custards. For quick breads and muffins, use 1 tablespoon of sugar per 1 cup of flour. Add vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg to help enhance flavor. Reduce fat by one-third: If a recipe calls for 1/2 cup fat, use 1/3 cup fat. This works best in gravies, sauces, puddings and some cookies. For cakes
and quick breads, use 2 tablespoons fat per cup of flour. Omit salt or reduce by one-half: If recipe says 1/2 teaspoon salt, use 1/4 teaspoon. Do not eliminate salt from yeast breads or rolls—it is important for flavor and texture. Try adding spices to recipes instead of salt for added flavor Substitute whole grain and bran flours: Whole wheat flour can replace from 1/4 to 1/2 the all-purpose flour. If a recipe has 3 cups of all-purpose flour, use 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour and 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Applesauce or prune puree: can be used for half of the butter or oil in recipes. Oat bran or oatmeal can replace 1/4 of the all-purpose flour. ran cereal flour can replace up to 1/4 cup of all purpose flour.
Sources: Revised by Pat Brinkman,Extension Educator,Ohio State University Extension
DHI Report:
March
SAMPLE NO. BREED COWS TYPE
Herdcode HERDOWNER
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MILK FAT PROTEIN
21470096 BRANDON PETERS DAIRY DHI-AP
H
100.9 20499 749
643
21470146 THONY'S DAIRY
DHI-AP
H
59.8 18326 696
567
21470021 GLASSEL, ROBERT
DHI-AP
H
46.7 14866 552
453
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May 2020
CCE Sullivan Spotlights
School Spotlight 1 CHRISTINE DECKER Christine Decker is a 6th-grade teacher at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School in Fallsburg and coordinates the school’s after school program. You don’t need to know her to recognize the superstar she is for the kids. As she walks the hallways, the youngsters either run to hug her, give her high fives, or exchange jokes. Christine makes sure that every child feels unique and safe – during the school day and after school. She was instrumental in bringing in CCE’s nutrition education for all grades at Benjamin Cosor. Christine has coordinated endless emails, schedules, and meetings with the principal to bring this program to the school, illustrating her support for the initiative. Thank you, Christine, for playing such an instrumental role in making students at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School healthier!
School Spotlight 2 SUZANNE LENDZIAN Suzanne Lendzian, director of physical education and athletics and Wellness Committee Chair has been with Fallsburg Central School District since April 2015. Suzanne attended SUNY Cortland for her master’s degree, and earned her administrative certificate from Canisius college. Before joining the Fallsburg team, she worked in NYC DOE from 2007-2015 as a physical education teacher, athletic director, dean of students, department chair, and union leader. Suzanne is admired by so many for her strong leadership skills in school wellness for students, staff, and the Fallsburg community. In her free time, Suzanne enjoys being outdoors with her family and friends and her current passion is training her rescue dog, Huckleberry (pictured with Suzanne below), for service. We all thank Suzanne Lendzian for being a CCE rock star!
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May 2020
Agriculture Spotlight THANK YOU FARMERS The Ag Team and all of CCE Sullivan staff wanted take this time to acknowledge all of the diverse farms throughout Sullivan County. It is evident that no matter the obstacles that are thrown your way in our rapidly changing world, there is one thing that we as a community can count on -- and that is agriculture. Our farmers are, and always have been, some of the hardest working individuals we know that provide food, not only for our county, but also our state and nation. We tip our hats to you each and every one of you, farms large and small, and wish your continued safety and perseverance to support our local food system. Thank you, farmers!
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May Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News too Use!
May is National O lde
r Americans M onth!
“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
More than o f t h e fl ow 8 0 p e r c e n t plant spe ering wo r l d r e l y c i e s i n t h e pollinator on animal p ro d u c t i o s fo r s e e d n.
-- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
A 32 oz. orange slushy has the same sugar content as 130 small jelly beans!
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May 2020
an orchid.
een beans.
-
May Focus: Healthy Tips of the Month!
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COMING OUT OF QUARANTINE Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN Dependent Care Educator The Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County staff are working virtually to do what we can to keep our friends, families and neighbors safe, healthy and informed. On behalf of my coworkers, I can certainly share that we all look forward to coming out of quarantine to serve you in the public as soon as we can! I write this on the morning that Passover starts, looking forward to celebrating with my husband. I’m also eager to enjoy Easter, but sad that our “normal” traditions, noisy dinners with our “boys”, their lovely fiancé’s and brides, our two grandchildren and my best friend, Mom, will be done via the internet.We can see and visit with them, but that ability to hug and hold, to have a little one on our lap while we read a story or share a picture, well…it’s just not the same is it? It can be stressful to be separated from others and see traditions interrupted.We feel it particularly during special events and holidays. Spring is full of celebrations; religious holidays, academic passages like senior plays, junior proms, and class trips, and seasonal events.Would you believe I’m a bit upset over something
relatively low on the ‘totem pole’ of important events? I look forward every year to spending Barry’s paycheck at an antique and craft show in Rhinebeck, which isn’t happening. Everyone feels differently during and after this period quarantine. Fear and anxiety about any disease, especially with COVID-19 magnified, can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. But using coping strategies can help you, the people you care about, and your community, be stronger. Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include: • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones • Changes in sleep or eating patterns • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating • Worsening of chronic health problems • Worsening of mental health conditions • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
If you see these signs in yourself or someone you care for, there are ways to cope. Make time to unwind and take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Connect with others and talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Take care of your body.Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
1990: Dr. Dustin and patient Daniel march in Pumpkin Party parade with Daddy.
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Try to do other activities you enjoy. Barry and I have made organizing our pictures a priority during this period of time and it’s been a great way to LAUGH!
Extension Connection
May 2020
Humor is one of the best methods to break the tension.
As we progress through spring and summer some people will have emotional reactions to coming out of their social isolation. This may include: • Mixed emotions, including relief after quarantine. • Ongoing fear and worry about personal health and the health of your loved ones. • Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. • Sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones had unfounded fears of contracting the disease from contact with you, even though you have been determined not to be contagious. • Guilt about not being able to perform normal work or parenting duties during quarantine. • Other emotional or mental health changes.
A resource to help, AMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline, answers calls and texts providing counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to infectious disease outbreaks such as the Coronavirus pandemic. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-9855990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress. It is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Sources: CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/ managing-stress-anxiety.html SAMHSA: (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/ disaster-distress-helpline
A NEW THREAT TO RABBITS Submitted by Kaitlyn Conklin, 4-H Educator On March 4,2020 the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) notified the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) of its first confirmed Rabbit Hemorrhagic DiseaseVirus 2 (RHDV2) at a veterinary clinic in NewYork City.Since this incident,there have been positive cases of RHDV2 in multiple states’wild rabbit population including New Mexico, western Texas,Utah,Arizona,and Colorado. To protect wild and domestic rabbits alike, and to prevent its spread,it is important to understand this highly contagious disease.
Clinical Notes for RHDV1: • Rabbits greater than 4-8 weeks of age; subclinical in rabbits less than 4-8 weeks of age • Peracute form:sudden death within 12 – 36 hours of developing a fever or may be found dead with no premonitory signs • Acute form:Anorexia,lethargy and prostration. May develop neurological signs (convulsion, paddling,ataxia,paralysis,opisthotonos), respiratory signs (dyspnea,frothy and bloody nasal discharge),cyanosis,lacrimation,ocular hemorrhages and epistaxis • Subacute/chronic form:severe and generalized icterus,loss of weight,lethargy. Death to follow within a few weeks
Clinical Notes for RHDV2:
Please be advised that if a pet owner or rabbitry contracts the disease, all rabbits must be euthanized by an approved veterinarian.
• Affects all ages of rabbits
The current threat of RHDV2 is a new strain of RHDV that emerged in Europe in 2010… it is a serious,extremely contagious and fatal viral disease of domesticated and wild rabbits,causing high rates of illness and death in unvaccinated animals.RHDV can survive and remain infectious in the environment for long periods of time.It does not affect humans and is not known to affect other animals.The incubation period across various RHDV strains is 1-9 days.
If a rabbit expresses possible symptoms of having RHDV,it is mandatory to report the disease immediately to the NYS Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502.
Transmission occurs through: • Infected carcasses:importation of infected rabbit meat may be the main transmission method to a new area • Infected rabbit fur • Direct contact with live or dead infected animals via oral,nasal,or conjunctival routes • Fomites such as clothing/footwear,grooming tools/supplies/equipment,including contaminated food,water and bedding • Secretions and excretions like respirator secretions,urine,and feces • Insects:flies,fleas and mosquitos are very efficient mechanical vectors • Mammals and birds:excretion of the virus in feces after ingesting infected rabbits
• Peracute and acute forms are less common with RHDV2 because infected rabbits generally survive longer • Symptoms are similar to the illness caused by RHDV1
If you are a breeder or grower who purchases live rabbits,AGM recommends you review your biosecurity measures and take steps to address gaps.The following actions will reduce the chance of RHDV2 or other contagious disease affecting rabbits: • Do not allow pet,feral or wild rabbits to have contact with your rabbits or gain entry to the facility or home.If you own domestic rabbits, do not release them into the wild. • Do not allow visitors in rabbitries or let them handle pet rabbits without protective clothing including coveralls,shoe covers,hair covering and gloves.
for newly acquired or sick rabbits to avoid spreading disease. • Sanitize all equipment and cages moved on or off premises before they are returned to the rabbitry.We recommend disinfecting with 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide mixed with water.“
Guidelines forWild Cottontails, Hares, and Pika: • Please report any sick or dead wild rabbits, hares or pika to the NYS Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502. • Do not handle rabbits or rodents that have been found dead. • Do not allow pets or scavengers to feed on found carcasses.Though RHDV2 is not a risk to pets other than domestic rabbits,a number of other pathogens and parasites from carcasses can affect other pets. • Do not handle or consume rabbits or other game animals that appear to be sick.Instead, report these cases to the NYS Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502. • Meat from healthy rabbits harvested by hunters is safe to consume when cooked thoroughly. Guidelines for Domestic Rabbits: • Exercise extreme caution and biosecurity to avoid accidental exposure of domestic rabbits through contaminated feed,bedding, equipment,or clothing that may have come in contact from infected wild rabbits or birds that could transfer the virus from infected wild rabbits. • Domestic rabbits should not be housed outdoors in areas where RHDV has been detected in wild rabbits or released outside for exercise. • • Contact your veterinarian for more information about this disease in domestic rabbits.
Helpful Links on RHDV2:
• Always wash hands with warm soapy water before entering your rabbit area,after removing protective clothing,and before leaving the rabbit area.
• http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/ pdfs/rabbit_hemorrhagic_disease.pdf
• Do not introduce new rabbits from unknown or untrusted sources.Do not add rabbits to your rabbitry from animal shelters or other types of rescue operations.
• https://www.colorado.gov/aganimals/ rabbit-hemorrhagic-disease-virus-rhdv2
• If you bring outside rabbit(s) into your facility or home,keep them separate from your existing rabbits.Use separate equipment
Source: Dr Alfred Mina DVM “Rabbit Hemmoragic Disease”The Domestic Rabbit https://arba.net/ rhdv2/
Extension Connection
May 2020
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ publications/animal_health/fs-rhdv2.pdf
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS Training for Vegetable FSMA: Health & Hygiene g Farms with NYCAMH Your Business Can Thrive, Not Just Survive in the Monday May 6 How New Normal Webinar
10—11am
Thursday May 7 CCE Sullivan Ag & Food Systems Virtual Oƥce Hours
10—11am
May TBD
Friday May 8
CCE Nutrition & Healthy Families Virtual Oƥce Hours
Mon. May 11— Online Plant Sale— Order Online or by Phone Wed. May 13
TBD
11am—12pm 8:30am—5pm
Monday May 11 Alzheimer's Support Group— Virtual
4 —5 pm
Thursday May 14
CCE Sullivan Ag & Food Systems Virtual Oƥce Hours
10—11am
Friday May 15
CCE Nutrition & Healthy Families Virtual Oƥce Hours
11am—12pm
Tuesday May 19 Alzheimer's Support Group— Virtual
5—6pm
Thursday CCE Sullivan Ag & Food Systems Virtual Oƥce Hours May 21 Thurs. May 21— Online Plant Sale “Social Distancing” Pick-Up Sat. May 23
10—11am
Friday May 22
CCE Nutrition & Healthy Families Virtual Oƥce Hours
Monday May 25 CCE Sullivan Closed— Holiday
By appointment 11am—12pm 8:30am—4:30pm
__
Wednesday May 27 Wednesday May 27 Thursday May 28
Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting—Virtual
5—6pm
Board of Directors Meeting—Virtual
6—9pm
CCE Sullivan Ag & Food Systems Virtual Oƥce Hours
10—11am
Friday May 29
CCE Nutrition & Healthy Families Virtual Oƥce Hours
11am—12pm
Join us! Registration is required in advance.
Events at the Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd., Liberty NY unless otherwise listed.
Call 845-292-6180
E-mail sullivan@cornell.edu
Visit sullivancce.org
Contact C t t th the Cornell C ll Cooperative C ti Extension E t i Sullivan S lli County C unty t oĜce Ĝ e to t request requ uestt any special iall accommodations. acccommodati d ti
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Please notify CCE Sullivan if you have a change of address:
845-292-6180 sullivan@cornell.edu