Warren County Connection October 2019

Warren County Connection A Publication of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County

October 2019

Teaching Responsibility to Young Teens Young teens actually have many good ideas about how to deal with problems. When teens can contribute to rules and other decisions, they are likely to follow through with improved behavior. This article offers ideas for parents to help their children learn about responsibility and solve problems at home or school.

Many parents who want their young teen to do well in school and stay out of trouble feel like “laying down the law” or forcing their child to do what they think is best. When their child rebels or refuses to do what they demand, they’re surprised or upset.

Gradually let go From their child’s birth to around age 18 years parents gradually need to widen a child’s responsibility. Parents do almost everything for their child during infancy. However, the child gradually learns to do simple things—feeding oneself, walking, making needs known, learning how to dress, and so on. Parents usually are anxious for the baby and small child to do more and are proud of each new milestone. It’s easy to forget, however, that young teens also need to continue to do more things for themselves. The long-term goal is for children to learn to live on their own and make good decisions.

Parents who continue to solve their teen’s problems for them make it

In this issue: Easy Houseplants Rubber Plant

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Spice Up Your Holidays 4

more difficult for their teen to become a responsible adult. Unwanted parental control at this age has outcomes that are not healthy.

Some children with controlling parents never learn to stand on their own two feet. Even as adults, they cannot make decisions and may have trouble living away from home. Others react to excessive control by becoming rebellious. When they no longer live at home, they may behave in ways their parents had tried to prevent; they may use alcohol or drugs, engage in unhealthy sexual activities or other dangerous behavior. On the other hand, parents who gradually let their young teen take responsibility and solve his or her own problems help prepare that teen for adulthood.

Long-term parenting is key The kind of parenting that gets children to do what parents want in the (Continued on page 9)

Wooly Bears and Winter Weather

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Fall Lawn Care

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Rabies In Skunks, Bats, and Cats, Oh My

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VITA Volunteers Needed

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Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

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Healthy and Fast Apple Crisp

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Special points of interest: 

Calendar of Events

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Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Warren County 377 Schroon River Road Warrensburg, NY 12885 Phone: (518) 623-3291 or (518) 668-4881 Fax: (518) 668-4912

Visit Our Web Site: www.cce.cornell.edu/warren

Who We Are Nation-wide, thousands of people in each state tap into their state’s land-grant university research and know-how to make sound confident decisions concerning family, home, business, finances, and the future. In New York State, the land-grant university is Cornell University.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension network brings you the expertise of Cornell University, other land-grant universities across the country and locally-based Extension Educators, volunteers, and other experts through such programs as: horticulture, youth and families, leadership, environment, food, nutrition & health, home environment, and financial management.

Staff

Dr. James Seeley, Executive Director John Bowe, 4-H Team Coordinator Dan Carusone, 4-H Community Educator Marybeth Mitcham, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Healthy Living Educator Roxanne Westcott, Parent Educator/Energy Educator Anne Mills, Farm to School Coordinator Jessica Holmes, Master Gardener Coordinator Sharon Bellamy, Finance Manager Amy Sabattis, Public Relations/Publications Manager Michele Baker, Administrative Assistant Chris Dittus, Administrative Assistant Rand Fosdick, Maintenance

Board of Directors William Mason - President Laura Conway- Vice President Julie Pearl - Secretary William Hamelin - Treasurer Aimee Azaert Daniel Bruno Peter Benoit Ed Griesmer Jim Kneeshaw David Strainer Michael White

Extension Service Committee Chair - Andrea Hogan Douglas Beaty Jack Diamond Ben Driscoll Cynthia Hyde William Loeb Brad Magowan Eugene Merlino Michael Wild

Warren County Connection

CALENDAR Please visit our website for more events www.cce.cornell.edu/warren 10/5/2019 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Food Preservation - In this class, you’ll discover the basics of food preservation safety skills (a must when preserving food) and how to safely make freezer jam, refrigerator salsa fresca, jerky and refrigerator pickles. Each participant will have the option to bring home one jar of refrigerator salsa fresca, one jar of refrigerator pickles and one jar of freezer jam. To register call 518-743-2238. Location: SUNY Adirondack 640 Bay Rd Queensbury, NY 12804.

10/8 & 10/9/2019 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Parenting Apart - The childfocused program addresses the needs of families in transition after the separation, divorce or break up of a relationship with children involved. For more info. or to register, contact Roxanne Westcott at rmw38@cornell.edu or 518-668-4881. Location: TBA Queensbury/ Lake George.

10/9/2019 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Backyard Permaculture Class - Join us to learn about how you can implement permaculture in your own backyard through gardening, farm animals and water resources. Preregister with payment by October 4th. Contact CCE Warren at 518668-4881 or by email jmh452@cornell.edu. Location: SUNY Adirondack 640 Bay Rd Queensbury, NY 12804.

10/10/2019 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Smart Families - Each month, the second grade class at Big Cross Street School will learn how to be healthy, through learning about nutrition, engaging in physical activity, and just having fun! For more information about this program please contact Marybeth Mitcham at mem467@cornell.edu or 518-668-4881. Location: Big Cross Street School 15 Big Cross Street Glens Falls, NY 12801.

10/10/2019 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Nutrition Program - Each month, participants learn how to be healthy, through learning about nutrition, engaging in activities, and just having fun! For more information about this program please contact Marybeth Mitcham at mem467@cornell.edu or 518-668-4881. Location: Greater Glens Falls Senior Center 380 Glen Street Glens Falls, NY 12801.

10/15/2019 Healthy Snacks - A Training for Child Care Providers What are some healthy snack ideas that child care providers can provide for the children in their care? Is milk a good drink option for snack time? Come and find out! For more information about this program please contact Marybeth Mitcham at mem467@cornell.edu or 518-668-4881. Southern Adirondack Child Care Program 37 Everts Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.

10/15/2019 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Preparing the Garden for Winter For more information contact Jess Holmes at 518-623-3291. Location: Crandall Library 251 Glen Street Glens Falls, NY 12801.

If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans With Disabilities Act and need assistance with attending these workshops, please make your needs known by the registration deadline. Reasonable efforts will be made for accommodations.

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Easy Houseplants - Rubber Plant

By Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor Emeritus University of Vermont Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are easy-to-grow houseplants and low maintenance, have few problems, and tolerate a wide range of conditions—just not cold temperatures. For these reasons they are good for beginners or those that feel “gardening challenged”, or good choices for tough indoor conditions such as in commercial and business settings.

This native of southern and southeast Asia is neither made of rubber nor used for it now, although a low grade of rubber was made from the sap in the early 1900’s. Most of the world’s rubber, instead, now comes from another rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The genus name (Ficus) refers to the edible fig to which it is related, and the species name (elastica) to the white sticky sap. This sap may irritate the skin or stomach if eaten, so keep it away from pets and children that may ingest it.

Although growing 50 to 100 feet tall in its native tropics, with aerial roots that form trunks supporting the heavy limbs to the ground, indoors rubber plants generally grow from two to 10 feet tall. It has attractive, glossy and leathery leaves up to one foot long and to five inches wide. They are oval to oblong. Flowers and fruits are seldom seen on plants grown indoors.

While you may see it growing outdoors in full sun in southern Florida as a landscape plant, indoors it prefers bright indirect light and will tolerate low light. An ideal location is by a window that gets morning sun from the east.

Water regularly while it is growing—generally spring and summer—but don’t overwater. Let the soil dry to the touch before watering. If in doubt, don’t water. Underwatering is better than over-watering. Reduce watering when plants aren’t growing—generally fall through winter. Make sure plants are in pots with drainage holes, and that pots don’t sit in saucers filled with water. Fertilize when plants are growing, according to the label directions on product of your choice.

Rubber plants prefer humid air, but will tolerate the drier air of most indoor environments. Also, they prefer warm temperatures— 60 to 65 degrees (F) at night and 75 to 80 degrees during day is ideal. Yet they grow well at most temperatures above 55 degrees. Avoid a colder temperature than this, sudden temperature drops, or cold drafts such as near outdoor doorways.

Plants may grow tall and lanky indoors, particularly if grown with lower light levels. You can either support them with a stake, or prune them back in spring as growth resumes to make them bushier. This is the time to repot them, too, if needed. If you cut them back, you can propagate new plants from stem or tip cuttings, or by air layering.

Air layering is the process of stimulating new roots to grow on a stem while it is still attached, and is used on plants with thick stems or canes such as rubber plants.

Notch the stem where you’d like roots to form, dust with a rooting hormone powder (available at full service garden stores, or online), then wrap this area with a moist foam or sphagnum moss. Cover with plastic (held with twist ties) to maintain the moisture. Hopefully, after a few months, you’ll find roots growing and you can cut the stem below these, and pot. Use a houseplant soil (not garden soil) for potting, or repotting.

The main pest you may find on rubber plants indoors are white mealybugs. Wiping leaves periodically with mildly soapy water will keep these from multiplying, and will clean dust off that tends to accumulate on the large (Continued on page 4)

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leaves. If leaves turn yellow and drop off, that is a sign the soil may be staying too wet. Leaves may just fall off, too, if plants receive too little light, cold drafts, or are in air that is too dry. Using a humidifier near plants will help them, as well as you, if indoor humidity is really low.

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Spice Up Your Holidays By: Rosie Lerner, Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist, Purdue University

While the species has dark green leaves, there are several popular cultivars (cultivated varieties) that you often find instead, some of which have been around since the Victorian era. ‘Decora’ has creamy white midribs contrasting on the dark green leaves. ‘Doescheri’ has variegated leaves that are cream and gray, with pink midribs. ‘Robusta’ has very large leaves up to 18 inches long, and tolerates low light well. ‘Rubra’ is perhaps the most commonly found cultivar, its young reddish leaves maturing to deep green with red edges. ‘Tricolor’ is just that, its green leaves with cream and pink patches.

Rubber plants, themselves, may help you indoors as they’ve been found to be one of the top “clean air” plants. In a famous study by Bill Wolverton during the 1980’s while he was with NASA, this plant was found to remove some chemical toxins from indoor air, particularly formaldehyde. The latter can come from paper products, particle board, plywood paneling, and synthetic fabrics. His recommendation was to have at least two large (8- to 10-inch pots) for 100 square feet of space.

While other researchers, in subsequent studies, have questioned this effectiveness in homes compared to normal air exchange with outdoors, rubber plants may still help air quality in tight buildings. Similar to other houseplants, having these around can help with many psychological and physical benefits, too, such as reducing stress and improving moods. If you want a tough indoor plant that tolerates a range of conditions and stresses, including neglect, then the rubber plant may be a good choice if you have space for a medium to large plant.

Some of the most popular spices used this time of year are harvested from various parts of exotic tropical plants, lending a special flavor to holiday recipes.

Ginger is harvested from the rhizomes (underground stems) of a tropical/sub-tropical herbaceous plant, Zingiber officinale. Ginger is native to tropical Asia and is grown commercially in Hawaii and many other countries, including China, India, Thailand and Brazil. The rhizomes are harvested after the first year of the plant’s growth.

The rhizomes can be washed and used fresh, dried whole or ground, pickled, crystallized or boiled and stored in syrup.

It is possible to grow ginger as a houseplant, though a typical home is not the best environment to keep this plant happy, especially in winter. The plant thrives in warm, humid air and well-drained moist soil. Select healthy fresh rhizomes from the market, and look for the small “eyes” or buds to plant eyes facing upward, about 2 -3 inches deep. Once the leaves emerge, set the plant near a bright window where it will get at least a half day of direct sun.

The popular spice of cinnamon is derived from several closely related species. Ceylon cinnamon comes from the bark of the semi-tropical evergreen tree Cinnamomum (Continued on page 5)

Warren County Connection

zeylanicum, native to Ceylon and southwest India and hardy in the U.S. Gulf states. For the best quality cinnamon, the bark is cut in strips from two-year-old branches, just as the new foliage leafs out and the bark slips easily from the wood. The bark is then dried and either ground or sold in the curled strips called “quills.” The quills of Ceylon cinnamon are light brown, and their interior consists of several thin layers.

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Wooly Bears and Winter Weather

By Sue Gwise, Horticulture Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County

The cinnamon found in most grocery stores is more likely to be the cassia cinnamon, harvested from the related Cinnamomum aromaticum. This type of cinnamon has a darker, thicker bark, and its quills are hollow. This form is less expensive, so it is more commonly found and is stronger in flavor than the true cinnamon.

Cloves are native to the Moluccas (Spice Islands) and are the dried, unopened flowers of the tropical evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum. The name clove is derived from the Latin clavus, meaning “nail,” as the dried flowers do rather resemble their namesake.

Nutmeg and mace are both harvested from the fruits of yet another tropical evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans, also native to the Moluccas. These fruits have a fleshy outer husk that splits upon ripening to reveal the seed with a red, leathery covering. Nutmeg is made from the ground seed kernel, while mace is made from the leathery seed cover.

I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least — and it is commonly more than that — sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements. ~Henry David Thoreau

Most people recognize the woolly bear caterpillar. They begin to show up in large numbers around the time of the first frost in the fall. They are usually found crawling across paved areas like roads, driveways and sidewalks.

According to an old wives tale, the colors on their 13 segmented bodies can predict the severity of the upcoming winter. If the brown center segments are large, the upcoming winter will be mild. A smaller band of black segments portends a severe winter.

This whole myth got started after an informal study was done by entomologists from the American Museum of Natural History in 1948. They collected only 15 caterpillars and used them as the basis for their predictions. In order for a study like this to have any validity it would have to be done over many years, with a greater number of caterpillars, and be conducted over a large geographic area. So basically the myth is based on unsound science.

Actually, as with all caterpillars, the woolly bear will go through several molts (instar stages) as it grows. Each time a molt occurs, some of the black segments are replaced with brown segments, thus as the caterpillar grows, it ends up with more brown segments. So the brown color is actually an indicator of the age of the caterpillar rather than a crystal-ball view into the upcoming winter.

Over the years many scientific studies have been done on this subject and no correlation has been found between the number of brown versus black segments and the winter weather that follows. Some entomologists think that fewer brown segments actually refers back to the previ(Continued on page 6)

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Warren County Connection

ous winter. If that winter was heavy and long, the development of the woolly bear would be slowed down so that fewer molts occurred- therefore the orange band would be smaller- indicative of the previous hard winter.

Also known as the banded woolly bear (Pyrrharctia Isabella), the caterpillars are recognized by their middle band of brown segments with black segments on the ends. Other colors can occur including orange, rust, tan and blonde. Their bodies are covered with bristles called setae. At maturity the caterpillar is about two inches long. It is found throughout the U.S., southern Canada and Mexico in fields and woodlands. It is a generalist feeder and will eat just about any type of herb or forb including meadowsweet, grass, nettle and lettuce.

Fall Lawn Care Fall Aeration (late August to mid-October) Lawns plagued by compaction or thatch (usually not a problem on ryegrass lawns) may benefit from core aeration. A core aerator punches small holes in the lawn and pulls out the cores, increasing the infiltration of water, nutrients and air into the soil. It is most effective as temperatures begin to cool and soil moisture is adequate.

In its adult stage, the woolly bear is known as the Isabella tiger moth. It is a rather unremarkable moth with a wingspan of two inches. The wings are yellow-brown in color with a few darker spots. It certainly will not get people’s attention the way it does during its immature, or larval stage.

The woolly bear over-winters as a caterpillar in leaf litter, or under logs, siding or boards. That’s why we notice them this time of year- they are looking for a place to hunker down over the winter. Since they pass the winter in a larval stage they develop cryoprotectants (antifreeze) in their bodies. This prevents them from freezing solid which would cause tissue damage. The setae assist in this transition by cooling the body slowly from the outside to the inside. When the caterpillar becomes active again in the spring it will feed for a short period of time and then form a cocoon. Metamorphosis takes place and it emerges as a moth that will then mate to begin the cycle again. There are two generations of woolly bear per year- in May and in August.

At any rate, the woolly bear makes a fun topic for discussion. Since it is such an easily recognized insect, it is a good way to introduce nature and cycles to children!

I walked alone in the depths of Autumn woods; The ruthless winds had left the maple bare; The fern was withered, and the sweetbrier's breath No longer gave its fragrance to the air. ~Albert Laighton (1829–1887), "In the Woods," c.1859

Soil cores from lawn aeration

Fall Renovation (late August to early October) Late August and September are good times to rake up and reseed bare patches in your lawn. If your lawn is more than 50% weeds, consider a total renovation. Sod installation can continue until the ground is frozen.

Fall Mowing (late August to mid-November) Continue to follow the “One-Third Rule,” never removing more than one-third of the plant. (If you set your mower to mow at 3.0 inches, mow before the grass reaches 4.5 inches tall.) Don’t leave grass any longer than 3 to 4 inches going into winter. Long grass can mat, encouraging snow mold. Make your last cut about 0.5 to 1.0 inch lower than your normal mowing height to discourage matted grass and snow mold.

Fall Weed Control (early September to late October) Post-emergent herbicides are particularly effective on broadleaf weeds in fall. That’s because the weeds are storing up nutrients for the winter and move the herbicides down into the roots along with the nutrients, giving a better kill. If ground ivy is a problem, any product with 2,4D can provide good control when applied immediately after the first frost.

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Warren County Connection

Fall Fertilization (early September to late November) At least 50 to 75 percent of home lawn fertilizer applications should be made between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Around Labor Day is a good time to apply 1 lb.

N/1,000 square feet to encourage strong roots for overwintering. Make sure plants have recovered from summer stress and are actively growing. A single fertilization later in the fall is all many home lawns need. If you fertilize only once a year, make a single application (1 lb.

N/1,000 square feet) between Halloween and Thanksgiving, about 2 weeks after your last mowing. Do not fertilize during “Indian Summer”- a warm period following hard frost. This may cause excessive top growth, reduce root storage, and increase winterkill. The best window for fall application is after top growth stops, usually after 10 days when the average daily temperature has been below 50 degrees F. Roots will continue growing and taking up fertilizer until the ground freezes.

Fall Leaf Removal (early October to early December) Keep leaves out of roadways or drains. (They can wash away and pollute waterways with phosphorus.) Shred fallen leaves with a mulching mower or collect leaves and compost them before snowfall mats them down, which can kill turf.

Rabies In Skunks, Bats, and Cats, Oh My!

In U.S., More Cats Than Dogs Test Positive For Rabies In TV shows and movies, rabies is typically depicted as a frothing-mouth wild animal disease. However, rabies can present itself in many ways and can affect any domestic warm-blooded animal. Dr. Gary Brummet, a small animal primary care veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says that the best way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate pets regularly.

Rabies Virus Rabies is a disease that is caused by a virus found throughout the world. It is fatal to mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans.

“Rabies is transmitted through a bite or direct contact with the virus,” Dr. Brummet explains. Any other means of transmission is rare. The rabies virus itself is found in the saliva of an infected animal. The virus travels from the location of the bite to the brain via the nerves. After it reaches the brain, the virus will travel to the salivary glands, where it can then be transmitted to others.

Composting leaves

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but Nature's sources never fail. ~John Muir, Our National Parks

“The speed at which an animal becomes infected with rabies after a bite can vary greatly,” Dr. Brummet says.

“The closer the bite is to the head, the faster the illness will show clinically.” This process can take anywhere from two weeks to six months.

In North America, the skunk, fox, raccoon, coyote, and bat are important sources of infection. However, rabies is not only in wildlife, but also in domestic species, including cats and dogs. In 2017, 62 dogs and 276 cats tested positive for rabies in the United States, according to data published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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“In Illinois and the United States, bats are the number one species that transmit rabies,” Dr. Brummet explains.

Bat bites are incredibly small and hard to see. If any contact is made with a bat, it is important to safely contain that bat and visit a veterinarian and human physician as soon as possible. The bat will need to be sent in for rabies testing.

Signs of Rabies “There are two forms of symptoms that rabies can exhibit. The first is known as the dumb form, and the second is the furious form,” Dr. Brummet explains. The dumb form, which is more common in dogs, involves progressive paralysis of the limbs and face and causes difficulty swallowing. The furious form is the typical and more well -known form of rabies. Animals will become aggressive and excitable, making it more likely that they bite another and spread the virus.

“The most common symptom of rabies is abnormal behavior,” Dr. Brummet says. An example is a skunk wandering in the daytime, because skunks are normally not out in the daylight at all.

A classic sign of rabies is the appearance of foam or froth in the mouth; the virus causes excessive salivation, which allows it to be transmitted more easily.

Treatment Rabies is untreatable and fatal in animals. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent infection in people who have been bitten by means of a series of rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin injections: four injections over 14 days.

Whenever there is an animal bite and rabies is suspected, the animal will be kept in isolation and observed.

“State law says that if any veterinary official learns that an animal bit a human being, the bite must be reported.

The animal must then be quarantined for 10 days,” Dr. Brummet says. During this time, a veterinarian will safely examine the animal for signs of rabies. If, after 10 days, there are no signs of rabies, the animal will be allowed to return to normal life with its family.

“If an animal is bitten by another animal that is suspected to have rabies, there are two paths the protocol can follow, depending on the vaccination status of the animal,” Dr. Brummet explains. If the animal has ever been vaccinated, then it is a 45-day quarantine and isolation that can be done at home. If the animal has never been vaccinated, then it is a 6-month quarantine. Animal con-

Warren County Connection

trol will make the decision regarding the best location for the animal to be during the quarantine.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine “With the outcome of rabies infection being death, the best way to keep pets healthy is to routinely vaccinate them for rabies,” Dr. Brummet says. Vaccines have done a great job to reduce the number of rabies cases in the United States. Human rabies, also fatal, used to be very common before the vaccine was available. Now, there are only 1 to 3 rabies deaths among people in the U.S. each year.

Rabies vaccination has saved both animal and human lives.

“Animals should be kept on leash or in a fenced-in area when outside to avoid an unfortunate encounter with wildlife,” Dr. Brummet advises. He also notes that if you spot a wild animal acting abnormally, you should contact animal control right away.

If you have any questions about the rabies virus, contact your local veterinarian.

Source: University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana

VITA Volunteers Needed The Tri-County United Way VITA Coalition in Washington, Warren and Northern Saratoga Counties is seeking volunteers for the 2020 tax filing season. No experience is required; all volunteers will receive free instruction along with training and certification materials necessary to prepare basic tax returns. VITA volunteers are trained to assist moderatelow income individuals and families to electronically file their personal tax returns.

Do you like to help people? Are you looking for something to do during the winter months? You can make a difference for 40 families by volunteering 4 hours a week for 10 weeks. You can volunteer during day and/or evening hours in your local community. We have tax sites throughout the region. Training sessions begin in November and include the use of electronic filing software supplied by the IRS. For more information about the local VITA program call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County at 518623-3291 and ask for Amy Sabattis. You can also sign up through the Tri- County United Way at 518-793-3136 or via Get Connected at www.tcuwny.org.

Warren County Connection

short term doesn’t usually teach long-term goals, such as responsibility and maturity. Short-term parenting is characterized by parents who: assert power and control; nag and boss; try to prevent a child’s mistakes; use harsh punishment; insist on “their” way; and are concerned about “what other people think.”

One problem of short-term parenting is that children may do what parents want while they’re watching, but go behind their parents’ backs to do what they want when parents are not around. Long-term parenting takes time and may not appear to be working at first. However, children gradually develop responsibility and the ability to think for themselves.

Long-term parenting is recognized by parents who: share feelings with their child; get help from children in setting rules and consequences and solving problems; help children learn from mistakes; listen respectfully; and are concerned with what their child will think about him- or herself.

Joint problem-solving Young teens can suggest possible solutions to any situation that causes trouble for their parents or themselves—household chores, homework, peers, schedules, even fighting with brothers and sisters.

Joint problem-solving, in which parents involve their child to brainstorm solutions, is a good way to teach responsibility and decision making.

Here are five steps parents can use: 1. Describe the problem. If the problem concerns a bothersome behavior, describe the problem specifically. For example, when your child does not do chores, you might say, “I don’t like it when you don’t unload the dishwasher like you agreed to because we have no place for the dirty dishes.” If your child has a problem, ask him or her to describe the situation. For example, your daughter might say, “With basketball and band and working on the yearbook, I’ve got so much to do that I never have time to just relax.”

2. Tell how you feel about the situation (both parent and child). This may be the hardest step. It’s usually easy to know how you feel but it may be difficult to acknowledge what your child feels. With the dishwasher problem, you might say, “I feel really frustrated” and your child may say, “I don’t think it’s fair that I have to unload the dishwasher.” It’s important to

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let your child know that you hear what he or she is saying. In this example, a parent might reply, “I hear you saying that you think you shouldn’t have to do it.” Listening to each other’s point of view is important if you really want to solve the problem.

When people feel heard, they are more likely to work on a solution.

3. Brainstorm possible solutions. In this step, it’s important to list several ways to deal with the situation.

Do not criticize ideas or point out why some solutions won’t work. At this stage, generate as many ideas as possible. Possible solutions include: having someone else unload the dishwasher; having the child unload the dishwasher before a meal; using paper plates so there are no dishes; taking turns each week; and allowing the child to choose another chore instead.

4. Try a solution. After several solutions have been listed, choose one to try for a specific period of time.

In the above example, let’s say the parent and child can agree on the last suggestion. At this point it’s important to be as specific as possible. The child may agree to vacuum on Saturday morning instead of unloading the dishwasher. Together you must decide what rooms will be vacuumed and by what time the chore will be finished.

5. Select a time to check back. Whenever you and your child decide upon a solution, it’s important to name a time, such as one to two weeks later, to see if the solution is working. If not, select another idea from the list to try.

Unfortunately, young teens will not always keep their end of a bargain, even though they may have had good intentions. In the dishwasher example, perhaps the child’s friend may have called and wanted to shoot baskets Saturday morning, and the agreement to vacuum may have been “forgotten.” It’s a parent’s responsibility to follow through with reminders about the agreement.

When the child heads for the door, Mom might say, “You promised to vacuum by noon.” If reminders don’t help, the solution isn’t working. Try another solution.

This follow-up detail has a number of traps for parents, including:  the idea that parents and their children have the same priorities. Face it, young teens usually don’t care as much as parents about a clean house. Instead, let your child know that you expect him or her to keep an agreement. It is important for parents to hold their children accountable for completing tasks.

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a parent who criticizes, judges, or calls names instead of focusing on the task. Comments such as, “How can you be so irresponsible?” and “Your room is a mess!” don’t help the situation. Parents can say, “Our agreement was that the vacuuming would be done by noon.” not getting agreements in advance.

Other suggestions Instead of lecturing, use one word—“agreement” or “vacuuming.” Sometimes parents don’t need to use words at all; a look, a smile, a raised eyebrow, or pointing to a coat dropped on the floor may be enough.

What we say and do must be appropriate to the age and maturity of the child and the situation. Parents need to retain dignity and respect for themselves by following through, instead of giving up and letting their child do whatever he or she wants to do. At the same time, parents need to be respectful of their child, knowing that he or she might resist. In some situations, it may help to write down the agreement, not as a threat but as a record.

Involvement of teens in solving problems and providing parental follow through never involve threats. This method allows parents to hold onto their power and respect, while letting their young teens keep theirs.

It feels good for everyone and teaches cooperation and decision making. Once parents get used to using longrange parenting they can feel good about giving their children the best possible chance of becoming responsible, caring adults.

Prepared by Kimberly Greder, associate professor and family life extension state specialist and Melissa Schnurr, doctoral candidate, human develop­ ment and family studies, Iowa State University. Taken from materials origi­ nally prepared by Virginia K. Molgaard, former family life specialist. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. ~Author Unknown If we try to see something positive in everything we do, life won't necessarily become easier but it becomes more valuable. ~Author Unknown Whenever anyone has offended me, I try to raise my soul so high that the offense cannot reach it. ~René Descartes

Warren County Connection

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

By Alex Elswick, MS Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service A vehicle is a major investment that requires timely maintenance to protect the longevity of the car.

Wear and tear on your vehicle can result from high mileage, structural damage caused by accidents, lack of routine maintenance, and extreme weather conditions. Winter can be particularly hard on your vehicle. That is why it is recommended that you take special precautions to “winterize” your vehicle. Consider some of the following tips to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle this winter.

Test your battery It is good practice to check your car battery every 6 months or so to be sure it is performing properly. However, during the winter, you will want to monitor your car battery even more closely. In cold weather the battery’s capacity is decreased. It may lose battery power more quickly than it would in more moderate temperatures. Have your mechanic look at your battery to make sure it is functioning well. Also, always keep jumper cables in your vehicle just in case the need arises and test them so you can be confident that they will work in the event that you need to use them.

Keep winter supplies Even if you have taken precautions to monitor your car battery, you may still find yourself stranded in the cold.

There are some other tools that you should keep in your vehicle as an added measure of protection. Prepare a winter tool kit with the bare necessities including:  a first aid kit  a flashlight, a battery powered radio (and extra batteries)  a basic toolkit (i.e. screwdriver, wrench, etc.)  blankets, gloves, hats, etc.  drinking water and non-perishable, calorie dense foods (i.e. nuts or energy bars)  a piece of cardboard or a bag of sand with you that can be used for traction if your car becomes stuck in the snow  Reflective triangles, vests, and/or road flares Check your fluids The next time you are due for an oil change, consider upgrading to a higher grade of oil. If you are the consummate (Continued on page 11)

Warren County Connection Warren County Connection

Healthy and Fast Apple Crisp

Page 11

Topping:  2/3 cup old-fashioned oats  1/2 cup packed brown sugar  1/4 cup all-purpose flour  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon  3 tablespoons cold butter (vegan butter can also be substituted) Directions 1. Toss apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice and cinnamon. Transfer to a greased microwave-safe 9-in. deepdish pie plate.

2. Mix first four topping ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly; sprinkle over filling.

3. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave on high until apples are tender, 5-7 minutes. If desired, serve with ice cream. *Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

By Marybeth Mitcham, MPH, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Healthy Living Educator, CCE of Warren County It is apple harvest season again in the North Country! Every year, I love to eat apples that are picked from local orchards, not only enjoying them fresh off of the tree (the best way to eat them, in my opinion!), but in applesauce, apple pie filling (one of my favorites, especially served hot over sorbet or ice cream!), apple cakes, baked apples, and apple crisp (and let’s not forget hot mulled apple cider!). When I make apple crisp for my family, I usually make it in very large quantities, so that everyone has a chance to eat some (it does not last very long!). This recipe only makes a little bit, which would be perfect if you are cooking for yourself, or for you and someone else. It also uses the microwave for very fast cooking, so you do not have to wait long to eat it! If you prefer to use the oven instead of a microwave, you can cook the apple crisp at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes, or until the apples are soft when you poke them with a fork.

Enjoy!

Healthy and Fast Apple Crisp Ingredients  4 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced  1/4 cup sugar  1 tablespoon all-purpose flour  2 teaspoons lemon juice  1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

money saver and you prefer to put conventional motor oil in your vehicle, you may want to reconsider during wintertime. The colder the weather, the thinner you want your oil to be. If your motor oil is too thick, it may not properly lubricate your engine.

Similarly, there are certain kinds of windshield wiper fluid that is preferable for winter. Ordinary fluid freezes too quickly in cold weather, rendering it basically useless. Winter windshield wiper fluid is specially designed to resist freezing in colder temperatures.

Lastly, check your antifreeze. As its name suggest, antifreeze is the fluid that keeps your vehicle’s engine from freezing.

Check your tires Winter is the season of slipping and sliding and your best defense against hydroplaning on ice is a good set of tires.

Check your tires to ensure that they still have plenty of tread. Also, check your tire pressure. In the cold weather, air can gradually leak out of your tires leaving them slightly deflated which can affect their performance.

Gasoline Keep your gas tank full. There are a couple important reasons to do this. First, a full tank can prevent water from accumulating in your tank and freezing over (which could keep your car from starting). Second, a full tank is an added safety measure in case you get stranded. A full tank of gas means you can keep the car running longer to stay warm.

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