USPS-525-100
Extension Connection
YOUR LINK TO LOCAL, RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS TO BETTER YOUR LIFE
VOLUME LXXXXVIII NO. 11
NOVEMBER 2017
Staff members hosted and prepared the annual “Farm Fresh” Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast for over 80 guests this October.
Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs
Issue Issue Highlights Hiigh ghliigh ghts
Horse Bowl & Hippology
Tips for a Tricky Farm Transfer
Catskills Farm & Food Conference
Moving Cattle Out of Pens & Sorting
Credit Management Library Series
Annual Poinsettia Sale
4-H Achievement Night at Bethel Woods
Moving from Debate to Dialogue
Caregiver Holiday Celebration
4-H: The Bigger Picture
NY Gives Day Nov 28
Community Guest Editorial: Delaware Highlands Conservancy
How to Write a Business Plan Youth Winter Workshops Capturing Money Using QuickBooks 103rd CCESC Annual Meeting See page 12 for more events!
Active Workplace Practices CCE Sullivan Spotlights Curly Maple Wine Bar Fundraiser See page 14 for photos and info on Right to Farm Law: In a Nutshell
Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue! Issue!
Table Table of of Contents Contents
Page 3 Letter from the Executive Director
Page 8 When Teachers Get Mindfulness Training, Students Win
Page 16 In Case You Missed It
Page 4 Tips for a Tricky Farm Transfer
Page 9 Active Workplace Practices Page 10 4-H: The Bigger Picture
Page 18 Community Guest Editorial of the Month
Page 5 Catskills Farm & Food Conference
Page 11 Caregiver Holiday Celebration
Page 19 Capturing Money Using QuickBooks
Page 6 Moving Cattle Out of Pens & Sorting
Page 12 Upcoming Programs
Page 20 CCESC Spotlights
Page 13 Credit Management Library Series
Page 22 Opportunities for You
Page 14 Right to Farm Law: In a Nutshell
Page 26 Horse Bowl & Hippology
Page 7 Master Gardener Volunteer Poinsettia Sale Page 8 Moving from Debate to Dialogue
Page 17 Monthly DHI Report
Page 24 Sponsorships Page 28 103rd Annual Meeting
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.
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2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donna Willi................................President Robert Kaplan...................Vice President John Kiefer.................................Secretary Dawn Boyes...............................Treasurer Todd Brown Amy Erlwein Pamela Fisk Sonja Hedlund John “JP� Lang Earl Myers Klu Padu Luisa Parker Glenn Pontier Mark McCarthy
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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 Coordinator Wanda V. Cruz...........................................................Healthy Communities Coordinator Dayna Gaeta.........................................................Community Horticulture Coordinator Beth Johnston-Groth..................................................................Administrative Assistant Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator Bonnie Lewis..........................................................................Dependent Care Educator Michelle Lipari...............................................................................Agriculture Educator Erica Lynch.......................................................................Catskills Kitchen Coordinator Melinda Meddaugh.....................................................Ag & Food Systems Team Leader Barbara Moran...............................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator Nicole Slevin.........................................................................Communications Manager Kaitlyn Smith......................................................................................Program Assistant Nat Tompkins............................................................................Agriculture Coordinator Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Malinda Ware.................................Health & Community Development Program Leader Sean Welsh..........................Energy & Consumer Educator and Operations Coordinator John Wilcox.......................................................................Building & Grounds Manager
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November greetings, friends of Extension! To kick off the 2018 season of thanksgiving, I extend to you my most sincere gratitude for another year of your support, contribution, and participation in Extension programs, and fundraising and outreach efforts. November is a time for training, reporting, and reflection for our staff. This year we’re celebrating too. As a recipient of the 4-H Distinguished Service award, our very own 4-H program coordinator, Marylin Jones, is on the road to attend both the NYS and National 4-H Conferences as I write this note. We wish Marylin safe travels and many well deserved congratulations! How lucky and grateful are we in Sullivan County to be the home of one of the best 4-H youth workers in the country!? Kudos to you, Marylin! Even with all the reflecting, reporting, and celebrating, CCESC staff members are still busy planning great programs, opportunities, and celebrations for year-end. On December 5 at 6:00 pm, CCE Sullivan will host its 103rd Annual Meeting. The meeting will take place at New Hope Community, where delicious and healthy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Catskill Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Schiller will be the keynote speaker of the Health Means Business themed meeting. The speech will be followed by a presentation of bronze, silver, and gold Worksite Wellness Awards to area businesses who have taken meaningful steps to help their employees and their families improve health outcomes. And as always, CCE Sullivan’s Friends of Extension Awards and annual board elections will take place as well. There is no charge to attend CCESC’s Annual Meeting. And in preparation for the holiday season, CCESC’s Master Gardener Volunteer and Community Horticulture program is once again offering beautiful poinsettias for sale. You can order in person at the office, by phone, or online at sullivancce.org/events. Funds raised from the poinsettia sale will help grow the annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale we host in May. To end, I hope you are all able to take some down time this month to spend with family and friends and to rest before the cold blows in. And take the time later on, to eat lots and lots of pie! Until next month, may many blessings be with you and yours!
Warm Regards,
Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director cm638@cornell.edu
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TIPS FOR A TRICKY FARM TRANSFER Written by Nat Tompkins, Agriculture Coordinator Want to know a startling statistic? 70% of all the farmland in the United States will transfer hands in the next twenty years! That is a lot of land. As of 2016 there were 911 million acres of land used for farming. That means over 646 million acres of land will switch owners in the next two decades! The problem with this statistic is that it doesn’t say what will happen to the land. It doesn’t say whether it will go back into farming, or go into blacktop. Typically, when farmland changes hands, that’s the last crop that ever gets planted. This land turnover could be a huge problem if folks aren’t ready or prepared to transfer the farm over to the next generation. Transferring the farm over to the next generation is no easy feat. As some of you know, there’s a lot of assets tied up in farming, and therefore a lot of money. The process can often take several years, and isn’t like selling your old motorcycle on Craigslist. You don’t just sign a bill of sale, the farm is magically owned by your daughter, son, or whoever you want to take the farm over. It will involve lawyers and a lot of planning. Here are some tips to help you through the transition. Communication: Communication is vital! Proper and open communication will make or break the transition process, and the farm. If you’re interested in taking over the farm, you need to let the current owners know! If you’re the farm owner, and think someone should take it over, you also need to let that party know! We’ve all had the situation where we thought we were on the same page with someone, but never actually talked about it. It’s easy to assume, but often it’s hard to ask simple, clarifying questions. If you don’t know for sure if a specific family member Page 4
or person is interested in taking over the farm, ask! And when you’re asked questions, try to keep your answers brief, concise, and truthful. Be positive, and willing to compromise. Never insult or blame someone; that will just lead to arguments, and hurt feelings. Remember, your goal shouldn’t be to be right. Your goal should be to make sure the farm survives, and is put in a position to do so! Have a Goal Setting Meeting(s): Sit down at the kitchen table, and have a meeting. If you’re committed to using what you just read about communication, this will be the next logical step. During these meetings, take stock of where the farm is at, and where you all would like it to go. Both parties can create a business plan together. Within the business plan you can both set out your goals. You can also see on paper what assets the farm has, what the income situation is like, and what will be needed to make the succession successful. There be goals set for the business and there should be goals set out between each meeting regarding the transfer process. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, with succession planning taking multiple years to complete. It’s not unlikely that things will get forgotten, or pushed off, and the entire process will get held up. By setting goals, and creating a time table of those goals, you can make sure the transition happens in a predictable and complete way. Assemble the team: Being successful in transferring the farm is not a one man or woman job. It’s going to require a considerable amount of help from various experts in a wide range of fields. Chances are you’re going to need someone with legal expertise, business expertise, tax expertise, and someone who has experience transferring farm businesses. When
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picking folks for your team, there are some things that should be kept in mind. First of all, everyone should be in agreement about transitioning the farm, and trust the people you pick. This process will deal with a lot of private and personal information, so trust is of the utmost importance. You should also choose someone with a good amount of experience in the area. A farm business is different than other businesses. Often times a particular amount of knowledge in the industry is required. Choosing the right person for the job is necessary. You may also consider having a trusted family member (maybe the person who transferred the farm to you) or friend who can help give you referrals or guidance be a part of the team. Chances are that if they have been through it, they can give you advice and help answer questions you may have. Transferring the farm over to someone else is a hard and emotional process. Often it will seem tricky and confusing. And that’s okay! My dad would always say “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” The fact of the matter is that you can stay positive, and work towards a clear idea of where you want the farm to go. Using some of the tips above can help. If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by the office to get some advice from the CCESC ag team. You can also take a look at NY FarmNet, whose services are FREE and confidential. They offer a host of business services including business transfers. Give them a call at 1-800-547-3276, or visit their website at nyfarmnet.org. And remember, it’s always better to start the process sooner than you want to, as opposed to later when you have to! Source: United State of America. University of Minnesota. Extension. Farm Business Transfer Strategies. By Gary A. Hachfeld, David B. Bau, and Robert Holcomb.
Full schedule of times and workshops:
sullivancce.org
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MOVING CATTLE OUT OF PENS & SORTING Submitted by Michelle Lipari, Agriculture Educator Handler positions for emptying a pen and sorting at a gate: The handler should control the movement of cattle through a gate. DO NOT let cattle run wildly through a gate. They need to learn that you control their movements. When cattle are being sorted out through a gate, stare and look at the ones you want to hold back and turn your eyes away from the animals you want to move through the gate. Curt Pate, a cattle handling specialist, has the following tips for sorting cattle out of a pen and through a gate: • Work the nose, because cattle go where the nose is pointed. • Get the animal you wish to sort through the gate to look at you with both eyes before attempting to move it through the gate. This relieves pressure on the animal before you attempt to direct it through the gate. • When cattle are handled in a single file chute (race), the balance point will be at the shoulder. When they are worked on a pasture or in a pen, the point of balance will move forward and be closer to the eye. When cattle are handled calmly, the balance point will move forward, but it will never be in front of the eye. • By alternately penetrating and then backing out of the flight zone you can carefully “test” to determine the correct angle and spot to move an animal.
T-Square Pattern for Moving a Group out of a Large Pen Step 1: Moving a group of cattle towards a gate in a large feedlot pen, paddock or pasture: The handler’s movements, back and forth behind Page 6
the group, should be at a 90’ (right) angle to the direction of the desired movement. The handler’s movements are perpendicular to the animals’ movements. Imagine you are moving back and forth on the cross bar of a giant T-square.
Step 2: As the group of cattle approaches the gate, the handler must shift their position to head the cattle out of the gate. Remember, calm cattle are easier to handle. All movements are done at a walk and handlers should be silent with NO yelling or whistling.If cattle become excited it takes 15 to 30 minutes for them to calm down. Correct Method for Moving a Group Out of a Large Pen or Small Pasture with Two Handlers
Work on the edge of the flight zone. Use the principle of pressure and release. When the cattle start moving, back off and reduce pressure on their collective flight zone. Increase pressure when they slow down. Wild running is prevented by using pressure and release. Moving a Group out of a Large Pen Using the T-Square Movement Pattern Step 1: Moving a group of cattle towards a gate in a large feedlot pen, paddock or pasture: The handler’s movements, back and forth behind the group, should be at a 90’ (right) angle to the direction of the desired movement. The handler’s movements are perpendicular to the animals’ movements. Imagine you are moving back and forth on the cross bar of a giant T-square. Work on the edge of the flight zone. Use the principle of pressure and release. When the cattle start moving, back off and reduce pressure on their collective flight zone. Increase pressure when they slow down. Wild running is prevented by using pressure and release.
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Step 1: Both handlers in the rear in a straight line. T-square position moving the animals toward the gate. Step 2: When the animals start out the gate, handler A moves near the gate to control animal movement out the gate. This technique is wrong because the animals receive conflicting signals from handlers. Source: Grandin, Temple. “Moving Cattle out of Pens and Sorting.” Moving cattle out of pens and sorting. Accessed October 12, 2017. http://grandin.com/behaviour/ principles/moving.sorting.html.
GARDEN CLEAN-UP & OTHER OCTOBER TIPS Submitted by Dayna Gaeta, Community Hort. Coordinator Next spring, don’t be haunted by thoughts of tasks you should have completed in October to ensure a good start to the growing season. By fall, most gardeners are tiring of garden chores, especially when there isn’t much left to harvest, and thus no really good reason to visit the garden. But garden clean-up is essential both for the health of the soil and an early start on next year’s garden. You’ll be able to get into the garden sooner if you get the plot ready now. Clean-up involves removing corn stalks, vines, and plant debris, then adding healthy plant materials to the compost pile and discarding the rest. You also should do a final weeding. Why? Because weeds left in the garden will go to seed, producing hundreds of new weeds next year. Remove stakes, row markers, and other man-made objects. Black plastic and other inorganic mulch materials also need to be taken up as they will not decompose and, if left in place, will provide overwintering sites for some pests. If you are leaving carrots and other root crops in the ground for winter harvest, be sure to mark the rows. Cover with a thick layer of straw or hay after the first frost to prevent the soil from freezing up. October is a good time to prepare the soil for spring by adding lime (according to soil test results) and incorporating organic mulches into the soil. The organic matter will begin to break down before next year’s planting and will improve soil texture. You also may want to stockpile wellrotted animal manure in a corner of your garden for use next spring (get it now to avoid the spring rush). Cover the pile with plastic to prevent
leaching of nutrients. Rake and remove leaves from under your rose bushes. This will eliminate a prime “breeding ground” for insect pests and fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Picking up fallen fruit from under fruit trees will keep insects from overwintering and causing problems next spring. Dig up and store dahlias, cannas, and other summer bulbs, if you have not done so already. Clip off the green growth, then store in a dry, cool location. Shut down your water garden, moving aquatic plants indoors to ensure their survival. Choose a cool, above freezing, indoor location placing the pots of aquatic plants in a tub with some water to keep them moist. They don’t need to be as deeply covered as outdoors. Remove pumps or underwater lights and store in the garage or indoors. If it’s a small water garden, you may want to empty out the water now, so it doesn’t freeze solid. This is also a good time to clean the water garden if needed and repair any small cracks.
develop roots but not to emerge from the soil. Garlic needs to be planted in soil with a pH of 6.2 to 7.0. Space cloves four to six inches apart and three to four inches deep. Plant the root side down. Mulch heavily with straw to prevent winter injury. Other activities for October: wrap trees to protect against winter sunburn or injury from deer and rodents; stock up on birdseed; clean and sharpen garden tools.
Source: Perry, Dr. Leonard. Garden Cleanup and other October Gardening Tips. Accessed September 13, 2017. http:// pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/oct00tip.htm.
Protect your blueberry bushes from winter winds with burlap windbreaks or enclosures. This will minimize desiccation or drying out of foliage, which is detrimental, especially to new plantings. Mulch with three to five inches of straw to protect plant roots from severe winter temperatures. If straw is hard to obtain at this time of year, use sawdust, pine needles, or wood chips instead. Wait to prune until late winter before new bud swell but after winter injury can be easily determined so you don’t remove new, healthy growth. Garlic, which requires a cold treatment of 40 degrees F for two months to induce bulb development, should be planted before the end of October. This will give it time to
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MOVING FROM DEBATE TO DIALOGUE Submitted by Colleen Monaghan, issues. Deborah Flick, Ph.D. author of “From Debate to Dialogue: Using the Executive Director Understanding the differences between debate and dialogue can improve communication and relationships. Conversations about race and racism (and other issues related to human differences) can be very difficult for people. Many of us lack positive role models or very many opportunities for engaging in discussions focused on complex issues in ways that lead to increased understanding and positive relationship-building across differences. In addition, conversations about race, gender, class and other differences can trigger strong emotions in people including guilt, shame, anger, trauma and despair. One way we can improve our conversations and relationships is to practice self-awareness, which includes noticing what we’re feeling and thinking—and making intentional choices about how we want to engage in difficult discussions about hard
Understanding Process to Transform Our Conversations,” suggests that moving from debate to dialogue can increase our understanding of ourselves and others while improving our communication skills and relationships. Based on Flick’s work, here are some differences between debate and dialogue: Debate Process • You’re searching for one “right” answer. • The goal is to be right, win the argument or persuade others. • Your thoughts are evaluating and critical as you listen to others. • You’re listening judgmentally for errors and flaws in other people’s perspectives. • The question in your mind is “What’s wrong with this picture?” • Rather than listening deeply, you’re planning your rebuttal.
Dialogue Process • You’re You re aware that there are multiple and valid perspectives on many issues.
• You work to remain open and curious. • You practice listening to other people’s stories about their realities and lived experiences. • You believe people about their realities and experiences—rather than becoming defensive and stuck in denial. • The question in your mind is “What can I learn about myself and others?” • You listen more than you talk. • You practice reflecting on what you’re feeling and respond in intentional ways rather than reacting in ways that lack self-awareness.
While debate processes may be helpful in some situations, the dialogue process is more likely to increase people’s ability to connect in healthy ways in order to create environments that are safe, affirming and fair for everyone. Source: “Moving from debate to dialogue.” MSU Extension. Accessed October 30, 2017. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/ moving_from_debate_to_dialogue.
• The goal is to understand others.
WHEN TEACHERS GET MINDFULNESS TRAINING STUDENTS WIN Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator No one would argue with the fact that teaching is stressful. Not only is the work highly challenging, teachers are also frequently underpaid, undervalued, and subject to harsh scrutiny. No wonder teacher burn out is on the rise and that many feel like leaving their profession. Teacher stress is not only a problem for teachers; it can also be a problem for students. Stressed teachers impact students’ stress levels through a contagion effect, and since student Page 8
stress impacts learning, this can hurt the quality of education in the classroom. Students learn better in a climate that is more emotionally positive and less stressful, and past studies have shown a clear link between positive emotional classroom climates and academic achievement. The University of Virginia provides strong evidence that mindfulness training for teachers can help them cope better with stress on the job while also making the classroom environment more productive for learning. Analyses showed that
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training improved the teachers’ mindfulness and their ability to manage anger and other difficult emotions, and lowered their psychological distress and sense of time urgency—particularly important benefits in such stressful conditions. Perhaps more surprisingly, the study also found improvements in the emotional climate of the classroom and increased class organization for those teachers who’d been through the training. Source: “The Science of a Meaningful Life.” Greater Good. Accessed October 30, 2017. http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/.
ACTIVE WORKPLACE PRACTICES Submitted by Wanda V. Cruz, Healthy Communities Coordinator
• Encourage a variety of activities that are appropriate for people of all physical abilities.
Offering opportunities for physical activity in your worksites can help employees get some of their daily physical activity goals and requirements met for the day. Below are tips for how you can add opportunities at work that might encourage increased physical activity among your employees.
• Provide guidance on activities that can be completed while sitting (i.e., desk exercises) or in a small area (i.e., walking in place).
Make physical activity an easy choice at work. • Encourage casual dress so participants can comfortably engage in activities. • Allow flexible schedules to encourage physical activity during lunch breaks or other breaks throughout the day. • Identify and mark walking routes indoors and outdoors. • Encourage use of stairwells. Place signs at the elevator directing people to the stairs, and make stairwells more appealing for use (consider music, lighting, cleanliness, and safety). • Promote alternative commuting (biking, walking and public transportation). • Provide exercise facilities, with lockers for change of clothes and showers, or partner with community organizations for reduced rates for your employees (e.g., YMCA).
• Make meeting space easy for people who prefer to stand instead of sit. • Organize physical activity opportunities in mornings or afternoons, such as group walks or low-impact fitness classes. • Provide participants with maps of the area showing safe walking and running routes, trails, or local fitness centers.
Build physical activity into daily meetings. • Include activity breaks in meeting agendas for longer meetings. Take moments to stand and stretch after sitting for an extended time.
Ask employees or meeting participants what activities they like, and cater to the group. • Survey employees on what makes conferences, meetings, and the office environment more supportive of physical activity.
• Organize walking meetings for small groups. Choose a safe route and keep a brisk walking pace for at least 10 minutes.
• Encourage feedback about activities to incorporate into meetings.
Build physical activity into conferences. • Consider conference locations where participants can easily and safely walk to places of interest and have easy access to locations for activity during breaks. • If feasible, choose a conference facility that includes a fitness center, an outdoor green space, or a room with space to move around and stretch. • Consider asking someone to lead physical activity breaks (can be a guest or coworker). • Try activities like standing for every other topic, stretching to music, or icebreakers that encourage people to move around.
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• Consider convening a worksite committee on physical activity and/or workplace wellness.
Sources: “Overweight & Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 14, 2017. Accessed October 29, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/ healthy-food-env.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Steps to Wellness: A Guide to Implementing the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in the Workplace. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2012.
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4-H: THE BIGGER PICTURE Submitted by Kaitlyn Smith, Program Assistant The vision of 4-H is to create a world where youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for a positive change. The mission of 4-H is to empower youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults no matter the subject category. So, how are the vision and mission of 4-H accomplished realistically? There are many routes to the same goal of making an impact on a youth’s life. According to Pennsylvania State University, 4-H uses mission mandates to accomplish these goals in the following ways: Citizenship: Since its inception, 4-H has placed emphasis on the importance of young people being engaged, wellinformed citizens. By connecting to their communities and community leaders, youth understand their role in civic affairs and expand their role in decision making processes. It’s clear that civic engagement provides the foundation that helps youth understand the “big picture” of life and find purpose and meaning. The core areas are: • Civic Engagement/Service & Education • Leadership • Citizenship is interwoven into learning experiences through opportunities to engage with the community and through building relationships with both youth and adults from diverse backgrounds. Healthy Living: Healthy food and nutrition has been addressed by the program since its inception in 1902. Having a long history of promoting healthy living among youth and their families, 4-H has become a national leader in health-related education. The 4-H Healthy Living Mission Mandate engages youth and families through access and opportunities to achieve optimal physical, social, and emotional well-being. The core areas are: • Nutrition/Fitness Page 10
• Social-Emotional Health/Prevention of Injuries • Prevention of Tobacco/Alcohol/other Drug Use Healthy living is interwoven into learning experiences through opportunities to make decisions that lead to positive well-being for the individual and the community in which they live. Science: The need for science, engineering, and technology education is essential for today’s young people. Programs prepare youth for the challenges by engaging them in a process of discovery and exploration. The core areas are: • Animal Science & Agriculture • Applied Mathematics • Consumer Science and Engineering • Environmental Science, Natural Resources, and Life Science • Technology/ Science is interwoven into learning experiences through inquiry based opportunities that connect knowledge, skills, and resources to practical application across multiple settings. These mission mandates intertwine and integrate across project areas. The content development of the mandates is tied to the research/teaching of the land grant university, and provides the educational foundation of 4-H. EIGHT ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS 1. A positive relationship with a caring adult-acts as an advisor, guide, and mentor. The adult helps set boundaries and expectations for young people. 2. A safe environment – physically and emotionally. Youth should not fear physical or emotional harm while participating in a 4-H experience whether from the learning environment itself, adults, other participants or spectators. 3. Opportunity for mastery-is the building of knowledge, skills, and attitudes and then demonstrating the competent use of this knowledge in the
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manner of a proficient practitioner. The level of mastery is dependent on the developmental ability of the individual child or youth. It is a process over time. 4. Opportunity to value and practice service for others. Finding one’s self begins with losing yourself in the service of others. Service is a way for members to gain exposure to the larger community, indeed the world itself. 5. Opportunity for self-determination. Believing that you have impact over life’s events rather than passively submitting to the will and whims of others is selfdetermination. Youth must exercise a sense of influence over their lives, exercising their potential to become selfdirecting, autonomous adults. 6. An inclusive environment- is one that creates a sense of belonging, encourages and supports its members with positive and specific feedback. Healthy groups celebrate the success of all members taking pride in the collective efforts of all. 7. Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future. The ability to see oneself in the future is to harness the hope and optimism to shape life choices to facilitate the transition into participating in the future. 8. Engagement in learning- engaged youth is one who is mindful of the subject area, building relationships and connections in order to develop understanding. Through self-reflection, youth have the ability to self-correct and learn from experience. The engaged learner has a higher degree of selfmotivation and an inexhaustible capacity to create. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Source: https://extension.psu.edu/ Section 03:Mission and Philosophy of 4-H and Youth Programs. VIP facts 3
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RIGHT TO FARM LAW: IN A NUTSHELL Written by Nat Tompkins, Ag Business Coordinator
deemed to be a nuisance and to allow ag necessary for the business of farming to unreasonable and unwarranted interfere
A town’s Right to Farm law contains provi and necessary agricultural practices and health and safety. In order to promote be neighbors, many Right to Farm laws requ about such laws, and that farming activiti dust, noise, and odor. Many Right to Farm controversies between farm and non-farm controversy arise that cannot be settled b either party may submit the controversy Remember, as we mentioned earlier, eac differ slightly, so please check with your your town’s Right to Farm law says.
Have you ever had h d this th hi moment? t You’re t? Y ’ driving d i i on some road d you’ve ’ gone over a million times. Every little house, business, or street sign blend together after you drive it a few times. Then all of a sudden, you’re snapped out of your trance! There’s something new that wasn’t there before. As you get closer, you start to notice its details. It’s rectangular, longer than it is wide. You can’t quite make out the words yet, but you know it’s green and white. As you draw closer and closer it becomes easier to read. The top reads “Bethel” followed by “A Right to Farm Community” below that. There’s a green and white silhouette of a farmer tending to their fields on a tractor, with the words “Share the Road” at the bottom. “Well, that’s new,” you think to yourself. But what is it? And where did it come from? Maybe you haven’t seen these signs yet, but you might soon! Towns are starting to put up Right to Farm signs all over Sullivan County, and we’re here to help you understand what that means. A Right to Farm (RTF) law is a law where the title pretty much speaks for itself. It helps to protect and promote the farmer’s right to farm, and maintains their opportunities to run a successful farm busi-ness. To do this, Right to Farm laws can be created by a town or county in order to promote farming activities. Right to Farm laws can vary slightly between each town. For example, the Town of Bethel’s Right to Farm law states “The Town Board recognizes farming is an essential enterprise and an important industry which enhances the economic base, natural environment and quality of life in the Town of Bethel”. The town board further declares that it “shall be the policy of this Town to encourage agriculture and foster understanding by all residents of the necessary dayto-day operations involved in farming so as to encourage cooperation with those practices”. And “It is the general purpose…to permit the continuation of agricultural practices, to protect the existence and operation of farms, to encourage the initiation and expansion of farms and agribusinesses, and to promote new ways to resolve disputes concerning agricultural practices and farm operations. In order to maintain a viable farming economy in the Town of Bethel, it is necessary to limit the circumstances under which farming may be
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The primary reason these protections are and we need to protect their ability to do available supply of food. Agriculture can If these protections weren’t in place, farm lawsuits for doing activities they need to crops. Residents may want towns to impo
“As a farmer, I know how dange with other motorists. These sign awareness of these drivers and for ALL of us to travel! Thank yo County’s Planning Department f - Thomas R. Bose
making ma aki king ing g it it difficult diff di fffic i ul ultt to m make ak ke a living. liviing li g Farme Fa arm me daily basis. Between never knowing what for, unpredictable weather, and any numb in general, it’s a very tough and fragile th running. If local towns were to pass regul a farmer’s ability to do their work, there w farm land gets bought up by non-agricul that ever gets planted in the ground is bl of farmland in Sullivan County, Cornell C Sullivan County’s Agricultural and Farmla municipalities have been working hard to increase constituent understanding of be
One of the goals of the Sullivan County A is to “increase public recognition of the v develop a better understanding of farm i this goal, Cornell Cooperative Extension awarded, a grant to help develop those lo seen while out and about. Eleven out of th Freemont, Rockland, Mamakating, Never Lumberland, and Forestburgh) have RTF
gricultural practices inherent to and proceed and be undertaken free of nce or restriction”.
isions for farmers to conduct reasonable d does not constitute a threat to public etter relations between farmers and uire realtors to inform prospective buyers ies may occur, possibly resulting in m laws also include language regarding m neighbors. For example, should a between the neighbor and the farmer, to a dispute resolution committee. ch municipality’s Right to Farm law may municipality regarding exactly what
e in place is that farmers grow our food, o their work in order to have a readily n be a messy, noisy, and smelly endeavor. mers could incur all sorts of nuisance do in order to raise livestock or grow ose restrictions on them,
erous it is to “share the road” ns, I hope, will raise the help make our roads safer u to Extension and Sullivan for making that possible.” e, Town of Callicoon Supervisor
erss already er allread ady meet m et me et many man ny challenges chal ch alle al leng nges ges e on on a t price the goods you produce will go ber of other obstacles that can occur hing to keep a farm business up and lations that could unreasonably obstruct would likely be very few farms left. Once ltural buyers, typically the last thing acktop. To facilitate the preservation Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, and Protection Board, and various o put up Right to Farm signs and to est farm management practices.
a huge gap in public awareness about the existence of these laws. Most of the time, folks don’t realize that they’re living in a Right to Farm Community until they encounter a conflict with a farming neighbor. This can lead to frustration for both parties involved. In order to narrow this gap, the County’s agricultural agencies partnered with municipalities to install RTF signs within those 11 towns. Our hope is that these signs will serve as visual reminders about the importance of agriculture in Sullivan County. Additional educational materials and opportunities are on the horizon in 2018. Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County has updated its website with information on RTF laws, the municipalities with the laws in place, and will soon include additional information on agricultural districts. When people have questions about the laws, and where they may be implemented, they can visit sullivancce.org or contact their local municipal offices to get the information they need. CCE has also held a workshop on RTF laws for both realtor and town officials. This workshop helps disperse information on the laws to a wide audience. If realtors are aware that the property they are showing is in a Right to Farm town, they can make the potential homeowners aware of that, and answer questions the buyers may have. If town officials can speak about the law in a knowledgeable way, they’ll be able to explain it to town residents that may be wondering about what farmers can and cannot do. We plan on making this an ongoing workshop opportunity, and will be offering another in winter of 2018. R Right to Farm laws exist for a reason. Farming is a vital part of the economy in S Sullivan County, and it’s important to protect farmers from harmful regulations or l lawsuits that may be brought against them for doing their jobs. It’s important the p public knows about these laws too. After all, they are also a part of the community t they live in, and should know how to coexist and work with farmers who produce t food supply. The next time you’re stuck behind a tractor for two miles, just the r remember this; that ten minute delay would only get you two blocks further down i NYC. So slow down, crank up some tunes on your radio, enjoy the scenery in a around you, and share the road with farmers. Sullivan County Right to Farm signs were designed by Dorene Warner from S WDesign in Barryville NY and are produced by Keller Signs in Monticello.
Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan value of agriculture and farmland, and to issues by non-farmers”. To accomplish n Sullivan County applied for, and was ovely road signs that you may have he 15 municipalities (Bethel, Callicoon, sink, Liberty, Cochecton, Delaware, laws enacted. Unfortunately, there is
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Over 100 guests attended our
Marylin Jones
Farm Fresh Breakfast
state and national recognition
Distinguished Service Award YOGA4CLASSROOMS
THUNDER MINUTE
FARM FRESH FRIENDS
September 27-29
October 2, 16, 23, 30
October 6
Sixteen school-based teams and individual school professionals who wish to launch and maintain a school-wide initiative supporting physical, social, and emotional health and wellness, learning-readiness and a positive school climate gathered at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County for a seventeen hour in-person workshop to learn skills on how to apply mindfulness in their schools district wide. Educators prepared for the training with six hours of home study using resources provided by Yoga4Classrooms Founder and CEO, Lisa Flynn.
NATIONAL 4-H WEEK October 1-7 CCE Sullivan celebrated National 4-H Week with our partners at Tractor Supply Company, who sold paper clovers as part of a bi-annual 4-H fundraiser. Seven clubs also competed in the annual 4-H Display contest to promote the county-wide program.
JAMMING @ BETHEL WOODS October 1 Master Food Preserver Volunteers wrapped up CCESC’s weekly presence at the Bethel Woods Harvest Festival, even having a chance to do a food demonstration for Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. Festival goers got a taste of freshly preserved carrot cake and jalapeño pepper jams. Page 16
Tune in to Thunder 102 radio every Monday at 5:00 pm for the CCE Sullivan Monday Minute. Rotating staff go on air each week with Mike Sakell to give snapshots of upcoming CCE programs!
COMMUNITY HELP October 3, 10, 17, 31 On Tuesday mornings, CCESC hosts our friends from New Hope Community, who are helping with fall garden cleanup and learning about the wonders of soil and microbes at the same time!
TAI CHI & FLY FISHING October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 The Caregiver Resource Center’s Tai Chi for Fall Prevention was offered to a full house, two times per week, at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. This site provides senior participants with a soothing and restorative place to practice self-care.
Once again, the CCE staff hosted the First Friday “Farm Fresh” Breakfast for nearly 100 Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce members in partnership with the Chamber and Catskill Veterinary Services. We are pleased to be able to highlight local farm and food producers at this annual event. See page 20 for more.
4-H KUDOS October 10-12 4-H Program Coordinator Marylin Jones ventured to Ellicottville, NY to the NYS 4-H Conference. She received a Distinguished Service Award for the state and returned with dozens of exciting project ideas. She will be off to Indianapolis next month for the National 4-H Conference, where she will be recognized again as one of the country’s most distinguished 4-H professionals! Congratulations, Marylin! See the December issue for more.
PUMPKIN PARTY October 11
ACTIVE AFTER WORK October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 As one of 48 Healthy Worksites across the county, CCE Sullivan hosts worksite Cize aerobic exercise classes in six session increments for its staff. To learn more about reducing healthcare costs and increasing employee motivation and teamwork through worksite wellness programs, contact the CCESC office.
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The Junior Master Gardener Series wrapped up on this Wednesday evening with a pumpkin decorating party! Youth participants each decorated a pumpkin to take home, generously donated by Cunningham Family Farms. A great time was had by all, over cider!
POVERTY SIMULATION
4-H LEADER RALLY
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
October 13, November 1
October 18
October 4, 10, 19, 25
CCESC hosted a Poverty Simulation Volunteer Training Session, with a full simulation November 1, in partnership with our friends at Maternal Infant Services Network and Health Link. The trained volunteers worked with more than 50 participants at the simulation, which helps community members and workers understand a day in the life of a family in poverty, better preparing them to serve and support their clients and customers.
SENIOR SAFETY DAY October 18 With the Sullivan County Office for the Aging, the Caregiver Resource Center hosted the annual Senior Safety Day at the Ted Stroeble Center in Monticello. This year, more than 100 senior citizens learned about fire safety and health care.
In an effort to more fully engage and support 4-H volunteer club leaders, the 4-H staff team hosted a leader rally! The rally focused on building understanding and comradery around program processes, project ideas, and peer-topeer connections and support.
SMARTER LUNCHROOMS October 18 The Healthy Schools team worked with Sullivan BOCES at White Sulphur Springs to set up a multitude of equipment and supplies to support their Smarter Lunchroom activities. Smarter Lunchrooms provides a framework for organizing cafeterias in a way that makes it easy for students to make healthy choices.
Each week, in different parts of the county, the Caregiver Resource Center hosts a Caregiver Support Group. Folks who are caring for ill or homebound loved ones are invited for a brief respite, to enjoy like company, and share in a supportive space. To learn more, call Bonnie at 845-292-6180.
HEALTHY HALLOWEEN October 31 Dozens of children visited the CCESC Extension Education Center in Liberty to trick-or-treat in their costumes, to receive fun (and healthy) Frankenstein Local Apple Treats! Staff delivered the fruit snacks to over 86 students of Sullivan BOCES at White Sulphur Springs for their Halloween Fall Festival. Thanks to Gerry Orchards, the Center for Discovery, and Ochs Orchard for donating the apples!
DHI Report
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A FARMING LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Submitted by Bethany Keene, Outreach & Development Team Lead, Delaware Highlands Conservancy In Sullivan County, our local farms are an important part of our way of life. They provide fresh, healthy food and support a sustainable local economy. Many of these farms have existed for generations, and these special places are not just an important part of our shared local history, but are drivers of our future success as a region. But to ensure a sustainable future for Sullivan County and the entire Upper Delaware River region, we must think about what we can all do to keep our local farms in operation; now, and for generations to come. Last fall, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy worked with local landowner Chuck Laven to protect a special dairy farm in Sullivan County. The 315-acre farm on Gorr Road
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has been in continuous operation for more than 150 years, since it was first purchased by the Gorr family in the 1860s. Chuck is only the fourth owner of this beautiful property, which also includes streams and wetlands, forests, and an old pasture with fruit trees—all of which provide important habitat for wildlife—not to mention a stunning, scenic 75-mile view. Chuck recognizes the importance of continuing the operation of the dairy farm, especially in the northern region of Sullivan County where a number of other farms are also operating. “In order for dairy farming to succeed, you need to have enough of a concentrated mass of nearby farms,” Chuck explains. “All the things you need to make farming work— tractor repair, feed operations—aren’t available with just a single operating farm.” The 2014 Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan in Sullivan County
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identifies this region of the county as an important base for continual dairy farming, and Chuck hopes that some of his other neighbors will eventually consider permanently protecting their farms as well. To read the full story about Gorr Road Farm and other protected properties in our region, or to learn more about your options for permanently protecting your cherished family land from poorly planned development, visit www.delawarehighlands.org/ landowner_stories. The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works in partnership with landowners and communities to protect the natural heritage and quality of life of the Upper Delaware River region. For more information, call 845-583-1010 or visit www.DelawareHighlands.org.
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CCE Sullivan Spotlights
Volunteer Spotlight ALAN SORENSEN
Partner Spotlight SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County staff hosted the annual Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce “Farm Fresh” First Friday Breakfast on October 6, sponsored by Catskill Veterinary Services. Staff members prepared a hot, locally sourced meal with ingredients contributed by The Bake House, Beaverdam Brook Farms, Brey’s Egg Farm, Catskill Mountain Sugar House, Cunningham Family Farms, and Ochs Orchard. Over 80 guests filled the Extension Education Center to network and learn about all the opportunities CCESC has to offer. This event allows us to fund a Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce membership, keeping us at the table so to speak with discounted rates for chamber events and services. We are grateful that the Sullivan County Chamber has been so supportive of Extension, sharing our offerings via social media and email, in addition to providing mailing lists and more. Thanks to Cathy and Claudia!
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Alan J. Sorensen, AICP is a Sullivan County Legislator for District 9 and the president of Planit Main Street Inc., a consulting firm specializing in comprehensive planning, downtown revitalization, land use planning, grant procurement and economic development. He was selected as the Statewide 2000 Friend of Extension by Cornell University, in recognition of his efforts to “enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work”. This September, Alan donated his talents to play live music for the CCESC chicken BBQ fundraiser which raised over $7,000. A 4-H alumnus, Alan was raised in a farming family and has been involved in government work in support of agriculture in Sullivan County. Mr. Sorensen holds both a master’s in city and regional planning from Rutgers University and a master’s in public administration with honors from Pace University. Alan and his wife Jane (pictured) have three children, Christopher, Jaclynn, and Sara, and reside in Rock Hill, NY. We thank Alan for his support of CCE and agriculture over the years!
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School Spotlight ROBERT J KAISER MIDDLE SCHOOL The Catskill Edible Garden Project “Chef in the Classroom” Program encourages hands-on and fun participation with a professional chef as a team effort. On October 25, Chef Michael Bel, director of the Culinary Arts Program at SUNY Sullivan, prepared healthy breakfast foods from around the world with the Earth Guardian students at the RJK Middle School in Monticello. The menu included frittatas, crepes with berries, banana smoothies, and Canadian style oatmeal (made with maple syrup). Some ingredients were sourced from the school garden! The Catskill Edible Garden Project is a partnership between Catskill Mountainkeeper, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County and Sullivan Renaissance. [Photo by Samantha Busch]
CCE Sullivan Spotlights
4-H Spotlight NYS RABBIT/CAVY BREEDERS ASSOC. AWARD RECIPIENTS
Nominate a Star
On the weekend of October 28-29, three active Sullivan County 4-H members competed in the NYS Rabbit/Cavy Breeder’s Association State Education Contest at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
Know someone who deserves the shine off the spotlight?
Charlotte Uciechowski, a Cloverbud, won first runner up Lady. Her brother, Alexander Uciechowski, won the Prince division and received the Junior Management Award for the state. Rebecca Coombe won the Queen division, competing against 5 other “queens”, and was the first runer up for the Senior Management Award for the state. There were 21 participants total. Congrats, 4-H’ers!
nas96@cornell.edu du
Email Nicole Slevin: n:
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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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CURLY MAPLE WINE BAR FUNDRAISER
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Get Your Ticket - You Can Win! Winner chosen at Annual Meeting (see back cover) Love this curly maple wine bar? It can be yours! Enter for a drawing to be pulled at our Annual Meeting on December 5. Need not be present to win. Handmade by John Kline. Purchase tickets with cash or check ($5 each or 3 tickets for $10) at the office.
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SULLIVAN COUNTY HORSEBOWL & HIPPOLOGY ARE BACK! Submitted by Erin Denman, 4-H Youth Member
4-H is a global network of organizations dedicated to helping youth reach and develop their fullest potential through family consumer sciences, community services and outdoor and agricultural activities. The New York Southern Regional Horse Bowl and Hippology Contest is
On Thursday, November 2, the first Horse Bowl and Hippology practice in three years will take place at Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) from 6:30 to 8:30pm in Liberty. This will be the kick off to the next six monthly practices leading up to March of 2018, the month of the regional Horse Bowl and Hippology Contest. Horse Bowl and Hippology is a fun and educational way to show your passion for horses without having to own one! Through trivia, it challenges you with topics ranging from general horse facts like the body parts, colors and breeds, to higher level knowledge such as specific events and history, distinct diseases and veterinary care and precise management and industry. But the best part? It comes with food! This year’s practices have been officially designated “Popcorn Nights.” Everyone can learn all of this and enjoy a popcorn snack! Barbara Moran, 4-H animal science
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coordinator and chair of the Sullivan County Horse Task force at CCESC, will be running these practices and forming teams to compete in the contest with the help of other 4-H volunteers. But even if you are not in 4-H, you can participate! The practice is free for 4-H members, and nonmembers only have to pay a five dollar fee. Also, if contests are not your thing, you don’t have to compete. Horse Bowl and Hippology is a great way for all interested in the horse industry to be ready for the best college and career opportunities suited for them!
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the first level of a national 4-H competition that tests the knowledge of the individual in the equine field. Members of 4-H aged nine to nineteen as of January 1st are eligible to compete in teams of two to four kids in either the junior or senior levels. If they are entering the contest for the first time, they will be placed in the junior and senior novice divisions. The Horse Bowl and Hippology practices and Sullivan County 4-H Youth Program are centered at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty, an organization that supports local agriculture by providing resources for farmers and consumers to strengthen our food systems. For more information about Horse Bowl and Hippology, the Sullivan County 4-H Program, or CCE, visit sullivancce.org
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the Date Save Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 103rd Annual Meeting
December 5
th
Celebrating Sullivan’s Health &Wellness Leaders
Held at New Hope Community
6-8p
RSVP sullivancce.org
The winner of the handmade wine bar drawing will be chosen!
See page 22.