Extension Connection
USPS-525-100
Sullivan County
YOUR LINK TO LOCAL, RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS TO BETTER YOUR LIFE
VOLUME LXXXXIX NO. 11
NOVEMBER 2018
Seniors and caregivers learned about sepsis prevention and recognition, medication safety, and senior scams at the Annual Senior Safety Day in October.
Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs
Issue Isssue sue Highlights Higghhligghhts
Agri-Tourism Workshop
Farm Bill Update & Status Report
Medication Management
Houseplants Improve Indoor Air Quality
Free Caregiver Support Groups
Things to Know before Choosing an Electricity Supplier
NY Gives Day Online Fundraiser: Kids Cooking in the Catskills Kitchen 4-H Winter Workshops
Get to Know Your Neighborhood with a Walk Audit
Annual Meeting: Farms, Food, & Family
Want an Independent, Confident, Resilient Kid? Camp Can Help!
Master Gardener Poinsettia Sale
Tips to Stay Sharp, Smart, & Focused
4-H Dog Achievement Series
Community Guest Editorial: WJFF Radio Catskill
4-H Poultry Palooza See page 12 for more events!
Check out page 14 for fast facts, a healthy recipe, and more!
Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue! Issue!
Table Table of of Contents Contents
Page 3 Message from the Executive Director
Page 10 Get to Know Your Neighborhood with a Walk Audit
Page 22 Opportunities for You
Page 4 Farm Bill Update & Status
Page 12 Upcoming Programs
Page 5 DHI Report: September
Page 13 Step It Up Infographic
Page 6 Soil Health & Cover Crops
Page 14 Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use!
Page 26 Want an Independent, Confident, Resilient Kid? Camp Can Help!
Page 23 Sponsorships
Page 16 In Case You Missed It
Page 27 Tips to Stay Sharp, Smart, & Focused
Page 8 Things to Know before Choosing an Electricity Supplier
Page 18 Community Guest Editorial of the Month
Page 28 Master Gardener Poinsettia Sale Order Form
Page 9 Free Farm Stands
Page 20 CCESC Spotlights
Page 7 Houseplants Improve Indoor Air Quality
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
8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday Phone: 845-292-6180 Fax: 845-292-4946 Website: www.sullivancce.org E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu Twitter.com/ccesullivan Facebook.com/ccesullivan Instagram.com/cce_sullivan_county YouTube: bitly.com/ccesullivan
Edited by: Nicole Slevin & Colleen Monaghan Designed by: Centermost Marketing, LLC 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 Julie Bleach...............................................................Taste NY Assistant Market Manager SueAnn Boyd.......................................................Healthy Schools Program Coordinator Wanda V. Cruz.............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Robert Kaplan..............................President Jessica Glassel.....................................................................................Finance Assistant Amy Erlwein........................Vice President Beth Johnston-Groth...............................................................Administrative Assistant II Dawn Parsons...............................Treasurer Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator John Kiefer...................................Secretary Bridget Kackos...................................................................................Association Intern Nadia Rajsz........................Legislative Rep. Bonnie Lewis.............................................................Dependent Care Subject Educator Todd Brown Michelle Proscia................................................................Agriculture Subject Educator Jenny Chamberlain Erica Lynch........................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator Marcie Ehrman Melinda Meddaugh.....................................................Ag & Food Systems Team Leader Denise Frangipane Sonja Hedlund Barbara Moran...............................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator John “JP� Lang Bee Moser................................................................................Eat Smart NY Nutritionist Erin Mason Vanessa Pahucki.....................................................................Taste NY Market Manager Klu Padu Nicole Slevin.......................................................Communications & Diversity Manager Luisa Parker Kaitlyn Conklin............................................................................4-H Program Educator Robert Wong Nat Tompkins...............................................Agriculture Business Program Coordinator Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Malinda Ware......................................Health & Community Development Issue Leader Mary Winter...............................................................Temporary Horticulture Assistant Sean Welsh...........................................................................Energy Resource Educator John Wilcox........................................................................................Facilities Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Greetings, friends! Wow! Summer left as fast as it came! But we are still busy at the Extension office pushing out some of our most visible projects in a decade. Late last month, in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Empire State Development, we launched the Hudson Valley Catskills Welcome Center and Taste NY Woodbury retail store at the Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets in Central Valley. With our Extension partners across the region we secured more than $23,000 in product from agriculture, farm, and food related producers to highlight what our region has to offer the more than 14 million annual visitors to the site. We hope you’ll come on down and do some holiday shopping with us to support your neighbors in agriculture! In addition, the CCE Sullivan Ag team has been working on building out the new CCE Sullivan Fresh ~ Market on the Move! This project, funded by the Creating Healthy Schools & Communities grant, includes a mobile farmers’ market vehicle that will bring farm fresh produce and wares around the county next season. The mobile market will accept cash, credit, and all types of benefit programs including the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for Sullivan County seniors, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) coupons, making it easy-peasy for Sullivan County residents to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, AND keeping local dollars in Sullivan County farmers’ pockets! Also in October, our friends at Superior Surfacing finished repairing and paving the parking lot at the Extension Education Center. We borrowed to pay for the project so we still have lots of fundraising to do to take care of it, but it sure does look sharp! It was the perfect project to prepare us for our next capital improvement adventure! CCE Sullivan has been awarded almost a quarter million dollars to renovate the three upstairs classrooms, including the teaching kitchen and the lobby entrance to the Education Center, ensuring that all spaces, and the activities and workshops that take place in them, are accessible to our mobility and audio impaired friends and neighbors. This project includes multiple components including motion detected sliding entrance doors, state-of-the-art audio/visual upgrades, varying and adjustable height learning workstations and equipment, and more. This, along with the sidewalks and parking lot projects, are making sure that the Extension Education Center remains a viable and accessible community space for “any person, any study”. With all this in mind, we ask for your patience with us as we work through the various phases of construction, and we welcome you to support other, complimentary and necessary capital projects that still need to be done. These include complete replacement of the 32-year-old HVAC system and the upgrading of ADA compliant restrooms on both levels of the buildings. While all this is happening, the team is also planning CCE Sullivan’s 104th Annual Meeting. Please mark your calendars and consider joining us to celebrate Farms, Food, and Families on Wednesday, December 12 at 5:30 pm at New Hope Community in Loch Sheldrake. Until then, try to stay warm!
Warm Wishes, Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director cm638@cornell.edu
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FARM BILL UPDATE & STATUS REPORT Submitted by Nat Tompkins, Ag Business Coordinator The US Farm Bill is one of the largest and most sweeping bills that goes through Congress. The bill, which needs to be renewed every five years, covers programs that provide safety nets for our food producers, all the way to SNAP benefits for lower income households. Although the bill is usually passed through most years with extreme bipartisan support, Congress did not pass a new one before the 2014 Farm Bill expired on September 30, 2018. This leaves a lot of questions in the minds of people who are used to the Farm Bill being passed on time, like what goes into the Farm Bill? What happens when the bill expires? And when should we expect Congress to replace the US Farm Bill? What goes into the Farm Bill? The 2014 Farm Bill was comprised of twelve titles. Each title is a specific area granting authorization to similar programs and their funding are all housed under the bill. Below is a list of the twelve titles, and a brief descriptions of them: • Commodities: The Commodities Title covers price and income supports for the farmers who raise widely-produced and traded crops, like corn, soybeans, wheat, and rice – as well as dairy and sugar. • Conservation: The Conservation Titles includes programs that help farmers with implementing conservation efforts. This title also creates conversation requirements for farm to take part of other titles included in the Farm Bill. • Trade: The Trade Title covers food exports and international food aid programs. • Nutrition: This title covers any and all nutrition programs. Including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Page 4
• Credit: The Credit Title covers federal loan programs for farmers who are not able to obtain credit from a traditional lender. • Rural Development: This title covers programs aimed at developing rural economies across the country. This can include grants for IDAs, local governments, and businesses. • Research: The Research Title provides funding for research to Land-Grant Universities to provide farm and a food innovation for the public. • Forestry: This titles covers forestspecific conservation programs, and creates incentives for farmers and rural land owners to conserve their natural forest resources. • Energy: This title creates programs that incentivize farmers to grow crops for biofuels, helps farmers to install onfarm renewable energy systems, and support research related to energy. • Specialty Crops & Horticulture: Specialty crops refers to fruits, vegetables, nuts, and nursery crops. The title covers programs that help out with farmers market and local food programs. It also funds research and infrastructure for those crops, and funds organic research and certification programs. • Crop Insurance: The crop insurance program provides subsidies to farmers, and also subsidies to private crop insurance companies who provide crop insurance to farmers. • Miscellaneous: The Miscellaneous Title brings together advocacy and outreach programs for beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers; agricultural labor safety and workforce development; and livestock health.
Each of those titles together create the Farm Bill. The cost for the 2014 Farm Bill was roughly $489 billion over its five year authorization. Currently there is no way to know what the new Farm Bill will cost due to it not being finished yet.
What happens when a Farm Bill expires? The most important thing to understand is that when a Farm Bill expires it does not affect every title within the bill. Some programs revert back to an era when the last permanent agriculture laws were in place. This being the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agriculture Act of 1949. There are certain parts of the Farm Bill that continue due to their authority and funding being granted through separate bills that are not the Farm Bill. Examples of these programs would be crop insurance and SNAP. Other programs would cease to exist upon expiration. We’ll go over those first. Most programs stopped existing after the Farm Bill expired, and only are funded through fiscal year 2018. An example of this would be the popular Conservation Reserve Program. The program has been given mandatory funding through FY 2018, but without an extension or new Farm Bill. This program no long has funding. The effects of not passing the Farm Bill have already gone through the USDA divisions. Both FSA and NRCS have been instructed to not take on anymore applicants for programs that expired on September 30th, 2018. Certain programs continue with discretionary funding. However, they may lose their authorizing language without a new Farm Bill. This means that the USDA can still operate these programs, and could change parts of the programs in this category. However, the USDA most likely will not be doing this, and these programs should continue to operate in the exact same way they have before. Two programs that make up 90 percent of the money spent on the Farm Bill have permanent
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authorization. SNAP is authorized through the Farm Bill, but receives its discretionary funding through Congress’ yearly appropriations process. Since funds come from a place that is not the Farm Bill, SNAP continues on without the Farm Bill. The other program is the Federal Crop Insurance program, it, like SNAP, is permanently authorized outside of the Farm Bill and does not need the Farm Bill to continue its operation. If there is no new Farm Bill, or the previous one is not extended, the Agricultural Adjustment act of 1939 and Agriculture Act of 1949 would take effect. Although those programs were fantastic, and worked well back in that point in time, the 2018 American agriculture economy is vastly different from that point in time in American history, and would cause issues for the government, farmers, and consumers. First off, this change will cost the government an exuberant amount of money. Also, the USDA will have to figure out a way to implement those laws. This adds time, and time means even more
money. These acts largely will affect the commodities producers in our country. It creates minimum prices adjusted for inflation that farmers will receive. For example, if those two laws take effect, the USDA would be required to buy dairy products at about four times the current prices. This will cost the government millions, if not billions, and will also greatly drive up consumer purchase prices for the products. When will a new Farm Bill be passed? The short answer to this question is, nobody knows. As of right now the House of Representatives is not in session due to the election in November. Certain members of the conference committee have stayed in Washington D.C. to keep negotiations going, but nothing will be voted on by the House until November. There are essentially three options for the bill at this point: • The first being that Congress passes a new Farm Bill in the lame duck session of Congress between the election and
January when the new session begins, and then the President signs the bill into law. • The second is that Congress is not able to pass a new Farm Bill in the lame duck session, but they pass an extension of the 2014 Farm Bill allowing the chance for the new Congressional session to start over on a new Farm Bill with the old one in place. • The third option would be if Congress is not able to get an extension passed before the new Congressional session happening in 2019. That is when the aforementioned actions start happening. Not only would there be no Farm Bill, but Congress would have to start over in crafting a new one.
Sources: Farm Policy Facts. (2018). A Short History and Summary of the Farm Bill - Farm Policy Facts. [online] Available at: https://www. farmpolicyfacts.org/farm-policy-history/ [Accessed 16 Oct. 2018]. Farm Bill Law Enterprise. (2018).What Happens If There is No New Farm Bill by October 1? -- Part Two | Farm Bill Law Enterprise. [online] Available at: http://www.farmbilllaw. org/2018/08/29/what-happens-if-there-isno-new-farm-bill-by-october-1-part-two/ [Accessed 17 Oct. 2018].
DHI Report: SEPTEMBER
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SOIL HEALTH & COVER CROPS Submitted by Michelle Proscia, Agriculture Subject Educator Soil health is a hot topic these days, one that is justifiably receiving considerable attention from farmers and their farm advisors. Whereas in the past, soil testing and evaluation focused more on chemical and physical measures, new research has shown that the biology of the soil is very important to its overall health and productivity. An incredible diversity of bacteria, protozoa, arthropods, nematodes, fungi, and earthworms create a hidden food web in the soil that affects how crops grow, how soil nutrients are cycled, and whether rainfall is quickly absorbed into the soil and stays where crops roots can access that moisture. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has identified four basic principles or approaches for maintaining and improving soil health: • Keep the soil covered as much as possible • Disturb the soil as little as possible • Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil • Diversify crop rotations as much as possible, including cover crops
Farmers can support these principles by using cover crops, which are conservation plantings of fastgrowing annuals such as rye, clovers, vetches and radishes. Cover crops protect and improve the soil when a cash crop is not growing. In the case of summer commodity crops like corn and soybeans, cover crops can keep the soil covered in fall, winter and early spring. They make it easier to use no-till or other conservation tillage approaches that disturb the soil less, and they help with weed control. Plant diversity is helpful for soil organisms because it gives them Page 6
a greater variety of food sources, and cover crops are an easy way to diversify a crop rotation that may otherwise see only one or two crops grown in a field. Adding cover crops to a rotation can greatly increase the portion of the year when living roots are present for soil organisms to feed on.
future success of farming and our food supply depends on keeping the topsoil we still have, and cover crops are exceptional at helping stop erosion. Using no-till with cover crops can reduce erosion to a tiny fraction of what it would otherwise be in a conventional corn and soybean system.
By building soil organic matter, cover crops can gradually impact the need for some types of fertilizer. Just as important to nutrient management is the way cover crops can scavenge or collect any nutrients left at the end of a growing season, such as nitrogen left in the field after corn is done growing. The cover crop will hold that nitrogen rather than letting it escape into tile lines leading to rivers and lakes or drain away into groundwater. Eventually that nitrogen will be released the next season to help the next year’s cash crops.
Beef cattle and other livestock are usually kept in pastures and out of crop fields, which has some conveniences but is not ideal for soil health. The manure from livestock grazing on cover crops in a grain field can be beneficial for building organic matter and soil health. It is also a great way to get immediate profit from cover crops, as certain cover crop species can be very high-quality forage in late fall or early spring.
Generally, the more plant diversity in a field and the longer that living roots are growing, the more biodiversity there will be in soil organisms, leading to healthier soil. Growing mixes of cover crops or adding a few different cover crop species to an overall crop rotation—such as cereal rye before soybeans, and oats, radishes or crimson clover before corn—improves diversity. Many Corn Belt commodity farmers are adding a third cash crop to their rotation, usually a small grain such as wheat, and then using the earlier harvest of wheat to grow a more diverse mix of covers for several months. They sometimes graze those cover crop mixes for extra profit and because animal manure benefits soil biology. On many fields that have some slope to them, half the topsoil has already been lost from the days when they were first farmed. The
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Methods of improving soil health come back to the core principles identified by NRCS, including a greater diversity of plants, keeping the soil covered, having living roots in the soil throughout the year and disturbing the soil less. As we learn more about soil biology, it’s clear that even modest use of cover crops makes a big difference for soil health.
Source: Myers, Rob.“Soil Heath and Cover Crop Facts.” Ten Ways Cover Crops Enhance Soil Health, December 2017,
HOUSEPLANTS IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY Submitted by Malinda Ware, Senior Issue Leader Research has shown that houseplants play an important role in cleaning the air we breathe, both indoors and out. Plants produce their own food (carbohydrates) through the process of photosynthesis. We’ve known for a long time that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as part of the photosynthetic process. Researchers have learned that many common houseplants absorb other harmful gases as well. This research was spearheaded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where they have researched methods of cleansing the atmosphere in future space stations to keep them fit for human habitation over extended periods of time. They’ve found that many common houseplants and blooming potted plants help fight pollution indoors. They’re reportedly able to scrub significant amounts of harmful gases out of the air during photosynthesis. The three major offenders are benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene and are commonly found in relatively new homes and offices. Many newer buildings are constructed largely with man-made building materials and furnished with synthetic carpeting, fabrics, laminated counters, plastic coated wallpaper, and other materials known to “out-gas” pollutants into the interior environment. Newer energy efficient homes are better insulated and sealed more tightly to increase heating and cooling efficiency. While it does save both money and energy, this new found efficiency has its downside in that pollutants can be trapped indoors and have less opportunity
to dissipate to the outside. If your home is old enough to be leaky and drafty, you may not need to worry about these indoor pollutants. But if you live in a newer, energyefficient home with windows and doors tightly sealed, or you work in a building where the air feels stale and circulation seems poor, the use of houseplants seems like an easy way to improve indoor air quality. Soil and roots were also found to play an important role in removing airborne pollutants. Micro-organisms in the soil become more efficient at absorbing these materials as they were exposed to them for longer periods of time. Their effectiveness is increased if lower leaves that cover the soil surface are removed, so there is as much soil contact with the air as possible. NASA scientists studied nineteen different plant species for two years. Most of the plants tested were common houseplants that can be kept indoors year-round. Thes plants also evolved in tropical or subtropical forests, where they received light filtered through the branches of taller trees. Because of this, their leaf composition allows them to photosynthesize efficiently under relatively low light conditions, which in turn allows them to process gasses in the air efficiently.
• Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens`oxycardium’ ) • Selloum philodendron (Philodendron selloum) • Elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) • Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata); cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana’ ) • Janet Craig dracaena (Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig’) • Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii’) • Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
The NASA studies generated the recommendation that you use 15 to 18 good-sized houseplants in 6 to 8-inch diameter containers to improve air quality in an average 1,800 square foot house. The more vigorously they grow, the better job they’ll do for you. As we move into the fall and winter, you may find that you have your house or workspace closed to outside air. These indoor plants will help absorb indoor pollutants and create a healthier environment.
Source: Houseplants Improve Indoor Air Quality - September 30, 2015, Article written by -Jeff Schalau, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources University of Arizona Cooperative Extension,Yavapai County
Here is a list of the plants investigated and found to be effective at improving indoor air quality: • English ivy (Hedera helix) • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) • Golden pothos (Epipiremnum aureum) • Peace lily (Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa’) • Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) • Bamboo or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii) • Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING AN ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator Recently I have had a number of questions about Energy Service Companies (ESCO) calling folks asking them to change their electricity suppliers. This is also happening with natural gas suppliers. The New York State Department of Public Service, which oversees these companies, has set up rules for ESCO’s to operate within. Your energy bill consists of two parts; energy delivery and energy supply. Your utility company is responsible for delivering the energy to your home or business. These energy delivery companies must also maintain infrastructure and respond to emergencies. The State of New York opened the state’s electric and natural gas industries to competition in the 1990’s. The changes in these markets have provided an opportunity for consumers to choose who provides their energy supply. Residents of New York State can either go with their utility or a third party supplier known as an Energy Service Company (ESCO). What is an ESCO? • An ESCO is an entity eligible to sell electricity and natural gas to customers using the transmission or distribution system of a utility. • The NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) requires ESCOs to complete an application process before serving customers. • The NYS Department of Public Service also provides a list of ESCOs available on its website (www.dps.ny.gov), or from your local utility company.
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Why should I consider switching to an ESCO? • ESCO’s are competing for your business. As a result, there may be a wide variety of products and price options available to customers shopping for an energy supply company. • Pricing. Supply service may be offered as a variable or fixed rate. With a variable rate, the cost of electricity and natural gas can change monthly based on market conditions, similar to the energy service offered by your utility. A fixed rate is one that remains the same for some specified amount of time regardless of changes in market prices. Fixed rates can be offered for three months, six months, one year, or longer. Some customers will like the fixed rate since they will be able to anticipate their monthly supply costs, while others like the variable rate with the possibility of a lower payment when market conditions are favorable. • Value-added services. ESCOs can offer additional products and services for their customers. ESCOs may offer the opportunity to purchase your electricity from a renewable energy source like hydro, solar and wind power. Others may provide services such as furnace repair or maintenance services or telephone service bundled with your energy bill. ESCOs may also provide tools to help manage your energy usage. Most of these additional services are not available. • KEEP IN MIND, that choosing an ESCO does not necessarily mean that you will save money. For example, some value added services like green power, or maintenance services may increase your bill. If an ESCO guarantees savings, the savings must be in writing on your agreement.
What happens if I decide not to switch to an ESCO? There is no requirement that customers switch to an ESCO. If you decide not to switch, your utility will continue to provide your electricity supply and delivery.
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Are there any rules in place regarding ESCO marketing techniques? If an ESCO solicits you through in person sales, the sales agent must: • Immediately identify who they are, what ESCO they represent, and notify you that they are not with the utility • Produce Identification; an ID badge must be worn at all times and must have the agent’s name, photo, ESCO name, and telephone number • They must provide you with a business card or similar document that contains the name of the sales agent the ESCO represents, a contact number for the ESCO, and date and time of the visit; and they must provide the consumer with a copy of the ESCO Consumer Bill of Rights. • If there is an apparent language barrier, the sales agent must: • Find a sales rep in the area that speaks the same language • Supply you with materials that are in your native language • If the sales agent does not speak the language of the customer and or does not have handouts in the native language, they are to terminate the sale. • Customers can request that the ESCO marketer leave the premises at any time.
If an ESCO contacts you by phone, the sales agent must: • Immediately identify who they are, what ESCO they represent, and notify you that they are not with the utility • State the purpose of the call • Remove your name from the marketing database upon your request • Notify you of the ESCO Consumer Bill of Rights, where you can find it online, and provide you with a copy with any written material they discuss with you • Provide you with materials in your native language • A customer can terminate a call at any time.
Important Facts about Energy Service: • Your utility will continue to deliver your energy and respond to all emergencies even if you switch to an ESCO • If you have an unresolved complaint regarding an ESCO, you can contact the Department of Public Service at 1-800-342-3377 • General questions regarding ESCOs and Power to Choose can be emailed to: powertochoose@dps.ny.gov • You can always switch back to your utility if you are not satisfied with the
ESCO you chose. Please check with your agreement to see if any Early Termination Fee (ETF) applies.
The Department of Public Service has a complaint line and online form you are able to utilize if any of the above rules are violated. If you have questions about ESCO’s please reach out to Sean Welsh, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Energy Resource Educator at sw288@cornell.edu and 845-2926180 ext 127.
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Sources: (n.d.). Retrieved from http:// documents.dps.ny.gov/PTC/home August 31, 2018 (n.d) Retrieved from http://powertochoose.org Sept 3, 2018
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November Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use! November i Native Ame s National Heritage Morican nth!
Total U.S. corn yield (tons per acre) has increased more than 360% since 1950. Farm and ranch families comprise just 2% of the U.S. ppopulation oppul ulation .
Caregiver
Quote
“I do not b e l i e ve t h a t sheer suffering te a c h e s . If sufferin g alone ta ught , all t h e wo r l d wo u l d b e w i s e, s i n c e ve r yo n e e suffers. T o suffering must be a dded mou rning , understan ding , pati e n c e , l o ve openness , and the w i llingness re m a i n v u to l n e ra b l e.” -A n n e M o r r ow L i n d b ergh In cold weather, ta advantage of the suke warmth by keepin n’s open during dayli g drapes ght hours.
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November Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use!
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POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS
OUTREACH @ ENGN
October 1
Extension staff take turns working remotely at the ENGN Center in Callicoon weekly on Wednesdays in order to make themselves available and accessible to locals on the western end of the county. Look for our big red flag and stop on by!
The evidence-based program Powerful Tools for Caregivers, hosted in Mamakating by CCE’s Caregiver Resource Center wrapped up. This series gives people caring for mobility impaired or homebound friends or family some tools to manage their roles, and their own wellness.
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
INCLUSION TRAININGS OUTREACH @ SOUL FOOD CAFE
October 3, 4, 5, 17, 18
October 1, 15, 22, 29
As part of CCE Sullivan’s Diversity and Inclusion initiative, Communications & Diversity Manager Nicole Slevin attended the USDA Civil Rights Training; a two-day, state-wide Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion training at Cornell University; and the Boys & Girls Club of Town of Wallkill KIT Ability Inclusion Training. Information, tools, and strategies were brought back to keep CCE Sullivan in compliance with federal mandates, and to be a role model for other organizations seeking to be a welcome space for all residents and visitors.
Every Monday, Extension staff bring information and free, hands-on activities to engage the families at Soul Food Cafe in Liberty. Our visits help us live up to our key mission activities: outreach and education.
TAI CHI FOR FALL PREVENTION October 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 One of CCE Sullivan’s most popular programs, the evidence-based Tai Chi for Fall Prevention, is being offered to full groups by Dependent Care Educator Bonnie Lewis in both Eldred and Neversink, ensuring that over the last two years, nearly every corner of the county has had the opportunity to participate.
4-H CODE YOUR WORLD October 2 CCE Sullivan 4-H Program Coordinator Marylin Jones offered the Code Your World activity session to the new 4-H Adventures in Nature club. This club is new and currently seeking members. If your youngster, age 8-13, is interested in the outdoors, give Marylin a call for info at 845-292-6180.
ANNUAL FAIR REVIEW October 3 The 4-H team and Sullivan County Youth Fair Superintendents put their heads together at the annual Fair Review meeting. All agreed the fair was a positive learning experience for kids and are looking forward to putting some new ideas in place for constant improvement.
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FARM FRESH CHAMBER BREAKFAST October 5 The entire CCE Sullivan staff team worked together to host the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce’s membership for the annual Farm Fresh First Friday Breakfast. Over 80 participants got to sample fresh goods from Brey’s Egg Farm, Catskill Mountain Sugarhouse, Beaverdam Brook Farm, Good Find Farm, and more.
AGRI-TOURISM WORKSHOPS October 5, 12, 19, 26 The Ag team partnered with CCE Delaware to offer a 4 session agri-tourism series through the web! Topics covered included Production Weather Risks, Legal Risks, and Human Resource Risks. The series will be abbreviated and offered again, with discussion groups early this winter.
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DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STAFF COMMITTEE October 11 CCE Diversity & Inclusion staff committee held their monthly meeting and discussed ideas, resources, and tools available to the staff; extended the Inclusion Survey review until November; and discussed new forthcoming guidelines for the 4-H Safe Space logo.
TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM October 12, 19 Sullivan County 4-H’ers who won “Best in Fair” for their Trout in the Classroom project at The Great NYS Fair in Syracuse this year are back at it again! Friday nights, youth and families care for trout fry (baby fish) until they can be released in the spring to replenish our waterways. Call Kaitlyn at 845-292-6180 for info.
SALT FARM VISITS October 15, 22 CCE helped Sullivan Agencies Leading Together (SALT) deliver their weekly fresh produce, donated by Willow Wisp Organic Farm, to various housing communities and services including Evergreen and Sleepy Hollow Communities in Monticello and Soul Food Cafe in Liberty.
MASTER GARDENERS MEET October 17 Master Gardener Volunteers had their monthly meeting. With all the rain and cold, it’s been tough to get outside. But this group keeps their heads up looking to the future, brainstorming ideas for new classes and projects!
CAREGIVER SUPPORT October 18, 31 The Caregiver Resource Center offers support groups both on the phone, and through informal person to person, casual conversations. Consider visiting a group to see if it’s right for you. Everyone needs a little support sometimes! Call Bonnie at 845-292-6180.
Over 30 people attended Workplace Wellness Summit
SC Chamber of Commerce’s Farm Fresh First Friday Breakfast served more than
First ever
Hudson Valley y
Food & Farm Expo
represents Sullivan County agriculture
80 people
CRISP ANNUAL MEETING
CATSKILLS KITCHEN PRESENTS
FOOD & FARMS BUSINESS EXPO
October 18
October 23
October 30
Each year, CCE Sullivan is the central meeting space for the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP)’s Annual Meeting. It’s our pleasure to host this group of 30 or more folks from across the region to learn about the latest invasives and the role we can each play in mitigating damage.
Catskills Kitchen Coordinator Erica Lynch represented Sullivan and surrounding counties at the Hudson Valley Women’s Leadership Conference at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, hosted by the Accelerator, a program of the Orange County IDA. Her outreach focused on supporting women interested in developing or growing their own small business.
CCE Sullivan’s Ag team, the Catskills Kitchen, and the Hudson Valley Catskills Welcome Center Taste NY Woodbury team were all represented at the first ever Hudson Valley Food & Farm Business Expo held at Anthony’s Pier 9 in Newburgh. The event gave our teams an opportunity to show off all that Sullivan County has to offer the region.
INTERGENERATIONAL TEXTILE PUBLIC GROUP October 19 The Intergenerational Textile Group meets the 3rd Friday of each month at 6pm at the Extension Education Center and is growing. The group is free and has expanded its project work from knitting and crocheting to sewing. Call Marylin for more information on how to get involved.
BOCAGIRL WELLNESS CIRCLES
WORKPLACE WELLNESS SUMMIT October 26 Over 30 participants representing various partners and agencies attended this one day training to create a culture of health in their workplace or strengthen ongoing initiatives. New Hope Community hosted this resourceful annual event.
October 30 Monthly Bocagirl Sullivan180 Wellness Circles carry on various Tuesday evenings 6:00 pm at the Extension Education Center. The program is a free, casual, and fun way to explore and discover personal wellness. Call SueAnn to find out more at 845-292-6180.
SALT Veggie
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WJFF RADIO CATSKILL Written by Andrea Nero Eddings, WJFF Assistant Manager
Volunteer!
The 20th Annual Music Sale
WJFF is a non-commercial educational radio broadcaster whose mission is to make available to its community a broad range of ideas and ideals useful to a full and enlightened life. It also aims to involve the community in preserving and transmitting the community’s cultural heritage and artistic expressions in addition to those of the global community and to promote understanding among people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
Much of WJFF’s power comes from volunteers. Community members share their time and talents on and off the air. We always welcome folks to help out with events, marketing, fundraising, and administrative support. We also train people to produce radio! We are particularly in need of volunteers that are comfortable with Windows that are interested in learning to edit audio and/or are familiar with WordPress. Contact us at volunteer@wjffradio.org to join the team.
Listen!
Donate!
Radio Catskill’s signal reaches Sullivan County, Wayne County, and beyond on 90.5 and 94.5 FM. Our broadcast also reaches the world by streaming on-line at wjffradio.org or on our WJFF app (free from your Google Play or Apple Apps stores).
WJFF is member-supported public radio. We receive a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; however, the largest percentage of our support comes from community members! Listeners give at all levels. Some give once a year and some become Sound Supporters donating in monthly installments. We welcome you to become a contributor of your local radio station! Visit the DONATE page at WJFFradio.org.
On Saturday, November 24, WJFF will hold its 20th Annual Music Sale. Folks wait all year for the big extravaganza. On the morning of, music enthusiasts line up before the doors open. For sale will be all things music. The big draw is vinyl records (LPs, LPs, 45s, and 78s.) Shoppers will also find a ton of stereo equipment, musical instruments, CDs, and sheet music. The sale is at the White Sulphur Springs Fire Hall and will run from 11 am to 2 pm. The station will be accepting donations of the above mentioned items until Wednesday, November 21. They can be dropped off at the Jeffersonville studio or email manager@wjffradio.org to make pick up/drop off arrangements for larger collections.
Our Mission
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Contact (845) 482-4141 manager@wjffradio.org WJFFradio.org
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CCE Sullivan Spotlights
Farm Spotlight BEAVERKILL TROUT HATCHERY The Beaverkill Trout Hatchery is located on Alder Creek Road in Livingston Manor, NY, and was founded in 1963 by Fred D. Shaver. In 1964, Fred formed a partnership with his son, Edwin and grandson, Gary to run the trout farm. This 180-acre farm has been passed down through the Shaver family for generations and is currently being run by Sherry Shaver. Sherry grew up working with trout and could see visions for the farm’s future through her three mentors, Fred, Edwin, and Gary. Sherry’s most enjoyable part of farming is nurturing the eggs and watching them hatch into the next batch of fish. One of her most memorable days was when there were six grandchildren of Fred D. Shaver working on the farm, three of which were great, great grandchildren! Currently, the Beaverkill Trout Hatchery produces 200,000-300,000 trout each year, which they use primarily for stocking purposes to private landowners in NY, NJ, PA, and CT. You may also encounter their trout at local restaurants, at their roadside stand, or markets in the Livingston Manor area. Trout can be purchased at the farm by calling ahead to order.
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Volunteer Spotlight KARIN PANTEL Karin Pantel, a wonderful Caregiver Resource Center volunteer, provides dedicated nursing expertise developing the Older Adults Transitional Support (OATS) program. Within our OATS collaboration, Karin has assisted in all program events to enhance health literacy, quality of life issues, and care setting transitions for older adults. In her zeal to provide OATS events (three Senior Expos, class lectures on senior healthcare transitions, producing WJFF radio programs on geriatric health topics, creating a LIFE File workbook), Karin has pitched in eagerly, including sewing small linen bags with her friend Sabina Toomey to hold oatmeal for giveaways at the expos! Karin is an Adjunct Nursing Instructor for Excelsior College, providing online education for master level nursing students, following 10 years at SCCC’s nursing program and many years within public health and hospital settings. Karin is also the founding president of the NY League of Nursing, creating strategies to meet future educational needs. Karin has found that she also loves to volunteer as an evaluator during annual 4-H Public Presentations ~ thank you Karin for all that you do!
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Staff Spotlight MARY WINTER Mary, our temporary horticulture assistant, grew up on a registered Hampshire hog farm in western Tennessee where they raised cotton, corn, soy beans, sweet potatoes, and peanuts. Her family was extremely active in 4-H which consisted of a number of farm families in the area. Mary graduated from an all-girls college preparatory and finishing high school and attended Memphis State University majoring in business and design. After college she was hired as one of the first women sales representatives for Xerox. Over the years, Mary has owned and operated several businesses in Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and New York specializing in interior design and general contracting. Mary is a Master Gardener Volunteer in Orange County. “I have very much enjoyed working with other Master Gardeners and volunteering in the community through the Speakers Bureau, Ask a Master Gardener Tables, Community Gardens, Farm Day, and many other activities,” said Mary.
CCE Sullivan Spotlights
4-H Spotlight TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM Among the 42 project exhibits selected to advance to New York State Fair from the Sullivan County Youth Fair, the 4-H Shooting Sports’ group entry, “Life Cycle of the Trout” was awarded a “Best of Fair” ribbon in the Youth Building Exhibition of the Great New York State Fair. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program secured a grant in 2017 to embark upon a youth trout raising project. Beginning in October 2017, participants set up a special tank at the extension building, tested and maintained water quality, observed the hatching of trout eggs, monitored and fed the hatchlings while recording all their observations until the project ended with the mature fish released into the natural environment in May 2018.
Nominate a Star Know someone who deserves dese serves spotlight? the shine of the spotligh ht? Email Nicole Slevin: nas96@cornell.edu
Did you know?
Youth 5-18 living in Sullivan County can apply to join 4-H for FREE! 4-H is open to everyone. Adults can start a club anywhere in Sullivan County. Learn more: Call Marylin at 845-292-6180, ext. 111 or email mlr34@cornell.edu
Youth members and volunteers cared for the trout for over 31 weeks and over 225 hours! This project was the most successful release in New York State in 2017. Due to donations from the public, the 4-H project is underway again! To donate, visit LINK: www. sullivancce.org/donate.
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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.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! The CCE Unique & Antique prize drawing winners will be pulled at our Annual Meeting on December 12 (need not be present to win). There are 10 chances to win!! Tickets are just $10 each. Call 845-292-6180 or visit www.sullivancce.org to learn more.
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WANT AN INDEPENDENT, CONFIDENT, RESILIENT KID? CAMP CAN HELP! Submitted by Kaitlyn Conklin, 4-H Program Educator As fall and back-to-school season begin, it might be a little too early to start thinking about summer camp, right? Wrong! 4-H Camp Shankitunk in Delaware County has been a part of many Sullivan County 4-H members’ experiences and is one that we support. The camp’s registration opens up in late winter so it’s not too early to start thinking about it. Read on for just a few benefits the camp experience can have on a youth’s life. While it’s easy to think of ways to teach our kids to do laundry or solve math problems, finding a way to instill important character traits isn’t as simple. The way we model traits we want our children to exhibit has a powerful influence on them, and some traits (kindness, gratitude, and generosity) they learn first and foremost from parents. There are other traits best learned through experiences outside the home and beyond the watchful eyes of parents. Camp experiences offer exactly the kind of experience away from home where children grow important character traits like independence, self-confidence, and grit. Independence “Looking back at my life, camp has been the most influential part of it. I can truly say camp is where I developed my independence, gained confidence, and learned what friendship truly means.” -Lizz
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tracking apps are ubiquitous. In fact, as parents today we tend to foster dependence even when we’re trying not to. Whether the result of parenting trends or ultra-high levels of physical and digital connectedness, today’s children are much less independent than we were at the same age. Camp experiences offer the unique opportunity for kids to see how much they can do without us hovering nearby. They build their independence skills because they take more responsibility for themselves and their belongings, make their own decisions, and feel a sense of autonomy. For many kids, camp is the first opportunity they’ve had to experience these things. Self-Confidence “Camp has really helped me become more confident with who I am and has helped me try new things. Without camp, I would be too shy to go up to someone and introduce myself. Camp has had a giant impact on my personality, and without it I would be a completely different person.” -Stephanie
When we tell our kid she’s “great” at something, it’s easy for her to be wary of the praise. However, when another respected adult mentor –like a camp counselor!– recognizes a positive trait in our child and points it out, that can have a powerful impact. When someone outside the immediate family recognizes our child’s unique qualities and helps him or her address weaknesses, it can build real self-confidence. Grit “I love the encouragement that I got, both from counselors and campers, to try new things all the time. I love that the camp encourages you to do that. The camp atmosphere made me stand out and be
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unique, in ways that I would have been too embarrassed to try at home.” -Claire
This is the new buzzword in education and parenting circles. People with grit have “stickto-itiveness”, persistence, and resilience, all of which help them work hard and push past difficulties and failures. We all need some grit. How do we teach grit to a distinctively non-gritty kid or young adult—one who quits when something gets challenging, who doesn’t want to try anything new or difficult, or who prefers playing endless video games to practicing piano, reading, or some other more useful-seeming skill? As parents, it’s hard to create experiences that require our children to use grit, but at camp those experiences happen every day. While struggling to climb the rock wall or attempting to get up on water skis for the 12th time, our kids develop their grit muscles in a big way at camp. They likely wouldn’t try for as long or as hard if we parents were hovering nearby with our worried expressions. At camp, kids are encouraged to set goals, challenge themselves, and overcome failure again and again. That develops their grit. Interrupting the cycle of dependence can only happen when we as parents are willing to encourage our children to develop their independence, selfconfidence, and grit, and, though it may seem counter-intuitive, that happens best when we’re not around. Source: “Want an Independent, Confident, Resilient Kid? Camp Can Help!” American Camp Association. September 17, 2018. Accessed October 30, 2018. https://www. acacamps.org/campers-families/parent-blog/ want-independent-confident-resilient-kidcamp-can-help.
TIPS TO STAY SHARP, SMART, & FOCUSED Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN Dependent Care Educator Use Your Brain! It’s true: Use it or lose it. Stretching your brain keeps your mind sharp. People who are more active in mentally challenging activities are more likely to stay sharp. Try these: • Read a book. • Go to a lecture. • Listen to the radio. • Play a game. • Visit a museum. • Learn a second language.
Mix Things Up Remember trying to talk backwards as a child? Researchers at Duke University created exercises they call “neurobics,” which challenge your brain to think in new ways. Since your five senses are key to learning, use them to exercise your mind. If you’re right-handed, try using your left hand. Drive to work by another route. Close your eyes and see if you can recognize food by taste.
Try these easy tips:
Stay Calm
• Bake or grill foods instead of frying.
Too much stress can hurt your gray matter, which contains cells that store and process information.
• Cook with “good” fats like oils from nuts, seeds, and olives instead of cream, butter, and fats from meat. • Eat colorful fruits and veggies. • Eat fish.
• Find something that makes you laugh. • Listen to music.
You know that too many drinks can affect your judgment, speech, movement, and memory. But did you know alcohol can have long-term effects? Too much drinking over a long period of time can shrink the frontal lobes of your brain. And that damage can last forever, even if you quit drinking. A healthy amount is considered one drink a day for women and two for men.
• Try yoga or meditation.
Video Games Train Your Brain Grab that joystick. Several studies found that playing video games stimulates the parts of the brain that control movement, memory, planning, and fine motor skills. Some experts say gaming only makes you better at gaming. The verdict may still be out, but why let kids have all the fun? Music Helps Your Brain
Exercise, especially the kind that gets your heart rate up like walking or swimming, has mental pluses, too. Although experts aren’t sure why, physical activity might increase the blood supply to the brain and improve links between brain cells. Staying active can help memory, imagination, and even your ability to plan tasks.
Thank your mom for making you practice the piano. Playing an instrument early in life pays off in clearer thinking when you’re older. Musical experience boosts mental functions that have nothing to do with music, such as memory and ability to plan. It also helps with greater hand coordination. Plus, it’s fun -- and it’s never too late to start
Do your brain a favor and choose foods that are good for your heart and waistline. Being obese in middle age makes you twice as likely to have dementia later on. High cholesterol and high blood pressure raise your chances, too.
• Take deep breaths.
Watch What You Drink
Work Out to Stay Sharp
A Healthy Diet Builds Brainpower
Here are some ways to chill:
Make Friends for Your Mind Be a people person! Talking with others actually sharpens your brain, whether at work, at home, or out in your community. Studies show social activities improve your mind. So volunteer, sign up for a class, or call a friend!
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• Find someone to talk to.
Sleep and the Brain Get enough sleep before and after you learn something new.You need sleep on both ends. When you start out tired, it’s hard to focus on things. And when you sleep afterward, your brain files away the new info so you can recall it later. A long night’s rest is best for memory and your mood. Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Memory Helpers Everybody spaces out now and then. As you get older, you may not remember things as easily as you used to. That’s a normal part of aging. Some helpful hints: • Write things down. • Use the calendar and reminder functions in your phone, even for simple things (Call Dad!). • Focus on one task at a time. • Learn new things one step at a time.
The Name Game Have trouble recalling names? Always repeat a person’s name while you’re talking to them -- at least in your head, if not out loud. Or invent a funny image or rhyme that you link with their name. For example, think of Bob bobbing out in the ocean. Source: “Memory Pictures:Tips to Stay Smart, Sharp, and Focused.”WebMD.Accessed October 30, 2018. https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/ slideshow-fit-brains.
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