October Extension Connection Magazine 2019

Extension Connection

USPS-525-100

Sullivan County

YOUR LINK TO LOCAL, RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS TO BETTER YOUR LIFE

VOLUME XC NO. 10

OCTOBER 2019

Bonnie Lewis, CCE Dependent Care Educator, has led multiple Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention programs across Sullivan County.

Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs Pocket Pets Program Sullivan County Workplace Wellness Summit National 4-H Week: Inspire Kids to Do!

Issue Isssue sue Highlights Higghhligghhts Management Requirement Checklist for Meat Bird Flocks Helpline Highlights

Conserving & Managing Your Family Land

How the 2020 Census Will Invite Everyone to Respond

Living with Alzheimer’s

Portion Distortion

4-H Regional Horse Conference

Monthly DHI Report

CCE Family Reunion & Annual Meeting

The Power of Positive

Social Media Marketing for Beginners

What Every FFA & 4-H Child Should Know about Losing

Free ATI Farm Stand Kids & Goats See page 11 for more events!

Check out page 8 for fast facts, and a healthy recipe of the month!

Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue!

Issue!

Page 3 Message from the Executive Director Page 4 Management Requirement Checklist for Meat Bird Flocks Page 5 Sullivan County Agriculture Infographic Page 6 Helpline Highlights Page 7 How the 2020 Census Will Invite Everyone to

Table Table of of Contents Contents Respond Page 8 Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use! Page 9 Healthy Recipe of the Month Page 10 Portion Distortion Page 10 DHI Report Page 11 Upcoming Programs Page 12 CCESC Spotlights

Page 13 Sponsorships Page 14 The Power of Positive Page 15 What Every FFA & 4-H Child Should Know about Losing Page 16 National 4-H Week: “Inspire Kids to Do!”

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 E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu Website: www.sullivancce.org

Edited by: Nicole Slevin & Colleen Monaghan Designed by: Centermost Marketing, LLC

Twitter.com/ccesullivan Facebook.com/ccesullivan Instagram.com/ccesullivan YouTube: bitly.com/ccesullivan

NOTICE: Official endorsement of advertisers and their products is not intended by the acceptance of their advertisements for the Extension Connection.

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.

STAFF MEMBERS

Colleen Monaghan............................................................................Executive Director SueAnn Boyd.......................................................Healthy Schools Program Coordinator Elizabeth Clancy-DiBartolo................................................Temporary Finance Assistant Kaitlyn Conklin...........................................................................................4-H Educator Robert Kaplan..............................President Wanda V. Cruz.............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Amy Erlwein......Vice President & Secretary Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator John Kiefer...................................Treasurer Bridget Kackos................................................................................Program Coordinator Nadia Rajsz........................Legislative Rep. Bonnie Lewis..........................................................................Dependent Care Educator Todd Brown Erica Lynch.........................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator Brian Brustman Melinda Meddaugh......................................................Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader Jenny Chamberlain Brenda Miller...........................................Community Horticulture Program Coordinator Marcie Ehrman Barbara Moran...............................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator Denise Frangipane John “JP” Lang Bee Moser................................................................................Eat Smart NY Nutritionist Klu Padu Vanessa Petrossian...Hudson Valley Catskills Welcome Center | Taste NY Market Manager Luisa Parker Michelle Proscia.............................................................................Agriculture Educator Dara Smith Nicole Slevin...............................................................Administrator & Diversity Officer George Stang Ashley Tully...............................................................................Ag Program Coordinator Robert Wong Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Sean Welsh............................................................................Energy Resource Educator John Wilcox.........................................................................................Facilities Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Extension Connection

October 2019

Happy harvest, friends of Extension!

I hope this note finds you well and that you will join us at the Villa Roma Resort on Sunday, October 27 at 1:00 pm for the 105th Extension Family Reunion and Annual Meeting. The lunch is no cost to you and is an opportunity to connect with long time and new friends and family of Extension. Recognizing long-time volunteers, business sponsors, school and community partners, come as you are, with your family and friends, to celebrate 105 years of “any study, any person”, in Sullivan County!

Perhaps a bit overdue, a huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers, parents, and sponsors of the 2019 Sullivan County Youth Fair at the 140th Grahamsville Little World’s Fair this past August.We had a record breaking year for local sponsorships and were able to elevate recognition and awards for youth participants beyond the traditional Danish ribbons to include program, animal, and subject matter-based supplies like grooming and training tools, t-shirts, and more. Auction funds raised will be used to support ongoing animal science programming and support, and scholarships for 4-H youth attendance at out-of-county learning opportunities at Cornell University and summer camp experiences.

This summer also saw the successful launch of the Sullivan Fresh Mobile Market on the Move and the new Sullivan Fresh Farmers’ Market at Monticello. Incorporating fresh produce from Sullivan County farmers and shelf-stable farm and food products featured at the Taste NY Market at Woodbury Commons, we saw increased farmers’ market sales in Monticello, Fallsburg, Mamakating, Pine Bush, and Woodbury! We never thought we would break even in the first year, let alone make a few bucks! Thank you to every participating municipality, Sullivan Renaissance for providing start-up funding to purchase initial produce inventory, the Sullivan County Department of Public Health Services, and the Sullivan County Office for the Aging for supporting this very successful pilot project.We look forward to growing the program and making fresh, local foods super easy to access for Sullivan County residents. Kudos to the CCE Ag Team for all the sweat and a few tears in pulling it all together!

Over the next few months we’ll be working on our 2020 plans of work, putting together the 2019 Annual Report, and getting started on the capital improvements to all the teaching spaces, and updates around the grounds at the Extension Education Center.We’re looking forward to working with you on stepping up, and into, the next decade of Extension in Sullivan County.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to RSVP for the October 27 Extension Family Reunion & Annual Meeting.

See you there!

Be well,

Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director cm638@cornell.edu

CCE Family Reunion and 105th Annual Meeting Join us for a relaxed, locally sourced lunch with new and longtime Extension family and supporters.

RSVP: sullivancce.org

Extension Connection

October 2019

Save

the

Date

Octoberr 27,, 20199 1:00 pm

Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center Callicoon, NY

Graciously sponsored by the CCE Sullivan Board of Directors and partners!

Page 3

MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST FOR MEAT BIRD FLOCKS Submitted by Michelle Proscia, Agriculture Educator Best Breeds To Raise: Meat-type crosses (Rock-Cornish) or commercial hybrid broilers are the most efficient birds available.

Purebred poultry most commonly raised for meat are Cornish, Plymouth Rocks and White Jersey Giants.

Purebreds are less efficient and take up to 14 weeks to develop a desirable carcass. When considering birds for meat production, select birds with light colored plumage.

Dark feathered birds are less desirable because of their dark pin feathers left after slaughtering.

people just “dilute” the starter by feeding 90% starter mash with 10% corn from 6 to 10 weeks and feeding 80% starter mash and 20% corn after 10 weeks of age.

Feeders: Three (3) inches of feeder space per bird. The lip of the feeder should be level with the birds back height to prevent feed wastage. Only fill trough feeder 1/3 or 1/2 full to prevent wastage. Keep feed in front of birds at

At least 1.5 square feet per bird, however, 2 square feet recommended.

Litter:

Feed: Feed a completely balanced ration.

For fryers and broilers, feed a starter mash or crumble pellets containing 20-23% protein until slaughtered. For roasters, feed a 20% protein starter for the first 6 weeks then switch to a 18% protein grower feed. Many Page 4

Nests: Do not use nests. Birds should be slaughtered before they reach production age. Meat-type birds make poor layers. If you raise dual purpose birds, put nests in place after you slaughter the culls and males.

Yards: Not necessary, but if desired, confine the birds to an exercise area which provides between 5 and 10 sq. feet per bird.

When To Slaughter:

Floor Space:

Wet and compacted litter is of special concern with meat-type birds. These conditions cause breast sores and leg weaknesses and give the carcasses an undesirable appearance. Never brood chicks on slippery surfaces. Meat birds need traction and leg support.

Pine shavings or straw work best.

crooked keels, bruises and lameness in heavy meat birds.

all times.

Waterers: At least 6 gallons of water per 100 birds daily. Clean the waterers and provide fresh water daily. Place the waterers so that the lip is level with the birds back. One inch (1”) of water space/bird.

Lights: Constant light is recommended.

Provide one 25-40 watt bulb per 100 sq. feet.

Roosts: Do not use roosts for meat-type chickens. Roosts cause breast blisters,

Extension Connection

October 2019

Two (2) to three (3) lbs. fryers should be slaughtered at 4 to 5 weeks of age, 4 to 5 2lb. broilers slaughtered at 6 to 9 weeks of age and roasters at 9 to 14 weeks of age. Remember, as the birds get older and larger they become less efficient and they eat a larger amount of feed for each pound of weight gained. Older birds produce more fat, so slaughter the birds as close to the desired weight as possible.

Source: Adapted from: Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, Animal and Poultry Sciences Clauer, Phillip,. “Management Requirements for Meat Bird Flocks.”

Penn State Extension, September 7, 2019. https://extension.psu.edu/managementrequirements-for-meat-bird-flocks.

Supporting the

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY

59,942

366

Acres of Farmland

Farms

$31.7

Agriculture products include poultry, livestock, equine, forestry, nursery, vegetable, crop, and other products.

$640,000 in Agri-Tourism in Sullivan County

sullivancce.org y sullivan@cornell.edu y 845-292-6180 Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Extension Connection

October 2019

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HELPLINE HIGHLIGHTS Written by Brenda Miller, Community Horticulture Program Coordinator

giant’s living space; they in turn are invaded by the scale, do not fruit like the giants that preceded them, yet thoroughly shade out the understory.

This month we have had numerous calls on two troubling topics: beech bark disease and jumping worms.

Both are invasive organisms affecting our area and beyond. Let’s see what the experts have to say on these two topics:

Jumping Worms

Nearly all earthworms in the Northeast today are non-native, and these European and Asian invasives are altering the soil structure and chemistry of our forests. They consume the critical layer of organic Beech Bark Disease matter that supplies vital nutrients for plants and provides food, protection The causal agent of beech bark and habitat for wildlife. However, disease is the beech scale insect (Cryptococcus fagisuga Lind). The tree jumping worms are especially is invaded and killed by several native concerning. These Asian exotics devour organic matter more rapidly Nectria fungi. The than their European counterparts, scale insect was introduced from stripping the forest of the layer Europe, and reached New Brunswick critical for seedlings and wildflowers. and Maine around 1930. The disease Jumping worms grow twice as fast, reached the Catskills via the port of reproduce more quickly and can New York City by the 1950s, and the infest soils at high densities. In areas Adirondacks a decade or so later. of heavy infestation, native plants, The introduced scale insect, invisible soil invertebrates, salamanders, to the naked eye, covers themselves birds and other animals may decline. in a very visible, white, wooly Jumping worms can severely damage substance on the bark which elicits roots of plants in nurseries, gardens, beech tree lovers to groan, “this forests and turf. They, along with one’s got it too”. This cover allows the other invasive worms, can also help insect – all females – to feed on the spread invasive plant species by tree undetected, and lay eggs. The disturbing the soil. Jumping worms insect employs asexual reproduction; are widespread across much of the its eggs do not require fertilization.

Northeast, Southeast and Midwestern Then the killing agents, Nectria fungi, US, and the first records date to the invade where the insect has somehow late 19th century. Unfortunately, altered the bark, perhaps through relatively little is known about them miniscule punctures made to feed compared to European earthworms. on the bark. Then, future observers What to look for: may see the orange fruiting bodies • Worms are smooth, glossy gray or of the fungi. The killing phase, brown; 1.5 to 8 inches long. almost overnight, it seems, leaves • Clitellum (the narrow band around that beautiful big beech bark skin their body) is smooth to the body, pockmarked and cankerous. Other unlike most other species which have fungal and insect invaders follow. The a raised and pink colored clitellum. beech is girdled. It dies in place over Their clitellum completely encircles the time, or snaps off, but its roots are body and is often cloudy white to gray colored. Body looks metallic. very much alive and send up beech “whips” to soak up the sunlight in the • Crazy behavior! They jump and thrash

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October 2019

wildly when handled, moving more like a threatened snake. They can also shed their tails in defense.

• Soil signature jumping worms leave distinctive grainy soil full of worm castings. The soil becomes granular and looks like dried coffee grounds.

• Best time to find them is late August or September when they are largest.

Stop the SPREAD! We currently have no viable earthworm control methods, but we CAN prevent their spread!

• Do NOT buy or use jumping worms for bait, vermicomposting, or gardening.

• Only sell, purchase, or trade compost that was heated to appropriate temperatures and duration following protocols for reducing pathogens.

• Clean compost, soil, and debris from vehicles, personal gear, equipment, and gardening tools before moving to and from sites.

• Check your property for earthworms using a mustard pour (it won’t harm your plants!) Mix a gallon of water with 1/3 cup of ground yellow mustard seed and pour slowly into the soil. This will drive any worms to the surface. If you have jumping worms, report it and avoid moving plants or soil from your yard.

• Be careful when sharing and moving plants. Always check for worms and know where your plantings come from.

Buy bare root stock when possible.

• Dispose of all live worms in the trash or place them in a bag and leave out in the sun for at least 10 minutes. Then throw bag away.

Sources: David Gibson, “Forests: The Blight of Beech Bark Disease,” Adirondack Almanack, February 29, 2012, http//www. adirondackalmanack.com/2012/02forestthe-blight-of-beech-bark-disease.html “Invasive Species: Jumping Worms,” Cornell Cooperative Extension Thompkins County, Master Naturalist Program, www.ccetompkins.org.

How the 2020 Census will invite everyone to respond Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone.

Nearly every household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census from either a postal worker or a census worker.

95% of households will receive their census invitation in the mail.

Almost 5%

of households will receive their census invitation when a census taker drops it off.

In these areas, the majority of households may not receive mail at their home’s physical location (like households that use PO boxes or areas recently affected by natural disasters).

Less than 1% of households will be counted in person by a census taker, instead of being invited to respond on their own. We do this in very remote areas like parts of northern Maine, remote Alaska, and in select American Indian areas that ask to be counted in person.

Note: We have special procedures to count people who don’t live in households, such as students living in university housing or people experiencing homelessness.

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October Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use!

October is Na tional Eat Better, Eat To gether Month

The key behaviors MyPlate encourages are: • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

• Focus on whole fruits.

• Vary your veggies.

• Make half your grains whole grains.

• Move to low-fat and fat-free dairy.

• Vary your protein routine.

• Eat and drink the right amount for you.

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A 2,000 calorie diet has a daily Vegetable Group target of 2 cups. By eating 1 large tomato, you’re almost halfway y there! the ere!

MyPlate is nutrition the current gu the USDA ide published by t the prior hat has replaced M MyPlate yPyramid diagram. is sections o divided into fa 30% grain pproximately s, 20% fruit 30% vegetables, s, accompan and 20% protein, ie circle repr d by a smaller es as a glass enting dairy, such o milk or a f low fat/nonfat yogurt cu p.

MyPlate is American designed to remin d st it is not in o eat healthfully; te consumer nded to change behavior alone.

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October 2019 019

October Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use!

Healthy Recipe of the Month!

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October 2019

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PORTION DISTORTION Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator Portion sizes in restaurants, grocery stores, and homes continue to increase. In the 1950s, a Burger King¨ hamburger was 2.8 ounces and 202 calories. Today, a Burger King¨ hamburger is 4.3 ounces and 310 calories. In the 1950s, McDonald’s¨ offered only one size of fries, a 2.4-ounce portion with 210 calories.

Today, fries come in orders as large as 7 ounces with 610 calories. The trend of large portion sizes applies to beverages as well as foods. In 1916, a bottle of Coke¨ was 6 fluid ounces.

By the mid-1970s, the average portion size of sweetened drinks (soft drinks and fruit drinks) among Americans was 13.6 ounces. Today we have giant size drinks that have hundreds of calories. Larger portion sizes encourage people to eat and drink more – no matter how hungry we are.

The more we are served, the more we eat. This leads to weight gain because people consume more calories than they need.

Suggestions to Right-Size Your Portions • Prepare and eat more meals at home.

We tend to eat larger portions when we eat out.

• Help children learn what a normal serving looks like. For example, measure cereal in the child’s bowl and discuss that a bowl of cereal and a serving of cereal can be different.

in a dish, and leave the food package in the kitchen.

• Grab a healthy snack if you are hungry between meals. It will prevent overeating at meal time.

• You can worry less about large portions when you eat fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables take up lots of space on your plate without adding many calories.

• Serve food on a smaller plate to make normal portions look bigger. Limit your favorite sweetened beverage by drinking from a smaller glass.

• Divide the contents of a large snack package into smaller containers.

• When eating out, avoid all-you-caneat buffets, “value” meals, and other deals that promote overeating. Select restaurants that offer smaller portions.

• Share restaurant meals or take part of the meal home. Research suggests that purchasing a larger portion leads to an increase in calorie intake.

• Beware of mindless eating while watching TV. If you snack in front of the TV, put an appropriate portion of food

Sources: https://articles.extension.org/ pages/23940/right-size-your-portions Ello-Martin J.A., Ledikwe J.H., Rolls B.J. 2005.

The influence of portion size and energy density on energy intake: Implications for weight management. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 82(suppl), 236S-41S. Nielsen S.J., Popkin B.M. 2004. Changes in beverage intake between 1977 and 2001.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

27(3), 205-10.

DHI Report: AUGUST SAMPLE NO. TYPE BREED COWS

Herdcode HERDOWNER

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MILK FAT PROTEIN

21470096 BRANDON PETERS DAIRY DHI-AP

H

98.6 21877 797

679

21470146 THONY'S DAIRY

DHI-AP

H

58.4 18942 705

582

21470021 GLASSEL, ROBERT

DHI-AP

H

47.3 15120 564

460

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October 2019

UPCOMING PROGRAMS Mondays

CCE In the Field at Soul Food Café — 170 North Main, Liberty

3:30 —5:45 —55:45 pm

Wednesdays CCE In the Field at ENGN — 12 Lower Main St. Callicoon

Shifts Vary

Sept. 19 - Oct. 24 (Thursdays)

6:30 —7:30 pm

Dog Obedience Series — New Hope Community

Sept. 23, 30 Living with Alzheimer's for Middle Stage Caregivers — ATI, Monticello 1:30 —3:30 pm Oct. 7 Sept. 27 Oct. 25 Nov. 22

Pocket Pets Program

6:30 —8 pm

Oct. 4

Sullivan County Workplace Wellness Summit — New Hope Community

9 am —1 pm

October 6 - National 4-H Week 12

All week

Oct. 12

9 am—12 pm

Conserving & Managing Your Family Land

Oct. 14, 21, Living with Alzheimer's for Early Stage Care Partners — 121 Broadway, 10 am —12 pm Monticello 28 Oct. 17, 24, Living with Alzheimer's for Middle Stage Caregivers — 121 Broadway, 4 —6 pm Monticello 31 Oct. 26

4-H Regional Horse Conference — CCE Orange County

12 —2pm

Oct. 27

CCE Family Reunion & 105th Annual Meeting— Villa Roma Resort

1 pm

Oct. 30

Social Media Marketing for Beginners

5:30 —7:30 pm

Oct. 30

FREE ATI Farm Stand —Action Toward Independence (ATI), Monticello

10 am —1 pm

Nov. 6

Advanced Social Media Marketing

5:30 —7:30 pm

Nov. 16 Jan 11.

Feb. 8

Kids - N - Goats

12:30 —2:30

Nov. 20

FREE Farm Stand at ATI—309 Broadway, Monticello

10 am —1 pm

__

Join us! Registration is required in advance.

Events at the Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd., Liberty NY unless otherwise listed.

Call 845-292-6180

E-mail sullivan@cornell.edu

Visit sullivancce.org

Contact C t t th the Cornell C ll Cooperative C ti Extension E t i Sullivan S lli County C unty t oĜce Ĝ e to t request requ uestt any special iall accommodations. acccommodati d ti

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Page 11

CCE Sullivan Spotlights

4-HSpotlight 4-H AT STATE FAIR Following successes at the Youth Fair, 4-H’ers advanced to the New York State Fair. Thirty youth displayed still projects with two Special Recognition Awards: a photo by Bricin M. (Supernovas) and a writing entry

by Austin N. (Small Town Country 4-H). Bricin also served as County Booth Teen Leader. The First State Fair Public Presentations Invitational included Max B. and Elizabeth C. (Diehl Us In Club) and Tyler C. (4-H Puppy Pals).

4-H’ers were ranked in animal events: Maggie H. (Kenoza Lake Hummingbirds & SWF Block & Bridle) second in Showmanship and Reserve Champion in White Park Beef, Rebecca C. (4-H Puppy Pals) a Teen Leader in the Beef Barn earning blue for her Angus heifer and in equine events Ariana Thomas (Diehl Us In) second in Hippology with additional Diehl Us In and Supernovas 4-H’ers placing in the Horse Show.

Congratulations Sullivan County!

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Partner Spotlight COLLEEN EMERY Colleen manages the Healthy Community Initiatives grant program for Sullivan Renaissance and the Catskill Edible Garden Project.

She is known for an innate ability to connect people with purpose while empowering teams to contribute their unique talents and achieve targeted objectives. Working with SueAnn Boyd of Cornell Cooperative Extension on the healthy school initiatives, together they have applied innovative solutions and collaborative approaches to transform cultures and communities.

Nominate Nominat ate a Star!

Her multi-faceted experience across varied industries underscores the ability to anticipate unforeseen opportunities. Background includes experience in philanthropy, interactive media, meeting and event production, special projects, and film development.

nas96@cornell.edu

She is passionate about promoting agriculture as an aspect of health, community, and culture.

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October 2019

Know w someone who dese serves the shine of deserves the he spotlight?

Email Nicole Slevin:

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October 2019

Page 13

THE POWER OF POSITIVE Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN, Dependent Care Educator

attitude. Keeping a healthy and grounded outlook is crucial for mental fortitude during trying times.

(say fishing) is the only good thing left in their lives after the stroke but their future is absolutely ruined.

Optimism: n. A disposition to expect the best possible outcome or to emphasize the most positive aspects of a situation.

Dr. Hanson offers three simple tips for caregivers who strive to become more optimistic:

Becoming more optimistic requires practice noticing and holding onto the positive things that exist in our everyday lives. Try to find at least ten instances where you recognize something positive and focus on appreciating it for at least ten seconds. Pausing to reflect on a positive experience, even if it seems minor, will help you internalize and attach emotion to it. By spending ten seconds, ten times a day, you can begin to train the brain to appreciate the simple happiness and beauty of the things around you. This will assist in creating a more lasting emphasis on positivity, thereby pushing out the negativity that so often clouds our minds.

A caregiver’s attitude will make it easier (or harder) to deal with the multiple challenges of caregiving. If optimistic you are more likely to expect a positive outcome. Rick Hanson, PhD, a caregiver and author of Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom states that being optimistic means that you see the world accurately, taking in both the good and the bad. Unfortunately, Dr. Hanson states it’s rather easy to lean towards pessimism. The human brain has a built-in survival mechanism called the negativity bias that causes us to instinctually focus on the bad or threatening aspects of our environment while minimizing or ignoring the good.

Optimism does NOT mean suppression of common caregiving feelings (anger, fear, anxiety, sadness or uncertainty), but it helps avoid the depression and lack of focus or motivation common with pessimism.

Studies also show that optimism helps caregivers avoid getting sick during stressful times and it also aides caregivers find new possibilities and hope. Martin Seligman, in his book Learned Optimism, says you can learn to become more optimistic ~ it isn’t set in stone.

How can you change your attitude to become more optimistic?

Combatting Pessimism Because humans are hardwired to be more sensitive to negative emotions, thoughts and experiences (even when the good and the bad are roughly equal), it can be especially challenging to maintain an upbeat or even neutral Page 14

1. Reassert control over your life.

Many times caregivers are like nails— constantly hammered down by selfish siblings, unhappy seniors and difficult doctors. During challenging times, it’s especially important to remember there are things in your life that you still have control over. Envision three realms over which we have influence: a) Environment (e.g. fixing a leaky faucet, cleaning a room, painting a wall) b) Your body (e.g. exercising, eating well and taking the right medications) c) Your mind (e.g. tweaking our attitude and choosing what to focus on).

It often becomes harder for caregivers to effect change in their environment and even their own bodies. If you’re feeling frustrated, remember that you can always influence your own thoughts.

Don’t ignore the bad things; find some aspects of your daily life that you have power over, no matter how small. Elect to make positive changes, repeatedly, to alter your thoughts and behaviors.

2. Practice mindfulness.

Bad experiences tend to dominate our thoughts whereas positive ones just don’t have the same staying power according to Dr. Hanson.

The Caregiver Helpbook, created for Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes, explains: an optimist sees good things as universal and bad things as specific. So the optimistic caregiver will see a stroke as affecting only a part of their daily life, not their whole relationship and will still enjoy a good relationship and favorite hobbies. The pessimist tends to see good things as specific and bad things as universal; so they’ll believe a hobby

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October 2019

3. Build a support system.

A solid social network, with opportunities for beneficial social interactions, provides caregivers camaraderie and encouragement throughout the journey as well as an opportunity to vent.

Besides in-person support groups there are also online or phone groups that can be a valuable source of advice and reassurance.

Source: ChannelYour Inner Optimist to Overcome Caregiver Stress,Anne-Marie Botek https://www. agingcare.com/articles/finding-caregivers-inneroptimism-150543.htm The Caregiver Helpbook,Third Edition,Powerful Tools for Caregivers,2013 Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary,Houghton Mifflin Company,1996

WHAT EVERY FFA & 4-H CHILD SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LOSING Submitted by Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director In a society that is known for giving out participation trophies, 4-H and FFA both believe in developing future generations to not only be good winners, but also to be gracious losers. Not everyone will get a ribbon every time, but hopefully everyone learns something new. At a young age, it is vital to understand the grace of losing.You can learn just as much from losing as you did from winning. Losing is never easy, but it is a part of life.

something new, enjoy the experience, and place higher than you did last time.

When we lose we can do two things: self-destruct or we can pick ourselves up and set goals for the next time. Also keep in mind what the contest is all about — the love for your project. Always be proud of what you do. Secondly, take this opportunity to push yourself to do better next time.

When your child doesn’t win, you can either build them up or tear them down.

As a parent, it can be tough to watch your child lose. However, during competitions, there will always be a first and a last.

How to handle a loss looks different to every child and every situation. Here are some pointers when it comes to losing — like a champ.

First thing to recognize is the difference in 4-H and FFA competitions.

It is not a ball game where you can blame someone else on the team for the lost. It is an individualized sport/activity where your own hard work shows in the ring or during the contest.

Winning does not happen overnight. It takes effort, responsibility, and attention to detail.

Next, come prepared to lose.Wait, what?! … Just let me explain. First place should not even be the goal, it should be the reward. Don’t go into the competition expecting to win. That will reveal a cockiness that is unattractive at all ages.

Start with a humble and realistic outlook; winning would only be icing on the cake.

Before any competition or contest, set three goals no matter if you win or lose. For example, they can be to learn

Your first reaction is the one they will remember the most. Of course, always tell them how good they did and the noticed improvements from last time.

Also, give it to them straight. Although they did their absolute best, someone else was simply better in the eyes of the judge.

In addition to showing support, be sure to ask the judge how to improve. Everyone knows when it comes to the judges to be respectful and to appreciate the fact they volunteer their time. However, every judge will have a different opinion and be looking for different characteristics.

Ribbons are the judge’s opinion of who had the best day, not who worked the

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October 2019

hardest throughout the year.

If the child feels comfortable and wants to see for themselves how they performed, record them. This provides the opportunity for them to watch it back and point out what they could do differently, together.

Sportsmanship is key during competitions. If you lose, congratulate the winner, it will build character. If you win, be humble, thank the judges, and look to see who you can help along the way. The knowledge earned after every show is more important than a buckle or ribbon. A contest is just someone else recognizing you ONE day, out of the 365 days you worked.

However, sometimes life just isn’t fair.

Depending on the personality of the child and age, tough love works as well.

Sometimes they just need to hear “suck it up, buttercup,” and “go get ‘em next time!”

Or, add some humor — you were first, just on the other end.

Every parent knows their child best and what they need in that moment. The only way to not lose is not participating, and that is just not worth it.

When all else fails, an ice cream treat is a great pick-me-up and supports dairy farmers!

No matter what you do, have fun! That is a lot of what 4-H and FFA are about!

While instilling future generations the love of agriculture and livestock, they are learning responsibility, humility, sportsmanship, and a grace for losing. Ribbons will come and go, but the work ethic and responsibility gained will continue forever.

Source: Hulshof, Kacie.“What Every FFA & 4-H Child Should Know About Losing.”Ag Daily, Page 15

Please notify CCE Sullivan if you have a change of address:

845-292-6180

National 4-H Week October 6 – 12, 2019 This years theme:

“Inspire Kids to Do”

National 4-H Week allows youth to take part in fun activities for all ages in this years theme: “Inspire Kids to Do”.

Show your support by: x

x

x

Visiting the Sullivan County Government Center to see the NYS Fair selected project displays.

Visiting locations where clubs create window or other creative displays as part of the Display Contest following this years theme.

Donating to 4-H by purchasing a clover at your local Tractor Supply Co.

sullivancce.org y sullivan@cornell.edu y 845-292-6180 Contact the CCE Oƥce for information on how to become a 4-H volunteer.

Any Sullivan County youth age 5-18 can enroll in 4-H for FREE. Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County provides equal program and employment opportunities. Contact the oƥce to request special accommodations.